We can’t go anywhere but we can escape virtually. More and more destinations and events are going online. Some recorded and several will be presented live. Hey, it’s as real as we can get for now and may just be the safest escape even for a 15 minutes, an hour, or maybe two. No sunscreen required.
Here are some interesting ideas online that will take us there…anywhere, for the time being. Most are free.
Virtual Tour: Myths and Legends of Transylvania Romania: October 29 (Facebook Live) Hosted by Girl Travel Tours
Join Romanian tour guide, Georgiana, for a virtual tour presentation of Romania’s most mysterious region, Transylvania. Explore its myths and legends, deeply rooted in the origin of this place and its people. Discover BRAN CASTLE, the intriguing location made popular by Bram Stoker as “Dracula’s fortress”. Find out who inspired the character Count Dracula. Learn local folk stories of vampirism in the surrounding villages and how Romanians protect against “strigoi” – the undead spirits. Explore medieval towns and stroll through BRASOV and SIBIU. Take a ride through the Saxon villages. Visit SIGHISOARA, one of the last inhabited medieval citadels in the world. Travel to CORVIN’S CASTLE, one of the most haunted castles in Europe. Reach POENARI FORTRESS – the real lair of Vlad the Impaler.
Delve into Japan with our bilingual guide, Mardi Robinson for this virtual tour presentation. Japan offers much from scenic beauty, amazing food, and a long, rich history. On this journey, explore some of the major cities and cultural centers. From the hustle and bustle of Osaka, the tragedy and hope that lies in Hiroshima, the ancient capital of Kyoto, the scenic town of Hakone, and the new, modern capital and business hub of Tokyo, get a taste of the diversity within this beautiful island country.

Haunted Lighthouses of New England Virtual Tour: November 9 (Zoom)
Some of the most dramatic legends and ghosts come from New England’s seafaring history and maritime past. This presentation takes guests on a voyage along the scenic New England Coast to explore the lore and history of haunted lighthouses on this virtual tour. Set sail with this presentation for a ghostly adventure and discover lighthouse keepers who still keep watch over the rolling waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The tour runs approximately 1.5 to 2 hours long.
This new live stream of the popular annual festival can be streamed worldwide with an incredible line up of artists that reflect the creativity and diversity of Iceland’s music scene. Highlighting both internationally established artists as well as artists who are on the rise, this will be one of the biggest-ever virtual celebrations of Icelandic talent with artists including Of Monsters and Men, Ólafur Arnalds, Ásgeir, Daði Freyr, Júníus Meyvant and more.
Join tour guide Raffaele as he leads viewers through his hometown. Classical music, chocolate cakes, imperial heritage, baroque residences. This and more awaits you on our Vienna Tour! This capital city has an extremely rich history, starting as a Roman settlement in 15 BC and becoming an important political, economical and cultural centre thanks to the Habsburg dynasty. Admire one of the most famous Opera houses in the world, walk through the Imperial Palace and its beautiful gardens, visit the St. Stephen’s Cathedral and explore some of Vienna’s most charming places.
Join one of Spain’s finest tour directors Manuel as he shares his love for Spain and Art and Architecture in this virtual tour presentation. Discover this beautiful Mediterranean capital and the architectural genius of Antoni Gaudí through his most popular landmarks: Park Güell, Casa Milà, Casa Batlló and the yet unfinished Sagrada Familia church.
Need a good dose of vitamin sea? This soothing view of the blue waters in Maui is breathtaking. Set it on full screen and allow yourself to go with the ebbs and flows. This footage connects you with nature at top beach destinations on the island including Baldwin Beach Park, Garden of Eden, Olivine Pools, Hana Road, Makena Beach and more.

explore.org baby and toddler pandas Happiness Village play, eat, learn to forage, and grow at the Shenshuping Gengda Panda Center.