The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s trip to Paris in March was especially meaningful to me: my own first trip to the City of Lights was with my now-husband was also on St. Patrick’s Day, albeit 17 years ago. At the same time, it saddened me to think of Kate and William, together all these years, but only now finally able to explore a new city together (and even then, under watchful eyes). Sure, they take delicious tropical vacations and exclusive ski trips, but it must be difficult – especially for Kate who grew up traveling with her family – not to be able to pack up the family and explore new places at a whim. My own ability to travel is pretty curtailed these days, although for very different reasons (no paparazzi here), but I imagine that the Duchess and I similarly suffer from chronic, unfulfilled wanderlust, and I wonder how Kate satisfies her desire to travel from within the walls of KP. Keep reading for my suggestions for the Duchess, as well as for the Anglophile whose travel dreams involve exploring Kate’s world.
Read with a Sense of Place
There’s nothing like getting immersed in a good book to escape! And all the better when that book is set in different environs and the story told by an authentic voice.
If Kate is dreaming of a trip to the Orient, she might enjoy a Lisa See title. Or perhaps My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante would provide a mini-break to Southern Italy. I recently enjoyed escaping to Scotland with The Bookshop on the Corner, and I love following @babblingbookclub and @beth.bonini on Instagram for great titles from international authors that might not otherwise be on my radar.
Cook up another locale
Kate’s love of cooking is already bordering on legendary, and while we know from as far back as the Anglesley days that she is keen on a traditional Sunday roast, I’m willing to bet that the Duchess also dabbles with some exotic cuisines to satisfy her taste for adventure. We saw Catherine’s willingness to try new dishes on the Canada tour last year (and since we know the couple love a good curry, one can only imagine their delight at being served authentic dishes on their trip to India!).
I wonder if Kate has keyed in to the Middle Eastern cuisine that’s having a surge in London at the moment thanks to the Cook for Syria campaign and cookbook? Anglophiles can get a taste of what Kate serves up by trying one of her favorite chefs’ traditional British desserts from Mary Berry’s website.
Be a virtual tourist
For art-lover Kate, having more galleries’ and museums’ collections online is a boon! To be sure, there’s nothing quite like seeing the brushstrokes in person, but the availability of high-quality images and information via the Internet can definitely quell the urge to seek out something new.
Perhaps Kate takes a mini-tour at the Getty Museum while Charlotte is napping? For Kate followers across the Pond or Down Under, why not explore London’s own National Gallery.
Swoon over Instagram
Some days, though, it’s impossible to find enough time to try out a new recipe or embark on a comprehensive virtual adventure. When all else fails, ten minutes browsing somewhere beautiful on my favorite Instagram accounts gives me enough of a fix to keep my wanderlust dreams alive.
I imagine Kate would love the luxurious travel photos on @suitcasemag, or imagining adventures with George and Charlotte alongside @kidslovetravels. Those yearning for London will love @prettycitylondon. Or if you’d rather a ramble in the countryside, @charlotte.in.england has a beautiful feed!
How do you scratch the travel itch when the paparazzi won’t leave you alone? We (and Kate!) would love to hear your ideas!
Wow! Great tips! I was born in the same place in which Elena Ferrante’s book are set, I’ll try to read all the other books suggested and I’ll try to follow all your tips in order to satisfy my wanderlust!