Right now, traveling responsibly means staying home. But being stuck indoors doesn’t have to mean an end to the exploration, learning, or connection that travel brings. Transport yourself to a far-off place with a good book, check out the latest travel-themed podcasts, or even learn the language of your dream destination. Because when we’re finally given the all-clear for adventure, you’re going to want to be ready to hit the road.
In need of a little inspiration? Read on.
Read a Book | Welcome to the Goddamn Ice Cube — Chasing Fear & Finding Home in the Great White North by Blair Braverman
Escape to the beautiful and unforgiving landscapes of Norway and Alaska as you follow one young woman’s quest for independence and self-discovery.
Binge Watch Anthony Bourdain | Parts Unknown — The Layover — No Reservations
With hundreds of episodes available online, there’s no shortage of opportunity to explore the world through the eyes of famed author, chef, and travel documentarian Anthony Bourdain. Those already familiar with Bourdain’s beautiful prose and take-me-as-I-am personality are sure to find his adventures a much-needed comfort during these uncertain times.
Listen to a Podcast | Indie Travel Podcast
Listen to stories, tips, tricks, and interviews from New Zealand couple Craig and Linda Martin, full-time world travelers since 2006.
Learn a Language | Duolingo
This free app makes learning a language fun and easy, with bite-sized exercises and games designed to keep you motivated and continuously improving.
Stay Active | Peloton App
Enjoy 90 days of free access to thousands of live and on-demand classes from the comfort of your home, including running, yoga, HIIT, strength training, and more. Need some new gear? Shop our Training Essentials.
What We’re Playing on Repeat | Que Locura Enamorarme De Ti by Eddie Santiago
Great for bread-baking marathons and lunchtime dance parties, we can’t get enough of the upbeat sounds of Puerto Rican salsa musician Eddie Santiago.
Try a Recipe | Pepper Panzanella with Burrata & Olives
Use up day-old bread with this tasty dish from Tuscany. Great on its own or as a side dish, this recipe adjusts easily to the ingredients you have on hand. Recipe from theoriginaldish.com
What you’ll need:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Instructions:
- Preheat the grill over high heat.
- Place the peppers onto the grill. Char on all sides until blackened and tender. Transfer the peppers to a bowl and loosely cover with a piece of foil. Let them steam for 10 minutes as they cool. Peel the skins, cut out the stems, and scrape out the seeds. Cut them into smaller pieces.
- Meanwhile, place a cast-iron skillet over the grill and let heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the sprig of rosemary and let heat in the oil for a few seconds. Add the cherry tomatoes and season with a good pinch of salt. Cook the cherry tomatoes until they are burst and tender, just a few minutes.
- Stir in the red wine vinegar and garlic. Let cook another minute. Remove the skillet from the grill. Stir in the olives and garlic chives (or regular chives).
- Coat the bread with olive oil and season with salt. Grill the bread until crisp and slightly charred, just a minute or so on each side. Transfer the bread to a cutting board and cut each slice into smaller pieces.
- Assemble the dish by spreading the pieces of bread out in a large, shallow bowl. Top with the peppers and tomato mixture (remove the sprig of rosemary). Break the ball of burrata into pieces and arrange over top. Season the cheese with the flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Garnish with more garlic chives (or regular chives).
Still looking for somewhere to go outside your home, check out our list of where to travel during COVID.