The global spread of coronavirus, or, more specifically, COVID-19, pretty much means that most of us who are home are staying home for the foreseeable future. Some of us who happen to have been out in the world as nations and attractions began shutting down are figuring out ways to safely return to home base.
This post may contain affiliate links in which the Bashful Adventurer earns a small commission if you click on the link and make a purchase from the site.
Travel right now for many is little more than a dream. Foreign travel as of this writing has largely been restricted, museums are closed, various restrictions in different places apply to anywhere a crowd might gather. The world, in some measure, is staying put.
Travelers, bashful or not, tend to embrace change perhaps more easily than others. Right now, change is happening to us collectively. We probably won’t be traveling as we get through this transformation, but we can dream about it.
Which makes armchair travel at this moment that much more relevant. Travel for me a little more than 10 years ago was just a vague goal I had in mind, but I managed to start racking up passport stamps with what could be described as a minimal budget. I still have my travel goals, and I will be sharing some here for the day when it is safe to venture far into the world again.
Travel through Reading
Those with a love of history might find their learning reinforced by visiting historic destinations, or, at the very least, by reading about them and seeing images of them. Look for more coverage of books and films in this space in the coming weeks.
On Smelling Good and Clean
In my travels, I’ve managed to come across some items that are particularly relevant now. My favorite sources of soap (oh so vital in these wash-away-the-germs-times) are Naples Soap Company and Indigo Wild (which makes Zum soap). Both companies ship. Both companies also have options that those who have experienced the joy of eczema or psoriasis might find viable for sensitive skin.
Everyone Needs the Post Office
Important when so many of us are socially isolating is staying in touch. I’ve been a lifelong fan of post offices, letter writing, and postcard sending, and I’ll be writing about that sort of communication about travel or anything else more often. Wherever I go, I try to visit a post office and also send some postcards. Of course, if you are reading this post, you have online capacity. But reading a message handwritten especially for you is even better. I hope more armchair travelers will indulge in the habit.
Looking Ahead: Roads Less Traveled
Looking ahead, I cannot help but wonder how this pandemic will impact life, and travel, in the future. I foresee a return to travel of old, when people escaped crowded cities and ventured out into the countryside to kick back, swim in lakes, laze away long afternoons reading or writing or hiking or talking and mixing martinis. I’ll cover less traveled places that may merit a look in these new times when we seek less crowding and fewer opportunities to transmit something nasty. And maybe airlines will stop packing travelers in in the most uncomfortable ways. I hope to cover that shift, too.
—Lori Tripoli
Lori Tripoli is the editor and publisher of Bashful Adventurer. Based in the New York City vicinity, she writes about travel for a variety of publications. Contact Lori at loritripoli @ bashfuladventurer.com.
Looking for some armchair travel adventures? You might like these posts:
Share on Pinterest!
