Can’t leave your home to tame your wanderlust? Whether it’s due to government sanctions or other reasons, life gets dull very quickly when you can’t do the things you love. As someone who makes it a point to travel at least once every 3 months even if only for a micro-escape, I need to be transported, somehow, in this current situation.
Below are some things I’ve done to travel without leaving my home. A disclaimer: they’re not the same as physically travelling, but these are great tips that make you dream, wonder, and wander (soul-wise, of course).
1. Reminisce your past trips
Source: Thought Catalog
What better way to travel than via your memories? After all, they’re the most important takeaways from every trip.
Reminisce the days you basked in the sun on the beaches of Bali, the minutes you spent pushing your way through the markets in Bangkok, or even the time you lost your phone in Hanoi, cried, but had amazing locals help you every step of the way until you are reunited with that block of metal that you eventually replaced a few weeks later - true story.
2. Learn a new language
Source: Conor Luddy
There are so many free (or heavily discounted) sites and apps that can help you learn a new language. Prepare for your next trip by learning your target destination’s language. You’ll be surprised by how much locals appreciate travellers speaking their local language, regardless of how bad you think your grammar is.
3. Instagram - the digital travel haven
The mind is so powerful that you can travel with just your imagination. Soak in as much travel inspiration as you can from Instagram and start putting together a bucket list of all the places you wish to visit. Dream it now, make it a reality later.
4. Digital tours
Many attractions are live-streaming their typical tours or activities for the world to see. My personal favourite is SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium’s live streams of their penguin feeding sessions and workshops conducted by experts. This is a great chance for me to visit places I would typically avoid due to the crowd.
5. Grab a book about travel
Source: Sincerely Media
“The world is a book & those who do not travel read only one page.” - Saint Augustine
There are so many amazing books you can read to gain an insight into other travellers’ journeys, other cultures, and the different ways of life. One book you’ve read is one more page of the world you’ve seen. Just like how you can travel via your memories, you can travel vicariously through others’ experiences and stories too. A book you have to pick up is The Alchemist by Paul Coelho. It's perfect for dreamers and wandering travellers to get their travel fix.
An all-in-one travel app featuring an itinerary planner, the largest hotel inventory, and a points to cash rewards program.