As we all adjust to life in lockdown, you might be searching for new ways to push back those same four walls. If you’ve already exhausted your list of virtual tours of museums, galleries and tourist hotspots, why not check out our guide to some slightly more unusual ways to bite that travel bug and join experts in their fields on a virtual tour across the globe?
Cheer on a Belarusian football team
With most international sporting events cancelled due to the current pandemic, you may be missing the chance to cheer on your favourite team.
Luckily, last year’s champions of the Belarusian Premier League, Dynamo Brest, are offering fans all over the world the exclusive opportunity to experience the action as if they were there.
Embark on a virtual safari
US-based tour operator Alluring Africa is known for hand-crafting luxury African tours for their customers, but for now you can find them on their YouTube channel offering epic virtual safaris through some of their most popular destinations.
If, like us, you’re spending lockdown with a glass of wine in hand dreaming of future travel plans, why not join them for their virtual happy hour? Recent game drives have explored the sweeping plains of South Africa’s Phinda Private Game Reserve and the glorious white-sand beaches of Mozambique. Perfection.
Experience lockdown life on one the world’s remotest islands
Most people have never heard of Socotra, a small island some 650km off the coast of Yemen. But that is where vlogger Eva Zu Beck is spending her time in lockdown.
The YouTube star arrived on Socotra just a few days before worldwide travel bans came into play, and, rather than risk a long and potentially dangerous journey home, she decided to stay put, keeping us entertained with daily video updates along the way.
We’re enjoying watching with her daily desert updates while we wait for the manuscript for our own guide to this unique Indian Ocean island to land on our desks.
Dance the night away with Colombia’s salsa experts
If you’re looking for something a little different to entice you off that sofa, @JoyDanceCali may have just the thing.
Based in Colombia’s undisputed salsa capital, these expert teachers are offering weekly classes to get you on your feet and dancing the night away. Go on, lace up those dancing shoes and check out their Facebook page for details of upcoming sessions.
Enjoy an eastern European tipple
Armenia may not immediately spring to mind when you think of world-class wine regions, but the country is experiencing something of a wine revival of late.
Join author Vahan Zanoyan for free webinars as he deep dives into the history of this beloved drink and, if you happen to have a bottle at home, why not sample it with him in a virtual tasting?
Search for whales in Icelandic waters
Elding Whale Watching’s tours may be on hold for the moment, but this hasn’t stopped their crews from taking to the water in search of these marine mammals.
This Reykjavik-based company is documenting their trips on their Facebook page, and recent footage includes the chance to see humpback whales feeding and learn more about the habits of this fascinating animal.
Watch a dazzling light show over Lapland
Seeing the magic of the northern lights is undeniably one of the world’s greatest travel experiences.
Lights over Lapland is offering those stuck at home the chance to indulge this ultimate bucket-list adventure with 360° videos of the aurora, as well as footage of husky rides, reindeer sledding and a virtual look inside the world-famous Icehotel. As an added bonus, you can stay warm and toasty inside while you watch.
Step inside England’s most-famous stone circle
On a normal day, getting an up-close view of Stonehenge is nigh on impossible. But these are not normal days.
English Heritage is now providing the unique chance to step virtually inside the circle and learn more about the history and legends behind these world-famous standing stones.
You can also tune into SkyScape for a spot of star gazing and enjoy a 24-hour live stream of the skies above the stone circle.
Travel the ancient Silk Road from your armchair
If you’ve already logged on and toured the hallowed halls of London’s British Museum or National Gallery, why not look for something a little different?
In order to celebrate Nowruz, the Persian celebration of the spring’s equinox, the Zari Gallery is shining a spotlight on one of our favourite destinations with their virtual exhibition called Art of the Silk Road: Tradition and Modernity in Tajikistan. It features some of the country’s most famed painters and explores Tajikistan’s rich history and dramatic landscapes.
