7 travel ideas for enthusiasts during the pandemic.

1. Read books about adventure and travel.

Books are a "vehicle" that helps people move from one world to another quickly and easily. You don't need to buy expensive plane tickets; you can still allow your soul to experience a true adventure through the pages of a book.

There are many interesting books on the topic of travel; some of the titles you might consider are:

• The Alchemist(Paulo Coelho): writes about the journey of a young man who follows his instincts and travels from Spain to Egypt; along the way, he learns the meaning of happiness, the value of reality...
• On the Road(Jack Kerouac): A young man who leaves his life in New York to go to the West, living a new life full of freedom, spontaneity, and wildness. When the journey ends, he has also become a stronger, more resilient, and better person.
• Vagabonding(Rolf Potts): A must-have book for anyone planning a long journey. Author Rolf spent 10 years undertaking his own walking journey (even walking across Israel), and in this book he shares his experiences, lessons, and the most practical travel information anyone needs to know.

2. Watch travel-inspiring movies.

Similar to books, films are another "vehicle" that takes you to new lands and worlds. But while books often serve as travel guides, films, with their spectacular combination of sound, color, and visuals, play a more vibrant and dynamic role: inspiring.

Are you hesitant about embarking on a risky and adventurous trip? Worried that the place you're about to visit will be monotonous and boring? Or, simply looking for fresh ideas for your next trip? Here are some movies that are sure to inspire you.

• Into the WildThe film is based on the true story of Christopher McCandless. He abandoned his comfortable life to venture into the wilderness, exploring nature, people, and the essence of life. Ultimately, the greatest lesson he learned before his death was the definition of happiness.
• The BeachIn this film, travel becomes a temptation, blinding and deluded those who love to travel, even causing them to lose their humanity. The setting, a paradise-like island in Thailand, combined with Leonardo DiCaprio's masterful performance, makes the film appear mystical and illusory.
• The Secret Life of Walter MittyMost travel enthusiasts have seen this film at least once in their lives – but once is certainly not enough. It's not just for photographers, travelers, journalists, or even office workers; it's for everyone.

In addition to feature films, there are also many TV series and documentaries that introduce the culture, customs, and characteristics of different regions. You can find such films on Netflix, YouTube, and other platforms.

3. Plan your travels for the year.

Make a list of places you want to visit this year (you may have had such a list since the beginning of the year, but given the unpredictable developments of the Covid-19 pandemic, it's time to adjust your plans). From there, create a detailed plan for each destination on the list: the best time to visit, what preparations are needed, and the expected cost range. The more detailed your plan, the shorter the distance between you and your destination will be.

Don't forget, cultivating your knowledge about your destination (history, culture, cuisine, people, etc.) is also an extremely important preparation step and should be done right away. You can buy books and magazines with information about that destination, research online, or watch movies.

4. Learn about history

Travel enthusiasts will surely see a strong connection between travel and history. Vietnamese history can lead you to historical sites and museums scattered throughout the country. World history can lead you to Greece – the land of hundreds of myths; to Turkey – the end point of the once prosperous Silk Road; or to the Louvre Museum (France) – where the ups and downs of humanity are recorded in thousands of paintings…

In fact, this is a good time to take the time to learn about history – something we probably don't actively do (or don't have time to do) on a daily basis.

History can be seen as a traveler's third eye. When you stand before a scenic spot, your eyes take in the beauty of the present; but that "third eye" helps you look back at the past, feeling what that land has gone through to become what it is today.

5. Be open to new things.

Most of us spend all 365 days of the year earning money and doing things we enjoy, so what about making time for things we... don't yet enjoy?

While the pandemic is forcing us to put travel plans on hold and slow down, it's also a great opportunity to explore areas you've previously overlooked. This could be a continent you've never been interested in, a type of travel you thought wasn't your thing, or simply a sport, a cuisine, etc.

Additionally, regularly read travel magazines or travel news channels like Travellive and Travellive+ to stay updated on global travel trends and gain a fresh perspective on seemingly familiar destinations.

6. Develop and improve skills you lack.

If your photography skills are weak, now is the time to dedicate time to improving them. Take online photography courses, study online tutorials, or practice in a safe environment... You can also check out some interesting photography websites such as:Beyond-Photography.

If your English communication skills aren't yet proficient, take this time to improve them – through courses, books, or even English-language movies. Fluent English communication will be very helpful on your travels.

7. Exercise

Not only during a pandemic, but at any time, we should never neglect our physical health. A healthy body will help you experience your trip to the fullest and with maximum energy, while also keeping your mind alert and agile.

Currently, many gyms are temporarily closed due to the pandemic, but you can still exercise by cycling, walking, jogging, or playing sports.

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