How to Discover the World When Self-Isolating...

You've been looking forward to your holiday for months and now, from out of nowhere, a virus has scuppered everything. You were supposed to be on a glorious beach in Bali or checking out California on a road trip. But now, instead of a self-drive adventure, you’re stuck with a self-isolating nightmare. Sure, your Travel Consultant has your back and you’re going to postpone your trip but your hunger for travel has not yet been satisfied. Here are a few ideas for how you can turn social distancing into something more interesting:

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kyoto, Japan

Experience the majesty of one of Kyoto’s most popular attractions by way of one of Britain’s most popular products. Recreate the bamboo grove using the myriad toilet roll tubes that you may have saved for a special occasion.

Lake Louise, Banff National Park, Canada

Run a bath, dig out that box of food colouring that you bought for cake icing and only ever used once, add two drops of blue and one of green, give it a stir and voila, feast your eyes on the vivid turquoise waters. It’s just like being in Canada!

Las Vegas,USA

There’s nothing like the thrill of a flutter at the tables of the world’s most famous casinos. So, get yourself dressed up to the nines, get Frank Sinatra playing on Spotify, mix yourself a margarita, dim the lights and log into an online casino. For additional realism – have your partner/housemate offer you drinks on the house intermittently while you play.

A private island, Maldives

Ok, so you already have the isolation part of this Maldives paradise experience sorted. Next, white, powder-soft sand comes courtesy of your reserves of self-raising flour. Liberally distribute over the floor, crank the heating way up, slip into your bikini/board shorts, don your sunglasses and position a bright desk lamp directly at your face.

Bangkok, Thailand

One of the most enthralling aspects of travel is learning about other cultures and communicating with locals. This is tricky if you’re self-isolating but not impossible. First, set your mobile from English to Thai. Now, try to use it to order a delicious Thai takeaway (delivery of course). This way you’ll have the thrill of communication in a foreign language with the additional pay-off of (almost) authentic Thai cuisine.

Safari, South Africa

Position your house plants around your TV, move your washing machine into your lounge, set it on a lengthy spin and sit yourself on top for an authentic 4X4 vehicle simulator. Now find yourself a David Attenborough documentary on-demand and make sure you have plenty of space on your camera SD card.