Virtual Reality Travel

Online VR, lifehacker.com writer Imani Bashir puts it this way: "If your preferred form of self-care is venturing to other cities, states and countries, being confined to your home’s square footage can be taxing....But that doesn’t mean that escape is impossible. ... We just need to embrace the virtual experience. Just as we read books or binge a Netflix series to escape the world, we can also leave it behind for a bit via a little at-home travel." Imani Bashir tells her readers how to enjoy a virtual vacation exploring wonderful, world destinations. Basir writes: "We just need to embrace the virtual experience." She supplies the reader with some very valuable tips in the following: "As with any form of travel, plan your trip in advance by setting up your itinerary. You get to decide where you want to go, what you want to see and even what activities you can partake in—all without the hassle of worrying about how you’ll get there. If you can, provide yourself with a space apart from where you sleep or do your work so you can fully immerse yourself into the virtual travel experience." Of course, where you choose to travel is up to you. The possibilities are extensive and growing daily and we are told that the health benefits are remarkable. In the article "lifehacker.com/how-to-take-a-virtual-vacation", licensed clinical psychologist Cindy T. Graham says: “The sound of the ocean can have a soothing or meditative effect. Activities that promote relaxation...have been shown to have positive effects on physical health (e.g. lower cortisol levels, reduced inflammation, improved heart health)... and decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety).” You may prefer to visit a theme park. Imagine yourself riding a monster rollercoaster and never leave your living room. How about a 360-degree virtual experience taking you into the ocean waves at the world-famous Palau Resort in the western Pacific Ocean, complete with coral reefs and colorful schools of fish. Or why not a safari in the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania? How about exploring the world's largest glaciers or tour London Town, home of Big Ben and Westminster Abbey? Ironically, the viral restrictions may have been lifted for quite some time before you realize you are still in your living room! You will need some equipment such as a virtual reality headset, which will cost you a fraction of the cost of a vacation destination. A popular and affordable (approximately $450.00—$550.00) headset to consider is the Oculus Quest 2, a standalone virtual reality headset developed by Facebook Technologies in partnership with Qualcomm and Xiaomi. This headset provides freedom of movement and excellent viewing. Their app “Wander” would make a wonderful addition to your app library. Says Oculus: “From the comfort of your living room you can teleport almost anywhere in the world - whether you wish to walk across the London Bridge, stroll the gardens of the Taj Mahal, or witness the enormity of the Great Pyramids of Egypt—unlimited exploration awaits”! https://www.oculus.com/experiences/quest/2078376005587859/. As you may have noticed, there is some homework to be done. But the time will be well spent. Happy travelling!