Who says you need a passport to travel the world? Some of the most meaningful journeys can happen without planes, trains or automobiles.
Armchair travel is the act of experiencing new places and cultures without physically being there. It can take many forms, from reading travel memoirs and watching documentaries to using virtual reality or scrolling through photo-rich blogs. While it may not be the same as those immediate and tactile sensations of a real journey, armchair travel can still offer the intellectual and emotional rewards of exploration.
For older adults and those with mobility challenges, armchair travel can be the most practical and realistic form of travel that still inspires and engages the mind, stimulating curiosity and wonder.
For senior living companies like Capri Communities, an ever-expanding lineup of engaging cultural and travel-inspired experiences helps residents explore exotic destinations and cultures right at home with like-minded friends and armchair adventurers.
Cultural Education Programming
From Switzerland to South America, Armchair Travel programs—like the popular series at Hyland Campus in Sun Prairie —transport residents to countries near and far through engaging presentations, photos and firsthand stories.
Another recent highlight was a resident-led Polynesian cultural experience, featuring traditional attire, music and captivating stories passed down through generations.
Vista West in Madison is another Capri community where learning and exploration is always in full swing. This lively community often offers educational travel programs and recently added a touch of Buenos Aires with a program exploring the history of the Argentine Tango, complete with dance instruction!
Pro Tip: Got a place in mind for an Armchair Travel program? Get your friends together and let’s make it happen.
Eat Your Way Around the Globe
Craving Cajun cuisine or a taste of Tokyo? “Around the World” dinners are the perfect recipe for culinary adventure. Each month, Wilson Commons in Milwaukee’s residents savor dishes from a new location, complete with cultural insights, decorations and a few dance moves.
Wilson Commons is not the only Capri Community tickling tastebuds with cultural experiences. Many of our communities offer food programs showcasing cuisines from around the world.
Pro Tip: Take a day trip to taste international foods in a local community. In Milwaukee alone, there is Irish Fest, the Puerto Rican Festival of Wisconsin, Serbian Days and the Jewish Food Festival, just to name a few.
Move to the Rhythm of the World
Whether it’s learning the Argentine Tango, swaying to Hawaiian melodies or tuning in to music from another continent on Spotify, music has the power to transport you to destinations unknown. Take a toe-tapping musical journey with global playlists that take you to destinations you’ve already been to or to completely new locales.
Pro Tip: Visit YouTube and play “Buena Vista Social Club” for instant vacation vibes from Cuba or tune in to a global Top 50 playlist on your favorite streaming service. Search for music from the country of your choice on Spotify or Apple Music. Chances are your search will lead you to some new favorite tunes.
Travel Through Stories
There’s nothing quite like getting lost in a good book, especially one set in an exotic location. Many Capri residents enjoy book clubs that feature travel-inspired reads. A few all-time favorites include The Alchemist, Eat Pray Love, and anything by Bill Bryson.
For a visual escape, choose a virtual museum tours like those offered by the Milwaukee Public Museum, watch a foreign film like The Secret Life of Walter Mitty or take in a TV show like Street Food on Netflix. For a journey closer to home, try Discover Wisconsin, which features destinations, events and attractions throughout America’s Dairyland.
Pro Tip: Relive your favorite trips and adventures by sharing travel stories with others at a Capri Community storytelling or “Show & Tell” session.
Make Your Own Passport to Adventure
Perhaps you’d like to begin your own armchair travel adventure at home. Here are a few suggestions:
- Try a new recipe from a country you’ve always wanted to visit.
- Create a travel scrapbook with old photos and souvenirs from your travels.
- Join a virtual museum tour or watch a concert on YouTube.
- Learn a few words in a new language with Duolingo.
- Host a themed dinner night for your friends.
Pro Tip: Turn your armchair adventures into a monthly tradition! Pick a new country each month, decorate accordingly, try a dish from that region, and learn cultural facts or phrases. Before you know it, your passport will be full of unforgettable experiences (no flight required).
Life should be filled with wonder and exploration, regardless of age or location. So, pack an imaginary suitcase, gather your best friends, and bring your curiosity. And get ready to explore the globe right from your living room!
