We might not be able to travel for who knows how long, but we can still travel virtually. In fact, there are more virtual experiences than ever before, as travel restrictions have forced people to get creative. Come with us on a journey to discover some that have captured our attention. Check back in occasionally as we’ll regularly be adding more #isoinspo
Papatūānuku (Our Earth Mother) is breathing
The message from Visit Auckland is this: Sit at a distance, stand as one. When the time is right, we welcome you. But for now, listen.
Tip toe through the tulips in Holland
Imagine planting 7 million bulbs and having no-one turn up to see them in bloom. That’s what’s happened at Keukenhof, The Netherlands park that normally welcomes 1.5 million visitors from around the world between March and May. For the first time in its 71-year history, Keukenhof won’t open for a single day, ironically in one of the best springs ever. Armchair travellers can take a 360-degree video tour instead.
Escape to the U.S. Pacific Northwest
Can it really be two years since we discovered the joys of Whidbey and Camano Islands in the Pacific Northwest? Blessed with good looks and an easy-going charm, the islands are highlighting their natural and cultural attractions in online videos. One of our favourites is this one of the annual whale migration taking place right now.
Between late March and May, the whales take a break in beautiful Puget Sound during their migration from Baja California to the Bering Sea. Another of the videos features Cama Beach State Park, where I had the pleasure of staying – an enchanting place that is like stepping into a time warp. #StillBeautiful
Our hearts go out to Milan
When we were in Milan in 2015, we didn’t have time to do the tour inside the city’s magnificent Cathedral as we were busy with the Host hospitality exhibition and World Expo. Milan is suffering terribly now, being at the epicentre of the Covid-19 pandemic in Italy. But with virtual reality, we can do the Duomo Tour from the comfort of our lounge.
Pietro Madaschi’s extraordinary 360° images lead us through the naves to the High Altar, down to the archaeological area and up to the rooftops, and finally into the museum and archive. It’s not quite the same as being there but it’s captivating nevertheless. #apartbuttogether #italycomestoyou
Be enthralled by magnificent Vienna
On many levels, cultural and otherwise, Vienna is one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Many of its museums, galleries and other attractions are offering virtual tours, including the Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna, the Capuchin Crypt where the Habsburgs are buried, and Schönbrunn Palace. The lavish 1,441-room palace was the main summer residence of the Habsburgs. Be totally enthralled as you stroll through the magnificent Mirrors Room and the residential suite occupied by Emperor Franz Joseph and his wife, Empress Elisabeth.
Aren’t these Japanese snow monkeys just the cutest?
Japan was on our wish list for 2020. Clearly that’s not going to happen now. So we’re going virtually instead, and in doing so, I came across this video on the Japan-Guide website about a visit to Yamanouchi and the Jigokudani Monkey Park. It’s famous for its Japanese macaques, or snow monkeys, and they really are just the cutest – you could look at their antics all day. I especially love the shot of them bathing in the hot springs in winter.
Keep an eye out for our upcoming posts on Travelling Virtually Through Web Cams and Travelling Virtually With Live Streaming.
