Things are locked down, and it’s tough. I’m antsy at home, and I want to get away, see things, and stop postponing trips. My partner and I even bought a new-to-us camper recently, hoping we’d be able to utilize it for Memorial Day, only to find out that the campgrounds near us that are open (and encouraging social distancing) are already booked for every weekend this month! What do I do? How do I scratch my itch?

Luckily, people around the world are creating some awesome ways to help us virtually escape. Pack your bags (or move to your couch) and put on your tourist hat. Let’s explore! 

For the Animal Lovers

One way I’ve kept my sanity is by utilizing virtual tours and wildlife webcams. One of my favorite pastimes if I need to relax for a few minutes or feel like exploring the deep waters is to watch the Georgia Aquarium livestreams. I’ve always loved wildlife, and aquariums have a special place in society. Plus, it’s the third largest aquarium in the world (and the biggest in the United States)! 

However, if aquariums aren’t your thing, maybe zoos are! A number of zoos around the world, such as the San Diego Zoo or the Smithsonian National Zoo, have webcams set up for livestreams in their exhibits. These streams let you see all kinds of different animals. Giant pandas, cheetahs, lions, elephants, giraffes, koalas, naked mole rats . . . OH MY!

For the Culture Vultures

On the other side of the map, if you’re looking to discover a new culture and its history, this one’s for you! Google teamed up with more than 2,500 museums and galleries around the world to create virtual tours inside some of the most famous galleries in the world such as:

• The Museum of Modern Art, New York
• Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam
• Palace of Versailles, Versailles
• Musée d’Orsay, Paris

These virtual tours offer different views of the museum architecture, images of the art, and even stories and historical information behind the art and museums. Learning and traveling, all at the touch of a button! 

For the Thrill Seekers

Looking for some fun? Maybe this one will spark some magic! You can enjoy some virtual rides from Disney parks around the world without waiting in line! Search on YouTube for the rollercoaster you want to ride and embrace that sinking feeling.

Here are some of my favorites:

• Splash Mountain
• Space Mountain
• Journey to the Center of the Earth
• It’s a Small World

For the Foodies

We really only travel for the food, right? While Italy is in lockdown like many countries around the world, that doesn’t mean you can’t get your fix on some Italian cooking. An 84-year-old woman, Nonna Nerina, in Palmobara Sabina, Italy, has created her own virtual cooking class to teach others some Italian classics in their own kitchen. Learn how to make different kinds of pasta from scratch such as gnocchi, fettuccine, and ravioli! 

If pasta isn’t your thing or you want more food lessons, check out Airbnb’s online cooking and baking experiences! 

For the Free Spirits

Maybe none of these are quite your style and you like to go off the beaten path. Thanks to advances in technology, you can virtually go anywhere around the world! Why not explore Machu Picchu and learn about the history of the site? Travel to Egypt and get a “firsthand” experience of the pyramids of Giza. Maybe hop over to Cambodia to visit Angkor, also known as the city of temples. Or put on a kettle, and take a 360-degree tour of Stonehenge. 

Check out other hidden parts of our world and attractions thanks to Google Arts & Culture. 

For the Learners

Learn the science behind traveling! Explore volume, surface area, weight, and other math concepts related to packing a suitcase. Create your own transportation with vehicles or airplanes. 

And, instead of going to see the world, just build the world around you! Check out these fun STEM activities: