That wanderlust can cut deep when the wallet is empty.
Luckily, when the world closed its doors and stayed inside in 2020, some people got creative and created virtual tours. The world has opened up again, and the virtual tours are still online, so those desiring to see the world can do so from their home.
1. WildEarth
Head out on an early morning drive or a sunset safari with WildEarth. Game rangers will take you on an African adventure using game vehicles, rovers, balloons, drones, remote cameras, and game walks. You can interact with the hosting game ranger by asking them questions in the chat box while you’re watching.
2. Machu Picchu
Learn about the 15th Century Inca citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and New7Wonders of the World. If you love high mountains, ancient buildings, and history, then you’ll love this 360-degree tour of Machu Picchu.
3. Marine Life Virtual Dive
National Marine Sanctuaries in America takes you underwater to explore the deep blue. The National Marine Sanctuary System is a ‘network of underwater parks encompassing more than 620 000 square miles (1 605 792 square kilometres) of marine and Great Lakes waters.’ Swim past the Florida Keys coral reefs, the Channel Islands’ kelp forests, and old shipwrecks with this interactive virtual experience.
4. Paris Catacombes
Photographer Felix Nadar described the catacombs as something ‘everyone wants to see and no one wants to see again.’ Walk beneath the city of Paris and learn more about this 321 km series of tunnels that hold the bones of 6 million people.
5. Yosemite Virtual Tour
Spread over 3 107 square km, California’s Sierra Nevada mountains are known for their ancient giant sequoia trees, meadows, waterfalls, and valleys. Experience the dizzying heights of Yosemite Falls, reach the top of Half Dome, or climb El Capitan through Virtual Yosemite.
6. Austria
‘From Schonbrunn Palace to Europe’s largest ice caves,’ you can explore Austria through this virtual platform. This 360-degree tour explores some of Austria’s most beautiful and scenic areas. The most popular tour is the 48 km Großglockner High Alpine Road, where you can see huge rock formations, the Pasterze Glacier, and reach the top of the country’s highest mountain.
7. Great Wall of China
If you haven’t had a chance to walk along the world’s longest man-made structure, now’s your chance. The virtual tour of the Great Wall of China is an excellent option as you don’t need to battle the crowds to explore it, and you still get to experience the magnificence of it.
8. Angkor Wat
The Angkor Wat temple in Cambodia was constructed in the 12th Century in honour of the Hindu god Vishnu. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992. Step back in time and have a look at the ancient spires, bas-reliefs, and stone statues.
9. Aurora Borealis lights
Experience the magical lights over Lapland in a virtual experience that allows you to see the Aurora Borealis. They are most commonly seen between 5 pm and 2 am, and a good display will last no longer than 30 minutes. Thanks to the Lights Over Lapland VR experience, you can enjoy the lights show from your couch.
10. Mars
If you’re looking for an ‘out-of-this-world experience,’ why not take a virtual trip to Mars?
NASA sent its Curiosity rover to Mars on 26 November 2011 and has been sending pictures back to Earth ever since. Google and NASA teamed up to turn the footage into a virtual tour so that curious ‘earthlings’ could explore the Martian terrain.
Pictures: Unsplash
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