Using AI for Virtual Travel

Because virtual travel is still such a new experience, many people are not aware of the possibilities it offers. You can use AI to find out where travelers want to go and show them how they can be there in seconds.

When someone comes to a virtual travel platform, AI algorithms can help you understand what they want to see. If you know whether they want the thrill of a safari in Africa, the historical exploration of Greece’s ruins, or the cultural fun of a shopping expedition with a local, you can offer them a far better experience.

Essentially, AI algorithms give you a glimpse into travelers’ minds.

How AI Factors Into the Post-Virtual Travel Experience

I don’t believe that virtual travel experiences should ever attempt to replace physical travel, but they can do much to enhance physical travel by allowing travelers to explore and plan before they book their plane tickets. To this extent, you can employ AI after each traveler’s virtual experience.

After travelers virtually explore a destination, AI can analyze their trip. For example, the AI system may ask them something like, “Did you know you could fly to the location you visited virtually right now for $199?” From there, the system can build out an entire trip based on all the things travelers showed interest in during the virtual trip.

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When people enjoy traveling, they tend to talk about it. AI can combine all the information travelers provide in website chats, reviews they leave after their virtual tours and their online behavior while traveling to create a comprehensive picture of their travel dreams and desires.

AI Advancements for Future Virtual Travel

Currently, virtual travel primarily involves connections with actual humans in various parts of the world. However, you can also integrate 4K cameras and drones controlled by AI to enhance the travel experience by following live walkers to give travelers an elevated look at the surroundings.

I’m also always looking ahead to how future advancements in AI will impact virtual travel. At the moment, I'm extremely interested in real-time language translation, though AI’s capabilities in this area are admittedly still in their early stages.

You’ve probably already noticed people using translator gadgets, but I’d like to see those translations happen in real time. For example, if you are experiencing a virtual tour in Egypt and people are talking to you in their native language, AI will soon be able to translate it automatically into the app for you. In the very near future, you will be able to have real-time conversations with anyone in the world.

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When it comes to virtual travel, some people spend a lot of money on equipment, yet the experience really only requires something almost everyone has in their pocket– a mobile device. I don’t believe you need cost-prohibitive equipment to explore the world, but I do think AI has the potential to make virtual travel exponentially better.