Thanks to the internet, virtual reality (VR) technology and 360 degree videography, you can now enjoy museum visits, concerts, shows and rides from your living room couch
SKY’S THE LIMIT
Skyline Webcams bring you live web cameras from around the world to help you explore everything from UNESCO World Heritage Sites to ski slopes and wildlife parks. Want to make a virtual real time wish at the Trevi fountain in Rome? No problem.
How about enjoying a view of the famous Las Vegas strip and The Little Vegas Chapel or sighting the aurora borealis all the way up in Scandinavia? Every web camera is live and what’s more, the basic version is free! This sure beats the hassle of packing and flying.
JUST AMAZON IT
Exactly the way you buy goods on Amazon, you can now grab an online holiday too. Amazon Explore is an interactive livestreaming service that allows you to learn, shop and discover.
Some of the unusual experiences include chocolate making in Costa Rica and virtual cocktail making in Peru. Once you find an experience that tickles your fancy (or your tastebuds) simply book it and a host will be with you live, explaining every little detail. You can then ask questions, take pictures and even buy souvenirs. Your host will ship the items to you after the session. The world is literally only a click away.
DIGITAL EXHIBITION
Did you know that the Vatican Museums, the London National Gallery and the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City are among the many cultural institutions with online offerings?
If you are a history buff, take a virtual stroll through the Anne Frank House online and explore the hiding place where Anne Frank wrote her diary. Spend some time delving deeper into her story, watch videos about her life and virtually explore the Secret Annex.
WALK ON MARS
If Earth isn’t your cuppa – with all the drama that’s going on in the world right now – how about stepping onto another planet?
On accessmars.withgoogle.com you can enjoy a 360 degree view and an overview of the planet Mars! Get a real feel of walking on the Martian surface with a 3D replica on your screen. Animated icons pop up on the screen to guide you and provide all the necessary information about what you are seeing. There is also a voice over in case you feel weird about being alone on Mars.
SWAPPING VISTAS
On Window Swap, you can actually enjoy the thrill of looking through someone else’s window somewhere in the world, for a while. From Ukraine to Germany, random window views will pop up on your screen and you can enjoy them while sharing a view from your own city so that others online can enjoy your view too.
And if none of these suggestions pique your interest, there is always Instagram or the Travel Show!
Monita is a #cardifftrained journalist and photographer who currently lives and works in Bahrain.