The covid-19 pandemic has impacted everyone in different ways. Many of us had planned to travel this spring or summer but must stick to the couch instead. However, virtual travelling might give the needed break from everyday life or let you be inspired for planning your next holiday!
Write a bucket list
As virtual travelling is free, your finances won’t be an issue: the only limit is time! If you are planning on a future holiday and trying to choose between places to travel to, list your destinations on a piece of paper and write a short description for each.
Google Street View
Google Street View might not be the means of travelling you first thought about, but it can be very useful. It’s not quite the same as being somewhere in person, but you are free to have a look around and “walk” on your own without queuing or seeing other tourists. You can go almost anywhere with it – even islands in the Pacific Ocean you would never have had the chance to visit otherwise. Some destinations have made free virtual online tours, The Faroe Islands being one of them. On their tours you can walk as well as ride a horse, sail and control a helicopter.
Museums
Because of the lockdown, many museums have made more video material available online. With Google Street view you can explore Guggenheim Museum in New York City as well as Machu Picchu in Cusco, Peru! In addition, getting to know the websites of museums and other tourist attractions will give you some insight into the history. For example, the website for Anne Frank House in Amsterdam has a video diary series.
Books, films, podcasts and documentaries
Even these four can help keep your wanderlust spirit alive during lockdown. A novel or a film set in another place, or even century, makes you forget the challenges in today’s world. With podcasts and documentaries it is easy to learn more about other cultures and the nature. Maybe you will even find out something you wouldn’t have heard by travelling to the place in person!
Travel blogs and vlogs
Searching “virtual travel” on YouTube gives you more results than you would expect. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more personal video and travel experience, search for travel vlogs instead. There’s plenty to choose from!
Travel details
Even if you were never going to go for a holiday, planning one can be fun too. Think about the small details: what to pack, which Airbnb to book and which restaurants to go to. It’s a good way to spend some time if you’re looking for a relaxed but not too productive activity. You never know when the next time someone asks you to travel with them is!