Armchair Travel: Taking a Trip Without Leaving the House

Did you have to cancel your travel plans because of COVID-19?

I’m sorry; that sucks because I know it was something you were looking forward to, something you had saved up for, and something that was special to you. It’s okay to be angry and sad.

But, when you’re done grieving and you realize you’re still home looking for something to do, it’s time to get creative… take a trip without leaving the house.

We know it won’t be the same, but it can still be an escape, a fun project, a good memory, and something to post about on-line.

Steps to planning your “trip”:

Think about the following:

• Where were you supposed to go? Or go further and think of your dream vacation!
• What were you most looking forward to? (Relaxing? Family time? Adventures? Cultural sites? Food?)
• Who were you supposed to go with? And what is your access to them during social distancing? (Are you all in the house together? Are you only able to communicate via phone/computer? Are you in the house together, but have some extra people with you?)
• How can you separate yourself from your normal day-to-day life? (Is there a room in the house you don’t use often? Is there a park you’re still able to visit?)
• Do you want to surprise anyone with this “trip”? Determine a time and a place where you can make this happen and who you might need to enlist for help.
• Do research and plan in advance for what you want to do–order items on-line, go to the store(s) you’re allowed to, enlist others to help with the plan. Give yourself time to get ready, every vacation takes some planning!
• Put it on the calendar! Do a countdown and have it be something you look forward to.

Now here are some ideas to help with your “traveling”:

Read a Book

“Reading gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are.”–Mason Cooley

Travel Books and Movies is dedicated to books (and movies) that transport you. There are so many options for each and every destination in the world to help you “visit” wherever you want to go. To look for a book, ask us for advice, ask your local book club for info, or just search on-line. (Bonus Tip: Many libraries and bookstores are closed, but you can still order online. E-books and audiobooks should be available from your library or order hard-copy books from local bookstores–support small business!).

Watch a Movie

Movies can definitely transport you to a different place–sights and sounds truly come alive! Determine what genre you’re looking for (if you were looking forward to a nice beach vacation with the girls, I would not recommend a movie about a serial killer…even if it is set in Thailand). Travel Books and Movies has plenty of recommendations if you need help or search online for ideas! Many movies can be streamed for free or this might be a time where it is worth splurging and renting or buying a movie online. (Bonus Tip: Don’t forget to look on YouTube! There are some full-length movies or you can find several shorter clips!)

Eat a Meal

We’re a big fan of supporting local businesses during this, so do some research of who is open and delivering in your area and order some fun food to fuel your vacation! If you’re making it a weekend, don’t forget to think of every meal (you would have been paying for it anyway!) and try out different places. Or, get creative and make cooking part of your vacation–recipes can be found online and there are also videos for some of the trickier dishes! (Bonus Tip: Ethnic grocery stores are fun to shop in, they’re cheaper, and…they probably have toilet paper!)

Listen to Some Music

Every trip has a background soundtrack–it might be the music of a performing local band, the lapping of waves of the ocean, or the chirping of crickets. Every single one of those sounds can be found on-line to serve as background for your trip. (Bonus Tip: If you use Spotify, Amazon Music, or some other streaming service for music, they probably have a station or playlist for the type of music you’re looking for! Irish Pub Songs might be one of my go-tos even when not trying to travel. 🙂 )

Decorate Your Venue

This is where your creative side really comes out–print photos, order posters, create a giant mural, order a new bed cover (you deserve it!), find a local florist and order a special bouquet or plant, set your table with real dishes and placemats (maybe even get themed-placemats?), find a screensaver with photos from your destination to play on your TV or computer, and make it special. You can even buy candles with specific scents related to your destination! Who knew?!? (Bonus Tip: Make the decorating a special activity, too–bring your kids into the process, use a paint-by-number to create your destination, or use it as an opportunity to learn about a native technique!)

Wear the Clothes

That sweet bikini you bought for the trip? WEAR IT! Hiking clothes for the adventure? WEAR IT! A special dress for a special night? WEAR IT! It seems silly to put on clothes and put on make-up and do your hair after all this time at home (and who’s going to see it?), but you have to “dress the part to get the part.” And how else are you going to get the perfect new pic for Instagram? (Bonus Tip: Don’t forget the clothes for bed…did you have something special packed?)

Check out a Livestream

Lots of places are now jumping on the virtual/livestream wagon, so do some research and see if your vacation destination is one of them! (Bonus Tip: Here are 15 destination livestream options already collected for you! )

Plan the Activities

• Lounge around on your balcony/porch (or in your living room) and read those beach-reads.
• Visit museums on-line!
• Go to the ballet, the opera, or a concert on-line! (Bonus Tip: Broadway HD is offering a 7-day free trial!)
• Go on a walking tour thanks to Wind Walk Travel Videos.
• Don’t forget Google Earth to really spy on your destination.
• A puzzle with a picture of your destination can be a fun group activity (that will take up a lot of time).
• AirBnB is now offering online experiences with its hosts from all over the world like a Mexican Salsa Cooking Class, an Irish Dancing Lesson, or a Meditation Session with a Japanese Monk.
• Kayak is also jumping on board with virtual city guides to a few major cities (with more being added). They even have virtual reality vacations if you really want to go all out!
• Take a bath with some special scented bubbles.

Get the Souvenirs

Treat yourself! If you collect a certain item from all your travels, find one for this one! Magnets and shot glasses are pretty easy to find. Or use Etsy to look for unique items like tree ornaments or even local art. (Bonus Tip: Depending on the location and the craft they’re known for, you might even be able to make the craft yourself?!?)

Take the Pictures

Take pictures of your activities and post online. Your friends and family really would like to see the fun you’re having–the special dinner you had, the beautiful scenery you created in your home or in your backyard, that special outfit you wore. Post it on your social media and be proud of your “trip.” It will be fun to compare these pictures with the “real thing” when you finally get there!

Special Options for Kids

We know, it’s hard to keep kids entertained on any trip, much less one from your own home (where you’ve already spent way too much time already), so be prepared for some meltdowns, but treat this like a family project and/or a reward for good behavior–they deserve a break, too! (And, shhh…you could consider it learning, too!)

There are lots of options out there for kids:

• National Geographic Kids has games, videos, and lots of interesting facts to help kids learn about countries, animals, or all of the U.S. states.
• Conde Nast Traveler put together a whole day of activities to take kids around the world.
• Disney is offering all kinds of online experiences including virtual rides, a video of one of their famous parades, and recipes for some park favorites.
• Reading books and watching movies is a great option for kids, too! The family can read a book about a destination together or each read their own and share what they learned later. (Travel Books and Movies can give specific ideas if you need help finding something for a certain age!)
• Play games from your destination–there are ones specific to outdoor or games for inside, too. Or look for some online/video games that feature your destination.
• Coloring books have been a big trend and there are lots to choose from that feature vacation destinations. (Bonus tip: These are also great for adults.)
• Try camping in the backyard, building a special fort, or sleeping bags on the porch.

Bon Voyage!

We know it won’t be the same, but, the truth is: you’re making memories right now no matter what you do…you might as well make them fun, creative, and use this time to explore in a different (cheaper!) way. Relax. Enjoy. Eat. Daydream.

We’re always here to help: we know all about books and movies (for all ages!) about specific destinations and we’re happy to make recommendations. We’re also experienced event planners, so let us know if you’re interested in having TBM Experiences help plan your “trip.”