These Boots Were Made For Traveling

a version of this post originally appeared on Scripted Laces.

When most people talk about traveling, they’re talking about traveling abroad. Whether it be Europe, Asia or South American, or somewhere even more foreign and exotic, there are literally thousands of places to visit all over the globe. However, it’s rarer to hear travelers talk about wanting to see more of their own country. Sure, your parents probably took you to the major cities and attractions in your country for family vacations while you were growing up, but how much of your homeland have you missed? Here’s why you should take the time to drive around and explore more of your own country.

There are many experiences to have. There is so much to see and do, so many places to go and experiences to be had, all in your very own country. This is particularly true for those of us who live in a large country such as Canada, the United States or Australia. Countries like these have many big cities to visit and explore, as well as theme parks, landmarks, beaches, scenic drives, museums and unique shops and restaurants. By doing road trips to various places, you have the freedom of your own vehicle to get from spot to spot and you can see more. By having a broader knowledge of what’s available to tourists in your country, you improve your ability to talk to people you meet around the world about where you’re from, and to act as an ambassador to convince tourists to visit your beautiful homeland.

Countries can have varying terrain and landscapes. Most countries have different terrain throughout – some areas are hilly or mountainous, while others are flat and prairie-like. There are lake districts and roads that wind along the coast, and forested spots, and fields of wild flowers. In a country like Canada, driving from the coast to coast involves a huge difference in landscapes. There are gently rolling hills and tons of lakes in eastern Canada, green, lush land throughout the mid-eastern provinces, and then flat farmland as far as the eye can see in the middle of the country. As you head further west, you drive through winding roads in the Rocky Mountains, and hit beautiful, misty forested area as you near the west coast. Just because it’s the same country, that definitely doesn’t mean it’s the same all the way through. Road tripping is a great way to experience firsthand the variety of terrains and landscapes a place has to offer.

It’s fun and easy. Some of the most fun you can have is loading up your car or a camper and heading for the open road, right from your own front door. Blasting music, consulting a good old fashioned map, and eating roadtrip snacks with your favourite travel buddy always add up to an amazing time. It can save you money to travel within your home country as well. You can buy a lot of gas for your vehicle for the same cost as one plane ticket. Hotels and meals can be cheaper, depending on where you’re traveling. Obviously, nothing will be as cheap as traveling in Southeast Asia, but compared to Iceland or the United Kingdom (unless that’s where you live), things are quite reasonable. It’s also a lot easier to travel within your own country, as you don’t need to worry about visas, passports, currency exchange, cell phone plans or language barriers. It’s quick and simple to decide on a spur of the moment trip in your car – a road trip can be as short as making a one hour drive to see a cool lighthouse or try a new hike.

I can tell you firsthand that doing a road trip in your homeland is amazing. I’m from Canada. Last summer, I drove from my parents’ house in Calgary, Alberta to my aunt’s cottage near Tobermory, Ontario. Then, this past fall, I moved out to Nova Scotia where my boyfriend was going to school, and we drove back and forth from Nova Scotia to Ontario several times. These journeys took me from the second-farthest western province of Canada, to one of the most eastern points. In the past, as well, I’ve driven from Calgary to Vancouver Island, so in effect I’ve road tripped from one coast to the other in Canada, just not all at once! I’ve enjoyed these travels just as much as I enjoyed some of my trips to Europe and Asia. My country has some incredible things to offer. There are cool things to do (West Edmonton Mall, skiing/snowboarding, the CN Tower, the Calgary Stampede, Peak 2 Peak Gondola, Butchart Gardens, Lake Louise, Cape Breton Island…). There are many waterfalls and lighthouses (Niagara Falls, Kakabeka Falls, Athabasca Falls, Peggy’s Cove, Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse, Tobermory Lighthouse…) to be seen. And I will never get tired of driving along the water (the Atlantic Ocean in Nova Scotia, Pacific Ocean in British Columbia, and various lakes in Ontario). Of course, my favourite backdrop is the stunning Rocky Mountains, only an hour and a half from my own hometown – great for a quick, daylong road trip!

I personally love road trips for their simplicity. As long as you have a vehicle, a map or GPS, money for food and gas, and the urge to wander, nothing else is necessary. I love the feeling of freedom and adventure I get when I’m driving. A little bit of easy research can show you what your country has to offer! So what are you waiting for? Get in your car and go!