How to “travel” when you can’t travel
Right now, the majority of Americans are being ordered to stay at home due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Lots of trips, weddings, and some daily life activities have been postponed or cancelled. Even if you are stuck at home, this doesn’t mean you still can’t explore the world! Here are 5 ways to still see the world without leaving your couch (please stay at home!!!).
Decide where you want to travel to next and make an itinerary. The planning process is my favorite part of the trip. I’m currently trying to help plan my sister’s 21st birthday party and one of my other sister’s bachelorette party. I’m hoping everything calms down much sooner rather than later, as I’m sure everyone is. However, this outbreak doesn’t have to ruin all of your fun! We were initially going to go to LA for my sister’s 21st birthday, but we are now thinking one of the Epcot festivals at Disney World. For my other sister’s bachelorette, we’re discussing a weekend trip to New Orleans, then flying down to Merida, then flying back to Memphis. I’m having so much fun doing research for these trips that it is helping me keep my mind off the fact that I can’t leave my apartment right now :)
Visit virtual museums online. Some of the world’s most famous museums are offering free tours online during these times. Check out some of them and pretend you’re actually there!
Drop a pin on Google Maps and wander a city you’ve always wanted to visit. I do this often with Tallinn and just pretend I’m back. I also do this whenever I’m going somewhere new just so I feel like I can orient myself if needed. It also helps you see where restaurants and bars are in relation to each other. Plop yourself in Nepal and imagine seeing the Himalayas! Or go to Paris and see the Eiffel tower.
Leave reviews for places you’ve visited and loved. This is one of my favorite things to do at the end of a trip. Every place I loved, I leave a review. If a hotel staff or a tour guide was really helpful, I’ll email the company and let them know.
When Neal and I went to Poland and he got food poisoning, I had to cancel my Auschwitz tour, which was the entire reason we went to Krakow. I was so upset but knew I needed to be with Neal just in case he became sicker. When I went to the lobby to get Neal some Gatorade, I was tearing up checking out and the concierge asked me what was wrong. When I told him I had to cancel my Auschwitz tour, he told me they have some spots reserved for guests if they didn’t schedule ahead of time and he’d put me at the earliest one for the next day. He was so helpful and kind to tell me that! So I emailed the hotel when we left and relayed how helpful he was. They ended up replying and saying they were considering him for a promotion and that my email sealed the deal. You never know when your words can help someone! Leave some reviews for restaurants, tours, hotels, museums, etc. and transport yourself back to a time when you were exploring.
Read a book or watch a movie based in a different location. One of my favorite books is The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho. It’s based in Spain, Morrocco, an Egypt and is a great read. I also love watching or reading Harry Potter and pretending I’m in the United Kingdom and going to Hogwarts. If you watch a movie based in another country, try making a meal from that country, too, and really immerse yourself!
Remember, this will pass! We may come out differently, but this will pass and we will see the world again! But until then… stay inside, wash your hands (you should do this anyway??), practice social distancing!!!, and think about the first place you’re traveling to after this mess!