Visit the Seven Wonders of the World from Home

The library is your staycation headquarters.

The summer season is well underway, and many people are considering taking a vacation. For others, though, this simply isn’t an option. Plane tickets, hotel fees, and other travel-related expenses are higher than ever, and for many families, they aren’t in the budget. 

Because of this, staycations—vacation activities done from home—have become increasingly popular. If you still miss the idea of traveling and sightseeing, there’s no need to worry! We’ve compiled all the info you need to start planning a staycation that allows you to see the Seven Wonders of the World from the comfort of your home!

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What Are the Seven Wonders of the World?

The Seven Wonders of the World were first declared in 200 BCE. At that time, they were the Colossus of Rhodes, the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Temple of Artemis, the Statue of Zeus at Olympia, the Lighthouse of Alexandria, and the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus. 

As of today, only the Great Pyramids are still standing. Because of this, historians and cultural scholars decided it was time to declare a new Seven Wonders. The Seven Wonders of the Modern World are as follows:

• The Great Wall of China
• Chichén Itzá in Mexico
• Petra, an ancient city in Jordan
• Machu Picchu in Peru
• Christ the Redeemer, a massive statue of Jesus located in Brazil
• The Colosseum in Rome
• The Taj Mahal in India

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Each of these new Seven Wonders represents an important era in human history, a snapshot of what people thought and felt in that place and time. For example, Christ the Redeemer was built in a time of incredible political, social, and economic tension and served as a symbol of hope for the predominantly Catholic populace of Brazil. The Great Wall of China was built partially as a defensive structure but also as a show of might and a desire to protect Chinese culture. 

Looking at these works of art now grants us insight into how the people of the time lived and felt, how things have changed since then, and how things have stayed the same. It’s a fascinating thing to think about, and naturally, reading and learning more on the subject makes for a great summer staycation.

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How to Take a Library Staycation

So, how exactly do you visit the Seven Wonders of the World without leaving your hometown? It’s simple! The library has countless books, videos, websites, and other reference materials that you can use to view and learn about the Seven Wonders from anywhere. 

If you really want to immerse yourself in the touristy vacation vibe, plan out your staycation in the same way you would a traveling vacation. Talk to your librarian and see what resources they have available to help you visit the Seven Wonders, whether that’s an interesting book or a video tour. 

Take in the sights and sounds of that day’s destination, and then explore the surrounding city using the internet! Make or order traditional food from the country you’re “visiting,” and shop for souvenirs by finding a small business owner from that country.

This allows you to fully immerse yourself in the culture without paying exorbitant travel fees and helps you learn a few interesting things along the way! Of course, you can plan a staycation like this for anything, not just the Seven Wonders of the World. Just visit your library to see what they have to offer!

Looking for more great ways to enjoy affordable summer activities this season? Check out the stories on our Families and Lifestyle feature pages today!

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This work by EveryLibrary is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0