Virtual Travel: The Next Best Vacation We All Need

While nothing can truly compare to the excitement and/or relaxation of that real vacation getaway we’ve been longing for, virtual travel is our next best bet until we can all get back to our regular lives and travel plans.

Try to schedule a much-needed break from reality each day by visiting one of the many virtual travel, education, and exploration opportunities available to you for free through live webcams, live social media feeds, and youtube channels.

Relax “on the Beach”

Missing the breathtaking sunrises and sunsets from your favorite beach resort? We’re with you. Just because you can’t physically visit your favorite sands doesn’t mean you can’t still admire the views!

Waikiki Beach, Hawaii

Marriott’s The Royal Hawaiian resort offers it’s own live feed of the famous Waikiki Beach so you’re still able to enjoy the beauty of Oahu and enjoy a little tropical bliss from your couch.

Need more Hawaii views in your life? Marriott offers live beach cams from all of their exquisite Hawaiian properties. Choose which view you’d like here.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Live stream the shores and boardwalk of the iconic Myrtle Beach from The Breaker’s resort live cam as if you were really on one of their suites’ private balconies looking out.

Siesta Key, Florida

The Island House Beach Resort’s live cam of Siesta Beach provides a quiet beach retreat for those in a little need of some quiet, soothing vibes to get through the rest of the day. Watch the waves crash onto the spotless sands.

Zoos & Aquariums

What encourages bigger smiles than watching African penguins waddle around and sea otters play? Or find yourself oddly calm after being mesmerized by neon jellyfish or seeing bear cubs cozy up for a nap.

Invite the kids along on this “field trip” because there’s truly something for every stir-crazy member of the family to enjoy!

San Diego Zoo

The zoo’s 24/7 live cams offer a handful of rare and endangered animals for you to admire, from baboons to elephants to tigers and more. Their site also includes countless facts and information about each species, so you can make it a truly well-rounded learning experience.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Ten live cams of stunning aquatic creates means and entire afternoon of fun! Explore the wonders of the ocean with moon jellies, sea otters, leopard sharks, and an abundance of fun-colored tropical fish. They even offer a live cam for Monterey Bay itself so you can do your very own sightseeing.

Cincinnati Zoo

Hop onto the zoo’s Facebook page at 3 p.m. EST for their daily live stream featuring a new animal each day. Viewers can also post comments and ask any questions they want during the live event to be answered by animal experts.

Museums

Learn and awe over everything available to you at these favorite museums without having to worry about the crowds or making sure you have enough time to take everything in during your tour.

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

With this 360-degree tour throughout each exhibit at the museum, you can “move” at your own pace. “Bring” the kids and learn together while exploring everything from the history of music, to black holes in the universe, to incredible 3D artwork.

Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

Admire Boston’s extensive collection of incredible modern art, oil painting, textiles, and fashion history from the comfort of home. Select from one of their 16 online exhibits.

The Vatican Museums

Delve into the art and sculpture collections amassed by the popes from the seventeenth century onwards. See some of the most renowned masterpieces in the world in the Vatican’s 360-degree virtual tour , including St. Peter’s Basilica, The Sistine Chapel, and Raphael’s Room.