Virtual Tourism Planning | Simon Migaj | Unsplash
Travel bans, flight cancellations, attractions closing — it seems like the whole world is shutting down around us. We may be temporarily grounded, but thanks to the wonders of digital technology, we still can explore this beautiful world, albeit virtually and from the comfort of your couch.
While I acknowledge the seriousness of our situation, we’re all sick and tired of every conversation being centred on the virus, right? So, let’s take a moment to focus on some good things that have eventuated out of this enforced travel ban.
Just in case someone hasn’t told you yet, we’re living in a digital age. While we may not be dodging flying cars or zapping melas out of thin air, the advance in technology has made our lives a hell of a lot easier.
The internet has brought us a plethora of information. We skim blogs, binge YouTube vlogs and scroll Instagram feeds for travel inspiration, while booking transport and accommodation online without consulting a travel agent, and we do all of this without ever leaving our house (or putting on a bra, but that’s just personal choice really). Now the internet is serving up a new form of escape, one that us travel junkies must explore: Virtual Tourism.
Exploring the Beach | Tim Marshall | Unsplash
Your virtual travels can take you pretty much anywhere. Bored on a Tuesday afternoon? Why don’t you explore the cobbled streets of Edinburgh, enjoy a drink overlooking a vineyard in Tuscany (BYO Vino), or dive into the crystal-clear waters in Cuba. You could even learn a few tricks in the kitchen by a real Italian Nonna! All of this and more is possible while virtually travelling. These videos can take you to places you’ve only ever dreamed of visiting, and experiences you didn’t even know existed — but now will be adding to your bucket list!
Virtual Cooking Classes | Dane Deaner | Unsplash
Seeing these places on a screen is no substitute for experiencing the real thing, however with our travel options limited at the moment, these videos are a great teaser for what is to come. Not only can these virtual experiences help ease the harsh reality of being stuck at home, but also helps us with travel inspiration for future trips. So, settle in for a virtual tour or Sofari (Sofa Safari — don’t come at me, the internet already did its thing here), and let your mind wander to new places.
Will Virtual Tourism replace the wonders of travel? No.
Will it fill the void while we’re stuck in our own home? Yes.
Virtual Tourism is not about recreating a version of reality that renders physically travelling to that destination unnecessary, it enhances tourism so people can explore places in a virtual form that they would have otherwise not been able to. It will continue to do so even once we’re allowed to jet off to new locations. Virtual Tourism has the power to propel the industry forwards, assisting people to get a feel for destinations before they settle on booking and will ultimately help in building the desire to travel again.
So, where in the world are you off to?
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