Three years ago, I wrote 25 Travel Goals to Set For the Year (for Those Who Can’t Wander Very Far), back when I just quit my job to move to Germany, and had to think of ways to satisfy my wanderlust without breaking the bank. I thought I’d update that list to keep up with what every travel-addicted kindred spirit is probably struggling with right now: how to feed that same wanderlust, when you’re not exactly allowed to travel as far as you’re used to.
Some of the items from the old list are still applicable; some had to be hatched in light of these interesting times:
- At least once a week, try a foreign cuisine that you’ve never tried before. It doesn’t matter if you cook it yourself or have it delivered — just go for it!
- Send out 12 postcards or handwritten letters from your hometown.
- Better yet, turn your favorite travel shots into postcards and send them to your travel buddies to reminisce about your trips.
- Discover new museums via a virtual tour.
- Or take virtual tours of famous sights you have yet to visit.
- Watch a foreign film, or binge on a foreign series.
- Watch the sunrise or sunset from different viewpoints.
- Learn a foreign language (or better yet, get certified for it).
- Read a kick-ass travel memoir or anything travel-related (Vagabonding by Rolf Potts is still my all-time favorite book about travel).
- Read a book written by a foreign author, set in a country to where you’ve never been.
- Decorate your house inspired by your favorite or dream destination. Try to check out top Airbnb’s for home inspo.
- Share the priceless insider tips you’ve been accumulating from your travels by posting reviews of your favorite restos and spots in forums.
- Sharpen your photography and/or video-making skills in preparation for your next big trip.
- If you’re allowed to go out for exercise, try a new walking/jogging route. I’ve discovered a new favorite beer garden in my hometown just by taking random left and rights during my daily walk.
- Think of your favorite dishes from your travels, and recreate them at home.
- Look for movies that were shot in your hometown, and see your city in a new light.
- Write your own travel memoir or start a blog.
- Make friends with the locals in advance, by joining an online forum to ask and prepare for your eventual trip to your next destination.
- Take virtual walking tours of cities new to you.
- Plan your next big trip A YEAR FROM NOW — preferably choose a destination where you would actually need a year to prepare (Elaborate biking trip? Wild safari? Diving expedition? You have a whole year to decide).
Do you have more ideas? Let me know in the comments!
.: ishcapades 