WanderfulAdventuring
With the semi-overwhelming situation going on in the world today, many of us are spending much more time stuck at home than we would like. Furthermore, it is important that we stay in our homes for the time being, no matter how badly our wanderlust calls to us. Thankfully, there are some ways I’ve found to help quell my own travel withdrawal from the comfort and safety of my own home- if only temporarily.
Some of the items below include affiliate links, which means that I will receive a commission when you purchase an Amazon product by clicking through these links. I would be extremely grateful if you would consider using these links when possible. Thank you!
1. Catch up with your favorite YouTube Travel Vloggers!
Not sure where to start? These are some of my absolute favorite videos to get inspired about travel:
- Kara and Nate’s 100th Country Documentary
- Kara and Nate’s series in Iraq – Iraq First Impressions
- Fun For Louis’ Living the Adventure
2. Read a good book!
I’m always wandering; whether it be to various locations on our beautiful planet or to entirely different worlds between the pages of a book. Before I had the opportunity to travel, reading was my passion and there is still nothing quite like the feeling of getting lost in a great story. Here are some of my recommendations:
Again, but Better by Christine Riccio is a charming and surprising book about a quirky girl’s semester abroad in London and the experiences that helped her find herself and taught her that if at first you don’t succeed, try again. This book was extremely relatable for me and shocked me in the best ways. Definitely worth the read, especially if you are a college student and/or have studied abroad.
Around the World in 50 Years: My Adventure to Every Country on Earth by Albert Podell – My favorite section in my local library is the travel room, and specifically the books with the label 910. These are books listed under the category Geography & Travel, but I especially like this section because it’s where I find personalized travel stories like this one. Albert Podell shares stories from his amazing journey to every country on Earth.
3. Listen to Cultural Music.
4. Watch a Foreign Film or Documentary.
Watching a film produced in another country or a documentary about particular culture are both great ways to learn more about the daily lives of people living in those places. This type of media often offers us a moment to reflect on our own lives and widen our perspectives.
I’m certain I’m quite biased with this recommendation, but the documentary I always return to to feel inspired is Jane. It’s the story of Jane Goodall’s life and the experiences she had while studying wild chimpanzees in Africa. You can stream it on Disney +, Hulu, Vudu, Amazon, Youtube, ect. It’s definitely worth the watch if you are an animal lover.
If you are in the mood to support a foreign film industry rather than give in to Hollywood’s world domination, a great Korean film right now is Parasite. You might not be learning a whole lot about Korean culture , but if you enjoy thought-provoking, genre-bending, and slightly dark films, this one is for you. It has a whopping 99% on Rotten Tomatoes and can be found on Amazon, Youtube, and Vudu.
5. Go on a Virtual Field Trip!
We are actually very privileged to be living in a time where the majority of us have internet access to keep us connected in this time of quarantine and social distancing. The internet provides us with entertainment, social media, and most importantly; education. Using the internet, we can travel to many places virtually, without ever leaving the comfort of our own homes.
Thanks to Google Museums, it is possible to take a virtual tour of thousands of the world’s best museums and cultural heritage sites. Furthermore, many museums have their own virtual tours directly on their website(s)! Or if you are looking for something out of this world, NASA has uploaded a series of video tours for the International Space Station
Check out my ultimate list of virtual tours to take from home!
6. (Try to) Cook Another Country’s Traditional Dish
Getting to try different foods and experience new tastes is one of the best parts about travel! So why not bring it into your own home? If there is a dish you miss from a trip abroad or something you have seen and always wanted to try, now is the time to look up a recipe! It might not end up a perfect replica, but it is sure to bring back some memories and at least be a source of some fun.
7. Reminisce- Look back at your own Travel Memories.
What are all those hundreds of pictures for if not to look back on and reminisce? Now is the time to break out those old photo albums and SD cards and relive some of your best travel moments. Maybe even share some memories with a family member or friend.
8. Learn a New Language!
As a traveler, I’m almost certain you have a language in mind that you would love to learn, but haven’t been able to find the time to study. Well, that time is now! What better to do when you’re stuck in quarantine then work on developing a new skill or learning a new language?
For me, that language is Korean. I took a fast-paced class on the Korean language when I studied abroad in Seoul in 2018, but since then have nearly stopped practicing altogether. It’s definitely time for me to break out my TalkToMeInKorean books once again!
I know learning a new language may seem daunting and you might be wondering where to start. Below are some free apps I use to help me strengthen the way I study various languages:
- Duolingo
- Memrise
- Infinite <insert language>
9. Find a Penpal (*with caution)
Books and movies can only help us learn so much about a certain place or culture. If you have specific questions or are looking to exchange languages or cultural knowledge on a more personal level, having a penpal can be a life-changing experience.
I have had penpals for a few years now and even met one of them after talking for over year. He is now one of my close friends and keeps me connected to the other side of the world. There are multiple penpal websites and programs out there, but I use a site called Interpals.
**DISCLAIMER** Please only do this if you are over 18 and do not give out your personal information to strangers! If you are using a penpal website, change your settings to a certain age/gender, ect. and do not post any sensitive information about yourself. Basically just use your common sense please!
