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www.southernsenior.info 17 Well, we’ve certainly had an abundance of travel problems lately, haven’t we? Gas prices, airline issues, washed out roads and other weather-related issues have made get- ting from Here to There a challenge. And let’s not even talk about health-related issues like COVID-19, flu, and nasty respiratory prob- lems. If travel is something you love to do but dread under current circumstances, I have a treat for you! You can travel as much as you like without leaving your home with just a few simple clicks. Websites offering virtual visits to amazing places can fill the gap until actual travel becomes more reasonable. Depend- ing on your interests, you’re sure to find a website or newsletter to suit your desires. Interested in nature? The National Park Service website lets you visit national parks as wild as Yellowstone and as elegant as beautiful Melrose in Natchez from the com- fort of your armchair. Visit the site at to choose the park of your dreams. Many state parks offer online tours, too. Just search for “state parks in” whatever state in- terests you. There you go – cross country culture without the hassles of getting there. Pearl River County’s Crosby Arboretum op- erates as part of the Mississippi State Uni- versity family. Virtually visit it here: . A real gem of a spot! And there are other lovely ar- boretums across the country with web tours. I have a secret, something a lot of people don’t know about me. I am endlessly curious and just a little nosy! So, when I want to va- cation virtually, I want to learn in the process. Atlas Obscura () fills the bill on all counts. I subscribe to their newsletter and everyday I get information about new oddities around the world. They label themselves as “The Definitive Guide to the World’s Hidden Won- ders” and they live up to billing. From the ex- otic to the just plain weird, you’ll learn about amazing places, history, foods, and habits. Don’t forget the opportunities on YouTube and Pinterest. On these sites, you’ll find the things which fascinate other individuals and just may fascinate you as well. Your public library offers lots of publications about exotic locales for those times when you’re ready to tackle a short trip. Your library card is a passport to the world! If the book you want isn’t in the local collection, ask about an interlibrary loan. One library can borrow from another to make the best use of book-buying funds. Take a vacation trip at your convenience. No worries about conveyance schedules, lodg- ing availability, fuel prices or unfamiliar water sources. The world is waiting – enjoy! © Mary Beth Magee By Mary Beth Magee www.LOL4.net Virtual Vacation S