National Geographic Education Blog

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national geographic virtual field trips

Tag: virtualfieldtrip

national geographic virtual field trips

Next Virtual Field Trip Destination? Our Solar System and Beyond!

Explore outer space with this National Geographic Virtual Field Trip! Meet an astrophysicist searching the stars for distant planets, a nonprofit founder making space accessible to young people, and the co-creators of a new solar system graphic that appears in National Geographic magazine. Originally airing live on Wednesday, September 29 at 1 p.m. ET, this Virtual Field Trip is available now on YouTube. The Virtual … Continue reading Next Virtual Field Trip Destination? Our Solar System and Beyond!

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Revisit History in Our Virtual Field Trip

Our history is made up of stories, but there are stories from our past that have been silenced—sometimes for centuries. In order to fully understand our present, we must reckon with our past. The National Geographic Virtual Field Trip: Revisiting History focused on difficult but critical moments in history, specifically the systemic racism against Black communities in the United States. Originally airing on June 9, … Continue reading Revisit History in Our Virtual Field Trip

Your Ticket Awaits: Travel the World Virtually with National Geographic this Fall

This year has unexpectedly grounded us. We’ve canceled vacations, rescinded reservations, and instead become all too familiar with every little detail of our homes. National Geographic’s Explorers have been grounded as well, but they’ve continued to push boundaries — even from home. Our storytellers continue to document and share stories of their communities, reflecting on the concepts of identity, migration, and social justice. Educators are adapting curriculums to reach students outside of the classroom. Scientists have refocused their research and observations to their own backyards, rather than in the field. Despite their circumstances, our Explorers have remained committed to illuminating and protecting the wonder of our world. This fall, you’ll have the chance to hear directly from them about their groundbreaking work. We’re looking forward to the day we can travel again, but until then our virtual events season is your ticket to the world from the comfort of your home, no passport required.

On October 1 , we’ll embark on an expedition around the world with our 2020 Emerging Explorers — incredible changemakers who are transforming their fields. We’ll travel to Trinidad and Tobago to hear about the weird and wonderful animals that live in deep-sea habitats. Then we’ll head off to Ghana to learn about the social implications of artificial intelligence. We’ll continue on to the Democratic Republic of Congo where efforts are being made to protect Congolese biodiversity. We’ll join photographers on assignment in Chile and Nigeria, and take an intimate look at human and sociocultural issues and begin to question our assumptions about them. Our journey will also take us to Mexico City, where we’ll learn about rural and urban rainwater harvesting, to Nepal to hear how technology is being made accessible to all literacy levels, and back to the United States to learn how science exploration and outdoor field studies help prepare students for the modern workforce.

Next, we’ll visit Paradise, California, on November 10 with National Geographic Fellow and photographer Pete Muller. He’ll give us an in-depth look at the concept of solastalgia, which describes the emotional and existential distress caused by environmental change. He’ll discuss solastalgia through the lens of current events, including climate change, the coronavirus pandemic and the devastating fire that ripped through Paradise, California in 2018. He’ll share powerful photographs of the fire and its aftermath, as well as clips from Rebuilding Paradise , an inspiring documentary about the fire. The powerful film, directed by Ron Howard, will air commercial-free November 8 on the National Geographic Channel.

On November 22 , we’ll head to the American Prairie Reserve in northern Montana and to Iberá National Park in northeastern Argentina, where keystone species are being reintroduced in order to benefit the ecosystems and people who depend on them. Learn how conservationists are working to protect these threatened landscapes with a double feature of short films, Last Wild Places: American Prairie Reserve and Last Wild Places: Iberá National Park. Following the films, will be a discussion with the people behind the rebirth of these areas — including American Prairie Reserve CEO Alison Fox and Kris Tompkins, the co-founder and president of Tompkins Conservation — and the filmmakers who brought their incredible stories to life.

Finally, on December 3 we’ll travel to the Philippines to meet National Geographic Explorer and photographer Hannah Reyes Morales, who has documented how bedtime stories and children’s songs around the world reflect major global issues like conflict, migration, public health, and climate change. Her project, Living Lullabies, explores families’ nighttime rituals to illuminate critical issues facing women and children. Morales will share audio clips of lullabies from around the world, as well as stunning photographs of caregivers and their children during the intimate moments they share before drifting off to sleep.

Your fall itinerary is planned and all our virtual events are free — no need to pack your bags, plan for the weather, or request days off from work. Travel looks different this year, so we’re committed to bringing the world to you. The National Geographic Society invests in innovative and inspiring Explorers like those featured in this fall’s virtual events season. We are grateful for the generous support of our donors and supporters who help make this important work possible. Visit natgeo.org to learn more about our upcoming virtual events and how you can help make an impact on our planet.

The National Geographic Society is a global nonprofit organization that uses the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. Since 1888, National Geographic has pushed the boundaries of exploration, investing in bold people and transformative ideas, providing more than 15,000 grants for work across all seven continents, reaching 3 million students each year through education offerings, and engaging audiences around the globe through signature experiences, stories and content. To learn more, visit www.nationalgeographic.org or follow us on Instagram , LinkedIn, and Facebook .

Virtual Field Trips

Geography Videos

national geographic virtual field trips

The Amazon Rainforest

Introduce your students to the layers of the rainforest and the many animals who live there. Explore the adaptations that have evolved over time to make for a successful existence of life in the rainforest.

  Video length: 18:42 minutes.

national geographic virtual field trips

African Safari

Enjoy a trip through an African Safari park to see an incredible variety of wildlife. Take a first-row seat at the waterholes where the action is. You’ll see elephants, giraffes, warthogs, rhinos, zebras, lions, and so much more.

  Video length: 15:15 minutes.

national geographic virtual field trips

Who Lives On A Coral Reef?

Life on a coral reef is both bizarre and beautiful! Let’s get a first-hand look at the neverending roles of predator and prey. Introduce vocabulary such as adaptations, camouflage, symbiotic, and nocturnal. Lastly, students will be highly entertained by the remarkable array of animals that call a coral reef home.

Video length: 15:55 minutes.

national geographic virtual field trips

Sahara Desert

Welcome to the Sahara Desert –  the largest hot desert in the world!  We cover the climate and landforms of the Sahara and then move on to meeting the many insects, birds, reptiles, and mammals that live in these harsh conditions. Find out about the many adaptations that allow plant and animal life to survive and thrive here, along with the people who have called the Sahara home for many millennia.

Video length: 31:30 minutes.

Parliament Buildings in Ottawa, Canada

Canada: Our Northern Neighbor

Learn about our northern neighbor as we go back in time to see how Canada came into being. Next, we’ll explore their style of government and compare it to the U.S. We’ll see what drives their economy, how they celebrate, and which sports they like.  Lastly, we’ll see the symbols that help define Canada, have a look at cultural influences, and test our pop culture knowledge with famous Canadians.

Video length: 36:00 minutes.

national geographic virtual field trips

Canada: Coast to Coast

Come along with us as we travel across this diverse country from the Maritime provinces on the Eastern coast, visiting Quebec and Ontario, making our way across the Western provinces and the Pacific coast of British Columbia, ending up in the Arctic North.

Video length: 32:58 minutes

national geographic virtual field trips

Paris: City of Light (K-5)

Paris has long been considered one of the world’s most historically important cities and is also packed with iconic images. Explore the unforgettable buildings that took centuries to complete, such as Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, and the Arc de Triomphe. Students will gain insights into the reasons why Paris’ significance is so timeless.

Video length: 15:30 minutes.

Arc de Triomphe in Paris at Sunset

Highlights of Paris (Grades 6-8)

Video length: 21:16 minutes.

national geographic virtual field trips

London: City of Pomp and Majesty

  Exploring London can be an exciting adventure and a valuable experience. Together, let’s unfold a wealth of historical treasures and take a peek at life in the times of Kings and Queens who once ruled over vast empires.

Video length: 22:38 minutes.

national geographic virtual field trips

Jerusalem: Then and Now (K-5)

Introduce your younger students to the history and landmarks of Jerusalem. Explore the many aspects of the religious significance of this city that makes it so important to so many.

Video length: 19:30 minutes.

national geographic virtual field trips

Jerusalem: Then and Now (6-8)

Few places in the world are so important to so many. Whether students are learning about their own or other faiths, ancient civilizations, current events, or geographical locations – Jerusalem is a place that is worthy of their time and understanding.

Video length: 20:45 minutes.

national geographic virtual field trips

Rome: The Eternal City

Rome has continuously been one of the most important cities in the Western World. First as the capital of the Roman Empire, and continuing today as the center of the Catholic Church. Rome also embodies some of the greatest attributes of the Renaissance era. Come along with us as we explore the many highlights of this ever-changing city.

Video length: 30 minutes

national geographic virtual field trips

Barcelona is a unique Spanish city with a language and culture all its own! Barcelona is remarkable for its food, architecture, scenery, and vibrant atmosphere. Let’s find out why!

Video length: 12:55 minutes.

national geographic virtual field trips

Barcelona (Spanish)

Barcelona – ¡una ciudad española única con una lengua y cultura enteramente propias! Barcelona se destaca por su comida, la arquitectura, el paisaje y una atmósfera vibrante. ¡Vamos a averiguar por qué!

Video length: 14:15 minutes

national geographic virtual field trips

Galapagos Islands

Utterly unique and enchanting, the volcanic Galapagos Islands provide a captivating zoological adventure unlike any other. Marine Iguanas grazing from the sea floor, Vampire finches, giant tortoises and many other animals provide fascinating insights into adaptation and survival in this harsh and otherworldly environment.

Video length: 27:05 minutes.

national geographic virtual field trips

Washington, DC (Grades K-5)

Even the youngest of students will appreciate the treasures, history, and beauty that their nation’s capital has to offer. Explore the architecture and artifacts that make Washington fascinating for all to see.

Video length: 24:30 minutes.

national geographic virtual field trips

Washington, DC (Grades 6-8)

All students will appreciate the treasures, history, and beauty that their nation’s capital has to offer. Explore the architecture and artifacts that make Washington fascinating for all to see.

Video length: 26:35 minutes.

national geographic virtual field trips

National Parks - West: WA, OR, ID, MT, CO

Dramatic glacier-covered rugged mountains, a temperate rainforest, craggy rock-towered coastlines, giant sand dunes, ancient cliff dwellings, and steep sheer rock canyons. All of these landscapes, their history, and more are explored in this tour of the National Parks of the northern part of the Western region.

Video length: 27:05 minutes

national geographic virtual field trips

National Parks - Alaska & Hawaii

The running theme of this video is “extremes”, and there are many in both Alaska and Hawaii! We explore the beautiful and stark wilderness of the parks in Alaska, learn about glaciers and fjords, see some grizzlies and humpbacks, and end off with the volcanoes of Hawaii. A thrill ride for all!

Video length: 23:20 minutes  

national geographic virtual field trips

National Parks - West: Wyoming & Utah

Introduce your students to the magnificent landforms throughout the National Parks in Wyoming and Utah. In Wyoming, we’ll gaze in wonder at the drama of the Grand Teton Mountain Range, as we also find out about fault-block mountains.   We’ll contrast that experience with the ever-moving, always-changing landscapes of Yellowstone N.P. including the “Old Faithful” geyser. Moving on to Utah, we’ll compare and contrast 3 National Parks – Bryce, Zion, and Arches National Parks.   We’ll see how erosion and ancient salt beds have created these wondrous sites.

Video length:   22:40 minutes

national geographic virtual field trips

National Parks - West: Nevada & California

Come along as we visit Nevada’s one and only National Park – Great Basin.   Then, we move on to visit 5 parks in California, comparing and contrasting along the way. Joshua Tree and Death Valley demonstrate high desert vs. low desert landscapes and conditions.   Sequoia and Redwood NP’s show us the difference between trees that are gigantic in circumference vs. height. Lastly, we visit one of the crown jewels of National Parks – Yosemite N.P.

Video length:   17:20 minutes

Gargoyle from Notre Dame staring at the Eiffel Tower with a full moon in the night sky.

Paris - La Ville Lumiere (French)

Bonjour et bienvenue dans la ville diverse et dynamique de Paris. Nous allons voir certains de ses hauts lieux et decouvrir la vie dans cette ville exceptionnelle. (When logged in, students can follow along with the narration using the scripts).

Video length: 20:10 minutes.

national geographic virtual field trips

Ancient Egypt: Land of the Pharaohs

A civilization like no other – let’s start with the Egyptian gods that ruled over the smallest details of everyday life. They also protected the all-powerful Pharaoh. We examine Egyptian royalty, and the social structure of Ancient Egypt, right down to the everyday people, their daily life, and the symbols that were important them.

Video length: 26:40 minutes

national geographic virtual field trips

Ancient Egypt: Land of the Pyramids

Let’s have a close-up look at the magnificent structures that the Ancient Egyptians have left behind for us to marvel over, even thousands of years later. Pyramids, Sphinxes, and many, many temples delight our senses as we take this trip back in time to the Land of the Pyramids.

Video length: 19:50 minutes

national geographic virtual field trips

Amazon Rainforest (Grades 6-8)

Introduce your students to the layers of the rainforest and the animals who live there. Explore the adaptations that have evolved over time to make for a successful existence of life in the rainforest.

Video length: 21:55 minutes.

La Selva Amazonica (Spanish)

Presénteles a sus alumnos los estratos de la selva y los animales que la habitan. Explore las adaptaciones desarrolladas a lo largo del tiempo para lograr la prosperidad de la vida en la selva.

Video length: 19:20 minutes

national geographic virtual field trips

Galapagos Islands (Spanish)

Absolutamente únicas y encantadoras, las volcánicas Islas Galápagos proporcionan una cautivante aventura zoológica diferente de cualquier otra. Iguanas marinas pastando en el fondo del mar, pinzones vampiro, tortugas gigantes y muchos otros animales proporcionan unas vistas fascinantes de la adaptación y la supervivencia en este ambiente hostil y de otro mundo.

national geographic virtual field trips

Tokyo: City of Contrasts

Tokyo is both steeped in ancient history, and yet one of the most modern and trendsetting cities in the world. Visit the juxtaposition of old and new that embraces both neon and nature.

Video length: 11:35 minutes.

national geographic virtual field trips

Exploring Cuba

We would like to welcome you to the beautiful and diverse country of Cuba! Our comprehensive video explores many of the fascinating aspects of this picturesque nation. Geography, politics, history, economy, culture, and natural history are many of the topics we explore, along with others.

Video length: 25:20 minutes

national geographic virtual field trips

Amazon Rainforest: People & Threats (Grades 6-8)

Meet the people who have called the Amazon rainforest home for centuries. Learn about the threats facing all who live there and how everyone can help overcome these challenges.

Video length: 15:05 minutes.

national geographic virtual field trips

Amazon Rainforest: People & Threats (Grades 2-5)

Video length: 12:40 minutes.

national geographic virtual field trips

Grade 4: Northeast Region of the U.S.

Video Storyline : Let’s take a trip back and forth in time to learn how the Northeast region became the place it is today. Along the way we’ll look at the natural resources, geography, history, and economy of the area to help us understand how the people and the places have developed over time.

  Video Length: 37:05 minutes.

national geographic virtual field trips

Grade 4: Southeast Region of the U.S.

Video Storyline : Take a tour of the Southeastern states as we go back in time to look at this region as the early colonists did. Along the way we’ll look at the geography, history, and economy of the area to help us understand how the people and the many natural resources have helped to shape its development over time.

Video length: 15:20 minutes.

national geographic virtual field trips

Grade 4: Southwest Region: Early Beginnings

Video Storyline : Let’s take a trip back in time to learn how the Southwest region came into being. We’ll look at the landforms, geography, natural resources, climate, history, and economy of the area. Students will gain an understanding of how the region became the place it is today.

  Companion video to Southwest Region: Today

  Video Length: 34:20 minutes

national geographic virtual field trips

Grade 4: Southwest Region: Today

Video Storyline : Let’s take a tour of the Southwest region. We’ll explore many of its larger cities and see some of the features that make them each unique. Next, we’ll explore both the natural and manmade landmarks of the region, along with its famous people, food, and celebrations.

Companion video to Southwest Region: Early Beginnings

  Video Length: 32:55 minutes

national geographic virtual field trips

Grade 4: Midwest Region: Early Beginnings

Video Storyline : Let’s take a trip back in time to learn how the Midwest region came into being.   Along the way we’ll look at the landforms, natural resources, history, and economy of the area to help us understand how the Midwest region became what it is today.

Companion video to Midwest Region: Today .

  Video Length: 32:25 minutes.

national geographic virtual field trips

Grade 4: Midwest Region: Today

Video Storyline : Let’s take a tour of the Midwest region. We’ll explore many of its larger cities and see some of the features that make them each unique. Then we’ll explore the landmarks of the Midwest, both the natural and the manmade.

Companion video to Midwest Region: Early Beginnings.

  Video Length:  21:05 minutes.

national geographic virtual field trips

Grade 3 - The First Americans

Video Storyline: Let’s go back to a time when there were only Native Americans in the U.S. We outline some of the major tribes, their housing, and way of life. We then meet Pocahontas and the first Europeans. Moving forward, we explore early settler life and then the events that led to the Declaration of Independence, and the Birth of the U.S.

Video length: 14:10 minutes.

national geographic virtual field trips

Grade 3 - How The Country Was Settled

Video Storyline : Explorers like Daniel Boone helped many of the early pioneers move Westward. President Jefferson arranged for the Louisiana Purchase which doubled the size of the new country.  Lewis and Clark mapped the new areas, and with the help of Sacagawea, established the Oregon Trail.  Eventually the transcontinental railroad made migrating westward easier. Other inventions made life easier and created many jobs for the new immigrants and people who moved from the South with the Great Migration.

Video Length: 12:05 minutes

national geographic virtual field trips

Grade 3 - The Geography of Our Communities

Video Storyline :  Our communities play many roles in our lives, because this is where we live, play, work, and help out. Communities can differ by their size –  urban, suburban, and rural. Communities are spread around the 5 regions of the U.S,. which have different land forms and types of natural resources.  Humans sometimes adapt themselves or their environments when they have to, but need to exercise care in making changes.

Video length: 17:55 minutes.

national geographic virtual field trips

Grade 3 - How Government Helps Our Communities

Video Storyline : Introduce your students to the 3 branches of government and the roles performed by each. They will also hear about their state and local governments. Lastlly, they will begin to understand that they are citizens with rights and responsibilities.

Video length: 14:05 minutes.

national geographic virtual field trips

Grade 3 - A Country of Cultures

Video Storyline :  The U.S. has a rich and diverse cultural heritage. Some of our heritage comes from the Native Americans. We’ve also been culturally enriched by the immigrants that have moved here. From all these groups we’ve learned about new customs and cultures.

Video length: 18:55 minutes.

national geographic virtual field trips

Grade 2 - Land and Water Around Us

Video Storyline :  Earth is made up of many types of both land and water. We also find different types of landforms and natural resources. We change the land around us with our building and creating. We also use a lot of our natural resources, but have to learn to protect the ones that can run out.

Video length: 15:15 minutes.

national geographic virtual field trips

Grade 2 - Early Americans

Video Storyline :  Families long ago used to live on farms and grow their own food. Transportation was slow and life was hard. Settlers began to arrive and everyone had to obey the rules of the King of England. People felt he was unfair and decided to fight for their freedom from him. They won, and created a new country with new leaders.

Video length: 7:45 minutes.

national geographic virtual field trips

Grade 2 - Our Government At Work

Video Storyline :  When America was a new country its leaders created a plan called the Constitution. Our leaders, lawmakers, and judges still use this plan today.

Video length: 12:45 minutes.

national geographic virtual field trips

Grade 1 - The Earth Around Us

Video Storyline :  People live in communities, where change happens every day. Around us we see a variety of land and water types which have helped to create our natural resources. We can also see changes around us throughout the four seasons.

Video length: 8:10 minutes.

national geographic virtual field trips

Grade 1 - Families and Neighbors

Video Storyline : Families make up the backbone of our society, and have different customs. We share these customs with others with our celebrations. Many of the people that immigrated here brought many things with them, along with their customs.

Video length: 6:55 minutes.

What Else Would You Like To See On This List?

national geographic virtual field trips

Written by Maria Kampen

Inspire your students to love learning with Prodigy Math.

  • Teacher Resources

What is a virtual tour and how does it work?

Technology powering virtual field trips for students, 22 best virtual field trips for students, how to incorporate virtual tours into learning activities.

Imagine taking your entire class to see one of the seven wonders of the world up close and personal — and then being back at school before the final bell rings. 

The rise of online learning activities during the pandemic accelerated the availability of virtual field trips , tours and experiences for students of all ages. Now there are many interactive virtual tours available to places that would be impossible to reach on a class trip — the pyramids in Egypt, the Louvre museum in Paris or even an African safari.

We put together a list of 22 unforgettable virtual field trips and experiences that will help your students see amazing sights, connect their learning to real-world experiences and expand their horizons.

Virtual tours allow students to explore noteworthy places around the world, from the comfort of their home or the classroom. 

Virtual tours give students the opportunity to stop, explore and guide learning at their own pace. While they’re exploring, they can get up close to nature or artifacts that might not otherwise be easily accessible. 

Virtual tours can be many different things, including:

  • A live webcam of a zoo or animal habitat
  • A 360 degree view of a location you can manipulate
  • Pictures enriched with helpful information and diagrams

Even ten or fifteen years ago, video tours would have been rare or impossible. Advancements in technology and education have combined to help people learn and explore from anywhere!

  • National Geographic creates TV series about nature, history and archaeology
  • Food shows like Netflix’s Salt Fat Acid Heat take viewers on food journeys across the world
  • Planet Earth , a television series, brings far-flung locations to your living room or classroom
  • Discovery Education gives educators access to multimedia resources that supplement classroom learning
  • Video conferencing technology like Zoom lets you connect with people and learning experiences around the world

We love being able to sit at home or in the classroom and learn about different foods, cultures and geography. Why not introduce that to your students?

1. Take a trip to the zoo

Two zebras in a zoo

Whether it’s live webcams of adorable pandas or behind-the-scenes tours with zookeepers, zoos all over the world offer ways for animal antics to delight and entertain your students. 

Some of our favorites include:

  • Edinburgh Zoo’s Panda Cam
  • Georgia Aquarium’s Beluga Whale Livestream
  • The Smithsonian National Zoo’s Naked Mole-rat Cam
  • A live feed of African river wildlife in Laikipia County, Kenya
  • The San Diego Zoo Live Ape Cam , or any of their other live animal feeds
  • Home Safari videos from the Cincinnati Zoo, where zookeepers introduce you to the hundreds of animals that make the zoo their home.

2. Visit The Hidden Worlds of National Parks

Take a virtual field trip to Yosemite National Park.

From Yosemite to Mesa Verde, explore some of the USA’s most beloved and beautiful national parks with The Hidden World of National Parks .  

Supported by Google Arts & Culture , students can use the same technology that powers Street View to explore the national parks at their own pace. 

The program also includes guided tours from park rangers, where they share their expertise as you explore. Follow the on-screen prompts and let them guide your adventure!

3. Watch the Monterey Bay Aquarium Sea Otters

A sea otter plays in the water.

Play with the sea otters as they swim around Monterey Bay Aquarium in California! Tune in throughout the day to see them being fed, learn fun facts about otters and watch them play in the water. 

If you’d like to check out some other aquarium-related channels, Monterey Bay Aquarium also offers Open Sea or Kelp Forest live streams.

4. Swim through Palau coral reefs

Travel to the Pacific Ocean through a virtual adventure and see the Palau coral reefs . Hosted by Nature Lab and the Nature Conservancy, this tour teaches students about the importance of preserving some of the most fragile ecosystems in the world — no wetsuit required. 

Take learning to the next level with the Nature Lab’s Teacher’s Guide , which includes discussion questions and related resources to keep learners engaged. 

5. Visit the surface of Mars

Take a virtual tour of the surface of Mars.

It took the Perseverance rover about seven months to get to Mars. But thanks to this virtual tour , you and your students can go for a visit in just one afternoon. 

Created by Google and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, this virtual tour takes you through the history of Mars explorations and turns what might be a far-flung topic into something right at students’ fingertips. They’ll explore the surface of Mars, learn more about the rovers that have studied its surface and understand how Mars exploration fits into the history of space travel.

6. Power up with renewable energy

Powering the Planet from the Nature Conservancy is an interactive lesson that focuses on renewable energy sources. It explains to students how energy around them is necessary for life, and covers how energy can be sourced in a way that’s not harmful to the environment.

All the Nature Conservancy’s programs come with a Teacher Guide , which offers lesson plans and activities relating to the virtual tour. 

7. Walk the Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China in the fall.

The Great Wall of China is over 13,000 miles long, so be sure to pack your walking shoes for this trip!

This virtual tour lets students explore key points in the Great Wall of China, plus see the history and amazing view up close.

8. Float around the International Space Station

Take a virtual tour to the international space station.

Did you know that astronauts have continuously inhabited the International Space Station for 20 years? Now your class can join them!

With tours of the different parts of the space station, facts about the layout and assembly, and information about the different astronauts who’ve visited from around the world, students can get an out-of-this-world experience from the comfort of their home or classroom. 

Plus, there are plenty of images, videos, graphics and media resources to help you tie topics into your curriculum.

9. Scuba dive in the Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef in Australia, perfect for virtual tours.

The Great Barrier Reef is a delicate ecosystem especially vulnerable to the effects of pollution and climate change. 

David Attenborough’s Great Barrier Reef is a tour created in partnership with the Natural History Museum in London that teaches everyone about the beauty and fragility of one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. 

The Great Barrier Reef is also available on Google Street View through Google Maps as one of the first underwater locations to be mapped. 

10. Learn about water and Colombia’s páramo ecosystem

Just outside of Bogotá, Columbia, is one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. In this virtual lesson, students will learn about how the water cycle plays a vital role in biodiversity, and get an up-close look at the animals that call the area home. 

Use the accompanying Teacher Guide to help students discuss the topic and stay engaged with the lesson. And check out the rest of the Nature Lab's YouTube channel for even more virtual experiences.

11. Tour the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History

Visit the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History as part of a virtual tour.

The Smithsonian Institute is the world’s largest museum — so there are plenty of things for students to explore. 

With a variety of virtual tours to choose from, the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History is full of ways to get students excited about learning. Students can watch narrated tours of different exhibits ranging from history and geography to the research stations in the museum. 

Whether students want to walk through the museum on their own or let someone else do the talking, there’s something for every lesson.

12. Get caught up in the American Revolution

The American Museum of Natural History, which offer virtual learning experiences for students.

History meets the present at the Museum of the American Revolution ! 

This virtual tour lets students see artifacts, meet museum staff and hear stories of real people who fought for American independence.

It also comes with a Classroom Ki t for 2nd to 8th grade that supplements learning and makes it even more meaningful. 

13. Trek up Mt. Everest

This 360 degree video from National Geographic lets students explore Mt. Everest along with a group of researchers. Together, they’ll discover what kind of effects climate change has on the mountain, and how we can work to preserve natural landscapes. 

Not up for climbing mountains? Take a virtual ride on Expedition Everest , the tallest rollercoaster in any Disney park! But beware — there’s a monster lurking in the dark.

14. Get the right angle with Explore Geometry

The gardens of Versailles are a great way to teach students about real-life geometry

Powered by Nearpod, Explore Geometry ’s lesson plans connect classroom lessons with architecture in the natural world.

Students can explore the gardens of Versailles to learn about the geometry of a French garden before moving on to the next lesson and putting their skills to practical use.

15. Wander through the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City

The Great Hall in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City

One of the most well-known museums in the world, students can now explore The Met’s vast collections with the Met 360º Project .

Virtual tours help students get a sense of the space, art and collections inside of the museum. Whether they’re interested in the Met Cloisters or the Arms and Armor gallery, students can go at their own pace, accompanied by a soothing soundtrack. 

You can also book virtual tours with a museum guide to line up with your lesson plan. Tours are free for NYC public schools and all Title I schools, and $200 USD per class for other schools.

16. Explore history in the British Museum

Another world-class museum, students can explore the British Museum in London using Google Street View, read facts about the artifacts and connect what they see to their history lessons. 

Whether it’s the Rosetta Stone, the Elgin Marbles, Egyptian sculpture or any other historical treasure, there’s something every student will find interesting!

If you want to let someone else do the exploring, there’s also a 46-minute virtual walking tour , where you can skip to the sections that are most relevant to you and your class. 

17. Visit the White House

Take a virtual tour of the White House in Washington, D.C.

In Washington, D.C. the White House is the symbolic heart of America, and now students can walk the halls for themselves. 

Whether they want to take a lap around the Oval Office or wander the building, students can explore this virtual tour from the White House Historical Association . Plus, it comes with class tie-ins like vocabulary lessons and other activities to make the experience even more memorable! 

18. Arrive at Ellis Island

Historical photograph of Ellis Island.

Ever wonder what it was like for new immigrants to see the Statue of Liberty and step foot on American soil for the first time?

Now students can experience it for themselves with this virtual tour , a collaboration between Scholastic and the National Park Service. They’ll learn the importance of immigration in the history of the United States and hear real-life stories about the people who came looking for a better life. 

After students watch the video, they can click through this interactive map with facts and stories about the people who came through Ellis Island. 

19. Explore China's forests

In this online tour, students can explore the natural habitats of pandas in the forests of China . They’ll discover how the panda’s home plays a role in understanding our world, learn about local conservation efforts and see the big-picture view of how these vast forests fit into our understanding of nature and climate change. 

Plus, this program also comes with a handy Teacher Guide for you to use in lesson planning!

20. Bundle up in the Arctic tundra

Three polar bears walk across the snow in the Arctic tundra.

Take a virtual field trip all the way up north to the tundra! Discovery Education’s tundra programs for elementary, middle and high school students cover the natural habitat of polar bears, plus their activities and migration patterns.

This virtual tour comes with instructional activities and classroom tie-ins, so you can be sure students are getting a productive learning experience.

21. Go spelunking in the world's largest cave

Inside shot of Son Doong, the largest cave in the world, in Vietnam.

Travel through Vietnam’s Son Doong, the world’s largest cave . First explored by researchers in 2009, this cave is up to 200 meters tall in some areas and even has its own jungle inside. 

It’s estimated that the total length of the cave system is over 200 kilometers, and with this National Geographic tour students can explore to their heart’s content. High definition pictures and helpful facts mean that not only is this an awe-inspiring trip for students, but it’s also educational! 

Because the cave is ecologically sensitive, only a certain number of tourists are allowed to visit each year. This virtual tour is a great way for kids and adults to experience the wonder up close!

22. Browse the Louvre

The outside of the Louvre museum in Paris, France.

Take your students on a quick trip to Paris where you can explore the architecture and art of the Louvre without the crowds. 

Plus, the Louvre also offers Louvre Kids , as well as a Mona Lisa Beyond the Glass virtual app experience where users can learn how Leonardo da Vinci created his most well-known masterpiece.

From kindergarten to high school, virtual field trips are a great way to get students excited about learning. And if you’re homeschooling , they’re the perfect way to get real-world experience without leaving the house!

To get the most out of the experience, keep these tips in mind:

  • Ask students what they’re interested in exploring 
  • Look for virtual experiences that fit into your lesson plan for maximum impact
  • Search for supplementary resources like teacher guides and discussion questions
  • Try out the virtual tour first to make sure it’s worth it and to avoid any unpleasant technical glitches
  • Use virtual field trips at the beginning of a unit to introduce students to new concepts, or at the end as a reward and wrap-up activity

Be sure to follow up with students and see what they liked the most. Then, harness that excitement for your next lesson or activity! 

Prodigy Math Game is an adaptive math platform where students can explore a world filled with adventure, excitement and rewards — all for practicing math! While they’re having a blast answering questions and completing epic quests, Prodigy’s free teacher tools help you align their learning to your classroom lessons. 

Sign up for your free teacher account today!

  • Grades 6-12
  • School Leaders

FREE Poetry Worksheet Bundle! Perfect for National Poetry Month.

40 Amazing Educational Virtual Field Trips

No permission slips needed.

Amazing Educational Virtual Field Trips

Virtual field trips are a game changer. Not only do they fill in for real field trips when budgets and other roadblocks prevent in-person options, but virtual field trips also open doors to educational experiences all over the country and the world, both past and present. No fundraising or permission slips required!

(Note: For anyone who needs it, YouTube offers a closed-captioning option. Just click the CC button in the bottom right-hand corner.)

1. Amazon Career Tours

Amazon career tours

Amazon Career Tours are free virtual field trips that inspire students to pursue careers of the future. Tour whenever, wherever on Kahoot! Each tour comes with a Teacher Toolkit that includes a facilitation guide and student worksheets.

  • (New!) Amazon Music: Careers Behind the Beats : From studio to streaming, check out how computer science and amazing professionals make listening to your favorite songs possible.
  • Amazon Fulfillment Center Tour : Explore how packages get delivered at lightning speed and how computer science, engineering, and real people work together to make the magic happen. 
  • Data Center Tour 1: Uncovering Cloud Computing : Do students know what “the cloud” actually is? Find out how we went from renting movies at the store to streaming them from anywhere at any time.
  • Data Center Tour 2: Keeping Data Safe and Sustainable : Discover the infrastructure that keeps your information safe and sustainable while diving into data careers of the future.
  • Space Innovation Tour : Students will learn about the amazing technology on board the Orion spacecraft in NASA’s Artemis I flight test and hear from the engineers who made it all possible.

There are so many amazing online options when it comes to zoos that we couldn’t narrow it down to just one. Most zoos have live webcams in some of their most popular exhibits, such as the KC Zoo Polar Bear Cam and the Giant Panda Cam at Smithsonian’s National Zoo . However, some zoos offer a more in-depth look. You’ll definitely want to check out the San Diego Zoo as their site for kids includes behind-the-scenes videos and stories, as well as a variety of printable activities and online games. Check out our full list of virtual zoo goodness.

3. The Aquarium

It’s a similar story with aquariums. You have your pick of live webcams, but our favorites are the Georgia Aquarium’s Ocean Voyager webcam (wait for the whale shark!) and the “Jelly Cam” at Monterey Bay Aquarium (so soothing). The Seattle Aquarium even has a 30-minute video tour . Want more under-the-sea fun? Here’s our ultimate list of virtual aquarium field trips.

4. The Farm

The classic preschool field trip goes online! You can have your pick of dairy farm field trips, but we like this one from the Dairy Alliance  and this one from Stonyfield Organic . Farm Food 360 gives students the opportunity to immerse themselves in Canadian farm and food tours—from raising pigs to making milk and cheese. We’re also loving these virtual egg farm field trips from the American Egg Board.

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5. An Art Museum

Metropolitan Museum of Art's #MetKids

We found 20 art museums with virtual tours , including the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s # MetKids and its awesome Where’s Waldo? setup. And you can’t miss the world-famous Louvre in Paris (no passport needed!). Check out the current virtual tours: Traveling Materials and Objects, the Advent of the Artist, the Body in Movement, and Founding Myths: From Hercules to Darth Vader!

6. A National Park

From webcams at Hawaii volcanoes to a virtual run along the rim of the Grand Canyon , you have tons of options here. Our top pick would have to be Yellowstone. The interactive maps are a great way to see the Mammoth Hot Springs and Mud Volcano, but we think kids will be psyched about the Old Faithful Geyser livestream and the opportunity to make their own predictions for its next eruption . Check out everything the National Park Service has to offer virtually.

7. A Planetarium

Through Stellarium Web , kids can explore over 60,000 stars, locate planets, and watch sunrises and solar eclipses. If you enter your location, you can see all the constellations that are visible in the night sky in your corner of the world.

8. A Recycling Center

Take your students on a virtual field trip of a recycling center and a modern landfill . Plus, there’s a full-on curriculum that includes lesson plans, take-home handouts, and more.

9. Slime in Space

Nickelodeon teamed up with two astronauts on the International Space Station to demonstrate how slime reacts to microgravity and had kids reproduce those same demonstrations back here on Earth. It makes for an amazing 15-minute virtual field trip .

10. Nature Lab

The Nature Conservancy has a brand-new virtual field trip entitled “You’re the Scientist! Citizen Science, Frogs & Cicadas.” Check out their full library of videos on topics like climate change and water security.

11. Discovery Education

Discovery Education hosts a variety of virtual events —each with a companion guide with hands-on learning activities. Current offerings include “Making a New Life: The Courage of a Refugee” and “The Future Is Now” (architectural and engineering innovations). Stay tuned for their upcoming civics virtual field trip, “The American Ideal.”

12. The Great Lakes

This virtual field trip from Great Lakes Now has three components: coastal wetlands, algae, and lake sturgeon. Each video is a quick five minutes long.

13. The Strong National Museum of Play

Explore online exhibits and discover the history and evolution of play. Check out board games that changed play, sports video games that shaped digital play, and the making of Monopoly to name a few.

14. U.S. Census Bureau

Kids can learn about the most recent Census and how census data is collected and used. This virtual field trip also features interviews with subject matter experts and an interactive challenge.

15. National Constitution Center

The “Museum of We the People,” the Constitution Center serves as a “headquarters for civic education.” Check out the Interactive Constitution section , and be sure to watch the virtual tour .

16. The Johnson Space Center

Houston, we have a virtual field trip. Three, actually. All with companion educator guides. The star of the show is the behind-the-scenes tour of the Johnson Space Center .

17. Birthplace of Music

Boise State put together this fully interactive virtual field trip with text, photos, audio, and video about the history of music. The four featured music locations are: Vienna, Austria; New Orleans, Louisiana; Cleveland, Ohio; and Bristol, Tennessee-Virginia.

18. Colonial Williamsburg

This living-history museum provides a look into life in an early American community. The website offers five different webcams featuring areas such as the tavern and the armory.

19. Mount Vernon

This virtual experience of George Washington’s home is incredibly well done. Enter the different buildings—from the opulent mansion to the chilling slave quarters—and click on different items for video and text explanations.

20. Mount Rushmore

This virtual tour comes with a real tour guide! Blaine Kortemeyer is the Assistant Chief of Interpretation and Education, who lends his expertise on the building of this national monument. The 3D Explorer is also an excellent tool.

21. The Manhattan Project

Take a visit to the National WWII Museum for “a cross-country virtual expedition to discover the science, sites, and stories of the creation of the atomic bomb.” Don’t forget to download the classroom guide!

22. The White House

For a look inside the iconic building, check out the 360° tour of some of the most historic rooms of the People’s House, from the Situation Room to the Oval Office. Examine each room and check out the contents up close.

23. The Smithsonian

The National Museum of Natural History’s virtual experiences are self-guided, room-by-room tours of permanent, current, and past exhibits. Be sure to send kids to the second floor Bone Hall so they can take a look at all different kinds of skeletons.

24. Google Arts & Culture

A collaboration with over 1,200 leading museums and archives, Google Arts & Culture is an incredible storehouse of monumental works of art. We recommend the Street View and Play sections.

25. 360 Cities

Boasting the world’s largest collection of 360° image videos, 360 Cities provides kids with the opportunity to see stunning panoramas across the globe, including their video of the ice floe on the Vistula River in Poland.

26. Buckingham Palace

It’s the official residence of the Queen of England, and boy, is it opulent! Get a peek inside the gorgeous Grand Staircase, White Drawing Room, Throne Room, and Blue Drawing Room.

27. The Great Wall of China

See one of the wonders of the world with this amazing, thousands-year-old fortification system known the world over. This virtual tour has four scenes available (you have to pay to get access to all 14). The bird’s-eye view of Mutianyu pass is a highlight.

28. Easter Island

Easter Island Moai Statues at Rano Raraku under sunny summer sky. Rano Raraku, Rapa Nui National Park, Hanga Roa, Easter Island, Chile.

Most of us recognize the giant stone statues of Easter Island, but what’s the story behind them? Nova’s online adventure “Secrets of Easter Island” delves into the mystery with a virtual tour.

29. Son Doong Cave

National Geographic lets you explore the world’s largest cave, located in Vietnam. Use the interactive map to enjoy the fully immersive experience (sound on!).

30. Ancient Egypt

You don’t need a time machine! Discovering Ancient Egypt has a ton of free resources, but it’s the interactive pyramid map and 3D temple reconstructions that really give it a field trip feel.

31. Back Through Time

Virtually visit Turn Back the Clock , a museum exhibit that ran for two years at the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago. Through compelling personal stories, innovative interactive media, and pop culture artifacts, the exhibit takes guests through seven decades of history—from the dawn of the nuclear age to significant policy questions our leaders face today.

Landscape on planet Mars, scenic desert scene on the red planet

No, really! You can absolutely “go” to the red planet. With Access Mars , you can see the actual surface of Mars, recorded by NASA’s Curiosity rover. Trust us—don’t skip the intro. And if your kids liked that, check out this 4K tour of the moon . These may go down in history as some of the best virtual field trips your students get to experience.

33. The Battleship New Jersey

Take a virtual tour of this historical battleship located on the Camden waterfront. This battleship has traveled more miles than any other!

34. The Vatican

No need to travel to Rome! Take in the amazing art and architecture located in the Vatican Museums with these 360-degree views.

35. Space Center Houston

Space Center Houston Virtual Tour

Download the app and climb aboard the virtual tram line! Take a virtual walk through the Space Center Houston with informational stops along the way.

36. The Louvre

Virtually visit museum rooms in the famous Louvre located in Paris. Even check out The Louvre kids’ site for student-friendly galleries and stories. You can’t visit The Louvre without seeing the Mona Lisa , so check out their immersive Mona Lisa experience available in the app store.

37. Ellis Island

Map of Ellis Island Virtual Field Trip

This interactive tour of Ellis Island lets students explore places like the Baggage Room and the Stairs of Separation through short stories, historical photographs, videos, and audio clips. Students can also hear the stories of real kids who recently immigrated to the United States, explore colorful charts and graphs with immigration data, and watch a 30-minute movie that includes a Q&A with National Park Service Rangers who explain what coming to America was like for many immigrants.

38. Plimoth Patuxet Museums

Desk with laptop featuring a Wampanoag Native American.

Travel back to the 17th century with options for free, on-demand, digital resources or a live, 1-hour virtual school program led by a Plimoth Patuxet Contemporary Indigenous Museum Educator. Students explore Wampanoag daily life and history; discover the real history of Thanksgiving and the legend behind it; meet a 17th-century Pilgrim; get an interactive sneak peak into 17th-century wardrobes; and learn about simple machines and water power at the Plimoth Grist Mill. There are also options for virtual hands-on history workshops, including Wampanoag Pottery and Write Like a Pilgrim.

39. Children’s Museum Houston

Children's Museum Houston museum educators giving a tour

When you can’t visit the museum in person, 3D virtual field trips to the Children’s Museum Houston are the next best thing. All videos are produced and curated by museum educators and feature hands-on activities that can be done in the classroom. Topics include nutrition, math, states of matter, forces and properties of water, and more.

40. Museum of the American Revolution

Beyond the Battlefield Virtual Field Trip featuring Laruen Tarshis, author of I Survived series

Beyond the Battle Field is a virtual field trip for grades 2-8 hosted by Lauren Tarshis, author of the I Survived historical-fiction series for kids. Students will meet a museum educator as well as the museum curator, and explore artifacts and documents from the American Revolution. Plus they’ll hear the stories of teens who served during the war. There’s also a Classroom Kit available with a vocabulary list and discussion questions by grade level.

If you liked this roundup of the best virtual field trips and want more resources like this, be sure to  subscribe to our newsletters.

Plus, check out the best field trip ideas for every age and interest (virtual options too) ..

You can't always get there in person, but lots of places will let you "visit" online. These are the best virtual field trips out there!

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Experience incredible 360-degree footage of the legendary and wild Galápagos Islands in exquisite detail with award-winning National Geographic Explorer and marine scientist Enric Sala.

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  • BEST OF THE WORLD

The travel essentials we’re most excited for in 2024

Whether your next trip involves a first-class ticket or a full tank of gas, here’s the gear—from featherlight binocs to sustainable bags—you should pack.

A rain jacket, sandals, first aid kit, solar panel, binoculars, hiking boots, battery, dog collar, packing cube, and suitcase against a bright blue background.

What do all successful travelers have in common? Often, it’s an arsenal of great gear. After all, what you pack can make a big difference when exploring the best of the world . For our annual Gear of the Year list, National Geographic travel editors searched far and wide for the coolest products to pack. We also asked experts—from pro cyclists to adventure photographers—what they look for in everything from bike racks to binoculars. Here’s what we’re most excited to take with us in 2024.

Our picks for the best travel essentials

Top travel essentials for your next trip, durable roller bag for tight spaces: cotopaxi allpa.

A purple Cotopaxi Allpa Roller Bag on a dark beige background.

Award-winning travel journalist Tim Neville has journeyed on yaks, buses, and “countless heaving boats” and says that when it comes to packs, “a water-resistant exterior, beefy zippers, and soft, tough sides are non-negotiable.”  

The newest Cotopaxi Allpa has two sturdy wheels made to handle cobblestone streets, stairs, and other rough surfaces. Like earlier versions of the bag, it’s constructed of 100 percent recycled pre-consumer waste (extra materials from the manufacturing process) and features a split-case design and mesh compartments for intuitive organization.

Buy it now:   REI, from $350,   38L   (carry-on compatible) and   65L | Amazon, $349.99

100 percent recycled backpacks: Patagonia Black Hole Collection

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 55 L on a dark gray background.

Patagonia’s popular duffel bag collection is now completely made from post-consumer recycled (used materials diverted from landfills) polyester ripstop that resists tearing. The Fair Trade Certified pieces still come with a weather-resistant TPU-film laminate coating, rendering them virtually indestructible. We like the addition of a new interior pocket for stashing smaller valuables, such as cords and keys. For even more convenience, look for a duffel with wheels rolling out in August. Available in multiple styles and sizes.

Shop the collection now:   Patagonia, $35-$419

GPS tracker/virtual fence dog collar: Halo Collar 3

Halo 3 GPS tracker collar and phone with map on an orange background.

Halo’s newest GPS tracking collar not only keeps tabs on dogs with a propensity to escape or wander, it also lets you set a virtual fence to keep them confined to a geographic area, such as a campsite. It takes time for pups to acclimate to the collar’s alerts, which vary from beeps to vibrations—but the Halo app comes loaded with training tips. Available in small and medium/large for dogs 20 pounds and up.

Buy it now:   Amazon, $699, plus a subscription starting at $5.99/month

Fast-drying wool base layer: Ibex Woolies Pro Tech

Ibex Women's Woolies Pro Tech Crew on an olive green background.

Ibex’s new collection (tops, bottoms, boxer briefs) is constructed from Nuyarn, purportedly the world’s first performance wool. It’s made from non-twisted fibers, enabling the wool to retain more of its natural properties, such as body temperature regulation. The company claims that this lets the fabric dry five times faster than conventional 100 percent, ring-spun merino wool. It also weighs 35 percent less and offers 35 percent more stretch.

Buy it now:   Ibex (Men’s), $115   |   Ibex (Women’s), $115

Recyclable rain jacket: Patagonia Boulder Fork

Green Patagonia Boulder Fork Rain Jacket on a blue background.

Patagonia has plenty of outerwear made from recycled material. This rain jacket, however, is the first from the 50-year-old company that you can recycle. We like the adjustable cuffs, hem, and hood (great for keeping extra dry) and the three zippered chest pockets, which give you plenty of places to stash your things. The sleek, not-too-boxy silhouette is an added bonus.

Buy it now:   Patagonia (Men's) $229   |   Patagonia (Women's), $229

Waterproof, sustainable hiking boots: Oboz Cottonwood

national geographic virtual field trips

This new boot, ideal for day hikes on uneven, wet terrain, is the Montana-based company ’s most sustainable yet. Both the low- and mid-profile designs incorporate at least 20 percent recycled, responsibly sourced materials by weight. Even better, Oboz’s “B-DRY” lining is designed to maximize waterproofing and breathability—top qualities to look for in hiking boots, especially for trekking through tropical regions or cruising around on Zodiacs.

Buy it now:   Zappos   (Men’s), $155   |   Zappos   (Women’s), $155

Featherlight binoculars: Swarovski Optik CL Curio

Swarovski Optik CL Curio Binoculars on a beige background.

Slightly larger than a deck of cards and weighing just 8.9 ounces, Swarovski’s Optik CL Curio binoculars are the lightest, most compact binoculars we’ve found—exactly what you want in the field. With a sleek, seamless bridge by industrial designer Marc Newson , they’re also pretty stylish. With 7x magnification, a 21mm effective objective lens diameter, 7.7° field of view, and 90 percent light transmission, you’ll be able to discern a border collie from a coyote at 100 yards away and count the cracks in the craters of the moon at night.

Buy it now:   Amazon, $899

Budget-friendly, feature-loaded binoculars: Nocs Field Issue

NOCS Field Issue on a blue background.

Birdwatchers on a budget will appreciate Nocs’ new Field Issue, which marries the high-quality optics of the Pro Issue with the size and durability of the Standard Issue . It’s ideal for an off-road adventure when you want a super-wide, crisp view in a variety of lighting conditions. Like all the company’s binoculars, this mid-size (it weighs 16.7 ounces) pair is waterproof and fog-proof. But unlike other models, it features the brand’s finest central focusing. While it comes with a cleaning cloth and strap, consider upgrading to a harness to prevent it from awkwardly swinging around your neck.

Buy it now:   Nocs Provisions, $175

Carry-on that converts into a table: PROPS  

PROPS 22in bag in white on four supporting legs on an orange background.

This hard-side carry-on has fold-out legs that turn the suitcase into a footrest or a table for your laptop during layovers or travel delays. It’s great for small hotel rooms without luggage racks. The built-in compression packing system and space-saving clamshell opening holds a surprising amount for a 22-inch bag. Look for a 26-inch model in October 2024.

Buy it now:   Magellan’s, $329

Super grippy water sandals: Teva Hydratrek

national geographic virtual field trips

Inspired by tree frogs, Teva’s latest sandal is built so that a maximum amount of surface area on the outsole stays in contact with the ground. Extra texturing on the top sole helps wet feet stay put, while the quick-dry, traceable recycled webbing helps with durability. An added bonus for light packers: These are water sandals you can also hike in.

Buy it now:   Zappos   (Men’s), $85   |   Zappos   (Women’s), $85

Robust, fast charger: Anker Prime Power Bank 250W

Anker Prime Power Bank 250W on a dark gray background.

At 27,650 mAh, Anker’s newest model is packed with power. “At least 20,000 mAh is the sweet spot because it allows me to charge my phone four to five times and my laptop once or twice,” says Barry Hoffner, founder of the education nonprofit Caravan to Class , who relied on a power bank while taking public buses across more than 170 countries.  

This new model takes 28 minutes to charge a 16-inch MacBook Pro to 50 percent—a big improvement from last year’s 140W model, which took 40. Yet, at 99.54 watt hours, it still falls under TSA’s 100-watt-hour limit for carry-on packing. Pairing and Bluetooth connectivity via the Anker app enables you to track it if you lose it.

Buy it now:   Amazon, $179.99

Portable solar panel: BigBlue SolarPowa 30 ETFE Camping Solar Panel Charger

BigBlue SolarPowa 30 against an olive green background

BigBlue’s latest travel-friendly solar panel is now made with an ETFE layer, a fluorine-based plastic that can withstand high temperatures. It also resists water, dust, corrosion, and stains. This model reportedly lasts twice as long as a traditional panel and folds to the size of a 14-inch laptop—which not only saves space, but also exposes less surface area to damaging elements.

Buy it now:   Amazon, $79.99

Endlessly customizable backpack: Osprey Archeon

Osprey Archeon backpack on an orange background.

Osprey’s new Archeon set lets you customize your pack via quick-release straps—ideal for when you’re trekking and don’t want to take your full 60L kit on shorter day hikes. Start with the foundational day pack and add accordingly. The chest rig, which straps over your shoulders like a BabyBjorn, maximizes versatility. You can wear it backward, forward, and around your waist like a fanny pack—just attach the day pack’s removable hip belt. Each piece sold separately.

Shop   the collection now:   Osprey, $50-$300

Padded storage cube: Away, The Protective Packing Cube (6L)

Away F.A.R. Padded Organizational Cube packed with sunglasses, binoculars, and cords on a blue background.

Part of Away’s outdoor-centric For All Routes (F.A.R.) collection, the sturdy 6L packing cube has extra padding and six customizable dividers for storing fragile items, like larger electronics or a small pair of binoculars. A removable shoulder strap lets you wear the cube as a crossbody bag when you need to transport just a few things from your suitcase. Plus, it’s made of recycled materials and ships in compostable packaging.

Buy it now:   Away, $72

Heavy-duty universal bike rack: Thule Epos

Thule Epos bike rack on a olive green background.

A good bike rack should have turn and brake signals, according to retired professional cyclist George Hincapie .  

Thule’s newest model includes both signals, plus telescopic arms with pivoting cradles that let you attach any type of bike, even an e-bike weighing up to 60 pounds. It works on any car; in some cases with an easy-to-install hitch. We especially appreciate that it folds up and wheels away for storage. (It weighs just 38 pounds.)

Buy it now:   REI, $999.95   |   Amazon, $999.95

Dog harness/rescue sling: Fido Pro Panza

Panza Harness and Deployable Emergency Dog Rescue Sling on a light beige background.

Hiking in remote areas with your dog can be risky, especially since search and rescue often isn’t equipped for pups. Vets recommend it’s best to be prepared and to think in advance how you can get your dog out of a difficult situation. It’s also a great idea to pack a rescue harness. We like this newly patented harness because it converts into a sling that you can wrap around your dog without too much maneuvering. Included custom pads can save your shoulders over longer distances too. Fits most breeds 35-120 pounds.

Buy it now:   Backcountry, $139

Dog first aid travel kits: Wolf Republic First Aid Kit & Adventure Dog Medical Kit

Wolf Republic 76-piece kit First-aid kit on an orange background.

Having a dog-specific first aid kit can be especially handy while traveling, especially if you're doing adventurous or sporty activities. We love Wolf Republic’s loaded kit for longer trips and Adventure Ready’s compact one for short day hikes. Both come stocked with vet-approved must-haves including triple antibiotic spray, self-adhesive bandages, saline wash, and tweezers.  

Buy it now:   Wolf Republic First Aid Kit, $56

Buy it now:   Adventure Dog Medical Kit,   Amazon, $22.98 for a pack of 2

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COMMENTS

  1. Experiential Learning

    Connect with National Geographic Explorers through live interactive sessions and virtual field trips as they push the boundaries of science and discovery in our world. ... 'Travel' to different parts of the globe through cutting-edge technology, interactive live sessions, and virtual field trips - without even leaving where you are. ...

  2. Next Virtual Field Trip Stop: The Deep Blue

    The ocean is our planet's life support system. It covers over 70 percent of Earth's surface, supplies over half its oxygen, and shelters an incredible diversity of life. To gear up to celebrate Earth Day, the National Geographic Society hosted a virtual field trip on April 21 at 1 p.m. ET. The program is now available to watch on-demand on ...

  3. Virtual Field Trip Revisiting History

    Dive into this Virtual Field Trip with National Geographic Explorer Tara Roberts as she searches the wrecks of ships that once carried enslaved Africans. Grades. 5 - 12. Subjects. Anthropology, Archaeology, Geography, Human Geography, Physical Geography, Social Studies, U.S. History, World History, Storytelling.

  4. Virtual Field Trip: Native American Stories

    Three storytellers shared unique insights from their experiences as Native Americans in the National Geographic Virtual Field Trip: Native American Stories. We traveled to New Mexico where a dedicated conservationist reinvents maps through the Zuni Map Art Project. Then, we visited the Flathead Reservation in Montana where a photographer challenges stereotypes through journalism.

  5. virtual field trip

    It covers over 70 percent of Earth's surface, supplies over half its oxygen, and shelters an incredible diversity of life. To gear up to celebrate Earth Day, the National Geographic Society hosted a virtual field trip on April 21 at 1 p.m. ET. The program is now available to watch on-demand on YouTube!

  6. This Earth Day, Join Us on a Virtual Field Trip to the Amazon

    Register On Friday, April 22, at 1 p.m. ET, join National Geographic for a 35-minute Virtual Field Trip! Three National Geographic Explorers are helping us better understand and protect the Amazon rainforest. We'll hike through the cloud forests of Peru, where an Indigenous biologist is studying the movement of Andean bears.

  7. Next Virtual Field Trip Destination? Our Solar System and Beyond!

    Explore outer space with this National Geographic Virtual Field Trip! Meet an astrophysicist searching the stars for distant planets, a nonprofit founder making space accessible to young people, and the co-creators of a new solar system graphic that appears in National Geographic magazine.. Originally airing live on Wednesday, September 29 at 1 p.m. ET, this Virtual Field Trip is available now ...

  8. Virtual Field Trips

    Virtual Field Trips bring learners into the field with National Geographic Explorers. Join a historic expedition to the North Pole, visit U.S. Green Book sit...

  9. Revisit History in Our Virtual Field Trip

    The National Geographic Virtual Field Trip: Revisiting History focused on difficult but critical moments in history, specifically the systemic racism against Black communities in the United States. Originally airing on June 9, 2021 at 1 p.m. ET, this program explored sunken slave ships in the Atlantic Ocean and uncovered the truth about a one ...

  10. Virtual Field Trip

    In this Virtual Field Trip, three National Geographic Explorers help us better understand and protect the Amazon rainforest. Hike through the cloud forests o...

  11. virtualfieldtrip

    Explore outer space with this National Geographic Virtual Field Trip! Meet an astrophysicist searching the stars for distant planets, a nonprofit founder making space accessible to young people, and the co-creators of a new solar system graphic that appears in National Geographic magazine. Originally airing live on Wednesday, September 29 at 1 ...

  12. Virtual Field Trip

    In this virtual field trip from National Geographic, dive into learning about what whale history and culture can teach us with Explorer Brian Skerry, how rem...

  13. Virtual Field Trip

    Explore outer space with this National Geographic Virtual Field Trip! Meet an astrophysicist searching the stars for distant planets, a nonprofit founder mak...

  14. Virtual Field Trip

    Join National Geographic for a Virtual Field Trip where three storytellers share unique insights from their experiences as Native Americans. We travel to New...

  15. Antarctica: A Virtual Reality Exploration

    Antarctica: A Virtual Reality Exploration. Join National Geographic photographer Paul Nicklen for an unparalleled virtual reality tour of Antarctica, where he took incredible 360-degree footage of the breathtaking landscape and his encounters with wildlife.

  16. Virtual Field Trip

    This National Geographic Virtual Field Trip focuses on difficult but critical moments in history that are linked to systemic racism against Black communities...

  17. Your Ticket Awaits: Travel the World Virtually with National Geographic

    This fall, you'll have the chance to hear directly from them about their groundbreaking work. We're looking forward to the day we can travel again, but until then our virtual events season is your ticket to the world from the comfort of your home, no passport required. On October 1, we'll embark on an expedition around the world with our ...

  18. Virtual Field Trip: The Solar System & Beyond

    Take your students on an extraordinary adventure in our next National Geographic Virtual Field Trip exploring the #SolarSystem and beyond! Meet an astrophysicist searching the stars for distant planets, a nonprofit founder making space accessible to young people, and the co-creators of the new National Geographic detailed solar system infographic.

  19. Virtual Field Trips

    On February 26, join National Geographic on a Virtual Field Trip to celebrate Black History Month and the contributions of Black Explorers from the past and present. National Geographic Virtual Field Trips take educators and their students directly into the field with National Geographic Explorers to teach them about the history, nature, and ...

  20. Geography Videos

    We would like to welcome you to the beautiful and diverse country of Cuba! Our comprehensive video explores many of the fascinating aspects of this picturesque nation. Geography, politics, history, economy, culture, and natural history are many of the topics we explore, along with others. Video length: 25:20 minutes.

  21. The 22 Ultimate Virtual Field Trips & Tours for Students

    We put together a list of 22 unforgettable virtual field trips and experiences that will help your students see amazing sights, ... This 360 degree video from National Geographic lets students explore Mt. Everest along with a group of researchers. Together, they'll discover what kind of effects climate change has on the mountain, and how we ...

  22. The Best Virtual Field Trips for the Classroom

    Take a visit to the National WWII Museum for "a cross-country virtual expedition to discover the science, sites, and stories of the creation of the atomic bomb." Don't forget to download the classroom guide! 22. The White House. For a look inside the iconic building, check out the 360° tour of some of the most historic rooms of the People's House, from the Situation Room to the Oval ...

  23. Galápagos: A Virtual Reality Exploration

    Galápagos: A Virtual Reality Exploration. Experience incredible 360-degree footage of the legendary and wild Galápagos Islands in exquisite detail with award-winning National Geographic Explorer and marine scientist Enric Sala.

  24. The travel essentials we're most excited for in 2024

    Whether your next trip involves a first-class ticket or a full tank of gas, here's the gear—from featherlight binocs to sustainable bags—you should pack. National Geographic's top travel ...