Despite the fact that we can’t travel at the moment, there’s absolutely no reason why you can’t still enjoy some of the world’s most amazing sights and experiences from home. Maybe you’re sick of walking laps of your local park, have watched all there is to watch on Netflix, or maybe you’re just keen to experience something a little new. As a result of the coronavirus lockdowns globally, many of the world’s most iconic locations (museums, world heritage sites and more) are now offering virtual tours – you don’t even need to leave your couch! Simply grab your laptop, phone or tablet, plugin and enjoy a (virtual) world tour filled with history, nature …and technology.
Machu Picchu, Peru
Negating the need to fly all the way to Peru (for now), you can view the jaw-dropping, awe-inducing UNESCO World Heritage Site that is Machu Picchu from home. This tour is super immersive, and includes 360-degree views of the ruins, as well as a handy voice narrator.
TOUR: https://www.youvisit.com/tour/machupicchu
The Louvre Museum, Paris
Normally visited by millions of tourists per year, the Louvre has now also created a selection of virtual tours based on its permanent collection. You can explore the Remains of the Louvre’s Moat, Egyptian artefacts and the decorative arts of the Galerie d’Apollon all from the comfort of your home.
TOUR: https://www.louvre.fr/en/visites-en-ligne
The Vatican, Rome
Now within virtual reach, The Vatican and all of its museums can now be visited from your home. Enjoy spectacular architecture and historic monuments as you step foot into the Sistine Chapel and Raphael’s Rooms – sensational even when it’s viewed through a screen.
TOUR: http://www.museivaticani.va/content/museivaticani/en/collezioni/musei/tour-virtuali-elenco.html
Athens Acropolis, Greece
Can you really call yourself a history buff if you haven’t been to the Athens Acropolis? Now visiting this hotspot is a cinch. Visit some of the popular sites such as the Parthenon or the Theatre of Dionysus and watch the in-depth videos that provide an educational insight into ancient Greece.
TOUR: https://www.acropolisvirtualtour.gr/
Keukenhof Gardens, Holland
It’s hard to imagine the Netherlands without images of fields of tulips coming to mind. While, sadly, the world famous Keukenhof Gardens were closed this year, you can still embark on a virtual tour and see the tulips in bloom and learn about the history of the gardens.
TOUR: https://keukenhof.nl/en/nieuws/360-tour-door-keukenhof/
America’s National Parks, USA
Whether you’re wanderlusting over the fjords of Alaska, the coral reefs of Florida or the expansive deserts of Arizona, you can now virtually tour some of the United State’s most iconic National Parks. All tours are accompanied by a Park Ranger, who explains the natural history and wildlife of each park.
TOUR: https://artsandculture.withgoogle.com/en-us/national-parks-service
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
While these 360-degree simulation videos were made for educational purposes, it is still nonetheless, fascinating to watch and learn about ancient life on the popular Angkor Wat temple grounds, long before it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
TOUR: https://www.virtualangkor.com/360
The Northern Lights, Scandinavia
The Northern Lights are on many a bucket list, and for good reason! The aurora borealis is an awe-inspiring natural phenomenon that is caused by the Earth’s magnetic field interacting with electrically charged particles from the sun. Embark on a 5-minute journey with 360-degree views, as the Northern Lights dance across the skies of Lapland, Finland.
TOUR: https://lightsoverlapland.com/abisko-national-park-virtual-reality-tour/
Giants Causeway, Northern Ireland
Made up of more than 40, 000 interlocking, geometric basalt columns, the Giants Causeway is a sight to behold (both in person and virtually). Irish legend believes that the rock formations are the remains of a stepping stone causeway path to Scotland, which was made by giants.
TOUR: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/giants-causeway/features/take-a-virtual-tour-of-the-giants-causeway
Amazon Rainforest, Brazil & Peru
From the treetops to the creature-filled understory and the dirt ground where indigenous locals wander, (virtually) tour the wonders of the Amazon rainforest and learn how the rainforests impacts peoples lives – from the villagers who live there to those further afield.
TOUR: https://youtu.be/iLQoAN085xo
Looking for other ways to get your travel fix at home? Check out our other blogs here!
