During this rare time around the globe, the majority of us are stuck in one place indefinitely. For those of us with the travel bug, we are going through travel withdrawal HEAVY. For some, this is the first time that they’ve been stuck at home for more than a month, and for others, this was supposed to be the year of first travel or first solo or first whatever. And still, some are taking this blessing in hiding as a well needed mental and physical break to slow down, save, and reconnect.
But guess what, whatever is keeping us grounded doesn’t mean we still can’t indulge in wander. So how do you satisfy wanderlust when you’re stuck at home?
No problem. We can still spark our wanderlust as we wait to take off jet-setting. I’ve been using this time to “plan now, go later” finding inspiration through different avenues. If you’re like me and looking for ways to cure your wanderlust look no further, you can find out how I’m fueling my wanderlust without leaving my house. 10 ways I’m feeding my wanderlust right now at home.
Listen to a Podcast
Podcasts are an easy way to satisfy wanderlust because you can listen anywhere while doing anything.
- The Offbeat Life – Hosted by Debbie Arcangeles, this podcast focuses on to be free, work from anywhere. If you’re looking to learn from others’ experience on how to move and make a living aboard this is for you.
- Travel N Sh!t – a travel safe space that encourages people of color to get up, get out, and travel.
- The Thought Card – I had to include this podcast. So often we’re always asked ‘how can you afford to travel?’ Well, this is the podcast (and blog) to follow. Danielle’s focus is on travel & finance and has helped so many tackle building good finances while also enjoying the ability to travel.
- Indie Travel – New traveler? Need Assistance? Or just a fan of ‘How to”? You have to check out this podcast. This award-winning podcast has been around since before I was able to drink or rent a car and is full of information.
- On She Goes – This podcast is here to give real advice on how to navigate travel & lifestyle while black and female. The main goal here is to provide real-life experience and encouragement.
- Chronicles Aboard – If you’re looking for inspiration and encouragement look no further. Hosted by two travel buddies whose goal is to spotlight the stories of courageous world travelers.
- Zero to Travel – covers almost everything you can think of relating to travel, a good podcast for the newbie or expert traveler alike.
- Women on the Road – inspiring stories from female travelers
- Amateur Traveler – travel show podcast giving specific tips and hacks for the destination of the week.
- The Travel Guydes – want stories from everyday travelers? You’ll love these interviews from guests who recount their recent trips while giving great tips on how to make traveling easier
- Let’s Go Together – a new podcast coming soon and excited to enjoy. The Trailer introduces Kellee Edwards, award-winning travel expert as host of this Travel + Leisure podcast to focus on travel through diverse voices. I can’t wait for this podcast to launch.
Curl up with a great Book
Dive into a great book that can take you places.
- Wild by Cheryl Strayed
- Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
- Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes
- Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
- The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
- The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Dare
- African Diary by Billy Bryson
- The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives by Lola Shoneyin
- Cry, The Beloved Country by Alan Paton
- The Bucket List: 1000 Adventures Big & Small by Kath Stathers
- 1000 Places to See Before You Die by Patricia Schultz
Catch a good Movie
Grab your best-imported wine, snacks, and blank, go ahead and indulge in a good movie or three.
- Half of a Yellow Sun
- Girls Trip
- Eat, Pray, Love
- Crazy Rich Asians
- Last Holiday
- The Bucket List
- The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
- My Life in Ruins
- Under the Tuscan Sun
- Mama Mia
- Letters to Juliet
- Julie & Julia
- Up in the Air
- The Tourist
- Into the Wild
- The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
- The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
- Art of Travel
- Hangover Part II
- Vicky Cristina Barcelona
- Before Sunrise/Sunset/Midnight
- Queen of Katwe
- Memoirs of a Geisha
- Midnight in Paris
Move to the Music
Learn a Language
Cook something new
Food and drinks naturally transport one to new places all the time so experiencing travel through food should be easy. If you’re up to it, this time can be used to take all types of virtual cooking classes and learning about new cultures or revisiting. If cooking isn’t your thing no worries, most stores have an international section with premade food or take this time to support small restaurants and try new food.
Start a Home Design Project
If you’re a traveler that loves design, style or architecture think about upgrading your home style. Consider elevating your bedroom to feel like your favorite hotel room or maybe spruce up your bathroom with spa touches. Source pieces that remind you of your favorite places or create art pieces. Incorporate as much design as you can from your best travel experiences.
Check out Travel Home by Caitlin Flemming, Julie Goebel, Peggy Wong for inspiration.
Relive Memories to Satisfy Wanderlust
You know those stack of photos and trinkets you’ve been meaning to organize? Guess what? We have time now. Lol. I was able to stroll down memory and clean out my stack of digital and physical photos at the same time. The result, a gorgeous printed photo album that I now have sitting on my coffee table to show off. Nothing like Rihanna’s book but I can try right?
Bucket list Update
“I haven’t been yet but it’s on my list.”
I’ve had a running list of places to go, things to do, and things to try since before I bought my first travel book in middle school. Updating my bucket list was the start of my plan now & travel later mood. I browsed some of my favorite travel sites, Instagram accounts, and blogs for inspiration. I was able to add places, cross some off, and even use Pinterest to plan travel inspiration boards. This list gives me so much joy to look over from time to time.
Prep for Future Travel
The number of updates and edits I’ve made to my travel kits are amazing. I’ve taken advantage of almost every other deal that has crossed my screen and I’m sure Amazon and Target know me too well. While daydreaming about future travels I’ve also taken this opportunity to reorganize my go-bag, fully sanitize my suitcases and scoop no travel pieces. Along with cleaning out my digital emergency file, researching travel reward cards, comparing new insurance policies, and finding travel resources. And you need to update?
