As travellers continue to plan, plot and prepare for where to go when the coronavirus pandemic passes, we offer a sample of virtual experiences to help inspire ideas, or simply pass some time. Part 4 of our US sub-series focusses on Down South.
Arizona
For those you simply need “a moment to relax” during the pandemic, Phoenix’s “Moments of Zen” YouTube series reveals beautiful sights in the area, from sunrise over the Superstition Mountains, to an aerial view of Papago Park, there are several peaceful places from which to choose.
Nevada
Armchair explorers can escape to some of Nevada’s great open areas, explore museum galleries or listen to a ranger talk about astronomy — all virtually. Visit a ghost town on allaroundnevada.com, check out nps.gov, the national park service web site, for a host of options (including Lake Mead), or tune into snippets of several Cirque du Soleil Las Vegas productions on the theatre company’s online hub. Visitlasvegas.com also visitors to “alter your reality” while the Pony Express Nevada reveals itself on YouTube.
Louisiana
A look at the Boca Raton Museum of Art’s current, but not presently viewable, exhibition “Eye to I: Self Portraits from the National Portrait Gallery” is available on YouTube. The exhibition has been organized by the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery, Washington, DC.
Texas
Travel Texas and partners have rounded up a host of virtual experiences for grounded travellers available through respective web sites. Visitors can tap into San Antonio’s top restaurants as they share step by step instructions on how to put some creativity into home cooked meals, get moving with Pilates and yoga moves from Austin’s top fitness studios, check out kid friendly activities from Houston’s museums and attractions, and piece together cool virtual puzzles of Dallas’ top attractions and neighbourhoods. Meanwhile, the Texas From Anywhere microsite on the Travel Texas web site also offers virtual links to music, recipes, shopping options and more.
Florida
Fort Myers Beach figures folks could do with a little meditation to help cope with coronavirus. To that end, tourism officials suggest tuning into a beach web cam on the destination’s web site (there’s 15 to choose from in FMB, Sanibel, Captiva, and Boca Grand) for a perfect backdrop. Then: Sit in a comfortable position with your feet on the ground and rest your hands in your lap. While looking out at the white-sand beach and turquoise water, breathe in to a slow count of eight. With full lungs, hold your breath for four counts. Now release the breath and breathe out for eight counts. Do this five times “and you’ll be well on your way to a lighter mind.”
Other virtual Florida experiences:
Watch fish swim by, catch a glimpse of the odd diver doing some underwater maintenance, and maybe even see some manatees floating by via the underwater webcam at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park in Crystal Springs.
Florida’s Space Coast is broadcasting rocket launches at Cape Canaveral online. Go to at spacecoastlaunches.com to check the schedule. The next launch is June 30.
The “Ding” Darling Wildlife is sharing 30-second “Daily Dose of Ding” educational videos each afternoon on its Facebook page, as well as a #dingathome series daily, featuring everything from wildlife yoga to scavenger hunts and crafts that can be done at home
Virtual class is in session at Gatorland with the fun and education with the “School of Croc” series. Posts on Facebook are up regularly and are aimed at teaching kids about gators, snakes, birds and other native wildlife.
From virtual tours of the Flagler Museum to yoga under the moon at the Hilton West Palm Beach, the Palm Beaches offers its “spice up your quarantine routine” at HERE.
Puerto Rico
From El Morro to Castillo de San Cristobel, get a rare and inspiring view of Old San Juan by drone HERE.