Do we know Bahrain as a tourist destination?

Because of my love for travel and my frequent travel between countries, I am always looking for new places, trying different restaurants, visiting cities and villages, and trying to live the country’s experience as its people live it. But with every trip, I go back and ask myself a simple question: Do we know Bahrain in the same way we know the destinations we travel to?

The strange thing is that when we travel, we turn into real tourists. We search for the best places, read reviews, plan activities, and make sure we don't miss out on any experience. But when we are in Bahrain, sometimes we live the same routine, and we pass by beautiful places without even thinking about visiting them.

Bahrain is a small country, and for me this is an advantage, not a disadvantage. Within one day, you can move between more than one region, try a new restaurant, visit a heritage place, sit by the sea, and attend a different event or experience, and all without the hassle of travel, plane, or airport.

Through my travels, I learned that tourism is not always about big landmarks or famous places. Sometimes the most beautiful thing about a trip is in a small street, a simple café, a popular restaurant, or a quiet session with the family. We also have these details, but we just need to look at them with a different eye.

Domestic tourism is also not just entertainment. When we choose a hotel in Bahrain, try a new restaurant, or visit an event, we are supporting an entire sector of businesses and people who work in tourism, hospitality and entertainment.

Personally, I do not see domestic tourism as an alternative to foreign travel. On the contrary, traveling will remain an endless passion for me, but I think that sometimes we need to discover the place we live in before we look for a new place.

Next time you feel like you need a change of scenery, don't start looking for a ticket. Open the map, and find a place you've never been before, try a new restaurant, book a night at a hotel, or take your family for a different experience.

You may discover that Bahrain has many places worth visiting... but we simply did not give ourselves the opportunity to be tourists there.

Before we discover the world, perhaps it is time to discover Bahrain again.