I've got a lot of wanderlust. I always have. I've been on some amazing road trips around the United States (mostly to national parks). I know how to travel cheap, and I know how to travel fast. I but I haven't quite figured out how to travel all the time, or as much as I want, or as long as I want. And, honestly, I haven't quite figured out what I want, exactly. I have two dogs and a horse and a house, none of which a person can easily travel with, and being on the road all the time has its downsides.

There's one thing that doesn't have a downside though: Living in Austin. I know I'm not supposed to say that because too many people are moving here, the city is exploding, the state is exploding, everyone wants to protect our space and if I keep talking I'm going to have to move to Charlotte or Asheville or some other place, but I think maybe the more appropriate thing to say would be this: There's one thing that doesn't have a downside though: living in a city you're happy to call home. It doesn't matter where you live, as long as you belong there.

I've lived in Austin for a long time now — long enough — to feel that, despite our challenges — and Austin and I have had our share of disagreements — I belong here. There is always something happening in this city, always something to do here, always something new to see here, always something here that keeps that wanderlust satisfied. And while it is easy to spent money here, it's also easy to keep the wanderlust satisfied without breaking the bank. Here are five things anyone can do alone or with friends to explore Austin — or wherever you live — like the traveller you want to be. Just remember to bring your camera!

1. Go hiking.

Put on your tennis shoes, grab your camera, your camelback, or just a water bottle, and head to the greenbelt — or, if you're not in Austin, just find a place to go hiking. It's generally free, unless you pay to visit a state park, in which case, the money goes toward a good cause. Combined with the busier but maybe more convenient 10-mile HIke & Bike trail, the 13-mile greenbelt gives you 23 miles of hiking to choose from. I've hiked every bit of it. Though it's hard to say which hike is the best, my favorite hike heads either east and uphill from the Loop 360 entrance to several overlook points with views of the Austin skyline. A shorter hike heads west from the Loop 360 entrance to Sculpture Falls, and a harder hike is any hike that starts at the Hill of Life Trail. Those wanting to get farther out of town for their nature can visit McKinney Roughs Nature Park in Cedar Creek, Pedernales Falls State Park in Dripping Springs or Enchanted Rock State Park near Fredericksburg for the best hiking trails in Central Texas.

Hiking and walking, whether through a greenbelt or along city streets, allows you to experience wherever you're at more slowly and closely. Make note of your favorite landmarks, but also examine and appreciate the details of what's around you — people, colors, textures, plants, public art, materials.

Cost: one-time $50 cost for the tennis shoes, up to $10 for park entrance fees, $5 for water and a snack, and maybe $10 in gas.

Bonus: The greenbelt also offers great swimming holes to cool off and relax in the summer.

2. Go mountain biking*.

Have an adventure. This one is cheating a bit because the only way it's cheap is if you already own a mountain bike, but I think a bike is a good investment over time for anyone looking for a cheap activity and a mountain bike is more versatile than a road bike (in my experience, hybrids are a good entrance into biking, but also just pretty much terrible at everything — though maybe I didn't invest enough in my hybrid). If you can, I recommend splurging on some good hydraulic breaks and a lighter frame. Beginners can get started on the Hike & Bike, though watch out for people listening to music or just not paying attention, Walnut Creek Park in North Austin, Pace Bend State Park on Lake Travis, or Reimer's Ranch Park in the Hill Country. With experience, you can head out to Pedernales Falls State Park or Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area in Burnet. Honestly, there are so many good areas for mountain biking that it's hard to list them all; just don't take on the Intermediate trails too soon. (*And maybe just stick to your cell phone camera. Wipe outs do happen!)

You don't have to be in the Hill Country to enjoy a good mountain bike ride — anywhere with trees and trails will do.

Cost: $800 in initial investment for the bike, give or take; $80 for a helmet; up to for park entrance fees $10, $5 for water and a snack, and maybe $10 in gas. Or, rent a bike for anywhere from $20 for a few hours to $40 for the day.

Bonus: Where there is mountain biking, there is some mean barbecue nearby. That's because mountain biking and barbecue are soulmates. They go together like camping and s'mores. Always stop for barbecue after mountain biking. Even if you don't eat meat, there is always banana pudding. I LOVE banana pudding.

3. Watch the sunset.

Sunset view from the cliffs overlooking the Pennybacker Bridge in Austin, Texas. Photo by Maria Sprow.

The cliffs overlooking the Pennybacker Bridge on 360 are two of my favorite places to go and relax and watch the beauty around me unfold, especially at sunset. On the east side, you can watch the sunset behind the Pennybacker Bridge; photographs from the west side seem to be more iconic as the city skyline is visible in the distance. But both offer wide open views that can't be matched anywhere else in the city — as far as I've found. And I am always, always looking.

If you don't live in Austin, challenge yourself to find the place with the best view of the sunset, and make a point to watch it once in a while. Sunsets are incredibly unique to their place and time, so no matter where you are when you're watching one, it's special and unrepeatable.

Cost: $5 in gas money and whatever snacks or drinks you want to bring.

Bonus: The scenic, hilly and winding drive up along 360 and Bee Caves is actually kind of pleasant, even with traffic.

4. Enjoy the live music.

There is always free music in this town. Not that live music isn't worth paying for — there are a lot of great bands in town with deserved fan followings. But the great thing about free music is that there are so many opportunities to discover new musicians and new venues around Austin, each with their own spirited personalities. Continental Club Gallery is one of my favorites for when I want a smaller, more intimate venue, but Empire Control Room and Cheer Up Charlie's on Red River, or Hotel Vegas on the East Side are close runners-up.

If you don't live in the Live Music Capitol of the World, you probably live in the Something Capitol of the World. What's your area known for? Corn mazes? Visit them all. Antique stores? Visit them all. Whatever it is your town or city is known for, dig in — even if it's not necessarily your thing.

Cost: Free, or most local bands in Austin, even the best, play for less than $20 a show. Plus $3 gas, $7-$10 parking, and however many drinks you're likely to buy.

Bonus: Austin's a melting pot, so there are a lot of different cultures to explore here. Head to Elephant Room for some jazz, Plush for some drum and bass, Flamingo Cantina for Latin music, Mean Eyed Cat for country music, Donn's Depot for old favorites, etc, etc, etc, etc.

5. Take a bus ride.

Got some time to spare, and maybe some spare change? Grab a book (or your kindle), a writing pad, or a friend and hop on a random bus. Where's it going to go? Who knows, but it might go somewhere you've never been or somewhere you don't normally go. Get off if something looks interesting, or just watch whatever's happening on the bus.

If you don't have public transportation where you live, try finding the nearest Amtrack station. There are 500 Amtrack stops in the United States, though generally you can't go somewhere and back in the same day. In Austin, for instance, you can take a ride to San Antonio for $14, but the only train leaves at 6:30 at night and returns 7 a.m. the next morning.

Cost: $2-3 for the bus ticket. Buy an all-day pass in case you want to get off and on or want to transfer.

Bonus: The more bus rides you take now, the easier it will be to navigate public transportation systems in other cities and foreign countries. Think of it as practice and pretend to ask others for directions.