The Virtual Travel Guide to Being Stuck at Home
It seems as though we’re all going to be quarantining ourselves for a while, and you may be starting to wonder how you’re going to spend your days. Luckily, if you’re reading this article then you have online access; whether it be on a personal computer, a tablet/ iPad, or a cell phone. And these days you’re able to find just about any type of resource online. It’s important to stay connected to family, friends, neighbors and humanity! during times of isolation, and technology is a great way to do that. Below is a list of things to do and see, all from the comfort of your home!
Do you have a library card? If so, many libraries allow you to borrow digital e-books, audio books, TV shows, movies etc. You should be able to find out what resources your library offers by calling them or visiting their website.
Something fantastic that I read about and quickly sent to my siblings and other friends, is the massive list of museums, zoos and historic landmarks that are offering virtual visits. You’re now able to walk through some of the world’s most famous institutions from the comfort of your home. Below are a handful of links to various attractions you’re able to visit virtually, but plenty more are available online for you to find and explore on your own. It’s time to widen your cultural appreciation!
The Louvre- you don’t have to be in Paris to experience one of the most famous museums in the world.
The Vatican Museum- have you ever seen the Sistine Chapel or St. Peter’s Basilica? Now’s your chance to take a tour of some of the Vatican’s sites.
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History- I spent days walking room to room at the Smithsonian, and there is still so much I haven’t seen. You can move from exhibit to exhibit in this 360- degree tour.
Van Gogh Museum- arguably of the most well -known artists to have lived, you’re able to visit some of the impressionist’s paintings within this link.
Metropolitan Museum of Art- the United States has quite a few impressive museums of its own, and this is one of them. Even though the annual Met Gala has been cancelled, you’re still able to browse many of the online exhibits the museum has to offer.
The Museum of Modern Art- another one of the States’ popular museums is MoMA in New York City. Click the link to see some of its extensive collection of fine art.
If you’re not interested in museums but enjoy animals, there are plenty of zoos and aquariums live streaming its animals every day.
The Cincinnati Zoo has had plenty of write ups lately due to the daily Home Safari adventure on its Facebook page. Check it out to see and learn about a variety of animals being housed there.
The Shedd Aquarium- Chicago’s giant aquarium shares plenty of video of its multiple sea life residents.
San Diego Zoo- another zoo that offers live streaming of its animals, you’ll be able to check on the polar bears and koalas- all while wearing your pajamas! This one brings animal education to kiddos as well.
The Atlanta Zoo- check out the behind-the-scenes footage of many different animals and reptiles. This Zoo also has a dedicated Panda Cam, and hopefully a virtual visit with these cuties will bring a smile to your face.
If majestic landmarks from around the world are what you fancy, here are a few links for you:
Take a virtual trip to India to visit the Taj Mahal. This stunning tomb from the 17th century is known for being one of the World’s Wonders, and was built among shacks and a poverty stricken population. See the reflecting pool with fountains, and the jeweled marble mausoleum where the Queen and King are buried.
NASA- take a a look at NASA’s cutting edge work with rockets, shuttle replicas and more. A variety of other facilities, space centers and flight centers are offering behind the scenes visits and tours as well.
National Baseball Hall of Fame- for those who are bummed out that spring training ended early and the start date of America’s favorite pastime has been pushed back, you can take a virtual trip to Cooperstown, New York. There’s plenty of photos, videos, signed baseball and memorabilia to browse via virtual tour.
Machu Piccu- hiking this Incan trail is on my list of feats to accomplish in life, but for now, virtually visiting this magnificent Peruvian wonder will do just fine.
Christ the Redeemer- easily one of the most recognizable landmarks in South America, this is the largest art deco statue in the world.
Eiffel Tower- I couldn’t leave the world’s most visited landmark off this list. I’ve been fortunate enough to visit this beauty a handful of times, and can truly say that it’s unlike anything I’ve ever see elsewhere. So much so, I’ve included two different links for this landmark!
Roman Colosseum- for those who have visited this architectural masterpiece, you can almost picture the gladiators and spectators flowing through the gates of the world’s largest amphitheater.
Petra- located in Jordan and one of the oldest cities in the world, Petra’s rose colored buildings are frequently used in movies depicting eras long gone. Although 85% of the city has yet to be excavated from underground, many iconic monuments in the sandstone city are able to be seen.
I hope you’ve enjoyed some (or all!) of the virtual tours above. Traveling, and taking time to appreciate and learn about other cultures is a favorite pastime of mine, and I hope you’ve learned something or been able to find joy in the destinations I’ve written about as well. Stay safe and healthy, and I’ll continue to update the blog with more tips, resources and things to do.
Be well!