Have you ever seen examples of some of the lastest cool technology and wondered how that technology could be used for different purposes?

I watched the many television commercials about VR ( virtual reality ) head sets that connect to your smartphone. This technology bring to life a 3 D virtual world created to entertain the viewer without having to leave the comfort of your chair. I highly recommend you try it if you have not yet had the opportunity. I was struck by the implications this experience could have in my own field of travel.  We book Park, Stay & Fly, Park & Cruise and Fly & Cruise packages; think about this technology as a potential useful tool for the cruise community. Excursions are a big part of the cruise experience, but it's hard to choose from the many that are offered. You just don't really know what your going to get unless you hunt around the internet for reviews from others who have experienced them. Even then, it can still feel like a shot in the dark.  Wouldn't it be great to take a virtual tour of the excursion before you buy it? I can only imagine the impact this would have on the sales of cruise excursions!

Now let's think in terms of a much bigger picture. I don't see this technology replacing travel, however for the many who can't travel due to physical limitations or financial restrictions, virtual travel could be a fantastic way to see the world and get a taste of many different cultures! Can you see this being a useful tool in the school classroom or library? Wow, the possibilities and affects on our world are mind blowing!

Bill Gates, who has made great and generouse contriubutions through his foundation, recently told students how nieve he was as a young adult to the inequalities of our world. Surely this technology can open our eyes to many of our worlds inequaties. People living in the developed first world could gain such a deep visual understanding of daily life for those living in more impoverished areas, or see what it is like for the millions of people who live on less than 2 USD a day to survive. The possibility for VR to foster a greater sence of understanding across borders and cultural boudaries seems limitless.

I hope this breif commentary on the subject of this specific technology has at least given you the opportunity to ponder the possibilities of technology in our world that goes beyond just thinking "wow, that's cool."

Bruce

Trinity Reservations