travel experiences online

Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our credit card rating methodology .

The 31 Best Airbnb Online Experiences [Ultimate Guide]

Christy Rodriguez

Travel & Finance Content Contributor

88 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 36 U.S. States Visited: 31

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

32 Published Articles 3123 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 47 U.S. States Visited: 28

What Are Airbnb Online Experiences?

Hosting a private group activity, how are airbnb online experiences priced, how to book airbnb online experiences, communicate limitations, changing your experience, refunds for your experience, cooking online experiences, coffee, wine, and cocktail online experiences, virtual tours, diy online experiences, active online experiences, creative online experiences, quirky online experiences, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

While Airbnb has been offering in-person Experiences, it recently expanded these Experiences to make many of them virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For times when travel isn’t an option and we are desperately craving some cultural immersion, Airbnb Online Experiences are a great fit! They include a mix of hosted classes, cooking demonstrations, tours, and more.

We’ve taken a look at all of the offerings and gathered together our favorites to help you sort through the steadily-increasing variety of activities. From learning to cook traditional Spanish paella to getting a personalized tour of Paris with a local, these are some of the best ways you can travel from home with Airbnb Online Experiences.

While Airbnb started as a platform for travelers to find and book rooms and homes around the world, back in 2017, it expanded its offerings to include bookable Experiences across the globe. These Experiences “offer a deep-dive into the local host’s world through their passion.” It notes that the most successful Experiences “offer a unique take on an activity or locale that is special to the host’s city.”

Due to COVID-19, Airbnb moved these Experiences online. The online activities are still local-led, expert-driven experts, but now they take place virtually through Zoom, a third-party cloud platform for video conferencing that you access via your desktop computer, tablet, or mobile device.

Most experiences are group activities, where you’ll be joined by others on Zoom who might be located anywhere around the globe. Or, you can choose to pay a little extra to book a private Experience for just you and some friends and family.

Airbnb Online Experiences are purchased and booked on the same portal where you book accommodations, and a Zoom link to join is provided for the appropriate day and time as soon as your payment is processed.

How to Search for Airbnb Online Experiences

You can use the Airbnb website or mobile app to book an Online Experience. The individual host sets Experience availability — it is not simply available on demand.

• On the Airbnb home page , click on the “Online Experiences” tab
• Click “Dates” and enter your date (or if you are flexible, you can do this later)
• Click “Guests” and enter the number of guests

The other option is to simply browse through all available Experiences.

Make sure to review all requirements specified by the host. Also, be sure to look closely at the “What’s Included” or “What I’ll Provide” sections of the Experience page to see more details about what to expect for each Experience.

Hot Tip: You don’t need to have a home booked on Airbnb in order to book an Experience.

If you’d like to virtually gather a group of friends or family, private groups may be a good option. Whether a host offers private groups is at the host’s discretion.

There are 3 ways to search for a group activity:

• When you find an Experience you are interested in, you can message the host to inquire if they can host your group privately
• You can click the “See Dates” button to check if “Book for a private group” is an option for a specific date
• Simply book all available spots for a specific date/time, if available

You will receive a link to the Zoom meeting that you will need to forward along to all attendees.

Airbnb Online Experiences are priced depending on how involved the activity is and who the local or expert is, but are very reasonable with an average cost of $22. Also, Experiences are priced per person by default, so the price to book a group will be more expensive.

For example, you can learn to make homemade Italian pasta for only $7 per person, or watch as you have a pair of shoes custom-made for you for $74 per person (including shipping). Have a private workout session for $70 per session, or even book a cooking class and make Spanish paella with just your friends and family for $300 for the group.

Generally, you should book a spot for each person joining the Experience, but sometimes a host is open to multiple guests joining per device. If this is the case, this will be noted on their Experience page under “What You’ll Do” or “How to Participate.”

Once you find an Online Experience you are interested in booking, click on the date and time of your choosing. Be sure to note any cancellation policies on this screen as well.

The Airbnb website will guide you through your payment options and help you finalize your booking. Payment options vary by country, but generally, the following options are available:

• Most major credit cards and prepaid credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Amex, Discover, JCB) as well as many debit cards that can be processed as credit
• Airbnb gift cards (in the U.S. only)

For more information, see the Airbnb payment page .

Bottom Line: There is no limit to how many Experiences you can book!

How Do I Prepare for Airbnb Online Experiences?

You can check the “How to Participate” and “Guest Requirements” sections of the Experience page to find out what you need to prepare before attending. This information can also be found in your booking confirmation email.

Examples of common requirements include an internet connection and a list of materials, food, or other items to purchase or prepare in advance.

Hot Tip: You can always find the necessary details in your reservation information found on your Airbnb “Trips” page.

If you have a food allergy or special dietary restrictions, be sure to disclose them to your hosts beforehand so you can discuss if or how their menu can be altered for you.

Along the same lines, if you have any physical limitations that might impact your Experience, communicate this in advance so that accommodations can be made.

If you use a desktop to access Zoom, you can either join from your browser or download the Zoom app . If you’re using a cell phone, you’ll need to download the Zoom app ( iOS , Android ).

Bottom Line: You don’t need to sign up for a Zoom account to attend your Online Experience.

Make sure you have the correct link for your online Experience. This will have been emailed to you when you booked.

Video Credit: Airbnb

If the link isn’t working, close Zoom and try the link again. If it’s still not working, message your host to confirm whether they are having issues with Zoom. In addition, if Zoom is asking you for a password, message your host through Airbnb to ask for the password.

How Do I Change or Cancel Airbnb Online Experiences?

Plans change, but the good news is that Airbnb Online Experiences are pretty flexible!

To change or cancel a reservation, go to “Trips” in your Airbnb account or from your reservation confirmation email. Once you locate your trip, how you change or cancel depends on your method:

• In the Airbnb app, tap “Manage reservation”
• From your confirmation email, select “Change or cancel reservation”
• In your Airbnb account, select “Modify reservation”

You can make a change to your Airbnb Online Experience up to 72 hours before it begins.

To request a request:

• Click the “Contact host” button on the host’s Experience page
• Choose between asking a question or requesting availability for dates and times
• Choose the new date, time, and number of guests
• Review your request
• Click “Send request”

The host can review the reservation details and accept or deny your request. If they confirm, you’ll be prompted to complete the booking through a message in your inbox. You may be prompted to pay any difference in pricing, if applicable.

If your request is denied, you can work with the host to find a different time that works better for their schedule.

Canceling Your Experience

You can cancel up to 7 days before the start time or within 24 hours of booking.

You should receive your full refund within 10 days.

In addition, per Airbnb , “guests are eligible for a full refund for your Airbnb Online Experience if there are any technical difficulties, such as audio or video issues, that occur either due to their own device or the host’s device during an online experience.”

For the full refund policy, be sure to check Airbnb’s website .

Different Types of Online Experiences by Interest

It’s fun to just scroll through all of the different offerings on the Online Experiences section, but if you want to get a head start on the research, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best — from most-popular to most-unique!

Airbnb Cooking Online Experiences are the most-booked on the site and your options are truly endless!

Make Homemade Italian Pasta

What It Is : Learn how to make 5 types of pasta from scratch from a traditional family recipe during this 2-hour Experience. After the pasta is made, you will cook the ravioli as a group and learn the best way to store the rest of the pasta.

If you book a private group (from $392), the menu can also be modified to include southern lasagna, butternut squash tortelloni, or tiramisu. Yum!

Star Rating : 5 out of 5

Price: From $7 per person

Kenyan Cooking and Music

What It Is : Learn how to make Kenyan cuisine from scratch using family recipes in this 90-minute Experience. The menu changes based on the day but your options include traditional favorites such as curry, chapati, ugali, chicken korma, and chicken biryani.

Star Rating : 4.96 out of 5

Price: From $20 per person

Spanish Paella and Culture

What It Is : If you’re missing Barcelona, let this cooking class transport you virtually! You can choose to cook seafood, meat, or vegetarian paella. Learn about the Spanish approach to cooking, Spanish culture, traditions, and a lot more during this 90-minute Experience.

Price: From $21 per person

Taste of India

What It Is : The host, JD is from Delhi and is a self-described lover of food. He has been organizing food tours and cooking classes in Delhi for 5 years and has transitioned his business to be virtual right now.

While the 75-minute chai tea and samosa class is offered every day, be sure to look at the different menu offerings! There are daily menus that include favorites such as butter chicken, rice and mango lassi, or matter paneer, garlic parantha, and raita.

Price: From $18 per person

Chocolate Making

What It Is : Live from a cacao farm in Kingston, Jamaica, learn about the history of chocolate on the island and see the cacao estate up close during this 60-minute class. Don’t worry — you’ll definitely get to make and enjoy your chocolate! Learn how to hand-temper chocolate using items found in your own kitchen.

Star Rating : 4.99 out of 5

Price: From $8 per person

Vegan Baking

What It Is : This vegan cooking class is perfect — whether you’re new to the vegan world or a seasoned pro. While the menu changes each month, some examples of the recipes you might bake during this 2-hour course include apple cider donuts, granola with nuts and chips, pumpkin muffins, and fingerprint cookies with jam.

Star Rating : 4.92 out of 5

Price: From $31 per person

Mexican Street Tacos

What It Is : Learn to cook Mexican street tacos from scratch — including fresh tortillas, salsas, and all the fillings! This 90-minute class will guide you in preparing a traditional red salsa, taco filling, and flour tortillas. The recipes will be shared so you can cook this meal again and again. Vegan options are also available.

Star Rating : 4.98 out of 5

Whether you want to learn how to make a fantastic cup of coffee or a great cocktail, these are the options for you!

Wine Education in Porto

What It Is : While this class is based in Portugal, it is really more of a wine appreciation for wines made around the world. Bring 1 red and 1 white wine and prepare to enjoy! Learn how different wines are made and how red and white wines differ. Also, get a brief introduction to the main regions around the globe.

Wine pairings and information on what to look for when choosing wine at a store are also covered in this Experience!

Price: From $24 per person

Sangria Cocktails and Drag

What It Is : Not only will you learn how to create a sangria cocktail step-by-step from 7 fabulous drag queens, but you will also be treated to a short burlesque-style show. This 90-minute Experience is a unique journey into the drag scene of Portugal and the most booked online Experience that Airbnb offers !

Price: From $35 per person

Turkish Coffee Fortune Reading

What It Is : Let your guide walk you through brewing your own cup of coffee and prepare to have your fortune read! After you drink your coffee, experience the Turkish tradition of reading your fortune from the remaining coffee grinds — via Zoom!

The details note that it is ideal for team-building experiences, so booking a private group session may be a great option here.

Star Rating : 4.97 out of 5

Price: From $49 per person

Vietnamese Coffee Masterclass

What It Is : Addicted to authentic Vietnamese coffee or just heard the rave reviews? It may sound intimidating, but your guide will walk you through the proper way to make it at home during this 60-minute session.

Learn what makes Vietnamese coffee special while getting the added bonus of experiencing what it’s like to be at a Vietnamese coffee shop in Hanoi.

Price: From $9 per person

You can get the chance to explore a place, with just a few modifications. You might experience a live tour or a place or simply be immersed as your live guide walks you through a pre-recorded walk around a city.

Australian Farm

What It Is : If you’re stuck in the city and want an escape to farm life, this might be the right choice for you! Meet mini horses, goats, alpacas, and more and see the unique ways in which they were trained.

Tour around this Australian farm for over 60 minutes where you will meet lots of the farm’s inhabitants and learn fun facts about them. This is great for a team-building event!

Price: From $19 per person

Plague Doctor Explores Prague

What It Is : This interactive movie was shot during earlier times of quarantine and shows the abandoned town as it might have been during the 17th and 18th centuries. You will have a live tour guide that talks you through your tour visiting the famous Charles Bridge, walking around the Old Town Square, and going into the Jewish Quarter.

Note that this Experience can be joined by everyone in your household for the same price!

Star Rating : 4.91 out of 5

Price: From $19 per household

Virtual Tour Around Paris

What It Is : For anyone that had to cancel their trip to the City of Lights , this might be a good temporary substitute. Your Parisian guide will walk you through a typical day using props, photos, and images. For example, get tips on how to order a ‘tradi’ and learn the true meaning of concepts like flâner, joie de vivre, and laissez-faire. After this Experience, you’ll definitely be ready for your next trip!

Price: From $16 per person

Edinburgh Harry Potter Tour

What It Is : Join a virtual tour of Edinburgh that will show you a few of the places where J.K Rowling drew her inspiration, including the shops of Diagon Alley, the school believed to be the inspiration for Hogwarts, and even a graveyard with some recognizable character names.

Interspersed between the tour “stops” there will also be a Harry Potter trivia competition between the houses!

These Do-It-Yourself (or DIY) Online Experiences can be a great way to get a bit crafty while also learning about other people and cultures.

Design Your Own Espadrilles

What It Is : Watch live as masters in their workshop in Barcelona introduce the tradition of espadrilles. They will then allow each participant to choose the color and size of the base, the ribbons, the threads, and the type of stitching.

Finally, watch your creation be made and then shipped to your home as part of the price. So while the price may seem high, you’re getting a pair of custom espadrilles shipped directly from Spain! Hopefully, you pick up enough of the technique that you can try to make these for your friends as well!

Price: From $74 per person

Natural Cosmetics

What It Is : Learn to make 2 recipes for natural skincare during this 60-minute Experience using ingredients you probably already have in your pantry! Make both a face scrub and a body scrub and talk about other natural skincare from an expert from Milan, Italy.

Price: From $13 per person

Create a Pop-Out Book

What It Is : Make your own unusually shaped little book — perfect for gifting! In this 90-minute class, you’ll learn how to make pages and fold them to create unique shapes, cut out covers for your book, and finally how to glue and assemble the pages together. The reviews for the instructor, Kit, are also spectacular!

If you’re missing your gym, or just want to learn a new skill, these active Online Experiences are a great way to get moving.

Acrobat Workout

What It Is : Join along for this 30-minute full-body workout inspired by ones that Cirque du Soleil cast members regularly complete! This former cast member will guide you through a warm-up and cardio and core routine, and then finish with stretching.

Price: From $7 per person, but you can also organize 1-on-1 training sessions for $70 per session.

K-Pop Dance Lessons

What It Is : In this 60-minute Experience, you’ll watch a K-pop “mini concert” and learn dance routines by famous K-pop bands like BTS and BLACKPINK. Each day features a different dance routine, so you can repeat this multiple times and learn tons of new routines!

Star Rating : 4.93 out of 5

Price : From $24 per person

Meditation With a Japanese Buddhist Monk

What It Is : Take a break and relax during this 60-minute Experience. Start with a chanting mantra for 20 minutes, then complete a 10-minute breathing-out meditation. After, you can ask questions from the Buddhist monk about the practice and his life.

Price: From $15 per person

Train With an Olympian

What It Is : This high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workout will be a track and field-inspired strength and conditioning workout — taught by2008 Track and Field Olympian Mechelle Lewis Freeman! Learn proper running mechanics and techniques, with low and high-impact options.

All proceeds from this Experience go to TrackGirlz, the host’s nonprofit organization that empowers girls through sisterhood and track and field, so feel good about being active AND giving back!

Price: From $25 per person

New Orleans Bounce and Twerk

What It Is : Experience the “bounce and twerk” that is a huge part of Louisiana’s dance culture. This 60-minute high-energy dance lesson will be taught by professional dance artists. After dancing and sweating, you will cool down using a Louisiana Creole practice of meditation in the forms of prayer, candle lighting, and deep breathing.

Argentine Tango Lessons

What It Is : This is a great idea for a fun (stay at home) date night! Learn a traditional routine with the popular moves of Argentine tango. This 60-minute tango class is hosted by teachers and dancers from Argentina.

The reviews are spectacular and it notes that no previous experience is required, so there is no need to be intimidated.

The interactive Online Experiences help get the creative juices flowing — whether you want to learn more about the secrets of magic, improve your calligraphy skills, or make a portrait with a professional illustrator.

Backstage With a Magician

What It Is : This is described as “a magic show that takes place in my home.” You’ll get to see interactive magic tricks up close, hear funny stories, and learn about magic gadgets that the host uses. While you’ll also learn a simple magic trick, this is more of a show — not a magic class. This is priced per household, so this is a great one to enjoy with the whole family!

Creative Drawing

What It Is : Make a portrait with a professional illustrator in this 45-minute Experience. Warm-up your hands and learn his technique to create a face. With this knowledge, feel free to experiment and create something amazing!

All you need is something to create with — paper and colors, crayons, pens, pencils, etc.

Hand Calligraphy and Lettering

What It Is : This is a great introduction to brush lettering and modern calligraphy without having to purchase a ton of expensive tools. You’ll start with an overview of the cursive alphabet and some basic drills to get the strokes down and move onto either creating a unique piece of art or just developing your own personal style.

Star Rating : 4.84 out of 5

Well, there’s no other word for it! These are the offbeat and weirdest of the bunch.

Hollywood Sound FX

What It Is : Hosted by an Emmy-nominated artist, this 60-minute Experience will let you venture into the world of Hollywood sound production. You will get to see a huge prop collection and get a chance to hear how they produce the sounds in the actual shows and films.

Breakdown some of the mysteries of Hollywood and see why sounds are key to your viewing experience!

Private Astrology Chart

What It Is : In this Experience, your host will use astrology, in the form of your natal chart, to “help you connect with the best version of yourself.” You will work directly with a private astrologer who will create and send you a digital file of your natal chart. She will be sure to explain the predominant elements of your chart and show you how it relates to your personality and life.

Price: From $80 per person

Guided Meditation With Sheep in Stirling

What It Is : This 60-minute Experience is all about relaxation. You will join the host on her farm where you will meet her sheep and watch as they are fed in their barn. Once they are done, you will be able to virtually cuddle with the sheep and learn some therapeutic breathing exercises to relax. Lastly, you will be lead through a 10 to 15 minute mindful meditation.

Tarot Reading and Mate Experience

What It Is : Learn how to prepare Argentina’s most famous drink — mate! After this, settle in for a lesson on tarot cards, including its history, different tarot decks, and details about the cards. Lastly, you will receive a short interactive card reading. If you’re interested in receiving a personalized tarot card reading, you can also book a private Experience!

Price: From $19 per person, or from $55 for a personalized reading

Airbnb Online Experiences offer the opportunity to not only learn new skills but also connect with hosts and participants around the world. With the average Experience coming in around $22, they offer a good value, even though some classes (like cooking or art classes) will require additional costs for materials or ingredients.

This is also a great way to support hosts whose “regular” jobs in the tourism industry might have taken a hit during the pandemic. While these Airbnb Online Experiences started as a result of COVID-19, we hope we’ll see these continue long after travel returns to normal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are airbnb online experiences.

Airbnb offers local experiences around the globe as a way to connect with local culture — whether that is a tour by a local guide, a cooking class, or any number of unique offerings. Due to COVID-19, Airbnb moved these experiences online. The online activities are still local-led, expert-driven experiences, but now they take place virtually through Zoom.

How do I reserve a private group for Airbnb Online Experience?

When you are searching for an experience, it is first important to confirm that the host allows group experiences. To do this, you can:

• Message the host directly
• Look for dates, confirming if the option to “book a private group” is available
• Book all available spots on your desired date/time, if they are available

Once you receive your confirmation, forward on to all attendees so they can join virtually.

Can Airbnb gift cards be used for Online Experiences?

Per Airbnb’s website , “Currently, gift cards can only be purchased and redeemed by individuals in the United States with a payment method that was issued in the United States.”

If you are located within the U.S., then a Airbnb gift card can be used for any Experience or Airbnb stay.

How do I host an Airbnb Online Experience?

If you are interested in hosting your own Airbnb Online Experience, start on the main host page .

From there, you will need to create a new Experience and submit it for review following the process noted on the site. The site has many resources and guides to help your submission be successfully approved and ready for booking!

Was this page helpful?

About Christy Rodriguez

After having “non-rev” privileges with Southwest Airlines, Christy dove into the world of points and miles so she could continue traveling for free. Her other passion is personal finance, and is a certified CPA.

INSIDERS ONLY: UP PULSE ™

Get the latest travel tips, crucial news, flight & hotel deal alerts...

Plus — expert strategies to maximize your points & miles by joining our (free) newsletter.

We respect your privacy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. Google's privacy policy and terms of service apply.

Related Posts

UP's Bonus Valuation

This bonus value is an estimated valuation calculated by UP after analyzing redemption options, transfer partners, award availability and how much UP would pay to buy these points.

See the World from Home: Best Virtual Travel Experiences

With virtual reality, armchair travel has boomed. Now you can take a virtual tour of Japan, Austria, Yellowstone National Park, Guggenheim Museum and more.

In an age of  self-quarantine , virtual travel experiences have popped up across the internet. Armchair travelers can be transported to the wonders of the world, from national parks in the USA to temples in Japan to art museums to see Monet without leaving the sofa. 

Take a Virtual Visit to the Czech Republic

If you’ve ever been to Prague, you know how beautiful it is. Now you can explore Prague and six other destinations in the Czech Republic. Just pull out your iPad or other device and sit back and enjoy. Click through to the video, press play, and use the buttons in the upper-left corner of the video to look in any direction.

Bustling city streets of  Prague Kayaking and castles in  Český Krumlov Natural beauty of  Moravian Karst, Punkva caves Expansive elegance of the  Lednice Chateau  and gardens Bohemian spa town of  Karlovy Vary Hiking the hills of  Hřensko, Bohemian Switzerland Following the  Royal Route  through Prague

Virtual Online Tours of Museums in New York City or Around the World 

Check contemporary art at the  Guggenheim Museum  in New York via Google street view or the Mona Lisa at the  Louvre  or Study by Adam by Michelangelo at the  British Museum  or famous Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.  

To honor the 500th anniversary of Raphael, Musement.com, an online platform that helps travelers book tickets to their favorite attractions, has created a virtual museum that display’s Raphael’s works in 11 different countries and more than 30 cities. You can explore and admire all of his creations at the click of a button, without leaving the sofa.

See the Natural Wonders at National Parks via Virtual Reality Experiences 

The National Parks Service invites you to take a virtual tour of some of the most beautiful spots in the United States. Explore  Yellowstone National Park’s  most famous natural wonders including Upper Geyser Basin, Mammoth Hot Springs, Fountain Paint Pot or the Mud Volcano.

Travel Oregon’s most rugged backcountry  terrain through an online photo tour of the cascading Toketee Falls in the Umpqua National Forest, experience The Milky Way illuminating Crater Lake at the Crater Lake National Park or take in a spectacular sunset setting behind Mount Hood . 

You can also take in some of the most spectacular sites at the  United States National Parks  in just fifty seconds thanks to Google and top park rangers who are your virtual tour guides. 

Visit Austria’s Most Historic Sites Via Virtual Reality

Walk the halls of the Schönbrunn Palace and experience the opulence of 17th-century neo-Rococo style and the enchanting Mirrors Room.

Get outside on  Austria’s Großglockner  High Alpine Road which winds through the mountain forests, rock formations, and the peaceful Alpine meadows.

Finish your climb to the highest mountain with a trip to the Pasterze glacier. You can also check out a live view of  Austria’s Großglockner  via webcam. 

Find a seat on your sofa and take in a concert, opera or ballet performance at the  Vienna State Opera . You can also stream the performances on your smart TV or mobile devices. 

Finally, see the magnificent giant ice caves in Werfen . A virtual tour provides the perfect backdrop for sofa-bound travelers to experience floors and tunnels fashioned from ice and the most impressive sight, the “Dome” which is the largest room on this virtual tour. 

Virtual Tours of Japan

Japan had a minor setback with the date of the Olympics being postponed, but you don’t have to wait for this event to the rescheduled. The Japan National Tourism Organization wants you to see all that Japan has to offer.

The  360-degree virtual reality movie experience  highlights include a walk through a bamboo forest, sushi making, sumo wrestling and Geisha performances. Animal lovers won’t want to miss the live webcam of the  Nihondaira Zoo  featuring two celebrity polar bears which are a big draw to the zoo. 

Get a Guided Virtual Tour from a Local  

For over six years, Withlocals have been connecting travelers throughout the world for one-of-a-kind travel events. With the grounding of all travel,  Withlocals LIVE  allows those suffering from wanderlust to stay connected by offering 35 online experiences from 20 locals from 12 countries and 15 worldwide cities! 

Thankfully, virtual reality has come to the rescue of those weary of ennui and grounded from travel. We will all get through this together. In the meantime check out this article on the  Top 5 Ways to Escape When You Can’t Travel.

• Latest Posts

• Top Destinations for Solo Female Travelers - February 7, 2024
• Don’t Miss These Top 10 Things to Do in California - November 3, 2023
• The Eternal City: Top 10 Things to Do in Rome - June 20, 2023

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

17 Incredible Online Travel Experiences

Updated December 4, 2020

// By Margherita

Can’t travel right now? Fear not, you can travel without leaving your home thanks to these amazing online travel experiences! From online cooking classes, to virtual museum visits, wine tastings and more, here’s something to keep you busy during these months of standstill!

In a few years, we’ll go back to thinking about the first half of 2020 as the great ‘travel apocalypse’ of our time. I mean, if a year ago you were told that you’d be unable to leave your house for over two months, what would your reaction have been?

‘No way’ , right?

Yet, it did happen. As you very well know, between March and April 2020, the nightmares of travellers and anyone with a travel-related business came true. Within a matter of weeks, most airlines grounded the majority of their fleet. Borders closed one after the other, and lockdown measures were implemented worldwide.

I am a firm believer that every crisis breeds opportunities. Sure, we can’t travel right now. It will be a very, very long time before we can travel again – probably 6 months, a year, or more.

As we wait for that time to come, there are ways to experience the world without leaving home. Tour companies, cooking and yoga schools, museums and other travel-related businesses have come up with virtual versions of their travel experiences. 

Thanks to this, it’s easier than ever to connect with fellow travellers and have experiences you normally would have to travel for. You can start the day virtually exploring a Paris museum, do an online cooking class with a Japanese chef, and finish your day with a Napa Valley wine tasting. All from the comfort of your couch. Amazing, right?

Here are some of the best online tours and travel experiences , recommended by top travel bloggers!

Click below to jump to the relevant section!

Best Online Cooking Classes

Best virtual museum tours, best online tours – cities and outdoors, other amazing virtual classes and experiences, 1) pastel de nata virtual workshop.

This is my recommendation!

Ever since I found out about virtual tours and travel experiences in early April, I’ve been taking about two a week – I’ve tried all kinds of things, from twerking lessons to guided meditations to cooking classes of all kinds.

However, my favourite online travel experience BY FAR was the Pastel de Nata workshop with João from Pastelaria Batalha , an award-winning Lisbon bakery run by the same family for 5 generations. 

The classes are 2.5 hours long, cost €25 per household , and are on offer once or twice a week until the end of June. You get a list of ingredients and tools ahead of time, with clear instructions on how to prepare them, or substitute them if you’re unable to source something. 

Then, when it’s time, you connect to Zoom and start the class. João will guide you step by step – first you’ll be making puff pastry (spoiler alert – it’s not easy!), then the delicious egg cream filling , before combining everything and baking these delicious treats. 

I loved this experience because pasteis de nata are quite tricky to make, but João made it possible. A few of us (myself included!) had trouble making the pastry, but João gave us guidance individually until we were able to rescue it. The time flew by, and by the end of the class I had 12 delicious pasteis – which I can’t wait to make again!

2) Japanese Cooking Classes

Recommended by Sarah Carter – A Social Nomad

The home chefs and cooks of Japan have been offering cooking classes in their own kitchens for some time now.   It’s an awesome way of not just learning to cook your favourite Japanese dishes, but to also experience the culture of a Japanese home and kitchen.

In a move that allows them to continue to earn money while doing what they love they’ve pivoted to being able to provide these classes virtually. Many of the Japanese cooking classes that they teach are private, others are group lessons, but all of them are provided so that you can learn to cook famous Japanese cuisine from the safety of your own home.

What makes these online classes even better is that the recipes have been chosen specifically because they’re using ingredients that are easy to buy!   You’ll get a shopping and ingredients list when you book, as well as Zoom or Skype details for your chosen date and time of the lesson.

Full recipes are provided and classes are available in a variety of time zones. Whether you choose to learn to cook gyoza, ramen, make sushi or try a variety of other dishes, it is a fabulous way to experience foreign food and culture from the safety of your own kitchen!

Looking for another way to pass the time? Here’s a quick guide on how to make travel videos for beginners!

3) Explore Museums Worldwide on Google Arts & Culture

Recommended by Mar Pages – Once in a Lifetime Journeys 

Google Arts & Culture  is an online repository of art and cultural expressions from all over the world, from paintings to music or dance. This free resource has several sections that could occupy entire days of cultural exploration.

One of the most popular resources is the StreetView virtual tours of some of the world’s most renowned museums and art galleries such as the Louvre , and also some of the lesser known or even private collections from hardly visited countries such as Pakistan.

Using the same technology as used for StreetView , you can explore the galleries and exhibitions as if you were there, from the comfort of your home.

You can also learn more about specific artistic movements , about historical events through art or about famous artists and figures such as  Gaudi .

Google Arts & Culture also has 360 degree videos that are immersive in nature and an Explore section where you can learn new things that are trending on the platform. For example, you can explore art via a colour palette or through time.

Perhaps the most exciting or unique part of Google Arts & Culture is the experiments run . These are often carried out by third parties who leverage the resources available in the platform to create cool and fun experiments. This section alone can entertain you for hours or days as the experiments are many and there are new ones added all the time.

For example, Business of Fashion has used the platform to create a fashion palette out of the designs related in the fashion shows by fashion designers. You can pick a palette and see what designs follow the same colour range, in case you wanted to build your wardrobe based on a palette.

You can also apply the same idea to art pieces and find paintings that would go well with your living room’s palette, if you could afford them, that is. 

4) Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Recommended by Claudia Tavani – My Adventures Across The World

Travelling is out of the question at the moment, but many places are offering online experiences to make sure that you can still enjoy a museum, a safari, a cooking class or whatever other thing you may be doing during your trip from the comfort of your home. 

One of the first places in the world to announce they would start offering virtual tours was the Vatican , which as soon as countries worldwide implemented travel restrictions, decided to offer tours of the  Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel . 

Over the course of one hour, a qualified guide takes visitors to the Sistine Chapel to admire Michelangelo’s masterpiece and learn the history and facts behind this work. You will go to the Vatican Museums to observe the enormous collection accumulated by previous popes. The tour will finally take you to St. Peter’s Basilica. 

For a small fee, you can learn a lot about these places, as your local guide will tell you about their history and describe the details of all the pieces you will be observing. 

At the end of the tour there even is a live question and answer session so you can ask your guide anything you are curious about. 

There are also many more virtual tours of Italy available online, including virtual tours of my hometown Milan!

5) The British Museum

Recommended by Bridget Coleman – The Flashpacker

Did you know you can dive into the world-class collection of the British Museum , one of the best  online travel experiences in London , courtesy of your data connection?

Start off with a taster session by strolling around the two virtual galleries available – Oceania and Prints & Drawings – by scrolling through high-quality images of the collections.

The Oceania collection features objects from Australia, New Guinea and many South Pacific islands. Explore the museum’s extensive Prints and Drawings collection from the 1400s to present day to see Old Masters such as Degas, Goya and Michelangelo or work from modern and contemporary artists, including Henry Moore and Grayson Perry.

Next, dive into the British Museum’s main online collectio n, which is outstanding, both in quality and scope. Search for over four million object records online using keywords, by filtering by place, artist or material. Or if you are looking for a more curated virtual tour , immerse yourself in the collection’s highlights, themes and stories.

For a different online museum experience, take a virtual museum tour thanks to Google StreetView , including the hugely popular –  and usually rammed – Egyptian Gallery . Around 60 other galleries are available, allowing you to create your very own bespoke virtual British Museum tour.

Finally, the British Museum’s virtual offerings are not just limited to visual content. There’s a podcast that goes behind the scenes at the museum, featuring interviews with curators, authors and artists. Furthermore, listen to the British Museum’s curators introducing 64 galleries on audio tours , available on Apple Music and Google Play.

6) The Louvre

Recommended by Pauline Vergnet – Beeloved City

Have you ever dreamt of visiting the Louvre Museum in Paris? It is now possible to do so from your home! 

Before becoming the most famous museum in the world, Le Louvre was the residence of the Kings of France. It’s home to 35,000 art pieces, and is one of the best things to do in Paris . Particularly famous for having the Mona Lisa by Da Vinci , Le Louvre also hosts many temporary exhibitions. 

If you head to the Louvre website , you will find virtual tours of some permanent and temporary exhibitions. They are available in StreetView versions, and also in Augmented Reality. If you own a pair of AR glasses, you can use your phone and walk through the museum, as if you were there! 

You can walk up to each piece and click on it to access the image gallery and explanations. You will get to visit the Egyptian exhibition that displays one of the best pharaonic collections in the world. You can also go to the Petite Galerie where you will discover beautiful sculptures, paintings and illustrations.

The exhibition “Founding Myths” is particularly popular. It displays 70 artworks about myths and tales , from Greek to modern Times. It even includes the origins of Japanese Mangas and Dark Vader!

You can also discover the “Medieval Louvre” exhibition who takes you down to the medieval fortress that was built by French King Philippe Auguste (way before the building became a museum). This one is particularly nice if you like archeology and want to know more about the history of Paris.

It’s an amazing opportunity to discover the Louvre and some of the most beautiful pieces of art in the world! All tours are available here .

7) National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul

Recommended by Anne + Clemens – Travellers Archive

Today you can not only see sights on your computer and mobile phone, but also museums. Sounds sad, but is pretty cool, and mostly really well done. In our opinion, one of the best examples of virtual museum tours is the one done by the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Seoul.  

Have you ever thought about visiting a museum virtually? Well, we are not talking about boring talks that you need to listen to for hours while you look at photos, but true artificial intelligence tours in proper museums.

Google has just launched a new feature, Google Arts & Culture. This is where you can now go on virtual tours through amazing museums such as the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Seoul . You can navigate yourself through the different halls, click on paintings and learn the background information about those immediately. 

The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in South Korea (MMCA) is a museum of contemporary art with the main museum in Gwacheon (since 1986) and three branches in Deoksugung (since 1998), Seoul (since 2013) and Cheongju (probably 2019).

The museum was founded in 1969 as the only national art museum in the country and houses Korean modern and contemporary art as well as international art from various eras. Now you just need to get some kimchi and fried chicken and you’ll end up having a pretty Korean night – right in your very own living room.

8) National Gallery of Singapore

Recommended by Marco Ferrarese – Penang Insider

Singapore’s most important art gallery is not only housed in two impressive colonial buildings, the Supreme Court and the City Hall , and scenically set at the side of Singapore’s historic Padang (main open grass field).

It also boasts an incredible array of artefacts and artworks — a staggering 8,000-odd pieces from the 19th and 20th centuries — which constitute one of the most important collections of Southeast Asian art and history in the whole world.

In the past, the National Gallery was one of the essential places to visit in Singapore at any time of the year , but it has shut its doors for the time being. Not too bad, however, because it’s possible to take a virtual tour of 115 of its best artworks through the Singapore National Gallery Virtual Tour offered by Google Arts & Culture.

There are no “special effects” here: the collections, divided into oil paints, works on canvas, painting, watercolours, contemporary art and ink, are organised in a handy digital gallery giving basic information on the artists, the year of production, and the original size of each artwork.

The good thing is, users can magnify the images and observe the paintings in great detail . Certainly not the same as standing in front of the artworks and inside one of the National Gallery’s exquisite colonial buildings, but good enough to while away a few hours while observing some of Southeast Asia’s most interesting paintings.

9) Online Harry Potter Tour of Edinburgh

Recommended by Gemma Armit – Everything Edinburgh

Hey Harry Potter and/or Edinburgh fans ! There’s a double-winning virtual tour for you. 

Hop aboard Hogwarts Express and let the magic transport you to Scotland’s capital city, during a  virtual tour of Edinburgh . 

Meet your wizard guide who walks you through the streets of Edinburgh’s Old Town taking in many of the locations said to have inspired JK Rowling’s books. 

Dying to see Scotland’s Diagon Alley aka Victoria Street? Well, you can during a one-hour private tour conducted by conference call. 

Other stops include Greyfriars Kirk where many Potter characters names will be discovered, the private school which Hogwarts is said to be fashioned on, as well as Edinburgh Castle which is more like the movie version of the building. 

The guide is fully trained and used to taking this tour by foot so you can fire any questions at them. 

In fact, after you’ve been through the test of the sorting hat, you’ll be challenged to a quiz where you can win house points! This is a great option for families, Harry Potter fanatics and those who adore Edinburgh. The call is completely private so it is only you and your family or friend whom you want to share the screen with. 

A Powerpoint presentation with visuals and text support the tour so muggles can experience Scotland’s capital from the safety of their own homes. 

10) Virtual Tour of Post-Communist Bratislava

Recommended by Nisha Dalal – Nerdy Footsteps

Often overshadowed by the glamorous sisters Vienna and Prague, Bratislava offers something very unique.   A day trip to Bratislava  will introduce you to the dark and intriguing past of Slovakia. Once the capital of the Habsburg empire, Bratislava has had a very turbulent history.

After World War II, Czechoslovakia was included in the Eastern bloc and the communist leadership changed the face of the country. Bratislava became the hub for heavy industrialisation. These industries needed buildings and, people, which in turn also needed accommodation.

To meet up with these demands, prefabricated cemented blocks were arranged through the city in the typical Communist style . These grey, and dull buildings were just functional and lacked any character or style. These architectural pieces still occupy most of the city.

The post-Communist tour, from Authentic Slovakia , takes you through these locations. I have personally taken this unusual tour and is one of my favourite tours of all time.

Since we can’t and won’t be able to travel for a while, these passionate guides have created a virtual tour through the city. The tour is currently available on their Facebook page , and more videos are expected in the future.

Starting from the famous Freedom Square to the first-ever prefabricated building, and all the way to the unusual inverted pyramid radio station, this tour is very interesting and well guided.

This visual experience is highly recommended for anyone interested in knowing Bratislava and the impact of communism on the city.

11) Virtual Kruger Safari

Recommended by Jodie Dewberry – Alajode

Kruger National Park is one of the best safari destinations in all of southern Africa , and a bucket list trip for many wildlife lovers. Although the park is closed right now, there are lots of ways to enjoy a virtual safari from your living room until it reopens.

Whether you’ve been to Kruger multiple times before, are supposed to be there now or have never even considered a safari, the live streams are a great way to get a glimpse into this beautiful park and its inhabitants.

Many of the camps and reserves inside Kruger are streaming game drives live every day – often multiple times a day. You can sign up for alerts on the andBeyond YouTube page or join when they’re live. Each live safari lasts for three hours a day and moves between 3-4 different live cameras, giving you the best chance of spotting wildlife.

Guides from Sabi Sands Game Reserve are also jumping online on an ad-hoc basis on the @andBeyondTravel Instagram page . During the live drives, you can also interact with the guides and ask questions , just like you would on a real safari in Kruger.

The first 45 minutes are reserved for children , so it’s a great way to get little ones interested in our natural world.

Even though you can’t travel to South Africa right now, you can get multiple daily wildlife fixes online. And, who knows, maybe it will inspire a trip to see these beautiful animals in real life once this is all over.

12) Niagara Falls 360° Virtual Reality Tour

Recommended by Eric Wychopen – OntarioAway

If you are stuck at home but still want to experience the mighty power of Mother Nature, you can head online to discover Niagara Falls in all its glory!

There are a number of virtual reality tours which have been created using 360 degree camera technology – meaning you can look in any direction. This allows you to guide your exploration through the attractions!

That said, when you are in Niagara Falls in person, you can discover the largest of the waterfalls – Horseshoe Falls – in many ways: by boat, behind the falls, and above them via helicopter. Niagara Falls tourism has created VR videos for these top experiences so you can do them yourself from the comfort of your home. 

First, to experience the falls in the most classic way possible, you can hop on the famous Hornblower Cruise (the river boat from the Canadian side) to get up close to witness the power of the Horseshoe Falls. 

Next, you can take your video experience underground and wander the long tunnels as you adventure behind Horseshoe Falls. Popping out into daylight amongst the mist of the falls, you can view the water coming over the towering cliff from the viewing platform at the river level. 

If you aren’t afraid of heights, you can choose to go on a virtual ziplining adventure for a unique view of the falls, or you can also experience the beautiful area from above from a helicopter tour.

It’s always neat to see how the Niagara River has carved its way through the land – separating two countries but producing three grand waterfalls at Niagara Falls!

13) Virtual Disney Tours

Recommended by Samantha Karen – Sam Sees World

When you are unable to travel and experience things firsthand, you have to get creative. There is fun and excitement to be had at any moment and being home does not mean you can’t enjoy the wonderful things you can while traveling.

A great travel experience to embark on that is perfect for children and will bring out the little kid in everyone is going on a Disney Virtual Tour.

Going to Disney is about more than seeing your favourite characters and riding your favourite rides. It’s about forgetting about reality for a little while and immersing yourself in the magical feeling and world that is Disney. Which is what makes this online travel experience so special.

It is a way to let loose for a little while and walk virtually explore Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios from the comfort of your home.

Using your TV, laptop or projector you can walk down Main Street USA, see Cinderella’s Castle and watch Mickey’s Royal Friendship Fare with the best view in the house. Then get your adrenaline pumping while riding Space Mountain and Splash Mountain and hop on Peter Pan’s Flight without having to wait in any lines!

You can then end your day with a Jungle Cruise in the Animal Kingdom and a few last rides in Epcot from Toy story Land and  Star Wars:  Galaxy’s Edge.

A magical day in Disney has never been easier, cheaper, and more exciting.

14) Travel to India to do Yoga at home

Recommended by Mariellen Ward – Breathedreamgo

Yoga is wildly popular all over the world, and there are an uncountable number of Yoga studios, schools, and ashrams. Many of us are accustomed to attending several Yoga classes per week , it’s part of our routine – and many also make their way to India to study Yoga.

But of course in lockdown, all of these places are closed, and international travel is not possible. Luckily Yoga is something you can easily do at home.

This is, in fact, a very good time to be doing a daily or regular Yoga practise. Yoga can help maintain, and improve, your health in so many ways.

The physical practise of Yoga, asana , helps with physical fitness, while other practises such as pranyama (controlled breathing) and meditation can help calm your mind and reduce stress. Also, Yoga can help boost immunity. 

I’ve been studying and practising Yoga for almost 30 years, and I live in Rishikesh, the Yoga capital of the world . While we can’t attend Yoga classes in real life, I recommend Akhanda Yoga Online .

Founder Yogrishi Vishvketu is one of the leading Yoga masters in Rishikesh , and he is also the founder of Anand Prakash Yoga Ashram here in Rishikesh. Akhanda Yoga Online is currently offering a 45-day free trial.

They have dozens of video classes, series you can follow, and lectures – and many were recorded in Rishikesh, so you can travel virtually to India . You can find out more here in this post I produced with Yogrishi Vishvketu and Akhanda Yoga: Boost immune system and stay healthy with Yoga . 

15) Online Spanish Class from Guatemala

Recommended by Lara Hartog – Both Feet on the Road

Many people (including me) love traveling to Latin America. The countries are so beautiful and diverse, the culture is lively and so are the dances. But most of all, I love listening to people speaking Spanish. Learning Spanish is one of the most popular things to do in the Spanish speaking countries in Central and South America.

We may not be able to physically visit and enjoy all the beautiful places, that doesn’t mean we can’t still experience some joy of traveling, learning Spanish!

My favourite Spanish School in Guatemala, SISAI Spanish School , already offered Skype classes for online travel experiences before any of this happened. Meaning that they already know how to set it up and how to take your Spanish to the next level with online lecturing.

Obviously, there are many different schools and programs to learn Spanish, but trust me this school and the teachers working for the school are amazing. I’ve joined three different Spanish schools when I was traveling, but this is the one I enjoyed the most , where my Spanish really evolved, and where I would always go back to.

The teachers are extremely involved with the school, all the activities organised for the students and the students’ lives outside classes. Their aim was not just to get another student, but to adopt another traveler to their family.

And I guarantee, if you take a class with the SISAI Spanish School you will get one of the best online travel experiences you can get.

16) Virtual Wine Tastings

Recommended by Katya Gaskell – Globetotting

Friday and Saturday nights just haven’t been the same since lockdown started. Not only can sourcing a good bottle of wine be tricky, but finding people to drink with comes with its own set of socially distancing challenges. Fortunately, virtual wine tastings solve both these needs , providing both excellent wine and good company. 

Virtual wine tastings are not new but they’ve exploded in popularity since restaurants and pubs were shuttered. There are now myriad vineyards, wine clubs and bars eager to help you (virtually) travel around the world tasting some of the finest vino. 

In the UK, private members club 67 Pall Mall have their very own virtual wine club. Zoom in Tuesday to Thursday for an online masterclass with top sommeliers and winemakers.

Serious oenophiles should join Hedonism in London’s Mayfair. This establishment houses an incredible collection of five-figure bottles of wine. Fortunately, however, you can join their virtual wine tastings with a more modestly priced bottle. 

On Wednesday join Caroline Connor for #WineWednesday. Based in Lyon, France, she runs online tutorials to help people learn their cabernets to their chardonnays.  For Italian wines, you should join super Tuscan producer  Ornellaia  on Tuesdays when the estate director leads a series of talks. 

Not surprisingly, a number of Napa Valley wineries have got in on the  virtual  action too, including Napa’s winemaker of the year in 2014, Steve  Matthiasson . Along with his  wife , they conduct both one-on-one and group Zoom tastings. You just need to order their tasting pack first. 

17) Learn About Ancient History

Recommended by Cass Bailey – Cassie The Hag

I love feeling immersed in a new culture or finding out the history of a place I’m visiting, but as an anxious solo traveller , sometimes I’m so distracted by directions and safety worries, I forget to TRULY learn while I’m travelling. That makes this THE perfect time to get my brain working and discover the real history behind my favourite places.

On Coursera.org, there are no wishy-washy courses. The world’s TOP universities submit courses you can do for FREE. It’s perfect for anyone who’s academically minded or with real vested interest.

Love Greece? Why not learn about Roman and Greek Mythology, the ancient Greeks or take an introduction to Plato? Can’t wait to visit Asia again? Try learning about Chinese Culture or 19th-century Japanese visual culture. 

You do a quiz at the end of each module and the video lectures, led by the university experts, are easy to follow along at your own pace. Each course also comes with discussion forums, optional feedback from other students and plenty of further reading materials if your interest is piqued. 

A course on the Medieval Arabic World, Russian Political History, Roman Archaeology or Ancient Egypt PROBABLY isn’t for everyone… but for anyone who’s not fallen asleep by this list, I have a feeling there’s someone out there who can’t wait to sign up!

For most of us, this is just a fun way to be a student again , but you could also pay a small fee to get a certificate to show you completed each course.

Pin it for later?

• Australia edition
• International edition
• Europe edition

10 of the best virtual travel experiences for 2021

Travel the world through this new crop of virtual experiences, from online guide walks to film festivals, wine-tasting to birdwatching

See Amsterdam’s Canal district as never before

Starting from their artisanal chocolate shop in the De Wallen red light district, husband-and-wife team Ian and Salomé have devised a tour of Amsterdam that, right now, shows its canals quieter than you’re ever likely to see them in person. The tour is organised through Vancouver-based ToursByLocals, which has launched more than 150 virtual experiences since the pandemic began. Tours cover many destinations and topics, from ghost-hunting in Kyoto to African-American culture in Harlem. Sessions are livestreamed and 100% of the cost can be redeemed against the purchase of a future, in-person tour with the same guide. One-hour Amsterdam tour every Sunday; £70 for up to six screens, toursbylocals.com

Join an icy plunge in Helsinki

On a virtual trip to Helsinki, Intrepid tour leader Kati Pankka will guide you around a private lakeside sauna. Pankka’s insights into traditional Finnish spa rituals include her taking an ice swim which, combined with sauna in winter, locals believe is a mood-booster with potential health benefits. The tour is part of a recent launch of 15 interactive virtual experiences by Intrepid’s Urban Adventures team, intended to help support its cohort of local guides during the pandemic. Sessions are conducted on Zoom in real time, many of them in the guide’s home. Other options include Mandala art and meditation in Delhi, and Polish pierogi-making with a Kraków cook. Helsinki experience (group tour option) from £19.84 , urbanadventures.com

Birdwatching on Florida’s Paradise Coast

Peregrine falcons, pelicans and even bald eagles can be found among the more than 200 species of birds that use south-west Florida’s Tigertail beach. The tidal lagoon and mudflats it feeds into on Marco Island are also an important migratory winter stop-off, now open for exploration through a seasonal online birdwatching programme. During new 90-minute educational tours, the shifting array of birdlife can be viewed in real-time through virtual binoculars placed along the beach, supplemented by photos. Sessions will be held monthly until April 2021, hosted by biologists Adam DiNuovo of conservation organisation Audubon Florida, and Collette Lauzau of the local Rookery Bay research reserve. The next event is on 16 January, and this month you can combine a birdwatching tour with other online activities during Florida’s Festival of Birds . Tours $10 , rookerybay.org

Tour the Mary Rose, Portsmouth

Visit Portsmouth has launched a number of virtual tours since the start of the pandemic and its latest project is guaranteed to fascinate budding young historians. The new interactive photosphere of the Mary Rose rotates 360 degrees along a walkway between the vessel’s wooden carcass and the artefacts that were found with the 16th-century wreck – and provides a good second-best to visiting in person. The Mary Rose Museum holds the largest collection of Tudor artefacts of its kind in the world and the photosphere lays out all the key discoveries from Henry VIII’s favourite warship through rotating clickable icons. Free, maryrose.org

Catch a movie at the New York Jewish film festival

Many film festivals will be virtual this year, making global fringe cinema more accessible than ever. The New York Jewish film festival, which starts this week, will be streaming documentaries, shorts and features from the Lincoln Center. Highlights include Nir Bergman’s Here We Are , a moving tale of a dad and his autistic son, and Irmi, an inspiring documentary about the life of Irmi Selver, a Jewish refugee who fled her home town of Chemnitz in eastern Germany during the rise of nazism. 13-26 January, virtual tickets $12 or $125 for an all-access pass, virtual.filmlinc.org

Walk the medieval streets of Transylvania

Romanian tour guide Vlad Blaj spent last summer recording virtual tours for his small travel company, Romanian Thrills. In the Mysteries of Medieval Braşov tour, participants can take a guided walk with Blaj through one of the most important towns of Saxon Transylvania, augmented by old photos, illustrations and maps. Though prerecorded, the tour follows an interactive format that allows participants to choose different paths at various points in the recording, allowing you to focus, for example, on the history of Braşov’s Black Church or alternatively taste traditional Romanian chimney cake at a street stall. A similar tour of Sighișoara will launch at the end of this month, and on 30 January Romanian Thrills is also hosting a free virtual river cruise tour of the Lower Danube. Virtual tours £15 a download, romanianthrills.us

Taste volcanic wines on Lanzarote

After six months with no work during 2020, Wine Tours Lanzarote flipped its Canaries-based activity business in October to become a UK-registered import/export operation. As the first company capable of sending Lanzarote’s little-known volcanic wines to the UK, it is now offering virtual tours. Interactive tastings are conducted with up to five local wines and run by a Wine & Spirit Education Trust -accredited guide using presentation slides, photos and videos. Also, the company has free, livestreamed Lanzarote craft beer and brewing sessions on Instagram . The next one will be on 15 January. Virtual wine tours £90, plus £9 each for up to three devices, and £9 for each extra device after that. Wine from £57 for three bottles, including delivery, wineshoplanzarote.com

Get a preview of Menorca’s new Isla del Rey gallery

Private gallery Hauser & Wirth has launched a virtual reality preview of its forthcoming base on Menorca’s Isla del Rey. The extensive arts centre, due to open later this year, will span eight galleries in and around an 18th-century decommissioned naval hospital inside Mahón port. The gallery incorporates conservation work and native planting schemes, and has virtually launched with works from artists including Glenn Ligon, Mark Bradford and Louise Bourgeois, including the latter’s giant Maman spider sculpture. The preview has been created using technology applied in architecture, construction and video-gaming to make the virtual journey more lifelike. Free, vip-hauserwirth.com

Discover Indigenous Australian culture in the Northern Territory

One tour operator in the far-north’s Katherine region has transposed its Indigenous Australian culture experience on to live video. Launched in November and available as a prerecorded download – making it time-suitable for the UK – the 45-minute tour from Top Didj is hosted by Indigenous Australian artist and storyteller Manuel Pamkal. Complete with a wallaby encounter, viewers are treated to stories of Manuel’s childhood growing up in the bush and learn about hunter-gathering, spear-throwing and music culture. Pamkal’s demonstrations of starting a fire with nothing but two sticks is sure to be a hit with the kids. Tour is now half price, AU$10, topdidj.com

Explore hidden corners of London

• Travel websites
• Cultural trips

Most viewed

New this week

Plan a trip with help from local hosts around the world.

Starting in the next 6 hours

Best sellers

Make plans this weekend

Great for groups

14 ways to travel the world without leaving your sofa

Have you been stuck inside for weeks? Us too.

Though some destinations are cautiously lifting travel restrictions and people are learning to navigate a new version of normal, it's safe to say this Memorial Day weekend — typically one of the biggest weekends for travel of the year — will look a little different.

If you're staying home this holiday weekend , it's a great time to start planning your next real-life adventure . And, in the meantime, we rounded up some of our favorite ways to travel the world without leaving the comfort of your home. So, break out your comfiest sweats and buckle up for your next virtual trip.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter .

Celebrate summer at Stonehenge

Stonehenge boasts some of the most popular summer solstice celebrations on Earth, a magical event you'll just have to see to believe. And while you probably won't be able to visit in person this year, the show must still go on.

You'll be able to livestream the summer solstice at Stonehenge this summer. Just tune in to the English Heritage Facebook account , where they'll be broadcasting the sunset on June 20 at 9:26 p.m. BST and sunrise on June 21 at 4:52 a.m. BST. They'll be live for at least 30 minutes before sunrise and sunset — and no matter where you are in the world, you can join in on the fun.

Discover a museum

Iconic museums from the Guggenheim in New York City to the Louvre in Paris are available through Google Arts & Culture, a platform that allows you to take digital tours of some of the world's most famous museums. You can browse through all the available museums , and even see some of the most famous pieces of art up close . Historic sites, such as the Palace of Versailles, are also available to tour through Google. The best part? Access is 100% free.

If you want something that sparks your inner child (or keeps your actual children occupied), you're in luck. The Children's Museum of Houston is sharing do-it-yourself experiments, as well as activities and behind-the-scenes exhibit content on YouTube , Instagram and Twitter . You can make a cardboard kazoo, listen to story time and even learn about how the water cycle works. This is a surefire way to pass the time if you've found yourself suddenly homeschooling your kids .

Read more: No travel required: 10 iconic museums you can tour online

Take a cooking class

Is there anything better than having a home-cooked meal from an Italian grandma? We don't think so. While Italy will start to reopen to tourists in early June , you can still get your fix of some incredible Italian cooking before your next trip there, whenever it may be.

Nonna Nerina, an 84-year-old Italian grandmother in Palombara Sabina, Italy, has set up a virtual cooking class on Airbnb Experiences. Here , she'll virtually teach you how to make Italian classics such as ravioli, gnocchi and fettuccine. Just note that she only teaches classes on weekends; the weekday classes are taught by her granddaughter. Plus, if you enter your email, you can get 25% off the class for a limited time. Better yet, the classes are on sale, too. For example, her class usually costs $100 but is just $60 right now.

Related: How to plan a bucket list trip to Italy with points and miles

Go on a ride at Disney

The magic isn't over just because most Disney parks remain closed . You can stream virtual Disney rides from parks around the world, from Florida to France , in the comfort of your own home. How's that for a bargain on a Disney vacation ?

Related: How to take your kids on virtual Disney rides around the world

Explore parks and attractions

Take a trip to the great outdoors from, well, indoors. You can virtually explore national parks and famous attractions around the country, all courtesy of Google Arts & Culture . Think: the Statue of Liberty, Mount Rushmore, the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park and Alcatraz Island. Better yet, they're all accessible for free and you won't have to wait in a single line.

Google Earth can even help you enjoy the cherry blossom blooms around the world, though the season has passed. From the Meguro River Cherry Blossoms Promenade in Tokyo to the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C. , there's something for everyone here. You could easily spend hours taking virtual tours.

Visit a botanic garden

A handful of botanic gardens around the country are also offering virtual tours for travelers to enjoy. The indoor conservatory at the United States Botanic Garden in Washington, D.C., for example, is temporarily closed to the public. In the meantime, though, you can take a virtual tour of the gardens and soak in all of the beautiful scenery.

Join an art class

A handful of universities are hosting free, virtual art classes , according to Artsy, and many have a global perspective. You can study the history of Japan through images or discover ancient Egyptian art and antiquities. You know what they say: If you can't travel, you might as well spend a few hours every week looking at pictures of places you wish you were. Right?

Listen to live music

Did coronavirus derail your plans to travel to a major musical event like South by Southwest (SXSW), the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival or Coachella?

Fortunately, a number of bands and musicians are performing "couch tours," as many of their concerts were canceled. Acording to NPR , travelers can also catch live, virtual jazz performances, electronic festivals, classical concerts and more.

Instead of watching the annual National Memory Day Concert from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, for example, you can catch the event (and a performance from the National Symphony Orchestra) online at 8 p.m. Billboard also highlighted concerts by the Dropkick Murphys (performing to an empty Fenway Park on May 29 at 6 p.m.), and a livestream performance by David Guetta from New York on May 30 at 7 p.m.

Watch a movie

Give yourself a much-needed break from all the craziness out there and curl up on the sofa with one of these feel-good and wanderlust-worthy films this weekend. Some of our top picks include "Eat, Pray, Love" and "Mamma Mia" — but there are plenty of classic flicks and television series to choose from.

Anthony Bourdain's famous documentary, "Parts Unknown," is coming back to Netflix on June 1. The only catch? It will only be available in the U.K. and Ireland. Here's hoping it's a good sign, though, and will be available to stream in the U.S. and rest of the world soon.

Related: Stuck at home? Stream these 12 movies to cope with travel wanderlust

Live like a royal for the day

Put on your crown and get ready to take a virtual tour of Buckingham Palace . You can take a peek at the Throne Room, Grand Staircase, White Drawing Room and more. The entire palace isn't up for viewing, but it's certainly enough to keep you occupied for hours.

Related: Using points and miles to get to London

Take a trip to the beach

In need of some sunlight and vitamin D? Enjoy the sun and sand in St. Lucia. All you have to do is go to @TravelSaintLucia 's Instagram Live to take part. Every Tuesday and Thursday, they go live and show off things like the island's beautiful sunsets, rainforests and more. You might be so inspired, you book a trip there when the island nation reopens to Americans on June 4.

Another option? The beautiful island of Bermuda is also hosting a daily livestream . Put on some Jimmy Buffet, make yourself a piña colada and enjoy your makeshift beach day.

Learn a magic trick

Airbnb recently began offering virtual "travel" experiences, so you can book online activities from around the world right at home.

For just $20, you can take a magic class with Martin, a Guinness World Record-holding magician based in Berkhamsted, U.K. His class will show you magic tricks you can perform with everyday objects, such as playing cards, phones, rings, money, sweets and even fire. Prepare for some mind-reading, too, as well as the psychology that turns a trick into magic. The class is an hour and a half long, and availability is open through the end of June.

Make Portuguese tapas

Another Airbnb Experience that's sure to please? This Portuguese tapas class . You'll learn how to make popular dishes such as tuna paté and açorda alentejana — and of course, plenty of sangria. The host, Joana, spent 10 years teaching hotel management before opening her own restaurant in Lisbon. The class costs $17 per person and is available through September.

Related: Vacation rental guests and hosts are all feeling the cancellation crunch .

Hang out with wild animals

OK, so you might not be hanging out with real penguins in real life. But for only $12, you can spend an hour learning about the history of African penguins , as well as some little-known facts and insights. You can even build your own penguins from items lying around the house. Your host, Jon, is based in Cape Town, South Africa and his class is sure to be a hit with the whole family. You can check out even more of these virtual experiences here .

What is Amazon Explore?

How much is amazon explore, how is amazon explore different from other virtual experiences, my experience with amazon explore, some of the best amazon explore experiences to try, prime members can try amazon's new virtual travel experiences for free — here's what the platform is like to use and some of the best tours to try.

When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

• Amazon Explore was recently launched to offer interactive, one-on-one virtual travel experiences.
• Hosts are located around the world and for some, you can even shop for local items in real time.
• Amazon Explore experiences range from $10 to $99, but Prime members can try it for free.

The other night I walked through the streets of Tokyo, stopping in at small shops, exploring handmade ceramics, saying hi to a local shopkeeper, and filling a basket with new treasures to display in my home — all while sitting in my living room in New Jersey. This was possible thanks to one of the new virtual tours from Amazon Explore . 

For the last long year, I've been trying to scratch my travel itch with virtual experiences, with mixed success. I tried online cooking classes, virtually toured museums and historical sites around the globe, and even bought my son and his cousin a small group online tea ceremony with EF Tours. And I've followed along as Airbnb added online interactive tours with guides. 

After all of that, I was surprised to hear that Amazon was jumping into the game. After a year of online experiences, why now? And how would this be different? 

To find out, I bought a virtual ticket for a first-hand Amazon Explore review to see exactly what they were offering. 

Amazon Explore is a series of live, virtual one-on-one experiences with hosts located around the world. You can access the program on the Amazon website. However, as a brand new offering that is technically still in beta, it's a little hard to spot tucked away as the very last entry on the "Programs and Features" tab.

Perusing Amazon Explore you'll find experiences ranging from hands-on cooking to tours of Paris and Berlin to virtual trips to the beach. Before I jumped in and booked my own tour, I was given an opportunity to do a short media "sampling" of Amazon Explore for review purposes. Highlights included two cooking experiences (salsa in Mexico , $28, and pasta making in Italy , $52) and two shopping and culture tours (one in Tokyo for only $9 and Quebec City at a pricey $62). They were all fun and exciting enough that I was eager to sign up for a full experience myself after. 

Other available options range from learning about the legends of alchemy in Prague ($56) to getting up close with sloths in Costa Rica ($27). No matter your travel interests, it's easy enough to find an experience catered to it. You can also filter by place, price, ratings, experience duration, and more to help narrow down the options. 

Everything takes place within the unique Amazon platform, and on the shopping experiences, you have the added benefit of being able to pick items out in real time to be sent to you later. 

Prices run the gamut from $10 to $99. Sometimes you'll find multiple prices for similar experiences (individual guides set their own prices, according to Amazon). Those who have Amazon Prime can try their first experience up to $50 completely free using the code FREEFUN . If you're not already a Prime member, you can sign up here . 

Before you get started, shop around to make sure you're not overpaying, just like you would if you were actually in the destination. 

Like purchasing any other item on Amazon, you can use your preferred stored payment method, add a new card, or use gift cards.

One additional way you can pay is with travel points — which is especially great since many of us have been sitting on a pile of unused points due to the pandemic. Hilton Honors has expanded its collaboration with Amazon so you can now use your Hilton points to book experiences. You just need to link your Hilton account with your Amazon one before you book. 

I noticed that the charge for my session wasn't processed until I had successfully completed my experience, and I also had the option to cancel right up until the time slot began. If there are tech difficulties that force a cancellation, you'll automatically be refunded. 

There are a few things that make Amazon stand out from other online virtual tours and experiences. First, every tour with Amazon Explore is a one-on-one experience. If you're hoping to sit back with your microphone turned off, this isn't going to be your cup of tea. However, if you miss chatting with someone new, asking questions about what you're looking at, or trying out a few words of a new language, this is a great option. 

Another difference you'll notice right away is the high production value. While other experiences use a regular Zoom log-in, Amazon has created its own unique platform. This high-tech option has integrated graphics, including maps and labels; the ability to touch an item on your screen and have your guide see what you're pointing to; and one-touch buttons for taking screenshots and to use a "megaphone" to talk to locals (for example, a shopkeeper) near your guide.

One thing to note: Currently, there's no dual camera. Amazon's platform allows you to see your guide, but they can't see you. However, you can still easily converse in real time.

Another intersection where Amazon Explore detours from Airbnb and other virtual tours is with the shopping experiences. Your guide will shop for you if your experience is marked with an "In-Session Shopping" tag. 

On a shopping itinerary I tried, this was a revelation and an entirely new way of interacting with the destination. The guide entered a local store, held up items, and after we chose one, brought it to the register, photographed it, and purchased it for me. The itemized charges appeared in my Amazon orders immediately. Genius. 

However, shipping is extra, so don't assume you'll have free Amazon Prime delivery for this program. 

Additionally, for one of the cooking experiences, I was able to have all of my fresh ingredients delivered from Amazon Fresh. Although this service isn't fully integrated into the program yet (it's not a one-click option), it's easy enough to copy and paste the ingredient list into your Whole Foods or Fresh shopping basket. 

While you're at it, you can also order any suggested kitchen equipment for your recipe from the Amazon site (if you're wondering, like I was, why Amazon is getting into experiences, this was an "Aha" moment).

I was interested in trying Amazon Explore 's live shopping options, and my son, who was joining me for this experience, is interested in Japanese culture, so it was an easy jump to choose a Tokyo shopping experience. There were three options that worked for us timing-wise (we had to choose a late-night time slot on the East Coast to coincide with stores opening in Japan in the morning) for $10, $20, and $39 price points, all 45 minutes long. I chose the mid-level option: Shop Like a Chef . It was a tour of Kappabashi, an area of Tokyo that specializes in cookery and kitchenware, and $20 for a 45-minute private session seemed like a good value.  

Our session started out strong. Explore has an interface that can only be accessed via Amazon on a laptop or desktop computer. The graphics were great, and the short intro of technicolor experiences around the world created Disney-level excitement. This was definitely not a Zoom chat. 

Our guide Giulia (a friendly, trilingual Italian, Japanese speaker), jumped right in with introductions and gave us a quick intro to the cooking district complete with a map of the area displayed across our screen and crisp graphics that showed four shop choices available to tour — Chopsticks, Ceramics, Fake Food, and Knives. Giulia said we'd have time for two, and we chose Ceramics and Fake Food, because plastic ramen was something we needed to see.

One note I quickly realized is that you need to be decisive on these tours. It helps to be able to pull the trigger quickly on a purchase since time is quite literally ticking while you shop. After I (finally) committed to a lovely hand-painted teapot and two teacups halfway through the session, Giulia brought them to the register and photographed them so she could return after the tour to process payment. 

We then tagged along on a quick walk through Kappabashi, listening to the sounds of shoppers and background store music on our way to an "only in Japan" shop filled with hand-painted food replicas. 

Several magnets and key chains shaped like raw fish later, our 45-minute tour was over and it was time to say sayonara . All around, it was a really fun, truly unusual, and rewarding virtual experience.

My receipt arrived immediately, and although shipping can take as long as four weeks, my package arrived in just five days. However, be aware that prices can quickly add up on top of the initial experience price. I ended up spending $80 while shopping and the shipping was an additional $25. 

"Souvenirs are memories," enthused guide Mizuki in Japan at the end of our tour, which seemed to perfectly sum up why these experiences seem so special. Staying at home this year I have neither new memories nor new souvenirs, and I was happy for an opportunity to get both. 

Overall, I found the Amazon virtual experiences I tried to be superior to other online travel options I've tried. From the unique interactive platform to the personal, one-on-one interactions to the real-time shopping options, these virtual offerings truly stand out in a crowded field.  I'm guessing that when Amazon Explore comes out of beta there will be a dual video option, which would be very helpful. 

Still, I was thoroughly impressed by the quality of the Amazon Explore programming and the tech which delivered it to my home. 

Ready to try out Amazon Explore and take a virtual vacation yourself? Consider some of these top Amazon Explore experiences. And don't forget, if you have Amazon Prime you can try your first experience up to $50 for free using the code FREEFUN at checkout.

• Explore Florence, Italy's historic city center, including Piazza del Duomo, San Lorenzo Church, and more ($10)
• Visit Costa Rica's Las Pumas Rescue Center and meet jaguars, monkeys, sloths, and more ($27.30)
• Cook authentic Manchmanteles Mole with a Mexican chef ($28)
• Tour a foodie's paradise and visit one of Singapore's famed hawker centers ($24)
• Take an iPhone photography class with an award-winning photographer and filmmaker ($45)
• Sip on Malbecs and wine taste your way across Argentina ($20.30)
• Get up close with cuddly kangaroos and koalas at a Sydney wildlife park ($59)
• Learn to make delicious French macarons from The Lincoln Apartment Bakery in Montreal ($69)

• Main content

10 of the Best Virtual Reality Travel Experiences

  With the time and expense required to travel being prohibitive to many, there are alternative ways of indulging your wanderlust – including via the burgeoning world of Virtual Reality.

(Photo: Cubicle Ninjas)

There are a huge number of VR companies all vying to create ever more unique experiences for consumers – and one of the biggest growth categories has been travel. And what better time to get a taste of exploration and adventure from the comfort of your living room, equipped only with a VR headset, than now, when travel is a luxury that many just can’t stretch to? We’ve picked out 10 of the best virtual reality travel experiences currently on the market.

So which VR headset should you go for? Our favourite is the Meta Quest 3, which launched onto the market in mid-2023 and is the successor to the Meta Quest 2. For immersive games and travel experiences, we believe the Meta Quest 3 is destined to become the leading VR headset over the coming years. It’s pretty affordable, too, and unlike other headsets, doesn’t require cords or a computer. You can purchase the Meta Quest 3 at Amazon.com.

Guided Meditation VR

Developed by Cubicle Ninjas, Guided Meditation VR is designed to bring peace, joy, and calm back into your daily life by teaching you ancient meditation practices in a cutting-edge way. It features over 40 lush environments to escape the everyday, 30-plus hours of guided meditations on anxiety, depression, maternity, resilience, sleep and zen, and hundreds of hours of calming musical audio tracks to help enhance your meditation experience. Users can also customise their sessions to their own specific preferences and needs, including the option to switch into Motion mode and gently float through beautiful vistas like you would on a lazy river, leaving the worries of your life behind before returning calmer and stronger.

PRICE £10.99 HEADSETS Meta Quest 3

Be anywhere in the world with anyone, instantly, in this captivating game developed by Wooorld Inc. Visit hundreds of cities, architectural landmarks, natural wonders, and vacation spots in incredible 3D detail, and get tips about the best places to visit, the hidden gems, where to get the best food and all the tourist traps to avoid. You can also create your own 3D avatars with face and body tracking and test your worldly knowledge by guessing where you are after being teleported to 5 random locations, with only the landscape, flora, architecture, and road signs for clues. The game can played as collaboratively as you wish, with options to explore the world with friends and meet new people, or hop into a Solo World without any distractions.

PRICE Free HEADSETS Meta Quest 3

(Photo: Wooorld Inc.)

Blueplanet VR Explore

(Photo: Blueplanet VR Explore)

Highlighting sacred and fragile locations of natural beauty and cultural heritage, Blueplanet VR Explore  is a collection of remarkable places across the world. With freedom to move around and explore, the virtual reality experiences are captured in volumetric 3D with great detail and accuracy. The scenes look and feel like these places do in real life, and enable you to freely move around to enjoy and explore these remarkable, fragile, and priceless environments. Concern for the environment often comes from direct experience, and being as close as we can get to experiencing a sense of actually being there, Blueplanet can help encourage people to appreciate and protect these treasures.

PRICE £18.99 HEADSETS Meta Quest 3

BRINK Traveler

Travel to some of the world’s most amazing natural wonders in fully immersive 3D and feel like you’re really there in this awe-inspiring game by Brink XR. Step into a scene akin to a postcard as you visit a total of 28 (with more on their way) of the most breathtaking places on Earth. In-game highlights include room-scale walkable areas in each destination, a virtual guide and assistant to learn about where you’re visiting, and the chance to shoot photos to share with friends. You can either play the game solo or with friends and family in multiplayer mode.

PRICE £11.99 HEADSETS Meta Quest 3

(Photo: BRINK XR)

National Geographic Explore VR

Created in partnership with National Geographic, a world-leading society in the fields of geography, cartography and exploration, this magical VR experience invites you to discover two of the most iconic locations on Planet Earth. Don your explorer hat and head to Antarctica for an exhilarating expedition. Navigate around icebergs in a kayak, climb a vast ice shelf and survive a snowstorm as you hunt for a lost emperor penguin colony. Visit the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu in Peru and get immersed in amazing digital reconstructions of the legendary site. Witness mummy worships, raise a cup of sacred chicha and encounter cute and furry alpacas as you match Hiram Bingham’s photographs from when he rediscovered the citadel. Be sure to take a camera as your best snaps may even make it into the prestigious National Geographic magazine.

PRICE £7.99 HEADSETS Meta Quest 3

(Photo: Force Field Entertainment B.V)

The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners

Fans of the hugely popular TV blockbuster The Walking Dead can now join the world of zombies in this new VR adventure. Travel through the ruins of New Orleans as you fight, scavenge, and survive, each day unravelling another mystery lurking within the city’s historic quarters. Encounter desperate factions and lone survivors who could be friend or foe. Whether you help others or take what you want by force, every choice you make has consequences. What kind of survivor will you be for the people of NOLA? Scavenge for anything that you can; weapons, food, tools, and clues. Be wary of the living and the dead, with spatial audio drawing attention to any loud noise. Craft makeshift gear out of scrapped material; blades, guns, medicine, and more. Test your morals and make difficult choices for yourself and others. It’s all here, bringing the small screen to life in a big way.

PRICE £29.99 HEADSETS Meta Quest 3

(Photo: Skydance Interactive)

Narrated by award-winning actress Anna Friel, this trail-blazing VR series opens the door to some of the planet’s wildest environments while redefining the limits of 3D-180 cameras. Meet the humans protecting our most precious wildlife, explore the great savannahs of Kenya, discover the ancient jungles of Borneo and dive into the rich coral reefs of Raja Ampat. Encounter elephants, orangutans, manta rays and some incredible humans, all in stunning cinematic footage filmed from the air and deep into the ocean. The series was produced in partnership with World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF),

(Photo: PHORIA)

The world is your oyster with this interactive, immersive VR experience that’s designed to be played by the whole family. There’s global travel and adventure in which your friends and family can join city tours, hot air balloon rides, back-country road trips, and plenty more. Or you can simply kick back and relax, practice meditation and get back to nature – all in the company of a guide or going solo, if you prefer. Other features include photo sharing, soundtracks, a range of fun games and media customisation.

(Photo: AARP Innovation Labs)

Rome Reborn: The Pantheon

Created by Flyover Zone, an American company specialising in virtual travel applications that present the world’s most important cultural heritage sites and monuments, Rome Reborn is one of five applications that present different areas of ancient Rome. This particular one transports users over the entire ancient city, focussing on the Pantheon, perhaps the best-preserved building from antiquity. In the company of two virtual guides, you’ll get to explore the exterior forecourt and interior sanctuary of the reconstructed complex as you listen and learn about the Pantheon’s design and decoration, as well as the nature of the religious cult once housed within it.

PRICE £3.99 HEADSETS Currently only available on Oculus Rift

(Photo: Flyover Zone Productions)

Monte Fitzroy is Argentina’s most famous mountain landmark and is even used as the logo for outdoor retailer, Patagonia. It is a place that immediately evokes a sense of adventure. At the foot of the mountain is a beautiful and remote glacial lake known as Laguna Sucia. Most people who visit Monte Fitzroy view it from a location that is much easier to access. Laguna Sucia requires a much tougher hard-to-access trail that culminates in one of the most beautiful and remote glacial lakes in existence. You are rewarded with a sense of almost meditative stillness as you approach this untouched natural amphitheatre. This VR experience utilises Pterovision, a 3D technology that integrates computational photography, 360 Video, and gaming and allows you to take off like a bird, fly around the lake, visit the waterfalls along the edge, and fly over glacial formations beneath the mountain peaks. Numerous narrations will tell you about the challenges we faced when filming in this location, as well as educate you about the geology, culture, and history.

PRICE $2.99 HEADSETS Currently only available on Oculus Rift 

(Photo: Specterras Productions)

Gala360 – Travel & Relax

Taking you on awe-inspiring virtual adventures across the globe, Gala360 is the result of the magic touch of an array of exceptionally talented photographers who have captured their globe-trotting trips in all their glory before being rendered into VR form. In professional 6K resolution, more than 300 tours around the world are featured, with some also including narration which allows you to listen to the stories behind the trips. Most of the tours are free, but you can pay a small fee to unlock more.

PRICE Free HEADSETS Currently only available on Oculus Go (soon available on Quest 2)

(Photo: Gala 360)

Latest Articles

• The best Coworking Spaces in Arlington April 24, 2024
• 5 Authentic Sushi Making Classes in Tokyo April 24, 2024
• 3 of the Best Dinner & Jazz Cruises in Prague April 24, 2024
• A Comparison of Brooklyn Bridge Walking Tours April 23, 2024
• 5 of the Best London to Rome Tours April 23, 2024

• Travel Inspiration

17 Immersive VR Travel Experiences That Let You See the Sights and Save on Airfare

From the top of mount everest to the bottom of the great barrier reef..

Updated on 1/30/2024 at 1:40 PM

Winter is in full swing, and the idea of leaving the comfort of our well-heated homes—let alone embarking on an adventure—might not seem so appealing at the moment. But as the mercury continues to dip, wanderlust remains high. We still long to go to the zoo, or browse a museum . We miss the smell of jet fuel as much as an island breeze . And while those things might not be in the cards, virtual travel can at least fill that void until it’s warm enough to resume globetrotting.

To help you beat those January blues, we scoured the internet for the best armchair travel experiences, from VR tours of haunted locales and digital days at the beach to voyages into World Heritage Sites and subterranean caverns .

Dive deep into a new world

If you’re not quite ready to commit to the whole underwater tourism thing, test the waters with a digital diving tour. Explore the Great Barrier Reef or the Palmyra Coral Coral Garden . Swim with sharks without the danger of peeing your wetsuit. Dive into a centuries-old shipwreck and convince yourself you didn't see the ghost of an ancient mariner in the background. Then maybe get scuba-certified .

Get a stranger’s-eye-view of the world (at random)

Remember Chat Roulette? This is like that, but with 99.99% less unsolicited nudity and way more scenic views. Click into Window Swap and you’ll be transported to a stranger’s windowsill for up to 10 minutes. Bored of somebody’s panoramic view of London ? Click a button and you’ll be warp-zoned somewhere else. In the last five minutes alone, we’ve been transported from a Singaporean sunrise and the busy streets of Egypt to a Slovakian goat farm and rain-soaked Shanghai highrise. Does this have serious Rear Window potential? Absolutely. But are there cats to spot? Yes. So it’s worth the risk.

Visit somewhere cold without wearing a coat

One way to seriously counteract the bone-chilling effects of winter is to put yourself somewhere much colder. Game the system with a 360-degree tour of Antarctica’s ice caves with legendary explorer Sam Baugey. Or venture up to the North Pole, where you can take an interactive trip above and below the ice with Poseidon Adventures . If you prefer your frozen experiences more whimsical, you can also catch a live cam of Bergen, Norway , which inspired the town of Frozen and is also very, very cold.

Skip the lines at your favorite amusement park

Citizens of The YOLO State may have their run of Disney World and Universal Studios , but the majority of the country is going through theme park withdrawal. Those longing for OG's Disneyland’s wholesome/terrifying thrills (lookin’ at you, Mr. Toad's Wild DUI Simulator ) can still get them in VR form . In fact, amusement park enthusiasts are in luck: There are virtual rides on some of the best roller coasters in the world, plus tours of in-demand parks like  Legoland and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter .

Take a virtual trip across Japan

This 360-degree VR movie from the Japan National Tourism Organization is here to tide anyone who wishes to visit the country over with glimpses of everything from bamboo forests to sushi making. Meanwhile, this live feed of Shibuya Crossing , Tokyo's popular “scramble crossing," provides a look at the relative normalcy of Japan at any given minute. Want to get out of Tokyo to look around? You don't have access to the bullet train , but you can tune into a live feed of a Tokyo's railways , then pretend you were transported to Kyoto for a  virtual tour of its ancient shrines and geisha district  or to this  natural mountain hot spring full of snow monkeys . Not a bad deal.

Explore the coasts of Northern Ireland

Step onto the land of giants without worrying about spilling your Bushmills. Giant’s Causeway is full of basalt columns, history, and ancient mythology, making it the perfect place to get (virtually) lost for a few hours. The rugged landscape was formed around 60 million years ago due to slow-cooling lava. Immerse yourself in this world of wonder by starting your virtual tour at the Giant’s Port , then make your way to the hexagonal coast of the Grand Causeway .

Hike the Great Wall of China

Walking along the Great Wall has been at the top of many "vacation goals" lists for centuries before hashtags were invented. Now, you can take a virtual hike in lieu of actually exerting physical effort. This virtual tour spans 6.5 miles between Jinshanling and Simatai, a stretch known for having some of the most quintessential views in China. And there's lots of handy educational material to accompany the sights, too.

Explore Chile's natural splendor

Download Chile 360 , a free app that will help you virtually explore wonders from the Torres del Paine to the Atacama Desert to Easter Island . The National Historic Museum of Chile is offering virtual tours , too. And in very excellent news, you can enjoy the European Southern Observatory’s  virtual tour of the famed astronomical observatory in Santiago. If you happen to have a VR headset, there’s a whole other world open to you there, but those of us doing this from our cell phones should jump to this link and choose from the VR options that follow—for soothing views of the brightly colored galaxy above, start with La Silla .

Drop into some of the world’s most celebrated art museums

Check out these Google Arts & Culture tours of museums like the Van Gogh Museum , the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery , and the Louvre . Finally, a chance to see the Mona Lisa up close and personal without getting bumped around by throngs of fellow tourists. Each tour is a little different—try using Google Street View to explore France's ornate  Musée des Beaux-arts  or soak up the unseasonably leafy vibes at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston.

Dive deep into the world's most mysterious caverns

There are so many attractions and sights to see around the world above ground, but a trip underground can be just as rewarding. And as a bonus, now you can do it without fear of being mauled by bats. Explore ancient caves like the Luray Caverns and Chauvet Cave , which has Daisy Ridley as your tour guide. May the Force be with you.

See Mount Everest from a sky-high helicopter

Getting within spitting distance with the world's tallest mountain generally involves a lifetime of training—and that's before you factor in getting there. This tour, courtesy of Discovery, lets you ride along as  helicopter rescue pilots navigate through Mount Everest , making for the most low-stakes way to take the dangerous trek imaginable.

Hit the slopes in Canada

Lean into ski season without investing all that equipment by taking a trip down the powdery slopes of Lake Louise Ski Resort in Alberta, Canada from the comfort of your pajamas. Travel Alberta offers a 360-degree tour featuring breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and soaring pine trees. Make sure you stream in 4K for the best quality, and feel free to watch next to an open freezer for maximum effect.

Get a close-up view of Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is one of the most visited natural wonders in North America, but usually getting close to it involves wading through a sea of tourists wearing garbage-bag ponchos… and that's after you've traversed the tourist trap-laden streets leading up to the thundering waterfall. A digital experience means skipping the crowds and guaranteeing the best views, whether you’re gazing at them from a cruise ship , or while virtually ziplining alongside the American and Canadian Horseshoe Falls .

Introduce yourself to Mount Rushmore

If your deepest desire is to climb Mount Rushmore without the fear of coming into contact with Smash Mouth fans, today’s your lucky day, you very specific person. CyArk partnered with the National Park Service to give you the opportunity to admire it in all its glory through this virtual tour . After getting acquainted with the details of former presidents' faces, mosey on down to the Presidential Trail and get your virtual leg day on, or continue on to a virtual tour of the Badlands and make it a virtual SoDak road trip.

Embark on a safari through South Africa's Kruger National Park

Offering a rare chance to get close to lions, and tigers, and bears without those pesky mosquito nets or Netflix documentary crews elbowing you out of the way to get the perfect shot, this experience brings a full-blown safari into your home. Kruger National Park is one of Africa’s largest animal reserves and now you can cruise through it observing rhinos, giraffes, and antelopes without even booking a flight.

Take the scenic route through Switzerland

A brief scroll through any travel influencer's Instagram account is more than likely to shore up at least one photo of Switzerland's striking mountain ranges and distinct architecture. And you can play along with this virtual Grand Train tour of Switzerland , which is so realistic that you may even be able to feel the crisp alpine air through your screen.

Splash around with aquatic animals

There’s something so calming about watching animals casually mind their business and interact with each other. If you need to forget that you’re a human for a little while, many aquariums have livestreams and pre-recorded streams available. Monterey Bay Aquarium in California currently offers live cams of critters like turtles, sharks, and penguins, while the Seattle Aquarium has you covered with their sea otter cams . The National Aquarium in Baltimore  also offers live streams of exhibits featuring sea creatures like jellyfish and stingrays. 

Want more Thrillist? Follow us on Instagram , TikTok , Twitter , Facebook , Pinterest , and YouTube .

The 12 Best Free Virtual Travel Experiences Worth Checking Out

Don't have the means to travel the world? You can still visit stunning locations via virtual travel. Here are some of our favorites!

Do you want to travel, but circumstances are preventing you from doing so? Thankfully, the internet enables you to visit multiple destinations around the world in real time. No plane tickets, visas, or long flights necessary!

If you have a laptop, a smartphone, or a VR device and a reliable Wi-Fi connection, you are all set to take these virtual tours for free.

1. African Safari

WildEarth relies on safari vehicles, guides on foot, drones, balloons, rovers and remote cams to capture some of Africa's most iconic animals in their own habitats. You can interact with an expert game ranger hosting the safari while you watch.

Related: Outdoor Virtual Tours to Get Back to Nature With Hikes, Dives, and Spelunking

2. The White House

At 55,000 square feet, the White House has 6 floors, 132 rooms (16 are family guest rooms), 35 bathrooms, 28 fireplaces, eight staircases, three elevators, 412 doors and 147 windows.

Thanks to Google Arts and Culture, you can enjoy a walk through the most famous residence in the US without having to worry about the Secret Service.

Related: Virtual Field Trips That Make History Come Alive

3. Discover India

You can visit the Taj Mahal and other iconic Indian sites via the official Indian government's immersive Audio Odigos app.

Once the app is downloaded Audio Odigos does not require Wi-Fi or an Internet connection. You can choose a destination and download all the chapters of the destination you are visiting in one go and enjoy your tour offline.

Download: Audio Odigos for Android | iOS (Free)

4. Sydney Opera House

The Sydney Opera House offers exclusive live streams of their performances, inclusive of original new digital programming direct from Sydney Opera House. It's free when you sign up.

5. Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)

The Northern Lights most commonly appear between 5:00 pm and 2:00 am.

A good display may last for no longer than 15-30 minutes at a time, although if you're really lucky, they could last for a few hours. Norway's lights over Lapland project enables you to experience the Northern Lights via VR.

6. The Grand Canyon

The most popular hiking trail into the Grand Canyon is the Bright Angel Trail. Google's Street View Trek enables you to virtually hike it.

7. Paris Catacombs

Beneath the City of Paris is a 200 mile series of macabre tunnels containing the bones of 6 million people. As photographer Felix Nadar put it, the catacombs are one of those places "everyone wants to see and no one wants to see again". You can see the catacombs for yourself with this virtual tour.

Related: The Best Virtual Tours of the Human Body for Interactive Anatomy

8. Christ the Redeemer Statue

Located at the peak of the 700-metre (2,300 ft) Corcovado mountain in the Tijuca Forest National Park, overlooking the city of Rio de Janeiro, the Christ the Redeemer statue is the largest art deco statue in the world. You can skip the 200-step climb to the top via this stunning virtual tour set to soothing jazz by Kenny G.

9. Roman Colosseum

Fans of the Gladiator movie will no doubt recall the legendary fight scenes in the colosseum.

In real life, the colosseum was used as an entertainment venue for 390 years. During that time more than 400,000 people and 1 million animals died inside the Colosseum. You can virtually visit the real colosseum on AirPano.

10. Brooks Falls, Alaska

EXPLORE is the largest live nature cam network on the planet.

If you are a fan of bears, the livestream of Brooks Falls in Alaska's Katmai National Park is the best place in the world to watch brown bears feasting on salmon as they swim upstream to spawn. EXPLORE offers a multicam experience of various virtual tours both on land and under the sea.

11. New York Times Square

Would you like to visit Times Square in New York right this very moment? EarthCam takes you on an aerial and street-level tour of the square, complete with audio.

12. Marine Life Virtual Dive

America's National Marine Sanctuary System is a network of underwater parks encompassing more than 600,000 square miles of marine and Great Lakes waters, and now you can visit these amazing places in the blink of an eye through virtual reality.

If you're on a desktop, click and drag to experience in 360 degrees, or pair your phone with your virtual reality headset. For the best viewing experience, watch the video in high-definition: click the gear symbol in the lower right corner, then select any of the HD options that pop up when you click "Quality."

Related: Google Earth Tour Guide: Virtual Tours You'll Want to Check Out

Hot Tip: Amazon Explore

Amazon Explore enables you to virtually tour the world's cities and experience local culture with the help, or rather the company, of local guides or hosts.

Amazon Explore experiences are not free. However, if you’re an Amazon Prime member, your first experience of up to $50 is free with the promo code FREEFUN for a limited time.

How to get a free Amazon Explore experience:

• Visit Amazon Explore .
• Select and schedule an experience that is $50 or less. Use the code FREEFUN at checkout. This will reduce your cost to zero.
• Meet Your Host: When it’s time for your livestreamed session, show up at your computer and meet up with your host.
• Explore: The session is private and just for you, so ask questions, take pictures, and focus on what interests you the most.

Virtual Travel Is Here to Stay

For travelers who have various physical impairments—mobile, visual, auditory—virtual tours are a great way to visit destinations that were once off limits. Needless to say, those with financial limitations are equally empowered to visit places they otherwise could not afford.

If you are worried about global warming, traveling via internet is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and avoid flight shaming while seeing the world.

And of course there are the time savings. You may not have the time to see the world in your lifetime. With virtual travel, you can visit a new continent every day.

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes

Airbnb Just Launched Online Experiences — Including Virtual Hangouts With Goats and Cooking Classes (Video)

These virtual experiences are perfect for the whole family — especially kids.

Since its launch in 2016, Airbnb Experiences have become a beloved part of our travel journeys. It’s taken us all to new places to try new foods, learn new skills, make new friends, and see the world in a whole new way. Though the spread of the Coronavirus has brought our in-person adventures to a halt, Airbnb is still committed to helping everyone explore the world. That’s why it’s now offering many of those same — and brand new — experiences online.

On Thursday, Airbnb launched Online Experiences, a “new way for people to connect, travel virtually, and earn income during the COVID-19 crisis,” the company explained. “With communities around the world staying home to protect their own health and the health of others, people can’t pursue routine activities like going to work, exercising or pursuing a passion.”

So Airbnb worked with hosts around the world to find a solution. “One of the most consistent requests [from hosts] was to be able to continue hosting online,” Catherine Powell, Head of Airbnb experiences told Travel + Leisure . “So we dedicated a team to work around the clock to help ensure that they could transfer the magic of their real world Experience to the digital world.”

That magic includes online experiences like meditation with Buddhist monks , virtual visits with the dogs of Chernobyl , cooking with a Moroccan family , and even spending time with a few goats in the Catskills .

That last one — the goats — was a virtual experience we got to try out for ourselves before the official launch. It included plenty of up-close shots with the adorable creatures, lots of new facts about the animals (did you know goats have a 312-degree field of vision) as well as a question and answer time with their owner, Meagan. In all, the experience lasted about an hour, cost just $10, and would make for an excellent afternoon (and educational) activity for kids, or those curious about the creatures.

“It’s so important for us to preserve the human connection that is at the core of Airbnb Experiences, and guests can continue to expect this connection with our new offering, globally and virtually,” Powell told T+L .

Want more? How about learning the secrets of magi , making coffee with a professional coffee taster , or even bartending with experts ? Want to use this time to get in shape? Log on for a HIIT workout , learn about nutrition with a Bobsledder , or go on a virtual bike tour while riding your spin bike.

The best part is that while you and your family get a meaningful experience, you’re also helping provide an income to people who have lost much of theirs as we practice self-isolation. “In a time where so many people are being impacted financially, we wanted to do our part to provide an opportunity for our hosts to continue to earn some money while they are sheltering at home to stay safe,” said Powell.

Airbnb is also taking the extra step to help some of our most vulnerable find human connection in these uncertain times using virtual experiences. “Millions of elderly people are isolated and are at greater risk to their health due to the current crisis. We’ve partnered with local organizations around the world — like SAGE in the United States, Associazione Nazionale Alpini - Sezione di Milan in Italy, and Amigos de los Mayores in Spain — to provide Online Experiences to their communities for free so they are able to find human connection, and maybe even learn a new skill,” said Powell.

Bookings are available for more than 50 virtual Airbnb Experiences right now on Airbnb , with thousands more expected to come online in the coming months. All online Experiences will be hosted on Zoom. Airbnb will be providing Hosts access to Zoom for free along with personalized support services for curating, capturing, and sharing their online Experience. Check out all the classes now and sign up to learn a new skill or two (or three, or four).

• How to Use Copilot In Word
• Traveling? Get These Gadgets!

7 Great Virtual Reality Travel Experiences

Try VR travel to fulfill your bucket list without leaving the couch

• Auburn University

• Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
• Electric Vehicles
• Working From Home
• Headphones & Ear Buds
• Smart Watches & Wearables
• Travel Tech
• Connected Car Tech
• iPods & MP3 Players

Who says you can't see the world if you stay home? Virtual reality (VR) tourism experiences let you see places all over the world without ever leaving your couch. These aren't games; they're experiences, so the pace may be slower than you expect, but they are worth your patience. Here are some of the best VR tourist destinations to help you decide on your next virtual adventure.

Make sure your computer is beefy enough to handle the demands of virtual reality technology.

The Grand Canyon VR Experience

Very relaxing experience.

Excellent visual and sound quality.

Impressive attention to detail.

Predefined with little control.

Requires powerful hardware.

Short experience.

In The Grand Canyon VR Experience ($2.99 by Immersive Entertainment), you sit in a virtual motorized kayak ride through the Grand Canyon. Tailor the tour to your preferences by selecting either a sunlit or moonlit experience and controlling the ride's speed.

While you cruise along, you'll enjoy the sights and sounds of procedurally generated, artificially intelligent wildlife. Attract and feed the virtual fish as you navigate the waterways.

The ride is on rails, so you can't steer the kayak. However, you can stop at various points and enjoy the scenery by using the throttle speed controls of your motorized kayak or by exiting at scenic rest stops.

The tour is short, and there's no historical background information for history buffs. Still, it is a fun ride perfect for someone new to VR.

This tour requires one of the following virtual reality headsets: HTC Vive, Oculus Rift , or Valve Index .

Explore amazing places.

Impressively detailed.

More locations are added to the library regularly.

Not updated recently.

Realities (free from Realities.io ) is a VR travel app that allows you to explore scanned and modeled real-world environments. The environments aren't just 360-degree photos; these locations were captured with specialized scanning equipment, allowing for immersive rendering in virtual reality.

The user interface is a giant globe you rotate with your VR controllers. Once you decide on the place you want to visit, tap the area on the virtual globe, and you are instantly whisked away to the exotic locale.

One interesting destination is a cell in the infamous Alcatraz prison. When you arrive, you're greeted by an unseen narrator, presumably a former prisoner in the cell next to you, who recalls their experiences. It's museum-like and an educational adventure worth having.

There are other destinations of varying size and complexity, and the experience is updated with new realities regularly.

This experience is compatible with the HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, Valve Index, and Windows Mixed Reality .

Titans of Space PLUS

Great soundtrack.

Detailed 3D visuals.

Impressive sense of scale.

Flying through space makes some users feel nauseated.

No improvements since late 2019.

Do you like planetariums? Have you always wished they were more realistic? If you've ever dreamed of riding in a spaceship and exploring the solar system and beyond, Titans of Space PLUS ($9.99 by DrashVR LLC) helps make this a reality—at least a virtual one).

The original Titans of Space was one of the first polished virtual reality experiences available; it created a lot of buzz about all the potential VR had to offer.

This app provides a theme park-style ride through the solar system and beyond, allowing you to control the pace of the experience. Factoids about the planets and moons are provided throughout your journey, as are distances and other measurements of interest.

The sense of scale of the planets and moons is truly awe-inspiring and gives a unique perspective only astronauts usually get to have.

This title runs in both standard and VR modes. It does not require a VR headset. It is compatible with HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, Valve Index, and Windows Mixed Reality.

Impressive rendering technology.

Auto-tunes for your GPU.

Stunning visuals.

Can feel slow.

Mostly narration with little hands-on time.

Everest VR ($9.99 from Sólfar Studios ) is an interactive Mount Everest VR tourism experience.

You'll experience Mount Everest in five iconic scenes. Prepare for your expedition at Basecamp, traverse the terrifying Khumbu Icefalls, spend the night at Camp 4, ascend the perilous Hillary Step, and finally conquer the summit of Everest.

After completing your first summit attempt, unlock God Mode to reach a unique vantage point of the Himalayas that's only possible in VR. Towering over the mountain range, this is a stunning VR diorama.

EVEREST VR is a must if you're into mountain climbing but don't like its possible death and frostbite aspects.

Requires one of the following virtual reality headsets: HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, or Valve Index.

The VR Museum of Fine Art

Lots of content.

Educational experience.

Hasn't been updated since its initial release.

No voice narration.

Only takes about 20 minutes to experience.

If you've ever wanted to peruse a museum at your own pace with no limits on how close you can get to the artwork, then The VR Museum of Fine Art (free from Finn Sinclair) is for you.

This free app holds amazing educational value with incredibly detailed scans of some of the world's most famous paintings and sculptures. Look at the brushstrokes of Monet's Water Lilies or take a 360-degree tour of Michelangelo's David. This is an art lover's delight.  

The experience makes you feel as if you're visiting a museum, complete with a pamphlet map to help you navigate your way around the exhibits.

Great VR experience.

Incredibly realistic.

Contains three episodes.

theBlu ($9.99 from Wevr INC .) is a collection of virtual reality-based underwater experiences that make you feel as if you're literally in the tank of a huge aquarium exhibit.

Stand on the deck of a sunken ship while a gargantuan whale swims by and looks you straight in the eye or swim in a sea of bioluminescent jellyfish. There's no need for expensive scuba equipment or diving classes, or even to leave your living room, for that matter.

The level of detail in this app is amazing, and the sense of scale (especially during the whale encounter in the first episode) is jaw-dropping.

Compatible with HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, Valve Index, and Windows Mixed Reality.

Google Earth VR

Amazing street view VR.

Travel the world virtually.

Impressive, vast experience.

Can be slow to load.

Lacks a search feature.

May cause motion sickness.

When Google Earth was released many years ago, everyone marveled at the novelty of finding and viewing their house from satellite imagery. Now, Google Earth VR (free from Google) lets you see your house from space and virtually fly to it and stand in your front yard or on your rooftop.

Change the sun's position, scale objects to any size you like, and fly around the world. The detail levels depend on what you're trying to view. For example, tourist destinations are likely to have more detailed geospatial imagery than rural areas. There is so much to see, and Google offers virtual tours to help you get started.

Google has even added several comfort features to prevent virtual travel sickness in this must-see virtual reality app.

Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day

• The 8 Best Free VR Games of 2024
• The 15 Best Minecraft Mods
• The 10 Best Scary Virtual Reality Games
• The Best VR Apps for the iPhone in 2024
• The 19 Best Free Virtual Field Trips of 2024
• The 9 Best VR Workout Games
• The 10 Best VR Puzzle and Escape Room Games
• The 10 Best Virtual Reality Games For Kids
• 5 Things to Consider Before Buying a VR Headset
• What Is Mixed Reality?
• How to Check If Your PC Is VR Ready
• The 6 Best Virtual Reality Movies to Watch (2024)
• What Is an Immersive Experience?
• Everything You Need to Know About Virtual Reality on iPhone
• Valve Index Review
• How to Avoid Virtual Reality Sickness

Discover story-worthy travel moments

Where to next.

Best in travel 2024

Travel stories and news, explore our latest stories.

Apr 24, 2024 • 5 min read

Thailand is now in the weed game but it's not all green: an expert's guide to the new cannabis rules.

Apr 24, 2024 • 10 min read

Apr 24, 2024 • 7 min read

Apr 24, 2024 • 9 min read

Apr 24, 2024 • 11 min read

Apr 23, 2024 • 9 min read

Apr 23, 2024 • 6 min read

Apr 23, 2024 • 8 min read

Apr 23, 2024 • 5 min read

Apr 23, 2024 • 7 min read

shop our books

Our guidebooks & travel books

Whether you’re interested in traveling to a new city, going on a cruise, or cooking a new dish — we’re committed to inspiring you to experience travel in a whole new way. Lonely Planet’s collection of 825+ travel and guidebooks is sure to inspire the traveler within.

#lonelyplanet

Follow lonely planet:.

World’s best hotels for 2024

Stay somewhere award-winning.

Top experiences on Tripadvisor

More to explore

Top destinations for your next vacation

Travelers' Choice Awards Best of the Best

Explore the World: 5 Must-Visit Travel Websites for Wanderlust Seekers

I n today's fast-paced world, taking a break from the daily grind and exploring new horizons is essential for both physical and mental well-being. Travel opens doors to new cultures, cuisines, and experiences, broadening our perspectives and enriching our lives. With abundant online information, planning and executing a memorable trip has become easier than ever. Here are five outstanding travel websites that will inspire and empower you to embark on your next adventure:

1. Work Hard Travel Well

For busy professionals who crave travel experiences but struggle to fit them into their hectic schedules, Work Hard Travel Well is a beacon of inspiration. Founded by Kim, a Black travel blogger and content creator, this website provides practical tips and strategies for maximizing PTO, planning incredible journeys, and extracting every ounce of value from travel experiences. Kim's expertise is helping individuals make the most of their limited vacation time, ensuring every trip is a rejuvenating and unforgettable experience.

Follow her on YouTube here

2. The Points Guy

Travel enthusiasts and frequent travelers alike will find The Points Guy to be an invaluable resource. Founded by Brian Kelly, a travel expert and authority in frequent flyer programs and credit card rewards, this website provides a comprehensive guide to maximizing travel rewards and earning free flights and hotel stays. Their website features in-depth reviews of airlines, hotels, and credit cards and strategies for accumulating and redeeming points for valuable travel experiences . Whether you're seeking luxurious getaways or budget-friendly adventures, The Points Guy has the expertise to help you maximize your travel rewards and stretch your travel dollars further.

3. Lonely Planet

For travelers seeking in-depth insights into various destinations worldwide, Lonely Planet is a trusted and respected resource. Renowned for its comprehensive travel guides and destination-specific information, this website offers a wealth of travel knowledge, including destination guides, city guides, regional guides, and travel tips , all tailored to diverse travel styles and interests. Whether you're planning a backpacking adventure through Southeast Asia or a cultural immersion in Europe , Lonely Planet provides the tools and resources to make your trip informative, engaging, and unforgettable.

4. Condé Nast Traveler

Discerning travelers seeking high-end travel options will find inspiration and guidance on Condé Nast Traveler. A leading publication in the travel industry, this website features a curated selection of travel destinations, hotels, restaurants, and experiences, catering to those who appreciate luxury and refinement. Condé Nast Traveler's expert editors provide in-depth reviews and recommendations, ensuring that travelers make informed decisions and enjoy the best the world offers. From opulent accommodations to exclusive dining experiences, Condé Nast Traveler showcases the pinnacle of travel, inspiring dreams of unforgettable getaways.

5. National Geographic Travel

With a rich history of storytelling and exploration, National Geographic Travel offers a unique perspective on travel, combining stunning photography, insightful articles, and immersive experiences. Their website features a vast collection of travel stories, destination guides, and interactive features that inspire wanderlust and encourage exploration. National Geographic Travel takes readers beyond the typical tourist hotspots , venturing into remote corners of the world, uncovering hidden gems, and shedding light on diverse cultures and traditions. Their website is a treasure trove of travel inspiration, igniting a passion for discovery and encouraging travelers to embrace the unknown.

These five travel websites cater to diverse travel interests and preferences, providing valuable resources for planning and executing memorable travel experiences. Whether you're seeking budget-friendly backpacking adventures or luxurious getaways, these websites offer inspiration, guidance, and practical tips to make your travel dreams a reality. So, pack your bags, grab your passport, and let these travel websites fuel your wanderlust and guide you on your next adventure.

More From My Money Chronicles

Things to Do in Chicago

Exploring the Five Biggest Cities in Alabama

The Straits Times

• International
• Print Edition
• news with benefits
• SPH Rewards
• STClassifieds
• Berita Harian
• Hardwarezone
• Shin Min Daily News
• Tamil Murasu
• The Business Times
• The New Paper
• Lianhe Zaobao
• Advertise with us

BRANDED CONTENT

Unique branding ideas and ai-boosted interface: how travel app courts asian travellers, trip.com takes things a level up as it upgrades its user experience and engages travellers with strategic marketing at airports, on tv shows and with special sales events.

From securing flights and tours to reserving accommodation, this one-stop travel booking platform makes travel planning easy. 

After all, online travel agency (OTA) Trip.com has an extensive hotel and flight network comprising over 1.1 million hotels and flights from over 510 airlines, covering 3,400 airports in 220 countries and regions. 

Travellers can access its services on the desktop , the mobile web or via the dedicated app, which is among top 10 most downloaded OTA apps on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store globally in 2022. Recently, it became the only travel app to be included in the “Singapore’s favourites” list on the App Store. 

Despite a strong global presence, Trip.com intends to further strengthen its reach in Asia. To that end, it has embarked on recent “airport takeover” campaigns in Singapore and Thailand. 

While strolling through Changi Airport or Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, you would probably have noticed Trip.com’s striking presence, in the form of ads bearing its signature blue-and-white logo. 

The luggage trolley stickers in Changi as well as the jet bridges and advertising light boxes in Suvarnabhumi have left a deep impression among travellers, who are rediscovering the joys of exploration, post-pandemic.

In 2023, the travel industry witnessed a strong recovery. In Singapore alone, travellers made almost 9.4 million trips abroad , compared to just over five million in 2022, according to the Department of Statistics. 

On the flip side, the country welcomed 13.6 million visitors, which is about two-thirds of 2019 figures .   

That is why Trip.com is striving to reignite the passion for travel and inject vitality back into the global tourism ecosystem. 

Besides out-of-home campaigns such as the “airport takeover” of Changi and Suvarnabhumi, which increases awareness, Trip.com has also engaged in strategic partnerships to boost its presence across the region.

Last month, it leveraged the popularity of Thai reality competition programme Chuang Asia: Thailand to design themed rooms in three Bangkok hotels. 

The idol survivor series features Hong Kong artiste Jackson Wang as the lead mentor as well as other Thai celebrities. 

Guests, who booked a themed room in Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok; Holiday Inn Bangkok Sukhumvit; and The Salil Hotel Riverside – Bangkok, immersed themselves in a space filled with Chuang Asia souvenirs and memorabilia, including autographed posters of the show's mentors.   

They could also win giveaways such as participant-signed suitcases by taking part in Trip.com’s social media activities. 

Such initiatives build on earlier exercises – the sponsorship of TV shows such as Korean reality programme Unexpected Business and Hong Kong travelogue Lokyi in the Wild. 

For Trip.com, tying up with Asian lifestyle shows has been instrumental in amplifying the company’s reach in the region, given that Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea and Japan are among its top 10 markets.

Flash sales, loyalty programmes and curated travel experiences are other means that the group has introduced to inspire wanderlust. 

For example, the popular Double Day sale, which typically takes place on alternate months, across Trip.com’s global sites offered customers discounts and deals on airfares, accommodation and travel packages. 

Through this, consumers get to enjoy savings and unique travel experiences at the same time. 

To help boost the economy of lesser-known destinations and for travellers to uncover hidden gems in popular locales, the firm launched its SuperTrip campaign. This involved curating unique experiences and highlighting the charms of each location. 

Super Brand Day, another initiative, showcased Trip.com’s most valued partners to increase their brand awareness. 

Trip.com leading the app design pack

With travellers making their entire travel plans on their mobile phones, Trip.com was very mindful of designing an easy-to-navigate, user-centric app. 

It wanted the app to be a one-stop travel platform where users can plan every aspect of their trips, from flights and accommodation to tours and attractions and airport transfers, and also purchase related products and services.

The company has also invested heavily in artificial intelligence (AI) and other cutting-edge technologies to stay ahead of the curve. 

From personalised recommendations to intuitive search algorithms, AI has helped to deliver tailored experiences and streamline the travel planning process, ensuring maximum convenience and satisfaction for users.

In 2023, the company introduced its AI travel assistant, TripGenie, to help customers plan itineraries and recommend bookings. AI-enabled lists now provide real-time updates on travel trends, prices and top-ranked hotels, flights and attractions. 

Also, inspired by the possibilities of Apple’s Vision Pro mixed-reality headset, Trip.com recently unveiled the Trip.Vision app. This innovative feature, which is currently only available in the US, allows users to virtually explore exotic destinations from Mount Everest, the Maldives to Antarctica and the Sahara Desert – even before they have packed their bags. 

Ms Jane Sun, chief executive officer of parent company Trip.com Group, said in a previous interview that it sees itself “not just as a travel company, but also as a technology company”. 

One aspect of this vision is the integration of technology such as AI in some of its workflows, including customer service, to increase efficiency. This has freed up Trip.com’s customer service staff to focus on more complex requests, reinforcing its commitment to customer satisfaction.

While Trip.com has succeeded in strengthening its position in Asia and will continue to do so looking forward, it plans to continue growing beyond the region as well. 

“ We aim to strengthen our existing collaborations with our global partners. We are also looking to establish new relationships with partners from around the world whom we have not worked with yet as we grow and deepen our global footprint,” says Ms Sun. 

“As an organisation, we are forward-looking – we believe that vision runs throughout the entire company, so we are always looking ahead to see what’s next and to prepare for whatever the future holds.”

To plan for your next vacation, visit the Trip.com website or download the app here . 

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.

• Branded content

Read 3 articles and stand to win rewards

Spin the wheel now

Shippensburg University

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Print Edition

Vendors travel to Shippensburg Fairgrounds for chainsaw festival

The fourth annual Central PA Chainsaw Carvers Festival took place at the Shippensburg Fairgrounds last week.

The event, hosted by the Shippensburg Area Chamber of Commerce, featured vendors, food, music and wood carvings made by artists both local and international.

One such commuting artist was Jonny Stableford, who sells by the moniker Jonny Chainsaw. He made the trip to the festival this year from Falkirk, Scotland. This was his second venture to the U.S. for carving this year, he says.

Stableford says that he was last in the country back in January, when he traveled to the World Ice Carvings Championship in Fairbanks, Alaska.

Stableford says that he has been making wood and ice sculptures for over a decade, but that he has been working with the primary tool of his trade, a chainsaw, for 25 years.  

The 41-year-old Stableford says he avoided injuries while performing his craft but says that the work often wears on the body.

“Like most people, my back is tender, my elbows are sore. My head is full of sawdust,” Stableford said. “But other than that, I’m fine. I’m fitting well.”

He will also attend the Chainsaw Carvers Rendezvous, which takes place this week in Ridgway, Pennsylvania. The event is informally known as “The Ridgway” among the carvers at the fairgrounds.

Not everyone who was at the festival was subject to the whims of the auction, though. Some carvers had stalls set up where entire collections of their work were for sale. One of those stalls was Hartley Hartwoods, the namesake business of Daniel Hartley. 

Before going into the wood business, Hartley says that he owned a company that performed disaster relief on behalf of the FEMA. According to Hartley, his company would rehab areas after they were struck by storms and had suffered tree damage. While storm-stricken trees were not Hartley’s introduction to lumber, they may have inspired his craft.

“I’ve worked with wood my whole life,” Hartley says. “My dad was a cabinetmaker, built houses … so I just cut trees for 30 years, and just felt like it was something I wanted to try doing.”

He decided to give it a try 11 years ago, he said. Since then, he says that he has turned it into his full-time job. 

His table filled with sculptures of woodland animals shows off his style, but he says his long-time girlfriend makes the requests.

“She tells me what she wants a lot of time, but I focus on eagles, cardinals, bears and owls,” Hartley says. “That’s what I sell the most of, and that’s what I focus on. I just try and put different poses and expressions on each one.”

Hartley’s offerings join many other stalls where carvers displayed their wares. Offerings run the gamut of small animal statues, ranging from $50 to $100, to life-sized sculptures of a skeletal gunfighter and C-3P0 of “Star Wars” fame that sell for $500 and $800. 

Other large sculptures are sold to bidders at the fairground and online during the auction. One of the highest winning bids came late in the auction when an ostrich sculpture at 10 feet tall sold for $1,350.

It was not all statues, however. One stall, managed by Ron and Mark Wadel, a father-son team, found a way to turn ordinary wood into both apparel and furniture.

That store is Ron’s Wood Hats, a business that puts a wooden spin on the famous 10-gallon cowboy hat. 

“You can wear it, or you can use it as a lampshade,” Mark said. “You put an LED bulb up underneath it, and the light shines through them. It just gives an ambiance to it.”

The typical process for turning wood into a hat takes a couple of days. Each hat starts out as half of a log, the Wadel’s say. The process of getting the wood ready takes 1-2 hours.

From there, the wood is taken to a lathe,  a machine that can spin and shave wood.

“Once it gets on a lathe,” Mark says, it can take “anywhere from three-to-six hours on the lathe. And it has to be done that day, or the wood will dry out and not be any good.”

The process does not end there. After leaving the lathe, it enters a clamp and dries in it, which creates a curl. This portion lasts about one day.

After that, it is another three to six hours of sanding and applying a finish to the hats..

While they can be customized for size., the stock versions sold at the fairgrounds use a one-size-fits-all model. If someone needed smaller, they sell spacer padding that sticks to the inside.

While Mark sometimes mans the store, his father, Ron, makes the hats. 

Ron says they learned to make the hats from a man at a trade show in Baltimore and started selling them at fairs and festivals five years ago. It is the only place to find them without calling in a custom order, Ron said. 

“I don’t do any online,” Ron said as he watched the end of the auction. 

Related Stories

SGA approves activity fee increase at public meeting

By Connor Niszczak

SGA Corner: Closing remarks

By Harun Pacavar

Your World Today Commentary: April showers and maybe flowers

By Elizabeth Peters

The Slate welcomes thoughtful discussion on all of our stories, but please keep comments civil and on-topic. Read our full guidelines here .

Most Popular

4/17/2024, 11:20pm

Netflix's '3 Body Problem' has problems

4/10/2024, 3:18pm

Multiple campus buildings vandalized

4/2/2024, 12:04pm

In response to the Letter to the Editor

4/9/2024, 12:05pm

I don’t just “have autism;” I am autistic’

• Weird But True
• Sex & Relationships
• Viral Trends
• Human Interest
• Fashion & Beauty
• Food & Drink

trending now in Lifestyle

8 bad habits that you need to break -- unless you want to age...

Top 25 US beaches revealed — 2 surprising NYC spots made the...

Global chocolate supply under 'real threat' from rapidly...

I'm the 'Girthmasterr' — my massive penis earns me $80K a month...

Masturbation can lower prostate cancer risk: expert

Dear Abby: I am attracted to my husband's married friend -- I'm...

Seeing a demon in your room when you wake up is more common than...

I'm a fitness coach — here are the 3 foods I eat every day

These are the best places to stay in the world for 2024, according to tripadvisor.

• View Author Archive
• Get author RSS feed

Thanks for contacting us. We've received your submission.

Choosing your next vacation isn’t just about where you visit, but where you stay.

To help travelers book the vacation possible, Tripadvisor , one of the biggest online travel agencies, revealed its  2024 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards  — including the list of the world’s best hotels .

The list ranks destinations that received a high volume of above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from the Tripadvisor community over the past year — out of 8 million listings, fewer than 1% achieved the milestone.

New York City is still one of the top tourist destinations in the world, so it’s no shock that three of the top stays in the US are right here in Manhattan: The Luma Hotel in Times Square, The Bryant Park Hotel and Casablanca Hotel by Library Hotel Collection, also in Times Square.

But although many people agree NYC is the greatest city in the world, none of its hotels made the list for the best stays on a global scale.

The top hotel in the world is the Hotel Colline de France in Brazil, according to Tripadvisor.

The luxurious stay was highly rated for its “sophistication and comfort” shown through its glamorous rooms and luscious spa.

The live piano music played at breakfast and complimentary sparkling wine were also nice touches.

“The hotel’s sensational design and warm atmosphere make it a unique choice for an elegant, yet cozy, getaway,” Tripadvisor said.

Best hotels in the world

• Hotel Colline de France, Brazil
• OBLU SELECT Lobigili, Maldives
• La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa, Vietnam
• Adiwana Suweta, Indonesia
• Iberostar Grand Packard, Cuba
• Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa, Maldives
• La Siesta Classic Ma May, Vietnam
• Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya, Mexico
• Padma Resort Ubud, Indonesia
• Sofitel Mexico City Reforma, Mexico

The top hotel in the US is the Shore Hotel in Santa Monica, California, according to Tripadvisor.

The pet-friendly hotel stands out with its beautiful view of the ocean and eco-friendly but slick design — its proximity to the Santa Monica Pier also helps to attract guests.

Travelers also raved about the variety of food options, including the in-room breakfast options and the poolside bar.

“A stylish atmosphere and attention to detail ensure a fab stay for you and your furry friend,” Tripadvisor said.

Best in the US

• Shore Hotel, Santa Monica, California
• Luma Hotel Times Square, New York
• FivePine Lodge & Spa, Oregon
• The Bryant Park Hotel, New York
• Hotel Emma, San Antonia, Texas
• The Loutrel, South Carolina
• Lotte Hotel Seattle, Washington
• Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, Illinois
• Ironworks Hotel Indy, Indiana
• San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter on the River Walk, Texas
• The Lodge at Woodloch, Pennsylvania
• Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu, Autograph Collection, Hawaii
• Casablanca Hotel by Library Hotel Collection, New York

Share this article:

Advertisement

Themes List

• Block Themes
• Feature Filter
• Grid Layout
• Two Columns
• Three Columns
• Four Columns
• Left Sidebar
• Right Sidebar
• Wide Blocks
• Accessibility Ready
• Block Editor Patterns
• Block Editor Styles
• Custom Background
• Custom Colors
• Custom Header
• Custom Logo
• Custom Menu
• Editor Style
• Featured Image Header
• Featured Images
• Flexible Header
• Footer Widgets
• Front Page Posting
• Full Site Editing
• Full Width Template
• Microformats
• Post Formats
• RTL Language Support
• Sticky Post
• Style Variations
• Template Editing
• Theme Options
• Threaded Comments
• Translation Ready
• Entertainment
• Food & Drink
• Photography

Travel Aura

This is a child theme of Travelscape .

Version: 1.0.0

Last updated: April 18, 2024

Active Installations: 10+

PHP Version: 5.6 or higher

Theme Homepage

Introducing Travel Aura, your go-to solution for creating stunning tour and travel websites! Crafted especially for travel agencies, this free WordPress theme is your ticket to an unforgettable online presence. Powered by the renowned WP Travel Engine plugin, Travel Aura ensures seamless booking experiences for your visitors. With its sleek design and user-friendly features, Travel Aura is perfect for showcasing your travel packages in style. And here's the best part - it's mobile-friendly and responsive, guaranteeing an immersive experience across all devices. Say goodbye to tedious setup processes! Thanks to the one-click demo import feature, setting up your website is a breeze. Just a click and you'll have default content and layouts ready to go. And the customization options? Endless! Compatible with Elementor and Gutenberg, Travel Aura empowers you to personalize every aspect of your website with ease. Ready to embark on your digital journey? Dive into the world of Travel Aura and create a website that truly stands out! View theme demo here: https://preview.wptravelkit.com/travel-aura/

Got something to say? Need help?

Does this theme have major issues?

Translations

Translate Travel Aura

• Development Log

Browse the Code

• Subversion Repository
• Browse in Trac
• Trac Tickets

No themes found. Try a different search.