The bright lights of Las Vegas are the setting for “Grand Theft Auto 6” and also a destination perfectly suited for gamers. (Saad Chaudhry/Unsplash)
One of the things that truly great video games share is that they provide the player with an immersive experience. They drop you into a world that feels so real that every time you log back in or pick the controller up again, it feels like you’re visiting a familiar place.
Not all of those are destinations you’d want to visit in real life — looking at you Raccoon City and Lake of Rot, and many of our favourite video game locations are impossibilities, like massive space stations, cloud cities, and underwater landscapes. Others, however, are based on or inspired by actual places.
Here are four of the dream travel destinations for gamers. These places are all worth putting down the controller for and exploring in real life.
Grand Theft Auto — Las Vegas, Nevada
Grand Theft Auto 6 is in the news as hype about its upcoming release keeps building and the other titles in the series remain favourites of many players. This newest game is based in Miami but the classic world of GTA is inspired by the other side of the country.
Las Venturas is the Grand Theft Auto version of Las Vegas. It even has some of the same landmarks, including the iconic welcome sign from the Vegas Strip. While visitors can’t run wild like they do in the world of San Andreas, the city does offer a number of supercar driving experiences.
Casinos are the main draw for Las Vegas, but you don’t have to stay inside to gamble and miss out on the sunshine and the excitement of the Strip and beyond. Make sure that you’ve planned ahead by purchasing a travel plan for your phone. Being able to play at online casinos on mobile is the best way to get the full Las Vegas experience even while travelling between destinations or on long rides through the desert.
Las Vegas is also an ideal destination for gamers because it hosts some of the top esports events in the world. The HyperX Arena at the Luxor is one of the world’s biggest esports arenas, which hosts events like Knock Down, the Capcom Cup and the League of Legends All-Star Tournament. Even better for gamers, you can play there too! The Gaming Lobby, VIP rooms, and Streamer Room are all open to players.
The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim — Norway
The Elder Scrolls was a popular franchise up until the 2011 release of Skyrim, then it became a cultural phenomenon. The open world map, gorgeous graphics, constant stream of downloadable content and engaging storylines have helped it remain a favourite over the last decade.
The games in the Elder Scrolls franchise are all set in various countries in the fictional world of Tamriel. While some players prefer the gentle countryside of High Rock or the deserts of Hammerfell, it’s the Scandinavian-inspired landscape of Skyrim that is the most iconic.
There are numerous locations across Norway that have that magical Skyrim feel. The Lofoten Archipelago should be at the top of any gamer’s list of destinations. The dramatic scenery includes the Svolværgeita peak and Himmeltindan Mountain. There’s also the Lofotr Viking Museum with its reconstructed Viking Longhouse for those who want to learn more about the history of the region.
Red Dead Redemption 2 — Banff, Alberta
Even as we’re getting close to its 10th birthday, Red Dead Redemption 2 remains one of the greatest open world games ever. One of the reasons for the game’s continued appeal is that it took the desert setting of Red Dead Redemption and expanded it to include all the quintessential Wild West landscapes.
For those who want to experience the majesty of Big Sky Country, Banff is a great place to start. Banff is nestled on the edge of the Rocky Mountains inside of Banff National Park. The scenery is stunning, particularly surrounding Lake Louise. Even gamers who aren’t particularly interested in the great outdoors won’t be able to resist the mountains, lakes, and forests. There’s also the luxury of the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel for those who want to vacation like a railroad baron.
Only 126 kilometres (78 miles) from Banff is Calgary, Canada’s rodeo capital. If it’s the cowboy side of the Red Dead Redemption franchise that you enjoy, Calgary is worth a visit. The Calgary Stampede is held every year in July and is one of the largest rodeos in the world. It’s an unbeatable experience — and a great place to buy the perfect pair of cowboy boots.
Assassin’s Creed — World Tour
The Assassin’s Creed franchise is one of the most creative and best loved series. While some of the titles haven’t been as well received as the rest, for the most part it has become an iconic game series. A big part of the success of the game is due to the graphics and the care taken to recreate real locations in the game. Playing Assassin’s Creed doesn’t just take players on a journey through time, but on a trip around the world as well.
The Assassin’s Creed games each include multiple locations, and with 13 games in the main series and just as many spin-off titles, it would be impossible to highlight each travel destination associated with the franchise. Instead, we’ll suggest a few of the most iconic locations.
For fans of the earliest titles, an Italian tour that includes Rome, Venice, and Florence is a must. You’ll be able to see landmarks recreated in the games, such as Santa Croce, the Sistine Chapel, and the Grand Canal. Paris and London are also featured in the Unity and Syndicate titles.
Jumping across the Atlantic, Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia is a perfect spot for fans of Assassin’s Creed III and Rogue. The destination recreates the experiences of living in an 18th-century American colonial town — though with considerably less parkour and murder than in the games! It’s also located near Richmond, where visitors can enjoy all the modern amenities, including the city’s bustling food scene.
