Due to the public safety measures in places, many of us have had our summer vacation plans disrupted. Despite the closing of public spaces, some very resourceful and tech-savvy people have found a way for you to still enjoy world class virtual tours and events. This means that we now have access to the most loved galleries and landmarks around the world. The public can now tour some of the most famous sites and museums absolutely free. Here are ten amazing virtual tours and events that you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home.
Museums
One major factor in my travel planning is the local museums. I always set aside a few days to immerse myself in the art, history, geography and culture of my destination. I had planned to mark another bucket list item with a visit to the British Museum this summer. Even though my travel itinerary has been indefinitely postponed, I can still peruse their extensive artifact collection. The tour includes photos and an interactive inventory for you to browse without worrying about closing times.
Another benefit of virtual tours and events is that I have the freedom to spend as much time examining the exhibits as I please. When I’m studying the masterpieces in the Louvre, no one is rushing me to the next display. I can also absorb the information and timelines of the fossil records as I explore the archives of the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. Best of all, there are no lines or crowds to contend with.
Astronomy
For the more scientifically minded crowd, NASA has published all its images online as public domain. You can search images, listen to audio, or watch videos discussing information collected using research satellites. If you decide to take a break from scanning the skies, you can return to Earth with virtual tours and events of NASA Research Center in Langley, Virginia. It’s also an excellent tool if you need resources to supplement you children’s science education.
Cultural Landmarks
As a student of history, cultural landmarks and ancient sites are my top priority when traveling. However, many of these locations are inaccessible until further notice. Thankfully, there are a number of sites that have published free virtual tours and events for these tourist attractions. You can now meander the subterranean tunnels of the Roman Colosseum or stroll along the expanse of the Great Wall with a few clicks. If you have more time to dedicate to the experience, you should consider a virtual reality trek and tour of sites like Petra. Once remote wonders of the ancient world are now at your fingertips.
National Parks and Zoos
Those who lead an active lifestyle and love the outdoors are especially suffering under quarantine. If you are aching to get back to nature, there a few online resources where you can take in the beauty of America’s national parks. Thanks to modern technology you can traverse the sequoia forests and famous peaks of Yosemite National Park. You can then continue on to the craggy canyons and iconic geysers of Yellowstone National Park.
Animal lovers can also enjoy the open-air habitats of the San Diego Zoo with live streams. You can observe the animals without combating weather and large groups of people. While it still remains the most visited zoos in the world, it is now available for people around the globe.
No matter where your interests lie, there are tons of virtual tours and events available online. Check out this complete list of free tours and resources to help you plan your next virtual vacation.
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Jenny Smedra is an avid world traveler, ESL teacher, former archaeologist, and freelance writer. Choosing a life abroad had strengthened her commitment to finding ways to bring people together across language and cultural barriers. While most of her time is dedicated to either working with children, she also enjoys good friends, good food, and new adventures.