Eleven months into the pandemic, health risks and travel restrictions are making it hard to leave the quarantine bubble. But that doesn’t mean travel has to stop completely. “Traveling from home” is a great way to explore other cultures and break up boredom. Here are a few simple ways to do it.
Themed cuisine. Pick a destination and let it inspire your menu. From France to the French Quarter, the internet is full of unfamiliar recipes that you can cook at home.
Immersive soundtrack. Platforms like Spotify and YouTube have countless playlists curated by location, so try one and see where it takes you. Many regions are known for their unique musical genres, so you could try traveling that way, too. Exploring genres like zydeco, bluegrass, or Raï can take you to a specific place.
Required reading. Stories can transport you, no travel required. If you don’t have time for a whole novel or biography, try a podcast episode or read a picture book with kids.
Silver screen. Pick a documentary to learn more about a person, place, or movement, explore contemporary stories, or delve into the classics. Two great ways to discover movies about other cultures are to read awards lists or check government arts websites.
For a more immersive experience, combine all four tips into one day or weekend. While it can’t replace the real thing, virtual travel can provide distraction, entertainment, and education about other cultures. Plus, it might just make you appreciate your destination more when you’re finally able to visit in person.
