How To Cure Wanderlust Without Travelling

Creating a bucket list is a cathartic experience that can take you anywhere in the world — using only your imagination. You’re setting life goals in relation to the places you want to visit, and this can satisfy your wanderlust for quite some time. Make a list of the things you plan to do before you die, and make a pact with yourself to achieve each goal. Formulating travel plans and knowing they will one day be achieved is often the next best thing to travelling for real.

Nothing gets you in the holiday mood like receiving travel newsletters with inspirational ideas for your next big trip. Along with photos, resort descriptions and holiday tips, a newsletter can transport you anywhere in the world — and give you some great ideas about where to visit next.

Your feelings of wanderlust may not be specific, which means a little inspiration could be exactly what you need to get motivated. A big trip requires planning, time off and money, all of which need focus. And nothing focuses the mind like the promise of a trip of a lifetime.

Once you have a bucket list and a selection of travel newsletters and brochures, you can start planning your next trip. While this won’t be as exciting as actually jetting off somewhere, it will be the next big thing. Simply knowing that your trip is actually going to happen should be enough to satisfy your urge to get away.

There are many ways to plan a trip, but a great way to brainstorm a few ideas is to create a mood board. What kind of break are you looking for? Do you want to sip cocktails on a beach, or would you prefer to keep busy with lots of sightseeing? Cut out photos of all your favourite destinations and stick them on your mood board to aid your thought process.

Perhaps you already have a “of towns, cities, regions or countries you want to visit. Write them all down, and then try to list them in terms importance. Once you’ve made the decision to visit your dream location, coping with your feelings of wanderlust will become a lot easier.

Let’s face it: you can’t realise any of your travel dreams without money.

Not only do you need to pay for travel and accommodation, you need money for activities, food and incidentals. Create a savings account, and commit to putting a little money away each month. Watching your holiday fund gradually rise will be fun, and it will act as a kind of countdown to your trip.

The urge to travel is something many of us experience. While you may not be able to get away right now, making plans to do so in the future is often the next best thing.