How to travel from home during lockdown?

Traveling from home is currently the only way to get away. Wherever you are in lockdown, and wherever you are reading this article, one thing is certain: your future travel plans are uncertain. With the days getting shorter and autumn well underway, we find ourselves dreaming of either snow-covered destinations or tropical paradises.

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This week, your Welkeys concierge service offers 8 ways to travel from home. Our team shares its top recommendations. If you're feeling down at the thought of being stuck inside, don't hesitate to pick one of the activities from this list!

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1/ Dive back into your past travels

What better time to immerse yourself in memories of past trips? Take advantage of this period to rediscover your favorite destinations. If you haven't organized the souvenirs from your journeys yet, now is the time to do it.

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Whether in the form of a video or an album, there are many possibilities. You can even learn how to create a travel journal. During this unique time of year, you'll be able to share your stories with those around you.

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2/ Enjoy an adventure book

This recommendation might seem classic, but it is no less effective. Many websites can offer you reading lists. From the one by Les Others magazine, we have selected four. These books will plunge you into the heart of winter while you wait for your next snow vacation:

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• Endurance by Sir Ernest ShackletonFirst on the Rope by Roger Frison-Roche342 Hours in the Grandes Jorasses by René DesmaisonThe Angel's Trail, Life of Marco Siffredi by Antoine Chandellier

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Don't hesitate to check the rest of their list if you're looking for a more maritime or tropical journey. Finally, you can find other recommendations on sites like Goodreads.

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If opening a book feels difficult given the current health situation, why not discover audiobooks? They are perfect for anyone short on time or motivation. Simply let yourself be carried away by the narrator's voice.

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3/ Learn a new language

Whether you are planning a future trip to France or abroad, it is always rewarding to learn the local language. During this lockdown, you can choose to learn a foreign language with apps like Duolingo.

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If you are interested in regional languages and dialects, France has no shortage of resources. You could, for example, perfect your Breton with the Kwizh app while waiting to visit in person.

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Several companies offer services to help you develop your language skills. If you live in the Île-de-France region, check out the startup Qioz. It allows users to learn through movies, series, and documentaries.

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4/ Take an auditory journey

Travel can also happen through sound. You will find many resources online that allow you to discover music from different continents. Explore new sounds and discover many unknown artists.

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We already mentioned audiobooks, but there are also many podcasts on the theme of travel. We recommend "Les Baladeurs." It combines incredible stories from adventurers with a highly immersive soundscape.

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5/ Enjoy a virtual tour

Can you see yourself there already? To better visualize your next destination, don't hesitate to visit it virtually. Tools like Google Street View allow you to explore places near and far.

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If you are craving museums and monuments, you can use Google Arts and Culture. From Versailles to the pyramids, you can also check out the selection of tours from Beaux Arts magazine, which offers some wonderful resources in France.

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You can take tours on any topic that interests you, even with the little ones. Simply type your search into the search bar. Paris museums offer highly educational content.

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6/ Traveling through video

Another way to travel through images is by using video. The internet offers many tools today. From video platforms like YouTube to streaming services like Netflix or Disney+, the choice is vast. If you are passionate about skiing, check out films like Natural Mystic, filmed by drone in Chamonix.

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To take it a step further, you can monitor snow conditions at ski resorts using webcams cleverly placed on the slopes, such as in Megève. The site Explore.org also offers many live videos. Our personal favorite? Watching polar bears!

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7/ Rediscovering your city and country

We can't say it enough. Given the current health situation and the measures in place, the best way to travel is locally. Observe the culture, architecture, and landscapes that surround you.

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Learn about the history of your city or region. As mentioned several times, the internet offers a wealth of resources. We particularly recommend the magazine Détours en France, which highlights all the regions of France. We especially loved their selection of forests to explore.

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8/ Planning your next trip

Finally, the best way to travel is to look ahead. There is nothing better for passing the time than choosing a project close to your heart and diving into it. For now, domestic destinations seem most appropriate, and France offers plenty of options.

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Your Welkeys concierge service continues to support you in organizing your next stay. We continue to offer rental properties all over France. From Lille to Biarritz, and through Quiberon and Grenoble, the landscapes and activities are diverse!