Are you one of those people who said 2020 is going to be their year? You had all sorts of plans laid out? Perhaps you’ve even set some of those into motion?
Well, the coronavirus outbreak isn’t really sparing anyone at this point. So you don’t have much choice but to make adjustments in order to continue with the rest of the year and possibly the next. Some people managed to work at home. Studying has shifted online mostly, too. Social gathering is restricted but still feasible provided that safety guidelines are followed.
But what has been really affected the most is travelling. May it be domestic or international, many people had to put their travel plans on hold this year. Now, while this may only be a let-down for travel enthusiasts. Those who make a living off of tourists, as well as the tourism sectors around the world, are hit very hard.
Good thing modern technology has made virtual tours possible! Sure, it’s not the same as being able to physically visit places, but for the general public and avid vacationers, it helps. It can keep people distracted from time to time, especially once that itch to go out starts. Here are some of the famous attractions, which may have possibly been on your bucket list to visit, that offer virtual tours online!
1. The Louvre, Paris
Who hasn’t dreamed of visiting Paris one day? At one point in life, most people have definitely wanted to because we cannot deny the beauty that Paris has to offer. But since going there and dropping by every single attraction isn’t really possible right now, why not browse through it at home?
We know the Louvre today as a museum. But way back in the day, it was actually a fortress and used to be a grand palace that served as a royal residence. It was surrounded by a moat along the Seine River to act as a defence in case of an attack.
While it was built during the 12th century, it wasn’t until the 16th century before it was remodelled and converted as a home for kings. And then it continued to be expanded and remodelled by numerous French leaders. The end of the French Revolution was the beginning of Louvre as a museum that housed around 600 paintings. Two hundred years later, the once fortress turned royal residence became a public institution that tourists now enjoy.
You can too, even in these times, as it offers 4 virtual tours: an exhibition of “The Advent of the Artist” in the Petite Galerie, the collection of Egyptian Antiquities in the Sully Wing, the remains of the Louvre moat, and the ceiling of Apollo Gallery.
2. Giants Causeway, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Haven’t been able to go to your usual beach/ocean getaway in the summer? Why not change your location a bit and visit Northern Ireland’s Giants Causeway. You can enjoy a virtual tour by The National Trust and be amazed at the striking landscape made up from 400,000 massive block basalt columns.
Declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1986, the dramatic sight can make you feel like you’re inside the world of Game of Thrones.
3. The Northern Lights, Norwegian Lapland
Certified astrophile will always dream of seeing the Aurora Borealis in person! However, pandemic or not, the trip to Norwegian Lapland isn’t always practical for everyone. So, why not take advantage of 3D virtual tours and marvel at the dazzling lights to your heart’s content at the comfort of your own home?
One day, you may be able to finally visit it in person but for now, the Northern Lights is still beautiful and can be appreciated through the screen.
4. Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam
If you’re interested in art and Amsterdam, you definitely need to visit the Rijksmuseum! It is the largest art museum in the Netherlands that showcases 8,000 pieces in 80 galleries covering 800 years of Dutch art and history. Google offers virtual tours by ground floor, 1st floor, 2nd floor, and 3rd floor.
5. Great Wall of China, Beijing, China
The Great Wall of China was so great it was even assumed to be visible all the way from the moon. But you don’t have to go that far! You don’t even have to go to China because you can gaze at all its 21,000km greatness from your home. Virtually, at least. It was intended to protect and consolidate territories of Chinese states and empires against nomadic groups of the steppe and their policies when it was built 500 years ago. Now, it has become the most famous attraction in China and one of the most impressive ancient structures on the planet. Try The China Guide website for an interactive tour.
