With the recent spread of the Coronavirus and subsequent border shut downs, cancelling imminent travel plans is a wise move. It’s important for communities to conduct social distancing and self quarantine, however it can be devastating to miss out on planned itineraries. To stave off the quarantine blues, many international sites have created virtual experiences that you can enjoy from your couch and we’ve rounded up our favorite ones here.

Head to the zoo

There’s nothing better than animal therapy - especially when it’s a cute penguin waddling around. Thankfully, zoos around the country are keeping their cameras on even with their doors shut. Check out the Georgia Aquarium, San Diego Zoo and the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

A night at the museum

Google Arts and Culture brought together virtual tours from over 2,500 museums and galleries. If you were looking forward to checking out the Museum of Modern Art in New  York, the Uffizi Gallery in Milan or the Palace of Versaille in France, you’re in luck! The Louvre hosts its own virtual tour so order a croissant and get exploring.

Take a walk

If you miss walking down the posh streets of London or through the street food markets of Bangkok, these virtual walks are a close second when you’re isolating at home. Here’s a thread of many interesting walks from all around the world. 

Go off the grid

If you had dreams of going somewhere remote in 2020, Google Maps has just what you need without having to leave your couch. Some of our favorites include Kuang Si Falls in Laos, Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia and Lake Baikal in Siberia. 

See the sights

If you’ve been dreaming of a trip to see the Taj Mahal, the Great Wall of China or the volcanoes in Hawaii, now is the perfect time. Major sites are offering virtual tours or VR experiences. 

 For adventurers and explorers, being grounded can feel isolating but it’s a wonderful opportunity to take a virtual trip. It may even inspire your next IRL vacation!