C'mon, let's rip the band-aid off. You may have had extensive plans to visit a continent for the first time, post-graduation vacations with friends, or destination weddings in the works for 2020. Little did we all know that these plans would dissolve as quickly as they were made. The global pandemic, COVID-19, took a toll on every aspect of life: physically, emotionally, mentally, financially, and much more. There is no denying that this year has presented relentless challenges. However, it's how we react to and deal with these challenges that make us stronger in the long run. That being said, let's talk all things travel and how to handle the lack of during a global pandemic.
Before we get to the fun ways on how to stay wanderlust and virtually travel (even though in reality we're in our pajamas cozied up in bed)...we have some housekeeping to review.
First and foremost, stay home. We are in the midst of a dangerous and very contagious worldwide pandemic. Listen to your healthcare professionals and state representatives on the latest news regarding the reopening of your city, state, or country. Until the coast is clear, stay home and save lives. And when the coast is clear, take precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 when you're out in public. Social distancing is in right now, y'all! Buy masks, stock up on hand sanitizer, and wash ya hands friends.
Next order of business (and this one's important), check in with your current flight, hotel and leisure activity reservations to ensure you are refunded a payment or credit if they were cancelled. Make a check list, excel sheet or document of all your purchases and reimbursements, so you can stay organized financially.
So, you're all probably wondering, "what can I do about travel plans if I can't actually go anywhere?" Well, many things! Take a look below for a few ideas on how to stay seeking adventure in a time where it's on pause.
If you haven't already, break out those notebooks, Word docs, excel sheets and journals. We're talking about planning, baby! Don't mind me while I gush with excitement right now, but as a type A, blue-green personality, I live to plan. You have all the time in the world right now to plan future travels! Yes, you might not know the exact dates of when you can travel, and no you probably shouldn't book anything until you're certain of that city's reopening. But, you should be researching like crazy to make your life a lot easier when hospitality and tourism are in full swing again. Choose the country or cities you want to travel to, research hotels in said locations, look up the best activities and sights to see, and write out everything to make a handy itinerary. Later when its safe to travel, all you'll have to do is click "book" and enter in those memorized credit card numbers. You'll thank yourself once all the hard work is done. :)
Hello, book lovers! Now's your chance to brush the dust off your shelves and pick up a new read, specifically those about exploring. You can find tons of reads at Barnes & Noble and Target or online at Amazon that dive into different cities and all the wonders they offer. You may find interest in purchasing a book on Northern Europe and learn about what you can do when visiting Finland or you might want to read about the culture in Bangkok, Thailand to take note for when you visit the city. Take time to read up on different cultures because it not only sparks interest, but also it enriches your knowledge on global immersion. Also, personal recommendation: read inspirational books about adventurers. I read To Shake the Sleeping Self by Jedidiah Jenkins, and listened to his journey from Oregon to Patagonia by bicycle. Mind-blowing accomplishments, raw stories, and inspiring passages that lift you off the couch and reinstate your desire to explore.
Not into reading? Maybe podcasts are your thing, then! Scroll through Spotify's educational and lifestyle podcasts until you find one that suits your liking. A few notable ones are Zero to Travel, JUMP with Traveling Jackie, and Amateur Traveler.
For those looking to become bilingual, trilingual or just memorize the basics, check out learning a new language. Although challenging and maybe even uncomfortable, exposing your vulnerability to acquire a new language is such a rewarding experience, not to mention an extremely useful skill. With free digital apps such as DuoLingo, Babbel and MemRise, you can access lessons whenever and wherever, making the process completely adaptable to your lifestyle. While these may not be as intensive as a course at a college or university, it's definitely something to look into and practice while you're quarantining at home. ¡Buena suerte!
Take scrapbooking to the next level. Dig out those boxes of photographs under the bed, grab a notebook/sketchpad and your travel memorabilia (plane tickets, museum admission passes, currency) and tape 'em in! This will bring back nostalgia while also adding fuel to the wanderlust fire we all know and love. Not to mention, it'll make a great coffee table book for your home. :) Tip: Download the Shutterfly app for major discounts on prints (often free 4x4 and 4x6 prints) and digitally crafted photo books!
Last, but not least, explore your home town, city or state. How many times have you looked to do anything other than in your own town? I can't even count on two hands how often I am to look elsewhere for a good day trip. Now's the time to take in your surroundings and really explore those good ol' roots. Personally, I've taken this time to bike around my neighborhood and go for walks on the beach. I look forward to the sunny days where I am lucky enough to kayak in the bay or hike at the local state park. More times than not, you'll find great outdoor activities right in your backyard that are worth checking out. And now, when visitors come to town, you'll know all the best spots to take them.
While some activities are as minor as taping pictures onto paper, these ideas will help to hold you over until we're all allowed to safely see the world again. These tough times shall pass and we'll be back to getting passport stamps soon. Until then, stay safe and practice healthy measures for yourself and those around you.
Take care (virtual) travelers!