Lady Red Travel

Well, it’s official. Most people throughout the world have either directly or indirectly been affected by COVID-19. With countries on lock-down and social distancing being the most effective method, it can be a pretty restless time for everyone, especially avid travelers. However, we can use this time to pause and dive into all of the things we didn’t have time for in the past! Here are some ideas of how to stay entertained during this time of social distancing and quarantine.

1. Catch up on your favorite travel podcasts

Zero to Travel Podcast has been around since 2013, therefore offering hundreds of hours of episodes for entertainment! The podcast host, Jason Moore interviews a variety of nomads about their location independent and unique lifestyles. And the podcast can be a great way to live vicariously through the interviewees during this time at home.

2. Learning a new language 

What better way to use downtime by being productive and finally learning that second (or third, or fourth, etc) language! Pimslr, Duolingo, Babbel, and Mango are some popular language apps to use. Podcasts are also a fun way to learn a language. Duolingo has language specific podcasts. Coffee Break Spanish is another popular podcast offering 30 minute episodes. My personal favorite platform has been using the Mango app to learn basic Swahili. The app includes over 70 languages (including Pirate) and is free to use through my library card account (fun hack, check your local library for these perks!).

3. Watch travel documentaries, shows, and movies

I discovered Expedition Unknown a couple of years ago on Hulu, during one of my travel “dry spells”, in desperate need of a travel fix. Josh Gates, a Bostonian native archaeologist travels across the globe in search of some of the world’s greatest mysteries. These hour long episodes are an exciting (and often hilarious and amusing!) ride.

4. Read fiction and non-fiction travel books

Everyone needs a break from all of the screens we are exposed to. So why not take this time to dive right into a book (or five)? Some of my personal favorite travel and adventure stories include Wild by Cheryl Strayed, 198: How I Ran Out of Countries by Gunnar Garfors, and The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger.

5. Exercise and get fit for your next adventure

It can be challenging to develop a workout routine at home, especially if you prefer working out at a gym, yoga studio, or participate in group exercise classes. But working out at home can be a great way to stay in shape for your next adventure! I know for me, I’m still hoping to go surfing this summer as well as go hiking locally and abroad. Staying in shape will help provide and sustain some of that stamina needed for future active vacations!

6. Dive into a new hobby 

Having this extra free time can be a great way to dive into a new hobby! Take a virtual photography class or spend time editing your previous travel photos. Finally create your own log you’ve been meaning to start! Whatever your interests, take a well-needed break from the news to dive into a creative adventure at home.

7. Take a virtual tour to a museum or national park!

There are several businesses aiming to be creative during this pandemic to maintain interest and engage customers. The Google Arts & Culture’s collection includes the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, the Guggenheim in New York City, and the British Museum in London are offering free virtual exhibits. Some of the US National Parks are offering virtual tours, including Kenai Fjords National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Glacier National Park.

8. Start planning your next adventure!

Call me crazy, but I am still hopeful that we will all have the opportunity to travel again by the fall. However, even if that does not end up being the case, there are still plenty of opportunities to plan for traveling in 2021. Right now, I’ve been daydreaming and hoping to embark on an Antarctica cruise, as well as visit Argentina and Chile in 2021. Even though we are currently uncertain of when this pandemic will end, it is never too early to plan and daydream about the next adventure!