6 WAYS TO TRAVEL, WITHOUT LEAVING YOUR HOME

Haystack Rock at the Oregon Coast

Chances are we all wish we could jet off to a new, exotic location every, single week. As amazing as it would be to go wherever you want, whenever you want, the reality is it’s just not possible all the time. Luckily, you don't physically have to go anywhere to "get away".

As someone who has experienced what it’s like to not be able to hop on a plane and jet off on a bucket list adventure for the past two years due to personal circumstances, but who is also a travel blogger, I completely understand the feeling of travel FOMO. You feel stuck, you feel like the world is leaving you behind, and most of all you feel as though your dreams, and one of the things you love most in the world, has been taken away from you (sometimes without your consent). But just because I can’t travel how I want to right now doesn’t mean I can’t travel at all, I just have to think outside of the box.

You don’t need to satisfy your travel dreams by trolling social media for the most Instagrammable spots (that’s probably one of the worst things you can do). True inspiration for future adventures can be found in the pages of books, in magical movie scenes, through activities, and so much more. All it takes is a little imagination and a little creativity.

Here are 6 of my favorite ways to escape and cure my wanderlust when I’m cooped up and going stir-crazy.

THE BEST BOOKS TO TRANSPORT YOU

One of the best things about books is the visuals are completely up to you and your imagination! I remember when I read the Harry Potter series (all the way back in grade & middle school) the world of Hogwarts came alive in my head. The way the characters looked, what it would be like to roam the halls of Hogwarts, what it was like buying school supplies in Diagon Alley, all of that was created in my head as I read the words of J.K. Rowling. Then the movies came out….and surprisingly I was not disappointed at all!

This is the thing about books, whether you read them, or listen to them on audiobook, the supporting visuals are all created in your head, which in my opinion allows you to be even more transported. These are some of the books I have fallen in love with (the first being my personal favorite), that really allow you to travel deep inside your mind and step out into another location.

This is the short list for now. Keep your eyes on the blog for the full list! Coming soon!

THE BEST MOVIES TO INSPIRE YOUR WANDERLUST

The whole point of movies are to transport you. It’s even better when they transport you to another place entirely because of the beautiful scenery. I could have probably gone on and on (this list is pretty robust haha), but to keep things manageable, here are the movies I love that not only transport you mentally, and because of their cinematography, physically as well. After watching the below a new location will undoubtedly be added your bucket list.

Mammia Mia Here We Go Again.jpg

I tried to find links to sites where you can stream these movies with a subscription. If there is a link to a subscription service I pulled it from the US site, which undoubtedly will change at some point.

If I could not find a link to a movie on a streaming service I have included links to rent (almost) every movie on Amazon.

THE BEST TV SHOWS (& DOCUMENTARIES) TO CURE YOUR WANDERLUST

Similarly to movies, tv shows and documentaries are another perfect way to inspire and cure your wanderlust. Whether it’s to a fantasy land such as Westeros, or the Scottish Highlands in the 1700s, or to all of the most fascinating and delicious restaurants, TV shows are a way for you to escape week by week — or on a (multiple) day long binge.

Somebody Feed Phil

DOCU-SERIES & TRAVEL SHOWS

Game of Thrones cast

TV SERIES

THE BEST PODCASTS TO INSPIRE YOUR TRAVELS

I just started getting more into podcasts. When Serial came out I was all over it, but after I finished it podcasts rarely entered my train of thought. Sad I know, as there are so many good ones out there!

But when I started biking to and from work this past summer I rediscovered my love of podcasts. As much as a really awesome playlist can be when you are out biking for 30+ minutes, I do truly value the conversations and nuggets of information I get from a really interesting podcast. Here are 5 of the best to take you on or help you plan a trip.

Travelogue by Conde Nast Traveler
Zero To Travel podcast

  • The Thought Card by Danielle Desir: Focuses on world travel, paying off debt, and building wealth, in order to accomplish your travel and financial goals.

  • Travelogue from Condé Nast Traveler: A roundtable-style discussion on different travel trends and themes like sustainable travel, the best places to travel during in different seasons, and more.

  • The Amateur Traveler by Chris Christensen: Need inspiration of where to go next? This podcast literally covers everything. From an Oregon Coast road trip, to the Alsace Region of France, to swimming with whales in Tonga, your bucket list is going to get longer and longer.

  • Zero to Travel by Jason Moore: Learn how to travel the world on your own terms and budget. Meant for everyone from the newbie all the way to the experienced globetrotter. The best part of this podcast is the fact it’s chalk full of actionable advice, resources, and real experiences.

  • Travel with Rick Steves: What can I say about Rick Steves? He’s a travel rockstar who is probably THE only European guide you need, has written 30 best-selling guidebooks, and has been entertaining people with his antics and advice for more than 20 years. My mom introduced my to him in college (by giving me a MASSIVE box set of his DVDs the Christmas after I did a summer study program in London), and I have been in love with his wit, banter and travel shows since. Plus, from what I hear he’s a pretty chill guy in real life. Just as good as his TV show, except now you can have Rick with you wherever you go. It’s time to go to Europe, and beyond!

If you’re like me and just can’t get enough of Rick Steves check out his Rick Steves Over Brunch podcast, where he chats with travel writers Stephanie Craig and Christopher Mitchell about his Rick Steves' Europe episodes.

THE BEST WAYS TO TRAVEL THROUGH FOOD & DRINKS

I’ve said it once, and I’ll continue to say it over and over again, I am a culturally curious person. This means, when I travel I want to experience every, single aspect of the culture of the place I am visiting. A big part of cultures all over the world is the food. The experience of new smells, new tastes, new dining adventures, and the shared experience with people you know and people you have just met. But just because you can’t travel to Europe does not mean you can’t “travel” to Greece. How? By expanding your palette from the comfort of your own kitchen, of course!

  • CURATE YOUR OWN WINE TASTING

    Choose a one, or a couple, of countries, head to your nearest grocery or wine store, pick up 4-6 bottles, come home and taste!

  • TRY A NEW RECIPE

    I’m all about a good Pinterest scroll, and The Global Vegan by Ellie Bullen is a fabulous way to try a new cuisine the vegan way!

  • TAKE A VIRTUAL COOKING CLASS

    There are many cooking classes, and cooking shows, you can watch online. Gordon Ramsay guides you through 20 exclusive video lessons in his Masterclass, Gucci Osteria’s Massimo Bottura is currently offering FREE classes on his Instagram page, Udemy offers culinary courses including everything from making your own beer at home to quick and easy Asian meals, and so many more!

  • SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES BY ORDERING DELIVERY OR TAKEOUT

    Is there an Italian restaurant you have continually told yourself you need to try it out? Did a new Thai restaurant recently open in your neighborhood? Are you just craving some really good sushi? Now is the time to order in! Curb your international cravings and support your community all at the same time.

THE BEST WAYS TO “ACTIVELY” TRAVEL THE WORLD

Gray Malin Italy puzzle

Now this last category may not be everyone, but I am a strong believer that you should always try to stimulate your mind. You don’t want it to turn to mush after all. Plus, when you start spending more time at home it’s best to come up with a variety of things to do to change up the routine, to keep things interesting. Whether it’s a game, or an activity that uses both your hands and your brain, or “visiting a museum”, below are some ideas that fall into the arts, crafts and activities categories.

  • PUZZLES

    These are my favorites: Double-sided Italy, 3D Hogwarts, 1,000 piece Cinque Terre, 4D Game of Thrones Westeros cityscape.

  • VIRTUAL MUSEUM TOURS

    Many world famous museums are not only cultural and artistic epicenters, they are also cherished national monuments. You could easily spend a lifetime trying to travel to and visit them all. Luckily we live in a digital age, and many museums are taking advantage of this, offering admission-free glimpses into their hallowed halls. I would highly recommend experiencing the following:

    The Louvre (Paris)
    The Guggenheim (New York City)
    The British Museum (London)
    National Museum of Natural History (Washington D.C.)
    The Met (New York City)
    The Vatican (Rome)
    Google also has partnered with more than 1,200 cultural institutions around the world to share their art and provide virtual tours via their Google Art Project.

  • LIVE CAMS

    From city streets to national zoos to wild animals, there is no shortage of live web cams streaming the some of the most interesting, as well as the cutest of videos, all over the world.

  • UNESCO VIRTUAL TOURS

    If you have a bunch of UNESCO sites on your bucket list check them out before booking your trip! Many sites offer virtual tours, which is the perfect way to “test” them out, and get a little sneak peak.

  • 360 DEGREE CITY PHOTOS

    This is another great way to “test out” a city before committing to a trip. Yes, doing something like this can sometimes take away some of the magic pre-visiting, but when you aren’t able to jet off somewhere it’s a perfect way to visit that city you’ve been dreaming of.

  • LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE

    I always advocate for people to try to learn a handful of friendly conversation, greeting and question words before they go on a trip to another country. Not only is it a way to show your respect for the locals, but it’s a great way to further immerse yourself into the culture. When you are in a holding pattern, waiting for your next trip, getting a head start on learning the language is a perfect use of your free time. Plus, it’s a great way to get yourself even more excited. Some of the apps that I have tried that I like are Duolingo, Babbel, Busuu and Rosetta Stone.

Enjoy your trip, no passport required!

stay wild + curious!
xo, lindsey

LINDSEYtravel on a budget, travel, travel tips, travel hacks, wanderlust, staycation, staycation ideas, travel ideasComment