Being a responsible citizen by voluntarily self-isolating and social distancing isn’t always easy. Beyond preventing everyday social interaction, it means no concerts, museums, sightseeing, or flying for weeks—maybe months. Even self-avowed homebodies and introverts get stir crazy from an eight-week self-quarantine recommendation. After all, distance makes the heart grow fonder—and yes, that can also apply to your relationship with the couch. If you’re bummed about having to cancel recent travel plans, craving a diversion from understandable anxiety, or simply getting antsy at home in isolation, these genius “travel” ideas can help scratch that itch for arts, culture, and adventure. While you may not be able to travel the country or the globe right now, here are a few inventive ways to bring global destinations into your home (no shoes or passport required!). Speaking of Paris, head to the Louvre website, which offers guided exhibit tours online—the hall of Egyptian Antiquities is truly right at your fingertips. Many museums, like MoMA, also offer rich YouTube pages with snippets of current and past exhibits, short documentaries, and tons more. It’s no literal trip to Paris, but it’s the next best thing. For more ideas, here are 12 Famous Museums That Offer Virtual Tours You Can Take From Anywhere, from our friends at Travel + Leisure.
