Life of A Traveler Amidst COVID-19 Crisis, How to Cope with Travel Itch?

We ended 2019 with high hopes and plans for 2020. But for the first three months, we have been getting one negative news over another. Many of us looked forward to this year but right at this very moment, we are being tested physically, emotionally, mentally, and even financially.

COVID-19 Crisis

Lots of flights have been canceled, personal or business trips have been halted. Travel bans and lockdowns have been imposed in many cities and countries. We are currently being attacked by an invisible virus and God knows how long this battle will take.

Over the years, the travel and tourism industries have extremely grown and flourished. But today we have witnessed how their operations are impeded and how they are threatened to be closed down. During this crisis, being a traveler has somehow lost its significance.

For someone who loves to be out and endlessly exploring, being locked down at home is quite a challenge. I have been living alone for almost seven years and travel has been my comfort zone and my outlet for sanity. I see this circumstance differently though because unlike some people, I do not live off of traveling. I can still survive without being able to travel for now. I just feel a little travel itch from time to time but that’s manageable.

How to Cope with Travel Itch?

Travel Itch. As how Goats on the Road would describe – it is the feeling a traveler gets when they’ve sat still for too long when they know there’s so much more to be seen and done. Our feet are getting antsy and ready to move on, to pack our backpacks and explore more of our beautiful world.”

I don’t know about you but I feel this itch from time to time. During this trying time, this itch must be contained. The places we are yet to explore will not go anywhere. We still have plenty of time to travel but not right now when there is a crisis. Here are different ways to cope with your travel itch:

#1 Learn a New Skill

May it be as simple as folding your clothes to cooking a complicated dish, just do it. You’ve got plenty of time. You may learn how to edit photos or videos, create infographics, learn the basics of gardening, dressmaking, etc.. There are plenty of things you can do.

#2 Develop a New Hobby

Once you learn a new skill, you can turn it into a hobby. If you already have hobbies before, rekindle it. As long as they can be done indoors, then do it. Play an instrument, sing, dance, do yoga, exercise, read a book. The choice is yours.

#3 Challenge Yourself to Cook Unusual Dishes

Don’t forget to eat while you stay indoors. Challenge yourself for a cook-off. Improve your cooking skills by taking it to the next level. Of course, make use of what’s available. Don’t waste food.

#4 Binge-watch TV Series

This is the perfect time to catch up on your favorite TV series, may it be K-Dramas, Crime Series, Thrillers, etc. Just don’t forget to stretch and eat in between. Also, don’t forget to sleep! Hah!

#5 Watch Tutorial Videos or Create One

Like TV Series and Movies, you now have plenty of time to catch up and watch your favorite vloggers online. You can also learn by watching online videos! If you’re diligent enough, you can try to create your own tutorial video. Here are my favorite content creators:

#6 Start or Update your Blog

Oh yes! Use this downtime to create or update your blogs or online journals. Start simple, share something familiar.

#7 Read More Books

Might as well use your free time reading the books you hoarded during the last Big Bad Wolf Booksale! You will end up feeling productive at the end of the day.

As much as I love to travel, now is not the time to book those cheap tickets. You’ll just have a hard time requesting to rebook or refund your reservations since hundreds of people are trying to do the same. I strongly suggest rethinking your travel plans. It is best to stay at home, for now.

To those who have decided to cancel their trips, reach out to your hosts and hotels. Contact your airlines for rebookings and refunds. I know this will take a lot of time and tons of patience but let us try to understand everyone. Nobody chose to be in this position.

We all need to do our part to win this battle. STAY AT HOME. This is not the time to host a party or attend such. This is not the time to mingle and socialize in large groups. Practice proper hygiene. You should have started doing this since you were young. Wash your hands properly. Be diligent in taking your vitamins. Above all else, pray unceasingly.

STAY SAFE AND HEALTHY, EXPLORERS! ♥️

For OFFICIAL information about COVID-19, visit these sites:

If you have questions or need any clarification, feel free to leave a comment or message via e-mail. If you like this article and want to see or know more about my other trips and tips, follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

xo,