Just because you can’t leave your home, doesn’t mean you can’t go on an adventure. Virtual reality has brought an extra edge to entertainment, and it’s doing the same for travel. With that in mind, let’s look at how VR travel can keep you going on more adventures from the comfort of your couch.
What is VR?
If you’re asking “what is VR?”, it stands for “virtual reality”. Virtual reality is a well-known feature to video game players and movie enthusiasts. Virtual reality puts you inside the environment instead of simply watching from the outside! Your first time experiencing it may make you think you’re actually in another world!
What is VR travel?
If virtual reality lets you dive into another world, why not let it take you across the world? There are many ways you can explore cities and attractions from the comfort of your own home with VR travel. Take a tour of a street in Paris or discover the treasures within a museum in Venice!
Let’s take a look at some of the virtual reality applications you can use to keep the travel bug going.
Google Street View
Google Street View is a virtual display of our surroundings. This display is made up of millions of panoramic images on Google Maps. The content comes from two sources – Google and us, the contributors. With our combined efforts, we enable everyone all over the world to explore the world via VR travel. Treat yourself to the panorama on offer in Turkey or witness the stunning landscapes of Canada.
Tour Creator
Feeling creative? Then you should start using Tour Creator, courtesy of Google. This tool lets you build immersive, 360-degree tours from the comfort of your computer. How does it work? Use your own 360-degree images or find one on Google Street View. Find points of interest to add that viewers can explore. Add rich 2-dimensional images so viewers can discover more detail. Visit the Tour Creator page to see examples of what you can create.
Google Earth VR
If you want to take all this a step further, visit Google Earth for free and experience the world in true virtual reality! With one of the ultimate ways to enjoy VR travel, walk the streets of distant destinations like Thailand, or fly over the Grand Canyon. Google Earth VR can be used on PCs with Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1 or later, Windows 10 and upwards. It gets even better with headsets like the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift.
NASA SLS VR Experience
Would you be interested in the excitement of standing on the launch pad beneath NASA’s huge new rocket, the Space Launch System? You can with NASA SLS VR Experience. This is a free virtual reality software program that’s available for anyone with an Oculus Rift. You’ll be able to discover the amazing scale of the SLS (Space Launch System) and explore the rocket from multiple angles. You can even sit in the cockpit during pre-launch activities to see what it’s like to be an astronaut inside the Orion spacecraft. Take VR travel to another level with the NASA SLS VR Experience.
Google Arts & Culture
Do you want to explore incredible historic sites, fascinating museums, and iconic landmarks without leaving your home? You can with Google Arts & Culture. This feature from Google gives you access to content from more than 2,000 leading museums and archives who have partnered with the Google Cultural Institute. Discover the wonderful scenery at the Machu Picchu ruins in Peru. Enjoy the panoramic views across Ipanema Beach in Rio De Janeiro.
Some other collections that feature on Google Arts & Culture include:
- Gemäldegalerie – Berlin, Germany
- The State Tretyakov Gallery – Moscow, Russia
- Museum of Art & Photography – Banglore, India
- Inhotim Museum – Brumadinho, Brazil
- Gwacheon National Science Museum – Gwacheon-si, South Korea
Boulevard
For more arts and culture, go with Boulevard. This leading developer company offers arts-based experiences shared through VR travel. These experiences include offerings of the Rubin Museum in New York, United States, and the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, England. The company is based in New York, Los Angeles and London, and consists of a group of seasoned curators, educators and engineers. They are passionate about delivering the highest quality of art, architecture and cultural experiences.
Gala360
Enjoy unforgettable virtual reality tours with Gala360. You’ll get the chance to see the world with professional 6k resolution, 360-degree photos and 5k 360-degree relaxation videos! Most of the tours are free. A small fee lets you unlock more. Take a tour around scenic villas, enchanting forests, picturesque parks and bustling markets. Indulge in a virtual walk through Villa del Colle del Cardinale in Tivoli, Denmark. Go on an adventure through the White Mountains National Forest in the United States. Treat yourself to the breathtaking sights at the ESO Paranal Observatory in Chile.
Virtual Safaris
Finally, if you miss experiencing the magic of wildlife and nature, then you can still satisfy that craving with WildEarth. This live wildlife broadcaster is passionate about connecting people with nature. During this time when you can’t leave home, join the community of nature lovers to add an even greater sense of adventure to your staycation. Enjoy the chance to go on virtual safaris, spotting various animals in their natural habitats, including zebras, hyenas, elephants, lions and more!
Is all this talk of VR travel bringing some refreshment to staying at home? Take advantage of the inspiration while making sure you stay productive while working from home. Alternatively, sign up to our newsletter to stay up to date on the latest tips.
Are your travel plans affected by the coronavirus pandemic? Stay up to date on the latest airline policies and travel alerts.
Remember to stay safe indoors for now so you can enjoy the thrill of travelling later.
Also read:
Coronavirus: What You Need to Know Before Travelling
A Staycation You Never Knew You Needed
Have you tried VR travel before? Let us know in the comments!
Disclaimer!
All information on this blog page was correct at the time of publishing and may change at any time without prior notice. Travelstart will not be held liable for loss or inconvenience resulting from the use of out-dated or incorrectly noted information. All prices are subject to change unless stated otherwise.