How To keep your wanderlust at bay during the Covid-19 crisis

“I Love Places That Remind Me How Small Me And My Problems Actually Are.”

During this time of crisis, many of us have had to cancel upcoming trips and big adventures. Although this is a disappointment, it is not the end. The world will start turning again once it has had some time to heal and that is when we shall shine my friends. Your passport will still work. (assuming its in date of course) and those amazing destinations will be waiting for you with open arms. So in the meantime, how do we keep our wanderlust at bay?

Take this time to plan. Get off social media for 10 minutes a day and write out your lists. Where do you want to go, when do you want to go, and how you are going to make that happen!!

Here are some tips to get those cogs rolling ….

“Travel comes back. A little fact I love is that simply the act of planning travel puts us in the same psychological happy place as being in the destination.”

How do I start?

Hit that happy playlist you have hiding on Spotify, grab a coffee and get that notepad out! Update your IG story about all of your plans, - and then actually make some!

What type of trip do I want to go on??

Is it wild adventure you seek? Cosy café filled city break? A never-ending sunset over an ocean beach front? Well get your inspiration board going and make a pros and cons list of your choices, - realistic ones!! Once you have stalked every post on Pinterest and Instagram relating to your travel type of choice then start narrowing down your country destination and time of year for travel. Every season offers something new and exciting for you so be particular. If you are more old school then pull out those glossy mags, hit the travel channels and chat up that friend who never seems to be home with the amazing IG feed. Get some inspo there!

Start Saving Money TODAY!

If you don’t have a dedicated holiday piggy-bank then get one! During this time of isolation it is the perfect time to start throwing those extra fivers into a getaway fund. You would be surprised how much you can save in a few weeks to get you on the road towards your picture perfect destination holiday.

Amazon

Hit the online book stores during this time of closure and order a travel book on your travel destination. Why not try to learn a little bit of the lingo before you go? Why not understand some of the culture if you have chosen an exotic location? Knowledge is power and will make you a more confident traveller. Start making your plans of local attractions you would like to visit and hit up google maps to start pre-planning your days, leaving some wiggle room for adventure! TikTok will still be there later…

Skyscanner

Monitor flight options, prices, sale times and set up a flight alert so you can monitor dips!! (and remember to book on Wednesday night, - google it!)

Now that you have done your research, destination picked and booked, started a holiday fund and are getting excited, - plan your packing, convince a friend to come, buy travel insurance, set up your online banking notices, monitor currency exchange, - grab your passport, camera and GO!

If you are still struggling to decide on your destination – here are some possible holiday destinations for Autumn/Winter 2020 to consider!

Berlin – There is nothing as beautiful as an Autumnal walk down the waterways by the Berlin Wall. The changing foliage in the city brings out its vibrant European culture. Check out the “Festival of Lights” in October 2020 and “Jazzfest” from October 31st – November 3rd. This year also represents the anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. – Nov 4th-10th.

Bruges – who can resist a Christmas market? November 22nd – Jan 5th

Budapest – Two cities converge upon a river. A city not to missed. Check out the Café Contemporary Arts Festival until October 20th

Edinburgh – The moody stone atmosphere of old town is especially beautiful in Autumn. Don’t miss the “Samhuinn Fire Festival” on Calton Hill on Oct, 31st. Christmas markets November 16th – Jan 4th

Prague – “Strings of Autumn” festival is on until November 13th and the fall of the curtain photography show is on show at Prague castle until November 30th.

Reykjavik – A popular tourist destination earlier this year but Autumn is still a wonderful time to visit. The crowds are smaller, it is usually cheaper, and there is still sightings of the Northern Lights. Yoko Ono’s “Imagine Peace Tower” installation is visible from Videy island until December 8th and the “Airwaves” Music festival is on November 6-9th.

A little further a field?

Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands

As the temperature creeps up in October it is an ideal time for visiting. The end of the Garuna season increases visibility across the islands and allows for mouth watering sunrises over the rolling volcanoes of the landscape. A photographer’s dream and if you are looking for a little remote wildlife inspired adventure, this is the perfect go-getter destination. Tropical birds and fish emerge for the new season and water sports are abundant! Not to be missed!

South East Asia? – I couldn’t NOT mention it.

I usually travel to S/E Asia during the Irish Autumn when we are seeking warmer climates and some change of scenery. S/E Asia from September onwards has some of the most amazing festivals and events that are eye-opening.

Nepal Festivals

Sep – Teej Festival

This is a festival where Shiva is worshiped and women wear red sarsia and celebrate womanhood.

Dashain – a 15 day festival which is the most widely celebrated festival in Nepal. The victory of the goddess Durga over the Devil Mahishasura is celebrated.

Well I hope you have enjoyed my ramblings for another week, see you next Friday!

S

X

“Chasing angels or fleeing demons, go to the mountains.”