Why road trips, picnics and nature walks are ideal solutions to no-travel blues

One of the freedoms that the current pandemic has taken away from each of us is the ability to travel. With restrictions still in place all over the world, we’ve all had to put our travel plans on hold for the moment, contenting ourselves with journeying from the couch to the kitchen or, for a more exciting trip, from home to the grocery store and back.

It isn’t uncommon to feel restless and isolated in the current climate. Luckily, with Singapore in Phase Two and easing upon certain measures, you don’t have to just be stuck at home. Spending more time in nature and going on road trips are ideal solutions for chasing those serious no-travel blues away and satisfying your inner sojourner—plus, it’s good for you! Let us tell you why.

A great alternative to travel

While you might have had to postpone that trip to Europe with friends or the family vacation to the United States, you don’t have to be cooped up indoors, and you definitely don’t have to be bored! In Phase Two, Singaporeans are now allowed to visit public parks and beaches and can gather publicly in groups of up to five persons, while maintaining social distancing with other people and observing good practices to minimise the spread of COVID-19. So don’t despair! Visiting beaches and spending time in other green spaces on the island can be fantastic alternatives to travelling outside of the country.

Support local

Craving for far-flung cultures and sights? Although you currently can’t travel outside of the country, local gardens, nature spots and beach fronts are awaiting your presence. With a varied array of gorgeous local outdoor destinations to choose from, all you need to do is plan a visit and go. Pack a picnic basket, bring a book, get the bicycles out of storage, take a frisbee or a ball to toss around, and make an event of it. And ready your mobile cameras, because there’s nothing quite as beautiful as nature, and we know you’re going to want to snap some shots!

Make new discoveries about your home

Travelling around the island on a road trip or hanging out in a local park doesn’t have to be mundane. In fact, it could be incredibly cool to visit parks and beaches that you’ve never been to before. How much do you really know about the island you call home? Perhaps it’s time to get to know it better. Adventurers don’t always travel far; oftentimes, the sweetest discoveries can be made right on your doorstep. Plus, seeing and experiencing your home from a different perspective—such as through a road trip or via biking trails—can change how you appreciate where you are from.

Spending time in nature is good for you

Besides getting you out of the house (which is a win in itself!), spending time in nature—at least two hours per week—has proven health benefits for children and adults alike. Being in nature can take us away from the devices and screens we are so accustomed to looking at, get us moving and contribute to mental peace . Even a simple walk in the fresh air, amidst trees or next to the ocean, can do wonders for your wellbeing, both physically and emotionally.

Save your money

One of the top perks of travelling locally is the cost—it’s extremely minimal. While international travel is still banned, you get to save on cash that you would otherwise spend on flights, accommodation, insurance and other hefty travel costs. For road-tripping and sight-seeing around Singapore, your only expense will be petrol for the car, while packing a picnic lunch for a day out at the beach or the park doesn’t even have to cost anything—you can raid the fridge and the pantry at home! Dust off the old bikes, check the house closets for forgotten games you can enjoy with family or friends, or pack what art supplies you have for a lovely art session in the park. Either way, you’ll be saving your pennies and enjoying at the same time.

So don’t just stay in—satisfy your travel urges by exploring your island home. It may just surprise you! /TISG