Original content owned & copyrighted by Green Global Travel.
Whether you don’t quite have the budget, are too busy, or stuck in quarantine, sometimes it isn’t always an option to hop on a plane and travel to all the places you want to.
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Fortunately for us, we live in a day and age where technology can teleport you to other worlds with just a quick search, exposing you to other countries and their culture, sights, sounds, and history.
To satisfy your wanderlust, we compiled a list of some of the best ways to travel the world without leaving home so keep reading and get ready for your Virtual adventure!
Ways You Can Travel the World Without Leaving Home
- Best Virtual Tours and Online Exhibits
- Best Wildlife & Nature Cams
- Best Online Classes
- Best Performances
Best Virtual Tours and Online Exhibits
Virtual Tour of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights
In this Virtual Tour you will get to explore both the Indigenous People‘s Perspectives and Canadian Journeys gallery of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.
Throughout the 20-minute video you will be led by a Museum guide who will describe the various displays and how they relate to different perspectives and ideas surrounding human rights.
You will get to see the 360-degree “basket” theatre made up of 13 Spirit Panels inspired by Indigenous youth, glowing alabaster rampways, artifacts like an 800-year-old moccasin print, and hear the bold story of Viola Desmond, a Canadian human rights defender.
Cost: Free
READ MORE: Arctic Animals: 30 Species of Arctic Birds, Mammals & Whales
Virtual Tour of the Museu de Arte De São Paulo
The Museu de Arte de São Paulo was founded in 1947 and is Brazil’s first modern museum featuring more than 8,000 paintings, sculptures, photographs, costumes and objects from various periods of African, Asian, European, and American history.
With online exhibits like Art in Fashion: MASP’s Rhodia Collection, Art from Brazil until 1900, and Histories of madness: the drawings of Juqery, there’s hundreds of artworks for you to admire.
Another cool thing about this museum that can be experienced through the virtual Tour is the way some of the artworks are held up by clear Perspex frames making them appear as if they are floating.
Cost: Free
READ MORE: Caribbean & Latin American Art: History & Travel Guide
Virtual Tour of The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul
One of Korea’s most popular and beloved museums, the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) is filled with contemporary art from around the globe.
Google’s virtual tour allows you to examine different art pieces spanning across six floors of the museum.
As you go through the tour you can zoom in to better appreciate the intricate details of each piece and get a description telling you about the art including the artist, date of creation, and facts about the piece.
Cost: Free
READ MORE: 12 Odd Intangible Cultural Heritage Practices UNESCO Protects
Virtual Tour of the British Museum
The British Museum in London offers a virtual tour allowing you to view hundreds of different artifacts up close.
Through the tour, you can pick different regions of the world and different time periods as far back as 2,000,000 BC to discover everything from Egyptian mummies to African rock art and more.
Along with a photograph of the artifact you can read a description about the piece along with listening to an audio file describing facts surrounding its history.
Google Street View also provides other ways to virtually experience the British Museum.
Cost: Free
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Virtual Tour of the Pergamon Museum, Berlin
Museum houses three of the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin’s collections: the Antikensammlung, Vorderasiatisches Museum, and the Museum für Islamiche Kunst.
With this virtual tour you will get to experience pieces from the Pergamon Museum, one of Germany’s largest and most visited museums.
Home to magnificent ancient artifacts including the Market Gate of Miletus, the Pergamon Altar, the Ishtar Gate and Processional way from Babylon, and the Mshatta Façade, the history is endless.
Experience centuries of masterpieces and learn about their origin as you scroll through more than 1,500 different artifacts, paintings, sculptures, and more.
Cost: Free
READ MORE: Exploring the 2000-Year-Old Roman Ruins of Jerash, Jordan
Stonehenge Virtual Tour: Inside the Stones
Often regarded as one of the world’s most famous prehistoric monuments, Stonehenge is believed to have been constructed from 3,000 BC to 2,000 BC and is located in Wiltshire, England.
English Heritage has created an interactive tour complete with videos, descriptions, and photos that allow you to dive into the history of this incredible monument.
Along with the tour, you can switch to a live view where you can experience the skies above the stone circle and the movements of the sun, moon, and planets.
The website also offers an abundance of reading where you can learn more about Stonehenge’s history, landscape, reconstruction, building process, and more.
Cost: Free
READ MORE: 10 Ancient Archaeological Sites (for Your World Travel Bucket List)
Pyramids of Giza Virtual Tour
Travel to Egypt to explore the last standing wonder of the ancient world with Google Maps’ virtual tour of the Pyramids of Giza.
Through the self-guided virtual tour, you can zoom in to see photos of the stunning structures and learn facts about them like how over 2 million blocks were used in the pyramids creation and in its entirety took over 20 years to build.
You can also virtually walk around the area on street view to feel as if you are actually standing at the sight to get magnificent views of the pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, Menkaure, and more.
Cost: Free
READ MORE: The 20 Safest Countries in Africa to Visit
Virtual Tour of the Great Wall of China
Get a chance to experience walking along one of the most remarkable ancient structures in the world with this virtual tour of the Great Wall of China.
Believed to be the only human-made structure visible from space, the Great Wall covers over 3,000 miles across various provinces in northern China.
Through this virtual tour you will get 360° views of the breathtaking scenery as you travel from Jinshanling to Simatai and experience over 2,000 years of history.
Cost: Free
READ MORE: Top 7 Things To Do in China for Nature Lovers
Taj Mahal Virtual Tour
Known as the crown jewel of India, the Taj Mahal is a gorgeous display of architectural design, history, and culture that can now be experienced through a virtual tour.
As you take the 360° tour around the Taj Mahal you will be able to get an up-close view of the intricate, hand-carved details that help make the structure so beautiful as well as the immaculate landscapes that surround the site.
Built over 350 years ago and recognized as one of the new seven wonders of the world, this is a virtual tour sure to have you in awe.
Cost: Free
READ MORE: 50 Fascinating Facts About Indian Culture (by Region)
Machu Picchu Virtual Tour
A sort of architectural mystery, Machu Picchu is an Incan citadel nestled 2,430 meters above sea level and was built around 1450 AD, before the Inca had access to iron, steel or wheels.
The impressive structure can be experienced through YouVisit’s virtual tour where you are led by an audio guide who explains the sites history as you travel through different overlooks.
As you are led through the different sections, be sure to take advantage of the 360° tool to take in the gorgeous views of the tropical mountain forest that surrounds the site.
Cost: Free
READ MORE: The Effects of Mass Tourism (How Overtourism is Destroying 30+ Destinations)
Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro Virtual Tour
One of the new seven wonders of the world, the Sanctuary of Christ the Redeemer is an incredible monument symbolizing faith, love, and the history of the Brazilian people.
Through Google Arts & Culture’s two online exhibits you can learn about the icon and its history as well as seeing up close photos highlighting the artistry that went into the creation of the world’s largest art deco statue.
If you scroll to the bottom of the page you can also take a virtual tour of the monument and surrounding area through street view to take in the incredible sights and views of Rio de Janeiro.
Cost: Free
READ MORE: 20 Best Festivals in the World (for your World Travel Bucket List)
Petra, Jordan Virtual Tour
Whether you are interested because of its incredible history or just to see where Indiana Jones stood in the Last Crusade, this virtual tour shows one of the oldest, and most captivating cities in the world.
As you are led by an audio guide throughout the city of Petra you will get to see and learn about some of the most well-known areas like the famous Treasury, the Great Temple, the Urn Tomb and more.
As you take in these magnificent monuments and look in awe at the incredible detail and architectural work that went into creating them, keep in mind they were all built in the 3rdcentury BC!
Cost: Free
READ MORE: The Secret Petra Treasury Trail (The Ultimate Petra Tour)
Habitat XR
Habitat XR is the only studio in the world that is dedicated to immersing people in nature and wildlife through extended reality or XR technologies.
They produce award-winning virtual reality experiences that connect people to the natural environment and offer the thrill of the outdoors through your computer screen.
Their work includes 360° virtual videos where you can see incredible animals like hyenas, fish eagles, rhinos and more as if you are standing in their habitat just a few feet away.
Cost: Free
READ MORE: Top 10 Tanzania National Parks & Reserves (The Ultimate Tanzania Safari)
WildEarth’s Safari Live
Experience the thrill and wonder of the African wilderness from the comfort of your own home through WildEarth’s SafariLIVE.
This broadcast allows you to interact with an expert game ranger in real time as you travel through the Sabi Sands in the north-east Corner of South Africa or the Maasai Mara National Reserve in south-western Kenya, completely unscripted and real.
When you’re not tagging along on their expeditions check out the rest of the website to see cool highlight and behind the scene videos.
Cost: Free
READ MORE: Animals in Kenya: A Guide to 40 Species of Kenyan Wildlife
Date With An Elephant
Get ready for the date of your life with Trunk’s new “date with an elephant” campaign.
You can book a private 30-minute date with elephants in several sanctuaries across Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and India that focus on ethical tourism and creating a space that positively benefits the elephants.
During your date, you will get to meet all the elephants, virtually feed them and guess their ages, along with playing interactive games and learning quizzes to find out more about the sanctuaries and elephants themselves.
Cost: $60 US
READ MORE: 55 Interesting Facts About Elephants
Under The Canopy
Experience the Amazon in virtual reality with Conservation International’s 360° video showcasing gorgeous scenes from one of the most biodiverse and beautiful places on earth.
Amazonia, which is the forests and wetlands of the Amazon River basin and Guiana shield in South America is home to 10 percent of the world’s known species, 20 percent of the worlds fresh water, and creates 20 percent of the Earth’s breathable oxygen.
To save these valuable resources, Conservation International is working with their partners to hopefully achieve zero net deforestation in Amazonia by 2020.
Cost: Free
READ MORE: 20 Longest Rivers in the World by Continent (for your World Travel Bucket List)
National Marine Sanctuaries Virtual Dives
Dive deep into the ocean and explore the incredible habitats and animals that live in various national marine sanctuaries with these 360° virtual dives.
To go on one of these virtual dives, all you have to do is pick which sanctuary you want to visit like the American Samoa, Olympic Coast, Gray’s Reef, Monterey Bay, etc. scroll through the gallery and select a panorama.
From there you will get an incredible 360° view of the sanctuary. These dives can be enjoyed on a computer or smartphone, but for an even more immersive experience try pairing it with a virtual reality headset.
Cost: Free
READ MORE: 10 Best Places to Scuba Dive (for your World Travel Bucket List)
Interactive Digs with the AIA
Explore striking lands and uncover historical artifacts as you embark on virtual excavations with the Archaeological Institute of America’s Interactive Digs.
Whether studying the Sanctuary of Venus at Pompeii, exploring the Ferrycarrig Ringwork in Ireland, or searching throughout the highlanders on the route between Knossos and Ideon Cave on Minoan Crete in Greece, these interactive digs will make you feel as if you are actually a part of the team.
Week by week you will get information about the expedition along with videos discussing the entire process from lab work to reconstruction and more.
You will be able to see photos and read entries about what life is like in the field all the while furthering your knowledge about different cultures and histories.
Cost: Free
READ MORE: Museo Maya de Cancun – Cancun’s Mayan Museum of Archaeology
Explore Puerto Rico with Lin-Manuel Miranda
Learn all about Puerto Rico’s incredible culture, arts, and local attractions alongside award-winning actor, lyricist, and composer Lin-Manuel Miranda in this eight-part video series.
With each episode you will be introduced to some of the hidden gems of Puerto Rico including various museums, historic districts, beaches, restaurants, and other beautiful scenery and locations.
You will also get to meet local personalities like actress, singer, and former Miss Universe, Denise Quińones, and singer Lucecita Benítez to learn about their life in Puerto Rico.
Cost: Free
READ MORE: 20 Best Caribbean Islands to Visit (if you Love Nature & Hate Crowds)
Smarthistory
Explore art from around the globe through smarthistory, the world’s most visited art history resource that provides information, photos, and videos detailing hundreds of works of art ranging from the paleolithic to the present.
With cool features like Across Cultures and Art by Location, you can pick a specific country and learn all about its history and culture while viewing beautiful works of art native to that region.
Be sure to check out their YouTube channel to watch tons of informational videos!
Cost: Free
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Best Wildlife & Nature Cams
Tembe Elephant Park Cam
Located in Emanguisi, South Africa, Tembe Elephant Park is known for being home to some of the largest elephants in all of Africa.
The Tembe Elephant Park live-cam is situated at a popular waterhole and runs all day and all night.
It allows you a glimpse into the African wild where you can gaze at these gentle giant animals along with occasional special appearances from lions, leopards, black and white rhinos and buffalo.
You could also catch a peak of one of more than 340 different bird species or the tiny Suni antelope, common prey for the lions and other meat eaters.
Cost: Free
READ MORE: Endangered Elephants of East Africa
Decorah Eagles at Raptor Resource Project Cam
Focused on a bald eagle nest near a trout hatchery in Decorah, Iowa, this live-cam runs all day and night letting you peak into the life of one of the world’s most majestic birds.
After two previous nests were destroyed, the Raptor Resource Project team constructed the nest you will see in the live-cam hoping that the eagles would build upon it.
The eagles did just that and have made this their new home!
Cost: Free
READ MORE: Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (Photo Gallery)
Photo courtesy of explore.org
Bison Watering Hole Cam
Check out this live-cam where you can watch as Bison stop to take a drink and splash around a watering hole along Grasslands National Park’s Ecotour road.
To give you some perspective on how massive Bison are, they are the largest mammal in North America and can weigh in over 2,000 pounds.
Despite their size, they can run up to 35 miles per hour and are extremely agile, so don’t be caught off guard if you see one of these hefty mammals dash across your screen!
Cost: Free
READ MORE: 10 Best National Parks in the USA for Wildlife Watching
GRACE Gorilla Cam
This livecam is located at the Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education Center (GRACE) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
GRACE’s mission is to care for rescued Grauer’s gorillas and spread awareness for the conservation of wild gorilla’s and their habitat along with promoting community engagement and appreciation.
Watch as these animals mosey around, graze on vegetation or find a bed to stay the night amongst stunning terrain.
You’ll probably see lots of sleepy gorillas because they eat so much fibrous vegetation that most of their days are spent digesting and relaxing!
Cost: Free
READ MORE: 50 Interesting Facts about Gorillas
Coral Morphologic Coral City Cam
This underwater camera streams in about 10 feet of water along an urban reef in Miami, Florida.
Providing a fish-eye view into this diverse marine ecosystem, the camera not only gives you a peak into an underwater world but also serves as a scientific tool to monitor the wellbeing of the ecosystem.
Coral Morphology works with ACCRETE from NOAA to gather samples and record the reef’s parameters to keep track of a coral nursery that houses brain corals to research their resilience.
Cost: Free
READ MORE: Cancun Underwater Museum
