Tips & Picks for Virtual Tropical Getaways

With the iffy economy and scary job market, I keep hearing about people canceling or cutting back on vacation plans.  One friend postponed a year-long trip to Italy when her portfolio went south. A client told me that instead of planning his family's annual trip to Europe, this year he's just concentrating on paying the mortgage.  Other friends are camping at the local beach rather than jetting off to Hawaii.  While waiting for the economy to turn-around, how about a little virtual travel?  With a computer and a little creativity, anyone can enjoy a virtual vacation while waiting for the day when they can fly away again.
1.    Select Your Spot with Google Earth

If you could go anywhere, where would you go? One of my favorite places is Bonaire, Netherland Antilles.  It's part of the ABC islands off the coast of Venezuela. Lots of people have heard of Curacao and Antigua--Bonaire is a protected marine sanctuary and an exquisite scuba diving destination.  When you turn on "layers" in the Google Earth app, you can access YouTube videos and photos of the place you're visiting.

2.    Research a Local Spot While Dreaming of the Tropics
After surviving 3 days in a tropical rainforest in Belize, Central America, I learned that Redwood National Park (5-hour road trip from my home) is also a rainforest.  It's a temperate rainforest, not tropical, but equally cool with less bugs. Start at Wikipedia and learn about rainforests.  From there you can look at something local that you might visit or click on other exotic rainforests across the world.

3.    3dHawaii
Based on Google Earth, 3D Hawaii lets you virtually tour the islands while not having to worry about packing, flying, or sunburn. You can plan a trip or just pretend you're there.

4.    Google Images
Don't forget when you Google a place you want to, well, ogle, click on Images on the left hand side of your browser.  You can secretly ogle tropical beaches while on a conference call at work (as long as it's not a video call).



5.    You Tube
Finding good videos on YouTube can be overwhelming and I only go there when someone sends me a link.  So here's a link, YouTube Tropical vacations.  I really love the one featuring the Jimmy Buffet Cover Band.

6.    Cocktail Recipes & Music
Regarding Jimmy Buffet, cocktails and music is an important element in enjoying a virtual vacation.  If you're at home (not at work) make yourself a festive tropical cocktail to enjoy while you're traveling on the 'net.  Then go to Pandora and play Island music for free.

7.    eReaders
When I went to Paris, Hubby bought me a Nook, Barnes & Noble's eReader. It was wonderful being able to read a huge book without carrying it around.  After touring the museums, galleries and androissments, I cuddled up in bed with a glass of wine and read a wonderful historical book, Eiffel's Tower, (Jill Jonnes).

8.    Food & Fun with Friends
I love to travel, cook, pair wine and give parties.  When I can't travel, I come up with a theme, look up recipes, pair wine or cocktails from that place and throw a party.  Everyone comes in appropriate dress.  And what could be more fun than a tropical party in the dead of winter?

What happened to my friend that didn't go to Italy?  She traded her house in the nondescript 'burbs for a rental in Sausalito, a lovely little seaside town north of San Francisco reminiscent of her favorite Italian village.  She drinks cappuccino, eats and speaks Italian and shops at the farmer's market.


If you want to travel and can't get away, and all you have is a computer and creativity, what would you do?

======================================================================== Clever Girls Collective is a social media marketing agency founded by women who wanted to use their deep marketing experience and broad social network relationships for good. We know that women who engage in social media are some of the most authentic, connected, trusted, and vocal influencers -- not only online, but "in real life." That's why we've developed The Clever 1000: an ever-growing, beautifully diverse network of professional, thoughtful social media-connected, natural networkers and influencers who want to engage with and enhance their favorite brands. Alana Gentry is a freelance writer & founder of GirlwithaGlass.com, a popular blog for new to advanced wine & food enthusiasts with an emphasis on wine recommendations, pairing, recipes, global travel and lifestyle articles. She's written for publication for various media for over 20 years. She's a sommelier, blogger, wine judge, Sonoma/Napa expert & social media enthusiast. Her most recent book is Alana's Insider Tips & Picks, Get the Inside Scoop & Save $700, A Guide to Sonoma & Napa Wine Country.