How to Travel in a Corona World

For those like me who gain immense happiness from traveling the world, being in quarantine can be extremely difficult, especially not knowing when there will be an end date. We know it’s the right thing to do to protect not only ourselves but those around us. Even so, travelers around the world are mourning their canceled trips. It’s ok to be sad about what you have lost! However, until it is safe to roam the terminals of a bustling airport again, here are some ways you can travel in a corona world in a safe way.

Feed your Travel Bug…Literally!

If you’re like me, one of your favorite things about experiencing a new place is the local cuisine. Why not make something new in your own kitchen?

While I have to ask you not to run to the local grocery store multiple times a week to get new ingredients, find a few recipes, and make one large visit every couple of weeks. Each region of the world has their favorite spices and flavors, so maybe try sticking to one region every couple of weeks to use the same few ingredients over and over.

For example, Southeast Asia cuisine is heavy in ingredients such as rice, broth, noodles, ginger, and curry. Recently, I traveled to Thailand in my kitchen making coconut curry soup! (Tom Kha Gai). The flavors immediately brought me back to my last trip to Chiang Mai.

Stacia's homemade Tom Kha Gai — Yummy, homemade Tom Kha Gai!

Pinterest is an excellent place to find easy recipes that you never thought you could make yourself. Learn how to make some new recipes to travel in a Corona world!

Watch some Wanderlust-y Movies

It seems we have all the time in the world now to sit and binge our various streaming services. Get that travel bug excited with some movies and television series’ that inspires you!

I previously wrote an article on my favorite travel movies. However, some of my favorite television shows to binge are The Amazing Race, Parts Unknown (Anthony Bourdain), and Dark Tourist. I highly encourage you to check these out! I listed their streaming locations at the “Shop this article” section at the bottom of this page.

Trick the Travel Bug with Video Games

Now I know video games aren’t for everyone. However, I really enjoy them! Games such as Animal Crossing, the Far Cry series, and open-world games such as Skyrim, Fallout, and Mass Effect trick you into believing you’re having adventures in another land. It’s the perfect way to travel when a Corona world is keeping you home! It definitely works for me, so why not give it a shot? If you don’t have your own console, try to ask if you can borrow one from a friend or neighbor, or purchase a used one on Amazon.

Go Old School with Novels!

Stacia's bookshelf — I’m extremely emotionally attached to my book collection

Novels and travel books can similarly make you feel like you are on the adventure of a lifetime from your couch. Forbes lists their favorite travel novels, but some of mine include:

The Hobbit/Lord of the Rings series
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
Ten Years a Nomad: A Traveler’s Journey Home
the Dreamhouse Kings series
Harry Potter series

Each of these novels or series offers something different!

How to Virtually Travel in a Corona World

Finally, dozens of zoos, museums, and other attractions around the world are offering virtual tours right now. Were you supposed to go to Paris this summer? Tour the Louvre! Love Fiona the hippo? Watch a live webcam at the Cincinnati Zoo! No matter what you’re craving, there’s a virtual tour for it. Check out this incredible list of FREE virtual tours.

What have you been doing to “travel” from home? Feel free to send me photos of those incredible meals you’ve made or some book recommendations on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram! (Or even leave a comment right here!)