We may all be grounded right now due to the outbreak of Covid-19, but thanks to the wonders of technology, we are able to travel the world without leaving our couch. Ever heard of the miracle called virtual travel? It is one of the most amazing and innovative ways that people are tackling the pandemic and the travel restrictions that came along with it. Who knew that we can visit popular travel destinations and experience new cultures virtually?

So, what is virtual travel?

Many industries and businesses are heavily affected during unprecedented times and forced to innovate in order to sustain. With the enforcement of travel restrictions and cancelled vacation plans, we have learned to embrace virtual travel.

To put it simply, virtual travel stimulates physical travel experiences. Virtual tours can take you pretty much anywhere, from historic landmarks to tropical rainforests. Some consist of videos and images, some involve narration and interaction with the host, while some make use of VR (Virtual Reality) and 360-degree video technology for a more immersive experience. There’s a virtual experience for virtually anything! We’re talking on-site tours of UNESCO recognized sites and live experiences with endangered species hosted by local experts - lots of fun and interactive experiences that will surely get you through these tough times, we promise.

With many added bonuses such as not having to deal with crowds and queues, virtual travel is a great alternative that will allow you to cure some of that wanderlust and explore places you’ve always dreamed of visiting.

What are the benefits of virtual travel?

A solution to the current travel restrictions

What’s a wanderluster to do when the next destination is a long weekend in the living room or a walk to the kitchen? Well, it might be devastating to know that all our travel plans have been cancelled until further notice, but virtual travel could be the perfect solution to our current situation.

While travelling is an irreplaceable experience, there are ways for us to bring the world to our homes in the meantime. You can find one-of-a-kind experiences led by local experts that are passionate in what they do. Perhaps you’d like to go on a safari tour and get personal with the adorable Bornean Sun Bear, or maybe explore a Malay village built in the 1920s? There’s so much you can do without stepping out of your home.

Experience more for less

The cost of travelling can be really expensive - think about the flight tickets, accommodation, day-to-day expenses… It all adds up, especially when you’re travelling with kids. Whew, really have to tighten the belt post-vacay.

This is one of the major selling points of virtual travel - value for money. There’s no need to hop on a plane or scour the web for the best hotel deals, making things so much easier, doesn't it?

We also try to squeeze in as much as we can within the limited time we have, forgetting to factor in the time it takes to travel from one place to the other, and the amount of energy needed to get through a full day of activities. At the end of the day, we’re just exhausted. Virtual travel, on the other hand, requires much less energy and effort but offers just as much in terms of fun and experience. You can even go from place to place without having to leave your couch. Start your day exploring the Mangroves of Kilim Karst Geoforest Park in Langkawi and end it with a soulful live concert starring a traditional Malay instrument, the Rebana. Your options are endless.

Connect and interact with locals

If you ask us, the best part about travelling is connecting with locals and making new friends. With the miracles of the Internet, you can do exactly that without having to change out of your pajamas.

Through private, intimate virtual tours, you’re able to really interact and get to know the host as well as your fellow “travellers”. Look for tours that are led by locals - the true experts of the country - and you’ll get the most authentic experience along with untold stories only a native would know.

If you’re a history enthusiast, we recommend travelling back in time to Kuala Lumpur in the 1940s - here you get to experience what it’s like living in the 19th century (without mobile phones and data) and learn a bit about how KL became what it is today.

Travel with friends and family from different parts of the world

We all know the struggle of syncing our calendars and planning a group trip months in advance - and there’s always that one friend or family member that cancels at the last minute.

Virtual travel allows you to conveniently schedule virtual experiences with your travel buddies, even if you’re allliving in different parts of the world - no visa or elaborate planning required! This is also a great way to bring friends and family closer, even with the current travel restrictions. We all know long distance friendships and relationships can be tough, so any means to spend time together is very much appreciated.

Do it all from the comfort of your own home

There’s no need to pack a bag, buy miniature toiletries or go through airport security, you can travel the world, see and experience new things, or even learn a new skill, all within the comfort of your own home! Zero hassle!

Convinced to try virtual travel? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Buddyz offers a variety of virtual experiences which you can check out here. We’re adding more to the list as we speak!

Is virtual travel here to stay?

Covid-19 has decidedly changed many aspects of our lives - from social distancing to working from home, we’re all embracing the ‘new normal’. 

While virtual travel is not a direct substitute for the real thing, it does show huge potential and offer a whole lot of opportunities. It brings faraway places closer and more accessible - especially for those who are sick or injured, the elderly and those who simply can’t afford to travel. And as technology advances, virtual travel might make its way to become a more prominent part of the travel industry.

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Buddyz is an experiential travel platform powered by locals, a.k.a. the most knowledgeable and interesting experts, the ones that know the country best! We want to encourage people to travel more meaningfully, to immerse themselves in local culture, and to connect with people from the places they visit.

So on our platform, you will find what we call ‘Experiences’ for every interest - ranging from cultural walks, intimate meals at secluded local eateries to creative workshops and classes. All of which are led by locals and are vetted for quality.

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