5 creative ways you can satisfy the urge to travel even if you’re stuck at home

I don’t know about you, but all I seem to be able to do recently is to plan imaginary trips in my head. Is anybody else on the same page? If you’re longing to travel whilst stuck at home, there are a few things you can do to satisfy that wanderlust craving.

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As we all know, travel has been limited for quite a long time now, sadly. Now, no matter how much of a downer that can be, we have to be able to do something to feel at least a tad better about it. Of course, nothing can be the same as travelling around the world, but switching things up and facing that desire to travel will leave you with a hopeful smile on your face. Here are 5 creative ways you can try that.

1. Take a virtual museum tour or explore a National Park

Yes, we are in the age of virtual travel. Luckily, this presents us with a whole new stack of opportunities. Google Arts & Culture partnered at the beginning of 2020 with 2,500 museums and galleries around the world to offer virtual tours and interactive, guided exhibits. You can visit some of the most well-known museums in the world right from your bed. Perhaps today you fancy checking out the British Museum in London or the Musée d’Orsay in Paris. If it’s the Louvre that you’re missing, then the guided exhibits offered on their website will make for great afternoon entertainment. Whatever museum you choose to tour, you’re in for an amazing dose of culture.

Yet maybe museums are a little too static and indoorsy for you, and that’s okay too. Even if you can’t physically travel to the great outdoors, you can still explore some breathtaking National Parks through digital technology. Google Arts & Culture saves the day again with The Hidden Worlds of the National Parks experience. You’ll be guided by a park ranger in a virtual yet sensory immersive tour of the National Park of your choice, allowing you to discover the natural beauty that can be found across the globe.

2. Pick a day to immerse yourself in the culture of a country you wish to visit

Remember in Gilmore Girls when Lorelai threw a whole Asia-themed wonderland at her place to cheer up Rory from her canceled trip? Well, despite the cultural mistakes made in the show, that was a great idea. If you can´t travel where you want to, then bring the spirit of that place to your own home. Cook a delicious meal that resembles the food of that country, play some local music, watch a documentary on the beautiful landscapes you long to visit. Even if you feel a little extra putting up a whole staycation day… we’ve been stuck at home for a long time! You deserve to have a little travel-like fun. Of course, you can repeat this themed wonderland as many times as you wish and to as many places as you can possibly think of.

3. Make a travel bucket list or vision board

There’s no price tag on dreams, right? To satisfy that urge to travel, fantasizing about all the places you want to visit during this life can be a very positive experience. Write down all the cities you’re dying to go to, research why you want to travel there in the first place, have fun figuring out your personal travel style. You can also make a travel vision board with all these places to spark a little joy every time you catch a glance of it. The great thing about this is that you can get as creative as you want, just have fun with it!

4. Wander off to a travel podcast, book, or youtube channel

Sometimes all we need is a little escape. And what better way to get lost than immersing yourself in a travel adventure? Pick a cozy corner of your home and wander off. You can choose your favourite travel podcast and close your eyes to get a better grasp of the experience, or perhaps images are everything for you and a vlogging series on Youtube is what makes you the happiest. Travel books are also a great way to get lost if written words are how you get your imagination going. Simply pick what works best for you and give it a go.

5. Loosely plan a future trip, even if the dates are up in the air

This last way you can satisfy your travel cravings might just be the most efficient one. If you’re like me and love planning, then mapping out a future trip can be the best of remedies. There’s no doubt the dates would have to be extremely flexible, but you can still have fun toying with the itineraries you would love to live once travel becomes as safe as it once was. A budget doesn’t even have to cross your mind if all you’re trying to do is have a little fun daydreaming about the places you’ll go. You can loosely plan a backpacking trip across Asia or a comfortable stay at a beach resort, it doesn’t matter how unrealistic it might seem if it’s making you feel excited and hopeful for what’s to come.