The future of travel remains unclear and the last year has been an undeniably rocky road for travellers. Which country can you travel to? Do you need to be vaccinated to go there? And many other questions. We are privileged to live in the current world of technology and the pandemic has paved way for even greater innovations that change the way we travel.
Through Google Arts and Culture, you now have the opportunity to globe-trot, virtually, to over 2,500 cultural sites, heritage centres and galleries in over 80 countries at almost no cost and without having to leave your home.
Imagine exploring Egypt’s history and rich culture – The Pyramids, mummies, old Jewish cemeteries or Kenya’s National museum, which is home to the Turkana boy who is estimated to be 1.6 Million years old and Ahmed the elephant who was known for his large tusks, on your phone.
“We are building an appetite for individuals to travel to different parts of the world to experience what they saw on our portal, say the world-famous carnival festivals held in Brazil’s cities of Rio de Janeiro. We are giving you an online exhibit to justify your decision of your next tourism destination,” Said Chance Coughenour, Digital archaeologist and head of preservation at Google Arts & Culture.
Google Arts and Culture tells unique and diverse stories from all over the world and even though virtual reality cannot replace real-life travel and sensory experiences, this application gives you a sneak-peak (try before you buy) and an opportunity to research, identify favourite spots and decide where to visit next, once travel restrictions are lifted.
Capital Lifestyle has rummaged through the Google Arts and Culture app, exploring 3D pictures, videos of places and attractions sites in 80 countries across the globe and here are 5 of our favourite virtual tours.
- Nairobi, Kenya
Here, one can start by exploring Kenya’s communities at the National museums of Kenya, built in 1929. Some of the must see objects at the museum include the skeletons of Ahmed, the Elephant, who was known for his large tusks and the Turkana boy who is estimated to be 1.6 million years old. Virtual Tour HERE
2. Cairo, Egypt
Google Arts and Culture gives you access to Egypt’s annals of history on early civilisation, centuries-old symbolic writings, the Pyramids, mummies, churches, mosques and Cairo’s oldest Jewish cemeteries. Virtual Tour HERE.
3. Brazil
From the mighty Brazilian amazon, a precious habitat for many species and a true wonder of nature to the many beaches, explore the vibrant culture and rich history of Brazil. Virtual Tour HERE
4. Nigeria
Experience the beauty of Nigeria, tropical climate, sun-kissed coastlines, wide variety of food, fashion, music, film and the national museum, home to a terracotta human head known as the Jemaa head, part of the Nok culture. Virtual Tour HERE
5. France
Explore the French wonders, from the Versailles, to the Mont, Blanc and discover the cultural and natural jewels of France. Take the virtual tour HERE
