If you want to make sure your money is well spent on your next vacation, these virtual methods of travel can be a big help before putting down a deposit. Trend Hunter Editor and Public Relations Specialist Misel Saban counts down her favorite examples of simulated travel, from virtual french tours to immersive virtual safaris and travel simulation booths.
Simulated methods of travel use technology to help you experience new places without actually having to go. For example, Google's Night Walk is curated by citizens of Marseilles so you can see an off the beaten path version of the famous French city. An online experiential travel tool enables you to preview a Tanzanian safari where as The Transporter uses the Occulus Rift to offer a 4D tourism adventure. For the mobile platform, virtual hotel concierges are available in the form of an app.
Simulated Travel
Trend Hunter's Misel Saban Shares Her Top Picks for Illusory Methods of Travel
Trend Themes
1. Virtual French Tours - Opportunity for travel agencies to create immersive virtual tours of popular French destinations to attract potential customers.
2. Immersive Virtual Safaris - Potential for wildlife conservation organizations to offer immersive virtual safaris to raise awareness and engage a wider audience.
3. Travel Simulation Booths - Disruptive innovation opportunity for entertainment companies to develop advanced travel simulation booths that provide realistic travel experiences.
Industry Implications
1. Experiential Travel - Growing industry where companies can leverage simulated travel methods to offer unique and interactive travel experiences to customers.
2. Mobile Apps - Opportunity for app developers to create virtual hotel concierge apps for travelers to enhance their hotel experience and provide personalized recommendations.
3. Virtual Reality - Emerging industry with potential for VR companies to partner with travel agencies in creating immersive virtual travel experiences for consumers.