It looks like some international travel may be possible, in small numbers, in the coming weeks. In the meantime, the demand for (and access to) online tours has never been greater. Following on from our post about the best ways to travel virtually from home in April, we’ve kept an eye out for more!
From museums and galleries, to livestreams and pyramids, here are some of the best online travel opportunities! Now updated for June 2020!
Online Tours and Virtual Travel
1: Visit the Louvre from your sofa
From Egyptian Antiques to the Louvre’s mysterious underground moat, visitors can explore some of the museum’s most popular galleries at the click of a button. We’ve all seen the manic crush to take a look at the Mona Lisa at peak times – this is the perfect way to beat the crowds!
When: Always available
How: Via the Louvre’s website
2: Watch the sky over ancient Stonehenge
Stonehenge is one of the UK’s most popular tourist attractions. Visitors come in their droves to gaze at the mysterious stone circle, which is even accessible by day trip from London.
Given the age and fragility of Stonehenge, it is often claimed to be a victim of ‘overtourism’. Today, the site is getting a much deserved break. However, you can still place yourself slap-bang in the middle of them – live!
Stonehenge Skyscape allows you to view a 360 camera, available 24/7. Watch the famous sunrise or sunset, or watch the stars via the in-built tracker.
When: Available 24/7
How: Via the Stonehenge Skyscape website
3: Get your VR headset out for a Virtual Reality online tour of London’s National Gallery
The National Gallery have partnered up with Oculus to provide virtual travellers with the chance to experience the Salisbury Wing in full VR.
According to the Gallery’s website, “the immersive experience invites you to step into our collection of Early Renaissance paintings from 1200 to 1500.” Many galleries are offering 2D virtual tours, but not many have taken the extra step into virtual reality!
When: Available 24/7
How: Via the National Gallery’s website
4: Follow in the footsteps of the Incas with Virtual Reality online tours of Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu features frequently on bucket lists and ‘must see’ itineraries for travellers everywhere. Following the Inca Trail to reach the ancient settlement requires stamina, planning, time and money – it’s hard enough to get there at the best of times!
Thankfully, there is now the opportunity to explore the site virtually. The best experience can be had with a VR headset, but it’s still excellent without. Enjoy the view and learn more about the history of this incredible place whilst safely at home!
When: Available 24/7
How: Via Machu Picchu VR’s website
5: Control a tour guide LIVE as you explore the Faroe Islands remotely
This is possibly our favourite so far. A go-pro is strapped to a tour guide’s head, and what happens next is up to you! The public decide whether they go left, right, straight on or back, whilst the guide provides commentary for the whole tour.
How do you get to take the controls? Well, the Faroe Island’s tourist board give away 1-minute slots on a first-come first-serve basis – if you grab one, you’ll control the guide via a virtual joypad. If you miss out, you can still tune in for free – the tour is live-streamed for all.
Wonderfully innovative. A game changer for online tours.
When: Check the website for the next tour date.
How: Via the Faroe Islands Remote Tourism website.
6: Virtual Travel Through Food!
OK, so this one might need a bit more prep than just clicking on a link, but it should be all the more rewarding for it.
We’ve been trying out recipes from places we’ve travelled to over the last few years, choosing some of our favourite dishes to recreate. From Uzbek Plov to good-old Wiener Schnitzel, there will be something out there for everyone. With the internet at your fingertips, a good traditional recipe will be only a click away.
When: Whenever you like!
How: Pick a dish, choose a recipe and buy the ingredients (whilst practicing good social distancing). Emma from Emma Adventures has put together a great list of the best food in the world if you’re in need of inspiration!
7: Online tours through the best of Slovenia – from museums to mountains
Slovenia is one of Europe’s best little secrets. Great museums, beautiful cities, and some of the most spectacular mountain scenery on the continent.
Much of what Slovenia has to offer has been added to the collection of virtual travel opportunities on Slovenia’s tourist website. Expect walk-through tours packed with information, as well as 360 degree views of dramatic peaks and lush forests.
When: Available 24/7
How: Via the Slovenia.info website
8: More tours available of the ‘country that doesn’t exist’
Transnistria is an unrecognised country in Eastern Europe. It can be hard enough to get to Transnistria at the best of times, but now you can explore with a local guide without needing to leave your sofa!
Local artist and explorer Anton Dendemarchenko is offering regular tours – with 3 separate urban explorations to be streamed along with a live Q&A.
When? Regular tours are scheduled
How? Contact Anton on Instagram, or book via TripAdvisor
8: Discover the inner workings of Cruachan Power Station
If you feel like getting a science fix, you can check out Cruachan Power Station on an online tour.
According to their website, the virtual tour will show views “how Cruachan operates like a giant battery, and how power stations generate the electricity we all use in our everyday lives.”
When: Available 24/7
How: Via the Drax website
9: Become a virtual resident of the ancient city of Bath
Visit Bath, the official tourist board for the beautiful Roman city, are putting on a whole host of virtual events.
From pub-quizzes to Zoom dinners, lectures to arts festivals, there’s plenty to leave you feeling like an honorary citizen of the city!
When: Various events on a regular basis
How: Via the Visit Bath website
10: Discover hundreds of years of history with the Royal Armouries museum
From the Tudors to D-Day, armoured elephants to pistols and cannons, the Royal Armouries museum is home to a wealth of resources and some amazing exhibitions.
Their biggest collection can be found at the museum in Leeds, but whilst this is temporarily closed, the Armouries has moved a whole load of learning resources online – and more is added each week!
When: Available 24/7
How: Via the Royal Armouries website or through their YouTube channel
11: Check out what’s still available from April
Have a quick glance at our list of virtual travel opportunities that we’d spotted in April. There are still plenty which are ongoing and are worth checking out! Maybe you want to tour round a zoo, or do some urban exploration in an unrecognised country!
If you have any more suggestions for online tours and travel in May, please do let us know!
12: Finished: Virtually attend the world-famous Chelsea Flower Show
As the highlight of the horticultural calendar, the Chelsea Flower Show attracts visitors from across the globe. 2020’s event was sadly cancelled back in March, but the organisers have now announced that a virtual flower show will take its place!
According to a press statement, the final details are still to be arranged. However, they’ve hinted that they “are looking at what we can do on our RHS website and other platforms for people to enjoy and to share the joy of gardening”. Watch this space.
When: Press Day – 18th May. Full virtual event – 19th to 23rd May.
How: Via the Royal Horticultural Society’s website
Please do let us know if you find any other great commendations for virtual travel and online tours!