‘Stay home, stay safe’ is the advice that one gets to hear from every corner of the world today. Many governments have closed down public parks, theatres, museums, and even beaches. Even in states and countries that lifted lockdown measures, people are not willing to venture out to longer distances. They are canceling pre-booked tickets and lodging facilities. This is why virtual travel experiences are more important than ever.
With the fear of job losses and unprecedented situation, not many would like to take the risk of traveling, making us wonder when it will be the right time to travel again.
But living under the confines of four walls could be depressing too. The tourism and hospitality sectors have come up with virtual tours that help people overcome their wanderlust. Let us check out a few virtual tours options below.
1. Museum and Art Galleries:
These centers of culture and heritage draw a crowd of tourists, and continue to do so with virtual travel experiences. They give an insight into the current socio-political climate or that of the past. Galleries also offer livelihood to numerous artists.
People visit these places to stimulate their curiosity and feel happy. Unfortunately, during this pandemic, most of them have shut their doors for the public. But to keep people engaged, many famous museums and galleries are offering virtual tours.
These include the J Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles, the British Museum and the National Gallery in London, Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Hong Kong Heritage Museum, Musée d’Orsay, the famous Louvre in Paris, etc.
The British Museum has an excellent interactive user interface that could delight every history buff’s heart, and the Getty center at Los Angeles is a must-visit place for art lovers across the world. Those who wish to check out different places at one go can visit Google’s art and culture website.
2. Explore The Water & The Animal World:
The world does not belong to us, human beings alone. We have animals on land and in water that are essential to maintain biodiversity and natural food chains. Children particularly are fascinated when they get to see wild animals like lions, elephants, bears, deer, etc. They could relate to the jungle stories that they learn in their school or the storybooks.
For older children, a visit to the zoo is perhaps the best way to learn biology. The underwater world could be awe-inspiring to both children and adults. Thanks to the amazing technologies available today, you could have real-time views of these places through a laptop. We have webcams installed inside water bodies, zoos that relay live content.
Also, high-clarity recorded videos and 360-degree walkthrough are available on youtube. The National Aquarium in Baltimore, Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, San Diego and Toronto Zoo, and the Singapore zoo are among the few places that offer an inside look.
3. Head to Beautiful Beaches with Hoppin’ World’s Virtual Travel Experiences
Calm blue waters, soft white sand, and soothing yellow sky – beaches offer spectacular sceneries that continue to inspire people around the world. They give an immediate sense of the expansiveness of our Earth. Moreover, you could enjoy a range of activities, like surfing, snorkeling, deep-sea diving, etc. With a group of friends, there could be more fun with seaside sports and beach parties. Some could while away hours lying on the sand and sipping a chilled cocktail. This is the power of virtual travel experiences.
Due to the crowds that coastlines draw, many beaches are closed to the public now. With VR apps like Hoppin’ World, you could virtually transport to famous beaches of the Algarve, Thailand and even Montreal’s hidden river beach.
4. Virtual Adventure Trips:
For many people, travel is synonymous with a little or more adrenaline rushes. So in the lockdown time, your heart might crave climbing the Everest mountain, going on a jungle safari, scuba diving, or even traveling in outer space.
Few of the must check out virtual places that are thrill-filled are the wetlands and rainforests of Amazon, the unique world of Galapagos Islands, and the Okavango wetlands in Botswana, Africa.The National Geographic VR tours and Youtube VR lets you explore these at your comfortable time.Those willing to see icy landscapes, polar bears, and penguins could opt for Quartz expeditions. An antarctic cruise view is also available, and you could make it more realistic by grabbing a glass of premium blood oath whiskey.
5. Visit Epic Landmarks:
Who does not wish to visit the wonders of the world? All these places, including the Taj Mahal, Egyptian pyramids, the Great Wall of China, Machu Picchu, Petra, etc., now offer 360-degree tours, giving you the ability to live through virtual travel experiences.
It keeps your travel plans and wishes alive and lifts your mood during this lull period. Imagine taking a ride on a gondola in Venice’s floating city or walking on the cobbled streets of Paris.
The geography lovers could have virtual, yet spectacular scenes of the Northern lights, the Grand Canyon, the salt lake of Bolivia, Kuang Si Falls in Laos, Zhangjiajie Park in China, the Scottish highlands, etc. These online visits would make each one of us appreciate our life on this beautiful, marvelous planet.
Final thoughts:
Our Life on Earth is precious. The pandemic situation is temporary, and let us all wish for a faster return to normalcy. Many people might have to cancel their travel plans for the year. But today, technology could help you visit pilgrimage sites like the Vatican City, Mecca, Medina, Jerusalem, and the Hindu temples virtually. One could also explore the vine fields and sign up for virtual wine tours.When we have online yoga, gym, dance sessions, and even online food festivals, then why not virtual tours? An online tour is also a way for companies to keep in touch with their potential customers. At the same, we should learn from the covid-19 crisis that being responsible, hygienic, and light-hearted is the way to lead life.