![\"Asheville](\"https:\/\/www.smartertravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/asheville-north-carolina-at-night.png\")
An arts and culture haven in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is sharing food, music, and outdoor activities you can experience in your home.<\/p>\n\n\n
Related:<\/h3>\nHow to Support Local Businesses During COVID-19<\/a><\/p><\/span>\n<\/div>\n\n\nRecipes to make at home include this quick and classic vodka martini from the Martini Workshop Lounge at The Foundry Hotel<\/a>: A twist on the classic vodka martini, Workshop Lounge\u2019s Martini features floral notes from the aromatic mixture of Hendrick\u2019s Gin. In a shaker, add ice, 3\/4 oz. dry vermouth, and 3 oz. Hendrick\u2019s Gin. Mix well, strain, and pour the drink into a martini glass. Garnish with an olive.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMusic and outdoor activities include an Asheville playlist on Spotify<\/a> and Asheville experiences featuring 20+ virtual hikes<\/a>, virtual tours of the iconic Biltmore Estate<\/a>, a virtual walking tour of Blue Ridge Parkway<\/a>, and virtual outdoor yoga classes<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\nAustralia<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Head Down Under without the long flight by immersing yourself in Tourism Australia\u2019s 360-degree aquatic and coastal experiences on YouTube<\/a>. See the waves roll in along the Great Ocean Road, watch the sun set over Sydney Harbour, discover the rugged scenery along Tasmania\u2019s Three Capes Track, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\nCharleston, SC\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Imagine yourself in Charleston by checking out live Facebook streams of historic walking tours<\/a>, led by guides at Bulldog Tours. You can also take a peek into the South Carolina Aquarium via virtual visits<\/a>, held every weekday at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. ET. (Past sessions are archived at the page linked above.) Carrie Morey, the founder of Callie\u2019s Hot Little Biscuit, is offering cooking demos on her Instagram account<\/a>, and Explore Charleston has put together a \u201cCharleston This Summer\u201d playlist<\/a> on Spotify.<\/p>\n\n\n\nCharlotte, NC<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Check out the tourism board\u2019s complete roundup of virtual activities in the Queen City, here<\/a>. Highlights include online classes by the NASCAR Hall of Fame\u2019s SPARK! program<\/a>, virtual concerts<\/a> with local talent, and online videos and tours at Discovery Place Science<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nChile<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Download the free app Chile 360<\/a> to discover bucket-list attractions like Easter Island, Torres del Paine, the Atacama Desert, and more. The National Historic Museum of Chile<\/a> and the Santiago Chile observatory<\/a> are also offering virtual tours so you can explore the country\u2019s arts, culture, natural landscapes, and skies.<\/p>\n\n\n\nRelated:<\/h3>\nBring a Vacation Vibe to Your Zoom Calls with These Free Custom Backgrounds<\/a><\/p><\/span>\n<\/div>\n\n\nClub Med<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The fan-favorite hotel and resort chain has tons of online content with its Club Med at Home<\/a> program. From yoga routines to hotel virtual tours to quizzes to kid\u2019s activity plans, there\u2019s plenty to do. You can even sign up for a weekly newsletter filled with more ideas and activities. <\/p>\n\n\n\nCzech Republic<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
From the bustling streets of Prague to kayaking in Cesky Krumlov, there are a variety of virtual experiences available for the Czech Republic\u2019s UNESCO Sights<\/a>, monuments and museums<\/a>, as well as its arts and culture, like the Czech Opera<\/a>. Other ways to virtually experience the Czech Republic are through this curated reading list<\/a> or take a quiz<\/a> about which castle in the country you should live in.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFlorida<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"Miami](\"https:\/\/www.smartertravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/florida-cheapest-places-fly-winter.jpg\")
Maridav\/Shutterstock<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nHead to the Sunshine State, virtually that is. Visit Florida has compiled a range of virtual vacations<\/a>, from aerial views of the beach to underwater videos.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBring the magic of Orlando to your home with dozens of virtual experiences<\/a> hosted by the city\u2019s tourism board. Online experiences range from streaming IMAX films, virtual go-karting, and floating down a lazy river. <\/p>\n\n\n\nNaples just launched \u201cParadise in Place\u201d<\/a>, which is a collection of resources from area webcams to Facebook Lives of the town\u2019s zoo. <\/p>\n\n\n\nSt. Pete<\/a> is also joining in on the travel-from-home fun by sharing local recipes, live beach webcams, music<\/a>, and an augmented reality virtual art tour from the Salvador Dali Museum.<\/p>\n\n\n\nYou can also check out the Miami region\u2019s live webcams<\/a>, which include sweeping beach views as well as an underwater coral reef cam and a feed of frolicking meerkats from Zoo Miami. You can add an audio soundtrack with this Spotify playlist<\/a> from local restaurant Zuma Miami or this playlist<\/a> from 1 Hotel South Beach<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFrance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Head to the vineyards in France, climb the Eiffel tower, tour the Louvre, and more from your computer screen with Explore France\u2019s roundup<\/a>. The tourism board has also curated book and movie lists to keep you further entertained.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nFor the true history buffs, you can take an online course through The Great Courses<\/a> and learn more about the country\u2019s fascinating history and cultural treasures. <\/p>\n\n\n\nHawaii<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Transport yourself to the Hawaiian Islands with online experiences like a virtual field trip<\/a> of the Battleship Missouri Memorial or learn how to traditional dance with the Polynesian Cultural Center<\/a>. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the end of WWII and you can find interactive exercises and commemorations online, here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nJamaica\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
While Jamaica can\u2019t bring its sun, sand, and surf to you, it can help you bring the vacation spirit home. Start out by recreating this traditional Blue Mountain Coffee body scrub at home, courtesy of Playa Hotels & Resorts<\/a>: \u201cCombine 1\/2 cup ground coffee, 1\/4 cup cold-pressed coconut oil, and one drop of your favorite essential oil. Apply 1\/4 cup coffee oil to the entire body, using strong circular motions to assist the stimulation of blood flow. Use drops of the coffee oil under the eyes and place iced cucumbers on the eyes for added benefits. Rinse and enjoy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\nThen head to the kitchen to whip up some jerk pork chops using the Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall<\/a>\u2019s recipe. Here\u2019s what you\u2019ll need: one ounce pimento seeds (all spice), 1 1\/4 ounces Scotch bonnet pepper, 1\/2 ounce fresh thyme, nine ounces onion (chopped), three ounces fresh garlic (peeled and chopped), 3 1\/2 ounces fresh ginger (peeled and chopped), three ounces scallion (green onion, chopped), a pinch of chopped bay leaf, 1 1\/2 ounces brown sugar, a pinch of ground cinnamon, a pinch of ground nutmeg, six ounces soy sauce (low sodium), two ounces olive oil, a pinch of sea salt, a pinch of black peppercorns, and one ounce of white distilled vinegar. Got the goods? Now follow the instructions: \u201cTo prepare your Jerk marinade place all the ingredients into a food processor or blender and liquefy. Pour in a jar with a closed lid and keep it refrigerated. This marinade will last you a very long time as long as you keep refrigerated. Bone-in pork chops should be marinated 24 hours in advance with the marinade that you prepared the day before. Using a BBQ smoked grill, grill each chop for approximately eight minutes. Cover grill in between to obtain that awesome island smoke flavor.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\nFor a more visual taste of Jamaica, you can also check out the live stream<\/a> at Rick\u2019s Cafe. Things are pretty quiet right now, but you still see the sea sparkle and the breeze ruffle the curtains.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nJapan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"Kiyomizu-dera](\"https:\/\/www.smartertravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/kyoto_japan_cherry_blossom.jpg\")
Jau-Cheng Liou\/Shutterstock<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhile the Olympics might be postponed, you can still explore the host country virtually. From a live feed of the famous Shibuya Crossing<\/a> to snow monkeys bathing in hot springs<\/a>, you\u2019ll find a range of experiences online. You can even view the cherry blossoms blooming in locations like Miharu Falls in Fukushima<\/a> and Hirosaki Park<\/a>.\u00a0If you are looking to learn even more, take an online course, like Understanding Japan<\/a> (the course consists of 24, 30-minute lectures).<\/p>\n\n\n
Recipes to make at home include this quick and classic vodka martini from the Martini Workshop Lounge at The Foundry Hotel<\/a>: A twist on the classic vodka martini, Workshop Lounge\u2019s Martini features floral notes from the aromatic mixture of Hendrick\u2019s Gin. In a shaker, add ice, 3\/4 oz. dry vermouth, and 3 oz. Hendrick\u2019s Gin. Mix well, strain, and pour the drink into a martini glass. Garnish with an olive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Music and outdoor activities include an Asheville playlist on Spotify<\/a> and Asheville experiences featuring 20+ virtual hikes<\/a>, virtual tours of the iconic Biltmore Estate<\/a>, a virtual walking tour of Blue Ridge Parkway<\/a>, and virtual outdoor yoga classes<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n Head Down Under without the long flight by immersing yourself in Tourism Australia\u2019s 360-degree aquatic and coastal experiences on YouTube<\/a>. See the waves roll in along the Great Ocean Road, watch the sun set over Sydney Harbour, discover the rugged scenery along Tasmania\u2019s Three Capes Track, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Imagine yourself in Charleston by checking out live Facebook streams of historic walking tours<\/a>, led by guides at Bulldog Tours. You can also take a peek into the South Carolina Aquarium via virtual visits<\/a>, held every weekday at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. ET. (Past sessions are archived at the page linked above.) Carrie Morey, the founder of Callie\u2019s Hot Little Biscuit, is offering cooking demos on her Instagram account<\/a>, and Explore Charleston has put together a \u201cCharleston This Summer\u201d playlist<\/a> on Spotify.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Check out the tourism board\u2019s complete roundup of virtual activities in the Queen City, here<\/a>. Highlights include online classes by the NASCAR Hall of Fame\u2019s SPARK! program<\/a>, virtual concerts<\/a> with local talent, and online videos and tours at Discovery Place Science<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Download the free app Chile 360<\/a> to discover bucket-list attractions like Easter Island, Torres del Paine, the Atacama Desert, and more. The National Historic Museum of Chile<\/a> and the Santiago Chile observatory<\/a> are also offering virtual tours so you can explore the country\u2019s arts, culture, natural landscapes, and skies.<\/p>\n\n\n Bring a Vacation Vibe to Your Zoom Calls with These Free Custom Backgrounds<\/a><\/p><\/span>\n<\/div>\n\n\n The fan-favorite hotel and resort chain has tons of online content with its Club Med at Home<\/a> program. From yoga routines to hotel virtual tours to quizzes to kid\u2019s activity plans, there\u2019s plenty to do. You can even sign up for a weekly newsletter filled with more ideas and activities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n From the bustling streets of Prague to kayaking in Cesky Krumlov, there are a variety of virtual experiences available for the Czech Republic\u2019s UNESCO Sights<\/a>, monuments and museums<\/a>, as well as its arts and culture, like the Czech Opera<\/a>. Other ways to virtually experience the Czech Republic are through this curated reading list<\/a> or take a quiz<\/a> about which castle in the country you should live in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Head to the Sunshine State, virtually that is. Visit Florida has compiled a range of virtual vacations<\/a>, from aerial views of the beach to underwater videos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bring the magic of Orlando to your home with dozens of virtual experiences<\/a> hosted by the city\u2019s tourism board. Online experiences range from streaming IMAX films, virtual go-karting, and floating down a lazy river. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Naples just launched \u201cParadise in Place\u201d<\/a>, which is a collection of resources from area webcams to Facebook Lives of the town\u2019s zoo. <\/p>\n\n\n\n St. Pete<\/a> is also joining in on the travel-from-home fun by sharing local recipes, live beach webcams, music<\/a>, and an augmented reality virtual art tour from the Salvador Dali Museum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can also check out the Miami region\u2019s live webcams<\/a>, which include sweeping beach views as well as an underwater coral reef cam and a feed of frolicking meerkats from Zoo Miami. You can add an audio soundtrack with this Spotify playlist<\/a> from local restaurant Zuma Miami or this playlist<\/a> from 1 Hotel South Beach<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Head to the vineyards in France, climb the Eiffel tower, tour the Louvre, and more from your computer screen with Explore France\u2019s roundup<\/a>. The tourism board has also curated book and movie lists to keep you further entertained.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the true history buffs, you can take an online course through The Great Courses<\/a> and learn more about the country\u2019s fascinating history and cultural treasures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Transport yourself to the Hawaiian Islands with online experiences like a virtual field trip<\/a> of the Battleship Missouri Memorial or learn how to traditional dance with the Polynesian Cultural Center<\/a>. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the end of WWII and you can find interactive exercises and commemorations online, here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While Jamaica can\u2019t bring its sun, sand, and surf to you, it can help you bring the vacation spirit home. Start out by recreating this traditional Blue Mountain Coffee body scrub at home, courtesy of Playa Hotels & Resorts<\/a>: \u201cCombine 1\/2 cup ground coffee, 1\/4 cup cold-pressed coconut oil, and one drop of your favorite essential oil. Apply 1\/4 cup coffee oil to the entire body, using strong circular motions to assist the stimulation of blood flow. Use drops of the coffee oil under the eyes and place iced cucumbers on the eyes for added benefits. Rinse and enjoy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then head to the kitchen to whip up some jerk pork chops using the Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall<\/a>\u2019s recipe. Here\u2019s what you\u2019ll need: one ounce pimento seeds (all spice), 1 1\/4 ounces Scotch bonnet pepper, 1\/2 ounce fresh thyme, nine ounces onion (chopped), three ounces fresh garlic (peeled and chopped), 3 1\/2 ounces fresh ginger (peeled and chopped), three ounces scallion (green onion, chopped), a pinch of chopped bay leaf, 1 1\/2 ounces brown sugar, a pinch of ground cinnamon, a pinch of ground nutmeg, six ounces soy sauce (low sodium), two ounces olive oil, a pinch of sea salt, a pinch of black peppercorns, and one ounce of white distilled vinegar. Got the goods? Now follow the instructions: \u201cTo prepare your Jerk marinade place all the ingredients into a food processor or blender and liquefy. Pour in a jar with a closed lid and keep it refrigerated. This marinade will last you a very long time as long as you keep refrigerated. Bone-in pork chops should be marinated 24 hours in advance with the marinade that you prepared the day before. Using a BBQ smoked grill, grill each chop for approximately eight minutes. Cover grill in between to obtain that awesome island smoke flavor.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n For a more visual taste of Jamaica, you can also check out the live stream<\/a> at Rick\u2019s Cafe. Things are pretty quiet right now, but you still see the sea sparkle and the breeze ruffle the curtains.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n While the Olympics might be postponed, you can still explore the host country virtually. From a live feed of the famous Shibuya Crossing<\/a> to snow monkeys bathing in hot springs<\/a>, you\u2019ll find a range of experiences online. You can even view the cherry blossoms blooming in locations like Miharu Falls in Fukushima<\/a> and Hirosaki Park<\/a>.\u00a0If you are looking to learn even more, take an online course, like Understanding Japan<\/a> (the course consists of 24, 30-minute lectures).<\/p>\n\n\nAustralia<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Charleston, SC\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Charlotte, NC<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Chile<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Related:<\/h3>\n
Club Med<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Czech Republic<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Florida<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
France<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Hawaii<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Jamaica\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Japan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n