armchair travel is

Armchair Travel: 16 Ways To Travel The World From Home

Got the wanderlust but you’re not able to travel anywhere at the moment? That’s okay – you can become an armchair traveler and explore all the places you want from the comfort of your bed.

You’ll need a computer or a smartphone, a good internet connection, and an idea of a place you want to explore. Nothing else is required for armchair travel, and if your interest is peaked, you can read all about armchair travel right here in this detailed guide!

What Is Armchair Travel?

Armchair travel is kind of like a staycation, but instead of exploring the local attractions, you don’t even have to leave the house. It’s discovering new places from the comfort of your chair, hence the term armchair travel.

It can include anything from looking over photos from your past trips to spending hours on Google Earth, walking around the streets of a city you’ve never been to. It’s pretty much just detaching yourself from your current surroundings and immersing yourself in things related to a different country so that for a moment you actually feel like you are there.

It’s as simple as reading a book about Paris while listening to Edith Piaf and eating a croissant.

16 Ways To Travel The World From Home

Technology has come far enough to allow us to travel the world from the comfort of your own home. Well, not quite, but it’s almost there – you can explore the streets of any country in the world from the comfort of your bedroom, you can learn about the best restaurants, and you can even do virtual tours of museums and other famous attractions – you just have to zoom in enough on the world map. That’s the beauty of living in the age of virtual reality and 360-degree images.

I’m just getting started, and here are even more armchair travel ideas that will help you explore your dream destination from home!

Read Travel Blogs

Just because you can’t hop on an airplane and head to a new destination doesn’t mean you can’t learn about it and explore it. Reading travel blogs is a good way to explore new countries through the eyes and lenses of other travelers.

It’s a form of virtual travel that allows you to draw from other people’s experiences. The key is to find a travel blogger you can relate to and whose content you enjoy reading. Immerse yourself in their content, and sooner than you know it, you’ll become an expert on a destination you’ve never even visited.

There are thousands of travel blogs run by people from all around the world, so it shouldn’t be too hard to find at least one that you enjoy.

Virtually Explore US National Parks

Most US National Parks offer virtual tours that are absolutely perfect for an armchair traveler. You can explore any national park you want from the comfort of your home, and you can even peek inside museums and other unique attractions that the national parks have.

Of course, it’s not the same as reaping the benefits of a hot spring inside a national park, but it’s a great way to explore nature and get to know more about the national parks. There’s also the added benefit of not having to deal with snakes, bugs, and the changing weather that’s so common in the NPs.

Head to the Google Arts & Culture website to see all the 52 national parks and historic sites from the US that have made their collections available for digital exploration. You can also see loads of other famous attractions from countries all over the world here, but more details on that later.

Read A Travel-Related Book

If you’re a bookworm, this is the easiest way to become an armchair traveler. Find some travel-related books that you enjoy reading and allow yourself to live in their worlds for the next few days.

Also, a travel-related book can be anything. It could be the autobiography of your favorite artist who recounts all the places life has taken him to, a proper travel guide to a different country, or even a fiction novel set in a foreign country.

Travel guides and coffee table books related to travel are the safest options if you’re not an avid reader. From travel guides through the US to detailed exploration of Italy’s best beaches – there are countless travel books out there, and you just need to search for one that’s about the destination you’re most interested in.

Those who prefer fiction have even more options. I can’t help myself and I have to recommend Jo Nesbo’s Harry Hole series – the popular crime novels are set in Norway, primarily Oslo, and the detailed descriptions of the city’s top sights will truly transport you to the Nordics for a moment.

Listen To Travel Podcast

Not a big fan of reading or watching TV? Put on a travel podcast then and listen to other people recount the details of their latest trips. You’ll hear some fun and interesting stories for sure, but you may also learn about the inconveniences that might arise should you choose to travel to the same destinations.

We Travel There is a great podcast hosted by Lee Huffman. He interviews locals from all around the world, so every episode is about a different city. The local attractions and best places to visit are usually highlighted in each episode, making this podcast worth checking out even when you’re planning a travel itinerary.

Where To Go is also a great podcast, mostly because it’s hosted by the team behind DK Eyewitness travel guides. They’re some of the best travel guides out there, and the podcast episodes truly give them a run for their money.

Watch Travel Vlogs On Youtube

There are countless travel vloggers trying to make a living by doing the one thing they love most – traveling. You can support them and help them make their dreams come true by consuming their content and exploring the different countries of the world from the comfort of your own couch.

Finding a travel vlogger you like shouldn’t be too challenging, especially with so many different options out there. The key is to find a person you genuinely enjoy watching, otherwise, you won’t be able to focus on the travel destinations!

You can also find live camera streams on YouTube from countries all over the world. They usually include short snippets from various cameras, but it’s a great way to get a glimpse of distant landscapes and everyday life in foreign countries in just a few minutes. Plus, if you see a stream that you particularly like, you can always just find that specific live camera and refer to it whenever you want.

Enroll in A Travel-Related Course

If you still enjoy learning and you’ve particularly interested in travel, why not enroll in a travel-related course. Working on yourself and furthering your education is always a good thing, and you never know what opportunities may present themselves after you’ve completed the course.

I’m not saying enroll in a five-year college course about tourism, but you can take various online and offline courses on a myriad of topics relating to travel. The best way to get started is to get acquainted with all the different diplomas and certificates that are relevant to the tourism industry.

There are dozens of them, and there are many ways to earn them, from attending free online courses to enrolling in MBA degree programs.

Learn what it takes to become a travel agent, get a certificate that allows you to be a tour guide in your hometown, or complete a flight attendant training program. There are countless travel-related courses you can take, and you just need to see which ones interest you the most. This can also increase your chances of getting a job with one of the travel companies if that’s something you are interested in.

Additionally, you can also enroll in language-related courses. They usually include learning about the culture, literature, and history of the country whose language you’re learning, plus learning a new language is always a great idea.

Cook Your Favorite Dishes From Around The World

Exploring a new country means exploring its cuisine and getting to know all of its different flavors. So, if you’re feeling like traveling somewhere but you can’t actually go to that country, you can try to make it – or at least a tiny bit of it – in your own kitchen.

Turn to YouTube or one of a million different recipe websites, and find a dish you enjoy from the cuisine of the country you want to visit. Tacos will immediately fill the room with staple smells from South America, a good curry can never not remind you of India, and sushi is entirely self-explanatory.

So, if you can’t go on a trip right this minute but you’re desperate to at least feel like you’re traveling, just make your entire kitchen smell like a street full of food vendors from that country!

Watch TV Shows Related To Travel

Sometimes it’s enough for a show to be filmed at the right location for it to become extremely popular. Emily in Paris proved that – despite the fact that the show was criticized for a number of different things, it remained extremely popular and mostly because of the fact that it’s filmed in Paris.

People love to tune in to see Lily Collins strolling down the cobblestone alleys of Montmartre and enjoying croissants with a fabulous view of the Eiffel Tower, and I have to admit I’m also guilty of binging both seasons.

It doesn’t have to be a show about one specific city – there are countless travel shows that will satisfy your wanderlust for a moment, and many of them feature a different city or country in every episode. Put on some of Anthony Bourdain’s classics – No Reservations and Parts Unkown are still some of the best shows that combine food and travel!

The Grand Tour is another gem that covers remote destinations from around the world, and it’s particularly interesting for car lovers. But you don’t have to be into cars to appreciate the humor of Jeremy Clarkson, James May, and Richard Hammond, and you certainly don’t need to know anything about vehicles to admire the spectacular landscapes that are featured in the episodes of this humorous travel show.

Watch Travel Movies

If you don’t want to commit to an entire TV show, you can just put on a travel movie. Into The Wild is a textbook example of a travel movie, and probably the best-known film in the genre. But a travel movie can be almost anything, as long as it’s set in the place that you’re yearning to visit.

I get the urge to travel to Sicily whenever I watch Godfather, and I doubt anyone would consider that a travel movie. But the beautiful landscapes that Al Pacino escapes to are so fascinating that, for a moment, it’s entirely possible to forget you’re watching a movie about mobsters.

The entire Before Sunrise/Sunset/Midnight trilogy showcases the beauty of spectacular European cities – Vienna, Paris, and Greece, in that order. Mamma Mia also depicts the beauty of Croatian and Greek islands, and it’s a great film to put on if you’re dreaming about a beach vacation.

Wild, starring Reese Whitherspoon, follows an inexperienced hiker setting out on the Pacific Crest Trail. The entire movie was shot on location, so it features the actual highlights of the iconic US long-distance hiking trail.

Go On A Virtual Tour of World’s Famous Museums

Some of the most famous museums in the entire world offer free virtual tours, and you should take advantage of that. J Paul Getty Museum, London’s Natural History Museum, and Musée d’Orsay in Paris have all made their collections available for virtual exploration.

Head to Google Arts & Culture again to go through the collections of these museums. You can even browse the various digital collections they have by genre or time period, so finding a collection curated specifically for you is easier than ever.

Learn A New Language

Learning an entirely new language is the best form of armchair travel. Not only does it get you closer to the culture of a country you’re fascinated by, but it’s also a way of developing a new skill that you can use for the rest of your life.

Learning a new language isn’t exactly the easiest thing you can do to satisfy your wanderlust, but it’s certainly the most useful one. You’ll particularly be happy you took up that happy if you manage to travel to the country whose native language you’ve mastered!

Also, keep in mind that learning a new language usually includes learning about the history and culture of that country, as well as reading a few books written by the nation’s most prominent writers. So, you’re not just learning how to talk to locals on your next trip, but you’re also getting a complete guide to the most important landmarks and attractions of the country you choose!

Plan Your Next Trip

Do you already have a destination in mind for your next trip? Then why not start planning it right now. You don’t have to purchase airplane tickets if you’re not sure when you’ll be able to go, but it’s a good idea to start researching other details that will come in handy during your trip.

Look at hotels and AirBnBs to see where you would like to stay and be sure to check out all the top tourist attractions and things to do at the destination. You can even make little maps for any future trip, and you can refer to the map when you actually arrive at that destination.

If you often go on road trips, you already know just how much planning goes into them, if you want things to go smoothly. You can get a head start on your next trip right now – it will get you excited about the trip, plus you can plan out a good chunk of the road trip.

Reminisce About Your Past Trips

Nothing can transport you through time and place quite like a personal photograph. Blow the dust off your online albums and take the time to go through all the 2365 photos you took on that trip to Rio de Janeiro. It can’t be just me that takes a million photos wherever I’m in a new city, and it can’t just be me that never looks at them again.

Take the time to go through the old photos and choose your favorites. You can even print them out if you like and create a travel collage to hang on a wall. Or you can just turn them into a throwback post.

You can also use this opportunity to make room in your phone for photographs you’ll take on your upcoming trips. Delete any blurry shots, images you don’t like, or images that you have a dozen copies of, and create some space for the photographs of places you’re yet to visit!

Create A Travel Scrapbook

Now that we all have amazing cameras in our pockets, it seems like we’re always taking photos, but never taking the time to go through them. Do you remember going through your childhood albums, and how happy you’d be when you saw that one photo you have a great memory of? Or when you looked at images from your travels as a kid?

You can still do that now, even if you’re a full-blown adult. You can even create an album if you want, but a travel scrapbook is a bit more fun. Go through the photos of the last (or any) place you visited, and select the ones you like the most and you want to have in your travel scrapbook.

If you need some travel inspiration, why not dedicate a few pages to every destination you visited. Print out your favorite photos with your friends and family, but also of the landmarks you liked and any places that stood out. Put all the photos in the scrapbook, and be sure to write little captions beneath the photos.

If you do go through with this, two decades from now, when your travel memories start to fade, you’ll be thrilled every time you lay eyes on your little travel scrapbook.

Play A Travel-Themed (Board) Game

Why not try a travel-themed board game to satisfy your itch for a quick trip? Trekking The World is one of the best-selling board games out there, and it’s great for families and friend groups of up to five people. You play the game by racing to visit as many countries in the world as you can and you collect souvenirs along the way. It’s extremely fun, and a great way to learn about some of the most popular destinations in the world.

The World Game is a travel-themed card game for up to five players. It tests your knowledge of geography by asking you to name the capitals of countries, point them out on a map, or guess their flag. It’s a fun card game, but only if you’re into geography.

It’s worth noting that board games aren’t the only types of games you can play that are related to travel. If you’re into gaming, you’ve got even more options when it comes to armchair travel! Many recent AAA games are set in existing cities, and most of those open worlds are incredibly detailed and pretty true to life.

Not all the details will be identical, but it’s important to point out that the reconstruction of Notre Dame will be done with the help of Ubisoft’s drawings that they used to recreate the iconic church in their Assassin’s Creed Unity game.

You can walk through the streets of London, New York, San Francisco, Paris, Tokyo, and many other cities if you’ve got a computer that can run newer AAA games. If not, just try Geouesser – the online game is one of the best things for armchair travel, especially if you want to explore places off the beaten path.

Socialize With Fellow Travel Enthusiasts on Social Media

If all else fails, turn to social media. Go on Reddit, Instagram, or even Facebook and find a group of like-minded travel enthusiasts with whom you can share travel stories and photos. This is also a great way to meet new people and make friends, and you could potentially travel with those people sometime.

But it’s a way of armchair traveling that only extroverts will consider, so it’s definitely not for everyone. You could be one of those people that lurk around the groups and forums, taking in all the stories and images, but not sharing anything with strangers.

About the Author Anna Timbrook

Anna is the co-owner of expert world travel and can't wait to share her travel experience with the world. With over 54 countries under her belt she has a lot to write about! Including those insane encounters with black bears in Canada.

Mastering Armchair Travel: 10 Ways to Enjoy Travel from Home

Last Updated: April 1, 2021

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In a time when the farthest I travel is literally from my desk to my fridge, antsy has become my middle name. And as a travel blogger unable to travel, I suppose you can say I’ve kinda been fired. From a job where I’m the boss.

Despite this setback however, I have discovered the wonders of armchair travel, and wow – what a world.

You heard me – armchair travel, as in the art of vicarious travel from the comfort of your armchair, bed, bean bag, or hey, even the toilet (I’m not here to judge).

And I mean sure, armchair travel may not command the same glittery glamour as necking aperitivo in Milan or gliding through Switzerland by train , but it’s travel you can do in your underwear AND nobody will even call the cops.

So, if you’re feeling weary from gazing blankly out the window or simply want to read something that will distract you from the bleary news ticker, here’s a guide to the wonderful world of armchair travel, with 10 (actually satisfying) ways to enjoy travel from home.

Editor’s note : the following methods will feel more like real travel if you are also cradling an infant-sized margarita. My jokes may also seem funnier. Carry on.

Save this guide to armchair travel for later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

1. Binge travel blogs & videos

Let’s begin this post with a Christina signature move, shall we? Pure desperation.

Please, if you find yourself in need of some mindless entertainment while weathering this dystopian storm, try to support independent creatives as much as you can.

Reading blogs (if you’re here right now, wow you’re super ahead) and watching YouTube videos is an incredible free way to help keep your favourite creatives’ businesses afloat.

So yes, allow me to quickly hurl my YouTube channel at you real quick. Catch!

It’s a tough time for businesses and individuals all around the world, but freelancers and small business owners are especially feeling the pinch (particularly in the travel industry), SO if you crave something to fill your boredom gaps, please consider supporting the many bloggers, vloggers and creatives in your life.

We need you more than ever! And we’re free. SO FREE. * relentless sobbing *

2. Snoop around on virtual museums and apps

For my fellow museum lovers, there’s an easy way for you to get your fix while nestled in the arms of your own comfy bed.

Many of the most famous museums in the world actually have virtual tours that you can do, including the Louvre, the MET, the British Museum, and more. Click here for a huge list I put together.

To get your culture fix, I can highly recommend the Google Arts and Culture website and app . It’s filled with interesting articles about art, culture, and history intrigue.

PLUS it has the most incredible feature called “Art Selfie” where you snap a selfie and they compare it to their archives to find your fine art doppelgänger. See below for the fair maiden I supposedly resemble.

Download for iOS | Download for Android

3. Find the hidden gems of the world with Secret Door

So this is a really clunky website that screams early 2000s, but I am still mildly obsessed with it.

Long story short, Secret Door is a site where you open a virtual door and it randomly brings you to a hidden gem of the world via Google Street View. Imagine Chat Roulette (throwbackkk!) but for quirky places around the world. Much like a girls’ outing involving tequila, you never know where you’ll end up.

For example, one visit brought me to an eerie art museum in Spain, another brought me to a colourful Willy Wonka inspired candy shop, and my last visit dropped me off RIGHT on the train tracks of the Bernina Express !!

NOTE: I find that the site can be a little glitchy, so I usually have to reload it each time I want to re-open the door, otherwise it won’t work properly… but still, give it a try here ! It’s cool.

4. Explore a random place on Earth with MapCrunch

In a similar vein, there’s another website called MapCrunch that ALSO drops you off in a random Google Streetview location, except it doesn’t necessarily focus on unique/hidden gems… it literally drops you off anywhere.

You might be thinking “why would I want that, Christina? Why?”

WELL, besides getting to catch a glimpse of daily life somewhere completely random in the world, this site was actually the source of a viral internet game of the early 2010s… basically, if (on desktop) you navigate to the MapCrunch Options tab, you can check a box on the bottom the says “Stealth” which will drop you off in a random Streetview location without telling you where you are…

The objective of the game is to pretend you woke up in this random location and somehow navigate your way “home” by finding the closest airport. Tough right? Can you imagine? A great game to play with friends if you want to race. Might be more fun if you’re mildly drunk, but what in life isn’t?

5. Spy on worldwide webcams

Okay, this fact might either be really cool or really creepy depending on your persuasion, but did you know the world is covered with cameras that stream everything live to webcams 24/7?

(Alright, I admit it does sound a little creepy when I put it that way)

Nonetheless, checking out these webcams is prime armchair travel material. Sites like EarthCam have live HD webcams from all over the world, so you can quickly check in on Times Square or the balmy waves of the Maldives all while eating guacamole by the fistful in your other hand. In fact, I’m writing this article while watching sunset at the Eiffel Tower! (I will save my guac for later.)

NOTE: While not live, if you get tired of staring at webcam footage, you can also go for an HD view of the world by checking out Full Screen 360 where there is plenty of 360 degree eye candy from interesting places around the world, from beautiful Cinque Terre to even my beloved Munich!

6. Stream some wanderlusty movies or TV shows

In the world of streaming, Netflix is of course king, but if you want to expand your horizons (or take advantage of something free!), you can register for a free one month trial of Amazon Prime Video and binge their huge library of free content (or otherwise rummage through their very extensive paid offerings).

In terms of recommendations, I have a list of great travel movies to watch here.

Show-wise, here are some quick recommendations:

Departures – One of my favourite all-time travel shows. It’s about 2 Canadian guys that hit the road and travel the world through personal connections/friendships, so you get a good mix of tourist sights and local secrets/know-how. It’s a little dated now (originally recorded in 2008), but guess what? These legends have put a lot of full episodes on YOUTUBE for FREE! Check them out here.
An Idiot Abroad – A hilarious and mildly offensive show that’s great if you want something a little different than your standard travel programme. It’s a documentary series that follows Karl Pilkington, a guy with zero interest in travel and global cultures…. being forced to travel by his friends Stephen Merchant and Ricky Gervais. If you like Ricky Gervais humour, this is a must-watch. Watch it here.
Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown – Like many travel enthusiasts, I adore everything from Anthony Bourdain, but there’s just something about Parts Unknown with its incredible visuals and storytelling that makes it my favourite. Watch it here.

7. Cook up global inspired dishes

If you often find yourself traveling for food, sending your tastebuds on their own lil voyage might be the most delicious form of armchair travel you can enjoy right now… all the better if you’re learning to make it yourself (because then your gluttony can be disguised as self-actualization.

Trust me, I’ve been doing it for years).

Where can you get free ideas and tutorials for recipes?

Honestly, YouTube is such a wealth of information these days that I can guarantee you’ll find a video teaching you to cook any foreign dish of your choosing!

If you’re feeling especially fancy though, you can also purchase online cooking classes! This is an amazing way to support local businesses who might be suffering otherwise due to the dip in tourism.

8. Enjoy a country-inspired night in

Combining points 6 and 7, for extra dorkiness points, consider hosting a country themed night-in. Simply pick a special film that’s focused on a destination and cook a meal (or order one in if you feel like it) related to that destination.

You can even have a watch party with friends on Skype (or do a group viewing on Netflix Party ) and all tackle the same recipe together before/after.

Some ideas for your country inspired soirée:

Watch Parasite and make ramdon – not the most wanderlusty combo but this is the best movie I’ve seen in years so I have to recommend it
Watch Amélie and have roast chicken + creme brûlée – you’ll see why if you watch the movie. Bonus if you buy some fresh raspberries to eat from your fingers
Watch Eat Pray Love and Pizza Napolitana or Spaghetti all’Amatriciana – truthfully, the spaghetti will probably be easier to make from home…
Watch Crazy Rich Asians and dumplings or Hokkien Fried Mee – in addition to wanderlust, a bonus side effect of this movie is it will make you feel incredibly poor and alone

9. Cozy up with a good travel book

At a time when we’re constantly bombarded with one distressing headline after the next, boyyy does it feel good to curl up with a nice book far away from the horror-show that is social media.

So, treat yourself to some wanderlusty reads! Blogs are great, but there’s something unbeatably satisfying about holding a book.

Now, while I prepare myself for excommunication from the League of Extraordinary Bloggers for saying that, let me think of some recommendations…

I’ll be very honest, I haven’t read a ton of travel memoirs, but one hilarious classic I can wholeheartedly recommend if you’re looking for a good laugh is What I was Doing While You Were Breeding. Otherwise, if you want something more conventionally travelly (but a tad cliché), I did also enjoy Eat Pray Love. Please let me know in the comments if you have any travel memoirs that you would highly recommend!

Otherwise, if you’re looking for some non-travel related reads, I’ve been really into memories from awesome female comedians lately, and both Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? and Bossypants are great.

NOTE: If you don’t mind reading off a Kindle, you can click here for a free month of Kindle unlimited… all you can read!

10. Try actual virtual reality

Lastly, despite being a millennial who works on the Internet, I am shockingly out of touch with technology and how far it has come. Did you know for instance that virtual reality travel is a thing now?

Like, not just in testing phases, not just a clunky pixellated prototype, you can literally just buy an entry-level headset online that uses your phone?

… I only discovered this while researching armchair travel options for this article, and I have to say this one might just take the cake.

There are all sorts of apps that you can download on your phone (both free and paid) that allow you to enjoy really cool virtual reality travel experiences all around the world.

Better yet, there are full-blown YouTube videos now that can be watched in VR mode, which is how I spent my lockdown Spring in Europe taking a taxi ride through New York City, enjoying an overwater villa in the Maldives and even gliding through space , all of which I just did in my pyjamas in Munich.

If you’re interested in this, I got this set for really cheap and it works great!

Any more ideas for armchair travel?

I’m all ears! I hope you enjoyed this read… and safe travels (from the couch).

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

🧳 Eagle Creek: My favourite packing cubes

💳 Wise: For FREE travel friendly credit cards

🍯 Airalo: My go-to eSIM

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

Ultimate Armchair Travel Guide: Experiencing Travel at Home

April 3, 2020

Anna Hammerschmidt

There is nothing like traipsing the globe; hopping from Milan to NYC to Sao Paulo in mere minutes. No, I’m not talking about teleporting. I’m talking about armchair travel. I have been armchair traveling for years and I didn’t even know it. If you are a travel addict like me, chances are you have been armchair traveling too. We just didn’t know there was a name for it. No need to pack your bags for this trip. We are delving deep into how you can experience travel without leaving your home.

Table of Contents

Armchair Travel Meaning

At this point, you may be wondering what exacting is the meaning of armchair travel? Armchair traveling is experiencing a destination without actually traveling there. This can be done through various virtual travel experiences such as virtual reality , travel books, and movies.

Why Should You Consider Armchair Traveling?

There doesn’t necessarily need to be a choice between actual travel and armchair traveling. If you have the opportunity and are able to travel, by all means, go see the world! But oftentimes, we can’t travel as much as we would like, whether it is for financial issues, time off or a global pandemic. These restrictions don’t mean that you shouldn’t be able to experience travel. If you love to travel, you should be able to experience it as much as you would like.

Personally, I wish to be engrossed in travel 365 days a year. But realistically, I can’t actually be traveling that frequently. So, I turned to armchair travel. I spend time learning about different countries and cultures. I virtually tour cities and tourist destinations. And I am always gathering inspiration for my next trip, knowing full well that there is no possible way I could travel to the thousands of destinations I have virtually experienced. But it’s nice to dream and to learn about other destinations.

Armchair travel is also a great way to plan for future trips. Before visiting a destination, I like to learn as much about it as I can. I delve through the internet searching for blog posts and videos about the destination. I create virtual “vision boards” on Instagram of photo spots I want to see. And I always make sure to pick up my favorite travel guide. This helps me feel prepared and fully knowledgeable about the destination, so I can truly appreciate everything I am seeing.

Interested in travel at home? Check out this guide to the perfect staycation!

Ways to Travel From Home – Armchair Travel

Travel blogs and guides, guide books.

A tried and true way to experience travel from home is by reading travel blogs and guides. One of the most exciting parts about travel (aside from actually being in the destination) is the planning phase. I love planning trips. Scouring through travel guides and blogs builds up the anticipation for visiting a destination. Reading travel guides typically helps outline the best places to see in a destination.

But you don’t have to be going on a trip to enjoy reading about a destination. If you’re like me, you may already have a shelf of travel guides at home. I have a collection of Eyewitness travel guides for destinations I’ve never visited and regions I love. But there is something about reading these guides that fuels me with so much wanderlust. If you don’t already have a collection of guide books, pick one up for a destination you’re curious about. Maybe it will inspire you to visit one day or fill you with more knowledge about the destination.

One of my favorite things to do when I’m not traveling is to grab a handful of books from the travel section at Barnes and Noble and compare the different guide books. Be sure to grab a coffee and allow yourself to get lost in the pages.

Travel Blogs

I may be biased, but I love researching travel online. There are so many resources and incredible travel blogs. If there is a particular destination you’re interested in, simply enter your query into Google and you will find endless blog posts about the destination. Or check out the destinations your favorite blogger has written about and use that as the base for your armchair travel destination. (Pssst check out the destinations I’ve written about for armchair traveling)!

If you’re looking for armchair travel on a particular country or destination, there are plenty of blogs with a focus on specific places. For instance, you can find ample inspiration about Chile on Gringa Journeys and tons of posts about Madrid from Lauren on Location .

Youtube Videos

Youtube is a great source for experiencing travel at home. When I want to know what a place is really like, I head to Youtube. While reading about destinations is a great source of information (for us who like to be very informed), Youtube is on another level for experiencing travel at home. Seeing a destination through video allows you to sit back and enjoy the experience. The best part is, watching Youtube is completely free. Simply enter the destination in the Youtube search tab that you wish to virtually escape. There are various videos to watch from uncut clips that allow you to get a true glimpse of the destination, beautiful inspiration type of videos and entertaining travel vlogs. Some of these videos are on par with travel shows and documentaries on major networks.

After being so inspired by armchair traveling with my favorite Youtube videos, I decided to start a travel vlog. Check out my Youtube channel here! I will be adding tons of travel videos and armchair travel ideas.

If you are looking for some Youtube travel channels to get started with, check out some of my favorites. These are the channels I find myself looking forward to watching their new videos because they allow me to virtually experience the destination.

Check out these channels:

Sandy Makes Sense: Sandy is a bubbly host, who’s videos always leave me smiling. While she doesn’t always travel with friends, her videos make you feel like you’re experiencing the ultimate girlfriends getaway.

Happy to Wander: The host of this channel is a hilarious Canadian expat living in Europe. The videos on this channel are more travel guides than vlogs yet she manages to do so in an entertaining yet informative way.

De Ja Shu: The videos on Shu’s Channel are cinematically beautiful and she is a very charming host. Be prepared, after watching her videos you will leave hungry as she is quite the foodie.

The Life of Jord: Jordan’s videos will bring you to far-flung destinations you may never have considered visiting (perfect for armchair traveling)! His videos will leave you curious about places you’ve never heard of before.

Backpacking Bananas: The host of this channel, Christianne, is high energy and relatable. Her videos mostly focus on her backpacking trips around the world. Great for entertaining videos to fuel your wanderlust from home.

Come Join My Journey: If you haven’t checked it out already, I actually have a travel vlog that I started recently to further share my travels!

A unique and amazing way to enjoy armchair traveling is via webcams. There are webcams all over the world, where you can watch a live stream of a destination. When it comes to truly experiencing a destination via armchair travel, they are a game-changer! These webcams allow you to get a glimpse of what is really happening at that very moment in the destination. Webcams verge on feeling like you’re spying, but they are typically scenic webcams so you’re not getting an up-close showing the people walking around.

Search Webcams

It’s astonishing how many webcams you can watch online. If there is a specific location you wish to visit during your armchair travels, simply search “Destination webcam” and plenty of options will come up. (PS never do anything you wouldn’t want someone to see when you’re traveling because evidently there are webcams everywhere!)

Not sure where you want to go? Browse through some of the top webcams on these websites:

Skyline Webcams

Destination Specific Webcams

There are plenty of destination-specific webcams. After a trip to Ocean City, Maryland, we revised the ocean and pier at home with their various webcams . While we couldn’t feel the sand or the salty air, viewing those live cameras from our couch felt like those we were there for just a moment.

Wildlife Webcams

If you’re an animal lover, some of the best aquariums, zoos and wildlife conservatories even have their own webcams that you can watch. There is nothing quite like being immersed in watching animals to feel as though you are no longer sitting at home.

Google Earth & Street View

One of my all-time favorite forms of armchair travel is browsing Google Street View. I have been pretty obsessed with Google Street View since the introduction of Google Earth . (Yes, I have always been travel obsessed). Google Street View on Google Earth is one of the best ways to get a visual of a destination. You are able to click and virtually “walk-around” the destination, getting 360 degrees of streets and squares in the world. To use Google Street View, simply drop your icon on one of the blue lines in the destination you are searching on Google Earth.

Additionally, there are little blue dots that you can drop your icon on. These are photospheres, which will show you 360-degree snapshots from around a destination. These are especially useful when you are searching for a particular tourist spot that may not be on a street.

Google Earth even pulls an excerpt from Wikipedia for each destination you search for. This helps to learn a bit about the destination as you are getting virtually lost in its streets.

If you’re not sure where you want to virtually explore, there is a “Feeling Lucky” feature on Google Earth, which pulls up a random location on the map for you to check out. I’ve noticed that this feature tends to pull up locations I have never heard of, many of which don’t actually have street view information. But that just means you’re “traveling” to a place that many people don’t go to. Take the opportunity to research this destination and try to pull up videos and blog posts.

Secret Door

Similar to the “Feeling Lucky” feature of Google Earth, there is this very cheesy and amazing website called Secret Door . This website is slightly more satisfying than the “Feeling Lucky” feature on Google Earth because it brings you directly to a random spot on Google Street View.

The website is a little slow, however, it is so worth the wait! Each click through the door brings you to a unique spot on Google Street View. On one click I was inside of the White House and on the next, I was in Shackleton’s Hut in Antarctica. It is so fun to try and guess where you ended up!

Virtually Visit Museums

If you are a museum buff when you travel, there is the perfect app for visiting museums worldwide from the comfort of your home. Via the Google Arts and Culture app , you can visit over 2000 museums across the world. I have spent more hours than I care to admit on this app. For someone who doesn’t typically have a long attention span for museums, this app has been a game-changer for me. Each museum on the Google Arts and Culture app has online exhibits. These online exhibits give a background of what the exhibits are about as well as various photos showcasing the collection. These exhibits provide the perfect amount of information, they are informative yet not overwhelming.

To start off your armchair travels at the museum, I would suggest picking a city to start exploring and prepare yourself for a long day at the museums. Spend time reading about the exhibits, walking around the museums with street view and even virtually hanging art on your walls at home. Yes, you can virtually hang masterpieces on your walls! It’s fun, a bit cheesy and a great way to see the art up close. If you have a Google Cardboard or other VR headset, you can even take virtual tours of museums and cultural sites on Google Arts and Culture.

Virtual Reality

Getting a Virtual Reality Headsets

Virtual Reality is by far one of the most realistic and immersive ways to experience armchair travel. All you need is a virtual reality headset. The best part is, you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg for a VR headset. You can get an entry-level VR headset for a reasonable price. I went with the Google Cardboard model as I didn’t want to overly invest in a headset. However, the actual Google Cardboard model was sold out. So I opted for this model . And it really works! I bought a virtual reality headset for under $8 and it works so well! Honestly, if you are using virtual reality for the first time, all you need is a cardboard model to start out.

If you have children or are planning to use virtual reality often, I would consider investing in something more durable. If you prefer a more durable model, consider getting an entry-level model such as this one by BNEXT.

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Virtual reality videos.

There are countless virtual reality videos and still images you can find online for free. After scouring the internet and apps, I have discovered endless places to visit in VR. With new virtual content being added daily, you will have no shortage of adventures during your armchair travels. Throw on your cardboard VR viewer and headphones and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime…from your couch.

Some of my favorite apps for travel virtual reality are the Google’s Arts and Cultures app, where you can virtually tour museums and cultural sites around the world and the Google Expedition app, where there are over 900 expeditions to choose from, including national parks and palaces.

A fantastic source of virtual reality videos is Youtube. Youtube has tons of high-quality virtual reality videos that are readily available. In order to use your VR headsets with Youtube videos, make sure you have the Youtube app downloaded and click on the “VR headset icon” on the corner of a virtual reality video. Some of my favorite channels for virtual reality travel videos include National Geographic and VR Gorilla . If you are looking for a particular destination, search for “destination virtual reality” on Youtube.

Travel Books

One of my favorite genres of books to read is travel books. These books tend to suck me into the destination the book is based on and fuel me with so much wanderlust. I find myself inspired by the author’s story and travels. A good travel writer will make you feel like you have stepped into the destination they are describing.

I love a good travel memoir! Some of my favorites are classics such as “Eat, Pray, Love” and “Wild” . The newest memoir on my virtual travel bookshelf is “Around the World in 80 Trains” . I use an e-reader for when I travel, so I’m not lugging around tons of books. You can also virtually check books out of your local libraries to use on your e-readers with the apps Overdrive and Libby.

There is nothing quite like having a good coffee table book. I have a few travel coffee table books that I often flick through for travel inspiration. One of my all-time favorites is “1000 Places to See Before you Die” , which is full of classic bucket-list destinations across the world. If you’re looking for a beautiful and inspiring hardcover coffee table book, add “Dame Traveler: Live the Spirit of Adventure” to your collection. This book is full of gorgeous photos and tips from female travelers. (PS I’m featured in the Dame Traveler book! I may be biased, but this is a great book!)

Subscribe to Travel Magazines

Similar to travel books, but the destinations you are visiting are a total surprise each month. There is something so special about holding a glossy travel magazine in your hands and flipping through the pages to discover a new destination the writers have covered each month. Travel magazines tend to be the beginning of my armchair travel binging. After reading a short article about a destination in one of my favorite magazines, Travel and Leisure or CN Traveler , I find myself scouring the internet to learn everything possible about the destination. One of the best parts of travel magazines is that the stories are typically accompanied by beautiful imagery from the destination.

Travel Movies and TV Shows

One of my first inspirations for travel was watching movies travel TV shows. I lived for the Travel Channel growing up, watching my favorite series by Anthony Bourdain and Samantha Brown. Each episode of these shows brought a new destination with entertaining hosts. Now there are various travel shows on networks, streaming services and online. Some of my favorite travel shows include:

Check out the best travel movies here!

Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown: Who doesn’t love Anthony Bourdain? I have seen perhaps every one of his travel series, my favorite being “Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown”. You can stream this on Amazon, or you can watch “Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations” on Hulu!

Samantha Brown’s Places to Love: Samantha Brown is adorable and lively and showcases highlights of a destination from places to see to history. You watch all the episodes of Places to Love on PBS!

Get Lost in Travel Photos on Instagram

My Instagram feed is flooded with inspirational travel accounts. These accounts allow me to experience a destination through someone’s perspective. I love following people who travel frequently or live somewhere interesting. Instagram is an especially great place to do this because it feels more personal and in the moment than other media. While Instagram feeds can still be quite curated, I love seeing how Instagrammers showcase a destination.

One of my favorite features of Instagram is Instagram Stories. It is interesting to see the more candid moments these travelers share on Instagram Stories, which often go along with the photos they are sharing on their feeds. After following some travel accounts for years, it feels as though I truly know the person and I’m excited to see where they go next. I use my Instagram @comejoinmyjourney_ to document my travels, sharing curated travel photos with captions talking about my experience or thoughts about a destination. My IG stories tend to be more behind the scenes documentation of my travels.

There are so many talented photographers and Instagrammers on Instagram, that scrolling through your feed can feel like you are looking at a beautiful gallery of travel photos. Be sure to follow specific accounts of individuals whose travels inspire you as well as some feature accounts. Feature accounts allow you to discover new destinations and accounts daily. Some of my all-time favorite feature accounts include @dametraveler , feature female travelers and @italy.vacations , which showcases different destinations in Italy.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Anna ✈️ Travel Blogger (@comejoinmyjourney_) on Nov 6, 2019 at 9:40am PST

Create a Vision Board on Pinterest

Pinterest is such a great way to find travel inspiration and to organize it. Pinterest is a great took to use for armchair travel. Think of Pinterest as a visual search engine. So it makes searching for travel information fun! After searching for a destination on Pinterest, you will find tons of beautiful photos and blog posts. I love using Pinterest because it is so visual. If you are drawn to the image, you can click on it to be redirected to a blog post or webpage to find out more information.

When I am browsing Pinterest, either for research for upcoming trips or travel inspiration, I organize these pins into destination boards. These destination boards serve as a vision board for the specific city, region or country. Once I save and organize these pins, I can go back and read all the posts I saved or look back at the photos for inspiration.

Cook Regional Dishes

If you are a foodie, a huge part of travel is trying different dishes from around the world. Trying local dishes allows you to further experience a destination. Yet, just because you can’t travel does not mean you can’t try food from around the world. Pick up a cookbook from a particular destination or look up your favorite dish you’ve had abroad and get cooking. While it may not be authentically made, trying food from different places that you don’t typically eat is a great way to experience armchair travel.

Not only is cooking different types of dishes a great way to escape your everyday routine, but it also helps you appreciate those local delicacies. Here are some great cookbooks to try:

“Made in Mexico” by Danny Mena: For those who love Mexican food!

“Vietnamese Food Any Day” by Andrea Nguyen: For delicious Vietnamese dishes!

“Everyday Italian: 125 Simple and Delicious Recipes” by Giada De Laurentiis: Because everyone needs Italian food in their lives!

Research History

While I have always enjoyed history, travel fueled my love for it. Visiting a destination that you have learned about makes it feel so much more real. I tend to find myself in a research frenzy about the historical significance of a place that I visit. Learning about the history of a destination makes me feel like I have a great understanding of it. Learning about history is such a great way to enjoy armchair travel.

There are various ways to learn about the history of a travel destination you are visiting. Many travel shows and blogs have a historical element. You can go on a Wikipedia binge about the destination you are visiting from home. Or you can pick up a history book about the destination you are visiting.

Practice Language Skills

Language is such a beautiful part of travel. I yearn for foreign tongues; languages and words that I have never heard before. There is something so rewarding about learning a new language, even if it is just bits and pieces of it. Before I visit a destination, I am sure to learn a few key phrases and words of the language spoken in the destination. And I feel so rewarded when I start picking up on the language while traveling.

Just because you are at home, does not mean you can’t learn language skills. Spend some time practicing your language skills with phrasebooks and language apps. Duolingo is a great app to use to learn a language for free! I use this app before traveling and when I’m at home. There are various languages you can learn on Duolingo. However, if you truly want to learn a new language , you may want to consider investing in Rosetta Stone .

If there is a language that you already know or enjoy listening to, put on a movie or tv show in that language. Even if it is just background noise, you will feel like you are in that destination.

Have a Destination Theme Night

Now that you have tons of ideas for different ways to enjoy armchair travel, you can bring them all together to have a destination theme night. This is one of my favorite ways to delve into travel at home. This allows you to truly immerse yourself in the destination. After picking a destination, do as many things as you can from this list of ideas for traveling from home. Do some research on the destination you want to virtually travel to, just as you would do for an actual trip. Then delve into the destination, making your favorite dish from the destination and enjoying an evening of watching Youtube videos and movies about the destination or enjoying a good travel book.

Some Travel Theme Night Ideas:

Paris Theme Night: Grab a glass of wine and a cheese tray and tune into “Midnight in Paris”. If you have a beret , throw it on to feel like you are in the City of Lights.

Las Vegas Theme Night: If you have a poker set , have a poker night. Start drinking whatever and whenever you want (because it’s Vegas, right?) and finish the night watching “The Hangover”.

Singapore Theme Night: Get a Singapore street food cookbook and create some delicious dishes. Then throw on your most extravagant outfit and watch “Crazy Rich Asians” .

Travel Photos

Who better to live vicariously through than yourself. Yeah, you! Chances are you have been on some pretty fabulous trips before. So, if you are unable to travel at the moment, might as well take this time to relive your past trips. I love having a chance to go through my old travel photos. This gives me a chance to remember the moment I took the photo and share the stories about my past trips with others. A few ways you can experience armchair travel through old travel photos include:

Show the photos to family/friends: Tell them all about your experiences.

Post your travel photos on social media: Now is a great time to make that inspirational travel account on Instagram!

Create a scrapbook: Making scrapbooks is a great way to showcase your travel photos and mementos in one place.

Write a Travel Bucket List

While armchair travel alleviates my need to travel right now, it still leaves me wanting to visit the destinations I have virtually traveled to. I have a mental list of places I want to visit that is constantly growing. A great way to continue dreaming about these destinations is to create a travel bucket list. While you may be stuck at home right now, there is no reason you can’t dream of visiting these places one day. By writing these destinations down on an organized travel bucket list or even pinpointing places you want to go on Google Maps, you may be able to plan a trip when you can travel.

1 thought on “Ultimate Armchair Travel Guide: Experiencing Travel at Home”

This is such an amazingly in-depth guide!! Proof that it’s not the end of the world that we can’t travel right now 😉 I’ll be using some of your ideas- thanks!!

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Destinations

Wild Junket

Armchair Travel: 45 Fun Ideas to “Travel” Without Leaving Home

Last Updated on June 9, 2020

Sometimes travel isn’t an option — whether that is due to illness, financial issues or personal circumstances.

Right now, it’s a global pandemic that is sweeping across the world, putting a halt on travel. Whether you are stuck at home in a lockdown or a self-imposed quarantine, there are some creative ways to feed your travel addiction .

From joining online travel communities to taking virtual tours of UNESCO sites, here are my armchair travel recommendations to help you “travel” without leaving your home.

armchair travel - travel without leaving home - travel at home

Table of Contents

How to Travel Without Leaving Home

Explore museums virtually on your laptop, take a digital hike around america’s national parks, take virtual tours of the world’s unesco sites, read travel books, read travel blogs, join an online travel community, take an online travel-related course, learn a new language, watch travel-related shows on netflix, watch travel vlogs on youtube, indulge in travel movies, start scratching your world map, make a travel scrapbook, get a travel coloring book, make jigsaw puzzles or models of your favorite places in the world, entertain your kids with travel games and books, create multicultural crafts and activities, cook exotic dishes from around the world, order food delivery.

Many of the world’s musuems have been forced to temporarily shut their doors. But that doesn’t mean that we’ve lost access to the countless treasures housed by these great museums.

Thanks to the extensive Google Arts & Culture project, we can now access more than 2,500 art spaces from around the world online, and many offer virtual tours. This is the perfect armchair travel activity for museum buffs.

Remember that COVID-19 still poses a threat while you’re surfing the web at home. Hackers are creating thousands of fake pandemic sites to steal your personal information. Make sure to use a COVID-19 scam site checker before going to any suspicious sites.

Here are some museums worth checking out virtually:

Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam — View over 164,511 pieces of artwork from the revered art museum in high-definition. The museum’s most famous art pieces include Vermeer’s The milkmaid and Rembrandt’s Self Portrait.
The Tate, London —This respected museums houses the foremost collection of British art dating back to the the Tudor era and including a large holding of J.M.W. Turner’s work.
Guggenheim Museum, New York — This contemporary art and architecture museum has over 200 works viewable through Google’s portal.
The MET (Metropolitan Museum of Art), New York — One of America’s best museums has 26 virtual exhibits and over 200,000 documented works of art from nearly any era.
Musée d’Orsay, Paris —Check out the virtual exhibitions and 278 pieces of art from 1848 to 1914, including include Van Gogh’s Bedroom in Arles .

Google Earth has rolled out virtual tours of some of the most beautiful national parks in the United States. The map and satellite imagery masters at Google Earth have put together a series of guided virtual tours of 31 national parks around the country .

Now you can literally travel without leaving your home and take a digital hike on Google Earth. It may not be the same as lacing up your hiking boots and inhaling the crisp clean air of the wilderness, but they’re pretty neat nonetheless. Here are the national parks offering virtual tours:

Acadia National Park
Arches National Park
Badlands National Park
Big Bend National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Bruce Canyon National Park
Canyonlands National Park
Channel Islands National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park
Denali National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park
Everglades National Park
Glacier National Park

death valley united states national park - virtual tour - virtual travel

Not just that, Google Earth has also recently launched Heritage on the Edge , an online experience that uses 3D maps to showcase a handful of UNESCO World Heritage sites facing the looming threat of climate change.

The goal was to digitally preserve the legacy of the landmarks. For now, you can enjoy a zoomed-in view of the moai on Rapa Nui (Easter Island), the ancient city of Chan Chan in Peru, and the coastal city of Kilwa Kisiwani in Tanzania .

Not only will you be able to interact with 3-D models and 50 exhibits, but you’ll also have access to expert interviews and information on how to conserve these historical sites – an important lens, self-isolating or not. Check out this list of best virtual tours around the world .

The best travel books are often the ones that have the power to transform you as much as a journey does. My love for travel books was probably the reason why I became a travel blogger and writer .

I have always been obsessed with travel books, especially biographies of adventurers who have embarked on extraordinary journeys. Reading George Orwell’s Burmese Days when traveling in Myanmar made the trip all the more special. And reading Escape from Camp 14 before my trip to North Korea definitely piqued my interest in the hermit kingdom.

If you have a long list of books you’ve been wanting to read but never had the time for, this is the best time to hit that list. Check out my massive list of 50 best books on travel .

Escape from Camp 14 (by Blaine Harden)— One man’s remarkable odyssey from North Korea to freedom in the West.
Desert Flower (by Waris Dirie) — A true story of Waris’ escape across the dangerous Somali desert to London as an internationally renowned fashion model; and ultimately to New York City, where she became a human rights ambassador for the U.N.
The Kite Runner (by Khaled Husseini) — A fictional book about the struggles of a young boy Amir amidst the backdrop of an unstable Afghanistan.
Burmese Days: A Novel (by George Orwell) — A story of the waning days of British imperialism, by an Englishman living in a settlement in Burma.
Into the Wild (by Jon Krakauer) — The remarkable story of a young man’s solo adventure in Alaska.
Gratitude in Low Voices: A Memoir (by Dawit Gebremichael Habte)— A man’s true story of how he fled his homeland of Eritrea during the war to find solace and success in America.
It’s Our Turn to Eat (by Michela Wrong) — The story of a Kenyan whistle-blower

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TIP: I recommend getting a Kindle Paperwhite if you don’t have one. You can store a ridiculous amount of books on it and read it at night without ruining your eyesight. You can buy books individually or sign up to Kindle unlimited (first month is a free trial).

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The pandemic has affected many small businesses, travel companies and websites. I am one of them — my blog’s readership and income have dropped by over 80%. It’s heartbreaking to see all that I have worked hard to build in the past 12 years be reduced to nothing.

Of course I’m not the only one. So many travel bloggers are worried about possibly losing their livelihood. I ask for your support — just read travel blogs and websites whenever you can. There’s no need to make any purchase; just reading and scrolling can help us out at times like this!

Here are some of my best travel stories:

World’s Most Remote Islands
Spirits and Spells: Voodoo Culture in Benin
12 Interesting Facts About Madagascar
A Photo Essay of Tajikistan
Iraqi Kurdistan — The Other Iraq
Travel in the Caucasus: Where East Meets West
Asmara, Eritrea: An Art Deco City in Africa

Other travel blogs and websites with brilliant narratives and inspirational stories:

Roads and Kingdoms
Uncornered Market
Atlas & Boots
The Candy Trail
Candace Rose Rardon

read travel blogs - things to do quarantine - armchair travel

Looking to connect with like-minded travelers virtually? There are plenty of online travel communities catering to specific types of travelers, from solo female travelers to extreme travelers who like to veer off the beaten trail.

Extreme Travel — A Facebook group I set up to connect with curious travelers seeking out the extraordinary in unusual places like North Korea, Iran and Sudan.
Every Passport Stamp — A Facebook community of travelers planning to travel to every country in the world. They have strict rules and requirements, so please join only if you share the same goals as everyone.
Travel Community — This massive Facebook group caters to all travelers from different parts of the world. Currently, there are quite a few positive discussions in light of the pandemic.
Wanderful — This is a leading network for female travelers. The brand is currently giving away 500 free one-year memberships (typically $69/year).
Girls Love Travel — A Facebook group for female travelers covering all kinds of travels and destinations.

If you have always been interested in travel photography or sketching, this is the best time to sign up for a travel-related online course. There are tons of virtual workshops and courses on Skillshare and Udemy .

Here are some interesting travel-related courses worth checking out:

Travel sketching — Take an adventure into your imagination with illustrator and children’s book author Mike Lowery.
Oil painting — A fun and informative course that will teach you basics of mark making, glazing and oil painting.
Travel street photography — Learn popular street photography techniques, as well as composition, lighting, and photo editing for visual storytelling.
Drone photography — Up your skills from beginner to professional drone photography with this step-by-step vide guide.
Travel writing class — Learn to write travel tales readers (and editors) will love and sell your freelance writing to newspapers and magazines.
Travel poster illustration : Design your favorite city and place in Procreate5.

travel related online courses on skillshare

I have always had a special interest in languages — they are the best way to connect with locals and cultures when traveling. My first experience learning a foreign language was in college, when I took French and Spanish classes. Eventually I took intensive Spanish courses in Madrid. I also took Arabic classes after that, and recently finished my 6-month Dutch course here in Amsterdam.

Technology has made it really easy to learn a language online these days. Here are some apps and online courses I recommend:

Duolingo — A language app that helps beginners to build up vocabulary. It is free to use and has many languages available.
Mindsnacks — Another app that offers free language-learning games to help you learn vocabulary, grammar, practice your listening.
BBC Languages — Free online language lessons, with crosswords, videos and quizzes accompanied by audio. Courses covering 40 languages, including Urdu, Icelandic and Slovak.
Verbling — Interactive language lessons with a native teacher over video chat. You can choose the teacher you prefer, schedule the lesson and pay her hour.
Lingoda — Similar to Verbling, Lingoda also offers video lessons with native teachers. But it offers monthly plans and a free 7-day trial.

learn a language - armchair travel - things to do quarantine

Many of us are turning to Netflix to entertain us and feed our wanderlust. Forget depressing series like Outbreak, check out the following travel-themed shows that will sure to uplift you in hard times like these.

You can even use the new Google Chrome extension Netflix Party to watch these shows with your friends online. Just click the extension button to create a “party” and share a link to the event with whoever you want to watch the program with. The extension also allows all party members to group chat about the show in real-time.

Dark Tourist — Definitely top on my Netflix’s favorites list, this show covers lesser-known areas and unfamiliar cultures. Check out the episodes on Pablo Escobar’s hitmen, vampires in New Orleans, and Japan’s suicide forests.
Larry Charles’ Dangerous World Of Comedy — Another of my favorite shows (cos I love travel and comedy), this travel show follows film director, Larry Charles, around the world seeking out how comedy is done in war zones, in slums, and beyond.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner — One of the many foodie travel shows on Netflix, this is what I’ve been binge-watching lately. Chef David Chang brings big-name celebrities around the world and dives in local food scenes, from Phnom Penh with Kate McKinnon to Marrakech with Chrissy Teigen.
Conan Without Borders — One of my favorite talk show hosts, Conan O’Brien, gives a non-traditional and humorous take in this travel series. He lightens up the mood before delving into serious topics, like the humanitarian crisis in Haiti or the war in Israel.
Our Planet — This nature series is Netflix’s very own Planet Earth, narrated by Sir David Attenborough.

dark tourist netflix - travel shows on netflix

Don’t have a Netflix account? Youtube actually has some high quality videos from vloggers and videographers who are out there doing some great stuff. Here are some of my favorite Youtube channels:

Drew Binsky — This unique vlogger brings viewers to unique places and he always has an interesting story to tell. Some of his videos are insightful and educational, such as these ones on Equatorial Guinea and Congo.
Karl Watson — Karl produces quality travel documentaries that are professional and definitely inspirational. His videos tend to cater to younger millennial looking for some adventure.
Migrationology — Foodie travelers have to check out his awesome food-focused videos. He’ll bring you on street food tours in Pakistan, feast on home-cooked food in Iran, and try top-notch Wagyu beef in Japan.
WildJunket — Shameless self promotion here: I’m not a Youtuber or vlogger, but I do have some short travel videos on my Youtube channel. Watch me jump off a canyon in New Zealand , drive around Iceland on a campervan , and l earn about voodoo in Benin .
Eva Zu Beck — This girl has interesting vlogs from the world’s least visited places, including Syria, Pakistan and Yemen. She shows us some of the world’s most beautiful hikes, remote islands and delicious food along the way.

And for movie lovers out there, you are spoiled for choice when it comes to movies about traveling . I have been inspired to go to certain destinations thanks to these travel movies, and I hope they will inspire you too. Check out my giant list of 60 best travel movies of all time !

Secret Life of Walter Mitty — Embark on an adventure with magazine writer Ben Stiller (as Walter Mitty) as he goes in search of a photojournalist from the streets of Manhattan to Greenland and the Himalayas.
The White Maasai — Based on a non-fiction memoir, this German movie sparked my interest in Africa almost 12 years ago. It tells the story of Corinne’s trip from her home country of Switzerland to Kenya , where she met and fell in love with a Maasai warrior and builds a home with him in the savanna.
The Motorcycle Dairies — This movie traces back to where it all began for Ernesto “Che” Guevara (Gael García Bernal), whose road trip across Latin America with his pal Alberto Granado (Rodrigo de la Serna) opened Che’s eyes to political injustice.
Slumdog Millionaire — One of my all-time favorite movies, this Oscar winner tells the story of an Indian Muslim from the Dharavi slum in India. He is a contestant on “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire ?”, and is one question away from the grand prize.
Wild — This movie follows the journey of Reese Witherspoon as Cheryl Strayed, as she treks 1,100 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail after the devastating loss of her mother.
Tracks — Another non-fiction movie based on the adventure of Robyn Davidson, who traverses across the r ugged landscape of Australia with only four camels and a beloved dog for company.
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel — A story about a group of aging Brits who follow advertisements and arrive in India, with the promise of a second act.

secret life of walter mitty - armchair travel movies

This is the perfect time to reflect on past travels, and think about how far we’ve come. Get a scratch map and spend time scratching off the places you have been! It’ll bring back some beautiful memories and get you excited about future travels.

I have a scratch map myself and it’s great fun to come home from a trip and scratch off a new country each time. My friends got me this scratch off world map when we moved to Amsterdam and it’s the best travel gift I’ve ever gotten. I hang it on a cork board with push pins, where I also pin souvenirs or memoirs (like bus tickets) from each trip. It’s such a great way to keep travel memories alive!

scratch off world map - things to do in quarantine

Another awesome thing to do to bring back beautiful memories is to make a travel scrapbook. The scrapbook could be based off one epic trip you’ve done. Perhaps an awesome adventure in Southeast Asia , or a Silk Road overland trip . It could also be a collection of all your travels from the past.

Since Kaleya was born, I’ve been wanting to make a special travel album packed with photos, postcards, brochures and stubs I collected during our trips together. It would be an awesome thing to look back on with Kaleya when she grows up. Perhaps now is the time to start making one!

I have my eye on this vintage style scrapbook album , but technically you can use any notebook to create an album of travel memories.

travel scrapbook album - travel without leaving home

Coloring is scientifically proven to have countless health benefits for adults. It can help relax the fear center of your brain, the amygdala, and help you stay calm and mindful.

I enjoy coloring with my daughter when I get the chance. It not only soothes me, but also brings back wonderful memories from places I’m coloring.

Here are some excellent travel coloring books designed for adults:

Lonely Planet Ultimate Travel Coloring Book
ColorIt — Around the World in 50 Pages
Travel Between the Lines — Inspirational Coloring for Globetrotters and Daydreamers
Crayola City Escapes — Color Your Favorite World Cities

Growing up, I did lots of jigsaw puzzles with my family during our free time. It was how we spent quality time together.

You can easily find jigsaw puzzles of all kinds for both adults and kids, whether that’s 3D puzzles of iconic landmarks or traditional puzzles of landscapes. I love making 3D puzzles with my daughter!

1000-piece jigsaw puzzle of world’s greatest attractions
CubicFun 3D puzzle of Notre Dame de Paris
LEGO built-it-yourself kit of New York city skyline
ROKR 3D wooden craft puzzle of an airship

Now that school is closed in many parts of the world, parents who are stuck at home with kids will need as many resources as they can. To keep your kid engaged, here are some travel-related ideas to pique their interest in the world.

The books from Lonely Planet Kids are educational, interactive and fun. Kaleya has a few of this Let’s Explore series of sticker activity books and she absolutely loves them.
Inspire your kids with this book, Explorers: Amazing Tales of the World’s Greatest Adventurers , written by yours truly!
Teach your kids geography with the Beginner’s World Atlas from National Geographic, suitable for kids ages 5–8.
An interactive world map is a fun and engaging way to teach kids about the world. It has over 1000 facts about countries, capitals, oceans, and languages, that your kids can learn through interactive quizzes!
Join online read-alouds and activities organised by your kids’ favorite authors — here’s a full list .

my daughter with Explorers - travel without leaving home

Another fun thing to do with kids that can pique their interest in travel is creating art and craft or products from other cultures. My daughter loves making Japanese origami and it always brings back fond memories from Japan for both of us.

Adults can also enjoy making multicultural crafts together — it’s a great way to learn about a culture and engage with it without actually traveling. Here are some other ideas:

Make Mexico’s Day of the Dead masks
Make Japanese origami
Make a Native American rain stick
Make a Japanese karp kite
Learn Aboriginal dot painting from Australia

day of the dead skulls - crafts to travel at home

Food is one of the best ways to engage and connect with a culture and destination. Some of my favorite dishes I’ve tried around the world, include the Moroccan chicken tajine (slow cooked stew), Hungarian beef goulash, and the traditional Japanese ramen. I’m not a great cook, but I enjoy making Mexican tacos, Vietnamese pho, and Indian prata from time to time.

But you don’t have to travel to tickle your tastebuds — sometimes you learn even more about a cuisine by making it in your own kitchen. Here are some great websites that provide excellent recipes from around the world:

All Recipes
BBC Good Food
Serious Eats

moroccan tajine - make it yourself travel without leaving home

Can’t cook or don’t enjoy cooking? I recommend looking at your local takeaways and trying something brand new. If you live in a multicultural city like I do, there are lots of international cuisine to choose from: from Nepalese to Mongolian, Ethiopian to Peruvian.

Support your local restaurants and give them some business to help you make it through the pandemic! This is seriously armchair travel at its best.

What other things are you doing at home to get that “travel” experience? Share your armchair travel ideas with me in the comments field below!

Disclaimer: Some of the links above are affiliate links. That means I get a small commission when you purchase anything through my links. AT NO EXTRA COST to you. Thank you for your support!

Inspired? Pin it!

travel at home - things to do in quarantine

Nellie Huang

Nellie Huang is the founder of WildJunket. Originally from Singapore, Nellie has traveled to over 150 countries across 7 continents. As an accomplished travel writer, she has written for BBC Travel, CNN and Rough Guides . She is also the author of five travel books, including the latest Lonely Planet's Mexico guidebook. Read more about her here and follow her on Facebook and Instagram .

The Comments

Marc Latham

Comprehensive fun list, but I have one more… I virtually travelled via the internet and wrote fiction books creating a storyline (vegetarian werewolf protagonist looking for its origins years before Missing Link did similar with a bigfoot) using real celebrities and places along the way, with Simpsons inspiration. I think it helps you find new places, learn more about places, and remember them; for me it was nostalgia too, as I virtually travelled places I’d passed through, but didn’t know much about at the time.

Armchair Travel: How to Master Travelling the World From Home

April 6, 2020 by Lauren Melnick

Last Updated on January 24, 2023 by Lauren Melnick

Armchair Travel: How to Master Travelling the World From Home

Is cabin fever rife in your household? Are you close to finding a spider, and letting it bite you so you can start climbing up walls??

As a travel blogger who cannot travel, it’s been tough. I’ve been feeling stumped about what content I should be creating and then there’s the repeating thought: “ Does anyone even care anymore!? Should I throw in the towel in and become a food blogger?? ”

Despite all my mental spirals, I’ve found a wee bit of light at the end of the tunnel – armchair travel and I’m kinda obsessed!

As an introvert and a Taurus (shout out to all my fellow bulls who are eating themselves out of house and home ♉), I love discovering new destinations from the comfort of my bed.

Sure, armchair travel doesn’t compare to chasing waterfalls in Bali , but you don’t need to stress about getting to the airport on time, and there are ZERO crowds at the top attractions.

If you want to re-ignite your wanderlust, here’s a guide to armchair travel and nine ways to enjoy travel from home!

Table of Contents

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

The metropolitan museum of art, the vatican museums, kenai fjords national park, alaska, bryce canyon national park, utah, hawai’i volcanoes national park, hawaii, carlsbad caverns national park, new mexico, dry tortugas national park, florida, best travel tv shows, best travel movies, cook your favourite food from around the world, read wanderlust-inducing books, binge your favourite travel blogs & vlogs, start planning your next trip, reminisce about your favourite trip ever, how to master armchair travel.

The iconic Vatican Museums in Rome, Italy!

Marvel at Artistic Masterpieces with Virtual Museums

Are museum visits high on your itinerary for new destinations? You can get your fix without needing to put on pants. Some of the world’s most famous museums have virtual tours that are 100% free!

Here are some of the best virtual museums to check out:

Pretend your summer plans to Paris never got cancelled with a virtual tour through The Louvre . As one of the largest art museums in the world , you can spend hours exploring the rare artifacts like the Mona Lisa and exhibits such as the Egyptian Antiquities and Galerie d’Apollon.

The best part?

You don’t need to muscle your way past crowds and stand on your tiptoes to see the incredible works of art.

The Louvre Museum at night *swoon*

The best part about being a virtual traveller? No crowds!

Visit one of the top museums in the world while you treat yo’ self to a face mask and mani-pedi. The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. has a 360-degree online tour .

It includes all of the popular exhibits like the Hall of Mammals , Hall of Human Origins, The Sant Ocean Hall, The Last American Dinosaurs and Butterflies + Plants: Partners in Evolution.

While I possess as much style as Anna Wintour’s left pinky, I still fantasise about attending The Met Gala. Since fashion’s event of the year has been postponed and I won’t get to see celebrities bizarre outfits for another year, The Met’s virtual tours are the next best thing.

The museum is home to over two million works of fine art with collections from Vincent van Gogh and my favourite artist of all time, Jackson Pollock .

If you only have time for one museum on this list ( lol kidding, what else would you be doing ), virtually make your way to The Vatican Museums in Rome, Italy .

Flex your armchair travel muscles and tour the museum grounds . See famous exhibits like the Sistine Chapel without thousands of other people and guards telling you to shush.

Read More: How To Visit The Vatican (A Massive Travel Guide)

Imagine waking up to this level of artistry every single day.

You won’t believe how many people I had to squeeze past to get this shot!

The majestic Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska!

Explore a U.S. National Park From Your Couch

For all the avid hikers out there who are wearing their boots around the house for nostalgia, experience some of the United States best national parks without the expensive plane ticket or applying for a visa.

Google Arts & Culture lets you explore five national parks that show off the country’s diverse climates and environments and takes you on a virtual great outdoors adventure!

Explore the glaciers, fjords and icebergs of Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska . The virtual tour isn’t a passive scroll past incredible landscapes. It invites you to take part in one-of-a-kind adventures. Climb down icy crevasses , go kayaking past massive icebergs and watch a glacier melt.

As someone who loves astrophotography, I’m missing my 2 AM missions to capture the milky way. Luckily, I can virtually scratch that itch with an online tour of Bryce Canyon National Park . Starting at Sunset Point, you can gaze through a telescope up at the night’s sky and learn about the different constellations.

Utah’s landscapes always get me so excited about climbing mountains!

I mean, look at these magnificent rocks. They are screaming for me to climb them!

I don’t know about you, but I’ve dreamed of exploring Hawaii ever since that one Baywatch season. With the island’s most popular national park accessible online , I’m one step closer to experiencing that slice of paradise. As a virtual traveller, you can discover the Nahuku Lava Tube , take in stunning coastal vistas and fly over an active volcano .

Love exploring what’s underneath the Earth’s service? Sign up for a virtual tour through the Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico. It’s home to over 100 caves with incredible rock formations and thousands of bats. If life is getting dull as a human, you can opt to experience the park’s life as a bat simulation .

Dry Tortugas National Park is a remote part of the United States. If you wanted to visit the park in real life, you would need to book a private seaplane or boat to get there. With the virtual tour , you get to save some dollars ( anyone else shook at the Rand to U.S. dollar exchange rate!? ) and dive a shipwreck , swim past the third largest coral reef in the world and see a Civil War-era fort.

Singapore: The filming location for the wildly successful Crazy Rich Asians

Stream The Best Travel Movies & Series

Like many people around the world, I’ve been making a dent in my Netflix watch list. So much so that I convinced my boyfriend to get a VPN and sign us up for Hulu.

If you’re running out of things to watch and want to fuel your wanderlust, here’s a list of the best armchair travel movies and TV series to watch:

An Idiot Abroad: One of my favourite travel shows of all time. It’s a hilarious show that follows the misadventures of Karl Pilkinton, a guy who hates travel and has zero interest in learning about global cultures. He is forced to travel the world by his friends Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant.

Parts Unknown: Parts Unknown is a delicious adventure around the world with Anthony Bourdain. Join the late chef and TV personality as he gallivants around the world with Barack Obama (season eight, episode two), dines in Libya while investigating the country’s conflict through food (season one, episode four) and travels to the Congo which Bourdain calls “ the most relentlessly fucked-over nation in the world ” (season one, episode seven).

Street Food: As a budget traveller at heart, I always find myself eating plates of street food when I travel. Street Food takes you around the globe to experience the best curbside meals from Thailand ‘s iconic Phad Thai to Singapore ‘s Michelin-rated Hawker Centres.

Planet Earth I & II: Binge-watch Sir David Attenborough’s groundbreaking natural history show. Travel around the globe and learn about the day-to-day life of Tibetan foxes, track down the endangered Ethiopian ibex, and swim with the largest animal in the world – the blue whale.

Gaycation: Gaycation is a TV show hosted by Ellen Page and film director Ian Daniel. It explores what it’s like to be LGBTQ+ around the world. The show explores the gay bars of Tokyo and New York City and travels to destinations like Ukraine and Jamaica where LGBTQ+ locals face discrimination and threats on a daily basis.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty will have you jumping up and down on your sofa by the time the credits roll-up. It’s the perfect travel movie for those who want to escape the daily humdrum of life and finally chase down the adventure of their dreams. Warning: Iceland and Greenland will suddenly be at the top of your bucket list.

Mamma Mia: ? Here we go again. My, my how can I resist you? ?With the gorgeous backdrop of the Greek Islands, sparkling blue waters and a soundtrack with all the best Abba songs, you’ll dance and sing away the lockdown blues.

The Lizzie Macquire Movie: Are you longing for a sojourn through the streets of Rome ? Stream the iconic Lizzie Macquire Movie and watch Hilary Duff attempt an Italian accent as she explores the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and FINALLY kisses Gordo.

Up: As a Disney addict, I had to include one animated movie on this list. Up is a heart-wrenching film that takes you on an adventure across South America. You’ll need a box of tissues to make it through the movie, but you’ll have a strong desire to make your travel fantasies a reality before it’s too late.

Crazy Rich Asians: Did you know that after Crazy Rich Asians premiered, searches for Singapore travel spiked by 20% ? If you’re looking for a film to inspire your wanderlust, Crazy Rich Asians have the stats to back it up. The movie is ideal for those looking for fun rom-com with delicious food, breathtaking cinematography and an inside look into the lives of Singapore’s elite.

Read More: Singapore 4 Day Itinerary: The Ultimate Guide for First-Time Travellers

I don’t know about you, but I am CRAVING some Napoli pizza!

After watching Anthony Bourdain’s Part’s Unknow n and Street Food , let your virtual travels take your tastebuds on a gastronomic adventure.

I know most of us are spending more time than usual in the kitchen. So you might as well use your gluttony (and boredom) to fuel your wanderlust.

Choose a dish from your favourite country, convince your friends to join in on the fiesta and plan a delicious dinner party (via Zoom, of course).

Take your mind on an Eat, Pray, Love journey to Bali.

Escape from the distressing headlines by curling up with a good book and using armchair travel to transport yourself to your dream destination.

But reading isn’t only a distraction.

Neuroscientists tracking the brain activity of patients have found that the act of reading words like “cinnamon” cause the part of the brain that controls smell to light up.

That means reading about Bangkok , Paris, or Botswana can trigger your senses transport you to take you to the bustling Thai capital, the banks of the Seine river or the flood plains of the Okavango Delta.

Here are some of the best armchair travel books to add to your must-read list:

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas | Hunter S. Thompson
The Alchemist | Paolo Coelho
Eat, Pray, Love | Elizabeth Gilbert
Seven Years in Tibet | Heinrich Harrer
Shantaram | Gregory David Roberts
The Beach | Alex Garland
The Nomad: Diaries of Isabelle Eberhardt | Isabelle Eberhardt
Kafka on the Shore | Haruki Murakami
Lands of Lost Borders: A Journey on the Silk Road | Kate Harris
Travels with Myself and Another | Martha Gellhorn
Alone in Antarctica: The First Woman to Ski Solo Across the Southern Ice | Felicity Aston

girl on mokoro safari in the okavango delta

Cruising down the Okavango Delta in Botswana!

Want to support your favourite creators while travelling online? Binge their content!

It’s a tough time for many businesses around the world, but freelancers and small business owners ( like myself who are in the travel industry ) are particularly feeling the pinch.

If you want to help us out, spend a few minutes a day reading a blog post (it costs you nothing and helps us make some ad revenue), watching YouTube videos or supporting us by engaging with our content on Instagram .

While I’m incredibly grateful for you reading this blog post right now, if you want to continue showing me some virtual love (and dabble in some armchair travelling), meander your way through these blog posts:

The Ultimate South Africa Bucket List: 40+ Amazing Places to Visit
How to Travel Bali on a Budget as a Frugal South African
10 Loved-Up Locations to Visit in South Africa
The Perfect Self-Drive Botswana Itinerary for an Epic Safari Trip
What It’s Like Staying on Mumbo Island in Malawi
The Best of the Panorama Route South Africa: 2-Day Itinerary

Your next trip doesn’t have to be an international getaway. You can plan a trip closer to home.

For a lot of us, not having an end in sight is making staying inside so much harder.

So why not use the time to plan your first trip when things start to go back to normal?

Hop onto Pinterest and create a board for your dream destination. Scroll through Instagram , stalk some hashtags and create a new saved folder (you might find some new favourite accounts).

Once you’ve decided on a destination and you have a bucket list coming together, head on over to Booking.com and start researching your dream hotel!

Remember, this too shall pass ( yes, I know that’s corny, but it’s also a Lord of the Rings quote ). It’s okay to use this time to take your mind off the state of the world and get excited about your next adventure.

Chase those waterfalls from the safety of your house.

If none of these tips help you reclaim your wanderlust, take a walk down memory lane.

Look through your travel photos from your favourite trips. Host a Google Hangouts with all your friends that went on that adventure (and don’t forget all the people you met along the way!).

Have a chat about your drunken escapades on Siem Reap’s pub street or that epic Full Moon Party in Thailand. Maybe you hiked to the top of Kilimanjaro, or you spent your gap year backpacking across Europe .

You could also use this time to edit (or re-edit if you’ve recently invested in some presets) your photos and relive those memories by posting some throwbacks on Instagram.

Do you have any more armchair travel ideas? Hit ya gurl up in the comments and let’s get our wanderlust on from the comfort of our couch!

Psst…Want some inspiration for your next trip? Check out some of my most popular posts!

20+ Most Instagrammable Places in Cape Town
The Best of Bangkok: The Perfect 3-day Bangkok Itinerary
Singapore 4 Day Itinerary: The Ultimate Guide for First-Time Travellers
10 Day Vietnam Itinerary: The Ultimate Vietnam Backpacking Route

? If you like it, then you should put a pin on it! ?

Escape the four walls of your house by indulging in armchair travel! Here are 10 genius ways to explore the world from home!

About Lauren Melnick

Lauren Melnick is the founder of Wanderlust Movement, Wander to Here and is a South Africa travel blogger. She's been travelling the world as a full-time freelance writer since 2016 and has visited over 40 countries.

When she isn't typing up a storm, you can find her conquering overnight hikes around the Western Cape, rock climbing, and hosting sold out group travel trips around South Africa, Namibia and Morocco.

Reader Interactions

August 26, 2020 at 5:53 am

True. At this point of restricted travel we are but lest with the virtual visits to all places. Waiting for the day when we could travel again, in person. Till then, I am off to the Smithsonian Museum.

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Ultimate Armchair Travel Guide |…

The Ultimate Armchair Travel Guide

Whether you’re a seasoned globe-trotter who finds themselves suddenly stuck at home or a home-body who prefers to dream from the comfort of their living room, we’ve got you covered. Staying home doesn’t mean you can’t continue to explore, learn, and grow through travel. In this ultimate armchair travel guide, we’re handing over an ultimate list of travel-related things you can from the comfort of your own home.

We’ve also got some fun ideas for exploring your own backyard as a means of scratching your travel itch. If international travel isn’t possible at the moment, we can use this opportunity to explore our homes!

Armchair Travel Guide

Explore cultural foods at home.

Authentic food is one of our favorite things about travel! We frequently come home from a new place and try and recreate the new foods we enjoyed on the trip. Remember that Mexican street corn you enjoyed in Tulum, Mexico, or the Chicken Tikka you had in India? When it comes to armchair travel, why not learn some of your favorite authentic recipes from around the world.

You could also order in! Many restaurants are offering take-out options so if you’re missing Japan why not order sushi at home (or learn to make it yourself)? Another way we’ve been exploring new flavors at home is watching cooking shows on Netflix. We’re big fans of:

The big family cooking showdown
Nadiya Hussain’s, Time to Eat

Read Travel Books

The right book and sweep you away! There’s nothing better than finding a book you just can’t put down – am I right? And if you can’t be in a new place, the next best thing is to read about a new place. Here are a few travel-related books to spark your wanderlust and keep you occupied until you can travel:

Plan Your Next Trip

We all have that one big, bucket-list trip we’ve been dreaming of forever. The number of people who actually take their bucket-list trip is shockingly low…why? They don’t plan for it. There’s no better time to put pen to paper, do some research, read some travel blogs, and actually start planning out your dream trip. What have you ALWAYS wanted to do? Write it down and start planning!

Watch Travel Movies

I don’t have the stats to back this up but I’m going to wager that Netflix watch time is WAY up at the moment. Nothing screams armchair travel like movies that spark your travel lust. Make your next movie night travel themed. Here are some of my personal favorite travel movies of all time:

Eat Pray Love
Into the Wild
Under The Tuscan Sun
The Secret Life of Walter Witty
Vicky Christina Barcelona
The Bucket List
7 Years in Tibet
Out of Africa
Little Miss Sunshine
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

Visit a Museum

We’re experiencing a moment in history that we will never forget. It’s uncertain, yes. It can be overwhelming, yes. But there are also really incredible things happening right now. There is more available to us virtually than ever before.

Museums, Operas, Plays, Aquariums, Safaris and so much more. Now you can experience all of these things from the comfort of your own home with a phone or computer and an internet connection. Here are a few we’ve checked out and highly recommend:

The Louvre is offering free virtual tours
The Vatican has self-guided virtual tours
The Smithsonian Self-Guided Tours
Take a virtual Safari ( twice a day )
Visit an Aquarium from home with live streams of the marine life

This is just the tip of the iceberg. There are all kinds of virtual performances, tours, exhibits, and interactive experiences available online.

Learn a New Language

How many times have I said, “Man, I wish I knew another language”. How many times have you thought about learning a second language and put it off? I actually took Spanish lessons for a while and was making good headway before I got side-tracked by life and dropped it.

Why not take some of this newfound time and put it to good use?

Pick a language, set a deadline, and get to work!

Use an app like Duolingo or Babble or you could invest in a learning tool like Rosetta Stone if you really want to get serious about learning. Aside from that, one of the best pieces of language advice I’ve ever gotten was from my Aunt (she’s from Bolivia). Obviously immersion is the fastest way to learn a language, but if you can’t do that she suggested watching movies in your target language that have English subtitles.

If Spanish is on your radar, there are all kinds of Netflix shows right now in Spanish with English subtitles!

Travel-Inspired Activities

We’ve got some extra time, why not take up a hobby like colouring or puzzles. They’re both great for managing stress and there are endless possibilities. I love pairing these activities with matching wines and snacks. For instance, if I’m working on a puzzle of Cinque Terre in Italy, I’ll have a glass of Italian wine and bread with oil as well. Try it!

Drink Your Way Around The World

You didn’t think we’d publish this post without a boozy option, did you? If you don’t already know, we’ve been hosting daily LIVE happy hours on our Facebook page !

Trying new cocktails has been a fun way to explore the world through cocktails, wines & craft beers. If you need a little inspiration, check out our favorite cocktails we’ve made at home so far.

Learn to Dance

I love to dance! Brent does not. I’ve always been drawn to music and dancing but getting Brent to come to a physical dance class with me hasn’t gone over that well. Until now! There are thousands of virtual dance lessons, classes, and even one on one instruction available right now.

Whether you’ve always wanted to learn the Bachata or you’re drawn to the Highland Fling, YouTube that shit and get learning!

Here are some really great online resources if you love to dance:

The Fitness Marshall (YouTube) is hilarious and you offers curated workouts or you can build your own!

The Studio (YouTube) also offers a TON of free dance inspired workouts!

Create a Trip Photobook

You know those 50,000+ photos you have sitting on your computer? Why not go through them and make some memory books. We started using photobooks a few years back and it’s become a trip tradition.

Every time we take a big trip, we take our 50 or so favorite pictures and create a keepsake. They work great as gifts and coffee table books and having a physical photo book means we actually look at the pictures more often.

Become a Photographer

OK, so photographers will hate that I just said that but these days – everyone’s got a fancy camera! Even if that’s just the super-advanced camera on your phone. There are all kinds of places to take a course and sharpen your photography skills before your next trip. And, who doesn’t want to take better photos?

Nikon is offering free online classes right now . Even if you don’t have Nikon, photography fundamentals are the same no matter what camera you’re using!

Add Travel-Inspired Decor to Your Home

In recent years we’ve been taking steps to reduce our carbon footprint. Some would call us minimalists. One quick visit to our home and you’ll see that we don’t have much “stuff” but what we do have is very intentional.

We’ve surrounded ourselves with things that spark inspiration and for us, that means travel themed decor. Some of the ways we’ve included travel decor in our space are:

A wine rack full of wines from around the world
Pushpin map where we track our trips and travels
Exotic house-plants
A custom gallery wall that used our own travel photography

Take Up Hiking

Hiking is a great way to explore your own backyard and most places have all kinds of trails for you to use. I’ve been an avid hiker all my life and while I love traveling to new, exciting trails outside of my home province there are plenty of hikes right here as well.

In fact, stunning (and challenging) hiking trails are one of Nova Scotia’s best-kept secrets!

Build Your Local Travel Bucket-List

Staycation is going to be the theme of the year, I think. Day trips, road trips, camping trips…there has never been a better time to become a tourist in your own province (or city, for that matter). Just google “things to do in __________” and you’ll find what the tourists find!

If you’re in Nova Scotia, check out these 11 day-trip itineraries to take you to every corner of Nova Scotia . It’s also a great time to make a point of supporting local, even more than usual. Book local cottages, resorts, and Airbnb’s. Check out local parks and beaches. Enjoy the slower pace of life we’re all experiencing right now while keeping your wanderlust alive and well!

Author: sara

Brent & Sara founded Dashboard Living as a place to share inspiration, humor and adventure from their travels and to inspire others to see the world. Join them in their quest to find off-the-beaten path adventures and destinations, the best wine & craft beer in the world, and the unforgettable people that make those destinations so special!

30 Comments

We have tried Zumba dancing and the museum tours sound amazing. Thanks for this guide!

Thanks so much for the tips!! They are going to be handy for our staycation. You guys are the best!!

You’re so welcome!

We had a cruise planned with family for the last of April, and I’m still not quite over it being cancelled. Taking pen to paper and planning a bucket list trip (Switzerland or Scotland/Ireland) is a fantastic idea. It will terrify Hubby… which is part of the fun! LOL

Thanks for the tip!

So many great ideas here…I need to find a hiking partner!🤗

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Armchair Traveling: 22 Ways to Travel Virtually from Home

Sometimes there are circumstances that don't allow you to travel. However, armchair traveling is the solution. Here are virtual ways to travel from home! #armchairtravel #virtualtravel #travelfromhome #hometravel #staycation #travel #destinations #traveltips #travelinspiration #athome #virtualtraveling

This post contains affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you book or purchase through these links. You can read my full disclosure policy here .

Armchair Traveling Guide

There are 22 ways to guide you in armchair traveling below including travel-themed ideas for kids, adults, families, and couples. From destinations to activities and products, there is something for everyone!

1 | Take A Virtual Destination Tour

Technology is a great thing and thankfully, we have come a long way with it. So, take advantage of that with virtual tours of the following destinations:

Entrance to Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse, The Netherlands (April 2019)

Tour Keukenhof Gardens-The Netherlands

Tour USA National Parks

Times Square, NYC (February 2019)

Tour New York City

Tour Chicago, Illinois

Tour Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Tour Alaska, USA

Machu Picchu, Perú (May 2017)

Tour Machu Picchu, Perú

Floralis Genérica, Buenos Aires (March 2019)

Tour Buenos Aires, Argentina

Eiffel Tower, Paris (July 2018)

Tour Paris, France

Tour London, England

Goðafoss Waterfall, Iceland (October 2018)

Tour Iceland

Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna (December 2018)

Tour Vienna, Austria

Tour Sydney, Australia

Torii Gate-Chureito Pagoda, Japan (November 2019)

Tour Hong Kong

Chefchaouen “Blue Pearl”, Morocco (June 2018)

Tour Morocco

2 | Livestream Destinations

Taking virtual travel to a higher level, many destinations have webcams where you can see what’s going on in real-time. Try these out:

Times Square, NYC

Sydney, Australia

Northern Lights-Manitoba, Canada (seasonal)

Trevi Fountain-Rome, Italy

Yosemite Falls, Yosemite National Park

Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park

CN Tower-Toronto, Canada

Shibuya Crossing-Tokyo, Japan

Niagara Falls, USA/Canada

Las Vegas Strip

Banff, Canada

St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City

The MOON (yes, I’m serious!)

These are just a very few of the million more you can find here . They even have a most viewed category!

3 | Take a Virtual Library, Museum or Palace Tour

It’s not just the outdoors we can explore virtually, but we can tour the indoors too. Try the following virtual tours of libraries and museums:

National Museum of Natural History (Smithsonian)

Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum (NYC)

Uffizi Gallery (Florence, Italy)

The Sand Museum (Tottori, Japan)

Palace of Versailles (France)

Ronald Reagan Presidential Library (California)

Austrian National Library (Vienna)

Royal Palace Amsterdam

4 | Take a Virtual Arts Tour

Staying with indoor tours, one of my favorite places to explore when traveling is opera houses. Here are a few of my favorites you can tour virtually :

Sydney Opera House

Vienna Opera House (December 2018)

Vienna State Opera House

Palais Garnier

For The Family

5 | virtual travel with kids.

Take time to assist your kids with armchair traveling. There are plenty of options out there to help them virtually travel or bring travel-themed ideas to them:

20 Virtual Field Trips for Kids

Amazing Virtual Tours for Kids

Little Passports (a great monthly subscription service for kids ages 3+ to “travel the world”)

Best Travel Books for Kids

Daily Travel Inspired Itinerary for Kids

Best Around the World Card Games

Printable Travel Games for Kids

6 | Play Travel-Themed Board Games

The olden days of playing board games are olden no more. They have made a huge comeback! Try out these travel-themed games for some family fun:

Ticket to Ride-First Journey

Europe version
NYC version

Explore the World

Trekking the National Parks-The Family Board Game

7 | Put Together a Travel-Themed Puzzle

Also making a comeback in popularity are puzzles. Satisfy your wanderlust by putting together a puzzle of a beautiful destination:

Scenic Photography Santorini

4D Cityscape Las Vegas

Dreamy Positano, Italy

Route 66-America’s Main Street

Machu Picchu, Peru

London 4D Cityscape

8 | Try Travel-Themed Activity Books

As a way to travel while simultaneously decreasing anxiety and stress, coloring books are great activities for adults. While kids like to color, activity books typically keep their attention longer. 😉 Check out these travel-themed books:

Landmarks of the World Adult Coloring Book

Adventures Around the Globe Activity Book for Kids

Couples and Individuals

9 | make travel-themed dinners.

Vegan Ramen Bowl at The Fieldhouse in Montana (September 2019)

Food is one of my favorite aspects of traveling. I mean, food is the way to our hearts, is it not? Try out a travel-themed dinner and reminisce about a trip you’ve taken or where you’d like to go next! I will start you out with my own travel-inspired recipe for my favorite Spanish pizza .

Looking for more than just a recipe? Want to learn to cook like an Italian or bake like a champ? These chefs are hosting free online cooking classes (for now).

10 | Travel the World via Cocktails

Left: “Swimming Pool” cocktail in Paris (2018) | Right: Peanut Butter Cup Martini in Montana (2019)

For those who love to try the local drink when they visit a new destination, try these international cocktail recipes .

11 | Virtual Wine Tastings

Red wine tasting on a food tour in Paris (July 2018)

What? Yep! Wine lovers can actually do these virtual wine tastings that come with tasting kits! Don’t worry about traveling to Napa. Bring Napa to you!

12 | Light a Travel-Scented Candle

Okay, I know what you’re thinking. What is a travel scent? Well, that depends on you. It might be the ocean to take you to the beach, lavender to transport you to France , Mediterranean inspired scents or the smell of the great outdoors . Find your favorite scent and connect your sense of smell to your love of travel!

13 | Plan a Travel-Themed Spa Day

Spa at Palace Luzern in Switzerland (August 2016)

Transport yourself to a French spa by getting yourself a plush spa robe , spa slippers , lavender bubble bath , a bottle of French wine, and the aforementioned lavender candle .

Another option is to recreate your own spa experience from your travels. My favorites included this Swiss spa , this Austrian spa , and this Canadian spa .

*Disclaimer: Significant Other optional. It’s okay if you just need a moment alone..especially if you have kids!

14 | Watch Travel Movies

Once you’ve had that relaxing bubble bath, carry that glass of wine to the bed or the couch and settle in for a great travel movie off this list .

15 | Watch Travel-Themed Netflix Shows

Photo Credit: Rafael Henrique | Depositphotos.com

Maybe a movie isn’t exactly what you’re in the mood for. If not, try these travel Netflix shows to satisfy your wanderlust.

16 | Read Travel-Themed Books

If you are like me, reading is something you love to do but never have the time. Maybe it’s time to start back. Crawl into bed after your movie or TV show is over and wind down before going to sleep with a good travel read .

My personal favorite reads aren’t necessarily travel-themed but are set in London. This hilarious nine-book series is stress-relieving chic-lit. When reading these, I always imagine being in London and all of its sites. Penned by a British author , I enjoy the language and the London way of life.

17 | Read TRAVEL BLOGS!

My blog’s homepage 🙂

While we’re on the subject of reading, please keep reading travel blogs. You achieve several purposes at the same time: fueling your wanderlust, inspiration for planning future travels as well as supporting small businesses. Like mine, so many travel blogs are small businesses. Just by reading our blogs (which costs you nothing), you can help us greatly and we very much appreciate it!

18 | Bring Broadway Home

Hamilton at the Richard Rodgers Theater in NYC (February 2018)

Are you a theater lover? Have you always wanted to visit NYC and see a play on Broadway? If you currently can’t travel, bring Broadway to you or see these other 6 ways to enjoy Broadway at home .

19 | Learn a New Language

If you can’t currently travel, use the time to learn a new language. If you don’t already have a favorite, start with the language of the next destination you want to visit. No, learning a new language isn’t easy. Yes, it’s extremely useful. No, you don’t have to be fluent to make a difference. Just learning a few words in the language can make a huge difference when traveling not only in terms of helping you out but it’s much appreciated by the locals!

Maybe you already speak another language but you aren’t quite fluent yet. I fall into this category with Spanish. I’m between conversational and fluent and I am constantly learning especially when I’m not traveling.

My personal tips for learning a new language:

Watch TV in that language
Listen to music in that language
Read your daily news source in that language. ( Twitter is good for this because you can follow a news source in another language, read the tweet in the foreign language and view its translation to check your progress)
Read books in that language (if you are far enough along)
Practice with friends who speak that language
Constantly think in that language

My favorite language learning apps:

Rosetta Stone

My favorite language learning tools (and what I personally have used) are the McGraw Hill Practice Makes Perfect series. You can get them in Spanish , French , Italian , German , and English for ESL .

20 | Participate in Virtual Travel Run/Walk Challenges

If you can’t travel, you can still be active with a travel theme. Try these virtual travel fitness challenges . They can be running, walking, biking, swimming, etc and you can complete them at your own pace . You can track your progress along the trail and even see a street view.

Sign up (there is a fee to join a challenge), download the app ( iPhone or Android ), connect your favorite fitness tracker and your outdoor activity will be recorded. It’s that easy. Once it’s completed, your medal is sent to you!

My Inca Trail Marathon Virtual Challenge t-shirt (April 2020)

I recently completed the Inca Trail marathon through Machu Picchu in Perú . I’m currently waiting on my medal and I even got the shirt (extra purchase). However, if you prefer something different, there is Route 66, Grand Canyon, Great Ocean Road, Appalachian Trail, or create your own !

21 | Drawing Disney

My drawing of Disney’s “Bambi” (2015)

Missing Disney World and wanting to visit? How about trying your hand at Disney animation drawing? I love to draw, had the opportunity to draw at Disney, and have both of mine framed on my wall. If you can’t get to Disney right now, this ultimate guide to Disney animation is the perfect tutorial to complete over 60 drawings at home!

22 | Airbnb Online Experiences

Last, but not least, if none of the above have piqued your interest, try one of Airbnb’s online experiences . For a small fee, you can participate in a number of different activities in many different countries. From family baking experiences to tango lessons in Argentina and snuggling with pets in the USA , there is something for everyone!

Sometimes, due to various reasons, you aren’t able to travel. So when you can’t travel then bring the travel to you! Where there’s a will, there’s a way, right? I hope you have enjoyed this comprehensive list and have already found an activity to try. Happy armchair traveling!

Have you been armchair traveling somewhere cool? If so, please post it below so we can all “travel” there!

‘Til next time…

Trimm Travels,

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10 Comments

Ohh I think so many people are starting to get the travel blues. You’ve got so many great ideas here. My favourite way to stay positive and keep the travel vibes high is to live vicariously through others. Reading a book set in a beautiful location or watching a movie on Netflix is a great way to do that.

Hi Emma-I totally agree! Netflix or TV in general for me has helped a lot. But, I’ve also enjoyed doing the virtual tours and definitely, my virtual destination marathon. Thanks for reading! 🙂

I love how creative people are getting and how we are adjusting to a world where we are traveling from home. These are great virtual tours, many of these places I’ve not visited!

Hi Chelsea-I totally agree. Thankfully we are very adaptable just hoping for a return to normalcy (or something to its effect) soon! Thanks for reading! 🙂

Oh my goodness, there is so much to do, virtually, I had no idea there were so many options these days. Some of these I hadn’t heard of. Virtual marathons, virtual airbnb experiences and livestream the Moon, wow! All such fantastic suggestions. I’m going to give some of these a go to keep me busy until we can travel again. I think I might try the Inca Trail too, as I’ve always wanted to go to Machu Picchu.

Hi Tania-I know!! I couldn’t believe how much there is to do virtually either! I’m going to try some Airbnb experiences as well. I highly recommend the Inca Trail Virtual Marathon. It was SO much fun! When you’re able definitely visit Machu Picchu . Perú is absolutely amazing and in my top 3 favorite countries! Thanks for reading! 🙂

Live streaming destinations sounds interesting, but I wonder if it’s at all planned out or if it’s just a webcam sitting in one location for hours. I love National Parks and I know it won’t be the same as if I were there, but if this continues live streaming may be something I actually resort to 🙂

Hi Candy-I think there’s some of both involved depending on what it is. For example, I think Old Faithful is fixed. However, there is definitely some creativity out there so it’s worth checking out! Thanks for reading! 🙂

You had me at “travel-themed cocktails”! But seriously, as a teacher I am so thrilled with how many museums and national parks have been doing live-streaming and tours. It’s awesome to still be able to take kids on field trips right now, even if it’s not the same. It gives them a nice break from the day-to-day, just like all of your awesome suggestions here!

Hi Dani-Thanks for your feedback. Glad you liked it and especially the cocktails! I am also glad that so many places have provided virtual tours for kids because they need it and the adults need the break but also for the adults who need it too! Thanks for reading! 🙂

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Armchair Travel Is Springing Back to Life

Whatever form armchair travel assumes, it’s not something I personally have much experience with. As a professional travel writer who spends the majority of my time physically on the road, it rarely comes into play. But that’s not to say I don’t see the value in it. Wanderlust is an almost universal human trait—I’m not sure travel journalism would even exist without it—and the need to scratch that itch comes with a pronounced set of challenges.

First and foremost, there are the financial hurdles. Beyond that, it’s almost always a veritable pain in the ass to get from A to B, and that goes double for anyone dealing with limited mobility or other circumstances that might make flying less accessible. Considering that travelers filed 1,693 disability-related complaints against US airlines in 2022 alone—triple the number filed in 2020—this issue is growing increasingly relevant as post-pandemic travel continues to surge.

Even without mobility limitations, relying on planes is a frustrating affair. I say this as someone who just spent four whole hours on hold with United Airlines after a battery of flights were delayed with no prior warning. During that exceedingly frustrating downtime, I began to seriously question my life decisions. Is travel overrated? Ralph Waldo Emerson famously called it a “fool’s paradise,” and the list of notable philosophers throughout history who have ridiculed the pursuit runs long. And while I’ve always assumed they were sour grapes-ing the fact they hadn’t earned Delta Diamond status, maybe there’s more to it than that.

According to one expert, while my movement might be a mandatory work hazard, I’ve been journeying in the wrong direction.

“Traveling inward to explore the vastness of one’s own consciousness is an adventure few people have yet to embark upon,” says Dan Marko, senior spiritual wellness provider at the famed Canyon Ranch retreat and spa in Lenox, Massachusetts . “Traditionally mystics and shamans intentionally move into a non-ordinary state of awareness through adapting the breath rhythm and adding the vibratory sound of an instrument or a sound found in nature to travel into the vastness of the three worlds—upper, middle, lower—[of] what in modern conversation might be called the multiverse.”

"This type of travel should be considered a pilgrimage,” he adds. “You are traveling to the sacred within and returning with a renewed or refreshed reverence for life.”

This concept hits particularly hard considering we know for certain that physical movement across long distances can negatively affect the very environment we’re seeking to explore. Simon Ford , for one, is pointedly aware of this fact. As co-founder of Fords Gin , he’s had to trek to bars and restaurants across the globe to promote his product. When he’s not in the air, however, he uses armchair travel as a way to help him ultimately be more intentional with his travel plans.

“The travel industry certainly has an impact on climate change, and as more and more people travel this will only worsen,” he points out. “Armchair travel gives us an opportunity to research and be selective, which is a good thing. For example, after reading Eric Newby's The Big Red Train Ride , I found myself booking a trip to take the Trans Siberian Railway across six time zones. Most of my bucket list travel comes from great books.”

And Simon’s hardly alone. Dr. Melissa Boudin, a clinical psychologist from Santa Barbara, California , classifies this method as “travel-based daydreaming.” Most of us do it from time to time, she suggests, as if we’re crafting an internal vision board that keeps us relaxed and open to new possibilities while also reinforcing goal-oriented behavior.

“Daydreaming about travel, in particular, lets you be fully creative and in control of where you are, allowing you to escape briefly from your physical point of being,” she says. “This can be useful for taking a breather during a workday or whenever a mental break is needed—people who ‘travel’ during their breaks are often more likely to feel refreshed, happy, and optimistic.”

But armchair travel doesn’t just make you feel better, it can actually make you physiologically better, too, she contends. “Daydreaming in general produces alpha brain waves, which are linked to decreases in anxiety and depression, as well as increases in creativity.”

Those specific benefits are becoming more obvious to a broader range of travel industry professionals. As a result, armchair travel is forging some unlikely allies, including tourism boards in popular international destinations like Thailand .

Through a combination of robust online portals and roving activations in big cities across the world, the TAT brings a taste of Thai culture to people all over the world, no matter when or even if they might be able to visit in person. And they won’t even need a passport—sometimes, all it takes is a hearty appetite. (Nothing brings me back to this part of the world like a well-composed serving of Pad See Ew .)

Of course, there are plenty of people who would love to explore the beauty of Southeast Asia, but as mentioned, issues like limited mobility mean that a fulls day's worth of continuous air travel might not be in the cards. Physical movement requires physical exertion, and for that reason, it tends to favor those who are young and particularly mobile. Indeed, many of the books written in service of armchair travel are aimed entirely at older generations, including one that goes so far as to subtitle itself, “A Sensory Experience for Seniors.”

The cruel irony is that this exact demographic contains the highest percentage of retirees , a population presumably flush with ample time to actually get out there and explore. Of course, many have found a middle ground between the ability to travel the world in search of in-your-face adventure and traveling from home via a vacation slideshow by opting for less hectic and demanding transport options like cruises and sleeper trains . Which, in all honesty, sounds pretty good to me.

“For me, the appeal is also largely about nostalgia,” says Steven Bowden, a tour guide for the kiwi-based company. “Rail travel was integral to New Zealand's development, and was the primary mode of interregional travel for over 50 years—everyone traveled by train, to work, to school, to visit family and friends, and it was the primary promoter and facilitator of tourism. Building the rail network was an incredible achievement in itself given the topography.”

For Gen-Xers, Millenials, and the rest of us whipper-snappers, though, our sunset years are paved with the promise of traversing a simulated topography via virtual reality travel and similar technological advances. And while that might make a certain forms of travel much more accessible, it does come at a cost.

“Armchair travel can provide valuable insights, but it can’t replicate the experience of being in a new place, meeting new people, and feeling their culture,” says Stanislav Harciník, co-host of the tourism industry-focused Mirror Hospitality Expo in Bratislava, Slovakia. “The sights, sounds, and smells of a new destination are impossible to capture through books and movies alone—it’s the same as trying a dish in its place of origin versus trying to recreate it back home.”

Despite the warning signs, our meta-future is inevitable. Today, I can easily venture into lands unseen from the confines of a cozy armchair with an LED snorkel tethered to my face, or maybe even devote a more concerted effort to journeying inward, as proscribed by Mr. Marko. The fact that it sure sounds a lot easier on my back is one advantage I’m considering while typing away on a hotel patio overlooking Lake Wakatipu , a view I traveled some 8000 miles to make my own. Perhaps it is a fool’s paradise I pursue. But to me, it’s a paradise just the same. Want more Thrillist? Follow us on Instagram , TikTok , Twitter , Facebook , Pinterest , and YouTube .

Brad Japhe is a contributor for Thrillist.

Armchair Travel Is Springing Back to Life

Sidewalk Safari | Part-time Travel Blog

31 ways to be an armchair traveler from the comfort of your own home.

Armchairs at a cafe in Birmingham England

What Does Armchair Travel Mean?

Armchair travel ideas.

Watch a travel-inspired movie

Watch a travel-themed TV show

Tune into wildlife on youtube, live vicariously through rick steves, listen to a travel-themed podcast.

Create and curate a "Top 10 List" from each of your past trips

Create and print a photo book

Make a travel photo mosaic, reminisce with family over travel photos from past trips, put a travel slide show on your tv, create a travel shrine with souvenirs from past trips, reminisce with the help of your social feeds.

Organize your vacation memories
Research a trip, just don't book it
Create a travel gratitude list

Keep a journal

Play a travel-themed board game, go on a virtual tour, work out to a destination-themed exercise video.

Take a photowalk while respecting social distancing
Go balcony birdwatching

Read travel blogs

Read a travel-themed book, write a travel story, break out the snacks you brought home from your last trip, cook a meal from your favorite destination.

Order takeout of different cuisines from around the world
Drink a bottle of wine from your favorite destination or place you were planning to go.

Set-up a call with your travel-minded friends

Organize a travel slideshow virtual viewing party with friends, socialize with like-minded travel-lovers on social media, armchair travel ideas: watch and listen, watch a travel-inspired movie.

National Lampoon's Vacation : Watch the comedic (mis)adventures of the Griswolds and their family truckster as they make their way to Wally World on the ultimate American road trip.
Honeymoon in Vegas : Suspend your sense of disbelief and get a taste of both Las Vegas and Hawaii as Jack Singer loses his fiancee in a hand of poker and chases her to tropical locales to save her from gangster Tommy Corman. Oh, and there are flying Elvises.
Up in the Air : If you are a frequent flyer and miss that gold-plated business/first-class experience, follow George Clooney as he takes to the skies.
Romancing the Stone : "Is this the bus to Cartagena?" Follow romance novelist Joan Wilder on a treasure hunt to save her sister in the jungles of Colombia.
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels : Steve Martin and Michael Caine always make me smile in this con artist comedy. Bonus points for the sunny French Riviera setting of Beaumont-sur-Mer.
A Place in the Sun : Watch British couples agonize over where to buy that perfect second home in warm sunny climes. You'll get to see some super-cool real estate as well as some really fun sun holiday destinations across Europe and beyond.
The Amazing Race : Do you have a competitive streak? If so, the Amazing Race is for you. Watch 10 teams of two face their fears and battle it out for a 1 million dollar prize in a race around the world.
The Love Boat : Transport yourself back in time to when cruise ships were full of romance, not harbingers of doom.
Panama Fruit Feeders : Watch an amazing display of colorful exotic birds stop by for a snack in the jungle in Panama.
Namibia Livestream in the Namib Desert : Journey into the African desert and catch a glimpse of the wildlife grabbing a drink at a rare watering hole.
Sloth TV : Get a dose of cuteness with this live feed of baby sloths in Costa Rica .

Armchair Travel Ideas: Reminisce

Create and curate a top 10 list from each of your past trips.

Armchair Travel Ideas: Organize

Plan a trip, but don't book it, create a travel-focused gratitude list, armchair travel ideas: do.

beach workout
sunset workout
virtual scenery
workout scenery
virtual cycling

Take a photowalk

Balcony birdwatching, armchair travel ideas: read and write.

Roaming Required is written by an Australian couple living in London and focuses on great destinations near and far and goes particularly in depth on places in the UK. If you're a history buff, Roaming Required is definitely for you.
Reflections Enroute is written by an American-expat couple living abroad with an adventurous streak. Self-drive in Uganda, anyone?
Wayfaring Views shares a lot of amazing street art and book recommendations; two of my favorite things.
Hokkaido Highway Blues is a travelogue by Will Ferguson covering his quest to follow the Spring cherry blossoms in Japan clear across the country from South to North.
Batavia's Graveyard will take you back to the age of exploration when the Dutch East India Company ship, Batavia, was shipwrecked and the crew marooned on a small island off of Australia. The killing spree that ensued reads like a work of fiction but is even more mesmerizing because this is a work of non-fiction.
River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt's Darkest Journey shares the story of U.S. President Teddy Roosevelt's scientific expedition to the darkest corners of Brazil.
First They Killed My Father will put what we are currently going through into proper perspective and make you realize how much worse things could be. First They Killed my Father is a first hand account of life under the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia.
Long Walk to Freedom is an inspiring biography about the life of Nelson Mandela and the quest to abolish Apartheid in South Africa.
A Sense of the World: How a Blind Man Became History's Greatest Traveler . This book is truly inspirational. An 18th century blind man didn't let his lack of sight stop him from having some great (and often dangerous adventures).

Armchair Travel Ideas: Eat and Drink

Order takeout of different cuisines around the world, drink a bottle of wine from your favorite destination or place you were planning to go, armchair travel ideas: socialize at home and online, did you enjoy this post on how to be an armchair traveller when you have to stay at home sharing is caring... .

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A complete guide to armchair travel: how to see the world from your home.

Is it possible to travel without leaving your home? With a little creativity, yes it is! While there is no substitute for the real thing, there are still ways to experience the world without actually going anywhere. Being confined during lockdowns really helped us to use our imaginations to bring the wider world into our homes while dreaming and planning for the future. Welcome to the world of armchair travel! In this guide, we explore the many ways you can bring the whole wide world into the place you live.

This site contains links to some products and services we love, which we may make commission from at no extra cost to you.

In this article:

What is armchair travel?

The term ‘armchair travel’ has been around for a while, but its focus used to be on sensory travel experiences for elderly and physically incapacitated people. But in the post-pandemic world, the term has gained a far broader meaning.

With people travelling less for a variety of reasons – restrictions, climate change and financial challenges to name a few – many are seeking ways to have worldly experiences through other means.

Armchair travel is all about discovering the world without actually going anywhere. Whether that’s through virtual experiences, planning a future trip or bringing the world into your home, there are many ways to do it. Let’s begin.

Armchair travel: discover the world through popular culture

So much of the world’s best literature, music and cinema has been inspired by places and journeys. When real travel is not possible, there is an endless supply of books, movies, documentaries, music, podcasts and other media we can draw upon to connect ourselves with the wider world.

Art inspired by travel provides a form of escapism like no other. It can transport us out of our living rooms to anywhere in the world, and make us dream about another existence, and explore new possibilities.

Get lost in a travel book

I once heard it said that if you have enough money to pay the rent and buy books, then you are rich. It’s a comforting thought that even when you cannot actually travel, you can still experience it vicariously through the words of others.

We recently compiled 35 of the best books about travel chosen by bloggers around the world. It’s a mixture of classics and underrated gems, and stories about places and personal journeys. These are three of our favourite travel-inspired books:

In Patagonia

I read Bruce Chatwin’s In Patagonia on a 24-hour bus ride into the region. The anecdotes and vivid descriptions made me hungry for exploration.

Notes from a Small Island

Bill Bryson writes about his farewell trip around the UK. Notes from a Small Island taught me so much I didn’t know about my homeland.

Lisa raved about Cheryl Strayed’s self discovery on the Pacific Crest Trail told in Wild for weeks after reading it. The movie is pretty good too.

Find travel inspiration on the screen

Reading isn’t everyone’s idea of fun, but most people love a good movie every now and again. A great story set in a stunning location is the perfect recipe for firing up some wanderlust.

We’re working on a compilation of the best travel movies to share with you soon (I’ve never had more fun in researching an article), but for now, here are a couple of trailers for our favourite travel-related flicks:

I’m biased because Patagonia is my favourite place. The movie doesn’t feature the region’s prettiest parts, but has gorgeous nighttime shots, and lots of rural Wales too.

Funny, compelling, fast-paced, and beautifully shot in the medieval city of Bruges. I saw this a week after going there, and the direction really does justice to the place.

Listen to travel podcasts

Of all the advancements in media technology over the last couple of decades – and there have been many – I think the emergence of podcasts is my favourite. The freedom to dip in and out of episodes at any time has even made me enjoy doing house chores. Exercise is also a lot more fun with earphones in and a good podcast on.

There’s a lot of great innovation out there when it comes to travel podcasting. Here’s a selection of some of the very best currently available. These are three of my go-to travel podcasts:

World Nomads Travel Podcast

A travel insurance provider that runs a podcast featuring inspiring traveller interviews .

World Wanderers

Hosts Amanda and Ryan bring you on their journey – Lisa and I featured on an episode a while back.

Travel Like A Boss

Johnny FD interviews location-independent entrepreneurs and digital nomads about their lifestyle.

Build your own travel soundtrack

Whenever we feel like reminiscing about our travels, Lisa and I open a bottle of wine and stick on some tunes that remind us of being in at a Buenos Aires asado night, an island party in the Philippines or a road trip in New Zealand.

If you’re dreaming about a future trip, do a bit of research and put together a playlist of songs that are popular in a country you want to visit. Here’s a cracking playlist I found that takes me right back to South America. The latin beats will be sure to get you fired up for future adventures (although unfortunately it does include Despacito , sorry about that…).

Alternatively, try listening to some songs with a travel-related theme, like a road trip or a particular place. Here’s a playlist of travel songs I put together with a mixture of classics and obscure belters.

Build your skills for travelling tomorrow

Travel is brilliant for learning new career skills , but there’s nothing to stop you getting started at home beforehand. If there is a particular skill you want to develop on your next trip, then why not do some groundwork ahead of time, whether by reading up or taking an online course. Here are some examples:

Learn scuba theory

Becoming qualified divers is one of the most fulfilling things we’ve done while travelling. SDI’s e-learning programme helps you start your scuba education.

Learn to blog

Blogging is a great way to record your travels, and you can also make it a source of income. Learn how to do it by taking the Blogging Fast Lane course.

Learn a language

Prepare for future travels by learning some language basics. I’m working on my Spanish, and my go-to resource is The Spanish Dude YouTube channel.

Ways to see the world from home

It’s true that there’s nothing like the real thing, but today it’s easier than ever to bring travel experiences into the place you live. The growing popularity of armchair travel has led many major attractions around the world to create simulations and replications that can be digested through a computer screen or television.

Virtual tours

If you fire up YouTube and simply search for “360 virtual travel tours” you will find an extensive supply of panoramic videos to explore landmarks and cities around the world. Below I’ve picked out four of my favourite virtual tours in South America, three of which are places Lisa and I have been, along with another we hope to visit soon:

Patagonia, Argentina and Chile

This creation by The Guardian gives an insight into Patagonia, the most incredible place we’ve seen. Check our Patagonia itinerary to plan your own trip.

Machu Picchu, Peru

One of the Seven New Wonders of the World, this virtual tour explores the legend of Machu Picchu. Here’s our beginners’ guide to hiking the Inca Trail .

Angel Falls, Venezuela

Deep in the Venezuelan jungle, Angel Falls is the world’s highest uninterrupted waterfall. This 360 depiction shows why it’s high on our bucket list .

Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro

We preferred the view from Sugarloaf Mountain on our two days in Rio , but this 360 video shows the breathtaking landscape around the iconic statue.

Virtual museums and art galleries

Google Arts & Culture has partnered with museums around the world to make their displays accessible through virtual tours and exhibitions. Meanwhile, a growing number of museums and galleries are creating online experiences. Below we’ve picked out three cultural hubs we’ve visited on our travels that you can explore through Google’s project.

MASP, São Paulo

This art museum was a highlight of our time in the southern hemisphere’s biggest city. The virtual tour gives you a peek at the latest exhibits.

Maritime Museum, Sydney

We paid a trip to the Australian National Maritime Museum when we were in Sydney. Now we can revisit the stories of the sea online .

Doge’s Palace, Venice

We began our two days in Venice by perusing the fabled Doge’s Palace. The virtual tour enables you to see the highlights without all the crowds.

Take a random journey on Google Earth

Remember that “I’m feeling lucky” button under the Google search bar? Well, they’ve introduced it to the Google Earth interface, allowing you to pay a random virtual visit to places of interest around the world.

I just gave it a test ride, and in the space of a few seconds it took me to the San Miguel stratovolcano in El Salvador, Palmerstone Island in the Cook Islands and the Wat Traimit buddhist temple in Thailand (which we actually visited in real life during our week in Bangkok ). Give Google Earth a whirl and see where it takes you .

Channel your creative spirit

Digesting virtual experiences is one way to feed your travel bug at home, but an alternative that can be even more rewarding is to create worldly experiences of your own. A few months after we returned home from a round-the-world world trip, Lisa wrote about ways to keep your travel passion alive at home , with a strong focus on creativity.

Here are six ways you can channel your creative spirit at home to bring travel vibes into your everyday life:

Travel-inspired home decor

Bring the world into your surroundings at home by decorating with a travel-inspired twist. Here are some ideas for travel-themed home decor.

Try photography at home

Another great skill to build that will come in handy when you travel. Get the camera out and practice with rooms, objects, pets and people.

Take photos of the stars

If you have a garden or outdoor space, head out at night and try your hand at astrophotography. Our guide to the Elqui Valley explains the basics.

Write world-inspired poetry

Put pen to paper and write some poems inspired by places you’ve been or dreams of future travel. You could even write a travel-themed novel.

Do a worldly jigsaw puzzle

There is an almost hypnotically therapeutic quality to jigsaw puzzles. We love spending an afternoon solving one with a travel-related image.

Create a travel mood board

Get yourself a pinboard (I have one with a world map on it) and fill it with images and tokens that make you think about places you’ve been.

Dream and plan a future trip

If there is no travel on your immediate horizon, it could be the perfect time to dream up a future trip. Our 101 guide to planning a round-the-world trip walks through the vital steps, beginning with the dreaming stage. Reach out to friends who have travelled, immerse yourself in travel-themed popular culture, and write down some ideas.

With more time on your hands, you could go a step further and use the chance to start planning a travel career break .

Bring the world into your kitchen

Discovering new tastes and cooking traditions is one of the things we love most about travel, and thankfully it’s a joy that’s easy to take home. Cook up some international cuisine and it will bring the flavour of your travels into everyday life.

Here are three of our favourite cuisines to cook at home – enjoy with an exotic beer or a suitable bottle of wine:

We took a cooking class in Vietnam and loved it. At home we turn to My Vietnamese Kitchen to make our favourites like pho and bun cha.

After gorging on ceviche, causa and other Peruvian cuisine for a month we bought Andina to try and recreate some of the recipes at home.

Lisa has become a pro with Italian cooking since our tour of wineries in Umbria . To get on top of the basics, get a copy of Mastering Pasta .

Have you found any more ways to feed your love of travel while at home? Let us know in the comments below.

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Alex trembath.

Alex is the co-founder and lead content creator at Career Gappers. He is an award-winning communications leader with 20 years of leadership experience, a career that has taken him across the world working with international organisations. Alex has travelled to over 50 countries and is a passionate advocate for blending work and travel by taking career breaks, sabbaticals, workations and business trips.

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Home / Senior Living Advice / Seniors Going Places: An Armchair Travel Guide

Seniors Going Places: An Armchair Travel Guide

Senior living advice.

There is nothing quite like travelling the globe, hopping from Milan to Vancouver or Sao Paulo to Sydney.

A variation of a staycation, armchair travel allows you to transport yourself anywhere in the world without leaving the comfort of your own home or retirement residence. In this post-pandemic world, the options for armchair travel are greater than ever.

What is Armchair Travel?

Armchair travel takes people to faraway places, let’s them dream of adventure, or reminisce about past trips.

In fact, you have probably been armchair travelling for years without realizing it. Afterall, people have always enjoyed:

sharing pictures of their last vacation,
watching documentaries about far-away cultures, or
reading books about round the world journeys.

Today, it is possible to experience – in a virtual way – all manner of incredible, fascinating, and exhilarating places and sites, as long as you have internet access. From white sandy beaches to crisp white ski hills, from museum and gallery tours to scuba diving, the possibilities of virtual travel are truly endless – and they’re waiting for you, right now!

Why Should Older Adults Consider Armchair Traveling?

Three older adults sitting, multicultural, cheers, eating popcorn

Similarly, armchair travel can be stimulating and rewarding for both the seasoned traveler or an older adult who prefers staying close to home.

If you live in a retirement community, joining an armchair travel group serves as an invaluable opportunity to share memories with others while making new ones together.

Armchair Travel Tips: Planning Your Virtual Trip

Base your Armchair Travel session on a country, landmark, or theme.

You can binge on travel videos, visit virtual art galleries, or explore museums. We’ve included some amazing links at the end of this article.

Decorate your screening room or the whole residence.

Think travel posters, colourful tablecloths, streamers, or anything festive. Residents can even help out by making decorations in Arts & Craft groups.

Create passports.

Residents can collect a stamp for each journey. This is a great way to stimulate discussion and encourage seniors to come back for more armchair adventures. Try this handy template .

Travelling is more fun with friends.

Make It a Party! Send invites to get people excited. On the day of their ‘trip’, ask residents to bring pictures, clothing, artifacts, and stories of the highlighted location to share with the rest of the group.

Serve snacks.

Provide virtual tourists with tasty snacks appropriate to their trip. For instance, if watching a travel documentary about the Great Wall of China , be sure to pass out fortune cookies or mini egg rolls.

Serve a beverage.

Sample a wine from the region or a variation of the tea enjoyed in the area for travellers to enjoy while watching the video.

Put out essential oils.

Essential oils activate the sympathetic nervous system, improving concentration and memory. Just make sure they are relevant to your chosen destination.

Listen to music from the region.

Music has the power to stimulate memories and transport us to new places. For instance, the sound of a steel drum might remind you of a trip to the West Indies, while the distinctive hum of a bagpipe might whisk you off to the lush green vistas of Scotland or Ireland.

Share fun facts and encourage discussion.

Talking about travel never fails to trigger reminiscence and a sense of camaraderie. Ask participants if they have any travel stories they’d like to share and if there’s a particular place they’d like to revisit. If you are tech savvy, create a presentation showing the fascinating ways they do things differently in the country you’re exploring.

Learn a new language.

Learn a few words from the land you’re exploring. Not only does it stimulate the speech muscles, but it can also be fun! Check out these free language worksheets .

Add a physical component.

A favourite at All Seniors Care Living Centres, pedal bikes are always available during armchair travel groups. Not only does it enhance the immersive experience, pedalling to travel videos creates a social norm for incorporating physical activity into our everyday lives. Read about the benefits of senior cycling here .

Create individualized postcards.

Art inspired by travel can transport us and is a great way to make the group more experiential or therapeutic . Participants can create a collage to display their postcards or send them to friends and family. Supply residents with cardstock, a template, coloured pencils, stickers, and/or glue sticks. Let their imagination take flight!

Armchair Travel Destinations to Explore

YouTube travelogues
Google Arts & Culture project – gardens, museums, art galleries around the world
Go anywhere with online, interactive video streams
31 national parks via Google Earth
UNESCO World Heritage sites
Museums around the world

The Best of Travel: Education, Food, And Memories

On September 22 nd , All Seniors Care is going to Spain!! La Tomatina with a twist, the 2022 Tomato and Wine Festival promises to be a ton of fun for everyone. During the National Event, residents will make their way through Spain during an armchair travel event like no other.

‘Spanish Flea’ morning stretch
Chef’s presentation showcasing tomatoes planted and tended by residents
Cycle through Spain with a video overview of La Tomatina
Catapult red beanbag tomatoes at targets made using images of management staff
Spanish wine and sangria tastings
Live entertainment
A screening of a box office favourite, Fried Green Tomatoes

In keeping with the All Seniors Care Living Centres’ core philosophy – Caring is Our Number One Concern – we take pride in ensuring the highest level of care is offered to our residents. Please visit the All Seniors Care Facebook page or search for a specific location on Facebook to find an individual residence’s page and see regular photos of activities, including our monthly armchair travel experiences. You can also check out our latest news for more info on National events. Explore the communities in your area and contact us to book a tour today!

Writer – Julianna McLeod Julianna is a health and wellness expert at All Seniors Care. Her mission is to create content that empowers seniors to form sustainable solutions for lasting health and happiness. She is an experienced writer, editor, and Recreational Therapist living in Toronto.

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All Seniors Care Living Centres Ltd. , where caring is our number one concern, has become the new standard of excellence in luxury retirement living. Founded on an unwavering commitment to exceptional care, All Seniors Care is dedicated to creating and operating the best senior’s facilities, while providing the highest level of care to our residents. As part of our commitment to Aging-In-Place, residents and their families can expect enhanced independence, greater peace of mind, and higher quality of life throughout the years at these beautiful facilities. Our Directors of Health and Wellness lead daily activities designed to challenge, inspire and entertain while our Red Seal certified chefs carefully plan each meal to ensure all residents enjoy delicious, nutritiously balanced culinary creations every day – hallmarks of our commitment to excellence in providing gracious retirement living.

For more information contact: Joshua Kuhl, Vice President [email protected] 416.929.1328

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The explosion of armchair travel: how to do it ethically.

With the explosion of armchair travel that came with the recent global travel restrictions, there is one thing I have noticed. There is just as much unsustainable armchair travel as there was unsustainable travel before the coronavirus outbreak.

You want to travel, I get it! But keep the principles of sustainable travel in mind when you choose your mode of armchair travel. There is so much more to sustainable tourism than the environment. I like to consider 3 different sides of it and if one of them is not respected, or if you have a doubt if it is, then it’s probably better to skip it.

Those three pillars are respect to the locals, animals, and the environment.

That means, that if you support an activity that gives money to the local economy, like pay a local for a chained monkey to dance, you support one third of the sustainable chain, you feed a local family. But on the other hand, you step on one third too, and that is animal welfare. You pay for that monkey’s miserable life in chains, probably being beaten to obey.

So that’s an activity you don’t want to support. Now, that goes for armchair travel too. There are millions of alternatives out there and I will give you a few tips in this post to help you choose the right ones.

But first, let’s look at what armchair travel is.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. That means that if you make a purchase through one of those links, I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you. If you have any questions about these services or products, feel free to ask me.

Indian woman working at the tea plantations in Munnar

Armchair travel meaning

Finding a satisfying definition of armchair travel was not easy. In 2018, the Collins dictionary rejected a new suggestion to defining armchair traveler: “someone who finds out what a place or location is like by watching travel programs on television, looking at internet websites about travel or reading books about travel.”

The rejection was based on already having a definition for it : “An armchair critic, fan, or traveller knows about a particular subject from reading or hearing about it rather than from practical experience.”

I sensed certain negativity over the mentions of armchair travelers in my searches. Considering armchair travelers as better-knowing because they have read/seen about the destination but not actually traveled themselves. And this might be true to some extent, absolutely!

Thinking about all the people that advised me from traveling to India because it was dangerous to travel there as a woman. Or everyone that advised me from traveling to Iran because they are all criminals.

Yes, there are people that think they know better when they haven’t traveled to a place themselves. Personally, I don’t think of these as armchair travelers, but more likely people that believe everything they see in the news.

Armchair travel, on the other hand, can be something wonderful for everyone that don’t have the chance to travel. It isn’t anything new, as people have always enjoyed seeing documentaries about far-away cultures and reading books about round the world journeys. Oral storytelling has been an important part of different cultures for as long as we know.

To me, armchair travel is anything that takes you to distant places from the comfort of your own home. It could be a good travel book , a travel movie, travel documentary, a virtual tour, a YouTube video, looking at travel photos, you name it.

Plant a real tree from the comfort of your home with Click A Tree

Armchair travel to avoid

Armchair travel means you bring the world to the comfort of your home, thus it gives a certain distance to the activity you’re doing. This doesn’t mean it is ok to practice unsustainable armchair travel activities.

Unethical tour companies

Just like when you travel in real life, you should research the company you choose for virtual tours and make sure they don’t support unethical activities.

It might not always be easy to know, but as long as you do an effort and look at a few alternatives it is easier to make a sound decision.

As an example, I was asked to collaborate with a tour company that does vegan tours. Sounds ethical, right? But when I researched the company, I saw that they also included unethical dolphin shows on other tours. That was a resounding no from me.

How can you be a responsible armchair traveler?

If you have hung along on my blog for a while, you know I’m a big advocate of ethical animal tourism and I have written extensively about unethical animal tourism activities to avoid . Among them, zoo’s.

Unfortunately, zoo’s have become an entertainment arena where animals are not looked after as they should. Animals show distress from not being in their natural habitat and are bred to show off their cute babies to tourists.

The zoos serve the tourists and not the animals. That’s where the issue lays.

Luckily, there are ethical ways of exploring wildlife virtually, and you can check out live cameras set up by waterholes or join virtual safaris. Just make sure you join an ethical safari company.

Aquariums are really just the same as zoos merged in water. During my research, I even came over a whale shark in an aquarium. I have no words.

These are creatures that need a lot more space to move than what an aquarium can give. They are migratory fish which means they swim far distances in the wild, and females can cover up to 67 kilometers in one day !

A general rule of thumb is to never support any tourism business that keeps animals in captivity.

There are many ethical alternatives to aquariums like going on a 360 virtual underwater tour, like this one with National Marine Sanctuaries :

Another ethical alternative is The Dolphin Swim Club who works with ethical virtual experiences of swimming with wild dolphins. Not only for your amusement but also as a cruelty-free alternative to therapy with captive dolphins.

READ MORE ABOUT ETHICAL ANIMAL TOURISM HERE

Ethical armchair travel ideas

Share travel stories with friends and family.

Being an armchair traveler together with family and friends can be a lot of fun! Share your travel memories together, all the fun parts, your favorite destinations, your least favorite destinations, your travel mishaps, etc.

Make sure you include ethical learnings from your travels through your stories too. Talk about the time you did something unethical on your travels and explain what you learned and why they shouldn’t do the same when they travel next time.

This is a great activity to do over video chat too if you are quarantined in different places.

Quarantours

A Quarantour is an online tour with a local guide in any destination. Cooee is a platform for local guides all over the world to register to do online tours. During quarantine, they will do it from their home and talk about their country, how it is to be in lockdown in their country, and anything you are curious about.

I did an awesome Quarantour with Andrés in Costa Rica. I was meant to travel in Costa Rica in May, but the coronavirus pandemic put a stop to that trip. That’s why I thought it would be a great experience to do a virtual tour with a local guide instead.

We had a great chat, I learned a lot, and enjoyed talking about travel in Costa Rica and especially the sustainable part of traveling in the country. This is an activity I recommend highly!

Watch sustainable travel documentaries

Why not watch documentaries that encourage sustainable travel? There are plenty out there and I wrote a roundup on my 10 favorite sustainable travel documentaries so you can pick and choose which ones you’d like to see.

Sustainable travel documentaries can be both educative and inspiring and not all of them showcase the negative side of tourism. There are many that expose stories of sustainable tourism done right and the positive impact it causes on the destination. Those are my favorites!

Plant trees to create habitat for animals from the convenience of your home

Virtual museum tours

If you love going to museums when you travel, why not watch virtual museum tours from home too? You can now enter the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican in Rome or Le Louvre in Paris without traveling.

There are hundreds of virtual museum tours you can do around the world, so search your dream city and see if you find something you like.

Online cooking classes with locals

If you like cooking, you can travel the world by doing online cooking classes with locals. There are many platforms to choose from, like With Locals . This is a great way to chat with people from other parts of the world and to make a great meal at the same time.

To top up the experience, why not decorate the table as if you were in the country you’re cooking from?

Read cultural travel books

There are many great travel books you can read that are educational on the culture of the country they are set, even if the books are fictional. I have a few favorites, like Three Cups of Tea , Shantaram , and In Arabian Nights .

See here for a full overview of my favorite travel books

Make sure your armchair travel is ethical

Order takeaway from your favorite international restaurant

For those who don’t like cooking or just don’t have the time, I’m sure there are plenty of local international restaurants you can order takeaway from. This way, you support a local travel business at the same time as you fill your senses with the taste and smell of your chosen country.

I, for instance, love ordering food from the Indian restaurant down the street and it was the first thing I did once they were allowed to do takeaway again!

If you have options where they pack the food in biodegradable boxes, even better!

Virtual tours of US National Parks

Have you dreamt of visiting the US National Parks but can’t get there? Don’t worry! Now you can visit them virtually .

While it’s always better to walk in nature that seeing it on the screen, these national parks are so beautiful that it’s actually worth it! And this way, nature gets a little break from your footsteps.

Plant a tree with Click A Tree

Read sustainable travel blogs

There are plenty of responsible travel bloggers out there, focusing on sustainability, social enterprises, and altogether how to improve the way you travel.

A few that I really love are Uncornered Market , Veggie Vagabonds , Green Mochila , and The Nomadic Vegan . They are all passionate about the planet with its inhabitants and how you can become a better traveler.

Learn a new language

There are plenty of apps to help you learn new languages, like Duolingo. However, there are even more fun ways to learn languages with a local teacher. And you can easily do this online with sites like Verbling and FluentU .

Plan your future responsible travels

Why not research sustainable tourist operators working with locals to plan your future travels in an ethical way? There is so much joy in planning a future trip and it’s so important that while you do it, you research the operators you want to use. Make sure they give back to the local community and that they protect wildlife and its habitat.

There are so many benefits of sustainable tourism and believe me, they tend to create the best travel stories to tell your friends and family after your travels!

Create your off the beaten path travel bucket list – responsibly

Now that we have a chance to start from zero with the way we travel, I think it is important to think about the huge problem of overtourism that has disappeared with the global lockdown.

If you can choose off the beaten path destinations instead of the previously overtouristed places, you can help to spread tourism once it picks up again.

The already popular places will see huge amounts of tourists anyway, while less-visited countries and destinations will only be happy to see a bit more visitors in the future. As long as they are all responsible travelers .

Reflections

Armchair travel is not so different from actual travel when it comes to doing it ethically. It all comes down to making sure your choices don’t have negative consequences.

There are so many great ways of supporting the locals as well as having an unforgettable experience. You can learn a lot about different cultures without leaving home. And maybe some of the above suggestions gives you an idea of a new place to travel.

I hope you enjoy armchair travel in an ethical way! If you have other suggestions to ethical armchair travel, drop them in the comments below. Stay safe!

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Are you sure your armchair travel is ethical? Check out this guide to ethical armchair travel including do's and don'ts. With lots of fun ethical armchair travel tips. #responsibletourism #ethicaltravel #armchairtravel #travelfromhome #sustainability #brainybackpackers #armchairtraveltips

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2 thoughts on “ The explosion of armchair travel: How to do it ethically ”

Fantastic article Linn! What we’re doing now in lockdown is definitely going to influence what we do when it finishes… ‘start as you mean to go on’ and all that jazz! Really loved some of these suggestions, particularly Cooee which seems like a great platform and also a good way to meet people. Watching the right documentaries can also be rewarding and I think learning a language can be one of the single best things to travelling a country more responsibly. Brilliant read, thanks!

Thanks Josh! There are really lots of fun things to do responsibly from home and I just loved my guided video call through Cooee. I still keep in touch with the guide and can’t wait to actually go there so he can show me around in real person:)

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The Happy Days Travels

Ideas for Armchair Travel - Pexels Picture Credit

17 Armchair Travel Ideas | Travel Without Leaving Home

The year is 2020 and that’s all I need to say to picture this time and for travellers, it was certainly a time to exercise armchair travel ideas and get creative with ways to travel without leaving home.

I’ve been armchair travelling, staycationing in the UK and planning my future trips since I was forced to return home because of Covid-19 in March 2020 and I’ve compiled this list of 17 armchair travel ideas.

I literally dream of travel all day long and I’m not exaggerating! These are some of the ways I’ve been doing that since being home like reading travel novels, learning about great railway journeys, listening to interviews with Anthony Bourdain and finally making yearly travel scrapbooks.

Disclosure: This blog post may contain affiliate links, meaning, at no extra cost to you, I may earn commission if you click through and make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. When you see a link, this could take you to that product/service website. For more information, see my Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.

Contents (jump to)

What is Armchair Travel?

When you search what is armchair travel, you won’t find an official definition of armchair travel, not even in Urban Dictionary, but there are a few definitions around the web that basically say the same thing.

Armchair travelling meaning is learning about travel and the world through activities such as reading, watching television, playing, listening and more without actually visiting the places. An armchair traveller (or armchair traveler in US) will dream of far away places, know a lot about geography and travel without having to leave home.

18 Armchair Travel Ideas So You Can Travel Without Leaving Home!

Some of these ideas are free, others cost, some you may find lying around your house and others you may have to totally make from scratch but whatever you choose, here are the best travel activities without leaving home. This list isn’t just during Covid, this could be for anyone who’s just got back from a trip and suffering with travel blues, those awaiting their annual trip or if you love things to do with travel!

1. Google Earth

Google Earth is a fun and free tool that lets you travel the world from your home. When you hit the ‘I’m Feeling Lucky’ button it takes you to random destinations around the world. My first few times took me to a mountain in Spain, a lake in Ethiopia, a museum in USA and a town in Kazakhstan. Alternatively, you could armchair travel with Google Maps too!

2. Live Cams Around the World

If Google Earth isn’t quite doing the wanderlust justice, try the live webcams that have been set up around the world so you can pretend you’re on a beach in the Maldives , driving on a safari in Africa , or exploring Antartica .

3. Virtual Tours – Travel Without Leaving Home

Virtual Travel has taken front seat due to the World pandemic and companies have set up some gems for us to be adventurous armchair tourists! Some armchair travel ideas include:

Virtual Museum Tours

Google have partnered to create free online virtual tours such as the Musee d’Orsay in Paris and British Museum in London.
Learn in LA at the Getty Museum through Google.
Virtually visit Luxor in Egypt known as an open-air museum and learn through a local guide.

Other Virtual Tours

How about taking a Virtual Wine Safari ,
Or explore street art of Lisbon .
Why not tour a city like Beijing or do a city tour with a guide like this in Istanbul or in Cartagena .

Virtual Reality Headsets

With VR headsets you can download free apps or buy tours/games and use your headset to see the world as if you’re there, go under the sea, explore national parks, climb to the top of Everest or to space! See below some of the best VR Headsets to experience virtual reality at its best.

DJI Goggles
Oculus Go on Amazon
Oculus Quest on Amazon
Standard VR Headset for iPhone and Android on Amazon

4. Disney Travel From Home

Get out your photos from Disneyland, make a cuppa in your Disney mug, subscribe to Disney+ to watch your favourite Disney films then read about the real life Disney locations that inspired those films. This is how you Disney travel without leaving home!

Here are two of my favourite Disney travel from home accessories. Click on the image to order from Amazon:

5. Travel Decor

Since you’re at home, why not surround yourself with old travel souvenirs or get creative by making travel scrapbooks , globes, maps (see more next point), travel frames , coasters, ornaments and just about anything else.

You could also completely redecorate your home/car with travel-inspired decor. A famous vlogging family from the States teamed with a decorating show to create a travel-themed house! This episode on YouTube is worth a watch for some inspo.

6. Scratch Maps Travel Style

This is probably the best gift to get your travelling friend who can’t travel right now or secret Santa gift as it’s under £10, fun, small and a sort of ‘tick list’ for travellers who count countries! On Amazon you can get all sorts of travel scratch maps like:

The world scratch map by country
A scratch grid for 100 places to visit for a Bucket List
The food map of Europe
Scratch Map by area such as a UK Map to scratch
A hobby scratch list like football grounds in Europe to visit
The wonders of the world scratch map (this one’s just £3)!

7. Travel Trivia

One of my favourite websites is Sporcle and just about the only quizzes I do are to do with Geography, Friends or Harry Potter . Get on there to see how much you know, share with friends or get inspo for your own armchair travel quiz.

Throughout lockdown, quiz nights took over and I always asked to be in charge of the Geography rounds as I was reading about travel anyway and wanted an excuse to discuss countries/flags/cities/world wonders, etc.

8. Travel Blogs

You can spend hours browsing through travel blogs because there’s so many personal photos, stories and videos out there! When I think of a random city/country I’d like to know a bit more about, I go onto Google and quite often go to the maybe the second or third page and look for a travel blog about that place.

There’s so many small travel bloggers out there with great content and after browsing a few, you’ll get your faves!

Want to read one of mine?: My Epic Wildlife Safari in Borneo or A Weekend in Bordeaux, France

9. Vloggers To Take You Travelling Without Leaving Home

The blogging world has fabulous travel articles but if you want to see them in life form, head to YouTube! Here’s some of my go-to vloggers:

Kinging It doing the Mongol Rally . They are from my hometown and one of the funniest travelling couples on the web! Their drone shots are breathtaking.
Drew Binsky in Pakistan . He really does make the best travel documentaries on YouTube.
Kara and Nate in Antartica for some of the best armchair travel videos following their quest to visit 100 countries.
Migrationology in Jamaica for delicious dishes filmed in an unique way that makes you feel like you’re there.

10. Read the Best Adventure Books

Ah, the ultimate source of armchair travel is the best travel books because books and specifically, travel book reviews , take you places, books make you feel like you’re travelling and these armchair travel books will take you around the world! These are some of the best armchair books I’ve read.

Europe: Imagine European countries like France, Netherlands and Italy through one of 2019’s best travelogue books with US by David Nicholls. A couple on the brink of divorce try to savour their marriage by visiting the wonders of Europe with their rebel son. Buy on Amazon here .
North America: Venture around the USA with Not Tonight, Josephine by George Mahood. Mahood relays his travel road trip through the States with funny travel stories and is exactly what you expect American travel books to be. I read this in one sitting. Buy on Amazon here .
South America: Get a travel scare in Bolivia by reading Marching Powder by Rusty Young. This is a true story about a man locked up in La Paz on a drugs charge and details the story of how Young come to write about it. If you want frightful armchair travel books, just look for any that is about being banged up abroad! Maybe won’t inspire wanderlust but will certainly make you stay on the right path! Buy on Amazon here .

Read about when I went off the beaten path (literally): Scary Encounter in Penang Hill, Malaysia

Travel without leaving home - Picture of Bookcase, speaker, tables, chairs in home

More Good Travel Books

Africa: Here’s an option for a quick-ish read yet packed with history, conflict, survival and heartbreak. A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park weaves together two stories between 1985 and 2008 in Sudan based on a true story. Buy on Amazon here .
Asia: I couldn’t write a travel books to read list without including one of the most famous travel books turned films, The Beach by Alex Garland proves not everything is as it seems. Or is it in this travel novel about a backpacker in Thailand who ponders the real price of paradise. Buy on Amazon here .
Oceania: One for lovers of historical fiction, The Light Between Oceans by M. L. Stedman transports us back to WW1 following a couple who are faced with tough decisions when a baby is washed ashore Janus Rock off Australia, the island inhabited by only those two. Buy on Amazon here .

11. Pinterest

The digital mood board for every scenario but epitomised for travel planning! Pinterest is where you can get the best armchair travel websites. Every Pinterest site has boards for organisation so you can quickly find topics like coffee of the world boards or how to travel and work in Australia .

Please Pin this Post to Your Pinterest Boards!

pin image for travel without leaving home

12. TV Shows

Here’s my list of the best TV shows related to travel that you can watch from your travel armchair and trigger wanderlust!!

Race Across the World – Two seasons follow various pairs who have to get between points by land only, with the price of a flight only and without any internet and the winners get a cash prize. First season goes from London to Singapore and second season from Mexico City to Ushuaia. LOVE this show.
Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown – It’s Bourdain, need I say more? Okay, okay there’s 12 seasons and this ex-chef travels EVERYWHERE. It’s supposed to be about food but it’s really about the people and place. Mention-worthy episodes include Iran, Jerusalem, Congo and Beirut!
And while we’re on the subject, another MUST is The Layover with Anthony Bourdain. This series highlights what to do with just the layover time in a city (up to 48 hours) and it’s great for quick stops on travels and to think about when booking flights with long layovers.
Street Food Asia and Latin America – Mouth at the ready because the saliva will be forming watching this Netflix original! My absolute fave is the India episode because Indian street food just looks like top-dog of this culinary branch.
An Idiot Abroad is one of the funniest travel shows around. Karl Pilkington moans his way around the world in a programme that will make you laugh while yearning to visit the very places Karl dislikes. Buy the series on Amazon here .

13. Films for Armchair Travel Activities

Nothing quite beats armchair travel like watching the big screen! Movies set on location are amongst the best ways to journey around the world without leaving your house so get your best armchairs and cwtch in ( read here for what cwtch means ). To watch the following films always check streaming sites, Sky movies or follow the links to buy the DVD on Amazon.

Eat Pray Love can be found on every best travel films list because it follows a woman’s journey to Italy, India and Indonesia and every scene makes you want to book a flight! Buy the DVD on Amazon here .
The Darjeeling Limited is a fun railway travel film following three brothers on a train journey across India. Buy from Amazon here .
Under the Tuscan Sun transports you to Italy’s region of Tuscan for a heartfelt love story. Buy here .
A good film I watched on Netflix was called Holiday in the Wild starring Kristin Davis from Sex and the City where she moves to Zambia for a period of time and exercises her vet skills.
Have you seen Blended on Netflix/Sky? It stars Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore and follows two families on an African safari filmed in one of the most amazing hotels which you can actually book the hotel to stay in South Africa!!
How can I write this without included Mamma Mia and Mamma Mia 2 ?! Filmed on the Greek island of Skopelos and Croatian island of Vis with complete soundtrack of ABBA, this film will fly you on holiday from home.

14. Armchair Travel Podcasts

For when you’re on a walk, doing your daily exercise, washing the dishes, cooking breakfast, having a bath or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

My absolute favourite podcast of all time is Counting Countries by Global Gaz where Gaz interviews people who have completed or are on a mission to travel to every country. It’s inspiring, harrowing and fun to listen to and certainly the best armchair travel activity.

Other great listens to feed the travel bug are The World Nomads, What the Pho, The Food Blogger Pro, and Travel Eat Explore.

15. Cooking or Takeaways

Food is the best way I connect to a local culture when I travel. I love eating local food and love writing about them afterwards. Here are many ways you can learn, cook and eat by bringing global cuisines right into your home.

Online Virtual Cooking Classes for World Cuisines

Let’s start here in Europe with this private online cooking class for 1.5 hours to learn how to make Paella from Spain.
Another private tutored class takes us to Argentina for an empanada online class !
To learn a bit about Moroccan cuisine while making Tagine with a local, try this private online Moroccan cooking class .
Jump on the Brunch wagon in this online Eggs Benedict class with Bri (a former Masterchef contestant) from Dallas, USA. Note: class is not private.
Tune in to Jude’s Kitchen on YouTube for authentic, vegan, Middle Eastern recipes/tutorials. She adds stories from her childhood and family to her videos that gives it a likeable, personal element.
Last but certainly not least, join this Thai Online Cooking Class to learn how to make my favourite street food of all time: Khao Soi , a Northern Thai dish that doesn’t have a single flaw! The class is located in Chiang Mai (of course) and will guarantee your next holiday is to Thailand.

Two crepes in Amsterdam covered in chocolate sauce

For all of these, don’t forget the time difference.

Best Cook Books for World Cuisine

For a cook book dripping with British faves, go for the national treasure Nadiya’s Kitchen . Try Jamie’s Italy by Jamie Oliver which includes his take on my favourite meal in the entire world (seafood linguine). Or maybe Rick Stein’s Road to Mexico to learn about authentic tacos and tamales. I also loved John Torode’s Sydney to Seoul . Two of these I’ve read from my mum’s shelf the others I’ve picked up on my own.

Next: Read my food blogs here 🙂

Best Cooking TV Shows

A fab tv show I stumbled upon in lockdown was called A Cook Abroad and featured several chefs who travel to different countries and learn the cuisines with recipes to follow. The best for me were Tony Singh in Amritsar, India and Rachel Khoo in Malaysia.
Speaking of, BBC has a great show called The Little Paris Kitchen with Rachel Khoo.
An oldie but goodie has to be Man Vs Food with Adam Richman following food challenges around USA.
The number one cooking show for me though is one of my mum’s favourite: Long Weekends with Rick Stein where he travels to off-the-beaten-path city breaks in Europe finding local food and cooking it up at home. My friend and I are planning future city breaks based on this show alone.

16. Learn a Language

Not only is this a great armchair travel activity but it’s also a useful life and travel skill! There are many ways you can learn a language such as through a podcast (the 3 minute ones are great and I started to learn German in lockdown), go old school with DVDs like Rosetta Stone, keep modern with apps such as Duolingo or Babbel, sign up to online websites such as Speekify or get personal with online classes and an online tutor.

Armchair Travel Photo. Chair Globe Shelf for travel inspo

17. Plan a Staycation

We’re all loving staycations at the moment and I’ve discovered gorgeous places in my home country of Wales! Plan yours by booking that train, renting that car, finding accommodation on booking.com , picking the best times to travel and planning your itinerary all from the comfort of your armchair!

Some UK Staycation Inspiration:

Ultimate Weekend in The Cotswolds, England
Visit the Most Independent Town of Narbeth in Wales
13 Things to do in Cardiff, Wales
Stay at This Isolated Log Cabin in Taunton, England
12 Ways to Explore London, UK
How to Spend 2 Days on Barry Island, Wales
The Best Gavin & Stacey Guide Written by a Local
Explore Tenby and Saundersfoot in West Wales
An Afternoon in Bath (UNESCO Heritage City in England)
Freshwater West Beach in Wales to Visit Dobby (Harry Potter)

Use all of the above and plan where you want to travel to next in the world. I wrote a post about where I want to visit after lockdown and I don’t know when that’ll be but I’m saving money for when the opportunity arises. For now, I’m armchair travelling and loving it.

Hope you’ve got some good inspo to become an armchair adventurer!

Travel Book Review Before The Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

Gavin & Stacey: The Ultimate Guide for Filming Locations in Wales!

A Weekend in West Wales

Food in Munich Guide and Munich Food Tour Review in Germany | Fork & Walk Tours

Curado Cardiff: Where To Find The Best Cardiff Tapas in Cardiff, Wales!

The 9 Best Cardiff Bookshops You Need To Visit in Wales

Wow, this is amazinig. Thanks for the great ideas.

Thanks for reading Donna. Glad I could help 🙂

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Hundreds of bicycles are parked in a gravel area beneath a blue sky. There are cyclists in colorful biking clothing milling around, and, in the foreground, is a man wearing a bright, lime-green jacket and black and white helmet. He is sitting in a three-wheeled handcycle that allows riders whose legs are extended in front of them to use their arms instead of their legs to pedal.

Wind, Hills and Range Anxiety: A 50-Mile Handcycling Adventure

Every spring, hundreds of bikers gather in Santa Fe, N.M., to ride through a high-desert landscape rich in art, history and Indigenous culture. This year, the author, who lost the use of his legs 12 years ago, joined them.

The author at the first rest stop on the 50-mile Half-Century ride, part of an annual two-day biking event that takes place in and around Santa Fe, N.M. Credit... Kate Russell for The New York Times

Supported by

By Bill Becher

Bill Becher is a writer and photographer who regularly rides a handcycle from his home in Santa Fe, N.M.

July 9, 2024

The nervous energy was palpable as hundreds of bike riders, shrink-wrapped in colorful Lycra outfits, waited for the start of the 50-mile Half-Century ride from the Santa Fe Railyard, a center for art galleries, restaurants and a weekly farmers’ market in Santa Fe, N.M. Then, at last, we were winding through town as eight police officers on motorcycles leapfrogged ahead to guard the intersections.

We rode past the Roundhouse, where the New Mexico Legislature meets. We passed Museum Hill, where four museums explore the Native American Southwest, the Spanish colonial past and more. Then, finally, after a dozen or so miles, Santa Fe was far behind us and we were on our own, riding through rolling ranch land.

Dozans of cyclists are strung across a hilly two-lane road that cuts through the high desert with its scrubby bushes and low vegetation. In the distance are shadowy mountains.

It was the second day of a two-day biking event that each spring attracts more than 1,500 participants, who come for the companionship and the challenge to ride together through a high-desert landscape rich in history, art and Indigenous traditions. Of all those who had showed up for the Half-Century trek, I was the only one on a handcycle.

Handcycles allow riders to sit or lie on their backs, turn cranks with their hands and propel themselves with arm power instead of leg power. My handcycle, a lightweight Swedish model, was equipped with an electric assist motor — essential for people like me who can’t move their legs.

My arms were going to feel it

Twelve years ago, while leading a climb in Joshua Tree National Park in Southern California, I made a costly mistake and plunged 40 feet onto the unforgiving rock. The fall burst my spine and severed my spinal cord, leaving me a paraplegic.

What I discovered after my lengthy rehab was that of all the things I could no longer do, cycling was what I missed the most. Riding had been a big part of my life before my injury, ever since my parents gave me a three-speed Raleigh when I was 12. Later I cruised the coastal mountains of Southern California, belonged to a cycling club and even tried bike racing.

Handcycling was a way to experience the freedom and adventure that were missing from my life after the accident. It was very hard at first, but with the help of an e-assist motor, I found I could keep up with my able-bodied friends. Still needing to prove to myself that I could do a long ride, I signed up for the Half-Century.

The ride would take me through terrain that ranged from flat to hilly, before circling back to Santa Fe. My arms were going to feel it by the time I finished hours later.

‘On your left!’

I was cranking hard on the first miles of the ride, determined to conserve the e-assist battery for the bigger hills to come. I had been preparing for this ride for months, knowing that training arm muscles can improve power and strength on a handcycle. But they’ll never produce the power leg muscles can generate, according to Paul M. Gordon, chairman of the department of health, human performance and recreation at Baylor University in Wako, Texas, largely because of the difference in the amount of muscle mass.

But with e-assist to make up for that missing muscle power, riders with spinal cord injuries can keep pace with riders who use their legs to pedal. My three-wheeled cycle has an electric motor in the front wheel powered by a lithium battery behind my seat. Power is only added when I turn the cranks, and a switch lets me adjust the amount of assistance.

But I wasn’t ready to turn up the battery power yet, even when the faster riders passed me. I resisted the competitive urge to chase them down as we cruised past horse ranches, an old graveyard and churches that reflect the Spanish history of New Mexico.

The long line of cyclists snaked along Highway 14, the Turquoise Trail, a scenic byway between Santa Fe and Albuquerque, named after the rich history of turquoise mining in the area. Windmills turned slowly, pumping water for the cattle that dotted the pinyon and juniper woodlands.

After about 22 miles, I stopped to wolf down peanut butter sandwiches and gulp Gatorade at a food stop staffed by friendly volunteers. Then we rode on, passing signs for a pottery studio and craft breweries. This area, including the village of Galisteo, has long been a favorite of artists, attracted by the high-desert light and the intersection of Spanish, Native American and Anglo cultures.

We headed past the turnoff to the Lamy rail station — where 80 years ago physicists disembarked from a train from the East and headed for Los Alamos to help Robert Oppenheimer build the first atomic bomb. At this point, like a Tesla driver a long way from home, I had range anxiety and was keeping an eye on my battery. I had used up about half of its power.

Spring is typically the windiest season in New Mexico. Today was no different, and we now rode into a headwind. My arms were cranking hard, and I decided it was time to increase the e-assist to make up for the added work.

I started passing other riders, feeling more confident, knowing that I had enough battery power to help me up the hills. Still, my arms got tired on the uphills, though they recovered as we coasted on the downhills. “On your left!” I yelled to the other riders as I whizzed past them.

Handcycling as therapy

Five years ago, I gave handcycling a try at Craig Hospital near Denver, where Tom Carr is the director of therapeutic recreation. Handcycling is a major tool in Craig’s rehabilitation program, which specializes in helping those with spinal cord or traumatic brain injuries.

“We can get people with a spinal cord injury on a handcycle and be safe and successful very early in their stay,” Mr. Carr said. “To have the wind in your hair is something that patients don’t know that they will ever get back again.” He added that he had become a huge proponent of e-assist, “especially for those getting into it for the first time.”

But handcycles aren’t cheap. They can cost $10,000 to $15,000 or more. Fortunately, people with spinal cord injuries or medical conditions that keep them from riding a conventional two-wheeled bike can try one out before buying. For example, Bike-On , a bike shop in Rhode Island specializing in handcycles, provides tryout clinics at various locations around the country. And the Vermont-based Kelly Brush Foundation , founded by an athlete injured in a skiing accident, provides grants to help with the cost of adaptive sports equipment. Its website has links to organizations around the United States that provide handcycling experiences.

An adventure completed

We were nearing the end of the ride, and as much as I had enjoyed the camaraderie of the group, after three and a half hours of cranking, I was ready for my biking adventure to be over. My arms were tired. My battery was running down. Still, I knew I was going to make it to the end.

The last miles of the ride followed the Old Pecos Trail and parts of the original Route 66 through the crooked streets of old Santa Fe. Long before European settlers arrived, the trail served as a route for trade between the Pueblo, Apache and Comanche tribes. Now it leads past some of the fine hotels, restaurants and art galleries that make Santa Fe a prime tourist destination. I cycled on, nearing my goal.

Then, at last, I was back in the Railyard district, and a volunteer was handing me a finisher’s medal on a ribbon. I accepted it, happy, tired, proud. I had felt the wind in my hair and recaptured that feeling of accomplishment that goes with completing a long bike ride, even though my legs no longer moved.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places: Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

London: A writer used Camille Pissarro’s paintings of suburban London and a “lost” railway as a lens for exploring the city’s history — and settling an arcane mystery.

Dublin,: While the Irish capital has become a more international hub, locals have made efforts to ensure what makes the city unique — its spirited personality and famed hospitality — doesn’t get entirely swallowed up.

Norway: Can A.I. devise a bucket-list vacation to the Scandinavian nation that checks all the boxes: culture, nature, hotels and transportation? We put three virtual assistants to the test .

The Berkshires: A writer shares his favorite ways to experience the often-overlooked Housatonic River in western Massachusetts.

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ArmchairTourist travel videos let you vicariously enjoy the sights and sounds of well known and obscure travel locations from every continent. Enjoy our beach scenes, Asian markets, European cafes, fountains, skylines and train stations - from around the planet. On AppleTV, Roku, FireTV and Shaw Cable and Satellite TV in Canada.
Armchair Travel: A Sensory Experience for Seniors
Armchair Travel takes people to faraway places without leaving home. It provides a sensory experience and the opportunity to learn about exotic lands and important past events in a meaningful manner. This is a wonderful activity for seniors living in nursing homes and suitable for people with dementia.
Armchair Travel Company
Armchair Travel announce a major update to the Virtual Tour kiosks originally installed in 2001. HMS Cavalier had been substantially improved, with several more compartments open to the public, and extensive new paint and fittings. In addition, HMS Gannet has been beautifully restored, and is now included in the HMS/m Ocelot virtual tour on site.
A Long-Distance Handcycling Trek in Santa Fe
Every spring, hundreds of bikers gather in Santa Fe, N.M., to ride through a high-desert landscape rich in art, history and Indigenous culture. This year, the author, who lost the use of his legs ...

Armchair Travel: 16 Ways To Travel The World From Home

What Is Armchair Travel?

16 Ways To Travel The World From Home

Read Travel Blogs

Virtually Explore US National Parks

Read A Travel-Related Book

Listen To Travel Podcast

Watch Travel Vlogs On Youtube

Enroll in A Travel-Related Course

Cook Your Favorite Dishes From Around The World

Watch TV Shows Related To Travel

Watch Travel Movies

Go On A Virtual Tour of World’s Famous Museums

Learn A New Language

Plan Your Next Trip

Reminisce About Your Past Trips

Create A Travel Scrapbook

Play A Travel-Themed (Board) Game

Socialize With Fellow Travel Enthusiasts on Social Media

About the Author Anna Timbrook

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Mastering Armchair Travel: 10 Ways to Enjoy Travel from Home

Save this guide to armchair travel for later!

1. Binge travel blogs & videos

2. Snoop around on virtual museums and apps

3. Find the hidden gems of the world with Secret Door

4. Explore a random place on Earth with MapCrunch

5. Spy on worldwide webcams

6. Stream some wanderlusty movies or TV shows

7. Cook up global inspired dishes

8. Enjoy a country-inspired night in

9. Cozy up with a good travel book

10. Try actual virtual reality

Any more ideas for armchair travel?

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

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Ultimate Armchair Travel Guide: Experiencing Travel at Home

Armchair Travel Meaning

Why Should You Consider Armchair Traveling?

Ways to Travel From Home – Armchair Travel

Travel Blogs

Youtube Videos

Check out these channels:

Search Webcams

Destination Specific Webcams

Wildlife Webcams

Google Earth & Street View

Secret Door

Virtually Visit Museums

Getting a Virtual Reality Headsets

Travel Books

Subscribe to Travel Magazines

Travel Movies and TV Shows

Get Lost in Travel Photos on Instagram

Create a Vision Board on Pinterest

Cook Regional Dishes

Research History

Practice Language Skills

Have a Destination Theme Night

Some Travel Theme Night Ideas:

Travel Photos

Write a Travel Bucket List

1 thought on “Ultimate Armchair Travel Guide: Experiencing Travel at Home”

Wild Junket

Armchair Travel: 45 Fun Ideas to “Travel” Without Leaving Home

How to Travel Without Leaving Home

Disclaimer: Some of the links above are affiliate links. That means I get a small commission when you purchase anything through my links. AT NO EXTRA COST to you. Thank you for your support!

Nellie Huang

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Marc Latham

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