The global virtual reality (VR) industry is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 27.5% from 2023 to 2030. That’s according to Grand View Research, which believes there’ll be a huge increase in demand for gesture-tracking devices as well as head-mounted displays. VR is one of the most exciting innovations of the modern era, opening the doors to the metaverse, a new buzzword for entering virtual environments. Already there’s a host of fun VR experiences you can enjoy around the world. If you’re someone that likes to set trends and experience new themes at the coalface, read on as we explore the coolest VR attractions around today.
Wherever you travel around the world, there are a growing number of companies and start-ups investing heavily in offering VR experiences. These attractions allow visitors to don a state-of-the-art headset and transport themselves into weird and wonderful virtual worlds. It’s quite literally the perfect tonic when the weather is poor outside and you’re racking your brains for things to do on your vacation.
VR has revolutionized online experiences too, with the ability to sit around a poker table with random players around the world and decipher their body language in the same way as a live game. You can play with friends as well as strangers in some of the most exotic settings like Macau 2050, with its futuristic poker room or the classic Monte Carlo Yacht. Budding video game developers have even been able to create their own VR video games online, creating a whole new level of gaming immersivity on the Sony PlayStation 5.
But this article is primarily interested in VR attractions you can visit and physically immerse yourself in. That’s why we’ve put together five of the coolest VR experiences ready and waiting to be embraced by digital nomads.
The Big Apple Coaster at New York New York, Las Vegas
The Big Apple Coaster is one of the main attractions at the New York New York Casino & Resort on the Las Vegas Strip. The rollercoaster meanders its way inside and outside the hotel, affording brilliant views of the south end of Las Vegas Boulevard. This ride has been taken to a whole new level thanks to the adoption of optional VR headsets. During the virtual ride, you become a scientist tasked with catching an alien that’s escaped from your research lab. This white-knuckle chase through New York City has proved hugely popular with tourists and locals alike.
DNA VR: London’s original VR gaming arcade
DNA VR has three separate locations across the English capital of London – in Hammersmith, Camden and the iconic Battersea Power Station. Its VR arcade is one of the best on the planet, with the chance to pay to enter any of the multiplayer VR games and experiences. It’s a physical work-out, with games like Skyfront VR allowing you to play virtual laser tag, while Arizona Sunshine is a chilling zombie apocalypse survival game. There’s also VR escape rooms on-site too if you still haven’t had enough of the virtual world.
Skydive over Dubai, the Swiss Alps, Hawaii, or Sol Cal with iFly VR
Afraid of heights but keen to discover the feeling of skydiving? iFly VR is the obvious alternative for you. iFly is one of the biggest indoor skydiving franchises on the planet and its adoption of state-of-the-art VR technology has enabled people to sample the feel of a ‘real’ skydive from a plane at 10,000 feet. You can take the leap of faith out of a plane over such scenery as the Swiss Alps, the crystal blue waters of Hawaii’s North Pacific Ocean or Dubai’s majestic man-made island. iFly has increasingly become a global franchise too, with locations available for VR skydives across the US as well as the UK, mainland Europe, South America and Australia.
Virtual Room in Sydney: A team-based VR adventure
For those planning on heading down under and checking out the beautiful city of Sydney, the Virtual Room Sydney offers a “mind-blowing” VR experience. Ideal for those travelling in small groups, Virtual Room focuses on multiplayer VR puzzle games and challenges. You can physically pick up, move and throw virtual objects within your own dedicated game room.
VR Park Dubai: The first VR & AR inspired theme park in the Middle East
If you’ve never been to Dubai before, you might not be aware that this jewel in the crown of the United Arab Emirates doesn’t do things by halves. Everything is big and bold, including its unique VR Park Dubai. This 75,000 square foot two-storey indoor theme park contains no less than 18 VR experiences and rides, providing a real sense of escapism for all ages. Entry to the park is free, although you’ll have to pay for each VR ride you go on. The Burj Drop is one of the most popular experiences, allowing you to feel what it would be like to plummet from the summit of the world’s tallest building!
If you are yet to experience the drama and intensity of life in VR, be sure to put any of these VR attractions on your to-do list on your travels.
Check out: How Do AR And VR Enhance User Experiences In The Metaverse?
