Lately my social media outlets have been filled with negativeness and political views on current events. One of the ways I cope with stress and unplug from the world is by traveling. For obvious reasons, I am not traveling anywhere far. And since you don't know me, I should tell you, I live to travel to a new places. In 2020, I had three international and several domestic trips planned. I was able to travel to Jamaica and Mexico. Jamaica was a new destination for me. But the other trips were cancelled.
I have a scratch off world map. So I enjoy going to new places and being able unveil the color behind the country or state I visit. My life goal is to step foot on every continent. I have two more to go!
Anyways, back to my reason for posting about travel. With everyone on lockdown (stay at home orders), it's unsafe to travel and difficult to plan for future travel, when you don't know when it will happen. I should also say, I am one who says I'm going someplace, and goes!
Keeping my desire to travel for relaxation and desire to unplug, I thought about how social media could be (or is) used for virtual trips. I recalled back in March, when the world began to stay home and not travel as much, a friend on Facebook posted webcam links to various beaches. I remember thinking "What a cool concept! Bring the vacation into your home or desktop." No, it's not the same as sitting out on the sandy beaches and hearing the waves crash or smelling the salty air. But the idea behind sharing a virtual trip was novel.
So this weekend I Googled to see what people were posting during our quarantine to keep the traveling spirit alive. I was amazed at what I found! Early into quarantine, there were instagram, Facebook, and other social network site challenges that involved posting pictures of previous trips or recreating a favorite trip photo at home. These were my favorite to scroll through.
It was interesting to see travelers come together virtually to (re)share their previous experiences so others could enjoy traveling to new places vicariously.
For those interested in virtual travel, check out some of the links below:
https://www.thrillist.com/travel/nation/virtual-trips-travel-tours
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/virtual-travel-180974440/
https://www.boredpanda.com/people-recreate-travel-pictures-during-quarantine/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=organic
https://www.buzzfeed.com/annahaines/virtual-travel-experiences
Thanks for sharing! Even though it's not the same as being there in person, it's very cool to explore a different place virtually. I remember seeing a lot of posts about virtual trips at the beginning of the quarantine. I particularly remember seeing many about traveling to different museums and I thought that was such a neat concept.
ReplyDeleteI too live to travel. My traveling has not been as grand since our children have been born but we have certainly tried to anyway! We had our ski trip cancelled in March. Even with a family of 5 (three 9 year olds), we still travel every couple of months and at least 2 big trips a year- summer and winter- usually. Disney is usually at least once or twice a year minimum and then my husband and I try to do at least one couples trip (even if its with friends). While we don't travel internationally much (except the islands) with the kids, I feel you on the traveling. This virtual traveling is a great idea.
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