First of all, I hope you are all staying safe and well during this uncertain time. The coronavirus outbreak is unsettling and constantly changing, leaving many people unsure of the future. We are being told to stay at home, and for travellers that can be somewhat of a challenge, especially if you’ve had to cancel travel plans. However, health and safety always takes priority of course.
So for those of you who are stuck at home and daydreaming about travel, I have a list of tips and ideas to help you get by. Just because we can’t travel right now that doesn’t mean we cannot dream and plan for the future. In fact, having something positive to look forward to may be just the thing to keep us sane!
Create a Scrapbook
Now you have some extra time on your hands, there’s no better way than to get that travel scrapbook going. If you’re anything like me, this is something that you might have been meaning to do for ages! I have thousands of photos of past trips that would look so good in a creative scrapbook, or even a printed photo book.
There are so many things you can do with your photos too, from creating photo gifts (for yourself!), framing them, making handmade cards, selling them and anything else you can think of.
Make a Travel Video
Again, if you’re like me you’ll have hundred of videos from past trips just sitting on your computer. Why not do something with them and make a travel video. Hunt the web for some cool music, learn how to use one the free video editors available online and practice some unique effects. Then you’ll be able to watch back all your past trips and have those precious memories come back to you for years to come.
Keep Fit and Healthy
Being indoors all day, we can easily slip into slumping on the sofa and lounging around. It’s so important during this time to stay fit and active, as it helps with a positive mindset, as well as being in the best position we can to fight of any infections. There are plenty of free workouts on YouTube, from dance workouts, HIT workouts yoga, and my personal fav, taebo! These taebo vids are quite old school but I find the guy so motivating! If you are still able to get outside, find a quiet place to go for a walk to get some fresh air and vit D.
Eat Well
As well as keeping fit, we also need to eat well to, and without sounding too much like your mother, that means eating lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. Not only does a good healthy diet help to build a strong immune system, it also has a direct effect on our mood. Eating plenty of the good stuff will help you feel much happier and healthier during this stressful time.
Plan a Future Trip
As we all know, planning a trip can take some time. Why not use this time we have now to look to the future and plan ahead? Do your research on where you would want to go after everything (hopefully) goes back to normal. Do some reading on the local culture, prices of food and accommodation, activities and places to see, watch YouTube videos from travel bloggers and get prepared for your trip. That way, when eventually the travel restrictions have been lifted, you will be all ready to go! This also gives us something to focus on and to look forward to in a positive way.
| Read More: How To Plan For A Trip |
Watch Koala Cams Online
Yes, that’s right, at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane, you can watch all the cute animals live on their website! This is a great way to put a smile on your face as who can resist these cute creatures?! Try checking in for around 12pm Brisbane time when they put out the fresh leaves. The baby joeys get super excited! Many other zoo’s have also got live webcams for your enjoyment, so have a look around and see what you can find.
Get an Online TEFL Course
If you are an inspiring teacher or want to travel abroad to volunteer or teach English, then a TEFL course is an excellent place to start. Most do online courses, which provide heaps of information on teaching strategies, teaching abroad, techniques on how to teach grammar and just about everything else. I did one of these courses a while back and you seriously get so much helpful info. Now is the perfect time- check out Premier TEFL for more info
Take a Virtual Gallery Tour
Google Arts & Culture has teamed up with over 2000 museums and art galleries worldwide, which allow you to take an online virtual tour of the galleries. Although it may not be as good as seeing the artworks in real life, you are now able to view the big museums and galleries, such as the London National Galleries or the Guggenheim Museum in New York, without any people inside. You are given information on each piece too.
Binge Watch on Travel Movies
With more time at home, it’s the perfect excuse to sit down and relax over a good movie. Why not put on your favourite travel movie, sit back with a box of popcorn and enjoy a quiet evening. Here are some travel related movie suggestions…. Eat Pray Love (obviously), Wild, Castaway, The Beach, Lost in Translation, The Bucket List, Up in the Air, Monte Carlo, The Lizzie McGuire Movie, Under The Tuscan Sun, Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, A Good Year, Slumdog Millionaire and The Holiday.
Have a Pamper Day
Having a nice hot bath can be so relaxing, and if you are finding yourself a little on edge during this time, then a soak in the tub can make you feel a lot more relaxed. So, make a homemade face or hair mask, light some lovely smelling candles, grab a good book or put on some medication music. I love the app Calm as it has music, sleep stories and lots of simple guided meditations that really help relax me and put me in a positive mindset.
Get Creative
Now can be the perfect time to take up a new hobby, whether that be arts & crafts, painting, drawing, writing a novel or kids book, doing online learning courses, making things to sell on ebay, adult colouring books and anything else you have wanted to try but have never got round to!
Keep a Journal
Writing things down is a fantastic way to take a weight off your shoulders. You could catch up on a travel journal, keep a life diary or even write about your time in self isolation. The company Write To Me has just realised a special journal for this purpose (not affiliated just like their stuff). It’s also a great way to keep our mental health in check and to release any worries we may be having, as well as writing down all the quirky things we’ve been doing in isolation!
Cook up a Storm
Having extra time at home can mean getting experimental in the kitchen, trying new recipe ideas or having fun baking delicious sweet things. Things like flour, sugar and eggs are kitchen staples and can last in your cupboard for a while. How about making your own treats- less trips to the supermarket and they will probably taste better too!
Call Family and Friends
It’s so important to keep in contact with family and friends during this COVID-19 outbreak, just to let them know you are thinking of them, and to catch up with the latest gossip! Keeping in regular contact helps to feel much happier and to feel close to the most important people in our lives.
Hope you enjoyed my tips on staying at home during COVID-19. I would love to hear some of your ideas below too!
