No other time in history has restricted U.S. citizens more than current-day affairs, from non-essential employees being sent home on furlough to small businesses losing their livelihoods to travel restrictions.
Published: May 16, 2020
By: Becky J. Beall
And while longing for normalcy in our days and in our routines, we can do little except wait and daydream.
Enter armchair travel! Armchair travel is also referred to as virtual travel, and many fun destinations and attractions have jumped onboard with beautiful, informational links and sites set up to offer travelers a first-hand look at what they are all about. Some have beach cams with soothing waves washing upon the shores while others have video walks, talks and even story time. This list is far from conclusive, but is a fantastic beginning for armchair travelers within the comfort of your home.
Virtual Travel at a Glance
Atlanta Botanical Garden has a great Facebook page promoting #LifeBloomsOn and it is complete with photos, videos and virtual story time for kids each Wednesday. They are enjoying bringing their blooming goodness right to your sofa.
Morgan County, AL has introduced Armchair MoCo, a collection of things to do within the county that practice social distancing. Get connected to livestreams, virtual events and other fun activities – you can even go on a scavenger hunt!
Ever wanted to build your own castle? Here’s your chance! Dromoland Castle, a 16th century castle in the Irish countryside of County Clare, is giving virtual travelers the opportunity to offer travel and crafting to your kiddos while homeschooling. This step-by-step tutorial with local artist Una Heaton describes how to construct a castle from materials found around the house. The whole family will love this.
In Albany, GA, Chehaw Park posts educational entertainment each day on their Facebook page. At 10 a.m. the Cubs program targets ages 3-4 (but is fun for any age really) and at 4:30 p.m. the digital Keeper Chat showcases zookeepers behind the scenes with park animals.
Enjoy livestreams with animals/habitats and download lesson plans, art and other free at-home learning tools from the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. A popular attraction in person and soon-to-be popular attraction virtually.
Martin County, located on Florida’s Treasure Coast, offers an engaging and educational series for kids as well as one-off virtual vacation videos that will give you a lovely look at the area. There are awesome live web cams as well, giving bird’s eye views of the gorgeous beaches such as Jensen Beach on Hutchinson Island, the House of Refuge and Bathtub Beach. The House of Refuge additionally offers a cool live surf cam that viewers can utilize for a personal look around.
See what’s up in West Volusia, FL via some awesome You Tube videos of the area not far from Daytona Beach. Well-done and family-friendly, you’ll want to watch these over and over.
Virtually explore Alabama beaches from home with proper social distancing via The Beach Club Resort & Spa! Their Facebook page offers virtual tours, craft time and lots of gorgeous views. If you can’t be there, it’s the next best thing! Also get peeks at Spectrum Resort’s crown jewel property in Orange Beach, Turquoise Place as well as local attractions—Perdido Beach Services and Sail Wildhearts.
Remember, we’re all in this together and armchair travel is honestly pretty exciting!