As I stare at my four walls in COVID-19 horror and guilty relief at the joy of working from home, I write about the various ways I’ve kept the travel itch at bay for today’s topic: how to travel without leaving home.
In the age of Zoom, Tiktok dances, and crumbling economies, closed borders are getting unbearable for travel junkies. On one hand, the travel fund has been a great back-up plan in case of unemployment, eviction, or starvation. On the other, many of us are obsessively cataloguing future destinations and longing for jetlag. Not only to soothe our restless souls but for the sake of novelty which comes scarce in the monotony of these strange times.
Related: Reflections on Travel in the Age of COVID-19
We’re bored, lethargic, and uttering bizarre things like: “I miss plane food.” It’s a confusing time.
Good thing you’re here. If you’re looking for that travel fix, here are 6 tips on how you can “travel” without leaving the confines of your city or even your home in the age of COVID-19.
Disclaimer that these apply depending on the severity of your region’s lockdown restrictions.
How to Travel Without Leaving Home During COVID-19
1. Seek wellbeing through green spaces
It’s no surprise that lockdowns all over the world have had a negative impact on people’s mental health. Humans aren’t meant for permanent indoor living.
Depending on the severity of your lockdown, go into Maps and find any green spaces inside your permitted perimeter. Whether it’s a park, beach, or plain farmlands, pick somewhere you haven’t been before and go for a walk. Take some snacks and a camera and whatever makes you feel cozy (I always love a tea in hand with my walks).
Not only is nature awesome for wellbeing, but the novelty of a new place will lift the soul. Sit somewhere you can hear only nature sounds and drink it in. Do some yoga, or meditate. Have a picnic and observe the birds. Read a book or journal. Smell the clean air.
Sensory stimulation in a new place is a great way to lift “brain fog” and clear away the cobwebs. And nature’s expansiveness can take away feelings of claustrophobia and restlessness.
2. Find novelty in the urban jungle
Here’s a fun one. Google best “XYZ” in your area depending on your interests and go. Again, this may depend on the severity of your lockdown. Here in New Zealand, life is mostly back to normal (save for the closed borders) so I’ve been doing this a lot.
One of my favorites is “best cafés in Wellington”. Wellington is known for its bustling café culture so this always yields a myriad of websites and endless places I never heard of. It doesn’t cost much to get a coffee either so I don’t have to worry for my pocket.
Alternate ideas include “best restaurants”, “best breweries”, or “best parks” in your area. Who knows what hidden gems you may find, from hole-in-the-wall coffeehouses to local bookshops to weekend pop-ups. Small businesses are in need right now and this is a fun way to invest in your local economy.
3. Live a culture for a week (or more)
Who says you need to spend thousands on a plane ticket to experience another culture? Utilize technology and live in a new country every week.
Pick a city and learn all about it. Watch a movie or read a book that takes place there. Listen to their music. Find their recipes and try them out yourself. Learn their language. Even better, find a documentary about their history. What movements shaped their culture, which museums hold their national treasures?
Not only does this emulate travel vibes without leaving home, but it’s educational and may ease that COVID-19 restlessness.
Here’s a great article that builds on this idea and offers a range of links to travel virtually from your sofa: 14 ways to travel the world without leaving your sofa.
Virtually immersing yourself in another culture is valuable not only to further your understanding of humanity but to keep the mind away from the continuous stream of news and fear-mongering.
In these hard times, turn off what drains and depresses you (I see you mom, turn it off!), and seek what stimulates, inspires, and educates. And I can’t think of a more colorful way to lift boredom.
4. Take your camera out for golden hour
You may have walked your streets a million times but everything looks different during golden hour. This is particularly true at sunrise, where you can experience your city in a unique way, quiet and still and devoid of human activity.
Explore new corners of your city or pick a favorite spot. Photograph it all as the golden glow drenches everything. Photography is a great way to see things from a different angle, a different perspective. The beauty may surprise you as you notice things you haven’t before, like birdsong without human chatter, how dew sticks to all surfaces, or the early start of the bakery as they ready the day’s goods.
And to top it off, getting out of bed early may give you an energy kick so you don’t feel so lethargic sitting on the couch all day. As mentioned here, creativity can feel rewarding and does wonders for your mental health.
5. Find virtual museums or art galleries in your area
Note that you can do this internationally too, but it may be fascinating to learn about your local culture through virtual museums or art galleries. Are you familiar with your city’s art scene? Or what role it played during a time of political significance?
Museums are a great starting point to get a taste of your town’s cultural and historical flavor, and it’s always fun learning something new. Particularly if you’ve avoided museums or history lessons thus far in your life. Now’s the time to acculturate yourself and I find this works wonders in nurturing pride and patriotism toward the place you call home.
Who knows, you may develop gratitude or awe at everything your city’s been through, at everything it is now. And maybe, with this growing fondness, you find your restlessness ease because being “stuck here” isn’t so bad after all.
6. Find community initiatives in your area
On the topic of local culture, learning about the community initiatives around you can be eye-opening. Not only to understand your city’s current values and political climate, but to potentially join a movement you care about.
This can be done by looking for local events on Google or Facebook, visiting local government websites, or exploring local business pages on social media.
In the same way we seek markets, festivals, and cultural events when we travel, we can apply the same effort at home. You may be surprised at how much is happening around you. And although people may not be gathering at the moment, making future plans on how to be more involved once the world normalizes is a great way to feel empowered and foster excitement for the future.
Community and connection are crucial for wellbeing. It’s always a positive to nurture your own cultural and political awareness, join a good cause, and feel like an active contributor to society.
How are you staying sane in your quarantine corner of the world?
Times are really hard right now. I hope you’re doing okay. Hang in there. Stay healthy. Be kind to yourself and others. Wash your hands.
Here’s some gorgeous music to put that cultural wonderment back in your body. Oh, to be in Japan right now.
