One of my favourite lockdown activities to do is armchair travelling. Going around the world without leaving the comforts of my room. There are so many different ways to armchair travel and I’m sure there are many more!

1. Wanderlusting
   Want to be whisked away to another part of the world without leaving your seat? Have a nice session reading blogs.
   I enjoy reading other people’s travel blogs about where they went, what they saw, what they ate and what they did. I have recently learnt about stave churches through one of the blogs! I read about places I have been but want to return to to see more of the country/town or that I want to go to. Similarly, I like spending some time on instagram looking at beautiful pictures of travel destinations that I want to go back to or countries that I want to visit. I’ve also added towns to certain countries onto my list after seeing some of these pictures. Let’s call it wanderlusting and future trip planning.

2. Souvenirs
Make use of your souvenirs. Do you have plates or a table cloth that you purchased overseas sitting at the back of the cupboard? Why not use them for why you purchase it in the first place? A useful object that also is able to bring back fond memories. Have photos from our past travels? Why not frame them, print them off for a photo album or create a photo book.
When I travel, the souvenirs that I tend to gravitate towards are either jewelry (usually hand-crafted), non perishable food or home decorations that I can place in the open to remind me of the places I have been. It always puts a spring in my step when I’m wearing something that someone else has put their time, mind and creativity into making. Plus, it always reminds me of the best times that I’ve had in that country.
With food, it has to be dried, bottled and wrapped due to Australia’s strict customs. I’m always on the lookout for anything that is jarred or bottled so that I can save the container afterwards which is great as it doubles up in function and can also become a home decor piece.
Home decorations for me have been in the form of artwork from local artists or prints/postcards which I have framed. Artwork is so subjective and really comes down to personal taste and style and is a great reminder of travels past.

3. Media
Reading books that are set in different cities or watching movies is another great way to armchair travel. I enjoy watching movies from other countries (not just the Hollywood ones) as different countries humor, cultural definitions or artistic creations are so different from one another and opens up the mind (just like travel!). My favourite online bookstore is Book Depository

4. Language
Learning the local language is also a great way to become more ‘connected’ to the country. Not only do you find out what is happening in another part of the world, you get a sense of what is considered important in the country at the time which could be completely different to what is in yours. It can also instantly make you feel like you’re worlds away simply by listening to another language. An added bonus is that you’ll also be able to use your new found skill next time you return or go to that country.

5. Food
Cooking! Not being such a good cook myself, this is the last on my list. I have attempted many dishes that just don’t quite turn out like the ones in restaurants abroad. But if you fancy yourself a chef, this is a great way to explore the world right from your kitchen. It could be picking a country and dish once a month or something more encompassing such as a continent a season. Please let me know if you’ve done this (with pictures please!).

How do you armchair travel? What is your favourite armchair travelling activity? I would love to know and learn from you!

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