Experience the world from your sofa | Part 8

For many of us, our daily routines have been thrown out the window and productivity has reached an all time low. With all the chaos that surrounds us at the moment it’s easy to become less enthusiastic about the day ahead of you, making it an effort to keep yourself entertained. However, for some of us, this is the much-needed break you deserve, so take plenty of time to recharge and chill out.

Our team has been working hard to compile a round up of the best travel TV programmes, films, books and recipes every week, that will hopefully keep you fulfilled for the duration of lockdown.

The best travel programmes, films, music, books, recipes, games and more

Documentary

Caribbean with Simon Reeve

Dreaming of white sand, palm trees and the sound of crashing waves? Watch Simon Reeve travel to the edge of the Carribean Sea in a beautiful three part series, and join the exploration of the cultures that make up this popular destination. This documentary features stunning islands that have probably appeared in your dreams, when this lockdown is over, you can turn your dreams into reality.

Watch the series over on BBC iPlayer. 

Film

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

Turn to a good travel film to reignite that spark for globetrotting! The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is one of the best films for this, while also being incredibly inspiring. Filmed mostly in Greenland and Iceland, the cinematography will take your breath away and the sound track is what makes this film so spectacular. Proving to be positive, charming and entertaining, this film will definitely stretch your imagination.

Watch on youtube here. 

Book

The Geography of Bliss – by Eric Weiner 

Prefer to read about travel? There are loads of travel novels and memoirs to choose from, however, The Geography of Bliss is definitely one of our favourites. After asking himself what makes a nation happy, Weiner (the grumpiest man on the planet), sets himself the task of searching for the happiest place in the world. Featuring Iceland, Bangkok and Bangalore, Weiner soon learns that happiness does not always correspond to the things you would assume.

Find your happy place while reading this book.

Order this book here.

Podcast

Get to the Point Podcast: Saving Money. No Joke. – Nina Manni & Traci Stumpf

For a podcast that will make you laugh-out-loud, this is one of our top picks. Get to the Point Podcast: Saving Money. No Joke. includes two hilarious friends sharing valuable money saving tips for travelling while also reminiscing about funny travel stories- it’s like listening to a stand up comedy! Their easy to listen to commentary is great to have on while cooking, cleaning or just while you hang out on the sofa.  

Take a listen here. 

Virtual Tour

Ancient Rome – Future Learn 

Ever wondered what Ancient Rome would have looked like? Explore the city through a unique and historically accurate 3D virtual tour. Take a guided tour delving into the Roman architecture while feeding your imagination on this informative and engaging course. The course is free to anyone and is a great resource for improving your knowledge and sparking an interest in Ancient Rome.

Join the course for free here. 

Recipe

Sticky Jerk Salmon with Mango Slaw

Inspired by the documentary pick this week, we challenge you to cook up this Caribbean style feast! This fresh and easy meal is mouth-wateringly delicious and is a great dish to move into the summer months with.

We asked Jennifer, our people, purpose and culture leader to try it out at home –

“This light and refreshing dish was easy to replicate at home and really brought to life the flavours of the Caribbean”

Sticky Jerk Salmon with Mango Slaw

Ingredients

2 heaped tbsp Jamaican jerk paste

2 tbsp clear honey

4 salmon fillets

2 limes juiced

Half red cabbage, core removed and thinly sliced

1 firm but ripe mango, skin removed, thinly sliced

1 red pepper, thinly sliced

6 spring onions, thinly sliced at an angle

Small bunch of coriander, leaves picked

Method

1. Heat the grill to medium-high. Mix the jerk paste and 1 tbsp honey together in a bowl. Place the salmon fillets on a foil-lined baking tray and brush all over with the sauce. Cook on the top shelf for 8-10 mins or until just cooked through (move the tray down a shelf if the salmon starts getting too caramelised).
2. Meanwhile, put the remaining honey, lime juice and some seasoning in a large bowl and mix together. Add the red cabbage, mango, pepper, spring onions and coriander, and toss through the dressing. Serve the salmon on a pile of the slaw.

And there you go, it’s that easy!

You’ll find the full recipe here.

More inspiration, coming soon

Liked our travel-inspired round-up? Pop back next week for another round of inspiration, with our top picks of the best film, TV, books, music and more to keep you entertained.