
Just because we're currently grounded, it doesn't mean that we can't explore the world virtually—and plan our next amazing trip.
Like many people, especially other travel writers, I had plans to be traveling for much of the year. But starting in late February, one by one my trips were canceled, or I opted not to go due to the threat of COVID-19. Right now, we have no idea when other countries will open to tourism again, when cruise ships will set sail, or even when we'll feel safe to get on a plane. It's a weird feeling to be grounded indefinitely. And even if we do book winter holiday travel now, our destinations will likely be somewhat restricted.
But I'm glad that it's still possible to explore the beauty of the world through virtual experiences. Many destinations, cruise lines, and groups are offering everything from virtual wine tastings and wellness sessions to live concerts around the globe. These armchair-tourism experiences have reminded me of the incredible places I've been fortunate enough to visit and the amazing people I've met along the way. Some are also inspiring me to think ahead and plan future trips. Most importantly, though, they are keeping all of us connected and uplifted during this time of uncertainty. So far, these have been my favorite ways to satisfy my wanderlust.
The majestic beauty of Wales
My husband and I were scheduled to return to Wales this fall, but that trip is currently on hold. For now, I'm looking back at the photos and videos I took during my trip, baking Welsh cakes, and virtually revisiting Wales. This video from the tourism board is really well done and gives a wonderful overview of the country's magnificent scenery. I also love this one that shows the extraordinary beauty of Three Cliff's Bay on the Gower Peninsula, as well as this North Wales Way clip of Snowdonia.
While at home, I'm learning more about Welsh history and the country's art museums and galleries. I particularly enjoy browsing through the galleries of the National Museum Cardiff, which has one of Europe's finest art collections. I also indulged my fascination with medieval castles by watching the short UNESCO documentary The Heritage of Wales.
The golden heart of Alaska
Our trip this year was scheduled for the beginning of March when the town would have still been dressed up as a winter wonderland. We would have bundled up for outdoor festivities such as the World Ice Art Championships and dog mushing. We'd also hoped to spend evenings watching the aurora borealis dance across the sky again and to take another bush-plane flight, this time over the Arctic Circle.
While we couldn't make the trip this year, I've been looking through Fairbanks' Immersive 360° virtual resources, where you can see the northern lights and go dog mushing. It's also fun to check out how many hours of daylight Fairbanks has throughout the year with the Midnight Sun Tracker, especially during the Midnight Sun Season (April 22 to August 20). I'm also watching this YouTube video, which brings me back to my summer experiences in the area and is getting me excited for a winter adventure to Alaska's Golden Heart.
The hills of Conegliano Valdobbiadene in Italy
For now, my husband and I are enjoying Prosecco Superiore at home and visiting the region virtually with this video. I'm even learning about making Prosecco Superiore from the Consortium's Conegliano Valdobbiadene Academy, which offers three online lessons in English. These informative sessions cover everything from the history and characteristics of the wine to proper food pairings and storage techniques. I'm also following the region's #SparkleatHome initiative on social media and will be participating in their first #SparkleatHome Zoom webinar. This virtual wine tasting will be held in early June in partnership with Wine.com. Participants can purchase the wine and do the tasting, or they can just tune in to listen and learn.
Daydreaming about a trip to the Far East? Here's how to explore Japan's most beautiful landmarks virtually.
California's Monterey Peninsula
I also had to cancel a wine-focused adventure to California's Monterey Peninsula. Instead, I'm visiting the region from the comfort of my living room and sipping wine at home. Some of my favorite winemakers are hosting Instagram Live events. For example, J Vineyards & Winery hosts weekly wine tastings with their winemaker every Friday at 3 p.m. PT, and on Sunday, their executive chef hosts live cooking demonstrations. There's also a Friday tasting at William Hill Estate Winery, as well as a Friday happy hour and a Saturday cooking demo at Louis M. Martini. You can even take a drone tour of Talbott Vineyards' prestigious Sleepy Hollow Vineyard in the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA (American Viticultural Area). For other virtual events and tastings, check out Discover California Wine's website.
Sail away on a cruise
Viking is another line that has an extensive online program. On Viking.TV, you can live-stream daily sessions with special guests and hosts, who cover topics ranging from world cultures to the arts, architecture, music, and history. They also have Wellness Weekend podcasts, as well as live broadcasts on Fridays at the filming locale of Downton Abbey, Highclere Castle, hosted by the Countess of Carnarvon. Plus, it's been fun to see the crew members and interiors of the ships.
I was supposed to be on the Regent Seven Seas' new Seven Seas Splendor in March, so I've been watching their Regent Connects initiative and following the #RegentForward hashtag on social media. The interactive experiences include DIY spa treatments, cocktail demonstrations, recipes, and musical performances. I particularly enjoyed watching these musical performances of Josh Groban's song, "Thankful" and this video of so many places I still want to visit around the world.
But wait—there's more!
If there's a spot you want to see, chances are, there's a virtual experience for it. Here are a few more "trips" that I've been taking.
Quebec City: I love the European feel of this region and it's so close to home. You can check out these virtual experiences, as well as take a guided Zoom tour of Old Quebec City.
Abu Dhabi: This is one place I hope to explore when this all passes. I missed a few opportunities in the past, but it's still on the bucket list. Their tourism board has created this short video, plus this one to inspire travelers; there are additional videos on their tourism website. Follow their hashtag #StayCurious on social media.
National Parks: Many national parks have virtual tours and 360-degree images online. These are some of my favorites: a Google video of Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska, a Google Earth tour of Glacier National Park in Montana, and an e-cruise of Acadia National Park in Maine. Don't miss these 35 other national parks you can tour online right now.
Africa: Tune into AndBeyond's daily three-hour personalized game drives. WILDwatch Live is streamed in real-time from two South African game reserves on YouTube and Facebook, or you can view the safaris on their website. Guides are also posting wildlife sightings out in the field from two other games reserves on Instagram.
Israel: Explore this beautiful country on Instagram Live and even learn to make an Israeli specialty, Skakshuka.
New York City: Giving new meaning to "the city that never sleeps," New York City's many virtual attractions include live-streamed Broadway performances and visits to the city's museums and galleries.
For more strategies, including how people are staying sane and safe, see our comprehensive Coronavirus Guide.
Popular Videos
How This Travel Writer Is Satisfying Her Wanderlust From Home, Source:https://www.rd.com/advice/satisfy-wanderlust-from-home/