This is a hard time for everyone. Every single industry has been affected by it in one way or another. For me, the hardest is to realize that the 3 trips I have planned in the next 4 months most probably will have to be canceled. And as optimistic I could hope, that everything will magically stop just before my trips the idea of not going to these lovely places is starting to haunt me while staying at home in a self-isolating mode for 14 days.
However, as an optimist, my mind is trying to think of ways, how we could still do some little ‘traveling’ while not actually doing that and following all the precautions. So here are the best tips for all the other travel enthusiasts who are stuck indoors and patiently waiting for all of this madness to come to an end.
1. Virtually Visit World Famous Museums From Home
Google Arts & Culture teamed up with over 2500 museums and galleries around the world to bring anyone and everyone virtual tours and online exhibits of some of the most famous museums around the world… I went and checked it out myself, it is a lot of fun as you can walk around the museums, zoom in a lot of artwork and find out more information about many exhibition objects. Please see the link at the bottom of the post. Make sure you check it out, it is truly amazing.
2. Go Geocaching Locally
Everyone knows by now, that with this virus it is very important to stay at home, but it is equally important to get some fresh air. Not only by opening your windows but actually being outside (as long as you follow social distancing rules).
Geocaching is especially great for all the travel enthusiasts, because it gives you a goal and it is actually fun for all ages.
If you haven’t done it before, it is a real-life treasure hunt. You have to find a box and sign, that someone has hidden and posted its coordinates online on the website.
If you have done it before and maybe you have found all geocaches around you– it could be the perfect time to hide a cache of your own! Only, please try to be creative, it is much more fun to find good quality caches.
Tip: Please wear gloves at all times, you might touch or leave the unwanted germs when finding or hiding the cache.
3. Travel with Google Earth
Yes, it is really cool to visit different parts of the world and see them in 3D.
There are lots of cool features to it, as well. Like you can go underwater,
or you can be really up close with snow monkeys in Japan. Visit new places or revisit the places you have been to and have good memories of, it will just fill you with happy thoughts!
This is Lake Tekapo, New Zealand. I lived there for a year. Amazing place!
4. Write/ Update your Bucket List
What better time than now. Finally, you have the extra time to carefully choose the things for your bucket list. Have one already? Good for you, but I am sure you could update it – check all the things you have done and feel good about it!
5. Watch good travel movies
Remember, use your time wisely. This message from Somalia government says it all:
Photo Credit: David Holtan who was actually still traveling in Somalia while the rest of the world was starting to shut down
That being said, find some really good travel-related movies and watch those, not just everything in a row on TV/Netflix/Amazon Prime/YouTube etc.
Here are some of my favorites:
Transsiberian (2008) - in case you are planning a trip with trans-Siberian Express in the near future, this movie is definitely a must!
180° South (2010 Documentary) – a truly inspiring documentary about the last rural place on planet
The Way (2010) – It’s a heartwarming movie about the story of a father who set out in honor of his son who died while traveling the “El camino de Santiago”.
Into the Cold: A Journey of the Soul (2010 Documentary) - 2 crazy guys traveling to north pole on foot. I just watched it yesterday, and the movie has similarities with the situation we are facing today.
Restaurants on the Edge – yes, this is a show, but it takes you to places all around the world to restaurants that are in trouble but have the best view.
Expedition Happiness (2017) – a young couple who is trying to answer the question that most likely we all are wondering about - how long can you stay happy if you are always traveling?
The Bucket List (2007) – it is the movie that made us all start our Bucket Lists. Even if you have seen it, maybe it’s time to watch it again.
The Terminal (2004) – if you still haven’t seen it – do so. It is a very nice movie and slightly related to the stay at home situation/ madness that is happening at the moment.
6. Watch slow TV
It started as an experiment in the 2000’s to broadcast a live TV documentary and it turned out to be a real hit.
What is a slow TV?
It is a live TV documentary broadcasting for example the whole cruise ship or train route.
How long is it?
Well, Norwegian cruise company Hurtigruten, in partnership with Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation, have set the Guinness World Record for "Longest Live TV Documentary" with a 134-hour, non-stop broadcast of Hurtigruten's classic itinerary along Norway's west coast.
Who would ever watch this?
Only for the Cruise ship movie, there were Six Million Viewers in 148 Countries
Some fan behaviors
People were not just watching the show, but also wanted to participate in it.
- Cities competed in arranging the greatest welcoming committee at the different harbors
- Three different wedding proposals were captured during the 134 hour broadcast of the Hurtigruten trip.
To be completely honest with you, this is not really my thing, but as you can see a lot of people enjoy it and I am not here to judge! Luckily YouTube has some of the documentaries and if you haven’t watched them before, see the links at the bottom of the post.
7. Travel from Living Room
We made an airplane experience for kids
We got inspired by this Australian couple who recreated cruise experience in their living room
However, try to stay positive and let us know in comments if you tried any of these tips and which is your favorite! #stayathomeandtravel
Oh, and here are the promised links:
1. Visit Virtual museums
My favorite virtual museum was this one. It even has an audio option, so you do not need to read anything.
2. Find or hide Geocaches
3. Travel in 3D traveling with Google Earth
4. Create or update your Bucket List - no links do it on paper! Yes, with a pen! Send us your list and we will map the spots on our site and will tell you what else you can see around.
5. Movies - No links - you have to find them yourself. Sorry. All I can say some are on Netflix and some are on Amazon Prime
6. Slow TV movies:
Train voyage in Norway - 9 hours 53 minutes
Flying over Switzerland - 10 hours
Canal Journey around London -7 hours 21 minute
If you are more into animals, watch Bison Grazing at Yellowstone National Park - 3 hours 2 minutes (only!!!)
7. If you take a fun photo of your 'travel' experience in the living room, please use #stayathomeandstiltravel and #MyWOWHolidays to be featured.
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