4 Ways to Honor Your Wanderlust When You're Stuck at Home

Our world has been completely flipped upside down over the past two weeks while studying abroad. We are experiencing something unprecedented and it has brought up many challenges for us. From having events cancelled to worrying about the health and safety of loved ones, this is a hard time. As someone who loves to travel, being stuck inside my apartment has been challenging. I created this list to share some strategies I have been using to stay adventurous and positive without leaving my home.

1. Cooking delicious meals

Whether you cook your favorite meal from your host mom abroad or try a new recipe from that next place on your bucket list, food can make you feel like you are in a whole different place. I love making this chicken paella and every time I eat it I feel like I am back in Granada with my host family. Try stepping out of your comfort zone and making some new recipes!

2. Making a craft

Making a craft that represents one of your favorite travel spots can be a great way to reflect on your previous adventures. You don’t have to be artistic to make something beautiful! Check out craft ideas online and fine something manageable for you. Creating things has been something that really makes me feel productive during my time at home. Check out these canvas prints I made that remind me of my favorite city.

3. Redecorating

Now is a wonderful time to redecorate your living space and really make it a joyful place for you to be while you have to stay inside. Since we can’t go anywhere new, make your room feel like an escape. You can decorate with the craft you just created, maps, pictures from abroad, souvenirs, or anything else that shows off the things you love. I have this scratch-off map surrounded by pictures from my time abroad. Seeing this map every day reminds me of my previous travels and excites me for the adventures I know I’ll have in the future.

4. Planning future trips

Even though you won’t be able to actually take the trip really soon, take some time to plan where you’re going next or create a bucket list. Planning trips can be a good way to let your mind wander and explore, even while being stuck inside. Where is the first place you want to go once you can travel again?

Here are just some of the ways I have been dealing with my wanderlust even while stuck at home. What have you been doing? As challenging as our current situation is, I hope that you can find peace and rest while staying healthy. We will all be out traveling again soon, but for now, perhaps we can find joy and comfort even within these crazy circumstances.

Haley Sommer is a CEA Alumni Ambassador who studied abroad in Granada, Spain, during the Spring 2019 semester. She is currently a student at Illinois State University.