Traveling without moving
Well, here we are, hunkered down in our houses, and of course, we have to so we can eventually come out of our confinement. During this time, perhaps you’ve decided to use apps such as Duolingo or Babbel to finally plunge into that Spanish class you’ve been unable to find time for, or maybe you’ll have time at last to conclude those unfinished songs you recorded years ago. Perhaps you’ll pick up watercolor or oil painting and finally fulfill your artistic dream. Perhaps you’ve reevaluated your priorities in life. Hopefully, you’ve reached out to your loved ones in any form to make sure they’re ok, and maybe even found the time to have a nice video call with an old friend. I definitely check some of those boxes, but I’ve also have been itching to travel somewhere. I need to feel the jet lag, to see the hieroglyphics that can be an unknown language, to check some sunsets and starry nights in different latitudes of the world and, of course, to try new dishes. Yes, one thing I’ve been fantasizing about during the quarantine has been future destinations. However, since no one knows for sure when will that be, I found various ways to travel without moving.
So, you have a favorite destination in your mind and want to take a quick look? For better or worse, cell phones have made it easier for travelers to document their adventures. After posting a picture or video, people tend to tag the places they’ve been to. I know I’m not saying anything new here. Still, Instagram has the option to follow a hashtag, so every time someone posts a picture/video from the destination you’re planning on visiting, it’ll pop up in your timeline.
Bloggers
Of course, there are people out there devoted to this. Simply doing a quick google search with the keywords you’re interested, followed by “and” could help you to refine your search, for example, Blog and travel and wanderlust should bring up an article ranking the top travel blogs.
Google maps
Oldie but goodie, especially with this abundance of time. Have you already spun the globe (there’s a globe-like icon on the right side of google maps), with your eyes “closed” and dropped an imaginary pin to figure out your next virtual destination? My last pin landed in the Philippine sea 🤷♂️
Concerts
All the bands have been doing live streams almost daily. I use an app called bands in town, and it usually gives me a heads up of who’s playing soon, always 1st row, whoop!
Museums
Ah! One of my favorite stops! Google and other sites have made it easy to visit them online. Fancy an afternoon at the Louvre? It’s 1 click away, so you might as well take the chance while you have time!
https://artsandculture.google.com/
https://www.timeout.com/travel/virtual-museum-tours
https://www.travelandleisure.com/attractions/museums-galleries/museums-with-virtual-tours
For the german potatoes, danke JT!
https://reisevergnuegen.com/museen-virtuelle-touren/
Of course, let’s be real, it’ll never beat the real deal, but think about it as a pregame to get psyched about it for when the time comes in real life!
Restaurants
Tough one… some restaurants have continued cooking for pick-up or delivery; nonetheless, I miss sitting down at a restaurant to people watch. I do find myself looking up new recipes every now and then. I miss eating a good burger, but hey, a while ago I learned how to make Frikadellen, and it has worked pretty, preeeetty, preeetty good.
I’ve actually been eating healthier and cut my meals down to two per day with some treats in between... c’est la (actual) vie.
Learning languages on the streets
Learn how to speak a language like a local. This channel shows you how without leaving your house.
Stay Healthy Carloti, la alemana más maja!
All in all, I’m amazed how interconnected our world is these days. We all know that the internet has made this very possible. However, I’m still flabbergasted about how the virus reached every single corner of the world, so be mindful and kind, we never know when the next wave will hit us back.
“This too shall pass.”
