Not only are these virtual experiences a great way to experience the culture in another country, but they're also super affordable. While it might mean missing out on the experience of actually staying in another country on vacation, these virtual experiences are giving back somewhat of what travelers have lost with the recent pandemic sweeping across the world.
Virtual travelers will find anything from shoemaking to cooking classes and even actual tours, led by real people. This interaction helps the experiences feel more like the real thing and the best part is that everyone will walk away having learned or experienced something new... And having met a new person (or people!).
The virtual experiences also help hosts who lost out on business due to the pandemic, as travel restrictions have made it increasingly challenging to ensure safety both while being the renter and host of an accommodation. In some small way, each of these activities helps someone on both ends - plus, they're a ton of fun and can help fill the void in all of those social-distancing time slots everyone now has.
Learn How To Make Traditional Pasta In Florence, Italy
Florence-based host Massimiliano accomplishes this fun class via live stream, and all the info can be found right on their Airbnb page. Classes start at only $21 per person and include learning how to prepare authentic gnocchi and ravioli. Guests will take the class by Zoom video call and even have the option to book a private session for a group of people. According to the hosts, this class is "delightful, delicate, and delicious" - three of the best things when it comes to pasta!
The Ins And Outs Of Wine At A Vineyard In Porto, Portugal
Starting at only $19 per person, this vineyard tour is led by host Rafael. During this 60-minute virtual experience, guests will learn all about red and white wine, including how it's made, how to choose it, and how they differ from one another. Guests will also learn how to do Michelin-star level food pairings, all from the comfort of their own home, with recommendations for their own at-home wine and cheese for the class.
Take The Dogs Of Chernobyl Program And Help Dogs In Need At The Same Time
The Dogs of Chernobyl program is truly unique because not only does it educate people on the dogs who were abandoned at the site of the disaster, but proceeds have also helped to sterilize and vaccinate over 1,500 dogs as well. Guests will learn about the life these dogs have led, virtually meet some of them, and then have a tour of the Reactor 4 site, which has been abandoned since 1986.
Explore London, The Harry Potter Way
Diagon Alley, anyone? This experience is truly magical (pun absolutely intended) and starts at only $10 per person. Over the course of an hour and a half, host and Scottish stand-up comedian, Mark, takes guests through a video-guided tour of the London locations that made the Harry Potter movies so famous. An ongoing quiz for the House Cup keeps things interesting and clips from the movies help to make the experience that much more realistic.
Design Your Own Esparadilles In Barcelona, Spain
Starting at $76 per person, guests who sign up for this class will also walk away with a super cool gift - their own espadrilles! Guests will learn about the history of these shoes as well as the materials and process of making them. In an hour and a half, guests can expect their own shoes, which they've designed and "made", to be shipped to their home, free of charge.