I was supposed to be boarding a plane to Spain in a couple weeks. Thanks to recent events, that isn’t going to be happening. The whole world is social distancing to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and that means the postponing of many planned and highly anticipated vacations. So what can you do to help satisfy your wanderlust when you’re stuck at home? Check out these ideas!
Make a ‘bucket list’
Make a list of all the places you want to visit! Think big and small! From a whole country to a state park you’ve been wanting to see. It’s not a bad idea to rank these locations in order of how quickly you’d like to travel there. It makes deciding where to go on your next trip a whole lot easier!
Research your next travel destination
Have a destination in mind? Now is the perfect time to research your trip. Check out what things there are to do in the area. Plan your itinerary. Make a packing list. You’ll be well ahead in the planning department when you can actually head out on your trip.
While I love all the resources online, sometimes I just need a physical book in my hands. Don’t forget your local library when you’re looking for great travel resources.
Talk to other travellers online
The internet is an amazing resource. It allows us to communicate with all sorts of people from around the world instantaneously! Network with other travellers. Share travel stories. Answer each other’s travel questions. Make new friends! There are countless travel forums and travel related social media groups to join.
Personally, I love reading TripAdvisor’s travel forums. And if you’re a solo female traveller, I highly recommend checking out The Solo Female Traveler Network on Facebook.
Support travel bloggers and Instagrammers
The internet is also full of amazing travel bloggers and Instagram photographers! (Check out these blog posts on great Instagram accounts to follow.) Follow their feeds. Make comments. Share their posts. They appreciate your support!
Explore the world virtually
There are lots of opportunities to virtually visit museums, parks, and other tourist locations online. Some even with your own private guided tour!
One of my favorite resources is Google Arts and Culture. You can discover museum collections, tour famous land marks, and even explore national parks…right in the comfort of your own home. Some are even set up for virtual reality!
Read books and watch movies about your favorite places
There are plenty of fiction and non-fiction books, TV shows, and movies about pretty much anywhere you can imagine! Inspire your travels with a bit of media about your favorite destinations.
Go through old travel photos and souvenirs
Relive your best travel memories by going through your old travel photos and keepsakes. You might want to take this time to organize them as well (if you’re as behind on that as I am!). Share those stories with others!
