A new hobby could completely change how you travel. Here are 14 to choose from

On a sunny day at a farm on Ecuador's coast, I sat at the window watching a lazy breeze ripple through the trees. It was a quiet afternoon, perfect for journalling with tea and taking in the scene as farmers plucked coffee beans from the trees in front of me.

My host—my friend's mother—was in the kitchen whipping up yet another world-class seafood dish. My friends were birdwatching in the tropical jungle terrain nearby and hoping to spot the iconic beaks of toucans playing in the treetops. It was, without a doubt, one of those perfect afternoons where each of our hobbies called us.

Travel is a time when we have more physical, mental and emotional space to lean into the pursuits that we don't always have the time or energy for in our standard routines. Personally, I tend to feel more creative and energized which lends well to mountain hikes, exploratory runs, and writing. Two years ago, I started a travel journal for the first time in… a long time. It revealed a lot and became a practice I've continued since.

Not sure what kind of hobby to lean into during an upcoming trip? I came up with some ideas…

Study languages

I'm not suggesting you try to learn an entire foreign language on your next two-week trips or backpacking adventure through Europe. As someone who has learned a second language, I'm all about keeping goals realistic and pressures low. Taking an interest in languages can be so rewarding though even if you don't get to that conversational level right away. This can be finding unexpected connections between languages like common verbs or similar vocabulary. It could also mean just listening to the pace and rhythm as others chatter around you in a restaurant. If you like the sounds of certain languages, this can open the door to so many new genres of music and artists too. You don't have to understand every word. You don't even have to understand any of them just yet.

Photography 

Whether you're taking photos for Instagram or for the personal albums you curate after each trip, photography is one of the best ways to commit to a creative project and challenge yourself to find the beauty in everyday moments. Of course, when you're on an adventure along stunning coastlines or towering mountains, that's not hard! This is one of those things that's fun in the moment, and preserves memories to look back on later.

Get into your plant parent era

By now, so many of us have found great satisfaction in our plant parent eras. We have apartments draped in vines, cuttings waiting to sprout roots, and we know our way around a garden centre. What about leaning into this interest while travelling? On a trip outside of the country, this could look like visiting botanical gardens, or frequenting cafes with blooming gardens to get some inspo. During trips closer to home, you could also pick up locally grown plants or seeds to bring home and plant later.

Yoga

One of the best things about yoga is that it can be practiced anywhere. From breezy beaches first thing after sunrise to the rooftop terrace or yard of your hostel, this practice really only requires a few metres of space. It's arguably also one of the best hobbies you can lean into while travelling in that it can help with sore muscles after walking tours or adventures, and it helps calm anxiety—a downside of travel that's pretty common!

Become a foodie

Food is an interest whether you adore cooking, enjoy food videos, reading recipes, or simply trying new flavours. On a trip, you can make this interest a focal point via street food tours, trying recommended restaurants, exploring markets, or finding shops that sell local specialty goods.

Journalling 

Like I said, two years ago, I went to Costa Rica and started a travel journal just for me. Since I make my entire income from writing and editing, I had dismissed keeping a journal. I figured, what was the point of writing in my spare time when I already wrote as a key part of my job? I was wrong. Whether I recorded daily recaps, more in-depth thoughts, or a simple description of what was unfolding in front of me, I was surprised when I read back beautiful scenes, vivid details, and moments I had nearly forgotten.

Start a new collection

We've all made the mistake of buying the tacky, overpriced souvenir because we want to preserve the memory, right? What if your new hobby could focus on building a collection of objects you find during your travels? That way, you have both a collection that means something, an activity to do while you travel, and small but nostalgic pieces from around the world in your home. I'm talking about shells that you use in plant vases, tiles that double as coasters, flowers you dry and paste to upcycled jars, or obscure stones that give your garden character.

Bird watching

Become so serious about bird watching and this hobby could even become a deciding factor when choosing destinations to visit in the future. Some people get so into the activity that they follow migration patterns, invest in the right cameras and binoculars, and show up with a well-worn book of the birds they have yet to spot. If you're not *that* serious about it, it's just a fun way to spend an afternoon in nature.

Walking

A daily walk can get a little boring if you're held to a step count goal or you're always walking around the same streets in your neighbourhood. On a trip abroad though, that's totally different. Get into a daily morning walk by making it fun with playlists that feature several different genres (including ones you might not normally listen to!), new shoes, different landmarks and neighbourhoods to explore each day, and stops at a new bakery or cafe afterwards.

Thrifting

One of the only things cooler than thrifting your outfits and decor is doing it abroad. Just imagine: printed fabrics from Morocco, knits from Ireland, beaded jewelry from Mexico and leather goods from South America. Can you think of a cooler, more creative closet? I can't.

Reading

If you're into reading, look up famous writers from the country or region before you go and buy a book or two. During your trip, you can flip through pages on a calm morning after sunrise, or as you dine solo at a dimly-lit restaurant favored by locals. You'll have both a hobby to keep your mind engaged, and you'll be learning about your destination at the same time. Just last week, I took a little solo trip. I used my evenings to finish a couple half-read books that had been sitting in my library waiting for a rainy day. Or, you know, a reading-focused vacation.

Take up an adventure sport

If you've been considering taking up an adventure sport, a trip could be the opportune time. So many destinations sit in beautiful backdrops which basically beg you to surf, hike, kayak, climb, or cliff jump. What are you waiting for?

Learn to cook local flavours

Even if you learn just a basic dish or sauce, a cooking class focused on local cuisine can teach you a whole lot. You'll gain insight into the ingredients used, from where, how and why. And you'll likely learn about the traditions and history behind the recipe you're making. If you have questions, don't hesitate to ask. These are key memories you're making which you'll cherish as you recreate the dish for friends back home.

Explore niche film

If you're visiting a big city, there's probably at least one or two theatres to check out. If you have an afternoon free, I suggest checking it out to see what both the programming and decor say about the place. If the films being screened are in a foreign language, there's a chance there will be subtitles and even if not, you'll still find something to appreciate so much that exploring film could become a regular part of upcoming travels.