Travel Raw

Virtual Reality Travel Changing How We See the World

Published

2 weeks ago

February 22, 2025

Dave

Minimalist illustration of a futuristic VR traveler exploring a digital version of Machu Picchu, symbolizing the immersive experience of virtual reality tourism.

VR is transforming travel into a real-life adventure without the cost or time commitment.

Virtual Reality (VR) Travel: The Future Is Here

VR travel isn’t the future—it’s already here. If you’re still scrolling Instagram for travel inspiration instead of actually experiencing places in 360°, you’re missing out.

The biggest problem with traditional travel is that it’s expensive, time-consuming, and, let’s be real, exhausting. But VR travel fixes all that, and in 2025, it’s better than ever.

If you’ve always wanted to stand at the top of Machu Picchu, walk along Tokyo’s bustling streets, or dive into the Great Barrier Reef but can’t afford the cost or have the time, then VR travel is the answer.

Instead of spending thousands of dollars on flights, hotels, and tours, you can visit the world from home in high-definition, interactive 360° environments.

But here’s the problem: most VR travel experiences are still getting it wrong.

It’s not just about putting on a headset and clicking from location to location—it’s about hacking your senses so that it feels real.

Why VR Travel Is No Longer a Gimmick

A few years ago, VR travel was a cheap gimmick—crappy graphics, clunky controls, and worlds that looked straight out of 2005.

Now? Games like Wander, National Geographic VR, and Google Earth VR have made it possible to walk the streets of Tokyo, dive into the Great Barrier Reef, or explore Pompeii in hyper-realistic detail.

Some worlds even let you interact with your surroundings.

And the best news? When you use a standalone VR headset like the Meta Quest 3 or Apple Vision Pro, you don’t need an expensive gaming PC.

Tech has advanced so much that you can now travel the world with an ultralight headset costing far less than a real trip.

Think about this:

The average cost of an overseas vacation (flights, lodging, food, and activities) easily exceeds $3,000-$5,000 per person.

Meanwhile, a premium VR headset costs between $300-$1,000, and experiences like Wander introduce you to thousands of destinations for zero or a fraction of that price.

The math just makes sense.

The Hack That Makes VR Travel Feel More Real

Most people just put on a headset and click around, but that’s the wrong way to do VR travel.

To trick your brain into thinking you’re actually there, you need to engage all five senses:

Smell: Traveling to Paris? Light a French vanilla or espresso-scented candle. Heading to Thailand? Try lemongrass incense.
Taste: Get some world snacks. If you’re “in Rome,” have Italian gelato.
Sound: Use spatial audio (not regular headphones). Apps like Tónandi and VSpatial make the sounds feel like they’re all around you.
Touch: If you’re “in Nepal’s mountains,” use a fan nearby to simulate the cold wind.

This one trick alone can double the sensation of real VR travel.

Top VR Travel Experiences You Haven’t Used Yet

Most people just open Google Earth VR and call it a day. But there are hidden gems that take VR travel to the next level:

Grand Canyon with “theBLU” – Ride river rapids instead of just looking at cliffs.
Machu Picchu in “YouVisit” – A full 360° tour that feels more real than being there.
Egypt’s Pyramids in “Nefertari: Journey to Eternity” – Explore ancient tombs in stunning 8K resolution.
ISS Tour in “Mission: ISS” – Float around in space with this NASA-backed VR experience.
Japanese Street Food Experience in “Japan VR” – Walk through a Tokyo night market and “buy” virtual food.