Are you a fan of virtual travel? Does that sound intriguing, or do you prefer more real-life experiences? With advances in technology, virtual travel can be a stepping stone to even greater travel explorations.
This is where the metaverse comes into play. This virtual reality space expands the realm of possibilities and expands into the travel industry. According to TechTarget.com, the Metaverse is an immersive 3D virtual space that allows people to experience life in ways they don’t have access to in the real world. If you’re curious about how technology and travel will intersect, this article introduces one of the latest trends in travel.
What is the metaverse?
According to Science Focus, the metaverse is an extension of the internet, bringing together virtual worlds that can be accessed through devices such as virtual reality glasses.
Similar to virtual reality games, where it feels like you’ve been digitally placed in the background of the game, the metaverse instead mirrors the real world. It allows you to host a meeting that feels like an in-person experience in virtual spaces.
Beyond virtual reality, the metaverse also consists of augmented reality, which integrates virtual reality with the real world. Think of the Pokemon game where you can hold your phone to a tree and see a digital Pokemon on your screen.
It is these two elements that expand the possibilities in the travel industry.
How will the Metaverse affect travel?
Like many travelers, you probably started planning your 2023 summer trip by scouring Pinterest and Instagram. While holiday snaps and 60-second movies are tempting, it’s still not the same as visiting a place.
Wouldn’t it be nice to visit a resort, beach or even a city without having to book a flight and hotel? This is where meta-travel comes in.
Spending a few days in the Metaverse allows you to experience sandy beaches and get a better understanding of a destination before stepping foot in another land. This way you can plan your trip better, know what to expect and overcome fears of traveling to unknown places.
The benefits of the metaverse also extend to online events, where people can visit trade shows and exhibitions virtually while interacting with other guests. The Metaverse not only helps you with vacation planning, but can also improve your travel experience.
Augmented Reality or AR can help you access exclusive content while visiting specific travel destinations. While most tourist locations offer general information about landmarks and monuments, AR offers interaction. With AR, you can get information about different places and play games like scavenger hunt to get to know a tourist spot better.
Imagine having fun facts about the Eiffel Tower straight to your phone. The Metaverse can also virtually recreate famous sites as if you experienced them centuries ago.
Are you ready for more virtual travel experiences?
As a traveller, I will always 100% choose a real experience over a virtual one. That being said, I see the benefits the Metaverse has for the tourism sector.
I’ve traveled to places where the images didn’t live up to my expectations, not to mention visiting places and getting lost because I didn’t understand a city’s map system.
Metaverse Travel can solve all of these problems and better connect travel companies with other travelers. But before I go out and buy my VR goggles, I’m wondering a few things.
Lingering Questions About Metaverse Travel
Mass tourism still has to be solved in many places, for example in Italy and Bali. The intent of virtual travel experiences is to give travelers a taste of what they might experience in person. The question is, however, does this add to the problem of having too many tourists in one destination? Will places suffering from tourism shortages have access to this technology?
Looking at the bigger picture, the use of technology and travel is better aligned with smart cities. These are cities whose infrastructure relies heavily on technology, like Dubai, which has digitized 90 percent of government services and plans to reach 100 percent. Even in the United States, cities like Boston have developed apps to help residents with parking problems and to report crimes like graffiti.
Although technological advances are an integral part of human evolution, what about the non-smart travel destinations? What about those places that are so beautiful and lush that WiFi signals can’t penetrate the treetops?
Yes, I’ll admit it’s fun to open up your phone and play interactive games, but when I interact with AR I end up spending more time with my phone and less time with the subtle beauty that can’t be accessed through one Screen.
As someone who loves to travel the world, I welcome these new technological additions, but I remain connected to my love of travel. It’s a love that’s not just about finding fun facts or pinging the best restaurant. It’s a love for the unknown, a love to connect with something or someone different than what I know.
With a balance between meta and real-world experiences, travel can continue to thrive.
