The coronavirus pandemic has wreaked havoc on the world of travel.
New FCO restrictions, flight cancellations and cruise lines suspending sailings mean that some people are having to park their dream travel plans.
But there is a silver lining. In this digital age, a number of iconic landmarks and museums around the world offer virtual tours so you can check out the incredible hotspots without needing to leave your sofa.
We're talking the likes of the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal, Machu Picchu and even the Louvre Museum in Paris.
Now, we're not suggesting it's the same as visiting the real thing of course – but they can make a brilliant break from pandemic news.
Plus, it can be a great way of getting a taste of the hotspots, and offer inspiration for the day when you will be able to plan a trip.
To give you a helping hand, we've rounded up the best ones worth having on your radar.
Oh, and of course you could also follow in the footsteps of the British couple who recreated their cancelled cruise in their living room…
1. Great Wall of China
No need to don your hiking boots to walk a stretch of this iconic landmark. The China Guide offers a virtual tour from Jinshanling to Simatai, where you can click through to 'walk' along the path, or take in 360 degree views of the surrounding landscape.
The guide also offers information including the key highlights to look out for.
Check out the virtual tour here.
2. Petra, Jordan
It may be an ancient city, but this World Heritage Site has kept up with the times thanks to a series of cameras offering a live stream of the spectacular site.
Get a taste of the jaw-dropping architecture including the world famous entrance – and there are also views of the surrounding mountains to be had.
Check out the livestreams here.
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3. Angkor Wat, Cambodia
The Virtual Angkor project was initially built for the classroom, but it's got everything you could want to learn all about this breathtaking Cambodian complex.
Think 3D simulations of temples as well as 360 degree videos offering you a glimpse of some of the key landmarks and historic highlights. (If you're lucky enough to own a VR headset, the videos work on these too).
Check out the video tours here.
4. Stonehenge, UK
The English Heritage site has an official virtual tour with 360 degree views as if you were standing in the middle of the iconic stones.
The interactive tour also lets you click on specific points so you can learn more about some of the history as well as highlights not to miss – it's like being in a guided tour.
Check out the virtual tour here.
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5. Taj Mahal, India
The World Heritage Site welcomes millions of visitors every year, thanks to its intricate architecture and breathtaking artefacts.
There are plenty of tours offering a taste of the incredible grounds and the beautiful monument. For example, you can walk along the iconic gardens with Taj Mahal's Google Street view listing, while AirPano offers some great aerial shots of the iconic monument as well as the surrounding city of Agra.
6. The Louvre Museum, France
With its glass pyramid and impressive collection of artwork – including the Mona Lisa – it's no wonder that the Louvre Museum in Paris attracts millions of art lovers every year.
For those who can't visit in person, the museum has created a whole host of virtual tours through its permanent collections. Check out the artwork and soak in the history without having to leave your living room.
Check out the virtual tours here.
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7. Machu Picchu, Peru
Hailed as one of the best things to visit in Peru, this 15th century Incan citadel is already firmly on most people's bucket lists.
Usually, you'd need to head high into the Andes Mountains to discover the fascinating site and its ruins – but as it's not always accessible, there are plenty of virtual tours of Machu Picchu.
You Visit has a particularly in-depth tour with 360 degree views from various popular vantage points, so you'll feel as though you're there in real life.
Check out the virtual tour here.
Yes, New Orleans is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and foodie scene, but you can still get a sense of the city on a virtual tour.
In fact, the city's official website has created tours with 360 degree views so you can get a taste of some of the best experiences, from riding in a streetcar down St Charles Avenue to discovering the swamps or exploring highlights like the Commander's Palace.
There are heaps to choose from – you can see the tours here.
9. Athens Acropolis, Greece
This ancient citadel is one of the best places to visit in Athens with its incredible views and fascinating ruins, including the world-famous Parthenon.
History fans can feel like they're at the iconic landmark thanks to You Go Culture's virtual tour which offers 360 degree views from some of the key vantage points, while also explaining some of the fascinating history at each one.
Check out the virtual tour here.
10. The Vatican, Italy
With its incredible museums, fascinating architecture and historic landmarks, there's so much to see and do in The Vatican.
Luckily, the museums are on hand with a host of virtual tours and 360 degree views of key highlights including the Sistine Chapel and Raphael's Rooms. It's a great way of getting a taste of what's on offer, if you are planning to tick it off the bucket list one day.
Check out the virtual tours here.
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