Satisfy Your Travel Itch in the Off-Season

As winter drags on and the weather shows no signs of letting up, it’s easy to get swept up in daydreams of international travel. But, although the prices are a bit lower than usual this time of year, it’s never easy to get away from the grind. So what’s a travel-starved soul to do this time of year? Well, here are a few ways to get a fix of some off-season travel.

Take a day trip.

It may not require the kinds of planning and packing that international travel does, but getting away from it all for one day can really help refresh. Find a nearby town with some cool, quirky sites or go somewhere in your own home city you’ve never seen. Leave the cell phone at home, though, so get that same cut-off-from-it-all feeling that makes larger trips so relaxing.

Hit the books.

If you can’t hit the road yourself, what’s better than living vicariously through those who have gone to the places you wish you could? Grab a travel memoir or a history book about a destination you’d like to visit, and dive in. It’s a great way to learn more about the culture of a new country.

Try some new food.

Itching for some French fare? Looking for a tropical fix? Spend an afternoon playing in the kitchen to a) taste something new, and b) learn a new skill. It may be a little less exotic than you’d like (hello, huge sink of dishes), but it’s one way to open a little window on another culture.

Throw a movie night.

Pick an international theme, get some munchies and invite friends over for a night of movies. You could even require costumes and put up some decorations to make it more of a party. Because if there’s one way to remind yourself why it’s easy to have fun right where you are, it’s a night of laughing with good friends.