The Diamond Head State Monument in Hawaii is a popular destination amongst tourists visiting the state. But now, visitors from across the world need to plan ahead to make a trip to this landmark, as the site is starting reservations from next month, as per government rules.

The New System

The world-famous monument is located at Oahu in Hawaii. Starting from May 12, this year, the landmark site is going to set a new reservation rule for out-of-state travelers. International visitors will now be required to make an advance reservation. According to the governor of Hawaii, this new reservation system is going to be implemented to reduce hiker congestion on the way to the summit. It will also help to reduce vehicle traffic. According to this new rule, Hawaiian residents won’t need any reservation to visit the monument, but the entry will solely depend on the parking availability. Travelers from outside the state will be able to make reservations up to 14 days in advance.

The Landmark Site

According to the Hawaii Division of State Park, the Diamond Head State Monument is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Hawaii with nearly 3000 visitors coming in a day. This is the third site in the Hawaii State Park system to require a reservation in advance from visitors from outside the state. The other two sites that already have the reservation system are the Waiʻānapanapa State Park on Maui and the Hā’ena State Park on Kauai.

The Objective

The Governor of Hawaii, David Ige, declared in an official statement that this new reservation system is a significant part of the state government’s destination management action plan. The system is aiming to ensure that the residents have easy access to the desirable sites in the state, without the congestion of outsider tourists. Through this system, the total number of visitors in a day can be controlled efficiently.

While most of us are unable to travel around the world at the moment, these incredible virtual tours of Africa should ease your growing wanderlust.

Virtual Safari

One thing that South Africa is known for around the world is the amazing wildlife. Going on safari is something that many people simply cannot do in the current global circumstance. WildEarth and &Beyond have teamed up to bring safaris to the masses through Facebook and YouTube, while also sharing videos on Instagram. Rangers are taking viewers around Phinda Private Game Reserve and Ngala Private Game Reserve to see South Africa’s amazing wildlife during lockdown.

See the Sights

AirPano.com is bringing some of the most breathtaking sights in South Africa to viewers around the world. The website is offering virtual helicopter tours over Cape Town, while also transporting people to the top of Victoria Falls in Zambia. Those looking to take in more of Africa can watch footage from the continent on the website, including the Namib Desert in Namibia.

Enjoy the Pyramids of Giza

One of the most popular tourist attractions in the world is the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. This throwback to an ancient civilization has fascinated people for hundreds of years, and Google Maps is taking people on a trek through history.

From the comfort of your own home, you can be transported to the Pyramids of Giza thanks to Google, with footage to enjoy and lessons to be learned. The pyramids are just one of many places around the world that Google Maps has created.

Visit the Bazaars of Marrakech

One place where social distancing wouldn’t be an option is the amazing markets of Marrakech. Thanks to VirtualTraveller, and a GoPro, people can take a stroll through a bazaar in Morrocco’s famous city. That’s not all, however, and the website is offering virtual tours filmed by actual tourists across many African and world hotspots.

Want to see Africa without leaving your home? Well, now you can!