- Stuck at home but craving the thrill of travel? Whether it’s due to financial limitations, work obligations, family responsibilities, or global travel restrictions, getting away isn’t always possible. But that doesn’t mean your sense of adventure has to take a back seat.
- Thanks to today’s technology, you can explore the world without ever leaving your couch. From iconic landmarks and cultural experiences to exotic nature tours and inspiring content, virtual travel can feed your wanderlust until your next real-life journey.
- Here are 10 free virtual travel experiences you can dive into right now—plus bonus tips and recommended tools to help you plan your future adventures.
1. Visit Iconic Museums from Your Living Room
Some of the world’s most famous museums are now offering virtual tours for free. Want to wander the Louvre’s corridors in Paris or explore the British Museum in London? Now you can!
🖼️ Top picks:
- Louvre Museum Virtual Tour
- British Museum + Google Arts & Culture Tour
- National Gallery of Victoria Virtual Exhibits
- The Broad’s Infinity Mirrored Room Tour
Want to explore even more? The Google Arts & Culture app provides access to over 2,500 museums and UNESCO heritage sites.
2. Enjoy Keukenhof’s Famous Tulip Gardens in Bloom
Springtime in the Netherlands is magical, especially at the Keukenhof Gardens. If you can’t make it there in person, experience the color and serenity through a virtual tour.
3. Walk Along the Great Wall of China Virtually
Explore one of the world’s most impressive man-made wonders with a 360-degree virtual tour of the Great Wall of China. See key sections and historical notes while navigating the wall from your browser or phone.
4. Step into Ancient Egypt at the Pyramids of Giza
Thanks to Harvard University’s Giza Project, you can now explore 3D models of the Pyramids, tombs, and surrounding archaeological sites in Egypt—all online and completely free.
5. Take a Virtual Field Trip to Yellowstone National Park
If you’ve always wanted to visit the great outdoors of the U.S., Yellowstone National Park offers stunning virtual tours of geysers, hot springs, and wildlife hotspots.
🌄 Bonus: Don’t miss Yosemite National Park’s virtual experiences too!
6. Discover Giants Causeway & UK National Trust Heritage Sites
The UK’s National Trust lets you explore historical homes, parks, castles, and even the Giants Causeway online. It’s a rich mix of architecture, royal history, and legendary landscapes.
7. See the Northern Lights & Ride a Reindeer Sleigh in Lapland
One of the most enchanting sights on Earth is the Aurora Borealis. Thanks to Lights Over Lapland, you can now enjoy 360° videos of the Northern Lights, ride a virtual reindeer sleigh, and explore Abisko National Park.
8. Watch Live Zoo and Aquarium Cams from Around the World
Perfect for families and animal lovers! Top zoos and aquariums offer live webcam streams of pandas, penguins, tigers, elephants, otters, and more.
🦁 Where to look:
- San Diego Zoo Live Cams
- Melbourne Zoo & Healesville Sanctuary
- Atlanta Zoo Panda Cam
- Monterey Bay Aquarium Cams
9. Plan Future Adventures with Pinterest Travel Boards
While you’re dreaming of your next trip, why not start planning it too? Pinterest is packed with travel tips, itineraries, and destination guides.
📌 Create your dream travel board on Pinterest here—it’s fun, free, and super inspiring.
10. Tune into Travel Podcasts for Inspiration on the Go
Podcasts are a great way to travel with your ears. From destination-based stories to budget travel tips, there’s a show for every type of traveler.
🎧 Recommended Shows:
- Amateur Traveler
- Women Who Travel (Conde Nast)
- Wild Ideas Worth Living (REI)
- Extra Pack of Peanuts (Budget Travel)
Final Thoughts
Just because you’re home doesn’t mean you can’t explore the world. These free virtual travel experiences offer the magic of global discovery without the cost or commitment. They’re great for families, solo adventurers, or anyone dreaming of their next getaway.
🌍 Want to turn your virtual trip into a real one later?
Check out our favorite travel gear, courses, and planning tools here to start preparing for your next real-world adventure!