The COVID-19 pandemic has affected us all in a variety of ways, including our travel plans. Many of us have had to cancel or postpone our travels with no guarantee of when we will be able to travel again. While we may be disappointed, the situation has forced us to appreciate the freedom to travel even more! And just because we cannot travel physically does not mean we have to stop exploring! Technology is now bringing travel to us, by allowing us to visit almost any place on earth in the blink of an eye. So, if you are itching to “get out of the house” and discover new worlds, consider embarking on some of these incredible (and free!) virtual tours.

1. The Louvre

Have you ever dreamt of exploring one of the largest and most famous museums in the world? Well now you can, and with an extra bonus of no crowds or lines! The Louvre is offering free virtual tours of some of it most magnificent exhibits, including Egyptian Antiquities and the Galerie d'Apollon. Don’t miss your chance to explore Paris’s legendary museum from the comfort of your living room!

2. Take a Virtual Dive

National Marine Sanctuaries is now offering free virtual dives around the globe! From the Florida Keys to American Somoa, you can experience an actual scuba dive right from your home! Just choose a destination that you’d like to explore, grab your goggles and dive in!

3. Great Wall of China

Take a virtual hike of some of the most famous sections of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tour offers lessons in the history and architecture of this magnificent site, which is the longest structure ever built by humans! The tour also enlightens readers about how the wall currently being threatened by overtourism and climate change and the ways that we can work to protect this place and other sites like it.

4. San Diego Zoo

Kids especially will love the live cams set up in various habitats around the zoo! Discover how animals, like chimps, koalas, and giraffes, are spending their days during the pandemic!

5. National Parks

Explore some of America’s most beautiful landscapes by taking a virtual tour of our National Parks. like Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico, Kenai Fjords in Alaska, and the Hawaii Volcanoes!

6. London’s National Gallery

London’s National Gallery offers a practically endless number of fascinating exhibits. Dive deeply into the history and artistry of some of the world’s most famous painting, from Monet to Rouen. Take your time and explore the incredible collections the museum has to offer.

7. The Georgia Aquarium

The famous Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta is now offering at-home learning guides and live webcams of various underwater habitats! These virtual tours and educational guides are perfect for kids stuck at home!

8. Metropolitan Museum of Art

The famous Met in New York City is offering viewers the chance to download an audio guide and take a virtual tour through various exhibits. Take a full, educational tour now—it’s almost as good as the real thing!

9. Versailles

Take a trip through time and explore the former grandiose home of French royalty. From an up-close work at famous artwork to startling stories of Louis XIV’s palace, this is a tour you will not want to miss!

10. Gombe National Park in Tanzania

Explore the beloved Gombe National Park—learn about its history and take a sneak peek at the Jane Goodall Institute, which focuses on the research, protection, and conservation of Tanzania’s most fascinating and vulnerable chimpanzees.

Which tour will you take first?!

Post written by Grace Klopp