Explore the World from Home: 6 Destinations to Visit Virtually
At home and dreaming of all the trips you’ll take when you have the chance? To satisfy that sense of longing for the wider world, a handful of tourism boards have launched initiatives to keep globetrotters connected while they’re stuck on the ground. Though they might not earn you a new passport stamp right away, they’re sure to fuel your wanderlust for future travels. Here are six destinations to visit from afar – at least until you can get there in person.
1. Portugal
As most European countries have at this particular juncture, Portugal is hitting pause on all nonessential travel and asking its residents to shelter in place. However, the tourism board doesn’t want that to be cause for despair. They’ve released a new video called “Can’t Skip Hope,” made entirely by teams working from home. Featuring archival footage and a smartphone-recorded voiceover, the video ties imagery from across the nation, including landscapes, monuments, people, and attractions, with a message of hope: “It is time to reflect. It is time to take a break, for the good of the world. For now, we can dream of those incredible days to come. We are in this together.”
2. Japan
The 2020 Olympic Games might be postponed until next summer, but in the meantime, Japan is rolling out the red carpet for virtual visitors from around the world. A 360° VR movie highlights the country’s attractions, from the 333-meter-high Tokyo Tower to Kyoto’s Bamboo Forest Road, and the vibrant nightlife in Shibuya. Don’t miss the Yayoi Kusama’s Red Pumpkin sculpture in Naoshima or the Kawaii Monster Café in Harajuku, where sushi plates are whisked away on conveyor belts. To feel like you’re on the ground, check out the Shibuya Crossing livecam, or enjoy stunning views of Hirono Park in the Shizuoka prefecture.
3. South Africa
Recently, South Africa became the continent’s first nation to go into lockdown, prohibiting all domestic and international flights. Consequently, the country’s tourism board has launched an initiative encouraging visitors and locals alike to stay at home while providing plenty of eye-candy-style inspiration. Titled “Don’t travel now, so you can travel later,” South African Tourism’s videos highlight renowned people, places, and experiences, underscoring the wonderful moments awaiting travelers once movement is unrestricted again. “Just you wait until we can travel again,” the narrator intones. “Boy, we’re going to travel.”
4. Britain
The UK might be on lockdown, but Visit Britain is doing its best to share the island nation’s pleasures. From bingeable movies and TV series to playlists for dance parties, and engaging pub quizzes, there’s much to enjoy at home. Dive into the filming locations of the eight Harry Potter films, channel the Great British Bake Off for traditional scone recipes, or explore the flora and fauna of England’s iconic gardens. While it might not be the same as experiencing these in person, it’s a great way to engage with British culture from home.
5. Chile
If Easter Island is on your bucket list, Imagen de Chile’s new app offers an immersive experience with Rapa Nui’s world-famous moai. Available for free download on iPhone and Android, Chile 360° provides a VR view of Ahu Tongariki – the largest ahu ever built – along with breathtaking scenery from other regions, including the striking Parque Nacional Torres del Paine in southern Patagonia. Moreover, explore virtual tours of iconic locations like the European Southern Observatory and the Museo Histórico Nacional in Santiago.
6. St. Lucia
St Lucia has closed its ports to international and private flights until April, yet the tiny Caribbean island’s twin Pitons, lush greenery, and silver beaches continue to inspire travel dreams. To captivate would-be visitors, the social media series “7 Minutes in Saint Lucia” airs twice a week on Instagram Live, Facebook, and Twitter. This series features yoga classes, meditation sessions, cooking lessons, dance parties, and more, all under the hashtag #7MinutesinSaintLucia.
