Since the last time I wrote an opinion column, the world has changed drastically. That was in our February issue, and I had just returned from attending opti in Germany for the very first time. I wrote about how excited I was for trade show season—how opti “gave me the experience of a world traveler,” and how much I was looking forward to continuing my eyewear journey around the world throughout the year.

Clearly, I’ve had to put those plans on hold. And for longer than expected, too.

I had big dreams in terms of travel plans this year, both personal (I was going to go back to the U.K. with some friends for a week full of concerts) and professional (Vision Expo West and Silmo). As it turns out, I haven’t gone further than New Jersey since March—and I don’t expect that will change anytime soon.

But that doesn’t mean my traveling days are behind me. I’ll get back out there when it’s safe to do so, but in the meantime, I can still travel through books, movies, TV, music, and, of course, virtual trade shows.

As we adapt to changing times and guidelines, we don’t have to feel trapped and bored—in fact, it kind of feels like we have more access to the world than ever before. Museums, stores, libraries, movie theaters and trade shows have all gone online—many for free or at very little cost—so we can travel from the comfort of our own homes now. If anything, we’ll be more prepared and educated than ever the next time we pack our bags.

gplummer@jobson.com