Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I receive a commission if you end up purchasing through my links.
As a girl who was supposed to be exploring Ireland and the UK the past couple of weeks, I can say I’m feeling an itch to travel like never before. I’m so fortunate to be healthy and safe, but the disappointment that comes with canceled travel plans is real (you should see my Travel Pinterest board). We had so much planned and I was prepared to share all of it with you.
Well! I’m getting a little more creative and sharing, instead, virtual vacations that you can take from the comfort of your couch! I know, I know, it’s not going to come close to the real deal, but if we can dream and be inspired to plan then it’s worth it to me!
1. Ireland
I’ll start with Ireland because that’s what I feel like I’m missing most right now! I have always wanted to visit Ireland because of the cultural stories I’ve heard for so long. Caleb (my husband) and I both have Irish roots and it’s going to be so fun to visit together one day!
LonelyPlanet has compiled a wonderful list of virtual tours and resources to get a glimpse of the island. My favorite might be the Irish Accents podcast! Have a look at the link below.
Ireland Virtual Vacation: Lonely Planet
2. The United Kingdom / Scotland
My husband will tell you, I’m a bit obsessed with royal history. This probably started back in high school and has only flourished since then. With so many historical sites I’d love to visit throughout Europe, the bucket list has a long way to go. I’ve been to England before — mostly around the hub of London — but The UK has so much more to offer with its lush countrysides and mystical lochs.
From Bath to York, to Edinburgh, Skye, and beyond, discover more at Travel & Leisure.
Before I go any further, I want to share one of my favorite travel apps, RoadTrippers. It’s the app that helped me detail my UK/Scotland road trip and it is so much fun to use! I have an opportunity for you to get $5 off a Plus Account. Take a look at all the extras you’ll receive with a RoadTrippers Plus account and be sure to apply code BTR5QTP for your discount!
3. Paris, France
Paris has to be one of the most iconic cities in all of Europe. It’s the setting for countless fictional and real love stories and is packed with hundreds of years of history. It’s a cultural hub with sites, colors and sounds that people (myself included) dream of visiting.
Each 360º tour includes audio commentary as you peruse the views – a true virtual experience! You can tour of some of Paris’ most popular sites here at YouVisit.com.
Bonus Resource: My favorite travel couple over at Flying the Nest has tons of videos and experience guides all about Paris. Check them out here!
4. Rome, Italy
While Italy has many beautiful, ancient cities, its capital is one that has been the epicenter of an empire and culture for thousands of years.
In this virtual guide, you can view major landmarks of Rome and get a glimpse of 3D renditions of ancient relics virtually restored. Take a trip back in time with ItalyGuides.it!
5. Vancouver, Canada
Inside Vancouver created a full list of exciting attractions to view from wherever you may be. You can catch a 360º view of the Vancouver rainforest, take a tour of the Vancouver Art Gallery, and much more. Don’t forget the free online Flamenco dance classes! Check it all out here.
6. San Francisco, USA
If you’ve got just 5 minutes, I recommend taking this virtual tour of San Francisco. The video highlights all the famous things that are sure to be on your list plus more. This 360º video lets you drag the camera right on your screen to take in all angles of the view. A really fun way to virtually explore!
7. Queenstown, New Zealand
Nestled in New Zealand’s south island is the small tourist town of Queenstown. Nicknamed the Southern Alps, it’s known to have some of the best skiing in the world. New Zealand, in general, is a big attraction for extreme adventure-seekers and Queenstown serves as a hub for many outlying destinations. The 100% Pure New Zealand Queenstown travel guide is packed with all the best attractions and excursion sights.
When we visited, Caleb and I rode this awesome jet boat through the Shotover river! See more from our Queenstown vacation highlights in my New Zealand blog post!
8. Cairo/Giza, Egypt
Okay, maybe you can’t virtually ride a camel, but if somebody figured out how to do it, sign me up! If you have ever wanted to see the inside of an ancient pyramid tomb, this just may be your free virtual ticket! Thanks to The Giza Project through Harvard University, Queen Meresankh III’s tomb is on full display, right down to the hieroglyphics and rock-cut statues. There are points all throughout the tour that will provide extra information for the real history buffs. There’s more to love in Egypt at this guide from TripSavvy.
9. Grand Canyon, USA
The Grand Canyon is a tourist attraction for people from all over the world. In fact, around 5 million people visit each year. Since all national parks are closed at the moment, nps.gov has put together some virtual tours to explore the area from home. From what I hear, this is one you just definitely need to see in person. Unfortunately for my parents, they made the trip from Phoenix one very foggy day but luckily, they took it in good stride 😂
Here you go mom and dad: A virtual hike through the Grand Canyon and more!
10. Vietnam
When I lived in Australia, southeast Asia was considered our back yard. I had friends who were visiting the vibrant countries in that region and coming back with the most stunning photos and stories. Vietnam is one of those hidden gems that’s definitely on my bucket list. I found this virtual tour of Vietnam’s Heritage Sites and I’m swooning!
11. Machu Picchu, Peru
The ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, Peru have been on my travel list for a long time. Until I get there in person, YouVisit.com is helping me out with a 360º virtual tour from its lush green mountainside. Hike on over to see for yourself.
12. Victoria Falls
Traveling to Africa from the US is no small feat, but if you’re looking for adventure, you won’t be disappointed. I have been to Kenya and I have several other countries on my travel list! Victoria Falls in Zambia is considered to be the largest waterfall in the world. You can get special aerial views of the falls and more 360º virtual tours here at AirPano.com.
13. Australia
While I lived in Australia for two years, I know I just scratched the surface on all that this amazing land down under has to offer. You can virtually trek through the Outback, watch koalas via live stream, dive the Great Barrier Reef, and much more thanks to this virtual vacation guide from Insider.com.
For more fun exploring from all over Australia’s Pacific Coast, check out my page of Australia travel guides!
Which virtual vacation from my list was your favorite!? Comment to let me know!
Love this! I’ll def check out the links!