Is it still possible to travel during the Corona crisis? This question may seem a little controversial, but don’t worry, I’ll explain. Traveling is as good as non existent during this time of quarantines and lock downs. But actually it all depends on how you look at it…
How you can still travel during the Corona crisis
What is traveling?
Let’s see, what is the definition of traveling? Traveling is often defined as making a journey, typically of some length; going to different places; moving from one place to another. So basically moving from your home to somewhere else is traveling… but that would be a little too simple, right?
Three kinds of travel
In my opinion there are three kinds of travel. To be clear; there is nothing wrong with either of them, they are just different;
1. Lazy vacation
There are people who travel to a hotel, resort, club and who spend all their time laying by the pool or at the beach. They sleep in, read books, listen to music, go snorkeling or do other hotel activities. They often take an all inclusive package and their main goal is to relax. I call them the “lazy vacationers”. They don’t really care where they go, as long as the destination is sunny, the hotel is awesome, the pool is nice and the buffet is big. Sometimes they are not even able to pin point where they are on a map…
2. Relaxed travel
Some like to stay in a nice place and love to lay by the pool or at the beach all day as well, but like to alternate it with some day excursions. They rent a car for a day or they do an organized boat or bus tour to explore the destination a little. Some do a little research in advance, others arrive at the hotel and go look for possible excursions at the destination itself.
3. Active travel / Exploring
This kind of travel is for the real travelers, explorers out there. Their main goal is to explore the destination. They wake up early to really discover what cities, towns have to offer, climb mountains, chase waterfalls, hike through jungles, get in touch with locals, road trip, etc… They only see the pool or the beach after the explorations of that day are finished and they are often well prepared.
Also check out my post on how to keep busy and creative during quarantine !
How to miss traveling a little less during the Corona crisis?
Vacation at home
For the first type of travelers, the “lazy vacationers” it is the easiest. Think of the destination you were supposed to be going, or that you still want to go to after all this is over. What is typical for this destination? What music do they have? What food do they eat?
Create a music playlist and find some recipes of that destination. Or order food from that destination online at a local restaurant in your neighborhood? Maybe even buy a palm plant to get that tropical vibe inside! (I actually did that!) Get that book you wanted to read and make a local cocktail to sip from while reading. In the meantime your vacation music can play in the background. Ok, you don’t have the pool (you could buy a small one online?) and you can’t go snorkeling, but you still have your vacation with some exotic vibes. When the weather is sunny and you are lucky to be able to sit outside, even better! Miss the fish? Get a fish tank! Of course it is not the same, but be creative and try to make the most of it!
Exploring at home
For those who like to explore, it is harder, but still possible! I am definitely an active traveler/explorer. I have to force myself often to sit at the pool or at the beach, because usually I am always too eager to explore some more. Even though exploring another country isn’t possible at the time, you can still go exploring in your neighborhood if you are allowed to go outside!
I am lucky to live in Belgium, where I can still go outside for walks and bike rides (as long as I respect the social distancing rules and don’t go too far). But once your quarantine / lock down becomes less severe, you can do the following too!
So what did I do the past few weeks? I have been looking at a map of my neighborhood to see where I can go. Thinking of what kind of places I love to explore, I created a list of possible places to go to like beautiful green areas, parks, castles,… Some places I already knew very well, others were new to me. So I decided to explore both early in the morning. Not only are there way less people around at 7.00 am, but also the light is so much better with the rising sun, which makes everything look more magical!
I took my tripod and photo camera and biked to a boulevard lined with gorgeous cherry blossoms. It felt as if I was in Japan. I visited a castle I have passed several times already, but now it was the first time I actually took the time to admire its beauty. I discovered a fairy bridge and a castle tower as if I was traveling through Scotland…
All this within a radius of only 5 kilometers from my home…
Enjoy the little things and be open to see the magic
I have been going to parks and green areas during sunrise and I experienced the awakening of nature all by myself there. Birds singing loud in the trees. Dew drops sliding down from the grass and shine bright like diamonds in the morning sun. The sparkling sun and dancing fog on the water surface of a lake disturbed by ducks landing in the water. The blooming of flowers and the fresh morning breeze on my cheeks. All so magical if you are willing to see!
It is important to know that you don’t always have to go far to experience beauty and new places. A different moment of the day can make a place look totally different. And I am sure there are new places nearby your home waiting to be discovered as well!
You just need to be willing to open your eyes for it so you will be able to see! Beauty can be found in the smallest things. So, once/if you are allowed, make an effort and go look for a place in your neighborhood to explore. Preferably at sunrise, when the light is so much more beautiful and nature more enjoyable without other people around disturbing the animals and silence.
You can still travel during the Corona crisis, just not to foreign places
So yes, you can still travel during the Corona crisis. But not to far away places (yet). I know it is not the same. Trust me, I can’t wait to travel to foreign places again, but for now we just have to accept the current situation and make the best of it. Don’t just wait it out and think that life is on pause now. Make something of it. After all life never takes a break. It is unstoppable and it is up to you how to experience it! And in time we will be able to go further and further away again.
Who knows maybe you learned to look at things differently in the meantime and enjoy life and your travels more!
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