Right now with self-isolation and social distancing being the name of the game it is an incredibly difficult time for travel bloggers. It seems irresponsible to be posting about travel right now. So, instead, I wanted to offer up some alternatives to travel that will help you get your mind off all the stresses going on in the world and give you the opportunity to relax like you were on vacation. While you do all of these things make sure that you practice good social distancing.
Free Concerts and Performances Online
The Paris Opera House, the Metropolitan Opera, The Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, the Berlin Philharmonic, and many others have made a lot of their concerts and performances available for free online. Worcester Cathedral is offering a live organ recital every evening on Facebook Live and there are a number of musicians who are performing for free on social media like Yo-Yo Ma using #SongsofComfort. Planet Fitness is also offering free online classes streamed on the company’s Facebook page.
Golfing
As someone who lives right next to a golf course I can tell you that golfing is still happening! Check in with your local golf course and see if they’re still running. They’ll most likely say if they aren’t on social media. When you go be sure to keep observing social distancing rules and make sure to bring wipes to wipe down the equipment you rent before you use it. Golfing is a great option even if you aren’t someone who would normally golf because you will be doing something new and you’ll be somewhere you’ve not gone before.
Head Out Into Nature
Have you ever gone up into the mountains and lounged by a lake with almost no one else nearby? Depending on where you live this might be a very easy thing for you to do. But even if you don’t have a lake nearby you can lounge on there’s no reason you can’t go out and explore the woods. Just make sure you know which way to go to get back to your car. This would be a TERRIBLE time to get lost. Also, be aware of what kinds of wildlife you might find and any potential dangers like rattlesnakes, mountain lions, and bears.
Hiking
If walking around in the middle of nature without a trail sounds a little bit too dangerous to you then maybe you should just stick to the trails. Have no fear though! Trails are easy to find. I recommend avoiding state and national parks at the moment. A lot of other people will have the idea of going for a hike which means the trails will be crowded. Instead, go for the less popular trails, the ones that only locals know about. You may still find people out hiking with you, but at least it will be easier to observe social distancing.
Lounge in Your Yard
If you’re lucky enough to have good weather then there is no reason why you can’t go and lounge in your yard. Bring a nice fruity drink, put up your feet and bask in the sunlight. Just like laying on the beach, right!? Well…almost.
Picnic
Pack up your lunch and have a picnic! You can do it in your yard if you want or even in a local park. Just remember to keep the social distancing rules in mind and wipe down the space you use so it’s clean for the next person.
Road Trip
Make yourself some lunch, make sure you’ve got a full tank of gas and you’ve got everything you need for a day long road trip. Avoid cities as much as you can and instead head out into the wilderness, or at least farm country. Don’t do anything on your trip that requires you to go inside a building. Instead go for interesting vistas, waterfalls, or things like covered bridges.
Virtual Tours
I’m planning on doing a whole article on museums that are offering free virtual tours online right now but not including at least a few on this list would be a huge oversight. There are in fact thousands of museums offering free virtual tours.
Museum of Modern Art, New York (MoMA)
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (The Met)
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York
National Museum Of Anthropology, Mexico City
American Museum of Natural History, New York City
If you’d like to read more on ways to scratch the travel itch when you cant travel I’ve put together an article that covers that as well.
