Top 20 Virtual Travel Experiences

Enjoy these fun and cool trips in the comfort of your home

Being quarantined can become quite dull now that most of the world has been social distancing for over a month. There's only so much anyone can do and especially from the comfort of your own home. But, just because you cannot leave your home, does not mean that you cannot create an adventurous atmosphere. Famous landmarks and museums are offering virtual experiences for online victors. Here are some places you can experience without leaving the couch.

High Spirit Virtual Tours

Everyday High Spirit takes Instagram followers on a tour, which they can view from their Instagram stories.

They have taken their audience to the Mallorca, Switzerland, Kenya and many more. Follow High Spirit on their Instagram page to see their Virtual Tours on their Instagram stories.

Click HERE to discover more.

Netherlands Tulip Gardens

If you are missing the beautiful nature, you can view dozens of tulips from the Keukenhof Flower Exhibit. When you are online, travel to Lisse, Netherlands, and enjoy some bright, colorful flowers.

Puerto Rico with Lin-Manuel Miranda

Broadway star Lin-Manuel Miranda offers a virtual tour of the best of Puerto Rico. In the video series, you can explore Old San Juan, learn how to salsa dance, and visit his family's hometown, Vega Alta.

Click HERE to discover more.

The Northern Lights

Livestream the Northern Lights from the view from Canada directly to your home. The page also gives an excellent overview and explanation of the lights. The best time to see the northern lights is between August and April.

Click HERE to discover more.

Great Wall of China

Mentally climb one of the wonders of the world virtually and explore what the Great Wall of China has to offer. The Great Wall expands for more than 3,000 miles across northern China and holds over 2,000 years of history.

Click HERE to discover more.

Sistine Chapel

Travel to the official residence of the pope in Vatican City. View the ceiling fresco painted by the famous Renaissance artist Michelangelo.

Click HERE to discover more.

Buckingham Palace

Travel to the official residence of the Queen virtually. Tours will take you through the Grand Staircase, White Drawing room, the Throne room, and the Blue Drawing room.

Click HERE to discover more.

The British Museum

View and learn about the ancient artifacts that are exhibited in The British Museum. From Medieval Europe, Africa, Greece, China, Egypt, to Japan, this museum is filled with so much incredible history you want to take a look at.

Click HERE to discover more.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

From New York City to your living room, the Met presents over 5,000 years of art from around the world. Online exhibits include Twenty-Seven Poems from The Flowers of Evil, Roger Vivier for Christian Dior, Making the Met, 2870-2020, and many more.

Click HERE to discover more.

The Salvador Dalí Museum

An art museum from St. Petersburg, Florida, transformed into your screen. Browse four online exhibits offered by the Dalí Museum.

Click HERE to discover more

Yosemite National Park

Explore the park like never before. From your own screen, you can view one of the jaw-dropping diving board, sweet, peaceful Tuolumne meadows, swooshing Nevada Falls, and so much more.

Click HERE to discover more.

Japan Virtual Trip

You can now take a 360-degree virtual reality movie of Japan produced by the Japan National Tourism Organization. There are live feeds of thousands of cherry blossoms, Japanese citizens crossing all parts of town, and sushi making. It's real, modern, and all tradition into a video.

Click HERE to discover more.

Mount Everest

View Mt. Everest from a helicopter on your own screen. Discovery gets you up close and personal with the world's tallest mountain.

The Louvre in Paris

Paris's famous art museum is the largest in the world. Art curators and lecturers will guide you throughout the museum's treasures. Exhibition rooms and galleries include Egyptian Antiquities, Remains of the Louvre's Moat, and more.

Click HERE to discover more.

Taj Mahal

Travel virtually to New Delhi, India, to explore one of India's most popular tourist attractions. Google Earth offers this fantastic life experience that you can enjoy in your pajamas.

Click HERE to discover more.

San Diego Zoo

See some of your favorite animals in San Diego. Take a peek into the lives of pandas, baboons, penguins, polar bears, and so much more.

Click HERE to discover more.

Great Barrier Reef

Take an interactive journey with David Attenborough into the reef alongside Queensland, Australia. Giving you a tour, he explains how the reef came together, and it will look like in the future.

Click HERE to discover more.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Tune onto a webcam to see the wonders of the ocean. Follow the busy tropical fishes, jellyfishes, sharks, sea otter, and many more. Besides sea life, you can view the Aviary cam for an adventure in birdwatching.

Click HERE to discover more.

Garfield Park Conservatory

Take a trip into Chicago's greenery oasis from the comfort of your own home. The campus showcases art and history throughout 12-acres of land.

Click HERE to discover more.

The Metropolitan Opera

Sit and enjoy a night at the opera. The New York institution streams performances every night for free at 7:30 pm EDT, and it remains accessible on-demand until 6:30 pm EDT the following day. View the schedule online.

Click HERE to discover more.

Written by Nhi Nguyen

20 Staycation Ideas

Staycations are a great form of entertainment when on a budget. Staying home or close home can be, at times, more relaxing and rejuvenating than going on an expensive trip. Here are 20 fun staycation ideas you might be interested in executing. These ideas will also help if you feel bored being stuck at home and want to try something different.

1. GO OFF THE GRID

Turning all your electronics off could be one of your best ideas ever. Most days are busy, filled with meetings and long hours of computer and paperwork. Turning off your phone and not getting on your computer will genuinely make you feel like you are on vacation.

2. GET CRAFTY

It is always a good idea to work the right side of your brain. With a friend, family member, or just by yourself, you can hit those projects you have been meaning to but did not have the time for in the past. Whether that be building a treehouse, painting, or creating pottery, all are fun and memorable.

3. CATCH UP ON A SHOW YOU HAVE WANTED TO

If you have not had the time to catch up on a show you have meant to because of your busy work schedule, now is the time. Take the weekend to enjoy what everyone has been talking about. Grab a snack and sit back and relax.

4. READ A BOOK YOU HAVE BEEN MEANING TO

Bring out that stack of books you have meant to dive into and pick one out. A staycation is a perfect time to wind down and enjoy a good book.

5. HAVE A BAKING DAY

A way to de-stress is to bake. You could bake some cookies or a cake and make it a fun activity. Looking through a big mess, you would be making an excellent memory and some delicious sweets.

6. HAVE A HOME SPA DAY

Turn your bathroom into a spa oasis by setting out some essential oils to fill the room. Scents like lavender, rose, and chamomile are calming that will get you in the spa mood. Let a warm bath running and play some relaxing music and let yourself sink in the tub. Afterward, you could give yourself a mani-pedi, face mask, or even a body scrub.

7. HAVE A MOVIE MARATHON

Prepare some popcorn and candy; enjoy your favorite movies with some company. Whether that be the whole family or a couple of friends, this bonding time can be accomplished in the comfort of your pajamas. You have options for streaming series online or renting a couple of DVDs.

8. HAVE A GAME NIGHT

Invite some family or a group of friends over and get into your competitive side. Bond over mafia, monopoly, cards against humanity, or even heads up.

9. BE A HOMETOWN TOURIST

When living so close to attractions, you might be too busy to enjoy them on a regular day. Spend a day or weekend enjoying what other people are drawn to in your city. That might entail visiting a museum, historic districts, and local attractions. If you do not know where to start, check out your city's tourism website, and you could find some more exciting attractions you never knew.

10. HAVE A PICNIC IN THE PARK

Lay down a blanket and pack some snacks in a basket, and you are good to go. There is nothing better than enjoying a good company with some goodies on a beautiful day. This would be an excellent time to people-watch or to read a good book.

11. GO FOR A BIKE RIDE

If you need some fresh air, go outside and enjoy a nice bike ride in the comfort of your hometown. If you don't have a bike, consider renting one for the day or borrowing a friend's.

12. GO ON A HIKE

Nature can be our best friend, especially when it can mean saving some extra bucks. Put on some hiking boots or a durable pair of athlete shoes and get a good exercise on a trail. There is no doubt you won't feel relaxed and replenished when out there.

13. GO FOR A WALK IN THE CITY

When you don't have anything to do and not wanting to splurge on so much, walking is the most accessible outlet. Find an area you wish to explore in your city and enjoy sightseeing and fresh air.

14. CAMP OUT IN YOUR BACKYARD

Borrow a tent or buy a tent. It is going to be one of the best ideas you will ever have. Pack some drinks and snacks in a cooler, then find sleeping bags, blankets, a flashlight, and possibly an insect repellent for everyone. Savor the time spent outside telling stories to the kids and looking at the stars.

15. SPEND A DAY IN THE WATER

If you have access to a body of water, use it to your advantage. Either that be the pool, lake, or beach, you are looking at an opportunity of a fun trip. You could go for a swim, cruise on the lake, or tan at the ocean. Pack with you some cold drinks, and you are set for a relaxing day.

16. TRY A NEW RESTAURANT

A staycation is a perfect opportunity to try out a new restaurant you might not usually gravitate towards. You could even jazz it up by dressing up to go out.

17. STAY IN SOMEONE ELSE'S HOME

Sometimes a staycation calls for a move out of the house. This does not necessarily mean you have to stay with a family member or a friend's house. The more creative idea would be to rent an Airbnb for a night or the weekend. A change of scenery and a new environment can help you be relaxed.

18. ATTEND A LOCAL EVENT

Google some events happening nearby or search them on Facebook. There is always something happening in every major city; you have to know where to look. Grab some friends, and you all can enjoy a day out bonding.

19. GO FOR A CRAWL

Grab your significant other or a couple of friends and hop around the city on a themed excursion. Your crawl theme could be pizza, cupcakes, beer, or anything you love.

20. SEE A SHOW

Find and attend a concert, play, musical, or other performances in your nearby city. Whether the performance is from Broadway, a local college, or high school, it is good to be supporting the performing arts.

Written by Nhi Nguyen