is virtual travel on youtube as good as the real thing?

Last night, I spent two hours glued to my couch, watching a YouTube walking tour of Rome. The host strolled through cobblestone streets, sampled gelato, and even chatted with locals. Meanwhile, I was in my pajamas, eating leftover pizza, and honestly, it felt like I was almost there—minus the jet lag and sore feet. But here’s the thing: as much as I love the idea of traveling, the thought of long flights, crowded airports, and spending a small fortune just stresses me out. I keep telling myself that watching these virtual tours is a pretty good substitute, but is it really? Am I missing out on something important by not being there in person? I’ve tried a few channels like "Wanderlust Travel Videos" and "Vagabrothers," but I’m always on the lookout for new ones that really capture the feeling of being somewhere else. Do you have any favorites that make you feel like you’re actually walking those streets or tasting the food? Or do you think virtual travel is just a poor replacement for the real thing? Sometimes I wonder if I’m just fooling myself. Have you found any channels that truly transport you, or do you end up feeling more restless and stuck at home? Let’s swap recommendations—maybe we can find the next best thing to a plane ticket! #virtualtravel #youtubeadventures #armchairtraveler #travelquestions #midlifetravel #Travel