"Ego Trip"

Has civilization actually begun resorting to the virtual vacation, have we seemingly reached the point where the memorable experience of travel can be replicated by alternative travel solutions? In my opinion this as a completely obscure idea, how can one think they could reproduced all elements of a foreign destination by simply allowing everyone to experience the exact same virtual TRIP. My experience with traveling is not only relative to the visual and audio receptors, but it is so much more. Its a cultural experience where the interaction with locals, the climate, the tan, the endless possibility of movement and the ability to physically touché and appreciate al that surrounds you. The idea of vacation is to experience something unlike anything that you could from the comfort of your home. I understand that this ideal is for those who are unable to physically travel, but I don’t see it possible to authentically replace a vacation. Considering there is no experiential memory, would it be comparable to the perception of watching the travel channel; its beautiful to see, but in the end it just intrigues you to get the real thing?
-Homebodies on Vacation. By Diller and Scofidio