As the coronavirus crisis has curbed travel, a number of destinations and top tourist attractions are offering virtual tours and other interactive activities online and on social media
North America
The US
Would-be adventurers can stream travel shows through GoUSA TV – Visit The USA’s video content platform which showcases the great outdoors, foodie hotspots and road trips across the States.
San Diego Zoo in California has live camera on 11 of its animal exhibits
The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City has a series of videos in 360 degrees, for visitors to explore some of the highlights of the museum.
The Grand Canyon can be viewed from a Maverick Helicopter on this virtual tour of the natural phenomenon.
Some of the highlights of New Orleans can be explored virtually, including Mardi Gras World and The National WWII Museum:
For a sense of what it’s like to visit Nashville, The Grand Ole Opry is streaming virtual concerts every Saturday through Circle All Access:
Florida has some great beaches, and Visit Florida has an online beach finder, with 825 miles of beach that can be explored virtually:
While Walt Disney World Resort in Florida is closed, virtual visitors can explore its parks and watch videos along the way.
You can get a closer glimpse of the sand and sea in Greater Fort Lauderdale with the state’s live webcam.
Puerto Rico
An eight-part video series about Puerto Rico can be found online, where composer Lin-Manuel Miranda takes viewers around some of the destination’s highlights:
Canada
Virtual visitors can explore the Niagara Falls in Canada, though 360-degree videos, of a helicopter ride, the Journey Behind the Falls, and more.
South America & The Caribbean
The Galapagos
There is a variety of interactive resources from The Galapagos, including 360-degree panoramas, videos and some of the unique animals on the islands.
Conservation.org’s website lets you experience the Amazon rainforest in 360 degrees entitled ‘Under the Canopy’, and some behind-the-scenes insight into how they filmed in this environment.
Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia has launched a ‘Seven Minutes in St Lucia’ series, broadcast live from the island on Instagram. The videos will consist of activities including Yoga at the Pitons and Saint Lucia Flavour Cooking Class.
Follow @TravelSaintLucia on Instagram.
Get your mouth watering with this tour of Saint Lucia’s Castries Market led by Nico, the sous chef at luxury hotel Cap Maison. Look out for the spiced rum!
Europe
The UK
The British Museum in London offers a virtual tour of its artefacts arranged in an easy-to-follow timeline format, or by subject.
Street art icon Banksy has many of his works of art across his hometown of Bristol. Smartphone users can download the app to go on a virtual tour of his masterpieces.
iPhone link
Android link
Sweden
Lapland is a well-known destination to spot the northern lights, and those that haven’t been able to make it out there themselves can watch this video from specialist aurora photography company Lights Over Lapland.
Others videos of dog sledding and huskies are also available.
The Netherlands
Take a glimpse inside the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, to see some of the pieces of art on display.
Austria
Austria’s capital Vienna is full of fascinating museums and art galleries. Many have online resources that give virtual visitors a tour of some of the best collections, including the Vienna State Opera and Wien Museum.
Spain
Palma Aquarium in Majorca is live streaming at 10am UK time Monday-Friday, to give virtual visitors a look at some of the marine life in the aquarium. Head to Palma Aquarium’s Facebook page.
Ireland
The Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland’s most beautiful landmarks. A virtual tour of the sweeping views are available here.
River cruise
If you’re missing your river cruise fix, take a peek inside Viva Cruises’ newest ship, Viva Tiara, with a virtual 360-degree tour so you can get a flavour of its new design following a refurbishment over the winter season.
Monaco
Take a trip to Monaco without leaving home, with this interactive 3D map of the principality. Just click on points of interest to find out more.
Germany
Classical music aficionados can step inside the Philharmonie Berlin with the Digital Concert Hall, available here.
Middle East and Africa
Israel
Israel’s biggest cities and top tourist attractions can be visited virtually through 360-degree videos. There are tours of the Old City of Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Jaffa, and Akko.
UAE
To learn about the history of Dubai, take a stroll through the Etihad Museum, with Dubai360.
South Africa
Never been on safari? Never mind – you can, virtually at least, with the new WildWatch live stream from andBeyond’s South African safari camps. Tune in daily on the website or via Instagram Live, and you can even ask the rangers questions via Twitter or YouTube comments.
Australasia
Australia
The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Queensland has live webcams of its koalas, dingos and more, for visitors to watch.
Qantas invites you to experience Sydney from above in a virtual tour of the harbour.
Tourism Australia is hosting the ultimate in travel inspiration with a series of aerial videos at some of the country’s key tourist spots. You can soar over the rugged red rockfaces of Katherine Gorge.
In the Northern Territory, see the open sea from Tasmania’s Three Capes Track, delve under the sea at the Great Barrier Reef, get a glimpse of beauty spots along the Great Ocean Road, or see cute quokkas on Western Australia’s Rottnest Island.
Indian Ocean
Mauritius
Dive deep into Mauritian culture with a series of videos from Veranda Resorts, including this glimpse into local music and this look at sustainability efforts.
The Seychelles
Explore The Seychelles by land, air and sea. Escape to pristine beaches, delve into lush forests and get to know the islands’ flora and fauna in this video.
Asia
Wendy Wu Tours has launched a range of online tours named ‘Around the World from your Armchair’. The videos take viewers on a virtual trip to some of the tour operator’s best-selling destinations and ventures into newer regions. Each session is hosted by a Wendy Wu Tours expert who guides viewers through the highlights, must-see attractions and unique experiences found in each destination. Every episode ends with the opportunity for viewers to speak to the expert via a live Q&A session.
Here’s a list of previous and upcoming virtual tours:
31 March China
1 April Japan
2 April South East Asia
3 April Latin America
6 April – India & Sri Lanka Join the 11am session | Join the 3pm session
7 April Mekong Delta Cruising Join the 11am session| Join the 3pm session
8 April Central Asia Join the 11am session | Join the 3pm session