Summer Travel: 5 Digital Trips You Can Take Before the Real Thing

After almost 15 months in a global pandemic, wanderlust has reached an all-time high. While there’s no true replacement for the feeling of getting out of the house to travel, there are a couple of ways you can feel like you’re in a new place, even if just for a moment.

We’ve been on the lookout for ways you can take a trip – without getting in the car or on a plane. These five virtual trips are only a click away!

Scuba Dive without the Wetsuit 

Always wanted to scuba dive but don’t have the certification? You can explore the Great Barrier Reef, dive with Great White Sharks, and even interactively “swim” around the Palmyra Coral Gardens – all without putting on a wetsuit. You can even take a 360° tour of the centuries-old S.S. Thistlegorm shipwreck. Becoming an underwater tourist no longer requires stepping into a wetsuit. 

Visit the Artic without Wearing a Coat

Many people combat the bone-chilling winter months by traveling somewhere warm; but why not try to reverse? With Poseidon’s 360° tours, you can explore the North Pole from the comfort of your couch. Or, if you want to feel like you’re working from the Nordic region instead of your home, just press play on the Bergen, Norway live cam. 

Explore Disney World without Waiting in Line

Being stuck at home is hard on everyone, but can be especially taxing for children. Don’t let them miss the trip of a lifetime, travel to Disney World from your laptop or TV! You can explore all of Disney’s parks through their panoramic experience on Google Street view and even ride a roller coaster without waiting in line. These virtual experiences take out all the hassle of a trip your children will never forget.

Visit Museums without Buying a Ticket

If you’ve ever wanted to explore some of the world’s most famous artwork or learn more about history, taking a virtual tour will give you the exclusive experience you’re looking for without the price tag.

You can travel to France on one of the Louvre’s virtual tours, jump over to the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, see fossilized dinosaurs in DC’s Smithsonian Museum, and end up in Brazil’s MASP – all in one day!

Explore National Parks without Worrying About the Weather

Take a virtual cross-country road trip to immerse yourself in some of our most beautiful national parks; but don’t worry about packing your camping gear or preparing for unpredictable weather.

Start in California’s Yosemite National Park and check out iconic landmarks like Bridalveil Fall, El Capitan, and Half Dome. Don’t miss the highest waterfall in North America, Yosemite Falls. From California, make your way Northeast to Yellowstone National Park for a walk to Upper Falls, Canary Spring, or Old Faithful. 

Next, head south to Utah’s Bryce Canyon National Park to see 360 views on Sunset Point. Wrap up your tour of America’s West by taking a walk through Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico.

Just because travel is limited doesn’t mean you can’t explore some of the most popular tourist destinations in the world from the comfort of your home. Use these resources to start your travels.