Virtual Travel in the Age of the Pandemic
It almost sounds like a dystopian novel: there is a viral infection spreading all over the world that was already contracted by almost a million people, almost half of the world’s population is on lockdown, flights are canceled, restaurants are closed, travel is nearly impossible, and there is no cure, no vaccine. And the worst thing is that nobody can see where this will all end.
Places around the world that are usually packed with tourists at this time of the year are now deserted. Las Vegas has closed all its theaters, restaurants, even the gaming tables and art collections hosted by its casinos are also off-limits to visitors. What visitors? The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority hasn’t released its official figures for March yet but we can expect to see a massive drop in people coming to this otherwise insanely popular destination. The numbers are equally dismal for other popular places, too – Paris, Rome, Venice, Berlin, Prague… they are all empty.
Governments all over the world recommend people to stay away from others and, if possible, don’t even leave their homes unless absolutely necessary. Social distancing and hand-washing are currently the only means to slow the spread of the virus. This means that travel is now officially off the table – and so is going out with friends, for that matter.
The only thing that can ease the wanderlust in our souls in these trying times is virtual travel– seeing far-away places through the internet while staying away from people at home. So, let’s take a look at a few of the most beautiful places you can explore using your computer or even a smartphone.
The Vatican Museums
Italy is the European country hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic – and it is on lockdown, meaning that visiting its many popular tourist destinations is out of the question. To see the Vatican Museum, in turn – at least parts of it – you don’t have to hop on a plane and fly to Italy – you can do it virtually over the internet.
The museum’s website offers virtual tours of some of its most popular displays, including the Sistine Chapel, the Niccoline Chapel or even its “New Wing” with an impressive collection of ancient Roman sculptures.
American National Parks
National parks are closing across America – but they will never close online thanks to the National Parks Service and Google called “The Hidden Worlds of the National Parks”. The project saw camera crews join park rangers on their rounds across several areas – from the Kenai Fjords in Alaska to the Dry Tortugas in Florida. The choice of park tours is limited but it definitely comes in handy in times like these.
The tours can be taken through this website or Google Earth.
Museums all over the world
If not even the coronavirus pandemic can keep you away from art – but you want to practice social distancing – there is one tool that can help you satisfy your cravings: it’s called Google Arts & Culture, and it has been around for years. But it’s especially helpful today. The service is far more than just a collection of artwork – although it does double as a massive online art gallery filled with high-quality representations of paintings and sculptures – it also offers virtual tours of a large number of museums, too. You can explore the places and pictures sorted geographically or by art movements or even mediums. And you can also take a “Street View” tour of famous landmarks, museums, art galleries and similar places from all over the world.
The ongoing pandemic has brought travel to a halt but it won’t last forever. Sooner or later, it will end – and then, we will once again be able to go out for a drink, see a movie, visit an art gallery or travel across the world. Until then, stay safe – and keep on writing that bucket list.