If there is one thing in this crazy new world norm that I miss the most, it’s the ability to hop on a plane, jump into my car (road trip!), or cruise across large bodies of water to discover somewhere new.

Anyone who knows me also knows that sitting in one place too long makes me jumpy. I like adventure and new experiences. I want to meet new people and discover weird facts. I’ve made it to four of the seven continents, and my travel bucket list is long enough to cover the next 30 years of my life!

Can you imagine that quarantine life has been hard?

But, this isn’t really about how hard my non-traveling, adventure-driven life has become. It’s important to me that my children learn from and experience a variety of cultures to round out their nomadic life. It weighs heavily on me in 2020, while we watch the ebbs and flows of social issues, pandemic news, and creating a new standard that I feel removed from the rest of the world.

So, I have spent much of the last few months putting together our very own version of exploring the world. I’ve taken my kids on many trips right from the comforts of our home.

Here are three great ways that you can explore the world right along with us:

1. THE LONG LOST ART OF PENPALS

Can you really have a penpal in this digital age? Yes! It is rare to see someone pick up a pen and paper to write a letter. But these days, pen and paper aren’t even required! Today’s digital penpal world can be done in a combination of snail mail, email, and digital messaging.

Finding a foreign penpal is a great way to explore geography, cultures, art, and language. It helps develop writing skills, practice good communication skills, and children learn to socialize by sharing about themselves and their life.

There are a number of reputable sites that can pair you or your child with someone from a different country. Often, these are individuals looking to practice their foreign language skills. Make learning a new language another benefit of exploring the world through a penpal!

2. EAT AND EXPLORE

Are you ready to try out your culinary skills? You can explore the world with dinner and a movie. Foreign films are readily available on every streaming network. Find one from a country you’ve always wanted to visit and then research a recipe that goes right along with it.

Dining on diverse cuisine expands your palette and introduces you and your family to new foods, spices, and methods of cooking. When you explore the world through food, you are nourishing more than your body. While you don’t have to pair it with a movie, it can add a date-night, family-night vibe and emphasize the culture you want to learn about.

3. GET OUT THE GLUE GUN FOR ARTS AND CRAFTS

One of my favorite ways to explore is by creating a tool, replicating art, or crafting something unique to a particular culture. Don’t worry about making a masterpiece. It’s more important to research and understand the importance of what you are creating within the culture you are getting to know.

Because my family loves music, we’ve focused on instruments. We’ve crafted a rainstick, a mbira, and maracas. We also made dream catchers, corn husk dolls, and Japanese lanterns. It’s been a fun and interesting way to talk about history, folklore, and family life in other countries.

You may be “stuck” at home, but there is no reason you and your family can’t escape to an exotic far-away land through music, art, crafting, food, and new friends!