Holidays: Lockdown doesn’t mean you can’t explore the world thanks to amazing VR travel – Express

The UK has gone into an unprecedented lockdown in a bid to slow the spread of coronavirus and lessen the strain on global healthcare systems. This has meant, for the first time in modern life, airlines have been grounded on a nationwide level and the passion for exploration and travel we once had as a world is being forcibly placed on hold. Yet, even in these times of lockdown and isolation, technology offers a new way to discover far off lands, and provide a dreamy escape from reality.

Though zoos across the globe are closing their doors to the public, the animals are still living on behind the gates and eager animal-lovers can still get an insight into what daily life looks like for these magnificent creatures. In Colorado Springs, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is streaming live cameras of its Giraffes herd, which includes a brand new member baby Viv who was born in June last year.

The camera will be broadcast for eight hours every day so that giraffe-fans can watch the animals graze and relax.

San Diego zoo is also offering a similar setup, offering the chance to get a sneak peek into the life of over some of its liveliest residents. Choose from baboons, penguins, polar bears and koalas.

Meanwhile, Monterey Bay Aquarium in California has ten live cams spread throughout its exhibits. Be delighted by the antics of sea otters, take in the mysterious beauty of jellyfish, or watch the sharks swim through the deep waters.

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Art galleries in cities across the world allow enthusiasts to take in some of their finest works from the comfort of their homes by using their websites. Paris' Louvre, Muse de lOrangerie, and Muse dOrsay all offer plenty of their paintings and artworks online, including a 360-degree virtual visit to Water Lilies by Claude Monet.

Similarly, the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Seoul, Uffizi Gallery, Florence and the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam show plenty of their beautiful pieces on their websites, which virtual visitors can click through and learn the back story of, too.

The Art Institute of Chicago allows art lovers to get up close and personal with Van Gogh's self-portrait, and the National Portrait Gallery in Washington DC has several online exhibits ideal for browsing from the comfort of your couch.

Alternatively, put Google Street View to good use and "stroll" around the Guggenheim in Los Angeles, where you can take in Post-Impressionist, Modern and Contemporary Art exhibits.

In Pittsburg, the Andy Warhol Museum is offering interactive art lessons on its website, giving creatives an insight into how to create pop art style self-portraits using collage.

Whether you're dreaming of the sand between your toes or wishing you were on an urban exploration, modern technology brings the gift of adventure to your living room. Head to Japan and embark on VR 360 tour of Japan using japan.travel/en/ Whether you want to see the streets of Tokyo,

Whether you want to take in the streets of Tokyo, watch a sumo wrestling match or even see the majestic deer in Nara champ on a snack, the virtual reality cameras are on hand to make magic happen.

Head over to Tahiti 360 (tahititourisme.uk/en-gb/) and experience an exclusive virtual reality tour that takes intrepid travellers onboard an award-winning Paul Gaugin cruises ship, boasting a unique look into the heart of French Polynesia. Be amazed by aerial views of stunning private beach Motu Mahana, or look through locally sourced produce and goods at Papeete marketplace. What's more, travellers can even gain an insight into the island's nature, setting their sights on stingrays and shark encounters.

Thrill-seekers can virtually explore the wonders of Yosemite Mariposa County from the comfort of their own home using yosemite.com and the Xplorit program.

The interactive tour will take viewers above the granite giants, through the rushing waterfalls and across verdant valleys, giving a one-of-a-kind 360-degree view of the whole country. Friendly park rangers are even on hand to give information about the natural landscape.

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Holidays: Lockdown doesn't mean you can't explore the world thanks to amazing VR travel - Express