# Virtual World Tours The Wander App Uses Crowdsourced Guides to Let You Travel Anywhere By Michael Hines | Published 2011-12-31 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wander-app References: [technabob](http://technabob.com/blog/2011/12/28/wander-iphone-travel-app/) & [itunes.apple](http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/Wander/id449594244?ls=1&mt=8) Traveling around the world just got easier (if you own an [iPhone](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/teleport-by-varjo)) thanks to the Wander app. The Wander app is a [travel app](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lets-trip-1) developed by YongoPal Inc. that lets you travel to anywhere in the world using your iPhone. The app works by hooking you up with a person living in the country you wish to visit who is also using the app. That person acts as your guide for a week, photographing sites all around the city and sending them to you. The Wander app includes an auto-translate function to help bridge the gap between travelers and guides who speak different languages. Being able to take a [virtual tour of another country](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/city-explorers) sounds fun in itself, and being guided by a local just sweetens the deal. The Wander app is a free download and is out now for the iPhone with an Android version coming soon. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.2/10 - Popularity: 20% | Activity: 39% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Mobile](https://www.trendhunter.com/mobile) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Crowdsourced Travel Guides:** The Wander app demonstrates the potential for connecting travelers with locals to create unique virtual travel experiences. - **Virtual Tourism:** The Wander app taps into the growing trend of virtual tourism, allowing users to explore and experience new destinations from the comfort of their own homes. - **Language Translation in Travel Apps:** The inclusion of an auto-translate function in the Wander app highlights the need for language translation capabilities in travel apps, offering an opportunity for innovation in this space. ### Who This Affects Most - **Travel and Tourism:** The Wander app disrupts the traditional travel industry by providing a unique way for travelers to experience new destinations without physically traveling. - **Mobile App Development:** The success of the Wander app suggests a potential market for similar apps that connect travelers with local guides and provide virtual travel experiences. - **Language Translation Technology:** The auto-translate function in the Wander app presents an opportunity for advancements in language translation technology to enhance the user experience in travel apps and beyond. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Real-Time App-Based City Guides](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-welcome-app.md) - [City Travel Guides](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/waywise.md) - [AI-Powered Travel Companions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wanderboat-ai.md) - [Personalized Guided Audio Tours](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wegotrip.md) - [AI-Powered Storytelling Travel Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/journi.md) - [Audio Guide Tourism Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/audio-guide.md) - [AI-Powered Adventure Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/globe-chaser.md) - [Digitized Travel Wishlists](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wish2go.md) - [Virtual City Explorers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/city-explorers.md)