How to Explore the World from Your Armchair
Can’t travel but want to see something new? Ever wondered if those famous sights are really worth the price of admission? If you want to get a preview of the wonders of the world, then Google has the answer: the World Wonders Project. Working with organizations like Unesco, the World Monuments Fund, Getty Images and others, Google has used Street View to bring world heritage sights to your computer. It’s a way to virtually explore some of the wonders of the ancient and modern world.
Exploring World Wonders
There are several ways to explore the content on the site. You can select Antarctica, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America or South America from the drop down menu. There’s another menu which highlights specific themes (archeological sites, architecture, cities and towns, historic sites, monuments and memorials, palaces and castles, parks and gardens, places of worship, regions and landscapes, and wonders of nature. And the home page feature a slideshow of famous sights along with a globe that shifts to highlight other sights in the region. Just click on one of the red flags to find the one you want.
Getting More Info
Once you go to a place, the main window shows it as it would look if you were standing there. Click on a white circle to go to a particular spot or use the familiar Google Maps and Google Earth controls to navigate to where you want. The sidebar menu gives an overview of the location, additional information from Unesco, photos and videos (including those submitted by visitors to the location, 3D models and a map where you can explore other nearby places of interest.
Of course, a virtual tour of Pompeii isn’t really a replacement for being there, seeing the sights, smelling the smells and absorbing the local color, but if your planned trip is some time in the future, this site can keep your appetite whetted and help with your trip research. It’s also a useful site for educators and students looking to learn more about the wonders of the world.
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Tags: Travel Fun, Travel Tips
