Popular destinations across the globe are virtually capturing their highlights, so that people can still travel, even if it’s from the comfort of their own home. With the numerous travel restrictions in place and a major chunk of time being spent at home, virtual experiences of exotic places around the world can uplift spirits by enabling people to put on travel shoes once again, even if it means having to put on digital glasses, too. Could this be a new way for people to explore the world without having to step out of their homes? Follow us on an adventure across the seven continents, as we journey through some of the must-see places around the world.
Let’s take a (virtual) trip around the world!
North America
Start at the edge of the globe by taking in the breathtaking sights of America’s infamous Last Frontier, with a virtual vacation by Travel Alaska. Watch the brown bears at Katmai National Park and Preserve, or follow alongside a professional guide as he explores the glaciers at Kenai Fjords National Park.
Continue south and take a journey through the National Parks of the American West. Explore your way through the diverse landscape of Yosemite, the unique water features of Yellowstone, and the great expanse of carved rocksides of the Grand Canyon.
South America
In South America, begin in Peru with a tour of Machu Picchu. Soak in the ancient culture of the long-ago Incas, and marvel the site’s ability to withstand the test of time. Then, take in the astonishing grandeur of the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil. Finally, finish your South American tour, with an immersive venture into the wilderness of Patagonia, the famous mountain range shared by bordering Argentina and Chile.
Europe
Start your European journey on the coast of Ireland, and have your breath taken away by the vertical plunge to the sea that sits just past the ridge of the Cliffs of Moher.
Next, travel to the popular city of London, England, and take in the city sights from the top of the London Eye. Or, immerse your self in the history, culture, and heritage that is encompassed by the virtual tour of Buckingham Palace.
Learn about the history of the famous architectural feat, the Colosseum in Rome, Italy. Virtual traveling does not require a lot of stamina, so you can continue on with a virtual walking tour of the entire city of Rome.
Africa
Learn all about the geography, the people, and of course, the animals of this vast continent, with a short informational video from PBS.
Continue on your journey and view Victoria Falls, one of the biggest waterfalls in Africa, from an aerial perspective. Finally, take a virtual Safari compliments of Asilia Africa. You will quickly fall in love with the native elephants, hyenas, lions, and so many other wild animals.
Asia
Asia is a vast continent and it can be intimidating to pick where to start. The good thing about virtual visits is you can explore all the places you want to from your home and for free! That ways you can pick and choose where you want to go in the future.
Take a walk along one of the wonders of the world – the Great Wall of China. This amazing structure boasts a history of over 2,000 years and is over 3,000 miles long!
In Indonesia, walk through temples, rice fields, or even the famous sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary.
Continue on westward and travel to Vietnam to experience the world’s largest cave – Hang Son Doong, located at Nha- Ke Bang National Park.
Antarctica
Finish your virtual tour around the world on a different edge of the globe – in Antarctica, also known as the 7th continent. To see this snowy landscape, Shackleton 100 has a great interactive map of the whole continent. Additionally, Quark Expeditions has created an online guide for viewers to get to know the animals that inhabit the land. These include but are not limited to Gentoo penguins!
Continue the Adventure
If you are looking for more opportunities to see the world from your own home there are numerous avenues to do so. Google, for example, has partnered with entities around the world to create vast galleries of Art and Culture, as well as a unique platform for Heritage Sites that are threatened by climate change. Or if you’re just looking for a day trip, National Geographic has created a gallery of 24 sites, one new place for one new hour of the day.
For even more, check out How to Satisfy Your Wanderlust at Home, here.
~By virtual Marketing and Communications Intern, Jordan Dunn. Jordan is a Public Relations and Communications Marketing Major at Siena College in Upstate NY. She has a passion for writing, traveling, and advocacy.
