If you do not have the money to spend on the fancy VR viewers and gear that you may want, you can still participate. How? You can create your own!

Even if you decide to invest in more expensive VR gear in the future, you can have a little fun with creating your own gear in the interim.

Do-It-Yourself VR Videos (Both Entertaining and Educational)

Google Cardboard VR Headset Homemade / DIY Virtual Reality

This video demonstrates more of the usage of the Google Cardboard VR Headset rather than the creation of it. However, it is helpful if you have some confusion on the usage and need a refresher.

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DIY easy VR headset

This is another interesting take on the assembly of a VR headset and walks you through the actual process, complete with text shown on the video itself.

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How to make a VR headset for $0

This one might appear a bit complicated, but the presenter does a nice job of demonstrating and explaining each step.

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Make Your VR 3D Lenses and headset from a Bottle and Cups

This one is a very creative take on a VR headset. It may not be for everyone, but it may also be something that serves as an interesting craft project for the family.

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How to Make a GOOGLE CARDBOARD at Home | Virtual reality Headset | DIY

This is another really helpful video that walks you through the process. This one might be one of the better ones out there, even demonstrating the process of finding the 3D videos on which to test your viewer.

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Making a DIY Virtual Reality Headset!

This one is advertised as a joke. If you have found some of the other videos difficult to follow, this video will help you take a break and laugh a bit. Oh, and make sure you use the restroom before watching this one. Spoiler Alert: When was the last time you wore a Girl Scout Cookie box on your face?

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It makes sense that if you are going to enjoy your virtual reality (VR) experience, that you are able to view something, right? Unless there is some ability to “sense” what is happening (which may come, who knows!), you need to be able to see what is going on around you so that you can respond to your virtual environment.

Of course, in addition to the visual, you also have the kinesthetic (touching) and the aural (hearing).

As with many games, in general, there are so many different options when it comes to choosing the right setup for your VR Viewer. This can vary depending on your VR setup (equipment, gadgets, devices), but also varies according to preference and budget.

1. It helps if you start by defining what you have, already, in the area of virtual reality equipment and devices; and…
2. what your objectives are when it comes to your VR experience.

Take An Inventory

An example would be listing the brand names of the equipment you currently own and possibly even adding equipment that you desire to purchase, to that same list. For the second part of the exercise, identify what it is that you want to experience with your virtual reality. You might want to consult your friends on this one. In fact, you might want to visit your friends and see what they have, experience it, and determine what you like or don’t like about their setup. Don’t forget to read online reviews, too, to see what people say about different features.

Review the Online Reviews

When you do consult online reviews, don’t put so much value into what you are reading that it is contradictory. For example, if you read a review that gives only one star out of five, it is tempting to think that that VR viewer is a bad investment until you read further down and realize that the reviewer doesn’t like the color. Buyer beware, and that goes for the reviews, as well.

Some VR viewers accommodate multiple smartphone brands (i.e. iPhone; Android). Another fun viewer is Google Cardboard, versatile and inexpensive, too. An example of a viewer that has all of these features and has at least four stars (out of five) is the Starlight Pocket Virtual Reality VR Headset (affiliate). These viewers are advertised that they are durable and yet still lightweight enough to be comfortably portable.

Defining the VR Viewer

Maybe the type of VR viewer that you want is something that works with multiple platforms. For example, a viewer that works with any smartphone, as well as a 3D movie box. These types of viewers may have more capabilities than the $4 or $12 viewers. These may have more bells and whistles, but they also cost a little more. An example of this type of viewer is the 3D Movie VR Headset (affiliate).

These are just two examples of VR viewers, including some features on either end of the spectrum. There are also viewers that have other features in common. This will give you an idea and a place to start to see what else is available (especially when hanging out on Amazon’s site!).

Oh, before we go, do you want something even more exciting? Build your own Virtual Reality Viewer, a Do-It-Yourself version, as directed in this activity kit (affiliate).

Not all Virtual Reality gear is built the same. But, by the same token, not all VR gear is priced the same, either. And, this gear provides different levels of experience.

At the higher end of the spectrum, is something that is more of a three-dimensional (3D) or movie experience. This is the virtual reality that legends are made of and what is typically in the minds and dreams of children and adults alike.

That form of virtual reality is the type that allows you to see a computer-generated alternative world, hear that virtual world, and actually move around and experience that world or reality.

It is the stuff of science fiction and more reminiscent of the Star Trek holodecks. While you are confined to a smaller space than a holodeck, you can still move around with it. You can still experience what you are seeing in your Movie Game Box.

Understanding the Options and the Differences

The virtual reality world has different terms. It depends on the vendor. Much of that depends on the vendor who is developing the gear. And, of course, as each new device emerges on the market, there is another competitor vying for that winning spot and moving forward to improve on it, gaining the market hold in that VR arena… at least for a time.

Vendors come and go, as we have seen over the past years, especially on the internet. However, there are some major players in the virtual reality world. They are likely to stick around, for a while, at least. At the same time, there are some smaller companies coming on board that may offer better (or more affordable) pricing for the little guy. If your investment is lower, take a chance. A lesser-known vendor is ok. The lower your investment, the more leeway you have for that option.

Understanding the Process

When it comes to VR gear and devices, it is a stair-step when it comes to functionality and pricing. Yes, the 3D experience is more exciting. It is exactly what one would think of when defining virtual reality. That said, you pay for that right and you pay for that experience.

On the other end of the spectrum, you may be paying only $20, but, what is the experience? It may be along the lines of the ViewMasters of the 1970s. In those cases, you looked through two eye holes and saw images that seemed to have a 3D effect. The exception is that they didn’t move and you were not participating in the action. It was simply a cool image.

Then again, back in the 60s, that was cool. We have come a long way since then, in our virtual reality world. We have especially hit those new levels with the three-dimensional and Movie Box experience. So, if you have the money to experience it, go out and experience it. Let us know what it is like to enter into an alternate reality, as they say in science fiction.

Right away when I think about traveling with Virtual Reality (VR) as my traveling partner, I start to think about how to pack the gear, where to put it (i.e. in the overhead bin of an airplane or under the seat in front of me) and the list goes on from there.

You ARE traveling when you participate in virtual reality in some cases. It is a question of WHERE you want to travel to and what you want to experience in your travels. Name the place, choose the gear, choose the level of excitement in your virtual reality experience, and start that experience and fly (no pun intended).

All the VR fun aside, let’s talk about the boring part of this discussion, first, and get it out of the way.

That is, how to pack your VR gear and devices. If you are traveling by airplane or traveling in close quarters with other travelers (i.e. bus or a packed van), you will likely need to be more careful in how the gear is packed, to ensure that it does not get scratched or bounced around so much that it breaks.

Maybe it is a non-issue because you are using your smartphone and the viewer packs easily. In that case, you are all set. But, maybe you are packing a game system or other VR gear and if that is the case, you have some considerations.

Obviously, it is ideal if you can pack your gear in its original packaging, but that is assuming that you still have the original packaging and that that same packaging isn’t just a bunch of plastic that you have to cut through with a hunting knife. It is opportune to use the original carrying case if you have it. The only other thing to consider is the size of that carrying case and whether it will fit or how it will fit in your particular traveling situation.

Other Options

If your gear did not come with a carry case, you can find something that will work. Popular places include Amazon.com. You make it work even if it is not the original carry case. For example, use that foam stuff that you cut to shape. You could also use that bubble wrap stuff, or any combination of packing material that will protect your gear.

Also, keep in mind that your gear is likely taking up very little space! I saved that point for last because it makes life a bit easier. For example, as we mentioned, you may be using your smartphone for your virtual reality experience. If that is the case, it is just a matter of packing your smartphone. And, you are already doing that, right?

Add to that the headset or 3D movie box or anything else you want to add. Again, with something like a carrying case and packaging, and you are all set. Now, choose your favorite virtual reality travel game. Visit anywhere in the world while you are traveling to another place in the world.

You have heard of multitasking, now you are multi-traveling without even leaving your seat. It might look strange, but with the way our culture is rapidly changing, it isn’t. It could be that your neighbors may be doing exactly the same thing as you!