So much for Barcelona-for-New Year’s plans. You’re broke. (Bummer: the dollar is finally respectable again.) Still. Who says you can’t do a little armchair wandering? For one, it’s much cheaper. For two, no jet lag.

If You Travel for the Food
It’s the year of the cookbooks from the world’s most innovative chefs. From France, Joël Robuchon’s The Complete Robuchon, without photos so you don’t feel intimidated. From Spain, Ferran Adrià’s A Day at ElBulli, with highbrow treatises on the creative method. From Chicago, Grant Achatz’s Alinea, which has a nifty companion website. From England, Heston Blumenthal’s The Big Fat Duck Cookbook, which weighs more than you do, even after one of these supersonic meals.

If You Travel for the Kit
Here’s a pretty cashmere blankie and matching pillow (the orange is very Hermès). Assorted Korres beauty products in little TSA-friendly bottles. A shoe suitcase that fits a dozen pairs of heels. And outrageously elaborate French travel trunks for movies, baby, bikes, and plants.

If You Travel for the Stuff
For Italian fashion without Milanese sales clerk attitude, shop Yoox for René Caovilla heels, Roberta di Camerino styles, and Faliero Sarti scarves. Paris boutique Colette has darling Les Ateliers Ruby helmets and Roger Vivier shoes. Fresh’s lush Crème Ancienne is handmade in a Czech monastery from a Roman gladiator recipe. Add charm and cutes to su casa with an egg pot and a teapot with a cold. Throw your Moroccan slipper-clad feet onto a handcrafted leather pouf and brew some Sri Lankan Silver Tips tea.

It’s a pocket of exotic in that paradise you call home.