Do you have to work from home as much as possible because of the pandemic? Suddenly we have more time than before since we do not commute and our social activities are close to zero. Normally I would say the plan, let’s plan a trip! But in this uncertain period, that feels like a waste of time and energy. What can we do instead to get that relaxing vibe? I'll give you 5 tips for your mandatory staycation!

Watch Travel Series

There are enough! Although many around me are big fans of documentaries, I often do not have the patience for it myself. In these times, where a little distraction is very nice, I find it even better to get completely lost in a series that takes place elsewhere in the world. A series with a story that is not about traveling at all, but where at the same time you see a lot of a country (and sometimes get a bit of a culture).

A few tips:

• Great Britain: Peaky Blinders, The Crown (both Netflix )

• US: Virgin River, Gilmore Girls, Chesapeake Shores (all Netflix )

• Philippines: Expedition Robinson ( Videoland )

• Scandinavia: The Bridge, Rita (both Netflix )

Read Travel Books

And I don't mean the travel books that provide specific information about a destination. In this case, I would recommend that you lose yourself in a story that takes place in a certain place. As with the above films, this is not about the destination itself at all, but it is a nice extra.

A few tips:

The Seven Sisters, by Lucinda Riley
There are now six books of about 500 pages each, so you are busy. Don't let the covers fool you: instead of being a bad bouquet series, every book focuses on an adopted sister who goes in search of her origins. Part 1, for example, is set largely in Brazil and Paris, part 2 in Norway, and part 3 in the United Kingdom. Believe me: you get so addicted to these books that you keep reading (guilty). 

Travel Thrillers
Are you more into thrillers? Then this list from Goodreads will be perfect for you.

Of course, if you were not a big reader before, but you have it as a new year's resolution, maybe anything in the Travel genre will help. Check out this list.

Order them as an ebook: it is not only cheaper, you can also start reading right away. And it saves the postman an extra ride. 

Cook Your Favorite Dish(s)

If you are skilled enough not to burn the house down, I think this is an ideal way to reminisce about your travel memories. Get one of your cookbooks out of the closet and look for a meal you enjoyed while traveling. At this point, I would definitely enjoy anything that will bring those memories back.

Without messing around: make a list, go to the supermarket and get whatever it takes to make your recipe. Do you have no idea what you want to make, or can you use some inspiration? Nathan Gray‘s book A Culinary Photo Journal: A Decade of Traveling for Food, Cooking & Culture is a visual adventure to a world of beautiful ingredients, delicious food, and fascinating cultures.

And is it ready once? Then make it an extensive dinner session!

Go for a themed night.

Would you like to take it a step further than just making your favorite foreign dish? Make it a full evening or - go crazy - day. Thailand evening? Search for music from there on Spotify, get your photos from back then, buy a Singha beer or two (if you can find one), and then put on a movie related to Thailand. Are you going for The Beach? The Hangover II? Whatever you decide, make it epic.

5. Relaxation at its best

Not on the couch, but in your bathroom. Get your scrub out again; look for that one mask you received too long ago. Light some (scented) candles. Take an extra long shower with a nice playlist or watch your travel movie in the bathtub. Because yes: if you are not allowed to go to the sauna or massage parlor, then you have to make the best of it at home.

Do you have any suggestions?