Recently updated on January 20th, 2026 at 09:03 am
In this article, we will share with you the beginner’s guide to virtual travel. Ever wished you could explore the world without leaving your home? Welcome to the era of virtual travel — a modern way to experience destinations through virtual reality (VR) and 360° technology. Whether you’re visiting the Eiffel Tower, diving in the Maldives, or walking through Tokyo streets — everything can be done from your living room.
Virtual travel isn’t just for tech enthusiasts. It’s for anyone who loves to explore but wants to save on cost, time, or even reduce carbon footprint.
This beginner’s guide breaks down how it works, what you need, and why it’s the future of adventure. Perfect for curious travelers, families, and VR enthusiasts alike.
Table of Contents
What is Virtual Travel?
Virtual travel is a digital experience that allows people to explore destinations around the world without physically being there. By using technologies such as virtual reality (VR), 360-degree videos, and immersive digital environments, users can visit famous landmarks, cities, nature spots, and cultural locations from the comfort of their own home.
Unlike traditional travel videos, virtual travel places the user inside the experience, not just watching it. Users can look around freely, move within the environment, and in some cases interact with objects or other people. This creates a stronger sense of presence, making it feel as though you are actually standing in a different place.
Virtual travel can be experienced in different ways. Some experiences are pre-recorded, offering high-quality visuals and carefully crafted scenes, while others are real-time, allowing users to explore live environments or join guided virtual tours. Many platforms also support social features, enabling users to travel together with friends or meet new people from around the world.
For beginners, virtual travel offers a safe, affordable, and accessible way to explore new places, learn about different cultures, and satisfy the desire to travel—especially when time, budget, or physical limitations make real-world travel difficult.
You can read more about it here:
What Is the Ultimate Virtual Travel Experience? Key Features That Truly Matter
Top Virtual Travel Challenges in 2026: Key Issues, Problems & Areas for Improvement
Why Virtual Travel?
Virtual travel isn’t meant to replace real travel — it’s meant to expand it. Think of it as a bridge between curiosity and reality, letting you discover new places even before you step on a plane. Here’s why it’s totally worth trying:
- Explore Safely from Home — perfect during bad weather or travel restrictions. You can wander through the streets of Paris or climb Mount Fuji — all from the comfort of your couch. It’s perfect during bad weather, travel bans, or when you simply need a peaceful weekend escape without packing a single bag. For many people, it also offers a safe way to experience destinations they might never be able to visit physically due to health, distance, or cost.
- Budget-Friendly — No flights, no hotels, no expensive tour guides — just your device and internet connection. Virtual travel lets you explore world-famous landmarks for free or at a fraction of the cost. It’s a great option for students, families, or anyone saving up for future real trips. You can even use it to plan your next vacation — test-drive a destination in VR before you actually go there!
- Eco-Friendly — Every flight avoided means less carbon released into the atmosphere. By travelling virtually, you’re helping the planet while still satisfying your wanderlust. It’s a small but meaningful way to contribute to sustainable tourism. Plus, many VR travel platforms now highlight eco-conscious destinations and educate users about protecting the environment.
- Educational Value — Virtual travel is like a living textbook. You can explore ancient ruins, walk inside art galleries, or dive beneath coral reefs — all while learning interactively. Students, educators, and history buffs can experience places in 3D that they’ve only read about before. It’s also great for cultural appreciation: you can “attend” festivals, observe traditions, and listen to local languages from around the world.
- Family Friendly — The best part? Everyone can join in. Parents and kids can explore together, turning travel into a shared adventure instead of a solo activity. It’s fun, safe, and sparks curiosity in children — helping them see the world through fresh eyes. Even elderly family members can join virtual museum tours or temple visits without the hassle of long flights.
You can read more about it here:
10 Powerful Reasons to Try Virtual Travel in 2025
Top 8 People Who Should Try Virtual Travel (and Why You Might Be One of Them!)
What You Need to Start Virtual Travelling?
1. A VR Headset (Optional but Recommended)
If you want a fully immersive experience, a headset like Meta Quest 3, Pico 4 or even budget options like Google Cardboard can transport you anywhere instantly. You might want to refer to this article:
Best VR Headsets for Virtual Travel in 2025
2. A Smartphone or PC
Even without VR gear, you can use YouTube 360 videos or virtual tour websites to explore places in high quality.
3. A Stable Internet Connection
Because you’ll be streaming 360° videos or interactive maps, make sure your connection is smooth for the best experience.
Best Platforms and Apps for Virtual Travel
Here are some of the top apps and websites to get started:
- Google Earth VR – Fly anywhere in 3D and explore landmarks up close.
- National Geographic Explore VR – Travel through Antarctica or Machu Picchu in VR.
- YouTube VR – Thousands of 360° travel videos uploaded by creators worldwide.
- Wander – A fun app where you can teleport to any street via Google Street View.
- Sites in VR – Great for students or travellers to explore famous monuments.
You also might want to check out this article:
5 Top & Best VR Apps For Virtual Travel
Tips for Your First Virtual Trip
- Start with short destinations like museums or cities.
- Use headphones for a more immersive soundscape.
- Try standing up or using swivel chairs for 360° movement.
- Follow virtual travel creators on TikTok for fresh destinations weekly.
The Future of Virtual Tourism
As VR technology evolves, virtual travel will only get more realistic.
Soon, we might feel the temperature of the Sahara Desert or smell the sea breeze in Santorini through multi-sensory VR tech.
For now, it’s the best way to explore the world instantly — whether you’re planning your next real trip or simply chasing wanderlust from home.
Interesting Destinations
Below is the list of destinations that you can try with virtual travel:
Virtual Travel to Thailand: One Mind-Blowing Journey You Can Take from Home
FAQ
If you have any questions, you might want to check this out:
Virtual Travel FAQ: Everything You Need to Know Before Exploring the World in VR
Final Thoughts…
Virtual travel brings the magic of discovery to everyone.
No matter your age, budget, or location — there’s a whole world waiting for you inside your headset (or even just on your phone).
So, grab your device, open your favorite VR app, and start your first digital journey today.
You can find more articles and tutorials on virtual travel here to ease your wonderful journey.
Photo above by Azwedo L.LC on Unsplash
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