Travelling can often be a challenging prospect for many silvers. Physical constraints, language barriers, and the stress of exploring unfamiliar territories can dampen the excitement of discovery.
However, Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are transforming the way we plan and experience travel by providing immersive journeys that go beyond the bounds of physical travel.
With these tools, seniors have the ability to virtually visit and navigate their vacation spots beforehand, ensuring a well-informed and enjoyable real-world experience.
To experience AR and VR you will need the required tools.
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Hardware:
VR requires headsets or glasses for immersive simulations, while AR uses smartphones or tablets to add digital layers to reality. Brands and models of VR headsets and glasses include the Apple Vision Pro, Oculus Rift S, and the Sony Playstation VR2. Besides games, these devices can also be used for virtual travel experiences. -
Connectivity:
A stable, high-speed internet connection is vital for AR/VR to work smoothly. -
Software:
Applications that deliver AR/VR experiences, such as interactive maps, remote assistants, and translation apps, enhance user interaction.
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AR and VR for Travel Planning: Charting Your Course
Gone are the days of poring over guidebooks and deciphering paper maps. AR and VR tools are transforming travel planning into a more immersive and efficient experience.
While there aren’t any all-in-one apps that use both AR, VR, and importantly AI, for complete itinerary planning based on your interests, there are some interesting developments that utilise these technologies to enhance different aspects of travel planning.
VR Travel Experiences
Silvers can use a VR headset and be transported to the bustling streets of Tokyo, the serene landscapes of the Swiss Alps, or even the underwater wonders of the Great Barrier Reef.
These immersive experiences spark wanderlust and also provide valuable information and cultural insights for future trips. Some VR travel apps include:
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Google Earth VR:
You can explore the world by soaring over cityscapes, diving into canyons, or walking along the streets of Paris. -
Boulevard Arts:
Step into the world’s greatest museums without leaving your home. This app offers virtual tours of renowned art galleries, allowing you to appreciate masterpieces up close, at your own pace. -
Ascape Virtual Travel:
Experience 360° video tours of beautiful destinations. -
Wander:
Wander the world with this app. Using Google Street View, you can visit famous landmarks, natural wonders, or even your childhood home. -
Blueplanet VR Explore:
Discover the world’s wonders from ancient ruins to underwater canyons, with this app offering photorealistic VR experiences. -
National Geographic Explore VR:
Climb Everest or the Great Wall of China, explore Antarctica, and more. It’s a journey of discovery and adventure.
AR Travel Experiences
AR, on the other hand, overlays digital information onto the real world through smartphones or tablets.
Imagine walking through the Louvre Museum in Paris and seeing information about different art pieces and sculptures appearing on your screen, or pointing your phone at a historical landmark in Rome and having its history come alive with interactive elements.
AR apps can help translate signs and menus in real-time, making communication and navigation in foreign countries a breeze. Examples of these include:
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World Around Me:
Point your phone at your surroundings and instantly discover restaurants, museums, and more. It’s like having a knowledgeable local guide at your fingertips. -
Smartify:
One for art and culture enthusiasts, scan artworks with your phone, and get instant information about the piece you’re viewing. It’s like having a personal art historian accompanying you. -
Outdooractive:
Lost on a hiking trail? This app guides you on trails and helps you find your way. It’s your compass, map, and guide all in one. -
Horizon Explorer:
Horizon Explorer identifies landmarks on the horizon — like a good geographical encyclopedia. -
Google Lens:
Language barriers are a thing of the past with this app. Point your phone at text and get real-time translations. It’s your personal translator.
Booking a hotel room sight-unseen can also be a gamble.
VR walkthroughs are changing the game, allowing you to virtually explore hotel rooms, amenities and common areas before booking.
Shangri-La and Hilton Hotels, among many others, offer VR tours of select properties, allowing you to experience the ocean view from your balcony or check the size of the bathroom before booking.
This ensures you make informed decisions, avoid unpleasant surprises and maximise your comfort during your stay.
Experiencing Famous Places Locally: Bringing History to Life
AR and VR are not just about overseas experiences; they can also breathe new life into historical sites, cultural landmarks and mainstream attractions right around you. Here are some examples:
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Singapore's Cultural Heritage:
The National Museum of Singapore and Singapore Art Museum use AR to bring exhibits to life by when you point your phone at an artefact. Watch it come alive with 3D animations, historical context and even interactive storytelling experiences. Similarly, the Visit Singapore Travel Guide app utilises AR to offer guided tours of historical sites like Chinatown or Little India. These tours overlay historical photos, cultural information, and even traditional music onto your smartphone screen, creating a truly immersive and engaging experience. -
Augmented Reality at Iconic Spots:
Popular attractions like Gardens by the Bay or Merlion Park can be transformed with AR apps. The Gardens by the Bay app, for example, uses AR to overlay information about the different plant species. Similarly, using the above-mentioned Visit Singapore Travel Guide app can display fun facts about the mythical creature and even lets you take a selfie with a virtual Merlion. These apps allow you to explore with deeper understanding, creating a more personal and memorable connection to these iconic places. -
AR nature trails:
Embark on a nature walk in Bukit Timah Hill Park with an AR app like iNaturalist (Android & iOS), that identifies different flora and fauna, thus creating a more engaging and informative experience.
Overcoming Travel Limitations: The Power of Inclusion
AR and VR are opening doors for those unable to travel due to various reasons. VR and AR technology may seem daunting at first, but they can also reap the benefits of these innovative tools.
App developers are prioritising user-friendly interfaces with clear instructions and voice commands for added accessibility. These tools can unlock a world of virtual experiences.
Platforms like Facebook 360 and YouTube 360 offer a plethora of user-created VR content — even virtual reality cruises, which can bridge geographical distances and reignite a sense of wonder about the world. It can allow folks to revisit their childhood home in another country, relive cherished memories and reconnect with their past.
These experiences foster a sense of adventure, reduce feelings of isolation, and keep the spirit of exploration alive, allowing anyone to experience the world, regardless of their circumstances.
Exploring VR Travel Experiences for Silvers in Singapore
VR technology has indeed revolutionised our travel experiences, and can hold a special allure for the elderly, offering them a chance to discover new locales, cultures, and journeys into the unknown, in a secure and familiar environment.
Here’s a curated list of venues in Singapore where seniors can enjoy these captivating virtual journeys and have fun at the same time:
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Singapore Discovery Centre:
Located in Jurong, the centre often features interactive exhibits and simulations that showcase Singapore's history, culture, and future aspirations. Seniors can immerse themselves in virtual tours of iconic landmarks, such as the Merlion Park or the Marina Bay Sands, and gain a deeper appreciation for the city-state's rich heritage. -
ArtScience Museum:
Situated within the Marina Bay Sands complex, the ArtScience Museum occasionally hosts exhibitions that incorporate VR technology. Seniors can explore these exhibitions to experience virtual travel to different parts of the world, from the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu to the bustling streets of Tokyo. -
Museums and Galleries:
Many museums and galleries in Singapore integrate VR experiences into their exhibits. For example, the National Museum of Singapore and the Asian Civilisations Museum have featured VR installations that transport visitors to historical periods and distant locations. Seniors can enjoy these immersive experiences to learn about different cultures and historical events.
Addressing Challenges: Making Technology Accessible and Inclusive
While the potential of AR and VR for senior travel is undeniable, challenges remain. Concerns about accessibility, affordability, and digital literacy need to be addressed to ensure inclusivity.
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Simplified interfaces:
Developers need to incorporate user-friendly interfaces with clear instructions and large fonts to cater to seniors with limited technological experience. Apps like Rendever are specifically designed with this in mind. -
Training and workshops:
Workshops and training sessions to equip seniors with the necessary skills to confidently use AR and VR technologies are important. Senior community centres like the ActiveSG centres run by the Singapore Sports Council and the People's Association do offer such programmes from time to time. -
Subsidies and rental options:
Subsidised VR headsets or offering rental services at senior community centres, will make the technology more affordable and accessible. Initiatives like Digital for Life by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) are working towards this goal.
By acknowledging these challenges and working towards solutions, we can hopefully create a future where AR and VR empower seniors in Singapore to embrace travel, fostering a sense of connection, exploration, and lifelong learning.
The future of travel is brimming with possibilities. With AR and VR at the forefront, exploration will become more accessible, engaging, and personalised than ever before.
So, the next time you’re planning a trip, consider how these innovative technologies can enhance your journey and unlock more possibilities.
