• Most international travel is on hold because of COVID-19.
  • Expedia created GIFs that show how ancient ruins would have looked in their prime.
  • Countries around the world have banned American tourists from entry, so virtual travel will have to do for now.
  • Visit Business Insider’s homepage for more stories.

The coronavirus has put travel on hold for the foreseeable future, but there are still ways to see the world and scratch that travel itch. Expedia commissioned artists to create GIFs showing how seven ancient wonders looked in their prime, and the results are fascinating.

US residents probably won’t be taking international vacations anytime soon. Most of the European Union, along with China, Japan, New Zealand, and others, have banned American tourists due to its ongoing struggle containing the coronavirus pandemic.

Back in March, Google Earth put together a list of 30 UNESCO World Heritage sites anyone could virtually visit and learn about. Now, Expedia’s GIFs are expanding the virtual travel experience.


The ruins of the Parthenon in Greece are restored to their full glory as a temple for the goddess Athena.

Foto: The Parthenon. Source: Expedia

Little of the Area Sacra di Largo Argentina temple ruins in Rome survived, but the ruins are now home to hundreds of cats.

Foto: Area Sacra di Largo Argentina. Source: Expedia

The Pyramid of the Sun in Mexico is one of the oldest and largest in the region.

Foto: The Pyramid of the Sun. Source: Expedia

Luxor Temple in Egypt was built in 1380 BCE, and restoring obelisks and statues shows how impressive it once was.

Foto: Luxor Temple. Source: Expedia

Milecastle 39 in the English countryside was once part of Hadrian’s Wall.

Foto: Milecastle 39. Source: Expedia

The Temple of Jupiter was destroyed when Mount Vesuvius erupted in Pompeii, but this recreation shows how formidable it was.

Foto: Temple of Jupiter. Source: Expedia

Finally, the Mayan ruin of Cobá wasn’t discovered until the 1800s, because it was hidden by dense jungle.

Foto: Nohoch Mul Pyramid. Source: Expedia