It's a crazy time right now. We can't get more than 6 feet of each other, there's no toilet paper, and we have to leave our houses with our faces covered (which is real hard for those of us with sensitive skin issues). These are unprecedented times, but what might be the hardest of all is that nothing is open, but we all finally have the time to go somewhere. So what can you do to "travel" when you aren't allowed? Simple, you just get creative!
One of the simplest, and most logical way, to travel right now is through the magical world of literature. Now, I am in no way an avid reader nor do I claim to be, but reading has really helped with my stay-at-home blues. There's plenty of ways to read, and not spend a ton of money. If you have a local Library card, and they use Overdrive, you can find all the books that your library hosts on the app called Libby! If you don't have a library card, don't fret. The app will lead you to your local library and most are now doing online registrations too. Or, you can go on over to your app store of choice and download ebook or audio books onto your device without the hassle of a library card, and can reread those choices whenever! If, however, you are someone that likes the physical thrill of page turning, but don't want to break the bank, head on over to Half Priced Books. They have sorts of deals, and it won't hurt your bank as it would to buy new over pre-loved. I know this might seem silly but reading really does help take your mind off of everything going on around us and escaping to new adventures, and it doesn't hurt to work out our brain muscles.
Another way to "travel" is to go out to your backyard or parking lot and enjoy a fun picnic! There are endless possibilities for food combinations and things to do. Grab your SO, dog, a good book or just yourself and head outside; treat yourself to the wonderful weather mother nature has given us (and a good insta-worthy pic never hurt). Unfortunately for us the rain came a little harder than expected the night before, but we didn't let that stop our fun! We just loaded everything up into the car and enjoyed the day from the trunk. We didn't get too creative with our food- just some light hors d'oeuvres to snack on, but you could make a trip like this as extravagant as you want; so add those croissants and imagine the Eiffel Tower behind you!
Now you can still, very easily, travel to a foreign land from the comfort of your home. Get on Spotify/Pandora/Youtube, and look up your favorite region's local music. While you are enjoying the music of a Venetian gondola ride, or the local eccentricities of Japan, enjoy a meal from that region. Whether take-out or you have a fun night of learning new dishes, this can be a new way to leave the confines of your home and get to a new region. Dress up even, do your hair, wear that outfit you've been saving for a special occasion, it'll help set the mood, and playing dress up once in awhile is fun!
Everyday has to end though, and one thing most of us forget is viewing the stars. So grab a blanket and go back outside with anyone, or no one, and escape to the galaxies. Stars are a good way to get back in touch with your own thoughts, and re-center you to life. Go on the web, or download any star gazing app, and while you are looking up, try to map out what constellations you are specifically seeing and maybe a planet or two. It may sound silly but enjoying the simple things right now is exactly what mother nature has ordered.
I know this may not be your typical travel blog post - but with everything going on, it's rather hard to. I hope you were able to at least get some cute ideas for your next adventure, or at the very least get your mind off of our status and distract yourself for a moment. Try to grasp on to the little things we forget about in our daily crazy movements, and recenter yourself. You don't need a companion to do any of the local traveling ideas, just a positive attitude and some creativity. We will get through this together, and if all else fails there's still e-commerce to help bring a smile to your day! So go live, love and explore your life, just stay closer to home right now.
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