More former Heygo big hitters join new virtual guides collective

By paulcolewriter20th Nov 2023 ( 5 )

MORE fan favourites from defunct travel streamer Heygo have joined the new Together Virtually guides collective, which is continuing live online tours and is set to launch its own website.

When Heygo closed back in April the future looked bleak for the thousands of armchair travellers who signed up during the pandemic and saw the streams as a lockdown lifesaver.

But a handful of guides, spearheaded by York’s John Wright, of All Points North fame, banded together to build a new community under the banner Together Virtually – Discover The World.

John Wright of All Points North

Some of Heygo’s big hitters, such as Stephan van der Meer, Ian Braisby, Anna Levina and Kelsey Betzelberger were among those who signed up, carrying on where Heygo left off.

Since then many more have featured in a shared calendar of tours accessible via various platforms including Youtube, and a new Facebook community group has attracted more than 5,000 members.

Guides on the Youtube playlist hub

Ahead of the imminent launch of a dedicated new website set to offer user-friendly access to a range of live and ‘as live’ tours, live events and presentations and interactive Youtube premieres, more far-flung faces have signed up.

René Flinn, whose Youtube channel will be offering a range of tours, including new Caribbean adventures, while naturalist and tour guide Alejandro Cano will be introducing his virtual tour groups to the scenic splendour and culture of Costa Rica.

From Canada, Wild Jay Wanders , who specialises in Vancouver and British Columbia, has joined the group, and fellow Canadian Dan King is back with new livestream destinations too.

Huy Ông

Meanwhile, Huy Ông will be leading online tours in Vietnam and earlier this month met up for a surprise collaboration with Stephan van der Meer and Anna Levina in Amsterdam.

Huy, Anna and Stephan in Amsterdam

“One of the special joys of Heygo was the sheer variety on offer all day long,” says John Wright. “So it has been a real joy to welcome back familiar faces over the last few weeks. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out their tours at a time that suits you.”