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.

Virtual Tourism: The New Norm In Travel