vr travel apps for iphone

6 Best VR Travel Apps to Explore the World With Your Smartphone

See the world on your smartphone with these amazing virtual reality travel apps for Android and iPhone.

You can enjoy a virtual trip to a dreamy beach or mountain without even needing to leave home. One of the wonders of VR technology is its power to transport you to many destinations around the world through your smartphone.

You do need a few components to make it work, but once you get the hang of it, you could spend a whole day exploring Earth’s most stunning locations. Below are six top VR travel apps for Android and iPhone, and a few tips to get you started.

Tools You Need for VR Travel Apps

Before you even try to embark on a virtual trip around the world, make sure you have all the tools you need. It's also a good idea to read up on how VR technology works. Our review of the Oculus Quest , for example, details a different kind of mobile headset.

Even within the category of phone-based headsets, devices differ from each other, both in terms of the VR device and your smartphone's capabilities. This means that your experiences might not be the same as someone else's.

Whatever the case, here are the basic boxes you need to tick if you want to enjoy phone-based VR to its fullest:

• A smartphone that supports VR experiences, specifically with a Gyroscope sensor
• A headset compatible with your phone and its size
• Sometimes you need software like Google’s Cardboard, available in the Android and iOS app stores
• VR travel apps or media, like 360 degree images and videos from YouTube or other providers

1. Within VR

One of the best apps for experiencing virtual reality on mobile devices, Within VR has several videos on offer. You can travel to real and animated worlds, all vivid and complete with audio. Among real-life options, you have North Korea, Hong Kong, Rwanda, and the Olympic National Park on offer.

Just tap a video that appeals to you and a profile will appear, containing a description and buttons to share, download, and stream the production. If you select the last option, you can then choose to view it in VR or normal mode.

Whatever interests you, from documentaries to spacewalks or horror stories, you’ll find something to entertain you for four minutes or even two hours. More productions are added over time, so it’s a good VR app to hold onto.

Download: Within VR for Android | iOS (Free)

2. Sites in VR

You’ll find a wide range of destinations on this handy app, from waterfalls to ancient tombs. To begin with, Sites in VR offers fascinating and high-quality images in 3D and 360 degrees too.

However, if your interest is specifically virtual reality, just go onto the image you want and tap the VR icon. When you put on the headset with your phone mounted, you’ll get to feel like you’re there in person.

The app’s settings are fully adjustable too. Tailor your experience by changing the VR brightness, screen rotation, tool visibility, and more. Pairing it with extra handy travel planning apps can help you prepare for the perfect trip.

Download: Sites in VR for Android | iOS (Free)

3. Egypt VR 360

Some travel apps focus on specific famous locations. Since Egypt is a favorite, the existence of a dedicated virtual tour is hardly a surprise.

Egypt VR 360 is simple but well-designed, collecting footage of the country’s most impressive landmarks. As soon as you open the software, you’ll get a row of locations and a brief description of each one. For a closer look, you just tap on a destination and then the VR icon.

With over a hundred options, you can visit the Sphinx, Philae Temple, and Sultan Hassan Mosque in one sitting. The app even features modern luxury hotels to explore. It’s not a bad way to pinpoint exactly where you want to go next time you visit Egypt in person.

Download: Egypt VR 360 for Android (Free)

4. Nepal VR

Here’s another travel app focused on a place people love to visit for their vacation. Nepal VR contains a collection of images, which you can look at in normal mode or virtual reality.

For the latter, just tap the familiar VR icon at the bottom of the app's display. Navigation is a bit awkward, but the scenes are worthwhile.

As well as finding yourself in the middle of temples, museums, and festivals, you can bring up info bubbles offering handy descriptions and facts, whether historical or cultural.

While the app does have room for improvement, it’s an easy way to get to know Nepal. Sit back and explore important locations, while learning about its society. Even as a virtual traveler, you can expand your knowledge of the world.

Download: Nepal VR for Android (Free)

5. Tour It Virtually App

If you want to learn about India and see its winning locations up close, Tour It Virtually offer a mobile app alongside their website. Both platforms contain helpful details on the history, layout, and tourism advice of each location.

In terms of the VR feature, once again, you just need to navigate through the application to a destination you want to see. Once you reach its very informative profile, tap the image at the top and your smartphone will quickly switch to VR mode.

Despite some minor glitches, looking around is smooth and immersive enough to make the app a worthwhile investment.

Download: Tour It Virtually for Android (Free)

6. Relax River VR

Apart from real-life destinations, virtual reality can also take you to worlds that programmers make up from scratch. Relax River VR is a great example, where you can jump into a boat and float through super detailed environments.

This app only features VR technology, so you definitely need a headset and related software to use it. Also, keep in mind that, now and then, ads will interrupt your journey.

On the plus side, it’s the simplest experience to get into. Just launch the app, set up your gear, and the virtual river tour begins.

You’ll pass waterfalls, ruins, and beautiful landscapes, rich in color and realistic lighting. There are clear influences from real destinations, so the experience is just as immersive and relaxing as visiting a digital Cairo or Honolulu.

Download: Relax River VR for Android | iOS (Free)

Enjoy Virtual Reality Travel

Even though all these apps rank highly, some are better or less demanding than others. Some even offer fictional landscapes to dive into, which could appeal to gamers more. Whatever your interests, explore these options carefully to make the most of what your mobile and VR devices can provide.

Considering the apps are free, your main investment besides VR equipment will be your time and attention as you get to know more about the world’s wonders. Just how much you learn is entirely up to you.

And remember, virtual reality isn't just about travel. Once you've got the gear, you can enjoy loads of great VR games on your phone, too.

The Ultimate Guide to the Best VR Travel Apps on Meta Quest

Discover the world from the comfort of your own home with our meticulously handpicked selection of the best VR travel apps available on the Meta Quest platform. With these immersive and engaging virtual reality applications, you can traverse continents, delve into the depths of the ocean, soar through the skies, and embark on exhilarating adventures, all without ever leaving your living room.

As virtual reality technology continues to evolve, the experiences offered by these apps become increasingly lifelike and captivating, creating unforgettable memories and fostering a deeper appreciation for our planet's diverse beauty. Whether you're a seasoned traveler seeking new horizons, a curious explorer who loves learning about different cultures, or someone who simply wants to relax in breathtaking environments, our curated list of the best VR travel apps for Meta Quest caters to every taste and interest. These cutting-edge experiences will undoubtedly transport you to extraordinary places and provide unique perspectives that redefine the way you discover and connect with the world around you.

Introduction: The World at Your Fingertips

Virtual reality has transformed how we explore the world, allowing us to travel to far-off destinations without ever leaving our homes. The Meta Quest platform offers a plethora of immersive experiences with the best VR travel apps that take you on breathtaking adventures. From guided tours of the world's most stunning locales to tranquil meditation retreats, there's an app for everyone in this comprehensive guide.

Wander: Roam the Globe with Street View

Wander is one of the best VR travel apps on Meta Quest, providing users with access to Google Street View in a fully immersive environment. Traverse city streets, hike through national parks and visit historical landmarks as you explore the world at your leisure. Key features include:

• 360-degree panoramas
• Time travel: view historical imagery
• Multiplayer mode: travel with friends
• Voice search and teleportation

Google Earth VR: Soar Through the Skies and Dive into Oceans

Google Earth VR is another top contender among the best VR travel apps on Meta Quest. It allows users to fly over cities virtually, dive into oceans, and walk the streets of their favorite destinations. Highlights of Google Earth VR include:

• Immersive 3D environments
• Guided tours of popular attractions
• Customizable itineraries
• Integration with Google Maps

National Geographic Explore VR: Embark on Exciting Expeditions

National Geographic Explore VR brings the world's most iconic locations and thrilling adventures to life. This Oculus-exclusive app allows users to:

• Dive with sharks in Belize
• Climb Antarctica's highest peak
• Explore Machu Picchu and ancient Incan history
• Uncover hidden secrets of Egyptian tombs

Guided Meditation VR: Find Peace and Serenity

Guided Meditation VR transports users to a serene, virtual world filled with breathtaking environments to aid in relaxation and meditation. This app ranks among the best VR travel apps on Meta Quest for those seeking a peaceful escape. Features of Guided Meditation VR include:

• Over 100 meditation sessions
• A variety of calming environments
• Personalized meditation experiences
• Integration with popular wearables for biofeedback

TheBlu: Dive into the Depths of the Ocean

TheBlu offers a mesmerizing underwater experience that immerses users in the beauty and wonder of the ocean. As one of the best VR travel apps on Meta Quest, TheBlu lets you explore the depths of the sea and interact with marine life in stunning detail. Key aspects of TheBlu include:

• Photorealistic marine environments
• Three unique oceanic experiences
• Interaction with diverse marine species
• Educational content about ocean conservation

Conclusion: The World Awaits in VR

Virtual reality has revolutionized how we explore the world, offering immersive experiences that transport us to distant lands and captivating environments. The best VR travel apps on Meta Quest provide an unmatched way to discover new destinations, embark on thrilling adventures, or simply unwind in peaceful settings. As you journey through these breathtaking experiences, you'll gain a newfound appreciation for the beauty and wonder of our planet.

• Can I use these VR travel apps without a Meta Quest device? Most of the apps mentioned in our list are specifically designed for Meta Quest devices, such as the Meta Quest Quest and Oculus Rift. However, some apps, like Google Earth VR, may be available on other VR platforms such as HTC Vive and PlayStation VR. It is always recommended to check the compatibility of the apps with your specific VR headset.
• Are there any free VR travel apps for Meta Quest? Yes, there are free VR travel apps available on the Meta Quest platform. Google Earth VR, for instance, is a free app that allows you to explore the world in immersive 3D environments. However, some apps may require a one-time purchase or offer in-app purchases to unlock additional content and features.
• Can I travel with friends using these VR travel apps? Some VR travel apps, like Wander, offer multiplayer modes that allow you to explore and experience the world together with friends or family members who also have compatible VR headsets. This feature can make virtual travel more engaging and enjoyable as you share adventures with your loved ones.
• Are there any educational VR travel apps? Many VR travel apps provide educational content and experiences. For example, National Geographic Explore VR combines breathtaking expeditions with informative content on history, culture, and wildlife. Similarly, TheBlu offers educational material about ocean conservation and marine life.
• Is an internet connection required for using these VR travel apps? Most VR travel apps require an active internet connection, as they rely on real-world data and imagery to create immersive environments. However, some apps may allow you to download content for offline use. It is best to check the specific requirements of each app before use.
• Can I use these apps to plan real-life trips? While VR travel apps primarily focus on providing immersive experiences, they can also be helpful in planning real-life trips. For example, Google Earth VR and Wander can give you a sense of what a destination looks like and help you identify places of interest before you visit. This can aid in creating a more efficient and enjoyable travel itinerary.

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10 of the Best Virtual Reality Travel Experiences

  With the time and expense required to travel being prohibitive to many, there are alternative ways of indulging your wanderlust – including via the burgeoning world of Virtual Reality.

(Photo: Cubicle Ninjas)

There are a huge number of VR companies all vying to create ever more unique experiences for consumers – and one of the biggest growth categories has been travel. And what better time to get a taste of exploration and adventure from the comfort of your living room, equipped only with a VR headset, than now, when travel is a luxury that many just can’t stretch to? We’ve picked out 10 of the best virtual reality travel experiences currently on the market.

So which VR headset should you go for? Our favourite is the Meta Quest 3, which launched onto the market in mid-2023 and is the successor to the Meta Quest 2. For immersive games and travel experiences, we believe the Meta Quest 3 is destined to become the leading VR headset over the coming years. It’s pretty affordable, too, and unlike other headsets, doesn’t require cords or a computer. You can purchase the Meta Quest 3 at Amazon.com.

Guided Meditation VR

Developed by Cubicle Ninjas, Guided Meditation VR is designed to bring peace, joy, and calm back into your daily life by teaching you ancient meditation practices in a cutting-edge way. It features over 40 lush environments to escape the everyday, 30-plus hours of guided meditations on anxiety, depression, maternity, resilience, sleep and zen, and hundreds of hours of calming musical audio tracks to help enhance your meditation experience. Users can also customise their sessions to their own specific preferences and needs, including the option to switch into Motion mode and gently float through beautiful vistas like you would on a lazy river, leaving the worries of your life behind before returning calmer and stronger.

PRICE £10.99 HEADSETS Meta Quest 3

Be anywhere in the world with anyone, instantly, in this captivating game developed by Wooorld Inc. Visit hundreds of cities, architectural landmarks, natural wonders, and vacation spots in incredible 3D detail, and get tips about the best places to visit, the hidden gems, where to get the best food and all the tourist traps to avoid. You can also create your own 3D avatars with face and body tracking and test your worldly knowledge by guessing where you are after being teleported to 5 random locations, with only the landscape, flora, architecture, and road signs for clues. The game can played as collaboratively as you wish, with options to explore the world with friends and meet new people, or hop into a Solo World without any distractions.

PRICE Free HEADSETS Meta Quest 3

(Photo: Wooorld Inc.)

Blueplanet VR Explore

(Photo: Blueplanet VR Explore)

Highlighting sacred and fragile locations of natural beauty and cultural heritage, Blueplanet VR Explore  is a collection of remarkable places across the world. With freedom to move around and explore, the virtual reality experiences are captured in volumetric 3D with great detail and accuracy. The scenes look and feel like these places do in real life, and enable you to freely move around to enjoy and explore these remarkable, fragile, and priceless environments. Concern for the environment often comes from direct experience, and being as close as we can get to experiencing a sense of actually being there, Blueplanet can help encourage people to appreciate and protect these treasures.

PRICE £18.99 HEADSETS Meta Quest 3

BRINK Traveler

Travel to some of the world’s most amazing natural wonders in fully immersive 3D and feel like you’re really there in this awe-inspiring game by Brink XR. Step into a scene akin to a postcard as you visit a total of 28 (with more on their way) of the most breathtaking places on Earth. In-game highlights include room-scale walkable areas in each destination, a virtual guide and assistant to learn about where you’re visiting, and the chance to shoot photos to share with friends. You can either play the game solo or with friends and family in multiplayer mode.

PRICE £11.99 HEADSETS Meta Quest 3

(Photo: BRINK XR)

National Geographic Explore VR

Created in partnership with National Geographic, a world-leading society in the fields of geography, cartography and exploration, this magical VR experience invites you to discover two of the most iconic locations on Planet Earth. Don your explorer hat and head to Antarctica for an exhilarating expedition. Navigate around icebergs in a kayak, climb a vast ice shelf and survive a snowstorm as you hunt for a lost emperor penguin colony. Visit the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu in Peru and get immersed in amazing digital reconstructions of the legendary site. Witness mummy worships, raise a cup of sacred chicha and encounter cute and furry alpacas as you match Hiram Bingham’s photographs from when he rediscovered the citadel. Be sure to take a camera as your best snaps may even make it into the prestigious National Geographic magazine.

PRICE £7.99 HEADSETS Meta Quest 3

(Photo: Force Field Entertainment B.V)

The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners

Fans of the hugely popular TV blockbuster The Walking Dead can now join the world of zombies in this new VR adventure. Travel through the ruins of New Orleans as you fight, scavenge, and survive, each day unravelling another mystery lurking within the city’s historic quarters. Encounter desperate factions and lone survivors who could be friend or foe. Whether you help others or take what you want by force, every choice you make has consequences. What kind of survivor will you be for the people of NOLA? Scavenge for anything that you can; weapons, food, tools, and clues. Be wary of the living and the dead, with spatial audio drawing attention to any loud noise. Craft makeshift gear out of scrapped material; blades, guns, medicine, and more. Test your morals and make difficult choices for yourself and others. It’s all here, bringing the small screen to life in a big way.

PRICE £29.99 HEADSETS Meta Quest 3

(Photo: Skydance Interactive)

Narrated by award-winning actress Anna Friel, this trail-blazing VR series opens the door to some of the planet’s wildest environments while redefining the limits of 3D-180 cameras. Meet the humans protecting our most precious wildlife, explore the great savannahs of Kenya, discover the ancient jungles of Borneo and dive into the rich coral reefs of Raja Ampat. Encounter elephants, orangutans, manta rays and some incredible humans, all in stunning cinematic footage filmed from the air and deep into the ocean. The series was produced in partnership with World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF),

(Photo: PHORIA)

The world is your oyster with this interactive, immersive VR experience that’s designed to be played by the whole family. There’s global travel and adventure in which your friends and family can join city tours, hot air balloon rides, back-country road trips, and plenty more. Or you can simply kick back and relax, practice meditation and get back to nature – all in the company of a guide or going solo, if you prefer. Other features include photo sharing, soundtracks, a range of fun games and media customisation.

(Photo: AARP Innovation Labs)

Rome Reborn: The Pantheon

Created by Flyover Zone, an American company specialising in virtual travel applications that present the world’s most important cultural heritage sites and monuments, Rome Reborn is one of five applications that present different areas of ancient Rome. This particular one transports users over the entire ancient city, focussing on the Pantheon, perhaps the best-preserved building from antiquity. In the company of two virtual guides, you’ll get to explore the exterior forecourt and interior sanctuary of the reconstructed complex as you listen and learn about the Pantheon’s design and decoration, as well as the nature of the religious cult once housed within it.

PRICE £3.99 HEADSETS Currently only available on Oculus Rift

(Photo: Flyover Zone Productions)

Monte Fitzroy is Argentina’s most famous mountain landmark and is even used as the logo for outdoor retailer, Patagonia. It is a place that immediately evokes a sense of adventure. At the foot of the mountain is a beautiful and remote glacial lake known as Laguna Sucia. Most people who visit Monte Fitzroy view it from a location that is much easier to access. Laguna Sucia requires a much tougher hard-to-access trail that culminates in one of the most beautiful and remote glacial lakes in existence. You are rewarded with a sense of almost meditative stillness as you approach this untouched natural amphitheatre. This VR experience utilises Pterovision, a 3D technology that integrates computational photography, 360 Video, and gaming and allows you to take off like a bird, fly around the lake, visit the waterfalls along the edge, and fly over glacial formations beneath the mountain peaks. Numerous narrations will tell you about the challenges we faced when filming in this location, as well as educate you about the geology, culture, and history.

PRICE $2.99 HEADSETS Currently only available on Oculus Rift 

(Photo: Specterras Productions)

Gala360 – Travel & Relax

Taking you on awe-inspiring virtual adventures across the globe, Gala360 is the result of the magic touch of an array of exceptionally talented photographers who have captured their globe-trotting trips in all their glory before being rendered into VR form. In professional 6K resolution, more than 300 tours around the world are featured, with some also including narration which allows you to listen to the stories behind the trips. Most of the tours are free, but you can pay a small fee to unlock more.

PRICE Free HEADSETS Currently only available on Oculus Go (soon available on Quest 2)

(Photo: Gala 360)

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The best iPhone VR apps: lose yourself in a virtual world

iOS apps to take you on an immersive adventure

Apple doesn’t make a virtual reality (VR) headset yet, although we know it’s been experimenting with the technology for years. But that doesn’t mean you need to wait for iGlasses in order to enjoy VR apps on your iPhone. 

There are plenty of iPhone VR apps in the App Store, and provided you’re wearing a suitable headset you can have all the fun of VR with iPhones from the iPhone SE onwards.

The cheapest entry point to VR is Google Cardboard , but if you’re feeling flush the Zeiss VR One offers a much more premium experience.

Whatever headset you opt for, it’s just a matter of slotting in your iPhone, sticking it on your face and enjoying the ride. Here are the VR experiences you’ll want to check out first. 

• Best VR headset: our pick of the top choices

• Google Cardboard

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

The Google Cardboard app does two things. It shows you how to set up your Google Cardboard headset correctly, and it includes five VR experiences that give you a flavour of what phone-based VR can deliver.

Those experiences’ names give you a pretty good idea what to expect, so for example Explorer enables you to explore virtual places, Exhibit shows you around a virtual museum, Urban Hike is a walk through various world cities and Arctic Journey, which enables you to relax underneath the Northern Lights or create your own flower garden. There’s also Kaleidoscope, which breaks the mould by having nothing to do with kaleidoscopes. We’re kidding. It’s a kaleidoscope. 

The real-world images of places such as the Eiffel Tower have the most obvious ‘wow’ factor, but it’s the imaginary ones that are often more fun: for all its engineering excellence the Tower really needs to be seen in the metal to appreciate just how mind-bogglingly big it is.

Cardboard isn’t the only Google property that’s doing things in VR. The main YouTube app is doing it too. It has a VR mode that enables you to do two things: enjoy 360-degree videos in full VR, or experience normal videos on a virtual screen.

If you’ve used a PlayStation VR you might have encountered that second option already: like on PSVR the effect is rather like trying to watch a flat-screen TV that somebody’s stuck on a wobbly spike.

While the novelty of watching YouTube on a virtual screen wears off quickly, there’s tons of really good stuff to watch on the Youtube Virtual Reality Channel. Do you want to get up close with Maroon 5? Of course you don’t. Nobody does. But you don’t have to. You can experience skydives and Porsche driving, wild river kayaking and indie bands’ front rooms. As with all YouTube channels there’s some awful stuff there, but there are some real gems too.

Free (in-app purchases)

This one is augmented reality rather than virtual reality, but it’s so good we wanted you to know about it. Bookful presents beautiful books over whatever your camera sees, and those books are both three-dimensional and interactive – so pop-up books really pop, enabling you to swipe and zoom and tap to explore the story. Many of the books also come with augmented reality games, enabling you to have fun playing space golf on the surface of Mars, which just happens to be on top of your sofa.

Although the app isn’t aimed specifically at children it’s the kids books that really shine on the platform: even the most familiar tales such as Jack and The Beanstalk feel shiny and new in Augmented Reality, and the mini-games aren’t going to keep adults entertained for too long. For parents, though, Bookful is a really great augmented reality app.

• Google Street View

Remember when Google Street View made you feel like some kind of spy, wandering through streets from the comfort of your chair? Now you can feel like some kind of spy with a phone clamped to their head.

The dedicated Street View map has a Cardboard Mode – the icon appears when you rotate your phone into landscape mode – that enables you to experience Photo Spheres in virtual reality. That means you can use your VR headset to mooch around Machu Picchu, traipse around the Taj Mahal, bounce around Bora-Bora and see any city you fancy.

It’s good fun and potentially useful for planning travel: there’s something about seeing a place in 360-degree glory that makes it more interesting than scrolling around the same thing in two dimensions. It’s just a shame that, like the rest of Street View, the imagery isn’t live. That would feel like teleporting.

• Inception: VR and 360 Videos

From the same developer as the superb Bookful augmented reality app above, Inception delivers “virtual reality experiences”. It’s a small collection so far but what’s there is very impressive: there’s a VR music video featuring Mac Demarco’s music and visuals from acclaimed multimedia artist Rachel Rossin, the Asteroids VR adventure (which you’ll also find on other VR services) and the Dreams of Dali 360-degree art exhibition. 

Some of the latter is a bit reminiscent of late-90s chill-out videos, but it’s a great way to experience Dali’s style in a whole new dimension. Somewhat less enticingly, the app also offers a “VR exploration” of the Playboy Mansion in which you battle the body of the late Hugh Hefner. We made that last bit up: the app’s real, though.

Within isn’t so much a VR experience as a platform for VR experiences, and it’s aiming much higher than the usual bits of VR shovelware. Recent releases include Tokyo Light Odyssey, a heavily stylized and deeply immersive ambient cityscape; Dolphin Man, which unfortunately for us isn’t a superhero film but a serious and beautiful undersea scene; Asteroids, a Sundance-wowing animation from the director of Madagascar; and Look But With Love, a journey into Pakistan’s land of Sindh and its music and poetry.

Some of it’s a bit worthy for our tastes, but with a collection ranging from U2 performing in 360-degrees to documentaries about Amazonian deforestation there’s an ambition here that’s lacking from some of the other VR champions. That’s reflected in the range of organisations that have partnered with it: world-famous newspapers, brands such as Sony and Samsung and content studios such as Universal and NBC.

You don’t tend to think of newspapers as being at the cutting edge of tech but from the internet to social media news brands have often been among the first to wonder to what uses new technology can be put. The NYT is no exception and here it’s experimenting with VR as another way to tell stories. 

Don’t expect a newspaper-style publishing cycle – new videos are uploaded “every month or so” – but this is a case of quality over quantity with high production values, superb storytelling and award-winning content. Recent examples include being embedded with Iraqi forces fighting ISIS in Fallujah, climbing the spire of the World Trade Center with professional mountaineer Jimmy Chin and the chance to explore the faraway wastes of Pluto.

The NYT has rightly focused on “places you can’t normally go”, enabling you not just to read and hear about those places but to experience them yourself. It’s very impressive.

• Fulldive VR

Designed for Google Cardboard, Fulldive VR describes itself as a “social all-in-one VR platform”: it’s effectively an attempt to make a specific YouTube for VR content, with all content uploaded by users and available for sharing, commenting on and interacting with. The main draw here is the massive library of 360-degree videos, but it’s a decent front-end for a wide range of other content providers such as YouTube.

It also includes a VR video player that you can use to pretend your own videos are being shown in a movie theater, with similar features for your photo library and internet browsing. The latter’s a gimmick rather than anything useful: if you’ve ever tried using the web browser on a PlayStation you’ll know exactly what we’re talking about.

We think Fulldive’s best suited to those times when you want to watch something but you don’t know what you want to watch: because it draws from multiple sources as well as its own users, it’s a good way to stumble on interesting VR content.

• Discovery VR

Let’s face it. You and me, we’re nothing but mammals, so let’s do VR like they do on the Discovery Channel. The Discovery VR app comes from the same people who brought you Shark Week, Week of Sharks, Seven Days of Shark and many other shark-related programmes, and naturally that means you’ll be able to see sharks in the channels VR app too.

Not only that but you can experience the odd bit of content that doesn’t include sharks at all, such as Samurai sword fights, Dublin street dancing, and rhino rescues. There’s even footage of rollercoasters. Rollercoasters! Imagine finding them in a VR app! 

The app is pretty much what you’d expect from a big brand, with nice design, good quality video and a good selection of content. There’s also an offline mode so you don’t need to stream in areas you can’t get a signal.

• The Guardian VR

Following in the footsteps of the New York Times, the Guardian’s VR app “fuses journalism with innovative storytelling” - and so far unlike the newspaper’s normal app it doesn’t ask you for money every 30 seconds. 

The app, which has been developed for Google Cardboard, promises a range of content including virtual tours of far-off places and interactive experiences such as the harrowing 6x9, which enables you to experience what it’s like to be in solitary confinement. 

6x9 is also available on YouTube, but it’s the immersion of VR that really makes it hit home: the stories you’ll hear and the facts displayed on the cell walls are all the more powerful when you’re actually in the cell and not just watching it from afar. We’re hoping the Guardian’s initial enthusiasm for VR doesn’t wear off, as this has the potential to be a very interesting use of Virtual Reality.

In the famous film Fantastic Voyage, a team of scientists were shrunk down so they could explore the insides of the human body in a little submarine. Now you can do the same without any scientists, and unlike in the film you’re not going to be pummelled by platelets or beaten by blood cells or see your submarine smashed to bits. Primarily because you don’t have a submarine.

We’ve included this as an app although technically it’s a game because it’s not really much of a game and it’s quite a good science app: it takes place inside a virtual model of the human body, and as you race around the place collecting points you get to learn the different components of the cell. It plays rather like Wipeout, but with microbiology instead of hovering space cars and with levels called things like ‘Mitochondrion’. That, of course, is a double-membrane-bound organelle found in most eukaryotic organisms.

• InMind 2 VR

Like InCell, InMind is billed as a game but it’s quite educational too. It all takes place inside the brain of a teenager called John, and as John experiences different emotions you can see how the various chemicals combine to create and communicate those moods. If that sounds a bit worthy… well… it is.

John appears to be quite spectacularly dull and there are a couple of wrong notes such as John imagining having a whole bunch of guns "to protect the country from its hidden enemies", which makes you wonder if his future involves going up a watchtower with an AK-47. However, the in-brain stuff is genuinely thrilling as neurotransmitters ping and tendrils pulse like plants in some kind of bizarre alien space forest.

Visually it’s often very beautiful, and we’d be quite happy to have the gameplay elements and voiceover removed so we could simply float around in John’s brain juice. Which sounds bad, we know.

• War of Words VR

War of Words is really something. Designed for the usual range of VR headsets, the first BBC VR app takes Siegfried Sassoon’s poem The Kiss and transports you to The Somme during the First World War. 

The app enables you to follow the path of a rifle bullet, leading to the second part of the poem where you’ll discover what “the kiss” of the title really is. It’s very moving and a vivid illustration of how VR can be used to shed new light on familiar things, and it’s interesting to see technology that’s often used to glorify war used to provide a completely different perspective.

The app was produced to promote War of Words – Soldier-poets of The Somme, a BBC documentary in which other war poems were animated to equally devastating effect. Those animations are still available online (in normal video) in The Somme In Seven Poems .

• VR Roller Coaster

There’s an unwritten law about virtual reality that says if a device can do it, it must have a rollercoaster app. And the iPhone has many rollercoaster apps, of which this is one of the better efforts, primarily because it doesn’t interrupt you with ads every three feet of virtual travel.

VR Roller Coaster is based in a vast, randomly generated city so it’s different every time you open the app, and the two rollercoasters it offers do everything you’d expect with steep climbs and vertiginous drops and a lot of frankly unnecessary screaming. Quite brilliantly it supports the iPad too, which is great news for that huge demographic of people with necks like tree trunks who try phone-based VR and bellow “MORE WEIGHT! I NEED MORE WEIGHT ON MY FACE!” before smashing stacks of breeze blocks with their foreheads.

• Roller Coaster VR

Not to be confused with VR Roller Coaster, which as the name suggests is completely different in every single way, Roller Coaster VR brings the hitherto unexplored world of the fairground roller coaster to virtual reality. Like other roller coaster apps Roller Coaster VR promises thrills and indeed spills, but this app also promises “an incredibly emotional adventure.” We’re not convinced that it does, but it does deliver a lush, vibrant tropical landscape where you can go up, down and round and round.

It looks and is indeed described as a virtual reality game, but there’s no gameplay beyond looking at things. There’s no attempt at realism here – you half expect Lara Croft to overtake you on a mining wagon – but that’s not really the point. It’s a thrill ride and it’s good fun until the freemium bit stops and the ads take over.

• The best VR headsets of 2018

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Writer, broadcaster, musician and kitchen gadget obsessive Carrie Marshall ( Twitter ) has been writing about tech since 1998, contributing sage advice and odd opinions to all kinds of magazines and websites as well as writing more than a dozen books. Her memoir, Carrie Kills A Man , is on sale now. She is the singer in Glaswegian rock band HAVR .

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Travel anywhere from your sofa with these amazing VR apps.  Since the spring of 2020, we have learned that all our vacation plans can be delayed indefinitely. Also, there are places that we can only dream of visiting. Now, thanks to  VR apps  for exploring the world, traveling to the most distant landmarks is possible for anyone. You only need a VR headset and the time to sit back and immerse yourself in new worlds.

Why Explore the World With VR Apps?

Many people are unable to reach all their bucket list destinations in real life. From financial constraints to specific family circumstances, their area of exploration is limited. This is why many organizations worked to develop various VR experiences for exploring the world.

They want to give everyone the chance to discover the natural beauty of our planet, as well as the many civilizations sharing it. We believe that everyone should try this experience at least once. It is a chance to realize how beautiful and diverse our planet is, and why we should do our best to preserve it for future generations.

So, here are some of the best VR apps and experiences for traveling around the world you should try:

1. Google Earth VR

Google Earth VR  is one of the most detailed and comprehensive VR exploration experiences for anyone. All the areas of the globe mapped by Google cars are now available in the VR app. For cities, the experience is even more immersive as it is coupled with Street View images. Just pick your destination, and within seconds you are there. From the pyramids of Egypt to the thriving street life in major capitals across the globe, or remote mountain areas, you can fulfill your entire bucket list in VR.

2. Everest VR

So many of us dream of reaching the highest peak and shout, like Jack in the movie Titanic: “I am the king of the world!” Unfortunately, climbing Mount Everest is reserved for a few dedicated professionals, who spend years training before making their attempt. However, among other VR apps dedicated to exploring our world, we now have  Everest VR  – a realistic and immersive experience that makes you feel like you are really there. You will experience what it takes to climb the highest mountain on the planet and understand the monumental efforts the select few have to make before they reach the peak.

From the highest peak on Earth, let us dive to the depths of the ocean.  theBlu  is one of those VR experiences that reminds us that we only know about 5% of the flora and fauna below the shimmering surface of the oceans.  By exploring various natural habitats and meeting majestic ocean dwellers, you will understand why it is so important to protect them from extinction by maintaining a healthy and clean environment for them.

4. National Geographic VR

The National Geographic Society is one of the oldest organizations that promote learning about the entire world we live in.  The VR app they developed  offers anyone the chance to see endangered species in their natural environment, dive into the deepest oceans, or discover the richness of South Americas’ native civilizations.  Some users have recently been experiencing some errors, so if you happen to be one of them, you can also give the  National Geographic Explore VR  experience a try. Developed by Force Field Entertainment (acquired by Vertigo Games), the experience lets you step into the shoes of a National Geographic explorer and visit Antarctica and Machu Picchu.

5. Qantas VR

We end our list of VR experiences for exploring the world with an app that only covers Australia. We believe it is worth trying, as it is the only one covering all the key landmarks from Down Under, including the sacred site of Uluru. Upon request from the Australian authorities, images of the Uluru climb were  taken down from Google Maps  after the climb was banned in 2019.  So,  Qantas VR  seems like a good option for exploring Uluru as, according to their website, their footage “captures a rare glimpse of one of the most recognizable natural rock formations in the world.”

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This VR Travel App Makes Me Long for the Real Thing

Brink Traveler is fun, but it's no ticket to ride

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Key Takeaways

• The new VR travel app, Brink Traveler, lets you explore landscapes around the world in stunning detail.
• The app is created from scanned photographs and LiDAR technology.
• As fun as it is to use Brink Traveler, I can’t help but feel that it’s a long way from actual travel.

Brink Traveler

It’s been far too long since I’ve seen new landscapes, so I was excited to try the new VR application, Brink Traveler .

The app, available for the Oculus Quest 2 and the Oculus Rift , is designed to let you explore real-world locations in 3D environments. Created from scanned photographs and LiDAR technology, it’s intended to make you feel like you’re transported somewhere else.

Brink Traveler succeeds in being a fun app to explore, but potential purchasers should note that it’s not a game. There are no goals and rewards in the traditional sense. Instead, Brink Traveler is a meditative journey to places around the world. 

VR as a Plane Ticket

Recent travel restrictions mean I’ve been longing to travel. For less than $10, Brink Traveler might be a suitable replacement and a lot cheaper than a plane ticket. 

The sheer simplicity of the app works in its favor. As soon as you download and launch it, you’re presented with the vistas of Horseshoe Bend in Arizona. 

I was impressed with the detail of the graphics, which are a lot better than any other app I’ve tried on the Quest 2. Presumably, this is because the relatively static nature of the game isn’t as demanding on the Oculus’ processor. 

You can explore the app by either walking around or moving with the controllers. I spent most of the time using the controllers to walk around landscapes. 

There are three "collectible" points of interest at each location that you can navigate to with a virtual compass. While I enjoyed learning more about the different areas, the points of interest intrude on the illusion that you’re somewhere besides your living room. I would have preferred to just wander more, as the information points floating in mid-air often ruined the view. 

One very cool feature, however, is switching to night mode when you’re walking around the various locations. There’s something eerie, yet calming about visiting the landscapes at night, and since I tend to use my Oculus in the evening, it suits my mood perfectly. 

While using the Brink Traveler app, you also can take virtual photos and videos, then share on social media, just like you would on a real vacation. I sent some of the pictures I took while wandering around the app to a friend, and they were so realistic he thought I’d jumped on a plane.

Scratching the Travel Itch

As fun as it is to use Brink Traveler, I can’t help feeling it’s a long way from actual travel. Maybe this shouldn’t be a surprise because, after all, it’s intended to be a virtual experience. And while the app is a significant improvement over the graphics of many current VR games, it still lacks the visual detail of real life, which can make it hard to fully buy into. 

But I love the idea of virtual reality as travel. The ability to transport users to other places seems like the best use of VR. I suspect the main problem is the hardware. While the resolution of VR headsets has improved in recent years, they are still a far cry from what your eyes can pick up in real life. 

While I enjoyed learning more about the different areas, the points of interest intrude on the illusion that you’re somewhere besides your living room.

The bulky Oculus Quest 2 was also a hindrance. After a short time, the headset became uncomfortable, and the straps pressed on my head, which made exploring the app less realistic than I would have hoped.

However, manufacturers are reportedly working on more comfortable and higher resolution headsets. Apple, for example, is rumored to be working on a VR headset with a 3000 dpi display, which could definitely improve the VR travel experience.

Overall, though, Brink Traveler is a fun way to spend a few hours and virtually get out of the house. But the experience of traveling in VR is just whetting my appetite for the real thing once travel restrictions are lifted.

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Welcome To The Wide World Of VR Travel

Vr travel apps are taking off. here are the ten best..

World travel can be expensive. But you can experience exotic locales in immersive virtual reality for little or no cost at all. With Samsung Gear ($99) or Google Cardboard ($8), any iPhone or Android smartphone can be turned into a virtual reality device.

Content for tourism is one of the first categories to really take off in VR, allowing you to experience being there without really going there. VR travel apps can both help you experience a place—or a specific resort, city, museum, hotel or cruise ship—before you take the plunge. Or, it can replace actual travel altogether if you'd rather experience a place vicariously.

Here are our favorites for where to take your first virtual trek.

Want to experience a sailboat cruise off the coast of Croatia? YouVisit is one of the best-designed apps dedicated specifically to virtual reality tours. In addition to thousands of travel destinations, they also feature college campuses, businesses, hotels and restaurants. The tours include 360-degree video as well as 360-degree interactive panoramic photos. Navigate by looking, no buttons or controllers necessary.

Free on Android , iOS and Gear VR

Google Street View

This VR app supports both iOS and Android devices, which means you can literally go pretty much anywhere in the world—though, unfortunately, you have to take off the headset to interact with the app. Plus the app is free on both Android and iOS. There's also an unofficial StreetView VR app, also free, for the Gear VR , by YoutopiaVR, which pulls in Google Street View data. The app has a great navigation interface: You just tap to skip ahead to the street you're on, or do a long tap to bring up the map. You can zoom in and out and jump to anywhere in the world, or click on the microphone and say the name of a place and you are there. Say "Eiffel Tower," for example, and you're transported to the spot, above Paris, looking down. It's awesome.

The app also has a voice-enabled group functionality, so you can virtually visit places with your friends. Now if I only had a friend with a Gear VR, I could try it out.

Discovery VR

The virtual reality studio from Discovery Networks specializes in you-are-there extreme experiences such as scuba diving in shark-infested wrecks and and flying through a remote canyon on a zipline. The app itself isn't available on Gear VR, but some of the content can be found on Gear VR's Milk VR and Hulu VR video apps.

Free on Android and iOS .

One of several VR studios to emerge over the past few years, Jaunt VR has a selection of incredibly high-quality travel VR videos including Nepal, Machu Picchu, Syria and Jerusalem. Travel is just the beginning at Jaunt, which also includes VR films, music and sports.

Free on Android , iOS and Gear VR.

Ascape Virtual Travel & Tours

Ascape is all about finding inspiration for travel. The service has more than 100 virtual tours of gorgeous destinations around the world including resorts, cities and experiences. Navigate by touching the screen, so be prepared to access the phone frequently. If you're a virtual auteur, you can become a producer for Ascape, and make money from your own videos.

Samsung Milk VR

Primarily a movie app, Milk VR also offers immersive video tours, such as Chicago, romantic Italy, New York's Times Square and many more. However, only the Gear VR version of the app works with a headset, specifically the Gear VR headset. Unfortunately, the standard Android version does not support Google Cardboard viewers, but simply shows a video that allows you to look in different directions by turning the phone or swiping the screen.

Free on Android and Gear VR.

All YouTube videos are playable in immersive virtual reality on Android phones – search for your destination and "360" or "vr" or filter for "360 videos." Then look for the cardboard symbol at bottom right or behind the three dots setting symbol at top right. Traditional videos are shown on giant private movie screens, while 360-degree videos are shown in immersive virtual reality. On Gear VR, the work-around is to use the Samsung Internet browser app and surf over to the YouTube site. There is no iOS support yet.

Free on Android .

Combines crisp 360-degree panoramic images with sound loops to create a "frozen moment in time" effect. Orbulus videos include the ability to experience New Year's fireworks on Hong Kong Harbor, a view of the Northern Lights and even the ability to stand on Mars. Navigate by looking, no buttons or controllers necessary.

Sites in VR

Panoramic photos of of landmarks from Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Morocco, Kuwait, Yemen, Macedonia, Holland, Belgium and France. Very user-friendly interface but the photos themselves are not interactive. Navigate by looking, no buttons or controllers necessary.

Experience 360-degree Flickr photos in immersive virtual reality on your Gear VR headset. Not yet available for iPhones or Androids yet, but you can check out the Orbulus app instead.

Free on Gear VR.

Single destination apps

In addition to the apps above, many developers are releasing virtual reality tours for individual destinations. You can see Tokyo , London , Cyprus and even Paris . Maybe a trip to the Big Apple is something you've dreamed of—or the Caribbean is more your speed. To find others, search for the name of your destination and the keyword "VR" in your app store. Plus, here are a few more to get you started for your next virtual escape:

United Arab Emirates

Liege Cathedral , in Belgium

Neon Museum in Las Vegas, NV

(Free for Android too)

Museo Maya de América

Toumanian Museum in Armenia

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The 9 best VR apps for iPhone

Guess what? Your iPhone can do virtual reality! All you need is an inexpensive headset and these cool apps.

When it comes to phone-powered VR, the iPhone is scarcely mentioned. Google's Cardboard and Daydream get most of the attention, though Samsung's Gear VR is in the mix as well. But Apple? It'll be June's WWDC event at the earliest before we learn of any plans to jump into VR, but don't hold your breath: Tim Cook thinks AR (augmented reality) is cooler than VR .

Fortunately for iPhone owners, you don't need to switch to Android if you want to enjoy virtual experiences. In fact, you can dive into VR right now; all you need is a headset and some apps.

The headset is easy: Hit up Amazon and search for "VR headset." You'll quickly see that most models are compatible with iPhones as well as Android phones. And lots of them range in price from $20-$30 or £15-£25, so this is not an expensive investment. (You can find them in Australia for as little as AU$30.)

As for the apps, look no further than the App Store. Mostly you'll find games in there (here are seven of the best ), but that's not everybody's jam. If you'd rather explore the world, take center stage in a documentary or travel to the moon, check out these amazing iPhone VR apps.

Google Street View

Want to take a virtual tour of Stonehenge? How about downtown Chicago? Or your very own town? It's possible thanks to Google's Street View app .

Street View is the mobile version of Google's ground-level Maps feature. Put the two together and presto: Now you get a virtual-reality view of anywhere you can visit in Street View.

And Street View has visited just about everywhere: the app showcases not only Google's own mapping efforts, but also users'. In fact, you can use Street View to create your own 360-degree "photo spheres" and add them to the collection.

Jaunt VR's interface takes advantage of VR as well.

Music, sports, travel, film -- the Jaunt VR app aggregates a wide variety of 360-degree and virtual reality videos, all housed in an attractive gaze-based interface (meaning you can navigate just by looking at various buttons and menu options). If you have kids, be sure to let them check out the adorable animated short, "The Invasion."

Some of the most interesting virtual reality experiences are coming from the New York Times. The newspaper's eponymous app is home to a number of exclusive cinematic experiences, including a dizzying climb to the top of 1 World Trade Center, a virtual visit to Pluto and a short documentary chronicling children displaced by war. There's currently no better source for original VR-enhanced stories.

Orbulus Special Edition

Pick an orb, any orb -- then get transported to that location.

Orbulus is all about 360-degree photo spheres, in this case a collection of user-supplied destinations enhanced with sound or music. To choose a sphere from the gallery, you simply focus on it for a few seconds. Once you're "inside," you can zoom in or out by tilting your head right or left. It's an interesting way to travel the globe, with destinations ranging from Hong Kong to San Francisco.

Stressed out? Your phone can transport you far away (virtually speaking) from reality. For example, Relax VR: Rest & Meditation plops you into various serene, photo-realistic locales, where it's just you and a guided meditation or meditative music. Headphones are definitely recommended. The app costs $1.99, £1.99 or AU$2.99.

Star Chart VR

Based on the wildly popular augmented-reality astronomy app of the same name, this self-proclaimed "VR planetarium" lets you explore our solar system in a way that's totally unique. You simply look around at the stars and focus on any planet, moon or constellation. After a moment, the app displays information about what you're seeing. Cool stuff, and admirably educational. The app sells for $4.99 , £4.99 or AU$7.99.

USA Today VR Stories

True to its name, the newspaper's VR app brings you a wide variety of news and features stories in glorious 360 degrees. The videos range in length from under a minute to as long as 9 minutes, and you can either stream or download them. At this writing, the app offered 27 clips, including a "lap at Indy with Mario Andretti," a mule ride into the Grand Canyon and a Ken Burns-guided visit to Yosemite.

Virtual Reality Moon

Goodnight, Earth.

Sad to say you're not likely to ever visit the moon for real. The next best thing, at least for now: Virtual Reality Moon . On this free (but heavily ad-supported) trip, you're instantly transported to the moon's surface, where you can see both Earth and the International Space Station in the distance. You can also walk around, though this requires either a gamepad or a viewer that has an action button.

Finally, we come to YouTube, which is home to an exploding number of 360-degree and VR videos. Just search the app for anything with "360" or "VR" in the name, or head straight to YouTube's 360 Channel . But that's not all: You can actually watch any YouTube video in VR mode . The experience isn't always great, but it's still a lot of fun to play around with.

Which VR apps would you consider essential for iPhone users?

Travel World VR 4+

Travel world vr llc, designed for ipad.

• 3.5 • 2 Ratings

Screenshots

Description.

Sit back, relax, and transport yourself to some of the most amazing destinations on Earth with 360 videos and pictures! Travel World VR was created with the intention to showcase the best in 360 travel videos using our 70 years of relationships in the travel industry. Travel World VR is also a content producer of 360 videos and we will also be showing videos that we have created for our customers. The app has been designed to be as simple as possible, with viewing options for cardboard style VR headsets and simple phone/tablet viewing (magic window). Users also have the option to download videos for later viewing without an internet connection. These videos can also be deleted from your phone in order to save space.

Version 1.4.3

Better view

Ratings and Reviews

App privacy.

The developer, Travel World VR LLC , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

Data Not Collected

The developer does not collect any data from this app.

Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

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The best VR apps for 2023

If you have one of the best VR headsets , such as the new Meta Quest 3, you might be wondering what you can do with it. Beyond the best VR games , there’s a whole world of apps to explore too.

Google Earth VR (free)

Wooorld (free), openbrush (free), vermillion ($20), bigscreen (free), littlstar (free), ocean rift ($10), virtual desktop ($15), immersed (free), youtube vr (free), titans of space plus ($10), nanome (free).

VR apps can immerse you in any scenario or augment your actual surroundings with mixed-reality graphics. You can hang out and work with friends located anywhere in the world, watch movies on a giant cinema screen, learn about atomic bonds with molecules scaled up to fill the room, create 3D models with a swipe of your hand, and much more. Here are the best ones to try out to get the most out of your VR headset.

When VR began to blossom as an entertainment medium, one of our first thoughts was: “Google Earth is going to be super freaking cool.” Turns out, we were right. Flying around the planet like some kind of hypersonic eagle is both enjoyable and educational, at least if you happen to like geography. And even if you don’t, you can still use the quick-nav menu to visit landmark sites like the Sphinx or the Golden Gate Bridge or pay a digital visit to the capital of Djibouti.

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Unsurprisingly, many landscapes and areas appear to be little more than colorful smudges (especially if you’re using Google Cardboard), but it’s a free app, so what are you gonna do? Zooming across vast distances in a matter of seconds and descending upon mammoth structures like the Hoover Dam is exhilarating, even if you can’t make out the individual cars driving across it. Chances are, you’ve used Google Earth before, so you know the drill. It only gets more fun in virtual reality, just don’t expect too much detail.

Download now for:

Steam Oculus Rift

Google Earth doesn’t work on Meta Quest headsets unless you connect to a PC. You can get a somewhat similar experience with Wooorld, which uses Google’s API to access the same data. Its unique user interface places 3D views of any location on the planet on your tabletop or your floor.

You can resize the viewport and drag the world around while skyscrapers, houses, and landscapes scroll by like a holographic projection. You can also scale the scene up to fill your entire room. Wooorld is a multiuser app, so you can bring friends and coworkers to a place to describe directions or discuss plans.

It’s not quite as immersive as Google Earth, but it’s the best alternative for the Quest 3 and Quest Pro since you can enjoy a nice mixed-reality view.

OpenBrush picks up where Google’s Tilt Brush left off. This free and open-source 3D painting app lets you create an entire world around you, zoom in to add fine detail, or zoom out for big changes.

In the Meta Quest version, you can use mixed reality to view your creation in your own room. It’s very relaxing to paint with light, and there are plenty of brushes and options to refine your art. Whether you’re a talented artist or a beginner, OpenBrush makes it easy to create stunning animated images.

Steam Meta Quest

If OpenBrush is too futuristic for your artistic sensibilities, you might prefer Vermillion. It removes the mess and expense of painting canvases without losing the classic look, tools, and techniques.

Blend and layer oil paints with realistic tools in a variety of environments. If you use it in SteamVR, you can even load Vermillion as an overlay in your favorite VR game to get inspiration for a new piece.

With a Meta Quest 3 or Quest Pro, you can enjoy full-color mixed reality views to use anything in your room for reference. If you’re new to painting, bring in a browser image for Vermillion to convert to a paint-by-numbers template, making it easier to get started.

Steam   Meta Quest

You can stream content from Netflix, Hulu , Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, PlutoTV, Amazon Prime, Twitch, and more on a giant virtual cinema screen. Bigscreen recreates the theater experience, complete with curtains, aisles, and rows of seats where you and your friends can sit and watch movies and series together.

If you want a cozier experience, you can choose from several home theater layouts without remodeling your living room. Since you’re watching in VR, your headset automatically supports 3D, so you can browse and select from over 200 3D movies.

Steam Oculus Rift Quest

Using your VR headset to watch content from Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube is fun. It’s like having your own personal IMAX movie theater to visit any time you want, without dropping obscene amounts of coin on popcorn and cookie dough bites. Littlstar VR Cinema changes the game by offering a full library of 360-degree videos designed to make you feel like you’re the cameraman. Whether you’d prefer to educate yourself about the state of Nepal post-earthquake or simply jam out to some music videos, Littlstar provides a point of view that you just can’t get anywhere else.

There’s Broadway theater content, sports content, and content for kids, making this one of the best VR experiences out there. It’s also absolutely free. The user interface is smoother on some platforms than it is on others, but that’s a minor complaint. If you’re the creative type, you can even film and upload your own 360-degree content for others to view and enjoy.

The open ocean is a terrifying yet wondrous place, and its full depths are on display in  Ocean Rift . The experience is akin to an African safari, except you’re free to roam wherever you please — and you’re underwater, of course. Explore any of the 12 huge open habitats at your leisure, observing marine wildlife that includes dolphins, manatees, sharks, and more. Head toward the surface to cavort with sea turtles or dive into deeper waters to encounter more dangerous — and potentially deadly — animals.

If you want to simply sit back and watch the fish pass you by,  Ocean Rift can be a calming, therapeutic experience. If you’d prefer to explore the game to its fullest, it can almost become a survival horror game with a few surprises up its watery sleeve. Little touches, like the outline of a diving mask around the screen’s edges, help to make this a truly memorable experience.

The Quest version also supports a mixed reality mode where you can place portals to the ocean and its creatures on your walls as if you live at the bottom of the sea.

Oculus Rift Meta Quest

Have you ever fantasized about navigating your computer in virtual reality, like that episode of  The Fairly Odd Parents where Timmy actually goes inside the internet? Neither have we. If that sounds interesting, though, boy, do we have some good news for you! Virtual Desktop lets you use your computer in VR, whether you’re browsing the web, watching Netflix, or playing games. You can even manage spreadsheets in VR, though we think that might be more of a hindrance than anything.

The app works well with multiple-monitor setups, and using your headset to swivel back and forth between screens is pretty cool.

Steam Oculus Rift Meta Quest HTC Vive XR Elite

In 2024, you want spatial computing with multiple screens so you can be productive in VR. That’s easy with Immersed since it supports up to five resizable, repositionable virtual displays and your phone. That’s right, you can see your phone in VR without resorting to a low-resolution passthrough view. Immersed is free to use but to unlock all the features, you need to subscribe.

To get started, install the VR app on your headset, then download the companion app for your computer and phone. Immersed is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Meta Quest HTC Vive XR Elite Pico

Google made a version of YouTube specifically for virtual reality. You can watch ordinary videos in the app on a large virtual screen, but for the ultimate video experience, you need to search for VR videos. That could be 360 videos, stereoscopic videos that include depth, or VR180 videos that fill your front view with a 3D scene.

There are first-person perspective views of skydiving, racing, roller coasters, and all sorts of thrilling action camera captures. You can watch immersive concerts, visit travel destinations, preview VR games, watch 3D movie trailers, and more.

If you use Steam, you can simply open youtube.com in a browser and choose VR mode. That also works on the new Meta Quest 3 , but the YouTube VR app is probably best for the less powerful Quest 2. The app is compatible with every Meta Quest headset.

When you look up at the night sky and gaze into the vastness of the universe, marveling at the infinite nothing and everything of creation, time, and space, you’re probably wondering…did someone make a VR app for this? You’re in luck because they did!

Titans of Space is an immersive journey through the planets and moons of our solar system. It is a highly educational app, but don’t let that deter or bore you. Flying through the cosmos on your VR headset is as exciting as it is informative. You’ll be taken through guided educational activities but are also free to drift through the stars performing your own EVA (Extravehicular Activity). Bet you didn’t think learning about Saturn’s 82 moons could be fun. Well, it is.

Take a journey with your “Flying Professor” tour guide as you experiment with the gravitational pull of different planets. You’ll analyze each planet with radar, topographic maps, and more. Explore the wonders of our solar system from the comfort of your living room.

Steam Oculus Rift Meta Quest

Nanome helps make complex and important topics like chemistry and biology much easier to understand by blowing up 3D molecules to room-filling size. This lets you, a coworker, or a teacher get right down to the atomic level to see how a molecule is constructed.

You can examine DNA, explore mutation and advanced selection, visualize bacteria and antibodies, and see how proteins fit together. By holding these molecules in your hands, rotating and scaling them, you can get a better understanding of the structure and atomic bonds that hold things together in microscopic detail.

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While the Apple Vision Pro offers ultra-high-resolution displays with 23 million pixels, the staggering $3,500 price might inspire you to look for Vision Pro alternatives.

Good news: Pimax just announced two new VR headsets, including a budget model that costs as low as $799 and a more advanced version starting at $1,799. Both are based on the design of one of the best VR headsets currently available -- the Pimax Crystal that launched in May 2023 for $1,599 -- but come with a serious upgrade in terms of resolution. Pimax Crystal Super

Ready for the Meta Quest 4? Considering how big of an upgrade the Quest 3 was when it launched in 2023, Meta’s next release could have amazing new features that end up making it one of the best VR headsets yet.

Meta is still probably a couple of years out from releasing the successor to the Quest 3, but with all the new competition, it's worth considering what to expect. There haven't been many rumors yet, but here's what hope to see in the Meta Quest 4. Quest 4 launch date The Meta Quest 3 (left) and Quest Pro Alan Truly / Digital Trends

Google Drive and Dropbox are two of the most popular cloud storage providers, if not some of the best. They offer a range of exciting features, from secure file storage and transfer, to free storage, file syncing, extensions, chat-app integration, and more. But while they might go toe to toe on some cloud storage specifications, there are others where one is the clear winner. The question is, which one is the best in 2024?

Let's take a close look at Google Drive and Dropbox to see how their latest head to head turns out. Google Drive wins the free storage battle Both Dropbox and Google Drive offer free storage space for those who would like to try out their respective services before putting down a few dollars a month for something more expansive and permanent. Google Drive comes standard, with 15GB of free space, far more than Dropbox's initial free storage offering of just 2GB.

Screen Rant

10 virtual travel apps for oculus/meta quest 2.

VR gives people the chance to travel the world from the comfort of their own house, and these ten apps are the best for the Oculus/Meta Quest 2.

Travel is a major goal for many people, but it can be inaccessible even in the best of times because of financial and mobility-related barriers. As unfortunate as it is, some people may never have the chance to visit all the places they want to. But VR allows its users to not only explore virtual worlds but also get a better understanding of their own.

Between 360-degree breakdowns of the world, guided tour videos, and documentaries, VR allows people to get closer to the places of their dreams than was previously possible. Many travel apps even include interactive features, so the users can feel like they're actually able to connect with different cultures and topography. As systems like the Oculus/ Meta Quest 2 become more widely available, and as programmers and cinematographers put more effort into advancing the technologies, travel will truly be possible without having to leave home.

Traveling While Black

Traveling While Black is an Emmy-nominated VR experience that talks about the process of traveling, specifically focusing on the barriers that have been put in place for Black populations, in history and in the present. The experience takes advantage of every benefit VR offers, which helps its message connect with the audience.

While this is not a documentary that focuses on the freedom of VR, it does try to get its users to think outside their own bodies and life experiences to see how other people can be limited in their own freedom. It tells an incredibly important story, which deserves to be heard by those who have now gained a deeper level of freedom through the digital realm.

For those looking for a way to walk around the world, Wander is the app to download. The app's primary function is to allow users to navigate the world similarly to Google Maps' StreetView, allowing them to enter an address and be transported to that spot. This can be a great way to explore new areas or look back on places you used to live.

In addition to immersive imagery, users can use the historical jumping feature to see what different areas looked like over the years. Many famous landmarks even have the ability to be explored from the inside, giving users the feeling that they're really there.

BRINK Traveler

BRINK Traveler gives users the ability to see some of the most amazing places on Earth from the comfort of their own homes. While there are currently only 17 locations for users to visit, the additional features make each one a true travel experience that may push them to travel in real life as well .

Virtual guides can explain the features and history of each spot, and an in-app camera allows users to take all the pictures they would want if they were to visit in person. Another great feature is the ability to travel in multiplayer mode, which lets users meet up with friends from anywhere while getting a remarkable view at the same time.

OtherSight is one of the most interactive travel apps out there because it specifically focused on including usable objects in every location. Currently, users only have the option of going to four different locations, but there's a lot that they can do at each one.

Users can visit churches, streets, and museums and really get a sense of how it feels to be there. The scale, texture, and movement qualities of interactive features are especially well done. While this is a fairly limited app at the moment, the developers are working on new locations, which can provide future explorations.

The Ocean might not be the first place people think of when they try to imagine their travel plans, but it is one of the great untapped resources on Earth. There is far more to be seen and discovered in the Ocean than there is on land, and Ocean Rift gives users the chance to explore that realm.

There are 14 different habitats to explore, which can be used as an educational program or one for relaxation, depending on the settings. The sea creatures are extremely detailed, and users can actually interact with many of them, giving the perspective of a true underwater safari. However, those with a fear of the ocean and its creatures may find some modes a little too realistic for their comfort level.

Blueplanet VR Explore

Blueplanet VR Explore is one of the most expensive travel apps, but that's in part because it is so extensive. The app allows its users to travel to 40 different cultural sites, with some offering the ability to interact with the landscape or even hang glide over it.

One of the best qualities of this app is the spacial breakdown, where users can truly explore the location. It is a physically navigable terrain, which creates a greater level of immersion than standard point-and-click systems. The one downside to the app, beyond its price, is that it takes up a lot of space, requiring a lot of memory and a strong internet signal while downloading.

Alcove is not technically a travel app, but it does offer a number of virtual tour experiences for free. The app itself is a virtual home, where users can download different in-app features depending on their interests. The travel features do include a number of tours on the ground, under the sea, and even in the sky, narrated by some of the most thorough guides available in VR.

The limitation of the app is that each experience is entirely pre-determined. There are no interactive features that would make it more immersive. However, given that it is free and has such incredible visual quality, that might be a sacrifice worth making.

National Geographic Explore VR

National Geographic Explore VR is a highly-interactive app that allows users to take on the role of a National Geographic photographer. They have the ability to travel to Machu Pichu or Antarctica, where they can navigate the landscape and take pictures of the many sights to see.

Users feel the strain of rowing boats and climbing cliffs, which makes for a more immersive experience . However, the quest is fairly pre-programmed, which means that individual decision-making is only possible in the pictures a user takes rather than in the experience as a whole. Coupled with another, more interactive app, this could be a great way to feel the travel in a way that images themselves cannot achieve.

Nature Treks VR

Nature Treks VR isn't overly concerned with realism, instead focusing on making a relaxing experience. Users have the ability to go on a walk on a variety of virtual paths, with exotic animals meandering by and control of the weather allowing the user to fit the experience to their preferences.

Because it isn't definitively located in any real-world locations , users have the ability to mold the world as they see fit, interacting with the trees to summon animals and controlling the sound levels to be more immersive or more relaxing. The detail work and spontaneity make it an engaging experience, though users should be aware that it is not intended to be a completely realistic one.

ecosphere is a photo-realistic breakdown of the Earth's most beautiful locations and the people that are working to protect them. Intended as a way to help the average person connect with the environmental crises of our time , these immersive documentaries show the importance of caring for the Earth before the damage is irreversible.

This is distinct from other user-directed travel apps but also provides a sense of depth and significance far beyond what other apps can offer. There are only a handful of experiences, but they go beyond visuals to explain what really matters about the different locations they portray. As an added bonus, the app is free, making these videos some of the most accessible ways for Oculus users to travel in VR.

NEXT: The 10 Coolest Games To Play On Oculus Quest 2

8 Fascinating VR Travel Apps for Oculus

I haven’t mentioned it much, if at all, on this blog, but I LOVE VR . There’s a whole debate about whether or not it’s worth it… if it’ll survive or just die out.. how well it compares to more traditional gaming platforms… etc.

IMO we’re on track to be living some version of Ready Player One relatively soon.

By the way if you haven’t read that book OMG doooo it ! One of my personal favorites.

This seems like a good moment for me to remind you that there are some affiliate links used on this site, if you buy anything through them it won’t cost you extra, but it does help support the blog, thanks!

Table of Contents

There’s a new list of VR travel apps here if you’re interested in some options specifically for the Quest.

I have an Oculus Quest . It’s definitely not the most robust VR headset option, but probably the biggest draw for me about the Quest was not being attached to anything by a cord, and being able to travel with it and use it anywhere .

Right now there’s a whole other advantage to VR: Traveling, without actually going anywhere, because 2020.

See a timeline of all the crazy 2020 events here.

VR Adventures in the Age of ‘Rona

There are a lot of VR games, apps , and videos out there. Which you can use depends on the headset you have access to. The Oculus Go has some games that aren’t compatible with the Oculus Quest, and visa versa.

The good news is that game and app libraries for all VR platforms are growing constantly.

So when many of us are stuck at home for a good chunk of our days, going slowly insane from staring at the same. rooms. day. in. and. day. out . VR offers some awesome escapes while keeping the risk of getting Covid to a happy minimum.

Once you’re ready to get back out into the real world – here’s a list of 50 great travel apps to get you started!

Oculus Quest Games for Virtual Exploration

There are a lot of great VR games out there (Beatsaber is seriously addicting) but for the sake of this post I’ve put together a list of the best VR travel apps and games.

I should probably give a bit of a disclaimer here: This is a relatively non-traditional VR travel list. The Quest doesn’t have a ton of purely travel-centric games, so I found ones that scratch the wanderlust itch, even if they’re not strictly “travel” genre.

I also went a little outside the box when picking apps for the other Oculus headsets as well, because some of the best vr games and apps for avid adventurers , in my opinion, aren’t 100% just “we’re going to the place.” It’s about the overall experience, ya know?

They’re picked either for being purely travel-centric or involving some sort of exploration adventure .

Outdoor Adventures

National geographic explore vr.

I couldn’t pick a more obvious choice for this list, I mean , it’s National Geographic.

As of now you can explore 2 VERY different places within this app: Antarctica and Machu Picchu. I hope they’ll be adding more at some point.

This is designated as an app in the oculus store but I felt like it leaned more toward an actual game. There are small but interesting objectives along each trip, and you constantly have the option to pick up your camera and snap some cool shots.

I expected this to be more of a cinematic experience, where you’re basically along for the ride, but you’re in control of most of your actions. You can explore relatively freely and check out the surroundings at your leisure.

I was pleasantly surprised by the quality and entertainment of this VR adventure.

Available on Oculus Quest | Go

This probably feels the most like a traditional video game – with the bonus VR immersion. You get to climb your way through multiple environments around the world, working your way through levels and challenges, and the views are amazballs.

It’s not for those that have any sort of vertigo issues, and you may want to opt for sitting down while playing. I found myself leaning quite a bit and every now and then feeling a bit unsteady when I looked down.

Available on Oculus Quest | Rift

I also just put together a guide on IRL hiking boots for those that are looking to get back into the real world – check it out!

Purely Travel

This is the most straightforward, nail-on-the-head, travel app for Oculus.

If you get mesmerized by the visuals of new places or want to re-experience somewhere you’ve been before, Wander might be your dream Oculus app.

I really like photography , drone videos, 360 videos etc. because I get really interested in the visuals of places I visit. I enjoy getting lost in looking if that makes sense? Wander essentially gives you the next best thing to actually traveling to a new place.

Using Google Streetview, Wander allows you to “wander” through almost any part of the world. It’s a 360 view so you can really take in everything around you.

You can choose a place to visit by searching, or randomly select a spot. You can navigate your way around using a mini-map, or simply pick a direction and follow the arrows. You can also choose to travel by available years to see the areas during different points in time.

I wandered through Amsterdam (one of my favorite cities), revisited a small town in England, including the place I stayed when I was there, and checked out some historical sites in Spain.

Available on Oculus Quest | Go | Gear VR

Otherworldly Exploration

Fujii takes you through what I would best describe as a psychedelic garden world . I can only assume the creators decided to make the game after a good shroom session.

It is a beautiful, relaxing experience. It’s calm, colorful escapism.

I didn’t love the controls, because you have to teleport everywhere, rather than “walk” smoothly, and figuring out how to orient myself took a minute. You also have to figure out how to move on through sort of “organic” puzzles. It’s hard to describe.

I’d still recommend it even with the few drawbacks because it’s just a lovely world to be immersed into. It would also be a great game for kids, if that’s a concern for you when searching for VR games.

Tour of Six Real Exoplanets

Ok fine! I’m cheating a bit here. It’s not a “game” per se. It’s a video. From Youtube. But it’s 360 and you can watch it with basically any VR system that you can access Youtube on. And it’s RAD.

Genuinely one of my favorite (and first) VR experiences as far as videos go. The narration is great, the information is interesting, the visuals are STUNNING.

It’s my blog. I love space videos and photos, they’re amazing. I’m putting this video on the list. Deal with it. I realize I’m getting a little defensive about this and to be fair you haven’t even said anything yet because I literally have not published this ( unless you’re currently reading it, then I have ) BUT STILL.

(but also for sure go check out the video I think you’ll really like it)

Trips Through Time

Chernobyl vr project.

Ugh. I am SO upset this isn’t available for the Quest. Chernobyl is one of my bucket list spots (abandoned/haunted/creepy places hold a special place in my heart) but to be fair, I have no desire to go there right now…

Even though I guess the Chernobyl fires don’t actually “pose a risk” to people…?

I’mma still say no though. For now.

But I would LOVE if they made the Chernobyl VR Project available for Oculus Quest. As it stands you can use it on Oculus Rift .

Apparently, the developers actually went to Chernobyl in order to get the video and photos they needed to model the VR experience. Call me peanut butter and jealous , amiright?

Available on Oculus Rift

Wonders of the World

A travel experience in more ways than one – around the world, and through time! I have a thing for historical places. I think they speak to that same interest in cultures and places that are vastly different from your personal norm.

Wonders of the World lets you explore ancient cities while learning about the history and culture of the places you’re visiting.

During each experience, you’re given a new character and role to take on which relates to the context of the historical setting.

The graphics in Wonders of the World aren’t the most impressive, but they look like they’re meant to be stylized to some point. This game is also currently free, so it won’t even cost you anything to check it out.

Available on Oculus Go | Gear VR

Meeting Rembrandt

Another historical trip, albeit this one is quite a bit different from Wonders of the World. This VR experience takes you to 1600s Amersterdam to… well, meet Rembrandt.

Spend time and interact with the painter who is brought to life by a real actor as you move through the virtual world with him.

It’s a magical blend of VR and real humans brought together beautifully to tell the story of a famous historical figure in a much more personal way. The graphics aren’t perfect but any lack is made up for by the overall experience. A truly unique and wonderful VR project.

Traveling While Black

I cannot recommend this VR experience highly enough. It’s particularly relevant considering the current state of the U.S., but it would be noteworthy at any time.

It’s SO well done, guys. It’s a short movie-going (ish) experience. You’re moved from place to place as the story is told, between past times and the present. You start in a theater but are soon moved to physical places more relevant to the narration and storytellers.

You’ll hear stories and experiences of being black in America, past and present, from some people you may be familiar with, some you may not. The focus is of course on “traveling while black” but it’s not completely restricted to that.

For those who are unfamiliar with The Negro Motorist Green Book or The Negro Travelers’ Green Book – AKA the “Green Book” – it was a guide created by Victor Hugo Green to help black travelers find businesses they could utilize while traveling in a time when many were explicitly or implicitly “whites only.”

This VR experience is also FREE, so there’s not excuse not to check it out!

Available on Oculus Quest | Rift | Go | Gear VR

How are you doing?

That’s the end of this particularly unique list of Oculus travel apps, so I just want to check in with you real quick.

How are you doing with everything that’s going on in the world right now?

Is there anything you do, like VR, to get a brief break from the chaos?

Along with VR and Netflix binges , I really like taking drives and walks in the forest with my dog.

Tech obsessed professional dog-petter with a camera and a website or two. Sometimes wine's involved, usually Starbucks.

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The best travel apps you need on your iPhone

via Cameron Casey/Pexels

Going on holiday to far-off destinations was exciting and challenging until a certain global pandemic made things considerably harder. As the world starts to open itself back up, so is the prospect of travel.

Though you may be limited to within a country's borders or are barred from accessing some territories and potentially face quarantine in others, there's always the chance of going away. And, just like a few years ago, your iPhone will be your best friend for the trip, wherever you decide to go.

These are what AppleInsider believes are some of the best apps you can have on your iPhone when traveling alongside Apple Maps.

Google Maps

Navigation apps are extremely useful in travel, not only in getting to your destination but also in traversing a town or city you're unfamiliar with. They're critical and go first on this list ahead of anything else.

It may seem odd to recommend Google Maps over Apple Maps, but there are a few things to bear in mind here. For a start, Google Maps is extremely popular, has been around for quite a bit longer, and has over 220 countries and territories mapped, complete with hundreds of millions of businesses and other locations for you to find.

For international travel, where data plans become expensive or severely limited, the Google Maps offline option is its biggest asset. You can define an area and preload maps before you travel, which can then be used without needing a data connection, potentially saving you money.

Google Maps is free to download and use and requires iOS or iPadOS 12.2 or later.

If you know where you want to go but don't fancy scouring airlines for flights or trying to track down a great hotel deal, Expedia is an excellent way to sort all that out for you.

Expedia helps you find the perfect flight within your budget, as well as the ability to find and book the right hotel, and if you need it, a rental car. Packages and bundles offer discounts for buying flights and other elements simultaneously versus getting them individually.

The app does more, including offering recommendations to local attractions and getting deals on tours, shows, and theme park entry.

It's also handy in that everything to do with your trip is held within one app, making it a one-stop-shop for all of your travel needs. You'll even get alerts for flight delays and gate changes, as well as any other unexpected alterations to your trip itinerary.

Expedia is free to download and requires iOS or iPadOS 14.0 or later.

LoungeBuddy

Frequent airline passengers may not be that enthralled by busy airports. Airport lounges can offer an escape from the crowds and a relaxing time before you take off, but typically they're only offered as a free service for certain types of plane tickets or if you have a credit card or something similar that provides similar access.

While you may be OK with the idea of paying for a pass to the lounges, there's no guarantee that the lounge you want to enter will allow you in the first place, such as if you're flying on a different airline. It can also be hard to determine what lounges are in a specific airport in the first place.

LoungeBuddy serves as both a guide and a way to quickly buy access to airport lounges so that you can travel in style. The app will tell you what lounges you may have access to based on your trip, class of service, memberships, or credit cards you have, as well as whether it's free or paid.

It also allows users to buy access to hundreds of other lounges in airports worldwide, regardless of the user's status or ticket.

LoungeBuddy is a free download, requiring iOS or iPadOS 14.3 or later.

If you need a place to stay somewhere, hotels are the obvious choice. However, if you want something a bit more personal and native to the area you're in, you could try Airbnb.

Offering access to many locations, ranging from secluded beach houses to apartments in the heart of a city, the app can get you as close or as far from civilization as you want. You can also stay in unique locations, such as domes and treehouses, that you won't find in more corporate-focused travel sites.

You can get in contact with hosts through the app, as well as local experts who could help make your trip the best it could be by using their knowledge of the area. The app also recommends various experiences you can try out for fun while you're at your destination.

If you're lucky enough to have a property that you could let out and earn a bit of cash, you can do so on Airbnb, which provides support and liability insurance for those choosing to become a host.

Airbnb is free to download and requires iOS or iPadOS 14.0 or later.

Google Translate

In a similar vein to the Google Maps recommendation, we're recommending Google Translate over Apple's Translate app. In short, it's because Google's heavily-developed service is far more helpful.

Offering translations between 108 languages by typing, it also includes other ways to translate, including verbal conversations, handwriting, and photos. There's even a live instant translation feature, managed by using your iPhone's camera and superimposing translations of words on top of the live video feed.

This is extremely useful for immediacy, such as reading a menu or looking at signs, as it'll help you understand what's happening extremely quickly.

Again, the best part is that there's an offline mode for translations without Internet for 59 languages. So long as you preload the languages at home before you go, you're saving on data costs.

Google Translate is free to download and requires iOS and iPadOS 12.4 or later.

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10 Apps That Will Make The Most Of Your Vacation In 2024

I f you've ever spent time at a networking event, made small talk at your kids' soccer games, or scrolled through a dating app, you'll know that "travel" is something almost everyone will tell you they enjoy. Couple that with an attachment to our smartphones that borders on co-dependent, and it's no surprise to learn that travel apps are a hot commodity. Some of the best innovations in travel come in the form of apps. Staying in touch with people at home, travel planning, staying organized on the road, or connecting with other travelers? Not only is there an app for that, there are many apps for that. 

To help you sort through the plethora of what's out there, here are some travel-ready apps to make your vacation a blast. We've sourced suggestions from people who travel for a living and those who leave their local area only rarely, so no matter how often you jet-set, there is an app for you.

Read more: 12 Smart Gadgets You Didn't Know Existed

If your cell plan doesn't include international roaming, you can get slammed with steep fees for using mobile data outside your own country.

There are a few ways to get around roaming charges, including buying a local SIM card for the country you are traveling in, using a Wi-Fi stick , or investing in a dual SIM phone, like those from Samsung, Apple, or Google. One of the easiest and cheapest options though, is an eSIM app like Airalo . Airalo was one of the first in the eSIM game and continues to be popular with travelers. Fans of the app point to how easy it is to download and get started quickly, and how much it saves in fees. On the other hand, some users have noticed a discrepancy in how well it works in different countries. One reviewer on TrustPilot states "We do NOT recommend this plan given the extremely poor performance in Vietnam" despite noting excellent service in Hong Kong. 

Airalo is a paid service, available on the App Store and on Google Play.

Google Maps is often the default app travelers reach for when navigating new territory. It's a trusted resource for a lot of reasons, including the ease of finding reviews and info for even very small businesses. But it's not the only map app out there, nor is it the best in every situation. The main advantage of Maps.me over Google Maps is that it is based on user-generated information. Particularly for folks who are getting around on foot, this "boots on the ground" approach is excellent and more direct than reporting problems to Google Maps . It also means that if you find a cool place on your travels and want to make sure other travelers can find it, you can add it to a map.

Like Google Maps and other useful way-finding apps, you can download maps and bookmark points of interest for offline use, although the background information on locations is not as robust as on Google Maps. Maps.me also allows you to access various modes of transportation while offline, which Google doesn't. 

Maps.me is free to download and available from the App Store and from Google Play.

Cash's position as king is increasingly precarious. On your travels, you'll find cashless options in places you might not expect. The mass availability of mobile payment platforms like Square means you may be able to whip out your phone or card at Swiss coffee carts or Mexican street vendors. Wise (formerly Transferwise) lets you move between currencies seamlessly. Wise lets you operate in 40 currencies, which is particularly handy if you are traveling to several different countries. They advertise charges that are less than the major banks. However, some users have complained about complications with money transfers, so be forewarned if you intend to use this app for sending money. 

Of note to travelers is the option to get an actual bank card that can function as an international debit card with a nominal conversion fee (not all bank cards can pay by debit in countries other than your home base.) Or, save a step and scan your phone to pay from your Wise account. 

Wise is available on the App Store and from Google Play. There is no charge to download the app, but fees are charged for some banking activities.

If you are going to be traveling from place to place on your vacation, you will want the Rome2Rio app on your phone. Enter your destination and departure location, and the app spits out the options and approximate costs for each leg of your journey. For instance, if you are in Edmonton, Canada, and want to get to the Thai island of Ko Yao Yai, the app will suggest six options, labeling the best, cheapest, and fastest combination of flight, minibus, and ferry. You can't purchase tickets through the app, although there are links to book accommodation that take you to Booking.com. Being able to purchase travel fares through the app would make things easier, especially if they were offered in a package, but the absence of that feature means you can investigate and compare prices from different booking operators , so we are putting it in the win column.

Rome2Rio is free to download and available from the App Store and from Google Play.

Rick Steves Audio Europe

Rick Steves is recognized as a top voice in travel guides. His down-to-earth approach to travel has endeared multitudes of followers to him, spawning an industry of books, television shows, and a sprawling web presence that features how-to guides, articles, and an active travelers' forum. On top of all that, he has a free app for self-guided walking tours through many of Europe's top sights called Rick Steves Audio Europe . Reviewers of the app give it a high rating (4.7 on Google Play and 4.3 on the App Store) using superlatives like "This app is GOLD," and comparing the quality of the tours to paid audio tours. On the downside, it is difficult to sync the app on multiple devices, so if you are in a group you may all be at slightly different parts of the tour, which can be mildly annoying. There are a bunch of tour sites, with more added periodically.

The audio tours and accompanying maps are downloadable, so you don't need to worry about burning through mobile data or needing to rely on Wi-Fi. Rick Steve Audio Europe is free to download and available from the App Store and from Google Play.

How many trips come vividly back to life in your mind just by thinking about that one excellent bowl of Cacio e Pepe pasta or sun-drenched sip of a Paloma? Exploring a place through its flavors and discovering new spots to eat is a beloved part of travel. In Europe, TheFork (the French version is called LaForchette) is the go-to app for crowd-sourced restaurant reviews. Previously, the app also covered Australia, but at the start of 2024, it was announced they will be pulling out of Oz.

You can find Michelin-starred restaurants with months-long wait lists or little hole-in-the-wall spots by searching the name of the eating establishment, the city or neighborhood you want to eat in, or the kind of cuisine you are craving.

The app is worthy of its space on your phone just for the restaurant listings and reviews, but if you want to explore more of the capabilities, there are ways to expand its usefulness. You can make reservations, register to collect points, access discounts and specials at select spots, and pay through the app. TheFork is free to download and available from the App Store and from Google Play.

Looking for a little love on the road? The Fairytrail app might be the ticket to romance (or ROAMance) you are looking for. Aimed at digital nomads and van life devotees, the app is a nice addition to the dating lives of travelers of all stripes. Members are evaluated and assigned a fairytale character similar to enneagram-slash-Myers-Briggs personality types, which is a new and novel approach compared with other iPhone dating apps or Android dating apps .

Because the app is focused on people with nomadic lifestyles, matches are location-independent. The idea is that users of the app will be willing to travel to each other to meet and date. There is a setting that allows an extra layer of matching: dream places to visit. If you so choose, before chatting with a match you need to have an overlapping "bucket-list" destination. Previously, this was an unavoidable step but became an optional setting after it was changed in response to frustration expressed by reviewers. The app is being redesigned in 2024 and soliciting feedback from users. Stay tuned, it seems more happy endings are in store! Fairytrails is free to download with in-app purchases and is available from the App Store and from Google Play.

Price Scanner And Converter

A very unpleasant aspect of vacationing in another country is coming home to a shocking credit card bill. Part of the problem is the tendency of holidaymakers to spend like money isn't real, but the other problem is how difficult it is to calculate prices into your own currency. Sure, you can come up with shortcuts to do quick math, but that gives you an estimate rather than an exact cost. To help, there are many different currency converter apps out there, with features like real-time rate calculation and offline capability. The somewhat clunky-named Price Scanner and Converter takes it one step further by using your phone's camera to scan prices and display them automatically in your preferred currency (out of 150 global currencies.) New iPhone cameras also have a similar capability, but it isn't as seamless a process as using this app.

This price scanning app isn't presently available on Google Play, although there are similar apps to be found. The reviews are pretty overwhelmingly mediocre, so if you are on team Android, your best bet may be to download a regular currency converter and enter in prices the old-fashioned way.

Downloading the Price Scanner and Converter is free from the App Store.

Searching through your emails for confirmations and itineraries isn't an efficient way to access your travel information. And good luck if you have used your work email for some of your planning and your personal email for others. What if you are offline when you need to find your tour details? Nightmare fuel. Tripit has created a simple user experience, allowing you to forward all those endless travel planning emails to be arranged into an easily accessible itinerary in a single spot, which you can access from any of your devices.

Other features of this include the ability to load PDFs, QR codes, and other travel documents to your Tripit travel folder. There are helpful navigation tools, like airport maps, neighborhood safety ratings, and nearby places. You can share your travel plans and sync them to your calendar. For $49 a year (or a free 30-day trial) you can upgrade to Tripit Pro for enhanced travel aid, including notifications to help keep you on track and on time. 

Tripit is free to download from the App Store and from Google Play, and you can upgrade to the premium Tripit Pro on the Tripit website or in the app.

Mobile Passport Control

The latest app from U.S. Customs and Border Patrol goes by the wildly creative name, " Mobile Passport Control ." It's a no-nonsense app with a no-nonsense name that allows users to streamline the customs experience. Rather than filling out declarations forms, users enter their information into the app and send it to border officials so they can access it as soon as they get to customs. You can do this immediately upon arrival, say as your plane is taxiing to the gate.

The app is for United States citizens and Canadians with a B-1 or B-2 visitor visa who are entering the USA at one of 33 American airports, 11 preclearance sites, and four seaports. It works in tandem with your passport, but it doesn't replace it.

As a bonus, some sites allow those with the Mobile Passport Control app to use their own (almost always shorter!) line or expedited Global Entry lines at passport control. You can enter family members on the same app and there is no approval process, just download and go.

A previous iteration of the app had a premium, paid version, but this is no longer the case. The app is free on the App Store and Google Play.

Read the original article on SlashGear .