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!
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
The Climb
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
Purely Travel
Wander
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
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.
Available on Oculus Quest | Rift
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.
Available on Oculus Go | Gear VR
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.
