If you are anything like me, travel is something that is always on your mind. When you aren’t able to travel, it can leave that wanderlust getting even bigger. If you are unable to travel due to whatever reason (which is the case for the majority of us right now due to the corona virus), don’t get discouraged! There are plenty of ways to help fight that wanderlust!

Here are nine great things you can do to feed your wanderlust when you are not able to travel:

1.) Read Travel Books

Use some of your extra time to read up on some of the latest travel books and get some ideas for your future travels when the world returns to normalcy. Reading may help quench some of that thirst until we are able to travel again.

Travel Book Ideas:

• 1-Ten Years a Nomad by Nomadic Matt-explore the life of a digital travel nomad and how he traveled the world for a living for the past ten years. You may find some useful tips if this is your goal!
• 2-The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho- read the story of a young Shepard boy traveling from Spain to Egypt.
• 3-Unlikely Destinations: The LP Story-Explore the development of the well known travel company The Lonely Planet. The book begins in the 1970’s and continues on into the 21st century.
• 4-How to Travel the World on $50 A day-explore some budget travel tips and learn how people are able to afford to travel the world.

2.) Work On Your Bucket List

Use this time to review your travel bucket list, check off goals you have met, and add new destinations/activities (let’s face it-there is always something to add!).

Ideas for creating your travel bucket list:

• Include activities, not just locations. While your bucket list may contain numerous destinations, don’t leave out different activities that you want to try, such as scuba diving, sky diving, hiking a volcano, and so on.
• Dream Big. Don’t limit your bucket list because you think its something you may never be able to do. When I created my bucket list I included everything I wanted to do and see, regardless of the possibility of doing so.
• Search for off the beaten path destinations. Sure, the well know attractions should be on your list, but don’t let that be all. Do some research while you have the extra time and find some off the grid destinations to visit.

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3.) Netflix Binge on Travel Shows

• Street Food-a documentary that will take you around the world to explore street food and chiefs, introducing you to the local food of diverse cultures.
• Stephen Fry in America-join Steven Fry as he journeys across the United States.
• Pedal The World-join Felix Starck as he explores 22 countries in 1 year-all on his bike!
• Expedition Happiness-watch the journey of a couple as they travel around North America in a bus converted into an RV.
• Dark Tourist-this series takes a bit of a different spin on a travel documentary. It explores destinations around the world that are known for tragedy.

4.) Read Travel Blogs

When you are not able to travel do some research and find some great travel blogs to read! This will give you some inspiration and will help you to continue to build your bucket list!

Here are some ideas for travel blogs to follow:

• Nomadic Matt-travel guides, budget travel tips, travel inspiration
• Expert Vagabond
• The Blonde Abroad-follow along the journey of a solo female traveler
• Against The Compass-explore off the beaten path destinations
• Be My Travel Muse-solo female adventures
• Globetotting-a family travel blog
• The Global Wizards-a family travel blog
  

5.) Learn a New Language

Being stuck at home is the perfect time to learn a new language! Do some research and find a program that will help you in learning a new language and connect to social media groups from around the world that will help you through the process. When you do travel again you may be able to better communicate with the locals!

6.)Experiment with Recipes from Around the World

Use the time that you are home to explore and try your hand at your favorite recipes from around the world. You may learn to make something new and it will be a fun experience for the whole family.

Here are some places you can find some great international recipes ideas:

• The Wanderlust Kitchen
• The Food Network
• Brit + Co
• Epicurious (kid friendly international dishes)

Or, of course, look up your favorite international food recipe!

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7.) Explore some of the nature attractions in your own backyard

Never underestimate the beauty that is right around you. Check out some of the local state/national parks that are right around, go for a hike, or take a walk. When the ability to travel is limited, take advantage of what is right around you.

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8.) Explore With Virtual Traveling

There are plenty of different museums, zoos, performances, and national parks that offer virtual tours. Take advantage of this, explore a new destination, and make plans for your next trip! Explore places such as the Louvre in Paris, the Vatican Museums in Italy, or the bottoms of glaciers of Alaska.

9.) Plan Future Trips!

While it is hard to say when the pandemic will end and when life will return to normal with borders re-opening, there is no reason you can’t make tentative plans for future trips! You don’t have to specific dates or make any final arrangements, but begin to plan itineraries and budgets for potential trips. Here are some tips for choosing your next destination-put it to use!

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Published by Melissa

Hello! My name is Melissa (or Missy). I'm a nurse by day, but my true passion is travel. I'm a part time traveler, travel blogger, and photographer. Travel blogging allows me to share my experiences and knowledge with you as well as allows me to share in your experiences and learn from you. View all posts by Melissa