5 Amazing Destinations for Fans of Video Games
That might sound unusual if you are not a gamer, but in a world where video games offer increasingly immersive and visually stunning landscapes, it comes as no surprise that they can also serve as a source of travel inspiration.
During the height of the pandemic, when international travel seemed like a distant dream, my husband and I played video games as a way to feed our travel bug. We climbed to the top of icy mountains, rode camels across the Sahara and battled hoards of rats in the ruins of medieval castles. And when restrictions lifted, and travel was on the cards again, we revisited some of the same destinations in real life.
So here are my top 5 destinations inspired by video games:
Egypt – Assassin’s Creed Origins
This game allows you to climb to the top of the Great Pyramid of Giza, visit bustling ancient temples and cities and sail down the Nile. Why not do it for real, with a trip to the Valley of the Kings, the temples of Luxor and a cruise down the Nile in a traditional felucca. Unfortunately, you’re not allowed to climb the pyramids in real life!
Las Vegas – Horizon Forbidden West
It may seem strange to take travel inspiration from a post-apocalyptic story, but in Horizon Forbidden West the magic of Las Vegas is still preserved beneath the sands of the Nevada desert. You just have to find it. In one memorable mission, your character Aloy is tasked with retrieving holograms for a light show from the ruins of an ancient casino. So why not visit the lights of Las Vegas and witness its vibrant nightlife, unique architecture and nearby natural wonders like Red Rock Canyon and the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon. No digging required.
Bavaria – Witcher 3
In the Blood and Wine expansion, your character Geralt visits the fictional Toussaint which bears more than a passing resemblance to Bavaria. To get a taste of Witcher life, visit Germany's Bavaria region to explore the enchanting Neuschwanstein Castle, wander through picturesque towns like Rothenburg ob der Tauber, and immerse yourself in the region's lush forests and majestic mountains. This time without the monsters!
The Amazon Jungle - Green Hell
In this survival game, you are dropped into the middle of the Amazon jungle with nothing more than a GPS device and your own wits to keep you alive. But you can explore the jungle in much more style, with a luxury cruise down the Amazon, spotting wildlife from the safety and comfort of your boat. Explore the vibrant ecosystem, encounter diverse wildlife and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the indigenous communities that call the Amazon home.
Japan – Ghost of Tsushiuma
Ghost of Tsushima takes players on a captivating journey through feudal Japan, specifically the island of Tsushima. The game’s stunning landscapes, ancient temples and traditional Japanese architecture make it a perfect source of travel inspiration. To experience it in real life, consider visiting Japan and exploring its historical sites and cultural gems. Walk through Kyoto’s bamboo forests, visit Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park and immerse yourself in the samurai heritage of Kanazawa.
Through the magic of video games, we can explore virtual landscapes that inspire us to seek out real-world destinations offering similar wonders. So, whether you choose to traverse ancient Egypt, explore post-apocolyptic Las Vegas or immerse yourself in feudal Japan, let your virtual worlds guide you towards incredible real-life adventures. Have you played any travel-inspiring games recently?