Tag Archives: Covid-19

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5 Hotels That Have Adapted Well to Covid-19

Hotel pool view

With the majority of people choosing to forgo travel in order to stay at home, hotels have really struggled to draw in guests over the past few months.

However, times are changing once again…

While some hotels are having a tough time keeping up with constantly-changing requirements, others have truly been exemplary when it comes to ensuring the safety of their guests.

If you plan on booking yourself into a hotel anytime soon, these five hotels are the ones to choose from.

The Hilton

One of the most famous hotel chains in the world, it should come as no surprise that the Hilton has really outdone itself when it comes to its Covid-19 policy.

For starters, the hotel chain has partnered with RB, the creator of Dettol and Lysol, to create the Hilton CleanStay program. It basically means that all areas are cleaned extra-vigorously, with staff undergoing special training to ensure that they are knowledgable about these new cleaning methods.

Hilton are also consulting with the Mayo Clinic to make sure that the health standards at their hotels are always on-point.

They are offering all of their guests flexible booking options, meaning that any last-minute changes or cancellations can happen free of charge, and face coverings are mandatory in the public spaces of many of their hotels.

As an added bonus, the Hilton Honors App allows guests to digitally check in to their rooms, complete with a digital key. You can use the app to message staff, check out, and review your receipt, making all of these services completely contactless.

Which Hilton Hotel is the Best?

This depends on what you’re looking for – some are good for wellness and relaxation, others are known for their skiing, and several have exquisite beaches.

However, one of the best Hilton hotels all-round is the Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam. Set in 17th and 18th century palaces, this five star hotel, which boasts a luxury spa, personal concierge services, and Michelin-starred restaurants, is in a prime location, just two blocks from the heart of the city.

While you’re there, don’t forget to stop off at the OROGOLD Amsterdam store to treat your skin to complimentary product demonstrations, customized skin consultations, and a VIP gold facial.

The Hyatt

The Hyatt is another international hotel chain that is loved by so many.

In a recent Covid-19 survey, the Hyatt beat out its competitors when it came to its customers-first policy. Their enhanced levels of cleanliness puts guests at immediate ease, with the chain consulting with the Cleveland Clinic to put together its new safety protocols.

Many public spaces are sanitized hourly with hospital-quality disinfectants, and the chain is also testing out electrostatic sprayers to make their disinfecting even more effective.

All staff undergo temperature checks before they enter the hotel each time, and guests may also need to do this depending on the local requirements of the hotel that they are staying at.

The Hyatt strongly encourages social distancing, and has made this easier with protective shields strategically placed around their hotels.

Just like the Hilton, the Hyatt also offers up super-flexible booking and cancellation policies.

Are you a frontline worker?

If so, you could be eligible for a complimentary vacation at a Hyatt hotel; a scheme that they are running in collaboration with American Airlines. Healthcare workers from around the world are also able to enjoy the hotel’s Friends & Family rate until June 2021, as a way for the hotel to thank those who are caring for society.

Which Hyatt Hotel is the Best?

Well, according to US News, the best Hyatt Hotel is the Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe Harbour in St. Kitts & Nevis.

This almost-untouched Caribbean island is truly a piece of paradise. The hotel spans the Banana Bay, meaning that every room boasts a panoramic sea view. If you treat yourself to a suite, you’ll be able to enjoy private terraces, lounge areas, and a plunge pool too.

Four Seasons

The Four Seasons is another hotel that has really committed to changing the way they do things during this pandemic. Their Lead With Care program consists of highly stringent health and safety measures, with consultants at John Hopkins Medicine International providing advice.

In addition to the extra cleaning, along with numerous sanitizer stations dotted throughout hotels, all Four Seasons staff will have undergone special training, both in-person and virtually, to give them the best knowledge when it comes to dealing with situations during Covid-19.

Guest rooms are disinfected on a daily basis, and staff inspect each room with blacklights after to make sure that no area has been missed. Public spaces are cleaned every hour, and the hotel is also exploring various options for using ozone technology or UV technology to enhance air purification.

Don’t worry if you lose or forget your face mask either – the hotel provides each guest room with a special kit containing masks, sanitization wipes, and hand sanitizer.

Like the idea of being able to check in and out in a completely contactless way?

The Four Seasons allows for this at all of their hotels with the Four Seasons App. It limits face-to-face contact in a variety of different ways. Not only can you completely bypass the front desk on arrival and departure, but you’ll also be able to

  • Manage your reservation
  • Book an airport transfer
  • Order room service (which is delivered in a contactless way with single-use but sustainable packaging)
  • Book a table at a restaurant
  • Book a spa treatment

The app, as well as the live chat feature with hotel staff, can be translated into over 100 different languages, which is crucial for such an international hotel chain. This is also one of the only hotel live chats that are run by actual employees that are based on the property itself, rather than automated chatbots.

Which Four Seasons Hotel is the Best?

Many would agree that the Grand-Hotel Du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel really excels when it comes to luxury.

Located on the French Riviera, in seven hectares of landscaped Mediterranean gardens, this palace hotel first opened its doors in 1908, and has been truly legendary ever since.

The hotel boasts a number of different amenities, but it is famous for its seawater infinity pool, which overlooks the sea. For a jaw-dropping experience, take the hotel’s glass elevator down to the 33-metre pool – the views that greet you from all sides will take your breath away.

While meals can be had at the pool’s gorgeous outdoor location, you could also book yourself in to Le Cap, the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant. French Mediterranean cuisine rules the roost here, and the restaurant is running at a limited capacity to ensure the safety of guests.

Accor

Although the Accor hotel chain was hit extremely hard by the effect of Covid-19, reporting huge losses and having to let go of 1000 jobs, the hotel has still been extremely committed to adapting to the new normal.

In partnership with Bureau Veritas, Accor have created the ALLSAFE initiative. This sees the hotel taking on the highest standards when it comes to cleanliness and safety. In addition to a reinforced cleaning program and sanitizer stations in all public areas, employees have been extensively trained in safety and hygiene. This training is ongoing, which is important since rules and local requirements are constantly changing.

The check in, check out, and payment processes are all contactless whenever possible, limiting exposure between hotel guests and staff, and rooms are also fully disinfected between guests. Staff have been taught to pay extra attention to high-touch items, such as remote controls and door handles.

Accor have also partnered up with AXA to provide their guests access to medical professionals, not only in person but also virtually. This goes a long way to help guests feel safer should any health issues arise during their stay.

All booking policies are completely flexible, and even guests who previously booked a room at a non-flexible rate will now be able to enjoy the perks that the flexible policies offer.

Which Accor Hotel is the Best?

The jury is still out – each Accor hotel offers something a little different, making it difficult to compare them. However, the Banyan Tree Mayakoba definitely sits near the top of the list.

Located in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, this hotel offers up Mexican charm with an Asian twist. The eco-resort has won numerous awards over the years for its five-star services and facilities, all of which take place in a beautiful pocket of untouched nature.

Playa del Carmen itself is an amazing part of the world to visit. While you may not be able to enjoy its iconic nightlife at the moment, this is where you will find some of the best beaches in Mexico. The city itself is also constantly buzzing, with an eclectic mix of both local and international names. While you’re browsing the stores here, make sure that you pop into the OROGOLD Playa del Carmen store to treat your skin to a little luxury too.

InterContinental

While just about every large international hotel chain has partnered with a group of medical experts to help lead their new health and hygiene efforts, the InterContinental Hotel Group (IHG) has gone all out and is working with three:

  • Cleveland Clinic
  • Ecolab
  • Diversey

Together, they have come up with the IHG Clean Promise program. This was actually launched back in 2015, but has now been enhanced because of Covid-19.

In addition to staff having to undergo extra training, cleaning measures have been amped up. High-touch items and in-room furnishings have been replaced as much as possible with items that allow for more effective disinfecting.

Just like the other hotels on this list, IHG are also offering contactless check in and check out procedures, along with safety screens at the front desk. All payment transactions are contactless too, and social distancing is being implemented at all properties.

In addition to providing each guest with a special cleaning kit, the hotel is also displaying cleanliness information on signage and screens to ensure that everyone is on the same page when it comes to staying safe.

Of course, all bookings are now completely flexible, and deposits are no longer required when reserving a room. If you happen to be a healthcare professional, a government worker, or anyone else working on the frontline, then you will be able to take advantage of the hotel’s Heroes Rate, meaning fantastic discounts for the rest of 2020.

Already have IHG loyalty points but don’t think you’ll be using them anytime soon?

The group is running a special scheme that allows loyalty members to use their points for financial donations, which are being given to Covid-19 relief efforts.

Which IHG Hotel is the Best?

Again, this is hard to say, but the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort is consistently receiving awards for its world-class facilities and services. This resort is located in central Vietnam, surrounded by dense forests and bordered on one side by a tropical, sandy beach.

The resort is sprawled out over 39 hectares of land, making it easy to keep your distance from staff and guests. Golf buggies are used to transport guests around the hotel, and they also have a cable car system to help guests navigate and explore the resort’s hilly terrain.

Danang itself is known for its rich history as a French colonial port and its exquisite beaches. It is a fantastic location for outdoor activities, which is exactly what people are seeking during the Coronavirus pandemic.

In order to keep themselves open for business, just about every hotel out there has had to implement new health and hygiene measures because of Covid-19. However, while some may be doing the bare minimum, these five international chains have really gone above and beyond to ensure the safety of each and every one of their guests.

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Fall 2020: The Top 7 Destinations to Visit

Rocky Mountains Colorado

The Covid-19 pandemic put a halt to most travel plans over the summer, and while many still feel safer staying close to home for now, others are desperate to get away for a while before the winter hits.

There’s no denying that fall is such a stunning time of year to travel, and for those who want to spend some time in nature admiring the fall foliage, social distancing is relatively easy. Here are seven destinations in the USA that are perfect for a 2020 fall getaway.

Napa Valley, California

Vineyards in Napa Valley

Napa Valley is famous for its vineyards, many of which produce some of the finest wines in the world. While most tend to visit during the summer, fall sees the region glowing with fiery hues, not only from the incredible diversity of native and non-native trees, but also from the grapevines preparing themselves for the winter.

Food and wine enthusiasts love what Napa Valley has to offer. There are hundreds of wineries here, many of which are also well-versed in the art of fine dining, resulting in some exquisite gastronomical experiences. This is also the the season for grape harvesting, with some vineyards allowing visitors to take part in this annual event.

Of course, there’s so much more to Napa than just its wine…

The Calistoga hot springs and mud baths are known for their healing and therapeutic properties, while Downtown Napa is packed with quirky stores, chic cafes, and plenty of lush greenery. If you really want to treat yourself, book a hot air balloon ride over Napa Valley, preferably at sunrise. You may not appreciate the early wake up call at the time, but once you’re up in the air watching the morning sun cast its warm glow over the vineyards below, the effort will be more than worth it.

Eastern Shore, Maryland

Wild horses in Eastern Shore, Maryland

Maryland’s Eastern Shore is known for its fall festivals, with their Oktoberfest festival in particular being one of the best in the country. While these won’t be taking place amid the Coronavirus pandemic, the Eastern Shore is still deserving of a visit this fall.

Begin by spending some time at the Assateague Island National Seashore and State Park. Although the temperatures may be too cool for you to spend the day sunbathing on the beach, the wild horses that roam this dreamy spot of coastline are definitely a sight to behold. The Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, which boasts three distinct ecosystems, is another spot for nature lovers to visit, with such a wide array of wildlife calling this refuge home.

To appreciate the water from a different perspective, charter a boat for the day. Whether you indulge in some fishing, with Chesapeake Bay in particular known for its abundance of rockfish, or simply relax and soak up your surroundings, this is a great way to take some time out while keeping your distance from others.

The Eastern Shore has also been attracting wine enthusiasts lately. While most tend to flock to California for a wine tasting vacation, many are now recognizing the outstanding quality produced in the Eastern Shore. Follow the Chesapeake Wine Trail to sample some of the region’s finest.

North Adams, Massachusetts

Road in fall in North Adams

Massachusetts is known for its great outdoors, as well as its incredible leaf peeping opportunities, making it easy to plan a fall vacation here if you want to stay away from the crowds. While there are several great hotels to choose from, the area is sprinkled with historic Victorian homes that you can rent through AirBnB, as well as rural farms that have transformed extra spaces into fabulous guest rooms.

Speaking of the farms in the area, these produce deliciously fresh produce that the restaurants throughout North Adams make use of. The food scene here is thriving, making it a top destination for foodies to visit.

The best way to see the fall foliage would be by taking the Mohawk Trail, which stretches out for 63 miles, making it perfect for a day road trip. You could also hike up Mount Greylock, famous for being the highest point in the state, or spend the day exploring the Natural Bridge State Park. This protected area encompasses a marble quarry that dates back to the 1800’s. Although the quarry has long since been abandoned, the naturally-formed marble arches here are a sight to behold.

Of course, you’ll likely head into the city for a visit too, and you’ll quickly be able to see why North Adams was experiencing quite the surge in tourism before Covid-19 struck. Compared to the rest of the Berkshires, North Adams is known for its edgy and trendy vibe. Its art scene became huge after the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art opened in 1999, followed by a number of other museums, galleries, and art festivals.

Telluride, Colorado

Mountains in Colorado

Set in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, Telluride is surrounded by huge swathes of outdoor space, making it an ideal destination during this pandemic. The wild mountainous terrain that you will find here is what Telluride is famous for, with many of the area’s best activities taking place in nature.

While Telluride’s scenery is spectacular no matter the time of year, it really comes into its own each fall, when the aspens turn to a vibrant gold and the air takes on a crisper edge. There are numerous hiking trails that begin from the center of town, meaning that you don’t have to go too far for a different panorama each day. However, for some of the best views, take a leisurely walk along the San Miguel River Trail – it connects up to a few other trails too, such as the Idarado Legacy Trail and the Boomerang Trail, making it easy to extend your hike if you simply cannot get enough of your surroundings.

Santa Barbara, California

Santa Barbara trees and river

There may already be one Californian destination on this list, but Santa Barbara definitely deserves a mention too. With this region home to such a huge array of different trees, fall hits Santa Barbara pretty slowly, with the city taking on a more subtle progression of color rather than a sudden, vibrant burst.

Although Santa Barbara may have quite a large population, there are so many slices of outdoor space here, making it easy to scape the crowds. The Los Padres National Forest sits just behind Santa Barbara, with numerous trails for visitors to choose from.

The beaches of Santa Barbara more than warrant a visit too. For those who want to try their hand at some surfing, the waves here are usually quite dormant in the spring and summer, but spring into action come fall. El Capitan State Beach is great for surfers seeking an adrenaline rush, while Campus Point and Rincon are all legendary too. If you would prefer to relax on the sand, head on over to Jalama Beach. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to spot some of the 28,000 gray whales that migrate past the coast here twice a year.

Think it’ll be too cold to relax on the beach?

Think again – Santa Barbara is surprisingly warm in the fall when the Santa Ana winds blow in, making it worth being near a beach.

While you will want to limit how much time you spend in the city, you can’t visit Santa Barbara without indulging in a little retail therapy. With its open-air, Spanish-style layout, Paseo Neuvo is the place to go, which you will find in downtown Santa Barbara. This shopping destination is known for being the finest in the city – in addition to the numerous international brands you will find here, you will also come across the OROGOLD Santa Barbara store. Stop by for free product demonstrations and a luxurious VIP facial featuring real 24K gold. 

Savannah, Georgia

Oak trees in fall in Savannah

Savannah takes on a calmer and quieter air in the fall, making this the perfect time to visit. You won’t have to deal with the intense heat and humidity of the summer, meaning that you’ll easily be able to spend more time outdoors and away from the crowds.

If you’re staying downtown, a brief stroll around the city will reward you with architectural delights, along with numerous city parks that offer up pockets of respite when things get too busy on the street. While there are countless indoor attractions throughout the city too, keep in mind that most of these will be operating on a limited entry basis.

To explore Savannah’s wilder side, head on over to Skidaway Island State Park, where you will find a mix of salt marsh and maritime forest habitats. Fort McAllister State Park is only ten miles from the heart of Savannah and stretches out for 1,725 acres, with its focal point being an earthen-work fort that was once used to defend the city during the American Civil War.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach

The eclectic coastal city of Virginia Beach may be a popular spring break destination, but it’s also a prime spot to visit in the fall. As you can tell from the city’s name, its beach is one of its highlights, with 38 miles of shoreline ensuring that people can easily keep their distance. Early mornings are the best time to visit – not only will there be fewer crowds, but the sunrise coming up over the horizon, as well as the dolphins frolicking in its warm glow, will be one of the most memorable sights of your life.

If you would like to see the spectacular marine life up-close, take a kayak trip out into the water and then spend some time dipping and diving with the dolphin pods and turtles. There’s usually a 90% chance of a sighting with each trip in the fall, giving you pretty good odds!

Speaking of the sea…

Virginia Beach is famous for its fresh seafood, especially when it comes to oysters. You’ll find these being served just about everywhere in the city, with the beautiful balance of sweetness and brine coming from Virginia Beach’s perfect location at the entrance of Chesapeake Bay. If you can’t get enough of the oysters, take a boat tour out to the Lynnhaven River, where you will be able to learn more about these creatures and sample some straight from the water.

Foodies will love all of Virginia Beach’s other fall produce – there are 16 pick-your-own farms dotted around nearby. These are ideal for bagging some fresh ingredients that you can then cook up yourself if you’re staying at a holiday home instead of a hotel. From figs, apples and blackberries to kale, squash, and sweet potatoes, you really will be spoilt for choice.

Another must-visit in Virginia Beach is the First Landing State Park, which earned its name by being the first site at which colonists arrived when Jamestown was first settled. There are miles of trails to choose from here, as well as kayak rides through the tidal marshes and swamps. False Cape State Park is another spot to visit if you would like to see some wildlife, with everything from wild horses to bald eagles to more than 300 species of migratory birds being spotted here.

Round off your visit with a shopping spree – Lynnhaven Mall is a favorite amongst the locals. Being the largest mall in the region with 1,170,000 square feet of space, there are hundreds of stores to browse here. Don’t forget to visit the OROGOLD Virginia Beach store in the mall too so that you can treat your skin to some luxury skin care.

With Covid-19 still rife in many areas, people are now choosing their fall vacation destinations based on proximity to home. If you happen to live near to one of the above locations, then now is the perfect time to book yourself in for a short break that will take you away from the stresses of this pandemic.

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13 Ways to Travel the World When You Can’t Leave Your Home

Tea ceremony

Got the travel bug but can’t go anywhere due to social and travel restrictions?

Here are 13 ways in which you can travel the world and have plenty of adventures, all without leaving the safety of your home.

Visit a Virtual Museum

Skeleton in museum

Busara / Shutterstock.com

If you love visiting museums, chances are that you have several on your bucket list that you are hoping to explore.

Well, many of the most famous museums in the world now offer virtual tours, giving you the chance to see their collections without having to leave your home.

Granted, this may not be quite the same as experiencing these collections in-person, but there are certain advantages that come with a virtual museum tour too; no crowds and no queues for a start!

Best Virtual Museum Tours for a Home Travel Experience

There are several museums offering virtual tours, but some of the best include:

  • The Guggenheim Museum in New York City
  • The British Museum in London
  • The Louvre in Paris
  • The Vatican Museums in Rome
  • NASA facilities in Ohio and Virginia
  • The Anne Frank House in Amsterdam

Tour a National Park

Prefer nature to art? Or maybe you only really enjoy nature from afar, preferring not to get your hands too dirty.

Either way, a virtual tour of a national park would be perfect for you. Just like with the virtual museum tours, this means no queues and no crowds, and it will give you a healthy fix of the great outdoors.

Best Virtual National Park Tours for a Home Travel Experience

You would be surprised to discover just how many national parks are offering virtual tours, with some of the best being:

  • The Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona
  • Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Vietnam
  • Zhāngjiājiè National Forest Park in China
  • Namib-Naukluft National Park in Namibia
  • Banff National Park in Canada

Cook Meals from Around the World

Mexican food

One of the best ways to really immerse yourself in a country’s culture is by eating local foods. From Turkish kebabs to Indian curries to Caribbean spice, food is a huge part of travel for many.

If you’ve been missing out on all of those exotic fares, there’s no reason why you can’t cook some up for yourself at home.

There are thousands upon thousands of recipes online, along with step-by-step video tutorials that you can easily follow along.

Don’t have enough confidence in your cooking skills?

You could always order in instead. Or, sign yourself up for a food subscription box that provides fail-proof ways to cook an amazing meal.

If you’ve got more time on your hands, check out some of the many online cooking courses out there and teach yourself some new skills.

Create Some Exotic Cocktails

You’ll need something to drink alongside all of those meals you’ve been cooking, so try whipping up a few exotic cocktails.

Whether you are hoping to visit the Caribbean, South America, Europe, South East Asia, or anywhere else, cocktails will bring you the flavors of your destination.

Best Exotic Cocktails for a Home Travel Experience

Just a little bit of research will show you that so many destinations each have their own signature drink. You could easily whip up a cocktail a week, and have this tradition continue on for several years!

Some of the tastiest exotic cocktails to get you started include:

  • The Mojito and the Cuba Libre from Cuba
  • The Bellini from Italy
  • The Singapore Sling from Singapore
  • The Caipirinha from Brazil
  • The Sidecar from Paris
  • The Manhattan from New York
  • Sangria from Spain

Destination-themed bar snacks will make your cocktail evening all-the-more enjoyable. Try some tapas if you’re going with Spanish cocktails, some spicy nuts for a Singaporean kick, or some Cichetti for an Italian twist.

Watch a Few Travel Movies

Africa landscape

Some movies have the ability to really absorb you in their story, making you feel as though you are living it. Many travel movies fall into this category, whisking you away to a different place and time, and showing you the world through new eyes.

A large screen with surround-sound speakers will make this an even better experience, but, so long as you can properly focus on what you are watching, even a phone screen would do.

Best Travel Movies for When You Can’t Leave Home

There are countless travel movies out there, and everyone will have their own favorites. However, some of the best when it comes to really transporting you to another destination are:

  • Eat, Pray, Love
  • Into the Wild
  • Under the Tuscan Sun
  • The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
  • Out of Africa
  • Wild

Play Some Travel-Related Board Games

Travel is all about adventure, and while playing a board game at home may not provide this to the same extent, the excitement level will still be there.

Not only will travel-related board games teach you more about the world, but they are also a great bonding activity for your entire household.

Best Travel-Related Board Games

The games you choose will probably vary depending on the age group of your household, but some of the best travel-related board games are:

  • Ticket to Ride
  • 7 Wonders
  • Who Knows Where
  • Flags Around the World
  • Mapominoes Europe
  • King of Tokyo

Have a Go at Some Cultural Activities

Hands making sushi

Think about some of the places you would like to visit. Then, imagine the different activities you would be doing there. Would it be possible to recreate any of these at home?

Yes, this may require you to purchase a few unusual items, but that’s worth it for the chance to connect with a new culture.

Best Cultural Activities for Home Travel

If you were doing one of these activities in their country of origin, then chances are that you would have someone with you showing you the ropes. Fortunately, that’s still available in the form of YouTube tutorials – just search for whatever it is you want to try, and you will likely find a video explaining exactly how to do this.

Some of the best cultural activities for home travel include:

  • Indonesian batik painting
  • A Chinese tea ceremony
  • A Mexican Day of the Dead festival
  • A Japanese sushi-making session

Learn a New Language

Loving picking up bits and pieces of new languages whenever you travel?

Immersing yourself in a new language can be done at home too, especially with so many useful language apps out there. Not only will this provide a fantastic mental challenge, but it’s also great practice for when you finally do visit your dream destination.

Best Ways to Learn a New Language

There are numerous ways to pick up a new language, and some will work better than others for each individual.

Combining a few of these methods will likely give you an even faster result:

  • Language apps, such as Duolingo, Babbel, and Rosetta Stone
  • TV shows and movies, so long as they have subtitles
  • Online groups to practice conversation

Listen to Foreign Music

Woman on sofa with headphones

Some destinations are legendary for the music icons they have produced, and this is often another large part as to why people choose to travel to a certain place.

Sometimes, closing your eyes and listening to music from a far-off place can really transport you.

Best Countries Famous for Their Music

Just about every country, and often even region, will have their own music. However, some of the most popular include:

  • British rock and pop
  • American country
  • Dutch electronic dance
  • Russian punk rock
  • Japanese J-pop
  • Canadian soft rock
  • German traditional classics

Visit a Virtual Zoo

Love watching animals?

Some of the most fascinating creatures can be found in zoos, as well as aquariums, around the world.

While you may not currently be able to jet over to China to see the pandas, or fly to Canada to watch the sharks, zoos and aquariums around the world are now live-streaming many of their animal exhibits, giving you the chance to visit them virtually.

Best Virtual Zoos and Aquariums

Some of the best zoos and aquariums to visit virtually include:

  • The San Diego Zoo for its giraffes, pandas and koalas
  • The Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada for its sharks
  • Tembe Elephant Park for its elephants, rhinos, lions and birds
  • Georgia Aquarium for its piranhas, beluga whales, and jellyfish
  • Ouwehans Dierenpark for its polar bears
  • Paignton Zoo for its meerkats and flamingos

Explore the Streets of the World

Colosseum in Rome

fritschk / Shutterstock.com

When visiting a new destination, it’s always a good idea to set aside some time to freely explore the streets around you, without having a map to hand. Taking your time to check out those narrow back alleys will reward you with experiences that you wouldn’t have had on the usual tourist trail.

How can you do this from home?

It’s easy, thanks to Google Maps! Simply input your destination and the software will transport you there, not only giving you a bird’s eye view, but also taking you down onto street level.

Best Destinations to Explore on Google Maps

Google Maps can take you to most places in the world, with just a few exceptions. However, some of the most fascinating to virtually explore using Google Street View are:

  • The Colosseum in Rome, Italy
  • Pena National Palace in Sintra, Portugal
  • Stonehenge in the UK
  • The Palace of Versailles in Versailles, France
  • Wilson Island on the Great Barrier Reef, Australia
  • The White House, USA

Google Maps will even take you inside many of these famous landmarks, including the White House and the Palace of Versailles, giving you such an immersive experience.

A Virtual Disney Ride

Ok, so this may be pushing it a bit, because nothing quite beats the thrill that comes from a theme park ride. However, trying these rides out virtually can still be so much fun, while also giving you a fascinating insight into how different countries interpret the same themes.

You could even make an entire day of it, setting up other fun Disney-related activities, watching a couple of Disney movies, and cooking up some Disney-related treats.

Best Virtual Disney Rides

Some of the best virtual Disney rides from around the world include:

  • Space Mountain from Disney World Florida
  • Splash Mountain from Disneyland California
  • Journey to the Center of the Earth from Disneyland Tokyo
  • Crush’s Coaster from Disneyland Paris
  • Big Grizzly Mountain Runway Ride from Hong Kong Disneyland

Plan Your Next Trip

Hand holding world map

Hopefully, it will not be long before travel is once again safe, meaning that you will want to be prepared when booking your next trip.

Now is the perfect time to get planning in detail, ensuring that your next travel adventure is one that you will never forget.

Where to Find Inspiration for Your Next Trip

Inspiration is everywhere you look, and you probably already also have a few destinations in mind. However, if you’re looking for somewhere new and exciting, try doing the following:

  • Watching unusual travel shows
  • Reading travel blogs
  • Checking out travel bloggers’ social media feeds
  • Browsing different online deals

Home travel may not seem quite as exciting as actually visiting a new destination, but it’s still a great way to satisfy that travel bug in you. Whether this means museum-hopping around the world while in your pajamas, or spending the day cooking up an exotic feast, with that country’s music in the background, all it takes is a little bit of creativity to travel the world from your own home.