AROUND THE WORLD IN SEVEN CLICKS
Armchair travel has never been so exhausting. But which sites are worthy of your time? SARAH MARSHALL finds out
A REMOTE, windswept archipelago, where waterfalls tumble from velvety green cliffs, the Faroe Islands is Game of Thrones territory.
Blurring the lines between fantasy and reality, the national tourist board has launched an ingenious virtual tour, where at-home travellers have the freedom to direct an islander in real time.
Use the keyboard to make your human avatar turn, walk, run – and even jump – as they explore epic landscapes by foot, boat, helicopter and horseback. Guides will share information about the 18 islands and answer any questions.
Hour-long tours take place weekly. Visit remote-tourism.com for updates. Join a queue to control the guide or just sit back and enjoy the tour.
How does it work: DANCE ALL NIGHT TO BERLIN’S BEST DJS
“AND those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music,” wrote 19th century philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche.
Perhaps that’s what the neighbours might think if they spot you leaping around the living room to one of Berlin’s United We Stream DJ sets. Refusing to press pause on their mixers, the German city’s famous clubs are holding virtual parties – and everyone is on the guest list.
The first live broadcast from Watergate united 70,000 lone clubbers, all moving to the same beats.
Dance to Berlin’s top DJs
The Palm in Dubai
The Great Barrier Reef
How does it work:
Visit en.unitedwestream.berlin for a list of upcoming events.
GAME DRIVE WITH RICHARD BRANSON’S SOUTH AFRICAN SAFARI LODGE
STAYING at Richard Branson’s Ulusaba safari lodge sounds like the stuff of dreams, but in these strange times, anything’s a reality.
Tune in once a week to join their world-class rangers on a game drive through a private reserve in South Africa’s Sabi Sand. On recent drives, they’ve tracked wild dogs and followed a lion pride.
Visit @VirginLimited Edition on Instagram every Monday at 3.30pm.
How does it work: ZIPWIRE THROUGH DUBAI’S SKYSCRAPERS
SUNNY, shiny and effervescing with energy, there’s no shortage of attractions to keep visitors entertained in Dubai. The gleaming emirate has produced a detailed, interactive 360-degree map, which allows the user to nosy around five-star hotel lobbies, explore cultural museums – and zoom along a zipwire from the Princess Tower. You can even window shop for luxury sports cars or meander through malls.
Visit Dubai360.com and use the mouse or keyboard to explore.
How does it work: WADE WITH STARFISH ON AUSTRALIA’S GREAT BARRIER REEF
IT’S normally necessary to take a light aircraft to visit this bio-diverse coral cay along Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. But for now, a few mouse clicks will transport you to Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort.
Manta rays, turtles and octopus inhabit the fringing reefs. In winter (June-October), even humpbacks cruise past. Best of all, you don’t even have to get wet. Join guides wading through lagoons in search of creatures.
How does it work:
Follow @LadyElliot IslandEcoResort on Instagram for updates on new stories.