In a world that keeps moving faster each day, our desire to explore new horizons and savor the world’s wonders never truly fades. However, the idea of traveling the globe can sometimes seem daunting. Long flights, unfamiliar accommodations, and the exhaustion of travel can deter us from pursuing our wanderlust.

Enter virtual travel: offering a window to the world, bringing exotic destinations and vibrant cultures to your doorstep.

Virtual travel is more than just a trend; it’s a transformative experience that makes exploration accessible, affordable, and enjoyable. Plus, it’s interactive! With live virtual tours, you can actually hear from a tour guide in real-time and ask questions.

Below I’ve outlined three different live virtual tour platforms suitable for various needs and budgets.

Welcome to the world of virtual travel—where adventure begins with a click of the mouse!

HOP A TOUR

Hop A Tour offers live-streamed virtual tours with local guides from around the world. Their website allows you to connect directly with the tour guide to set a day/time, but they will have one of their staff members available during the tour to assist with the virtual screening.

Here’s a taste of the tours they offer:

• Cruise the Amsterdam Canals
• Maasai Mara Village Tour and Wildlife Safari
• Nesso at Lake Como, Italy’s Fairytale Beauty

How to join:

• Book a public virtual tour (prices vary)
• Book a private tour for yourself, friends, or family (starting at $180)

Learn more at Hop A Tour.

TOURS BY LOCALS

Tours By Locals connects you directly with local tour guides worldwide. They offer various types of tours, including walking tours and guides presenting from their homes on different topics like history, culture, and food.

Here are a few examples:

• Lisbon Old Districts – Outdoor Live Virtual Tour
• Gladiators at the Colosseum – Indoor Virtual Tour
• Malioboro Street: Yogyakarta – Outdoor Live Virtual Tour

How it works:

Book your tour directly through the website. Each tour has a different price and duration, so pay attention to the details in the description.

Check them out at Tours By Locals.

DISCOVER LIVE

Since 2017, Discover Live has been taking people on virtual journeys to more than 200 places and events worldwide. They’re known for their quality standards and customization.

While prices and the session length may vary, Discover Live is the priciest of the three options in this post, averaging around $250 for one hour and up to three virtual screens. Of course, as many guests as you would like could be on one screen.

Here are a few examples of their tours:

• Santorini, Greece
• Holiday in Berlin, Germany
• Machu Picchu – In the Footsteps of the Incas

Learn More at Discover Live.

Traveling around the globe has never been easier and more educational with the wide range of virtual walking tours and presentations available. While we’ve only mentioned three options in this post, you can find many more online!

Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoy your next getaway right from the comfort of your living room.