Fun Fridays: Virtually travel to these one-of-a-kind destinations
Article by Emily Whelan ’20
As this time of social distancing continues, museums, theme parks and places all over the world are taking to the Internet to allow guests to access their attractions. While virtual travel is not the same as seeing these places with your own eyes, it definitely has its perks. For one, you don’t have to deal with any lines or other tourists. Also, you can experience places all over the world from the comfort of your own couch.
Check out the following sites to experience the thrill of sitting in the front row of a rollercoaster or having a world-famous museum all to yourself.
#1: Visit world-renowned museums
Have you ever wanted to see the Mona Lisa up close, without hundreds of tourists blocking your view? Google Arts & Culture tours grants you access to tour some of the world’s most famous museums, including the Smithsonian, the Louvre and New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. Select Google’s street view to wander around hundreds of different galleries and see thousands of well-known works of art. The best part? All of these museum tours don’t cost a single penny.
#2: See the view from the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is the world’s most visited monument, seeing more than 250 million visitors since 1889. There is no need to fly overseas to capture these views of Paris, though. Now, you can see the landmark from all angles and climb to the top to see a 360-degree panorama view by logging onto your computer. You can also choose which level of the tour you want to stop at, ensuring you don’t miss a single part of the magnificent views.
#3: Take a trip on Disney rides
For the first time ever, the Disney parks are closed for indefinite period of time. But fear not, some of the most popular rides and shows are available online for guests to enjoy virtually. The happiest place on earth isn’t letting this period of quarantine stop the joy that they bring to 52 million people every year. Below, you can ride on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Orlando and It’s A Small World in Hong Kong, Tokyo and Paris. If that well-known song wasn’t stuck in your head before, it will be now.
#4: Explore the Cliffs of Moher
Some of the most breathtaking views are from Ireland’s famous Cliffs of Moher. The site’s travel website now allows you to take in the remarkable landscape from various perspectives and times of day. You can take a tour of the visitor’s center, climb to the top of O’Brien’s Tower and gaze out into the ocean to watch the sunset. These one-of-a-kind views may even inspire you to take a trip to Ireland one day.
#5: Immerse yourself in America’s National Parks
If you’ve ever wanted to see nature’s beauties in ways you never have before, then exploring the country’s National Parks is a way to remember how breathtaking our world really is. You may never get to see some of these hidden gems in person, but you can explore five of them virtually in ways that even those who go visit these places usually don’t get to do.
Each Friday, SALVEtoday will provide fun ideas and experiences to encourage and uplift the University community during this time of remote living and learning. #salvesgotthis #funfridays
