Google street view is no stranger to the travel tech game, covering over 7 continents, 65+ countries and amassing over 120+ million km’s in distance. And to think people actually travel around the world for Google to capture it all? Here are the coolest places you can now explore on Google street view.
HOW IT’S DONE
Google street view has been around since 2007 and provides 360-degree panoramic views of each place, street, and destination. The majority is done by car, but nowadays it can also be done by trekking, cycling, walking and underwater devices.
Peru
You can now wander through the Inca trail from the comfort of your own home. After a few years of (not so) gentle persuasion, Daniel Fillip, an engineer at Google, finally received the green light to capture google street view at the site of Machu Picchu.
Check out google street view of the Inca trail here.
Thailand
It took an impressive 2 years for a guy to walk around Thailand capturing 360-degree panoramic views of everything that makes the country just so magical, think tea plantations, forests, rolling hills and old temples. Whilst you may be thinking this sounds like the job of your dreams, consider this – the guy was a pro Thai triathlete, the backpack weighed an impressive 18kgs, and the distance he walked totalled 310,685 miles, wearing out 4 pairs of sturdy shoes in the process.
Check out google street view in Thailand here.
United Kingdom
The Great Stonehenge is a huge prehistoric monument that you can find in Wiltshire, England. The mythical Stonehenge’s ring of standing stones are believed to have been constructed from 3000 BC to 2000 BC. And you can now view this UNESCO world heritage listed site thanks to Google.
Check out the google street view of the Stonehenge here.
Iceland
Walk under the aurora borealis and witness the dazzling array of scattered colours in the sky which ranges from green, to pink and even violet (if you’re lucky!). If you can’t quite make it to Iceland for the Northern Lights, there are still plenty of Icelandic adventures to consider. From the infamous geothermal spa at the Blue Lagoon to the majestic Gullfoss, known as the ‘Golden Waterfall’ – there’s something for everyone.
And for those more curious, why not digitally transport yourself via Google to Iceland.
Check out the Google street view of the Northern Lights here.
READ NOW: 8 reasons to move Iceland to the top of your bucket list ASAP
America
The Grand Canyon really needs to be seen to be believed. This national park in Arizona stretches 455 km’s (277 miles) across the Colorado River. You can do all kinds of adventure activities like rafting, hiking, running, even helicopter tours…or you could sit on yo’ ass and explore through the power of Google.
Check out Google street views of the Grand Canyon here.
Australia
Ever dream of diving and snorkelling down-under the 2,300-km long Great Barrier reef? Never fear, Google maps underwater apparatus has captured adorable turtles, beautiful coral and underwater life along the way.
Check out the underwater world of The Great Barrier Reef here.
Whilst Google street view is undeniably awesome, it’s no replacement for the real thing, so get out there and explore the wide world for yourself.