Gami-Vacations: Real-World Destinations Inspired by Gaming Culture

Ever explored a massive, beautiful world in a video game and thought, “I wish I could go there for real”? Well, now you can. A new travel trend called “Gami-Vacation” is taking over, where gamers are visiting the actual places that inspired their favorite games.

Instead of just seeing cool sights, you get to step into the landscapes you’ve already adventured through on your screen. It’s all about mixing your love for gaming with the thrill of real-world exploration.

This isn’t just about playing games on the go. Gami-Vacations are about creating a real connection to the virtual worlds you love.

Imagine hiking through the same forests that look like a scene from Genshin Impact or exploring ancient streets that remind you of Assassin’s Creed. It’s a chance to turn your digital adventures into real memories, bringing the story of a game to life. You can finally experience the epic scenery from your favorite games, but this time, you’re actually there. Ready to see where you could go?

Here are 10 places you can visit for a Gami-Vacation!

France

France is an amazing destination for a gaming-themed holiday. Paris lets you step into the shoes of an assassin from Assassin’s Creed Unity, exploring historic sites like the Palais de la Cité from the French Revolution era. You can also see the 9th-century version of the city from the Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: The Siege of Paris expansion. For a different vibe, the upcoming Pokémon Legends Z-A is set in a fictional city based on Paris, and games like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Remember Me show futuristic or historical versions of the city.

The adventure continues outside the capital. Southern France’s rolling hills and vineyards are the real-world setting for Toussaint from The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Blood and Wine. You can also discover the gentle, watercolor world of the indie game Dordogne in the southwest. For mountain lovers, the French Alps, featured in games like Steep and Syberia, offer exciting winter sports. Visiting these places makes you the main character in your own travel story.

United States

The USA offers some incredible trips for gamers, with many famous cities and states appearing in classic titles.

You can swing through New York City just like in Spider-Man, seeing landmarks like Times Square and Central Park, or experience a different version of San Francisco in Watch Dogs 2.

The Grand Theft Auto series brings cities like Los Angeles and Miami to life, allowing you to visit places like the Santa Monica Pier, which inspired parts of Los Santos. It’s like stepping onto the set of your favorite game.

But it’s not just about big cities. If you’ve played Life is Strange, you can explore the real Oregon Coast, the inspiration for Arcadia Bay. You can visit charming towns and see the actual coastline from the game.

For those who prefer open-world action, Montana’s Glacier National Park served as the backdrop for Far Cry 5. You can hike and explore the same rugged areas you adventured through, turning your virtual quests into a real-life expedition.

Italy

Italy is a total playground for gamers, especially if you’re a fan of the Assassin’s Creed series. You can visit real cities like Venice, Florence, and Rome, which were the main stages for Ezio Auditore’s adventures. Imagine walking past the Colosseum or crossing the Rialto Bridge and recognizing them instantly from your console.

Venice also inspired the stunning water city of Altissia in Final Fantasy XV, so you can drift through canals that feel like a fantasy world brought to life. It’s a chance to see the art and history you’ve climbed over virtually, but this time, you can actually smell the pizza.

If you want something a bit different, check out the star-shaped town of Palmanova. Its unique fortress design helped inspire locations in Gears of War 4, giving you a peek into a real-life defensive stronghold. For a more relaxed vibe, the island of Capri sets the scene for the puzzle game Anacapri The Dream. You can explore local legends, take a boat to the glowing Blue Grotto, or just hang out in a place that feels like a level designed for paradise. Whether you’re looking for action or mystery, Italy lets you live out your gaming dreams in the real world.

Norway

Norway is perfect for gamers who love epic adventures and huge, open worlds. The massive mountains of Jotunheim that you explored in God of War Ragnarök are a real place you can hike through. Fans of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla will recognize the country’s famous fjords and the island of Karmøy, which were featured in the game. It’s a chance to see the dramatic, mythical settings from your favorite Viking and god-slaying sagas with your own eyes, from hiking famous trails to kayaking in the fjords.

The inspiration doesn’t stop there. The Skellige isles from The Witcher III were heavily influenced by the geography and culture of places like Lofoten. You can explore fishing villages and learn about real Viking history.

For a truly remote adventure, the volcanic island in Tomb Raider: Underworld is based on Jan Mayen, a real, largely uninhabited island in the North Atlantic. Visiting Norway means you can step out of the game and into the actual wild, historic lands that inspired these digital worlds.