March 28, 2024

Tips to deal with the New Normal 2020

In this new age of the coronavirus, it seems like we’re all falling prey to the new normal. We’ve mastered the art of Zoom meetings in nice dress-shirts and Mack Weldon underwear. We fixed a table leg that has been rocking for years. We built a swing. And now what? 

Below we list a few suggestions to keep you engaged in new projects and hobbies. The aim is to spend your time on things you can be proud of well after the lockdown is lifted.

Make hot chocolates from around the world

Admit it, it’s much cheaper to make it at home than to travel to a different country to buy it. You have so many options! Here are a few recipes to start with. But oh there is so much more! 

hot chocolate being poured into a mug
The perfect hot chocolate – Photo by Maddi Bazzocco on Unsplash

Learn a new language

It takes time, and you’ve got time. Get a subscription to Babbel. We dare you to get the whole family involved! This will come in handy when you finally get to travel outside of your home. Practice ordering a hot chocolate in your language of choice. 

Plan your escape(s) 

Keep dreaming about the day you’ll be able to order hot chocolate in the language of your choice. It may seem far, but it will get here soon enough. Don’t lose hope and be prepared for that day when it comes. Check out our travel planner to get started and download our roadbooks. It’s all FREE!

We wrote prep pages for Iceland and New Zealand for your inspiration (you don’t need to learn a new language for these two destinations). If you’d rather, plan a camping trip in the Southwest USA. Don’t worry, camping is just like riding a bike. If you’ve camped before, then the next time will feel natural to you. Packing for a trip, on the other hand, will feel rusty. Print this packing list so you don’t forget any of the necessities.

Get in touch with us if you’re looking for an itinerary for any other destination around the world. That’s what we’re here for! We’ll put together our suggestions for your travel plan and send you a corresponding roadbook. Of course you should also get in touch if you’d like more information about Iceland, New Zealand, and the Southwest. You’ll be helping us further our business and pass the time indoors. 

DetourOn planner
DetourOn Planner

Buy a loom and weave a few carpets

Weaving is a tradition passed down countless cultures around the world. Purchase a pattern book along with your loom and you’ll feel like a character in a Discovery Channel documentary. When you finally allow people into your house again, they will be awed by your cultivated spirit!

The act of weaving is extremely relaxing once you get going.
A word of warning: Putting the loom together and learning the basic movements may feel a bit frustrating at first. Once you get the hang of it, however, it will provide a great sense of accomplishment no matter how much progress you make.

DetourOn Tip: Start small because you won’t be any good at this at the beginning. Make a welcome mat or a bathroom rug. 100 years from now, it will be sold at auction as the first piece that kicked off your tapestry stardom. It can forever be titled the Covid-Carpet.

Build a rock climbing wall

You’re climbing on the walls anyway, might as well have holds to help you do that.

This won’t work:

via GIPHY

This will work:

via GIPHY

Hint: You’ll need to purchase climbing holds

Conclusion

The above examples are all works-in-progress. They are borderline hobbies that will help you pass the time for the duration of the quarantine and beyond. Most importantly, they will add value to your everyday life. Go ahead and weave a carpet, climb your walls, yell at your family in a foreign language, and plan your next escape. By the end of the day, you’ll deserve a good cup of hot chocolate.