Explore the World's Wonders... Virtually!

There are so many amazing places in the world that there's no way we could ever visit them all. There's just not enough time! But, that shouldn't stop you from trying. Traveling can be a fantastically rewarding experience and a great way to learn about other cultures, experience history, taste unique flavors, meet lifelong friends... and so much more.

Even if you can't make the trip to climb the pyramids in Egypt or hike the Inca Trail in Peru, we're lucky to live at a time when we can experience those places from the comfort of our own homes. And we're not talking about WompleBox, which is, of course, the best way to introduce the world to your kids. We're talking about virtual tours!

The Great Sphinx of Giza with the sun setting in the background

Ever want to travel to Giza to see the pyramids? Climb Mount Everest? Go surfing the big waves in Hawaii? Brave the freezing cold of Antarctica? Swim with sea turtles at the Great Barrier Reef in Australia? Imagine you're a gladiator while standing in the middle of the Colosseum in Rome?

You don't need to be a millionaire. All you need is a computer.

Let's take some trips together. Here are a few of our favorite wonders of the world, the best of the best virtual trips:

1. The Roman Colosseum

The Roman Colosseum with the sun setting in the background

One of the most famous buildings in the world: the Colosseum in Rome, Italy. Built almost 2,000 years ago by the Roman emperor Vespasian, the Colosseum is a monumental accomplishment by even today's standards. The Colosseum could hold audiences of between 50,000 and 80,000 people. That's bigger than any modern baseball stadium!

Get an inside view of the Colosseum with a virtual tour. Walk the grounds with a video walkthrough provided by the Colosseum Museum or take your own stroll through the grounds with Google Earth.

2. The Egyptian Pyramids at Giza

The Great Pyramids of Giza, Egypt in the middle of the desert

They're perhaps the most recognized monuments in the entire world: the Pyramids of Giza. Considered one of the original Seven Wonders of the World (and the only one still in existence) the three pyramids that make up the Giza pyramid complex are a breathtaking sight. The Great Pyramid, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure rise out of the desert along with the familiar face of the Great Sphinx.

Visit the 4,500 year old Great Pyramids with a 3D tour and interactive experience thanks to the Digital Giza project from Harvard University.

3. Machu Picchu, Peru

Overhead view of the Ancient City of Machu Picchu

Built in the 15th century, this ancient Inca city sits on the cliffs of the rugged Andes mountain range. The Inca Trail, a famous hike up to Machu Picchu, is a four or five day trek that rises over 9,000 feet.

Not feeling quite that adventurous or need some time to train for the 55 mile climb? Check out some beautiful 360 degree views of this amazing ancient city thanks to YouVisit.com.

4. Scott's Hut, Antarctica

A group of Emperor Penguins in Antarctica with snow covered mountains behind them

Antarctica is one of the most remote places on earth. Only a privileged few ever get to travel to the icy home of the Emperor Penguins. One of the first people to travel to the South Pole was an explorer and naval officer named Robert Falcon Scott. Amazingly, Captain Scott's hut that he built during one of his expeditions seeking the South Pole in 1911 still stands.

Get an inside look at the inside of Scott's Hut - from the warmth of your own home - with a unique virtual tour provided by Google Arts & Culture.

5. The Chauvet Cave

The Chauvet Cave Rhino carving into the cave

Here's a destination that only a handful of people have ever seen up close: Cauvet-Pont-d'Arc Cave, home to perhaps the best-preserved ancient cave paintings in the world. The paintings on the walls of the Chauvet Cave, of lions, hyenas, volcanoes, and more, are likely over 30,000 years old. It provides an amazing glimpse, unlike any other, into humanity's ancient origins.

No one, except for a few scientists, has been allowed in the Chauvet Cave since it was discovered in 1994. But, you can see it for free through an amazing virtual reality experience from Google Arts & Culture.

Did we miss some good ones? What are some of your dream destinations? Leave us a comment below!