Travel plans foiled due to the pandemic. But YouTube walking videos bring the world to your home

Back when I was working from a desk in the Star's newsroom, and not a desk in my home, I always kept a small window on the corner of my computer screen with walking videos on YouTube. These videos are exactly what they sound like: hour-long videos shot from the cameraperson's point of view while they walk through cities, parks and small towns. There is no dialogue, no host, no music, just sounds of city life. It was a way to transport myself to another place without leaving my desk.

In fact, I have one playing right now as I write this: a jaunt around the bustling Yokohama city centre during the holidays when shoppers are out in full force and the trees are decked out in twinkling lights.

My family was supposed to be there next month, but as has happened with the holidays of many others, our vacation plans have been postponed indefinitely.

It's a bummer, but right now the ability to stay safe inside our homes is a privilege.

Besides, I can now travel the world in my sweatpants (or no pants).

When I'm cleaning the house on weekend mornings, I'll play a video of a morning stroll amongst sakura blossoms in Tokyo's Yoyogi Park. As I get ready for bed, I'll broadcast a moody, Blade Runner-esque meander through Shibuya on my TV, courtesy of Japanese walking video YouTube channels, such as Ramblac and Nippon Wandering TV. If I keep the window open, the sounds of a breeze or the distant DVP sync with sounds on the video.

Type in any city followed by the words "city walk" or "walking video" and you'll find lengthy videos of Paris, New Delhi, London, Shanghai, New York and, yes, Toronto. Those of a certain generation will remember Night Walk, a series that originally aired on Global Television in the mid-80s to early 90s, which toured the stillness of Toronto at night, set against jazz music. Those videos can be found on the My Night Walk channel.

There are plenty of dedicated walking channels such as Discovery Walking Tours TV, City Walks, Explore The World, Let's Go Somewhere New, Silent Walker, Booking Hunter TV and Nordic Ambience. All follow the same first-person view: no annoying host or jarring music, just a soothing walk in a time when being in a crowd didn't incite anxiety or a sense of longing.

Of course, it's all temporary fix.

It won't replace the joys of going for a run in the park or a walk past the neighbourhood shops and restaurants that may or may not reopen once this is over.

It's also a reminder of the importance of public spaces such as squares and playgrounds, especially for those who don't have access to a backyard or apartment balcony.

It's a lot to think about.

For now, I'm going to go nowhere on my virtual walk.

Karon Liu is a Toronto-based culture reporter for the Star. Follow him on Twitter: @karonliu