Hello Readers, fellow travellers and intrepid wanderlusters. How are you doing?
As I write we are under an unprecedented time where we are in self isolation or quarantine worldwide. I am in quarantine, I have been for the last 16 days with COVID 19 and in times like these, we think what is important to us and what we have taken for granted.
In times like this, we think what little things we take for granted, such as seeing our loved ones, giving them a hug and going about our ‘normal daily lives’. I have been thinking in my quarantine how just a trip to the shops, supporting local independent business, popping into a local restaurant and taking a walk in the countryside is something I look forward to.
We need think about all the key-workers that are putting their lives on the line for us, we need to think about their families too. We need to think of the NHS nurses, doctors, medical staff, teachers, supermarket workers, bin men,cleaners, the people who are keeping our world ticking in this time of crisis.
We all yearn for our holidays, we all think about the cancelled plans and trying to get refunds on trips or changing the dates for the flights, but in reality, we need to think of our loved ones, the community and what we can do to make things better.
Some of us may think , oh next month I was meant to be here, the following month we were meant to be there, but we don’t know what the next few months will bring.
So, here’s a challenge for you, make a list of places you want to visit where you live when the quarantine is over. Visit your country, spend your money on the local businesses, visit local attractions, local cafes and restaurants, invest in the economy, buy local produce.
Once, you have done that, make a list of what travelling is important to you, have your travelling needs changed? If so, how?
Since being in isolation do you still want to go on citybreaks, beach holidays, go on tours. Do you now prefer more family themed activities? Do you prefer to travel with friends? Do you now wish to pursue eco-tourism? Do you want to help out and volunteer?
Why not use the same challenge when you visit another country, spend your money, visit local attractions, buy local produce etc.
Here’s an idea of you for now: Why not be creative, take up a new hobby. Perhaps look through your holiday photographs, write a travel journal on all the places you have visited. Why not make some photobooks? Share tips with family and friends. Write a list of where you want to go locally and internationally.
I hope that you are all keeping safe, take care and mind yourselves.
