If you’ve never heard of Amazon Explore, you’re not alone—it’s a relatively new service that connects you to interactive, one-on-one virtual experiences around the world, whether that’s a shopping session, a cooking lesson, or a “walking” tour. Launched during the pandemic, Explore is Amazon’s bid to, “complement, rather than replace, traditional travel,” per a message from the company’s PR team quoted by the New York Times.
If you aren’t quite yet sold on the prospect of paying to sit in front of your computer some more instead of going outside to actually do something, Amazon is offering eligible Prime members their first session for free (for “experiences” under $50). Here’s how it works.
How does Amazon Explore work?
Amazon Explore offers a variety of virtual experiences where you can interact with a host or guide. It’s a live experience between you and the host, with one-way video (you can see the host, but the host can’t see you) and two-way audio, so you’ll need a working microphone when you log into the session.
By all accounts, the streaming quality is quite good and the overall production quality is pretty slick, and includes graphic overlays, maps, and onscreen labels. There is a one-touch button for taking screenshots and a “megaphone” feature that allows you talk directly with people near your guide. And because this is Amazon, you’ll often also have the ability to make purchases (look for sessions with the “In-Session Shopping” tag).
Examples of the types of experiences you can try for free include:
Okay, how do I get a free session?
Prime members can get their first session under $50 for free. The Amazon Explore page allows you to all experiences under $50; pick one, toggle the blue “Book your session” button to choose a date and time, and apply the code FREEFUN at checkout, which should reduce your total to $0.
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Some restrictions apply: You have to be a Prime member, it has to be your first session (even if you haven’t used the discount code yet), and the service is only available in the U.S. And if giving virtual tours and classes sounds like fun, you can apply here to work with Amazon as a host—though naturally, the company takes a commission from your earnings.
