Virtual Road Trip Explores Google Street View with Collaborative Driving
Thousands of internet users are embarking on a unique virtual road trip experience called Internet Roadtrip. Using Google Street View, participants collectively decide the route by voting on the direction every 10 seconds. The experience also includes interactive elements like honking the horn and changing the radio station.
A Collaborative Journey Inspired by Twitch Plays Pokemon
Created by Neal Agarwal, Internet Roadtrip evokes the spirit of Twitch Plays Pokémon. Similar to the iconic livestream, viewers collaboratively control the journey. However, Internet Roadtrip offers a less chaotic experience due to a smaller participant group and improved online organization tools like Discord.
A radio station in Maine (WBOR) is currently curating songs for us in the in-game radio
— Neal Agarwal (@neal.fun)
Embracing the Slow Travel Movement, Virtually
The virtual road trip progresses slowly, at a pace slower than walking. This encourages a unique form of slow travel, allowing participants to appreciate the virtual scenery. While ambitious destinations like Las Vegas or Alaska are impractical due to time constraints and gaps in Google Street View coverage, the focus remains on the journey itself.
Unlike games like GeoGuessr, Internet Roadtrip has no specific objective. The enjoyment comes from the shared experience of exploring backroads, listening to college radio, and connecting with others online. The current virtual location is in Maine, with some discussion of driving towards Canada.
Experience the unique blend of collaborative gaming and virtual travel with Internet Roadtrip. Join the online community and discover the joy of slow travel through Google Street View.
