The Quarantined Tourist

These days everyone is feeling the effects of the coronavirus.  A large majority of us are stuck at home trying to decide how we can either make the most of this current situation or going stir crazy with anxiety.  For avid travelers like myself, having to stay put is very frustrating.  To relieve my “Fernweh” (an ache to get away and travel to a distant place).  I came up
with some ways we can travel without having to physically leave your immediate area.  
​

​Backyard Destination Glamping 
This first idea works well for those who live in warmer weather.  If you live in colder weather, you can add a bonfire to make it more comfortable for yourself and loved ones.   Set up a tent in your backyard with décor, music and food from a destination you love or have always wanted to visit. Spend a day or night in Morocco, India or even Japan.  It will get you out of your house while still practicing social distancing.  You will also get to experience something new and different. Who knows, you may even find it fun and want to continue glamping when this is all over.  
​

Go Abroad with a Movie 
If you are looking to be transported to a foreign land than look no further than your television or Ipad.  Movies like 7 Years in Tibet, Amelie, Indiana Jones, and Lost in Translation will take you from the Far East to the streets of Paris in a matter of minutes.   And did you know that now Netflix has a virtual movie theater? There’s a new system called Netflix Party which allows you to connect with friends and sync streaming video. You’ll all drop in a sort of virtual movie theater where, at the time chosen by the host, a movie or show will begin. There, you’ll all be able to chat (in a text sidebar) while the movie or show is playing.  Voila!! Take a quick 2-hour trip with your travel buddies! 

​

A Taste of a New Country
Close your eyes. Think about a place you would like to visit. Now, imagine some delicious food.   I’m sure you felt that little smile in the corner of your mouth while you had these two visions. Everyone knows the best way to learn about a countries culture is through its food.  On the website allrecipes.com you can find a section called World Cuisine Recipes.  Here your taste buds will go to faraway places before you even get to visit.  How amazing will it be to try a new recipe at home and several months from now experience that same dish in the country where it was born? 


​Drink in the Sights and Sounds 
Are you into wine and want to learn more? How about setting up a wine tasting at home?  Research a specific region you have always wanted to visit and then find the wines associated with that region. VinePair  has a website dedicated to sharing the 101 of drinking and enjoying wine.  They even provide details on different types of wines and grapes. As you find wines you like you can start planning your Wine River Cruise or land trip through countries like France, Spain or Austria. 



​Social Travel 
While physical connections are limited these days, social connections continue growing. People are craving engagement and the number of social groups on Facebook are evidence of this.   You can find a group for any topic these days, and there are no shortage of travel related groups.  From forums for Solo Women Travelers to Adventure Travel or Singles Travel you can connect with so many people around the world and discuss your passion for travel. In many of these groups people are sharing funny travel stories and/or daydreaming about their future travel plans. At a minimum, it will help you escape the coronavirus news for a little while.  

 Regardless of how you choose to get your travel fix in make the most of it and have a blast! If any of these activities inspire you to plan a future vacation I would be thrilled to help you out. Contact me by clicking here.