Briana Gonzalez

During this current stressful time, staying home is not only integral for our own health but for the safety and health of others. Despite this, the desire to simply move makes the necessity of social isolation a daunting task and, at days at a time, overwhelming.  

As a modern culture we have had breakthroughs in our virtual experiences. Whether the focus be on augmented reality games or completely immersive virtual reality- we can experience things in a way that we wouldn’t have been able to in the past. Granted- the virtual can never truly compare to reality- however, its ability to mirror the same breathtaking views can do more than just ease our tensions. It can give you something to look forward to, future plans to make.  

Whether you’re an avid traveler, love new experiences, or are simply trying to find things to do, below are a few virtual reality experiences to keep you occupied or to spark something within:  

Travel Throughout Japan

preview courtesy of visitjapan

The Japan National Tourism Organization created a 360-degree virtual reality movie incorporating experiences and scenes throughout the country, navigating visitors through their rich landscapes. You can feed of bamboo forests, Geisha performances, and Tokyo’s famous Shibuya Crossing (to name a few without spoiling the beauty of the surprises). To celebrate the beginning of Spring you can also view the traditional Japanese hanami, the ancient and celebrated tradition of admiring newly bloomed flower blossoms. You do need to make sure to have a smartphone in order to view, and you have a choice of the 360-degree VR movie or you can opt for the interactive vision.  

For the website to the Japan National Tourism Organization experience click here.

Try Bombay Sapphire’s “Create from Home” Initiative

Bombay Sapphire’s brand new North American initiative was created with a major goal in mind: “to inspire and empower communities to discover their creative possibilities during this unprecedented time.” Sapphire’s “Create from Home” was sparked after Bacardi Limited’s global campaign #RaiseYourSpirits, pledging $3 million dollars for financial aid support of the hospitality industry which has been currently impacted by the effects of COVID-19 and the necessity of social distancing/quarantine practices. Therefore, in support of healthcare professionals and the local communities, Bombay Sapphire announced that they will be producing hand-sanitizer from its home distillery in Laverstroke Mill, UK.

So what is “Create From Home”?

The initiative offers multiple resources to help you tap into your own creativity and curiosity – online classes, workshops, and cocktail-making sessions. The live-streamed content consists of partnerships with three digital platforms:

• Skillshare: providing unlimited 3-month memberships & live Q&A’s to everyone with some of their most popular teachers through their subscription-based online learning community.

• Society6: a leading online marketplace for artists from around the globe, weekly video-based “Drink and Draw” events where participants will receive an interactive tutorial from a S6 artist and a bartender to design a gin cocktail inspired by their artwork.

• Hunker: the creative D.I.Y home projects platform, will work to launch a Create-From-Home hub with a library of content & IG tutorials and interviews with creative influencers who work and create from home.

For the website to Bombay Sapphire’s Initiative click here.