We may be stuck indoors for the time being but that doesn't mean we can't broaden our horizons beyond our living room walls, because let's face it, there's only so many thousand-piece jigsaws you can do, and Netflix series you can watch. While we aren’t able to physically travel the globe at the moment, there are ways to do it virtually – and for free.
Grand Canyon & other US national parks
Courtesy of Google Earth, you can take a virtual hike (far less knackering than a real one) to 18 different viewpoints which show off the immensity of the Grand Canyon in Arizona. There's always been some debate about which viewpoint is best, but personally, I think the Abyss is a feast for the eyes.
Machu Picchu
No need to alpaca your bag, as this voice-guided tour from YouVisit.com takes you high up in the Andes mountains of Peru for 360-degree views of this world wonder. The 11 different tour stops show off ruins of Inca settlements and a lush green landscape.
Fjords, volcanoes & caverns
Google Arts & Culture's 'Hidden Worlds of National Parks' allows you to go on five separate voice-guided tours (each lasting about half an hour) where you can kayak through icebergs, fly over an active volcano, trek through a cave, and swim through the third-largest coral reef in the world... all with a cup of tea in your hand.
British Royal residences including Buckingham Palace
If you fancy a peek at where The Queen is social-distancing, the Royal Family's website has virtual tours of Windsor Castle, Holyrood House in Scotland, and Buckingham Palace – which includes the White Room where Her Majesty broadcasts her Christmas speech, the grand staircase, and the throne room. Each tour shows off just a few rooms, and while you can spin around for a 360-look, you're only able to 'stand' in the same spot... well c'mon, one doesn't want one dirtying those fancy rugs.
Courtesy of Google Earth, you can take a virtual hike (far less knackering than a real one) to 18 different viewpoints which show off the immensity of the Grand Canyon in Arizona. There's always been some debate about which viewpoint is best, but personally, I think the Abyss is a feast for the eyes.
Machu Picchu
No need to alpaca your bag, as this voice-guided tour from YouVisit.com takes you high up in the Andes mountains of Peru for 360-degree views of this world wonder. The 11 different tour stops show off ruins of Inca settlements and a lush green landscape.
Fjords, volcanoes & caverns
Google Arts & Culture's 'Hidden Worlds of National Parks' allows you to go on five separate voice-guided tours (each lasting about half an hour) where you can kayak through icebergs, fly over an active volcano, trek through a cave, and swim through the third-largest coral reef in the world... all with a cup of tea in your hand.
British Royal residences including Buckingham Palace
If you fancy a peek at where The Queen is social-distancing, the Royal Family's website has virtual tours of Windsor Castle, Holyrood House in Scotland, and Buckingham Palace – which includes the White Room where Her Majesty broadcasts her Christmas speech, the grand staircase, and the throne room. Each tour shows off just a few rooms, and while you can spin around for a 360-look, you're only able to 'stand' in the same spot... well c'mon, one doesn't want one dirtying those fancy rugs.