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Deema Katrina Khalil (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

Adventuring close to home may come naturally to some people. But for others (like me), it takes some serious goal-setting to step outside of our comfort zone and dive into the unknown. I’m not exactly a natural-born adventurer, but I’ve been making a conscious effort to explore my city for years now. And I have to say, taking that intentional approach has really helped me grow as a person. It’s pushed me to challenge my fears, to work through my insecurities, to build up my confidence and to fall in love with my city, each day in a new way.

In this article, I will talk about my experience adventuring close to home, and I will share five tips to help you get started on your own adventure. 

I immigrated to Montreal with my family shortly before starting my university education. We moved knowing that this city was going to be our new home. Many years later, my sense of belonging to Montreal is stronger than ever. I promised myself to never stop being curious about this city, to always explore it with eyes full of wonder and to continually discover new ways to find beauty in the ordinary.

Moving to a new city often comes with that initial honeymoon phase, where everything feels fresh and exciting, and you spend months exploring and discovering. But as time goes on, that enthusiasm can gradually fade into a daily routine. What many people don’t recognize is that the connection they build with their city is much like a romantic relationship. It starts with passion and excitement, moves on to a stage of curiosity and exploration, and then requires ongoing attention and sincere effort to maintain the spark.

So what is the key to sustaining a long-lasting adventure close to home? 

1. Make a list of your city’s top attractions

Just because you’re not a tourist, it doesn’t mean you can’t live the tourist experience to its fullest. Start by making a list of your city’s top attractions, even if you’ve already seen them before. And don’t hesitate to visit these places by yourself. In fact, solo adventures can help you learn to enjoy your own company, which may feel challenging at first, but gets easier with practice. Once you’ve mastered this skill, your adventure possibilities will become limitless. You won’t need to make elaborate plans. You won’t need to rearrange your schedule to accommodate others. And you won’t have to worry about being cancelled on *gasp*!

If you’re someone who struggles to be alone or deals with social anxiety, take things slow and be patient with yourself. I promise you, the more you practice being alone, the easier it’ll get.

Find your rhythm. Be curious. And have fun being a tourist in your own city!

2. Get to know your city’s neighbourhoods

Print a map of your city and draw a circle around its most distinct neighbourhoods. Then schedule a day per week (or month) to fully explore one new neighbourhood. Take your time to walk slowly through that neighbourhood. Get familiar with your surroundings. Explore it with curious eyes. Have a meal in that area’s most recommended restaurant. And look up the history of that neighbourhood if you’re the literary type.

I learned so much about my city by visiting its neighbourhoods. In the process of exploring what looked like ordinary streets, I found unique places that no internet search could’ve led me to. By setting aside time for exploring a new neighbourhood, you’ll be surprised by what you might find. Go with an open mind and let the mysteries of your city unravel themselves to you.

3. Find your outdoor comfort spaces

If you live in a city that has parks, bodies of water, mountains, etc . . . go out and find spots in nature that make you feel calm and at ease. Being in the presence of nature is shown to enhance well-being and mental clarity. To spice up this activity, bring a hobby to accompany you. Some hobbies that are great for relaxing in nature are journaling, painting, reading, making embroidery, etc . . . There are a variety of things to try. So don’t limit yourself!

Go out, get lost in the greenery and bring your hobbies along the way.

4. Stay up to date with the latest festivals and events

Staying informed about the latest happenings in your city can provide a great opportunity for socializing. By researching activities in your area, you can invite friends to join you and experience new adventures that break up the routine of daily life. The constantly changing nature of festivals and events brings a unique sense of excitement and intrigue, making them an ideal setting for fun social gatherings.

Simply search online, reach out to friends, and enjoy a day of socializing and entertainment.

5. Find beauty in the mundane

While many people equate adventure with exploring new places, you can still find excitement and happiness in the everyday activities of your city. By taking notice of the small things in your daily routine, you can uncover beauty and fun in unexpected places. Pay attention to the way you feel when you order your favourite drink from your local coffee shop, or when you listen to your favourite playlist on your way home from school or work, or when you engage in a friendly interaction with someone from your community. Often, we overlook these moments of joy that are already a part of our daily lives. By paying closer attention, you may discover that your home is not just a place of stability and comfort, but also one of novelty and warmth. 

All in all, if there’s one thing I would hope for you to take from this article, it is to think of adventuring close to home as a recipe with four simple ingredients — a cup of curiosity, a spoon of bravery, an ounce of planning and a sprinkle of creativity. Mix those ingredients together and you’ll be on your way to a mind-licious adventure!

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Deema Katrina is a Blogger from Montreal, Canada. She comes from a science background and currently works in the drug development industry, but her interests go beyond that. Some of the topics she passionately explores are self-awareness, personal development and financial literacy. She believes that every person has the capacity to succeed when given the right tools and resources. Her goal is to share the knowledge she learned from delving into these topics, and help others become better versions of themselves.