Entry-Level Living: Travel Close to Home, Its Patriotic

" Entry-Level Living: Travel Close to Home, Its Patriotic", July 6 2009

You’ve probably heard of the 100 Mile Diet, but what about a 100 Mile Vacation? In trying economic times, being able to go on vacation has become increasingly difficult, especially for those of us who are still in school or who have recently graduated and are just starting in the workforce. To go on a 100 Mile Vacation, plan a vacation no more than 100 miles from your home (or 160.9344 km, since we use the metric system here in Canada).

Cape Breton Highlands, Nova Scotia

Travelling closer to home (in Canada, if not within your own province/territory) has a lot of benefits. As with the 100 Mile Diet, you’ll have a lesser impact on the environment and you’ll spend less money. Also, you’ll never have to worry about changing your money to another currency!

Throughout the year, each province and territory has a slew of large-scale events that occur. To name just a few, Alberta has the Calgary Stampede; Ontario has Caribana, Pride and the Canadian National Exhibition; while Quebec has Carnivale. These events have a lot to do with our national identity and are something everyone should see at least once in their lifetime.

There is a lot to see and do within Canada, and most of us take it for granted. Although our nation is a relatively new one in comparison to our neighbours in the Eastern Hemisphere, there is plenty of history to see and learn about. They say history repeats itself, so why not get a better understanding of our current affairs by learning about Canada’s past?

There are currently 15 UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) heritage sites in Canada, all of which can teach you something about how and why Canada is functioning as it is today.

There is also the large variety of climate and geography within Canada: you can see mountains, deserts, tundra, dense urban areas, lakes, oceans, forests, prairies, etc. In no other country do you see the kind of variance that you do in Canada in terms of landforms and temperature.

Travelling within Canada may also be helpful if you are looking for a job or a post-secondary institution. If you’ve found there is nothing available for you in your home province/territory, maybe it’s time to start looking at employers in other parts of the country and consider relocating. Sometimes getting a fresh start somewhere else can be very beneficial to your future.

Similarly, if you think your education isn’t getting you anywhere, maybe you should see what educational options are available in other parts of the country, as schools in different parts of the country can offer location-specific programs and specialties.

If you’re traveling in Vancouver for example, why not check out the forestry department at UBC or the School for International Studies at Simon Fraser? Sometimes trying something new or visiting a new place is the best way for you to find out what you really want to do with the rest of your life. Why not experience it in Canada?