Seasoned travellers to pleasure seekers know the extraordinary quality of life that travel brings. Travelling means experiencing soul-enriching escapades to forming cherished, sweet memories that sustain wanderlust in even the dullest of hours. But the current health crisis has made travel practically impossible and the memory of it bittersweet.

Countries around the globe are feeling the strain of the Coronavirus as their communities are forced to adjust to a homebound lifestyle and yet there is a silver lining every traveller should be applauding. Many destinations and cultural institutions are opening up for virtual visitors, meaning it has never been easier to travel the world without leaving the safety of your armchair. As we all seek escapism from the confines of our homes, I’ve taken a look at the vast choice of fascinating places to visit virtually.

In just a few short seconds one can reach gorgeous Australia and head for Bowral in New South Wales where the Bradman Museum, named after the famous cricketer Sir Donald Bradman, is shown in all its glory. It’s a temple of devotion to the quintessentially English sport that is beloved by countries with links to Britain. Once done, hop over to the Art Gallery of NSW; Australia’s leading art museum for a number of online exhibitions that devoted art lovers will enjoy. Then, while you’re ‘down under’, pop across to Victoria to spend some time in the Melbourne Museum. The museum, which opened in 2000 when Sydney hosted the Olympic Games, is the largest in the southern hemisphere and named ‘Best Tourist Attraction’ in the Australian Tourism Awards. While here, it is worth taking advantage of the five virtual tours on offer, ranging from Wild Animals in our Changing World to The Melbourne Story. These diverse virtual tours promise an enthralling adventure across the globe and exclusive cultural experience of Australia’s past and future that many otherwise would never have been privileged to see.

Although currently closed to visitors, the National Parks are hugely popular with Americans and visitors alike and through these virtual tours, you can visit major attractions from Alaska to New Mexico and Hawai’i without leaving your home. For any art lovers, the Maine Maritime Museum has some lovely paintings of ships from a bygone era. The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, Massachusetts, provides fascination for people of all ages while the Art Institute of Chicago offers an amazing and stimulating collection of paintings from throughout Chicago’s history. Of course, George Washington is pivotal in the history of the USA, and a visit to his ancestral home, Mount Vernon, is not something to be missed. Likewise, The White House offers a tour of its grounds and interior, featuring its 147 paintings. From indoor to outdoor, one can visit Key West for a remarkable experience by its pool and beach. The live stream at the Reach Resort allows viewers to lounge by the pool, overlooking the ocean while imagining sand has found its home between their toes; proving that one can still have their much-needed summer vacation. Lastly, it’s four hundred years since the founding fathers from Plymouth in the UK landed at what is now Plymouth, Massachusetts, so a visit there is certainly a timely experience.

Feeling exhausted by these long-haul destinations, then take a quick trip to Paris where one can visit many culturally significant sites including Sacre Coeur, the Opera, the Louvre, the Monnaie, Grand Palais, Sainte-Chapelle, Musée de la musique – Philharmonie and, of course, the Eiffel Tower. Culture vultures can enjoy a range of performances from the Opera de Paris, including Don Giovanni, Swan Lake, Barber of Seville and Carmen, all from the comfort of your armchair. It begs the question, where to start?

With this whirlwind of tours from across the globe, no one has to sacrifice their love or need for travel. Now, one can relax, travel and celebrate the phenomenal technological advances that make trips around the world possible and extraordinarily immersive!