When told “we should travel more often”, many people immediately think of big, crazy budgets, like catching a flight to Miami or Europe and spending hundreds of thousands of shillings, without even considering what lies right at their doorstep.

But a journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. So why not start with the serene, travel-worthy destinations closest to you? Even a short trip can bring immense joy and a much-needed break from daily routines. And yes, travelling comes with real health benefits, too.

For instance, one place I could think of is Ngong Hills. Located at the heart of Kajiado county, about 25km from Nairobi, Ngong Hills is an ideal place to visit for a starter. It is managed by the Kenya Forest Service and very much open to the public, with the entry fee being about Sh232 for adults and Sh58 for children.

The view of the rolling slopes and lush green landscape with valleys dipping and rising like gentle waves is breathtaking. The wind here is a whole other experience. It’s not just a breeze but a playful companion propelled by the wind turbines slapping just right across your cheeks. Just below the hills is Ngong town and its environs sprawling quietly in the valley, giving you the perfect space to recharge, unwind, meditate or rather ‘touch grass’.

‘Touch grass’ is trending Internet slang that means to step away from the screens and reconnect with the real world. I highly advocate for this because in a world run by busy schedules, endless calls, emails and school activities, stepping out and travelling more is a form of therapy that everyone needs.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL HEALTH

Studies and wellness experts say that spending time in nature improves mental and physical health. Travelling reduces stress, lowers blood pressure and boosts mood. Walking along a green valley, breathing fresh air atop a hill, meditating beside a quiet lake or spending time in whatever natural feature away from your usual location can sharpen focus — enhance creativity and promote emotional well-being.

So, when experts tell us to travel more, it’s not just about living a fancy lifestyle but for health reasons.

In Kenya, there are so many tourist sites that we would never finish counting if we began. Nairobi, for instance, is known for being the only capital city with a national park, hence the nickname ‘the green city under the sun’. What a privilege it is to live in such a country.

Kenya is known worldwide for its attractions. Millions of tourists visit globally, making tourism one of Kenya’s top revenue earners.

However, the sad reality is that local tourism in Kenya is still underpromoted compared to international tourism. Despite a growth in the tourism sector, stemming from the emergence of commercial hubs like hotels built near tourist attraction sites, local tourism is still grappling to meet the standards. Many locals find Kenyan resorts expensive and consider them fit for the upper class and foreigners.

Another factor affecting local tourism is citizens lack the awareness of promoting local tourism and what benefit it holds.

The media, together with the government and experts in relevant fields, must take the lead in creating this awareness. It will both strengthen the country’s economy and improve individual well-being.