Ever since the dawn of technology, developers have been offering up virtual experiences designed to allow people to try things they never could have done before. Flight simulators are a prime example of this, dating back all the way to the First World War. Computerized flight simulators have been around since the FS1 Flight Simulator for Apple II, and have advanced ever since. The popularity of these offerings shows how big the market is for virtual experiences. Now, with virtual technology getting better than ever, various industries are going to capitalize on it. This could mean that virtual travelling will be the next big trend.
Virtual Hikes Are on The Rise
Virtual hikes are on the rise and are an early indicator that the virtual travelling scene could soon be about to explode. These digitalized offerings allow people to take in incredible scenery from around the world, all from the comfort of their own homes. It’s ideal for people who may not have lush surroundings where they live, or people who are unable to get away and experience different places.
People can enjoy these virtual hikes from a treadmill or exercise bike, so they can feel like they are actually on them. Alternatively, they can be used as a relaxing experience, watched from the sofa. Another major benefit is for disabled people, who may struggle to complete them otherwise. Some of the most popular virtual hiking trails include Banff National Park’s Moraine Lake in Alberta, Canada, and the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.
Some Things Have Seamlessly Transitioned to Virtual
Some aspects of pre-internet life have transitioned into a virtual scenario so seamlessly that it has almost been unnoticeable. News is one of the most striking examples of this. In the pre-internet days, viewers were distanced from what was going on in the world. They would watch news through a television screen where someone in a studio would show another screen with the current event on it. Now, viewers can get transported right into the action through live streams and citizen journalism. This means they can be on the front line of a warzone or feel as though they are right there during a sports game.
The world of entertainment has also gone virtual with hardly anyone batting an eyelid. This has been most apparent with online casinos, where there has been a rise in live links to table offerings like roulette and blackjack. Patrons can choose their table and dealer, similar to how they would in a real-world situation. The next step in the industry could be in virtual slots, where users are faced with giant reels in a fantasy-like environment.
A lot of games are making the switch to virtual reality as well. Console developers have long been striving to create a completely immersive experience, and now they are finding this to be possible with VR. The Batman: Arkham series from Rocksteady Studios was thought of as one of the greatest console franchises ever, and now the studio has made it even more immersive with VR. Batman: Arkham VR allows players to actually become the Caped Crusader, and see everything from his point of view. As an early offering, there is still a lot of work to be done with this form of game. However, this is an early example of the potential on offer.
What Would be The Best Virtual Travel Experiences in Canada?
As noted above, some of the most amazing places in Canada have been used for virtual hikes already. However, there are plenty of other things to do in the country that would be ideally suited to VR simulations as well. Travel companies could use these to promote their packages, or simply allow people to enjoy activities that they wouldn’t have had a chance to before.
Some people may be in search of higher octane options when it comes to their virtual experiences. In this regard, Canada has plenty to offer virtual travelers. Indeed, the country is home to some of the best extreme sports resorts in the world. Whistler, British Columbia, is considered to be one of the top places for all-round winter sports in the country. Along with skiing and snowboarding, it also offers mountain biking, trail running, hiking, and tobogganing. All of these things could be represented in VR, and would give people at home a great taste of what the hotspot has to offer. Hostels like the Raging Elk could also opt to offer virtual experiences of life there, so people can feel as if they are on holiday.
With the quality of technology like video, live streaming, and VR improving every year, virtual travelling could soon be a massive industry. Virtual hiking is just the start, and there are plenty of other amazing activities that could be about to undergo a VR transition.
