Around world in virtual reality: Google Earth VR will fly you to any destination from the comfort of your home

Travelling around the world is many people's dream, but few have the means to be able to make it happen, the Daily Mail reports.

Now Google has found a way of letting people experience what it is like to be in even the most distant parts of world, from the highest mountains to the busiest cities, without even leaving the house.

The firm has released a free virtual reality version of Google Earth that works with the HTC Vive headset, and comes complete with virtual tours of some of the world's most popular destinations.

The programme works like the standard Google Earth or Google Street View programs, except it is beamed directly into the user's eyes in three dimensions.

'Ten years ago, Google Earth began as an effort to help people everywhere explore our planet,' said Mike Podwal, product manager at Google VR, in a blog post.

'And now, with more than two billion downloads, many have.' 

'Today, we are introducing Google Earth VR as our next step to help the world see the world. 

'With Earth VR, you can fly over a city, stand at the top of the highest peaks, and even soar into space.' 

Google also allows users to experience cinematic tours of particularly popular tourist destinations. 

'Earth VR comes with cinematic tours and hand-picked destinations that send you to the Amazon River, the Manhattan skyline, the Grand Canyon, the Swiss Alps, and more.'

The project allows users to walk around the likes of the Hong Kong Stadium or Rome's historic Colosseum, or climb the Matterhorn.

Having been rebuilt for room scale VR, the revamped Google Earth also lets users fly around each destination.

Being able to zoom in and rotate the Earth, and even fly through space is expected to give users first-person views that would be almost impossible to achieve in real life.

The Google Earth VR app is available to download for free from the Steam store, the digital software depository that feeds the HTC Vive.

Like Tilt Brush, Earth VR is launching first on the HTC Vive.  

The HTC Vive headset comes with a front facing camera, redesigned headstrap for greater stability, an improved visual system with brighter displays - as well as the ability to take calls while immersed in an imaginary world. 

On the Steam store, the Earth VR programme has already achieved a 'Very Positive' rating after over 400 reviews.