Virtual Vacation: A Cure for Wanderlust

Virtual Vacation: A Cure for Wanderlust
Words by Katelyn Chef



Right now, a lot of us at home have an itch that we can’t scratch—wanderlust. There is nothing quite like exploring unique city streets, tasting international cuisine, and wandering white sandy beaches. There’s just something special about traveling someplace new.

Though we don’t know when things will change, the current situation doesn’t have to dampen your exploratory spirits. Thanks to technology, you can actually experience the joys of travel without ever leaving your home! Yes, it’s true—and you don’t even have to pack a suitcase.

We’ve picked a few of our favorite virtual destinations so you can say, “Bon Voyage!” Even if it’s just for an hour or two.

Thailand

If you’ve never snapped a selfie in front of Thailand’s Marble Temple, nor never slurped a bowl of Tom Yum Goong, now’s the perfect time to see exactly what wonders Thailand has to offer.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has an ongoing livestream of their beautiful country for cyber visitors to enjoy on their YouTube Channel. Here, streamers can gaze out at sea, or catch a glimpse of bustling cars and scooters zooming down Thai streets.   

Sherwood Inn

This beautiful, historical inn rests on the north shore of Skaneateles Lake in New York. Normally, the inn is a picturesque place to drop in for an extended weekend stay. Now, however, the inn is still serving the public—virtually, of course. 

Sherwood Inn is offering its very own ‘Cookbook for Quarantine’ which features delightful dishes developed by the Executive Chef of the inn’s Sherwood Dining Room. Bon Appetit!

Catskills Mountains

Those who’ve binged (and binged again) Amazon Prime’s The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel know that the Catskills are, well… marvelous! This virtual trip to the Catskills requires no camping or sunscreen, since you can watch a livestream of the Stratton Falls right from your couch.

Jamaica’s South Coast

Staying at home is making us all a bit crazy, but you can channel those bad vibes into tropical ones as you watch virtual sunrises and sunsets on Jamaica’s South Coast. Tune into the livestream on the Bluefields Bay Villas YouTube Channel.

If you miss the sound of the ocean, Bluefields Bay has also curated a Spotify stay-at-home playlist called The Sounds of Bluefields. Listen, and you’ll be immediately transported to this dreamlike island by recordings like ‘Afternoon at the Beach.’

Playa Hotels and Resorts

Even at home, we all deserve a spa day. Luckily, the Playa Hotels and Resorts’ spa thinks so too. Now, the spa is offering at-home tips for anyone who wants to tune in.  

The resort’s Spa Director, Sienna Creasy, is virtually sharing her DIY spa treatments and skincare tips. All of Sienna’s at-home skin solutions are made with common household items, perfect for a self-care Sunday.   

Key West, Florida

You and your quaran-team can witness the beachy beauty of The Reach Key West—a twenty-four-seven view of paradise. Log on to The Reach’s website, scroll to the ‘pools and beaches’ section, and click ‘Livestream’ to be instantly transported. Watch the ocean kiss the sandy shore, catch a bird’s eye view of the resort’s palm trees, and you might even spot a few beached surfboards.

The Deer Path Inn

Located in Lake Forest, IL is the quaint Deer Path Inn. During this time, the inn has launched Cocktails with Jorge, the Chief Spirits Officer. This is an exciting Instagram Live event where you can tune in and learn to make your own at-home cocktails. Cheers!

Honolulu

There’s a new saying these days—hang ten and be zen. In sunny Honolulu, it’s easy! There are virtual efforts to practice surf restore yoga, hosted by The Surfjack Hotel and Swim Club’s yoga instructor, Dianna Ho.

Each Wednesday at 9 a.m. HST/3 p.m. EST Instagrammers can tune into Ho’s Instagram Live as she shares the ways that yoga combined with surfing techniques can strengthen and calm the body and spirit. Namaste.