With a heavy heart, a lot of us had to cancel our travel plans during the COVID-19 crisis. Maybe you were looking forward to a graduation trip with your pals, or a sweet getaway with that special someone, or a fun and exciting family trip.

And now you’re cooped up at home during quarantine, with not much to do. The days seem endless and you’re dying of boredom, wallowing in your sadness over those cancelled flight tickets. Fret not, you can now travel the world from your couch! Thanks to the internet, we are now able to attend virtual tours all around the world.

Take a hike around Yosemite National Park, explore the ruins of Angkor Wat, walk around the Pyramids of Giza… the possibilities are endless. If you’d like, grab a family member to tour the iconic wonders of the world with you. It might not be the experience you expected, but these virtual tours are bound to lift your spirits and cure your boredom.

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK TOUR

Located in California, Yosemite National Park is one of America’s most popular tourist destinations and breathtaking natural environments. Take a virtual Yosemite tour, which allows online visitors to experience over 200 locations within the famous National Park. You can even explore the surroundings as well, in all seasons!

The virtual Yosemite tour was created and photographed by a virtual reality (VR) photographer Scott Highton who lives just outside the park. He has specialised in VR photography for 30 years now. The 360° interactive panoramas are all in high resolution, so you can zoom in to admire all the intricate details. Pan around and take in stunning views from cliffs and waterfalls, and well-known areas of Yosemite Valley.

Explore Yosemite National Park here.

LOUVRE MUSEUM TOUR

The Louvre Museum in Paris, France, is the world’s largest art museum and a historical monument. It is also the world’s most-visited art museum, with tourists visiting to catch a glimpse of art collections that span work from as far as ancient civilisations to the mid-19th century.

Due to COVID-19, the museum is now closed until further notice, with no visitors allowed. However, thanks to the official Louvre website, you can now tour 4 famous exhibitions: The Advent of the Artist, Egyptian Antiquities, Remains of the Louvre’s Moat, and Galerie d’Apollon online for free.

Go on the tour of the Louvre Museum exhibitions here.

THE PYRAMIDS OF GIZA TOUR

Travel back in time to the ancient Egyptian civilisation and take a walk around the highest pyramids ever built, and the oldest of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World. Standing proudly at 145 metres high are the Pyramids of Giza. Until now, how the Pyramids of Giza were built is still one of Egypt’s greatest mysteries. They were constructed 4,500 years ago, built to last an eternity. So far, they’ve succeeded in this impressive feat.

In this virtual tour offered by Google Maps, you will be able to learn about the complex history of these pyramids while exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can even view other Egyptian sites, such as the necropolis of Saqqara, the Citadel of Qaitbay, the Cairo Citadel, the Hanging Church and the remains of Abu Mena. It doesn’t matter which part of the world you’re at – just drag the cursor and embark on this journey.

View the Pyramids of Giza and other Egyptian sites here.

ANGKOR WAT TOUR

Deep in the remote forests of the Siem Reap province of Cambodia lies the ancient Angkor Wat temples, ruins of a time long past. The Angkor Archaeological Park includes remains from various capitals that existed during the time of the Khmer Empire, from the 9th to 15th centuries. The famous Temple of Angkor Wat and the Bayon Temple at Angkor Thom with its countless sculptural decorations are part of the remains.

The virtual tour is a collaboration between Virtual History Specialists, Archaeologists and Historians who want to bring the history of Angkor Wat to life. It explores several magical temples, including the five towers of Angkor Wat itself; the pink sandstone Banteay Srei; and Ta Prohm (as seen in the 2001 film Lara Croft: Tomb Raider), where nature has reclaimed the ruins.

Take a virtual walk around the Angkor Archaeological Park here.

THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA TOUR

In northern China resides one of the world’s most jaw-dropping wonders: the Great Wall of China. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, the Great Wall is an ancient fortification that stretches more than 3,000 miles across Chinese provinces. It is also the longest wall, and one of the greatest sights in the world. Boasting a history of over 2,000 years, it is easily one of the most impressive ancient structures on earth today.

A tour agency called The China Guide was kind enough to create a free virtual tour of the Great Wall, after their business was completely halted due to the current situation. They have all sorts of information on their website, which you can have a read while exploring the virtual tour.

Hike along the Great Wall of China here.

There are many cost factors to consider when you are planning for a holiday—be it accommodation, food or transport. Sure, it is possible to compromise on comfort to save some money but what if we tell you that travelling the world for free or next to nothing is not just a dream?

No, we are not kidding. People have done it and so can you!

All you need is an open mind, some planning skills, a hard-working personality and some tips from us. Here are 6 Ways You Can Travel The World (Almost) For Free.

TRAVELLING WITH BFF: The Expectations vs. Reality When You Travel With Your Best Friend.

Photo Credit: United Nations

#1 VOLUNTEER

If you have an outgoing personality and are passionate about making a change in this world, then this is the option for you. Non-profit organisations that require specific professional skills such as the UN and Peace Corps offer all expenses paid travel programs when you volunteer with them.

Those who do not mind getting their hands dirty can opt for Wwoofing, a program that provides travellers with the opportunity to volunteer at organic farms in exchange for free accommodation.

Photo Credit: The Dubizzle Blog

#2 STAY FOR FREE

Ditch the hotels and stay with the locals! CouchSurfing is a website that connects the traveller with a local host who is able to spare you a couch or bed overnight. Check out the reviews left by previous guests so you know what to expect when staying there.

House Sitting is another way of saving on accommodation fees. Guests are expected to look after the house or take care of their pets while the owners are gone for the weekend.

It is also possible to loan out your apartment by swapping it with someone else when you advertise on home exchange websites. However, do keep in mind that it is important to coordinate the dates with your home swapping partners.

Photo Credit: Cruiseline

#3 WORK

Getting paid to travel is a dream job for many of us but what options do we have? Apart from being an air stewardess, you can also work on a cruise ship as an entertainer, service crew, engineer or event manager.

Other jobs that will take you to faraway lands include journalists, travel writers, language teachers, translators, event coordinators and those working in hospitality industries.

Read: 11 Tips On How To Save Money To Travel The World.

Photo Credit: Ski Japan

#4 APPLY FOR SHORT-TERM STINTS

To offset any extra cost, apply for short-term jobs such as a camp instructor, au pair or overseas internship. Some companies provide wages, accommodation, wifi and even meals.

Summer jobs such as fruits picking and amusement park crew are popular among teenagers. In winter, many try out seasonal work at ski resorts where they also get a chance to learn skiing for free.

It is best to start researching and applying for jobs ahead of your travel schedule.

Photo Credit: NPR

#5 FREE TRANSPORT

Besides accommodation, transport is one of the biggest reasons why travelling comes with a heavier price tag. A common practice in the US is hitchhiking whereby you flag down cars passing by for a free ride. Of course, it is important to exercise caution when doing so.

Collecting airline miles is a great way of earning yourself a free plane ticket. You can accumulate airline miles by staying in international chain hotels, converting hotel points into miles and using credit cards that let you accrue miles.

Getting bumped off your flight sounds like an awful inconvenience but if you volunteer to get bumped, you are likely to receive upgrades, flight vouchers or cash in return.

Photo Credit: Runner Bean Tours

#6 JOIN FREE ACTIVITIES

Learn more about the country when you participate in free walking tours organised by locals who are able to bring you to the best places for meals or hidden gems within the city that are unknown to tourists.

Before you complain about the impossibility of traveling due to your limited annual leave, read our 7 Tips on How You Can Still Travel With A Full-Time Job.