Wanderlust at Home
10 Ways to Satisfy Your Travel Cravings Between Trips
Wanderlust is a powerful feeling that drives us to explore new places and cultures. However, for many of us, the ability to travel is limited by time, money, or other factors. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to satisfy your wanderlust in between trips. Here are some ideas to help you experience the world without leaving home.
Explore your own city
Even if you’ve lived in the same city for years, there’s always something new to discover. Check out local events, museums, and restaurants you have yet to try.
Cook international cuisine
One of the best things about traveling is trying new foods. Bring a taste of your favorite destinations into your home by trying out recipes from around the world.
Watch travel documentaries
Many travel documentaries and series are available on streaming services like Netflix and Hulu. Get inspired by watching shows like “Planet Earth,” “Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown,” or “Chef’s Table.”
Attend cultural events
Many cities host cultural events throughout the year, such as music festivals, parades, and street fairs. Attend events celebrating different cultures to learn more about the world and connect with people from different backgrounds.
Read travel books
Immerse yourself in the world of travel by reading books written by adventurers, such as “Eat, Pray, Love” by Elizabeth Gilbert, “Into the Wild” by Jon Krakauer, or “Wild” by Cheryl Strayed.
Learn a new language
Even if you’re not planning a trip to a foreign country anytime soon, learning a new language can be a fun and rewarding experience. Use language-learning apps like Duolingo or Rosetta Stone to start learning a new language from home.
Take a virtual tour
Many museums and tourist attractions offer virtual tours allowing you to explore different destinations from the comfort of your home. Check out websites like Google Arts & Culture for virtual tours of famous landmarks and museums.
Plan your next trip
The anticipation of a future trip can be as exciting as the trip itself. Use travel websites and apps like TripAdvisor or Lonely Planet to research your next destination and plan your itinerary.
Connect with other travelers
Join travel groups on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram to connect with other travelers and share your own experiences and recommendations.
Practice mindfulness
Sometimes, the best way to satisfy wanderlust is to simply be present in the moment. Practice mindfulness techniques like meditation or yoga to cultivate a sense of peace and gratitude, no matter where you are in the world.
While there’s no substitute for traveling, there are plenty of ways to satisfy your wanderlust between trips. Whether exploring your city, cooking international cuisine, or practicing mindfulness, these activities can help you stay connected to the world and feed your adventurous spirit.
Rebecca is the founder of Sightseeing Sidekick travel blog and the publisher of both a lifestyle and a bridal magazine. Living in Northern Virginia, she’s a 50+ mother and grandmother who started travel blogging to share her “new to her” experiences as she has more time to travel. She hopes to “inspire women who previously may not have been able to travel due to career or family obligations to plan, sightsee, and create memories.” You can follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube
