Virtual Reality Travel Trends for 2019

It’s no secret virtual reality technology has become more mainstream and necessitates not much more than a smartphone, but the ways this tech will change travel are at another level. With just the touch of a few buttons and often some sort of headset, humans can transport themselves to another reality, which can take the form of a veritable vacation without having to leave your hometown … or even your sofa.

Through the senses of sight and sound, strapping on a VR headset can make you feel like you’re in a different location. Some experiences come with gloves that allow you to move your arms and feel various sensations with your fingers.

Casually considered “armchair travel,” VR for travel has evolved into experiences that spread across 360 degrees by affixing your smartphone to a headset and plugging in. Once fired up, the wearer can visit destinations, attractions and even get a preview of a hotel room as part of your pre-vacation planning.

Some examples of how this technology can be used include visits to museums like the exhibit hall at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History; a peek into history on the streets of Paris just after the French Revolution; or guided walking tours through the towns of Seville, Barcelona or Athens.