The increased digitalization of the world we live in is greatly impacting the way we experience travel. It is making the tedious moments enjoyable, and the moments we look forward to even more satisfying. All aspects of travel are affected, from planning a trip, through traveling itself, to the way we experience the destination.
The reverse is also true, and traveling the world can alter our understanding and enjoyment of the digital media that we consume.
Entertainment During Travel
Digital devices have made entertainment in all of its forms accessible, regardless of our location. Everything between games, music, books, and podcasts can be enjoyed on the go, with very few exceptions.
Ever since the invention of dedicated consoles in the seventies, gaming has been a standard way to pass the time on a bus, train, or plane. Technology has since improved immensely, giving us modern handheld consoles on par with home consoles and PCs. Furthermore, a huge amount and variety of games can be played on smartphones. Everything from adventure games and strategy games, to casino games, and puzzle games is available on a device that a vast majority of people possess. Slots are particularly popular among travelers because of their stress-relieving quality and the low time commitment they require. By reading about slot sites reviewed by slot experts, travelers can find sites that suit their needs best, whether it is a high RTP, progressive jackpots, or the relaxing nature of classic slots.
Reading is another classic activity to do on vacation, and it has been revolutionized by the invention of e-readers like Kindle. Not only is fitting books in a bag no longer an issue, but you no longer need to choose which books you will take with you ahead of time, as thousands of books can now fit on a single device.
Lastly, music, podcasts, and other types of audio and video can be either streamed or played locally on a smartphone or tablet computer.
Immersive Planning and Inspiration
The internet has brought the entire world into our homes, which is not to say that traveling is pointless, but it can inspire us to visit locations we have seen on our screens.
Virtual tours of cities, museums, and natural sights are available online, and can help us decide which locations we want to visit in person. These tours allow you to view locations in 360 degrees, and can even be experienced with a VR headset.
Another way to learn about potential travel locations is from travel vlogs. There are many travel vloggers on YouTube, often charismatic individuals, who make videos that are both entertaining and informative, talking about various aspects of the places they visit, such as food, culture, and practical advice for visitors.
Seeing a place in a movie or computer game can also inspire people to go there physically. The Assassin’s Creed franchise is a notable example, having historical models of cities with many accurate details and interesting trivia about them. There is a lot of talk on internet forums about which Assassin’s Creed cities people have visited.
In some rare cases, people from different parts of the world will become friends through a computer game and plan a trip in order to meet face-to-face.
Enhancing the On-Site Experience
Even after you have arrived at your desired destination, digital devices are at your disposal to make the experience better.
Kiosks are a basic digital solution that museums use to improve their visit. These are touchscreen devices that give you access to information about the museum’s exhibits.
Another simple method by which tourists can find information is through the scanning of QR codes, which can be found near landmarks in cities and objects on display in museums.
For those who dislike predetermined tours and like to explore at their own pace, self-guided tour apps are incredibly convenient. These are based on a technology called geofencing, which uses GPS and creates boundaries around physical locations. Once you are near a sight, the app will play an audio or video about it, allowing you to wander the city freely, while always having a guide teaching you about the landmarks.
While virtual reality can help you choose a destination, augmented reality enhances your visit. This is a technology that superimposes 3D models over your surroundings when you view them through a smartphone or a dedicated headset. Museums use AR in a variety of ways to immerse you in the world they are displaying, from showing you what you would look like in historical clothing to having lifelike, moving models of extinct animals on display.
Sharing Your Experience
Social media has had a massive influence on how people connect with each other around the world. As of October 2025, there are 5.66 billion social media users worldwide. These platforms allow people to instantly share experiences from their travels with friends and family, to the delight of everyone involved. You no longer need to wait to get home to show everyone pictures from your trip; you can simply post them on a social media platform. That said, it is important not to overuse social media on travels and focus most of your time on enjoying the moment.
How Travel Enhances Digital Entertainment
So far, this article has been about how digital technology and entertainment influence travel, but it also works the other way around.
Visiting places depicted in movies or computer games makes us appreciate them more, whether it is the cities from Assassin’s Creed, the deserts of Tatooine (Tunisia), or the filming locations of the Shire from The Lord of the Rings (New Zealand). After having visited these locations in person, we start noticing new details in digital entertainment, and experiencing it gains a new emotional depth.
Final Thoughts
While some fear that digitalization and the internet are negatively impacting our desire to leave our homes and explore the world, this cannot be true, as digital fun makes this endeavor much more satisfying and convenient. Digital devices and entertainment solve a plethora of problems related to travel, along with elevating the enjoyment of it to a new level.
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