UNITING PASSIONS: HOW TO CONTINUE DOING WHAT YOU LOVE WHILE ABROAD

You might want to go away for an extended period, working, volunteering, or studying abroad, or just travelling here, there, and everywhere (I get that urge often), yet you’re worried about not being able to continue your hobbies while on the move. After all, our hobbies are (hopefully) the things we enjoy doing most; they are part of our routines and essentially a part of who we are. They can also provide comfort when travelling in foreign places.

So, I’m here to help you find a solution to practising your hobbies while pursuing another passion – travel. In fact, travelling is a hobby in itself and provides the perfect opportunity to pick up or develop others!

From sports to crafts, music, and beyond, hobbies come in all sorts of shapes. You often have more ‘free time’ when away from home and all the responsibility that comes with everyday life, allowing more time for you to invest in yourself, interests, and skills. Bored on a long journey? Why not try practising a hobby while literally on the go? Reading, learning a language, drawing, journaling, or mediating are all hobbies that can be practised on the spot, and would peacefully pass those long travel hours. These activities could also make great sun-lounger pastimes.

Being a typical English Literature student, I love visiting libraries and bookshops in foreign cities and picking up a book or bookmark (if I’m tight on luggage) as a memento. Some of my favourite bookish spots I’ve encountered while travelling are Venice’s Librairie Acqua Alta, Topping & Company in Edinburgh, and Ganesha Bookshop in Ubud, Bali.

Musicians might want to look out for music societies or grab tickets for gigs. Foodies could try cookery lessons or attend food festivals, which are common during summer months. Any craft-lovers could consider attending workshops or visiting art stores for supplies if solo creation is preferred. Eventbrite is a useful website for tracking events from concerts to food tasting, which take place all over the world.

If you are an athletic socialite, consider seeking out sports clubs while away. A quick google-search should guide you here, but you might want to ask some locals for recommendations – hotel staff, air bnb hosts, restaurant staff, or uber drivers are usually open to conversation about opportunities that their hometowns offer.

Of course, the type of sports clubs would differ depending on culture, but the atmosphere is generally familiar. For example, rugby and football are popular international sports and its worth paying a visit to local clubs. Alternatively, you could temporarily join a gym – most gyms offer daily or weekly passes. Don’t be afraid to get chatting to staff or other willing members as sports places and gyms usually have great, welcoming communities where you can meet like-minded people. You never know what other local recommendations they might have!

If running is your thing, Parkrun will be your best friend when travelling. Taking place at more than 2,000 locations in 22 countries across six continents, Parkrun is a collection of 5-kilometre event that you can run or walk. Pre-uni, I spent four weeks in Perth, Western Australia. As an avid runner, each Saturday morning I joined Rockingham’s Parkrun. The community spirit and support at these events was warming, making them an enjoyable, active addition to my trip.

Ultimately, finding space for your hobby while travelling is easier than you might imagine. Yes, it is nice to completely take a break from everything we do at home when on holiday, but when you are passionate about something that break is not always welcome, especially when away for longer periods of time. Taking your hobbies abroad and venturing beyond typical tourist activities provides the opportunity to meet people and experience different cultures on a deeper level, making trips all the more meaningful.

Words By: Eve Davies

Design By: Mia Wilson