VR Headsets Can Take You Where You Dream To Go

Virtual Reality (VR) technology is changing how we can experience and interact with the world today. Although it’s often thought of as a gaming tool, VR provides opportunities for seeing places and sights, even for those who have limitations due to time, physical abilities, or financial means.

The desire for this type of experience was heightened because of the restrictions caused by the pandemic. In addition to the visual experience, some VR activities allow for socialization and exercise-type movement while still having measures in place to limit movement areas to keep the activity safe.
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VR can simulate the experience of taking a hot air balloon ride, exploring the bustling streets of many major cities, viewing the depths of the oceans, strolling along relaxing resort locations, and allowing you to see sights that can be seen while hiking mountain trails as you remain comfortable in your home.

​It can provide a unique experience that goes beyond that shown by travel documentaries because many of the experiences are 360 degrees, allowing you to spin and control the view as if you are standing in that location.     

With the time that is normally spent taking a vacation, you can see multiple places far apart while being able to sleep in your own bed at night. Admittedly, it’s not the same as being there, but using VR technology is convenient and allows for frequent relaxing excursions, giving you a break from monotonous routines or the stress of work. VR travel can be a mini-vacation that improves well-being.

In addition, you can use it as a planning tool to help make decisions about where to go for future vacations. It has been shown that realistic imagery and a positive VR experience can impact an intention to visit that location in real life. 

One of the many great benefits of virtual travel is that it is accessible to most everyone. Taking a trip via VR can be safe and educational, providing insights about art, history, culture, and geography. It can be used to visit museums worldwide such as the Louvre, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the British Museum, and many more.

Some VR museum tours are interactive and by viewing fragile artifacts in this way you can see them up close and at the same time you will be helping to preserve them due to fewer physical interactions with the item.

“VR has been used as an overall alternative to physical traveling, as such VR experiences, including FlyView, now offer consumers the opportunity to experience flying over the city of Paris, YouVisit enables consumers to immerse themselves in
Macchu Picchu to explore the Inca Trail, while Virtual Disney World allows consumers to immerse themselves in the Disney Theme Parks."

VR headsets can increase learning for the old and young alike. There are opportunities for interactive learning of the human body in 3D and field trips to historical events. Learning this way can be enjoyable and when desired, repetition can enhance retention.

The benefits of accessibility, safety, and affordability make this an exciting technology with limitless opportunities. VR headsets can increase learning and help you make your travel dreams come true!

*As with any physical activity, please consider checking with your doctor and select programs that will meet your needs without risk of injury.
​*Virtual Disney World is not affiliated, sponsored, or endorsed by the Walt Disney Company.

Resources:
Hamad, A., & Jia, B. (2022). How virtual reality technology has changed our lives: An overview of the current and potential applications and limitations. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 19, 11278. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191811278

McLean, G., AlYahya, M., Barhorst, J. B., Osei-Frimpong, K. (2023). Examining the influence of virtual reality tourism on consumers’ subjective wellbeing. Science Direct. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tmp.2023.101088 

Ouerghemmi, C., Ertz, M., Bouslama, N., & Tandon, U. (2023). The impact of virtual reality (VR) tour experience on tourists’ intention to visit. Information, 14, 546. https://doi.org/10.3390/info14100546

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