Anyone who’s an avid traveler is likely finding themselves with a serious case of wanderlust blues at the moment. Thankfully, even though we can’t travel right now, there are plenty of ways to let your imagination wander! Check out our list of 10 unique ideas for how to scratch that travel itch, all from the comfort of your own home:
1. Read Travel books
What better way to mentally immerse yourself in a new country than to read a story set in that destination? For centuries, literature has been a window into other cultures, long before tourism! Reading will help enhance your cultural literary before visiting a destination. We’ve created many destination-specific lists for the best books in locations from New Zealand and Ireland to Mexico and Morocco. Submerge yourself in different locations across the world to inspire your next trip!
2. Watch travel & culture themed movies & series
Finding yourself browsing through Netflix, Hulu, HBO or even Disney+ but can’t decide what to watch? Pick a travel theme! With so many options that showcase incredible stories and landscapes captured around the globe, it’s the perfect time to get inspired and educated on a new travel destination. Watch classic travel shows like Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown, pick an educational docu-series like Ken Burns’ shows on the Vietnam War or World War II, or choose a heartwarming or thought-provoking flick with beautiful cinematography like The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. Be sure to check out all of our favorite recommendations!
3. Connect with other travelers
While you practice social distancing at home, consider joining travel communities just like She’s Wanderful or find other travel-themed groups and events through Facebook, Meetup or Eventbrite. As big fans of bolstering travel communities, we manage many Meetup groups focused on travel and we’re currently creating online events every month.
Even while sequestered at home it’s encouraging to meet like-minded people to share and inspire your wanderlust. You can even consider building your own online community or host your own online events, with topics and themes of your choosing.
4. Study a Language
In the months ahead, many of us are looking to find new activities, distractions, and routines that we can do from the comfort of our home. As a traveler, what better way to spend this time at home than by learning a new language? Pick a language you have always found fascinating and have been eager to learn, but never found the time.
Not sure which language to choose? Think about where you want to travel, and research beyond the obvious locations. Fascinated by French, for example? Don’t just stop at Paris, remember it’s a useful language in many countries such as Morocco and many parts of Africa. Of course, Spanish is always a great option for travelers as it’s the official language in 21 countries!
Not sure what platform to use? We love Freestyle Language Center because of its engaging style, stellar instructors, and effective material — now offered via online courses you can access from the comfort of your couch. Need more convincing? Check out our in-depth look into how language transforms travel!
Machu Picchu
5. find inspiring images
One of the many advantages of living in these modern, tech-based times is alternative ways to view the beauty found around the globe. If you’re visually inclined, bolster your Instagram feed by following talented photographer accounts that focus on capturing travel like Art of Visuals, Maxy Photography, Brown Eyed Smile, Travelling King, MissfitWanderers OctobersWolf, and WalkWithMsWalker.
Of course, beyond Instagram, there are a plethora of ways to experience the world visually from home. This blog will give you a list of many options from watching the Northern Lights to exploring Machu Picchu, Iguazu Falls, Petra & more!
6. Explore Travel Blogs
Travel blogs are a great way to live vicariously through another traveler without committing to an entire travel memoir or series. Not sure how to start sifting through the 1000’s of travel blogs out there? Look for one that speaks to your travel style! Here are some of the coolest travel content creators we know:
Susanna from Wandering Chocobo captures outdoor adventures and geeky travel tips with a focus on sustainable tourism.
Alex, the Mindful Mermaid, has focused her blog on responsible travel as well as great content on the best of Croatia.
Jennifer, from Travel like a Prince, uses her blog to tell her travel stories through a more philanthropic lens.
Caitlin from Wanderfully Inspired uses her blog to show her passion for photography and capturing travel adventurous to tropical destinations.
Danielle from Along for Adventure uses her voice to provide great travel tips especially for those who want to make the very most of limited vacation days and long weekends.
Holly from Where's Holly uses her platform to help others plan travel itineraries, provide tips and tricks to various destinations, and share her crazy stories while backpacking.
Samantha is self-professed travel addict and offers travel advice for solo travelers and those looking to earn money while traveling on her blog Travelling King.
Can’t find one that speaks to you? Maybe now is the time to start your own! Or, for writers who like to keep their musings to themselves, now is a great time to go back through your old travel journals and take a trip down memory lane.
7. Learn a new skill
Why not use this downtime to finally learn that awesome new skill that you can use on your next trip? Our favorite idea: learn to sail with online courses offered by NauticEd! For the sailing novice, they offer plenty of online courses to start your journey towards becoming a master captain. Just click 'Select my Goals' at the top and choose the beginner option - most of these classes are online-based. Once you're ready why not try the real thing on a trip to Greece?
8. Cook your way around the world
Want to really take your senses to a new place? Do you eat every day? Combine the two! There are a plethora of resources online that will take you on a culinary tour of the world while teaching you how to cook. Check out youtube channels or try out some recipes from famous chefs like Yotam Ottolenghi or Michael Solomonov. Be inspired by the destinations you’re interested in, like these Nepali dishes, these traditional Peruvian dishes, or try your hand at some Italian classics.
Of course, if you prefer a more interactive experience, consider live streaming cooking classes from folks like Nonna — an 84-year old Italian granny that loves to cook. No doubt she’ll have you creating plates of Italian deliciousness like a pro (grandma)!
9. Find new podcasts
If you are more of a listener than a reader, podcasts are a great alternative. The Lost Geographer is one of our favorite creators for destination-specific content to up your cultural acumen. They offer a podcast for almost every single destination in the world by speaking with locals to get the ‘real deal’ for travel tips and perspective! Need some visual inspiration while you listen? Consider listening to Stuff You Should Know, As Told By Nomads, or Rough Translation.
10. start Planning your next trip
Finally, as you become more and more inspired by the options above, who not use this extra time to dive into planning your next adventure? Now is your opportunity to explore a new place you’ve always wanted to go to and take the steps towards making it happen! Research when to go, what to do/not to do, what to pack, how to prepare and more helpful advice using resources like these. Be confident when booking by finding travel companies who are offering flexible terms and ways to book travel or purchase credit now without worrying about possible cancellations or losing payments.
Curious but not sure about joining a small group tour? Read up on some of the expectations vs reality when it comes to this style of travel.
While staying at home is not exactly the most fun activity, treat yourself to a little something to look forward to! Purchase a $200 gift card and receive $250 credit on your next booking with us. Our gift cards are valid for 2 years from purchase date!
Learn more about getting a free $50 towards future travels here.
