The outside world looks a little different now than it used to, but that doesn't mean Mother Nature isn't getting any less attention. While many trails remain closed around the country, the internet is doing what it does best and allowing people to experience the beauty of the Great Outdoors, without ever leaving their couches.
This isn't a new trend, either. With the introduction of Facebook's 360-degree panoramic photos, Instagram's ability to "go live", and the sheer upload speed of almost all social media and websites these days, virtual hikes have been increasingly popular. However, in the days of social isolation when travelers can't visit their favorite parks as often as they'd like, these virtual tours offer some solace and comfort during the interim.
Many major parks have taken to the internet to showcase their beauty for the world to see for absolutely free. This is just one way in which virtual traveling is making strides in the world; these scenic tours also give viewers access to vantage points they might not see from simply hiking a trail.
Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
This scenic tour of Moraine Lake in Banff National Park can be experienced in full 4K HD from any laptop. To take the experience up a notch, displays can be wirelessly projected onto a TV or done with the help of an HDMI cable. Viewers will walk along from a hiker's point of view for 25 minutes, experiencing the sights and sounds that Alberta's wilderness is so well known for. The lake is fed via glacier, making its waters a stunning crystal-clear aqua that most people have never even seen before, until now.
Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
This tour is brought to the world by ProWalks Walking Tours and it's brilliantly filmed. Viewers will feel like they're in Egypt (especially if you get some heat lamps to put around the room beforehand) witnesses the greatness that is the Pyramids. The virtual hike begins with a brief map tour of the land before zooming in on the destination. Viewers can follow along with a timestamp "walking tour" guide which details the entire 1.5-hour hike. The sights in this video are breathtaking and you can really get a feel for what it's like to traverse the Egyptian desert, walking alongside enormous pyramids that are, quite frankly, humbling.
Village Of Positano, Italy
ProWalks has made another virtual tour of the village of Positano in Italy, and it's just as beautifully done. The Amalfi Coast is breathtaking, to begin with, but watching it all come into view in ultra HD really makes the entire landscape come to life. If nothing else, this will definitely give viewers travel goals when flights are safe enough to be resumed. Walking down each street and witnessing Italy's gorgeous coastline is sure to provide a worthy escape.
Panorama Trail, Switzerland
This tour is done by City Walks and has a helpful narration to accompany this virtual hike. This education tour captures all the beauty that is Switzerland's Alps, their striking forms quickly becoming the main focus of this virtual hike. There are also adorable close-ups of free-roaming cows which make the video fun and interactive (complete with pets!). Breathtaking views of the valleys in between convey just how beautiful Switzerland's landscape is any time of year, along with how tranquil and serene life is there.