e can all agree that it’s pretty tricky to take off the bucket list locations we want to visit in this lifetime. After all, we all have our dream places that we
want to travel to before we die. From Machu Picchu to the Great Barrier Reef or even the alleys of Tokyo, there are so many gorgeous locations in this world. And having the money and time to visit them all seems to be almost impossible.
Come on - you know how irritating it can be to have a list of must-visit locations but not be able to check them off. But hey - there is a way to visit these places in a more immersive way. Ok, it will never compare to the real deal - but it’s at least something! We talk, of course, about 360-degree videos.
Unlike typical videos, which are shot from a single angle, 360 degree videos record the full location - providing the viewers with a comprehensive and objective view of their surroundings. To make incredible 360 degree videos, you need a specialized camera, but some mobile phones work too - if you do not ask for too much.
Since 2015, 360 degree cameras have been widely available and are steadily growing in popularity. Despite common misconceptions that such cameras are primarily utilized to film sports videos this couldn't be further from the truth.
potential visitors. This way, the potential tourist could explore a place before booking a vacation, therefore making a more educated decision.
The desire to travel and discover new cultures and places is an integral part of every travel enthusiast's life.
If you do not have the necessary resources just now - it’s great that you can stick to 360-degree videos and still get an idea about a place that you would love to visit. And think about it - you can do your research even better and when you will be able to go there in person - the experience will be more rewarding. You can connect to a destination on a deeper level!
Yet, the benefits of 360 videos and 360 photos do not stop with the immersive experience. That’s right! They also come with an improved audience engagement, as standard travel photographs and films may only do so much in representing a destination’s experience. If you watch a 360-degree videos, you can interact with the environment much more, and do it at your own pace from every angle you would like to. That results in a stronger emotional connection with the place, while also inspiring you to arrange a trip to experience it in person.
And look - it’s also cost-effective! Ok, experiencing a place from the comfort of your own home will never beat the real-life one, but it’s still something! It’s better than what we had before, and we should appreciate it a lot more.
Travel companies can also reap the benefits of 360-degree videos, as it proves to be a great marketing tool to promote destinations in a more engaging way. They can help tourists to make better decisions about where to go and what to see. Delivering an immersive experience to the customers can lead to more bookings and higher income.
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If you’re a travel company and didn’t try 360-degree videos yet, what are you waiting for?
I mean, look at Tourism Australia for examples. After all, it’s one of the most successful instances of 360-degree adaptation. Their “Australia in 360”, which was released, believe it or not, in 2016, was a huge success! The video series transported the viewers to some of the country’s most famous locations, such as the Great Barrier Reef and the Outback. This was possible with the help of 360-degree technology and virtual reality. And as we said - it happened back in 2016 - imagine what you can do now!
What can we learn from this? That 360-degree and VR technology works best when combined! It’s an immersive experience like no other. Trust us.
And that’s not the only successful instance! The luxury travel company Abercrombie & Kent came up with an innovative campaign by showing Machu Picchu in Peru through the lens of 360-degree technology. This way, you can take a trip around the ancient Incan ruins, exploring every nook and cranny of this spectacular and iconic place. The video is so immersive that you feel as if you’re strolling amid the ruins, breathing the history and majesty of this ancient wonder.
Hold up. 360-degree videos aren’t solely for showcasing destinations. They’re also useful for hotels and resorts to market their products and services to their potential guests. You may already know that photos can only capture a limited aspect of a property's character. However, the advent of 360-degree video technology has revolutionized the way we approach property viewing. With the ability to virtually explore and meticulously scrutinize every detail of a hotel room, one can attain a more comprehensive understanding of its layout and design.
Look at “The Palm” in Dubai for instance. Their 360-degree video takes the viewers on a tour of their luxury resort - highlighting the gorgeous architecture and facilities that the guests can experience while staying there. The film offers a tantalizing preview of the elegance and opulence that you might expect at the resort. This way, you will know what you pay for and what to expect!
Here’s the deal. 360-degree videos and the travel industry are a match made in heaven! They proved to be a unique tool for both travelers and companies alike. Therefore, next time you fantasize about your next vacation, why not start and experience the place through a 360-degree video? Who knows where it will lead you?