I still remember the first time I “walked” through a museum in Paris—while sitting on my couch in sweatpants, sipping coffee. That moment opened my eyes. Virtual tours aren’t just some tech gimmick—they're the closest thing to teleportation we have right now. And yet, most people barely scratch the surface of what they can do.
What Exactly Is a Virtual Tour?
Think of it like this: instead of looking at a flat photo, you step inside it. A virtual tour gives you a 360-degree view of a place. You can move through rooms, zoom in on the details, and even click on buttons for extra info, sound, or video. It’s not just a slideshow—it’s an experience.
You don’t have to be tech-savvy. Some tours guide you along, others let you explore at your own pace. Either way, you're in control.
How Virtual Tours Are Made
Everything starts with a panoramic image, or “pano” as we call it. I’ve used 360-degree cameras, drones, and sometimes even standard cameras stitched together to create them. Once I’ve captured the images, I upload them into special software like Kuula.
Then the fun begins.
In the editing tool, I can connect rooms, drop in music, add clickable info bubbles, or even insert videos. Want a narrator to guide you? No problem. Want a sound effect when you enter the room? Done. Once it’s ready, I publish the tour online with a simple link or embed it directly into a website.
How to Experience a Virtual Tour
To explore a virtual tour, all you need is a link. Click it, and you’re in. If it’s embedded on a website, it works just like a video—only better, because you’re in the driver’s seat.
You can explore tours on any device: your phone, tablet, computer, or even a virtual reality headset.
What Are the Best Devices to Experience a Virtual Tour?
Mobile Phones
Swipe your finger, tilt your phone, or just move it around—many tours use your phone’s gyroscope so you can look around naturally.
Tablets
Like phones, but with a bigger screen. It’s easier to see fine details, which makes for a richer experience.
Desktop Computers
This is my go-to for clarity. You can use your mouse and keyboard to explore. The bigger screen helps when you want to zoom in and inspect something up close.
VR Headsets
This is where things get magical. You feel like you're actually there—walking around, turning your head, and soaking in the space like real life. It’s the most immersive experience out there.
Why Choose Virtual Tours Over Photos and Videos?
Photos are flat. Videos show you what the creator wants you to see. But with virtual tours, you’re in control. You choose where to go and what to explore.
For instance, if you're thinking about booking a hotel or buying a house, wouldn’t it be better to explore every corner before deciding? Virtual tours let you do that. Above all, they help you feel more confident in your choices.
What are the Key Benefits of Virtual Tours?
Here’s why I keep coming back to virtual tours, both as a creator and a user:
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You Feel Like You're There
Look around, zoom in, listen to the space—you're not just watching; you’re exploring. -
Accessible Anytime, Anywhere
Can’t travel? No problem. You can tour a museum in Italy or a house in New York from your kitchen table. -
Make Smarter Decisions
Buying a home? Choosing a college? Virtual tours show you the full picture. No surprises. -
More Engaging
Interactive content keeps people’s attention longer. You don’t just see the space—you experience it. -
Saves Time and Money
No need to fly or drive. No printing brochures. Businesses love how efficient virtual tours are. -
Stand Out from the Crowd
If you’re a business, offering a virtual tour shows you care about your customer’s time and curiosity.
Who Benefits Most from Virtual Tours?
Tourism & Hospitality
Hotels and travel agencies can give travelers a preview of the experience. Smell the ocean air (okay, maybe imagine it) before you even book. View example below.
Real Estate
Buyers can explore properties from across the globe. No need for multiple showings. View example below.
Schools and Museums
Students and visitors can explore campuses or exhibitions, making education more exciting and accessible. View example.
Art Galleries
Artists and buyers can “walk through” a space and even click to buy artwork directly. Check out an example we made here. You can view an example we made of an art gallery, View example.
Event Spaces
Planning a wedding or conference? You can preview the venue before setting foot inside. View example.
Healthcare
Hospitals ease patient anxiety by showing what to expect—bright halls, friendly spaces, clean rooms. We made a virtual tour of the Hope Lodge which you can view here.
Design and Architecture
Want to see a building before it’s built? Virtual tours let clients preview 3D models. View example.
Manufacturing and Industry
Great for training, remote walkthroughs, and showing off what happens behind the scenes. View example.
Automotive
Imagine sitting inside a new car without leaving your house. Yes, that’s possible now. View example.
Virtual Tours Around the World
You don’t need a passport to go global anymore. Virtual tours let you explore the world from your couch.
Walk through the streets of Rome. Step inside the Louvre. Visit ancient temples in Japan or the beaches of Hawaii. Taste the culture (okay, almost) and soak in the sights from anywhere.
Many global destinations now offer high-quality, interactive tours with sound, storytelling, and clickable details. You can visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites, go deep into rainforest canopies, or glide through snowy mountain towns—all in one afternoon.
To start, check out:
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Google Earth or Google Arts & Culture
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National Park Service Virtual Tours
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AirWorthy Tours for U.S. city adventures
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Tourism board websites for countries like Italy, Australia, and South Africa
Travel the world, no luggage required.
Are Virtual Tours Worth It?
Absolutely. Virtual tours are worth every click, especially if you value convenience, detail, and immersive experiences. Whether you're planning a vacation, buying a house, or just exploring out of curiosity, virtual tours help you see and feel a place without the time, cost, or stress of travel.
Think about it—would you rather look at ten photos of a hotel room or actually walk through it from your laptop, peeking into every corner before you book? That extra layer of exploration helps you make better choices and avoid surprises. And if you're a business? Virtual tours help you stand out, build trust, and save money on marketing and in-person appointments.
In short, they’re not just worth it—they’re the future.
What’s Next for Virtual Tours?
I believe virtual tours are just getting started. Here's what’s around the corner:
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Massive Growth
According to Grand View Research, in 2023, the virtual tourism industry hit $6.49 billion. By 2030, it’s expected to top $30 billion. -
VR Is Getting Better (and Cheaper)
With affordable headsets, tours will feel even more real—like walking through your dream home or museum. -
Faster Access with 5G and Cloud Streaming
No more loading screens. Just tap and go. -
More Inclusive Than Ever
Whether you're living with mobility challenges or can’t afford to travel, virtual tours open the world to everyone.
Why Are Virtual Tours Important?
Virtual tours are important because they bring the world closer to everyone.
They help people explore new places, understand environments, and make confident decisions. For students, it's a chance to tour a college campus from thousands of miles away. For buyers, it’s walking through a home without getting in a car. For patients, it’s seeing a hospital room before a visit to ease anxiety.
And for businesses, virtual tours boost engagement, extend reach, and turn curious visitors into loyal customers.
Above all, they make the world more accessible—across languages, time zones, and abilities.
How to Experience Virtual Tours Near Me?
Finding a virtual tour near you is easier than ever. Here's how:
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Search Online
Type “virtual tour near me” in your search engine—Google will show nearby museums, parks, real estate listings, or historical sites with virtual tours. -
Check Local Websites
Many city tourism websites offer digital tours of local attractions. Same goes for schools, real estate agencies, and public landmarks. -
Use Apps or Tour Platforms
Apps like Google Arts & Culture or platforms like AirWorthy Tours have a variety of experiences by location. Just search your city or region to get started. -
Social Media
Local venues often share virtual tours on Facebook or Instagram. A quick scroll might reveal something amazing in your own backyard.
So, grab your device, get comfortable, and start exploring your neighborhood in a whole new way.
Ready to Explore?
At AirWorthy Tours, we create full-city virtual tours of amazing destinations across the U.S. You can start with a free tour of Dallas, TX and Sitka, Alaska—just sign up. Want more? Premium tours like Los Angeles, New Orleans, and Honolulu are waiting for you in our shop.