How To Stay Motivated For Travel When You’re Stuck
1. WATCH TRAVEL YOUTUBE VIDEOS
Of the country you’re going to visit (or any country, really). Live vicariously through the influencers. Some of my favorites right now are Backpacking Bananas, Lost LeBlanc, Chase for Adventure, and Kara and Nate. Don’t be afraid to go back years in content if you find a creator you like. No one’s judging you. If you want to create a travel vlog on your next trip, think about what makes the people you follow so interesting.
2. MAKE A VISION BOARD
Either gather up your piles of old magazines or log into Pinterest and create the best dang vision board you’ve seen in your life. Or heck, create vision boards for every continent. Or maybe the most extravagant possible version of your trip and the most budget version. Maybe you’ll make a whole board about packing, or the best places for coffee in your dream destination. Go wild.
3. MAKE A LIST OF TRAVEL GEAR YOU NEED
And have fun researching it. Ask any seasoned traveler what their #1 piece of travel gear is, and 5 times out of 10, it will be something you never would have thought to bring. Deep dive down the travel blogs of the internet and come up with your ideal list of travel gear- and then one of the things you can actually afford.
4. PUT YOUR BAG WHERE YOU CAN SEE IT
Currently, my suitcase is right in the middle of my apartment. Sure, it’s a bit annoying in a micro-studio, but every time I trip over it I can’t help but think about the awesome adventures I’ve taken it on. It’s a little reminder that you’re going to travel again soon. If you can’t fit your suitcase, put your day bag or toiletry bag, or whatever vessel that reminds you of travel in the way. It’ll remind you that travel is coming soon.
5. LEARN THE LOCAL LANGUAGE
Of the country you’re visiting- Let the Duolingo owl dictate your life. Or Rosetta Stone. Or Babbel. Knowing at least a few words of the local language always wins you points with the locals- it’s a sign that you respect and appreciate their culture. I’ve made genuine connections with locals just by saying ‘hello, how are you?’ in their language.
6. LEARN TO MAKE LOCAL FOODS
Choose a recipe or two from the country you’re visiting and learn to make the foods at home. There’s no better time to learn to cook than when you’re stuck inside with nothing better to do. At least It’ll taste like you’re traveling. Bonus: if you’re a picky eater you can find 1-2 dishes you know you like so you don’t have to panic about choosing foods when you arrive.
7. DESIGN YOUR TRAVEL WARDROBE
If you haven’t packed yet, or tbh even if you have, lay out everything you want to bring and then get rid of half of it. Have a fun time making up different travel outfits. Put on a little fashion show for yourself. (on that note, check out my video on things I NEVER pack). Pull up that Pinterest board you made and make sure you’re packing the gear you’ll need for your top activities. Oh, and always bring a raincoat.
8. PLAN OUT THE DETAILS
Are there specific sites you want to go visit? Where are they? How do you get there? Any cool history you can learn about? What are the logistics of getting from point A to point B? Pull up Google maps and mark up spots you don’t want to miss. Plan a route or two if you’re feeling ambitious.
9. IF YOU’RE A PHOTOGRAPHER, BUILD A SHOT LIST
Sure, spontaneity is cool and all, but if you’re committed to creating truly great travel photos, you have to plan ahead. Research the locations you want to photograph. Come up with a list of shots. That way you won’t be overwhelmed when you arrive and disappointed when you pull up your pictures post-trip and realize you have the same tourist shot as everyone else.
10. KNOW YOUR GEAR
If you’re a creator, make sure you know your gear inside and out. Practice with your camera indoors. Go outdoors at ungodly hours of the morning when no one else is around to bother you. Push yourself to create something beautiful in your boring neighborhood, and your travel videos and photos will be so much better for it. Get your camera skills on point.