# Simulated Travel Instead of actually taking a trip, consumers turn to virtual reality for escape. By [Michael Hemsworth](https://www.trendhunter.com/Michael.Hemsworth), Contributing Researcher | Published Oct 22, 2014 | Category: [World](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/global-trends-and-hip-travel) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/virtual-travel ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.5/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Simulated Travel trend? **Simulated Travel:** Consumers are busier than ever, which has left less time than ever for travel. The introduction of virtual reality travel experiences is providing consumers with the ability to get away without ever actually leaving. This shift supports the frugal consumer who's looking for cost-effective means of entertainment. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Apr 8 to Sep 22, 2014 - Published: Oct 22, 2014 - Patterns: [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection), [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Curation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/curation), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience) ## Audience - Gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Asia ## Themes within the Simulated Travel trend ### Virtual Reality Travel Experiences Consumers are turning to virtual reality to escape reality, providing a cost-effective means of entertainment. ### Immersive Virtual Tours Virtual tours give people an experiential travel opportunity and get them excited to visit. ### 4D Virtual Reality Travel Experiences Immersive technology lets users hear, feel and smell the changes in the virtual environment before them. ## What the Simulated Travel trend means for industry ### For Tourism Virtual reality technology provides a new means of promoting cost-effective travel experiences to potential tourists. ### For Hospitality Hotels can use immersive technology to give guests a preview of their facilities, as well as nearby activities and attractions without leaving the room. ### For Entertainment Virtual reality technology is disrupting the traditional modes of entertainment by providing consumers with a cost-effective escape from reality. ## Trend signals for Simulated Travel Trend score 3.5 out of 10, from popularity 66%, activity 30%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 66% - Activity: 30% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Simulated Travel trend 4 featured examples from Apr 8 to Sep 22, 2014. - [Immersive Virtual Safaris](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/experiential-travel): An Online Experiential Travel Tool Gives Four Seasons Guests a Preview (Category: World) Implication: Hotels and resorts can enhance their guest experience by offering virtual tours and previews of their facilities using VR technology. - [Travel Simulation Booths](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/travel-virtual-reality): Marriott Hotel Shares a 4D Virtual Reality Travel Experience with Guests (Category: Marketing) Implication: Hotels can use virtual reality booths as a marketing tool to promote their brand and attract customers. - [Virtual French Tours](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/google-night-walk): Google Night Walk Will Let Users Take a Virtual Tour of Marseilles (Category: World) Implication: The tourism industry could benefit from offering virtual tours to consumers, especially for those who may not be able to travel due to cost or other limitations. - [Virtual Stadium Tours](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/world-cup-stadiums): Google Maps is Allowing Fans to Step Foot into the World Cup Stadiums (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The sports tourism industry has an opportunity to innovate by offering virtual experiences that can generate new revenue streams and extend the reach of major sporting events, att… ## Recent trend clusters - [Layered Getaways](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/short-trip-leisure) (World) - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in World - [Electrically Powered Airline Seats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/premium-economy-seat) - [Family Rave Vacations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/family-rave) - [Free In-Flight Internet](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/free-in-flight-internet) - [Flexible Luxury Motorhomes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flexible-luxury-motorhomes) All articles: [World](https://www.trendhunter.com/world)