Travelling is an irreplaceable experience, and for some, it’s our form of escapism from reality amidst stressful times. While leisure travel is slowly picking up, certain borders are still. However, this doesn’t mean the explorer spirit in us should cease. Let us bring the world directly to you - live vicariously through these 15 virtual experiences and discover places you’ve been wanting to visit from the comfort of your couch.
1. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Japan
Travel to the Land of the Rising Sun virtually through a VR movie created by the Japan National Tourism Organisation. For the full experience, watch “Japan – Where Tradition Meets the Future VR” from the Google Cardboard VR goggle and admire the colossal Tokyo Tower in Shibakoen, walk across crowded Shibuya, hike through magical Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto and many more. The best part is, you won’t have to compete with a throng of tourists to get the best shot for Instagram.
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2. Sakura Cherry Blossoms in Osaka, Japan
There’s nothing quite like experiencing the Sakura cherry blossoms in full bloom in Japan. Immerse yourself in this 360 degree video featuring Japan’s world-famous “Hanami”, or also known as flower viewing. This is a Japanese tradition that celebrates the coming of spring. For the best experience, use headphones.
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3. Niagara Falls, Canada
Watch these 360 degree videos and take your pick on how to see the best of Niagara Falls in Ontario, Canada. Get a bird’s eye view from a helicopter, take a journey behind the falls, get your adrenaline pumping on a zipline or feel the water splash against your skin on the Hornblower Niagara Cruise.
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4. Machu Picchu, Peru
A UNESCO World Heritage site deep in the Andes Mountain, Machu Picchu is now virtually accessible directly from your couch. It is a symbol of the Incan Empire, built around 1450AD and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Witness the stellar Machu Picchu with this 360-Degree Virtual Tour that is truly out of this world.
5. Stonehenge, England
Built about 5,000 years ago, Stonehenge is a famous prehistoric monument and it is now a World Heritage Site in the United Kingdom. Stonehenge is a unique landscape that has been of interest to archaeologists around the world, and a sacred place for religious and cultural significance.
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6. Petra, Jordan
Located in Jordan’s City of Stone, Petra, lies a breathtaking ancient ruin called Al Khazneh (The Treasury) that draws millions of visitors every year - for its most elaborate tomb in the ancient Nabatean Kingdom. One thing for sure, Petra will have your jaw drop for its magical beauty. This ruin is also one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
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7. Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam
Be blown away by the artworks by Vincent van Gogh (1853 – 1890) at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. This museum carries the largest number of artworks by the famous painter which includes over 200 paintings, 500 drawings and more than 750 letters. They even have an app that you can download to project the artwork in your room.
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8. The Vatican Museum, Vatican City
Explore and learn Christianity through a 360° video of the Vatican’s seven popular sites. Start with Michelangelo’s masterpiece at the Sistine Chapel – look up and be awe-inspired by the painted ceiling. Make your way around and visit Raphael’s Rooms, Niccoline Chapel, Room of the Chiaroscuri and many more.
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9. Musee d’Orsay
Be enamoured by the classic works of Monet, Cezzane and Van Gogh at the world-renowned Musee d’Orsay in Paris. Located in the former Orsay Railway Station, which was built in 1900, the museum is a work of art itself and sees a throng of tourists every year. But you can beat the crowd with this online tour here by going on a virtual gallery walk.
10. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
One of the largest museums in the world, The Metropolitan Museum of Art is located in Midtown Manhattan and is home to 17 curatorial departments that span across 2.2 million square feet and has more than 2 million works of art. Be impressed by the exquisite Roman Emperor or immerse yourself in non-Western art collections, where you’ll meander your way through a 14th century colossal Chinese mural that reaches up to a height of 7.5 metres. Experience six short video series with The Met 360° Project here.
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11. The British Museum, London
With collections that go beyond 2 million years of history, The British Museum virtual tour allows you to see some of the famous archaeological findings and ancient discoveries. It’s no wonder this museum sees more than 6 million visitors every year! Discover some of the best things to see at The British Museum by checking out The Rosetta Stone, Samurai Armour and Mummy of Katebet.
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12. The Louvre, Paris
Besides the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower as Paris’s main attractions, The Louvre is also a must-visit - a museum that is known for more than just the portrait of Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci. Here, you’ll get to vicariously experience the ancient Roman & Egyptian Antiquities, Napoleon’s Apartment and Tuileries. This pyramid museum attracts more than 10 million visitors every year. The best part? With this virtual tour, you can bid goodbye to huge crowds blocking your way.
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13. Central Park, New York City
Travel to the Big Apple (virtually of course) and visit one of the most famous parks in the world. A must-see attraction when you’re in New York City is Central Park. It is a hotspot location for movie scenes such as Home Alone 2, Spiderman 3, Wall Street and 500 Days of Summer. With this virtual experience, you’ll witness the beauty of the Bethesda Terrace, Conservatory Water and the picturesque Bow Bridge and Lake Shore.
14. Kruger National Park, South Africa
Get up close and personal with lions, tigers and bears at Kruger National Park. This wildlife park is one of Africa’s largest animal reserves that lets you see the beauty of wildlife. With the Djuma Dam Cam, a 24 hrs LIVE camera, witness incredible sightings of the African animals in real time.
15. Northern Lights, Canada
Catch the elusive Northern Lights from the comfort of your own home here, where you’ll experience real time Aurora Borealis (also known as Northern Lights), from Manitoba, Canada. Northern Lights are luminous displays when the Earth’s magnetic field interacts with charged particles from the Sun. It is a magical sight to behold and will take your breath away.