As spring and summer approach, it is becoming harder to stay at home. Even though the world is slowly opening up, a lot of zoos, museums, and national parks remain closed. Experiencing life to its fullest is the preferable way to live; however, we still have to be cautious about what we do.

Why not celebrate National Road Trip Day (June 3rd) and try to do a virtual road trip with your family and friends? Museums, zoos, landmarks, aquariums, and national parks are all offering videos and tours that you can access from your home. This is a new reality and exploring the world in this manner can help us all feel a bit more connected. Also, these virtual tours might be an educational experience and open us up to places we might have never thought of exploring before!

I have chosen some of my favorite spots of travel—near and far—and hope that you will enjoy these places as much as I have.

The Wolf Conservation Center, South Salem, New York
Nature is soothing, relaxing and calming to the mind and body. I also love wolves and have had the chance to experience hearing wolves howl. If you love nature as much as I do, The Wolf Conservation Center is a special place to get footage of real wolves howling. Our tour starts with meeting ambassador wolves, Zephyr, Alawa, and Nikai. Try howling with these beautiful wolves!

Catskill Mountains, New York
If you are as passionate about nature as I am, you might want to check out the Catskills. Tourism began in the early 1800’s as people flocked from New York City to learn how to fly fish. Artists from the city also enjoyed the calming experience of the Catskills. If you love to camp and want to experience a fun campground you can visit North-South Lake.

Acadia National Parks, Maine
Another one of my favorite natural areas besides the upstate region in New York is Acadia National Park. Besides Brazil, Acadia National Park is the only other place in the world where the mountains meet the ocean. Acadia is a nine-hour drive from New York, however, Acadia National Park can be viewed virtually from anywhere with this Google Earth Virtual tour. You can view the magnificent Jordan Pond as well as Cadillac Mountain, which peaks at 1,530 feet!

Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier National Park is a stunning portrait of the Midwest. The wide open space, the lakes, the inhabitants (such as mountain goats and bears), and the pristine air seem untouched by human hands. You can learn about the local Native American culture by visiting The Glacier’s Native America Speaks Program. Enjoy views of mountains, lakes and glaciers by viewing the Park’s webcams.

El Yunque, Puerto Rico
El Yunque National Forest is a beautiful tropical rainforest in northeastern Puerto Rico. El Yunque is also the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest Service. The name comes from the word Yuke, meaning “white land” in the language of the indigenous Taino people. Children will fall in love with the sound of the coqui frog.

Paris, France
As much as I love the country, I am also a city girl. Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. I was lucky enough to have lived in Paris for a few months before calling New York home. Paris has often been romanticized in films, books and music, from the beautiful singing of Edith Piaf to the Louvre. You can also take a virtual tour of the Eiffel Tower.