Travel the World Virtually With Immersive Sonic Escapes

Travel experiences are often described as an assault on the senses – in the best possible way, of course. Now that our travel is restricted, we can still look at beautiful pictures of our dream destination – and even taste some of its food, with associated smells – from the comfort of our own home, but what about the sound of these places?

Chinese firm Huawei has launched a series of travel recordings, with the aim of showcasing new technology which can help to fully immerse you in three iconic locations. The Sonic Escapes have been created to take your mind far away, even though you might actually be at home. The collection is delivered in 360° binaural soundscapes, which work best with headphones or earbuds.

“Now, more than ever we need a break, a break without cancelled flights and a break without quarantines and social distancing. A true escape from the world around us. Sonic Escapes allows listeners to travel through rich, immersive sounds, soaking up the culture of three exotic locations, whilst also experiencing Intelligent Dynamic Noise Cancellation technology.” said Anson Zhang, CEO of Huawei Technologies. The company has launched the series to coincide with their latest FreeBuds Pro release, although everyone can access the audio experiences on the official site.

Here’s our guide to the three destinations featured in the Sonic Escapes series, as well as our top suggestions for places to stay in each city. Once you’ve been taken to the frantic streets of Jamaica’s capital and the bustling souks of Marrakech virtually, we’re sure you’ll want to visit them in person (when it’s safe to do so). You might even fancy the relaxing on the stunning beaches of Mexico when it’s all over.

The souks (traditional markets) of Morocco are famous around the world. They are full of the energy and intensity you expect from a trip to one of the most popular tourist destinations in North Africa. The ancient city is built around Arabic and Andalusian influences, giving it a distinctive look when compared to other large cities in the country. The bustling nature of the centre is one that requires you to keep your wits about you, but once you gain some confidence, it’s time to hit the night markets. The Islamic call to prayer can often be heard in Marrakech and has become part of the daily routine for visitors and locals alike.

The heady combination of utter relaxation and frenetic action are well expressed in Kingston’s soundscape. The Jamaican capital is famous for its port, which has seen the likes of Christopher Columbus and James Bond make land in the past. The latter might just be a fictional character, but 007 author Ian Fleming wrote many of his most popular books here while staying at his Goldeneye manor. Montego Bay is the lively hub of the city, where you can sample some of the best food and drink on the island. It’s also where you’ll be able to hear the unmistakable sound of reggae in the air everywhere you go.

On the southeastern tip of Mexico, jutting firmly into the Caribbean, you’ll find the state of Yucatán. The state is the safest place to visit in the country, and as such has surged in popularity with visitors in recent years. Many people will head straight to the capital Mérida, which makes for an excellent base combining the comfort and convenience of a major city with easy access to the coast, which is only a few miles away. If you’re looking for adventure, this is the place to go, as some of the best beaches are surrounded by dense jungles making them secluded strips of paradise.