Video game vacation spots to visit

Video games offer a form of escapism reality has a tough time replicating. Our question, then, is would a vacation taken in a video game – vacationing being an inherent form of escapism in itself – not take that one step further?

When thinking about some of the best virtual vacation spots of this generation, we considered that escapism doesn’t necessary need to be beaches and palm trees.

What a vacation spot really needs to do is take your breath away. It’s the one place in a video game you’re likely to take a screenshot. After all, what vacation is complete without photographs?

With that in mind, we’ve put together a little travel guide:

Novigrad – The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is filled to brim with spectacular vistas, be it vibrant and tranquil hilltops; creepy, somewhat transfixing forests; or dingy, clammy swamps.

It’s truly one of the best looking games of the generation, partially because its world has been brought to life like never before.

If ever there was a vacation spot, it’s got to be Novigrad. Situated in the Kingdom of Redania, Novigrad’s population is just over 30,000, as one of the largest cities in the north.

If you are planning a trip to Novigrad, however, you best pack warm. The city’s towering buildings and narrow alleys provide very little sun to the city, which could lead to a nip in the air, but boy is it worth it.

You’re unlikely to stumble upon architecture quite like it, a forest of stone, tiles and the occasional spot of greenery.

One of the largest tourist attractions in the city just has to be the Grand Picket Temple. Accompanied by Eternal Flame fires along its intimidating staircase, it’s an epic climb and a place to stand in awe of.

The city is also home to one of the biggest harbours in the Kingdom of Redania, a sight to be sure, so if you’re a fan of the fish or want to experience its unique cultural heritage, be sure to head on down.

Please do keep in mind that the city folk frown upon those with magical abilities, or anyone that is not human, so be careful what you say – you don’t want to be burnt at the stake.

Auridon – The Elder Scrolls Online

The Elder Scrolls Online is a massive game with so many beautiful locations that we were tempted to nominate the entire region of Tamriel.

That’s a fairly unreasonable vacation destination, so we narrowed it down to my favourite, Auridon. Sure, we have Skyrim, Marrowind and the Bleakrock Isle, but Auridon is a gem to be sure.

Nestled in the Summerset Isles, located east of Summerset and north of Artaeum, Auridon is known as the “Crown Jewel” of the Summerset Archipelago, and the gateway to Tamriel.

The land is made up of massive hill sides, covered in lush grass and beautiful evergreen trees that cover themselves in coats of beautiful pink flowers.

Why not pack a picnic basket and watch bands of players take down one of Molag Bal’s Dark Anchors?

If you are in the area, pay Skywatch a visit, the largest of the cities in Auridon. Here you can take a trip on one of the boats that are docked in the sparkling clear waters of the harbour.

One thing is for sure, Auridon is the place to be if you want to escape the hubbub of constant monster slaying.

The Hinterlands – Dragon Age Inquisition

Dragon Age: Inquisition takes players across various locations in Thedas, from the stormy shores of the Storm Coast to the dry sands of the Forbidden Oasis.

The game is jam packed with beautiful and diverse landscapes that , more than anything, encourage exploration and adventure. And one of the most memorable locations in the game has got to be the Hinterlands.

The Hinterlands is a lush forest found in Ferelden and made up of fertile agricultural land and populated by farmsteads. Just keep in mind that a lot of what there is to see in the Hinterlands requires a good pair of hiking boots to reach.

To get the most out of your stay there, you should pay a visit to the many farms scattered across the land.

It will involve climbing a mountain here and there, but it’s all about the experience. If you’re lucky enough, you might stumble upon a dracolisk, the trip will be much less strenuous on legs. We’d suggest a saddle, dracolisks have less than smooth backs.

Best of all, the Hinterlands is made up of more than a single location that you can visit on your trip.

Valammar, for example, is a mine that houses architecture dating back thousands of years, so why not light a torch and take in its murals and massive sculptures?

The Glowing Sea – Fallout 4

Fallout 4 might not be the best looking game in the world, but there are a few locations that really stand out, and no less beautiful than any other game.

One of these is the Glowing Sea, a dangerous, eerie territory, bathed in the glow of radiation and lit by frequent, breathtaking thunderstorms.

This large patch of isolated land is more than heavily irradiated. It’s been ripped and reshaped by multiple nuclear detonations, turning it into a mighty sight to behold.

You will need a set of power armour to explore the Glow Sea; the high levels of radiation are not ideal for human skin. But it’s totally worth it.

The area is made up of toxic ponds, wrecked cars, scorched buildings and charred trees, which makes it less about the flora and fauna and more about the environment.

If you are lucky enough to stumble upon the Children of Eden, why not sit down with them and have a cup of contaminated water?

Regardless of its looks, the Glowing Sea has much on offer for any tourist who wants to get down and dirty, even a secret location or two.

Gotham City – Batman: Arkham Knight

Batman: Arkham Knight has to be the best looking game in the series, and there’s enough to keep you exploring it for hours and hours.

Granted, Gotham City plays host to some of the most violent criminals in the world, but as long as you stay out of their way, you’re probably fine.

While visiting the city, you might want to pop in at Penessa Studios, home to some of the best TV show and movie sets in Gotham. Here you can take a tour of the film sets, low-budget or not, and really get a sense of what goes on behind the scenes.

If you are a fan of Mr. Wayne, then you can pay Wayne Enterprises a visit on your tour. This multi-billion dollar company is home to the Bruce Wayne, and is a company known for any number of marvelous creations.

Gotham City also pays homage to the Botanical Gardens, which are strangely situated in the middle of a polluted city. Nonetheless, they are still lively and green, thanks to none other than Poison Ivy herself.

If you are lucky enough, you might run into the Dark Knight too, although many people argue that he is long dead after a tragic explosion at his manor.

If you had to travel to a video game land and stay there for a while, where would it be? Let us know in the comments and forum