(Joel Calheiros / Shutterstock.com)
Did you ever think that it would be possible to travel the world in just seconds, and from the comfort of your own couch? Well, thanks to digital technologies, you can be anywhere with just a click. And these days, when we all need to stay home and find ways to embrace a new way of life, that’s more valuable than ever.
Research conducted by the University of Exeter Medical School in the UK concluded that a two-hour “dose” of nature a week has mental and physical benefits, boosting health and wellbeing. And these results are the same for every group of people: young and old, wealthy and poor, urban and rural.
But can simulated nature have the same effect on us as in the real world? The surprising answer is yes. According to a study conducted by the University of Illinois, being exposed to a 360-degree video of nature can provide emotional wellbeing benefits for people who cannot access the outdoors.
So let’s check out some ideas of free virtual trips you can take right now!
Take a tour in Central Park, New York
As one of the world’s biggest attractions, Central Park is a patch of natural beauty located in the very heart of Manhattan. With this tour offered by youvisit.com, you’ll be able to see the Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, the Belvedere Castle, the Strawberry Fields and “walk” through the park’s scenic meadows. If you’re in the mood for greenery, this tour will definitely suit you.
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Explore the wonders of Japan
Take a tour across this beautiful country with a 360-degree VR movie from the Japan National Tourism Organization: you’ll be able to explore tradition, modernity and nature all at once, and enjoy the mixture of fascinating cultural sites and the most enchanting natural spots.
Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon, Arizona
Are you up to witnessing one of the most magnificent views in the world? No wonder the Grand Canyon in Arizona is considered one of the world’s treasures. The virtual tour provided by the National Park Service U.S, lets you discover ancient places within the canyon and explore archaeological excavations in an interactive way.
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Climb Everest for an unforgettable adventure
Experience what it feels like to climb the world’s tallest mountain with Everest VR: Journey to the top of the world, a docu series especially made for Virtual Reality headsets. Have you ever imagined experiencing an Hymalayan avalanche or a rock-climbing fall? Or just admiring the sunset from the top of the mountain’s unique perspective? This journey will take you to places you never thought possible.
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Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Did you know that you can visit 30 UNESCO World Heritage Sites on the same day? Google Earth makes it possible: The Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt, the Taj Mahal in India, the Towers of Angkor Wat in Cambodia, and the Dolomite mountains in northeastern Italy are just a few of the captivating spots you can visit virtually and learn more about.
The meaning of travel itself might be changing now more than ever: But is it just all about moving physically from one point of the globe to another? Or perhaps it's really about being able to slow down, look around and appreciate the surroundings right before our very eyes? When we are mentally transported away from our day-to-day routines and concerns, and get in touch with the natural world outdoors, that’s when we feel we’re really traveling.
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