Even though most nonessential travel is currently halted, that doesn’t mean you can’t still escape to explore a new city. Thanks to Kayak and its curated list of virtual vacations, you can travel to a handful of destinations – like Paris, Amsterdam, and California – and are given itineraries and food suggestions in each city. How does that work? Well, Kayak has partnered with OpenTable to offer takeout suggestions from restaurants in your city that match the cuisine of your destination. So if you’re touring Paris, you might order a baguette and a croque monsieur from your local French bakery.
Each virtual vacation also includes words and phrases to learn in each country’s language, a happy-hour drink to mix up, a fun playlist, and a movie or show to stream via Netflix that’s based in that city. How awesome does that sound?! If you’ve been looking for a unique way to explore somewhere new that goes beyond just looking at a YouTube video, this is your ticket to an unforgettable getaway (at home). Keep reading to see all of the cities and what they have to offer on your virtual vacations.
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Amsterdam by JD Lasica CC BY 2.0
Amsterdam
The Amsterdam virtual vacation will take you through the city on a virtual helicopter tour and through some of the most iconic museums, including the Anne Frank House and Rijksmuseum. With your takeout order, you’ll want to find a spot that has a decadent dessert menu that features chocolate since that’s one thing The Netherlands are most well-known for. Wind down with a spin on a classic genever cocktail and a movie about Dutch World War II.
California Coast by Tony Hisgett CC BY 2.0
California Road Trip
One of the most iconic vacations you can take is a road trip along the California coast. This virtual vacation starts off with a strong cup of coffee and the decision to head north toward San Francisco or south toward Los Angeles. No matter which way you virtually go, you’re going to want to stop at the Winchester Mystery House, which is a piece of local history and is apparently haunted. For dinner, be sure to order something with California flair like sushi, burritos, or fish tacos.
8S7A1642-Edit by Jonathan Pearson CC BY 2.0 / Jonathan Pearson 07956402381
London
Start off your virtual London vacation with a playlist to get you going in the morning featuring British pop music. Then explore some of London’s most popular destinations like Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the London Eye. Evening brings about happy hour, where you’ll be sipping on a gin and tonic and ordering a British staple for dinner like fish and chips.
Mexico City by VV Nincic CC BY 2.0
Mexico City
The Mexico City virtual vacation makes you feel like you’re right in the heart of the city. The morning starts off with a playlist and a virtual tour of popular tourist locations like Chapultepec Castle and The Angel of Independence. After all of the exploring, it’s time for lunch, and there’s nothing more fitting than authentic street tacos that you can order from one of your local restaurants via OpenTable. The afternoon concludes with a museum tour and a happy-hour margarita. As night falls, you’re going to want to make a big bowl of guacamole and settle in for binge-watching a show set in Mexico City called House of Flowers.
Eiffel Tower by Pedro Szekely CC BY 2.0
Paris
The Parisian vacation you’ve always dreamed about can now be done virtually. The morning starts off with a cup of coffee and a pastry ordered from your favorite bakery or deli before you explore the Louvre. As you continue to wander throughout the afternoon, you can virtually tour the catacombs and the Palace of Versailles. Evening is the time to virtually step aboard a river cruise on the Seine, where you’ll enjoy seeing the Eiffel Tower up close as it lights up each hour.
Brazil (Rio de Janeiro) Jesus statue on Corcovado Hill by Güldem Üstün CC BY 2.0
Rio de Janeiro
Explore Rio de Janeiro for a day starting out with a unique playlist filled with bossa nova classics. You’ll be virtually transported to iconic tourist spots like Christ the Redeemer, Enrique Lage Park, Copacabana Beach, and the Selaron Steps. Your happy-hour drink is the most iconic Brazilian drink, a caipirinha. Be sure to order something for dinner from your local Brazilian steakhouse or restaurant.
Sydney Australia. by Bernard Spragg. NZ CC BY 2.0
Sydney
The last stop on your whirlwind virtual tour is Sydney. The day starts out with a visit to tourist destinations like Bondi Beach, Harbour Bridge, and the Opera House. Lunch is takeout barbecue like steaks or shrimp on the barbie, then you’ll enjoy an afternoon adventure on a virtual helicopter ride to see the city. As evening rolls around, you’ll be in the kitchen making a traditional Australian food called damper bread to munch on the rest of the night.
