Looking to escape your everyday routine? Here are some popular holiday activities that can give you some peace of mind. And as we’re still operating in COVID-19 mode, we have included digital alternatives as well.
Whether it is lying on a beach in Bali or trekking through the Himalayas, many of us rely on travel to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With travel restrictions still in place due to COVID-19, look to the Internet for a digitally vicarious way to enjoy these restorative activities from the comfort of your home!
YOGA RETREATS
Bali may be known for its beaches, but its laidback atmosphere makes it a popular spot for yoga. By incorporating meditation and breathing exercises, practising yoga can help to relieve stress while increasing your mental and physical self-awareness. Yoga Barn is one of Bali’s famous yoga retreats. Right in the heart of Ubud, it invites you to practise yoga against the tranquil backdrop of nature.
Although you can’t go for a yoga retreat in Bali right now, you can still enjoy its healing benefits from home. Yoga Barn is offering a monthly subscription service for live Zoom workshops. They even have discounts available till the end of the year.
Website: https://www.yogabarnonline.com/
HIKING
Hiking is a great way to both clear your mind and get a good workout. Apart from improving cardiovascular health and strengthening your muscles, hiking has also been found to reduce stress and anxiety. The USA boasts more than 400 national parks and 21,000 miles of trails for you to explore. From the magnificent waterfalls in Yosemite to the serene lakes in Glacier National Park, the dramatic range of landscapes can’t be found anywhere else.
Amid COVID-19 safety protocols, the US National Park Service has set up virtual tours of the green spaces it manages. This way, you can still take a ‘walk’ through the American wilderness without having to break a sweat.
Website: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/find-your-virtual-park.htm
MUSEUM TOURING
If you want a more cultural experience, visiting museums is a great way to feel transported somewhere far away from the distractions of modern life. Delve into the world of the Renaissance as you contemplate the works of Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo at the Louvre in Paris. Now, with virtual 360° tours available on their website, it really feels as though you’re there in person.
STARGAZING
Living in a brightly lit city, we rarely have the chance to see the starry night sky. But from The Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park, the pristine night sky is lit up by billions of stars in the Milky Way. Just two hours away from Perth, the surreal desert landscape is perfect for stargazing. Feeling how small we small you are in comparison to the vast galaxy, stargazing can bring a sense of clarity and perspective into our lives.
Perth Observatory holds free ‘Virtual Star Parties’ every fortnight. They show amazing images of the Western Australian night sky in real time, with a live commentary guiding you through the constellations.
Website: https://www.perthobservatory.com.au/