Ever found yourself playing a video game and thinking, “This place looks really cool. I wonder if it’s real?” It happens far more often than you realise, and it’s not just video games. Pop culture has been inspiring geeks to explore since before we even knew we were geeks! From books to art, from movies to songs. Video games are the newest form of media to spark the travel bug, but they are by no means the only ones.
The thing about geeks is that we are a diverse bunch, and far more prominent than mainstream makes us out to be. COVID-19 Lockdowns in 2020 made a real difference; with so many people stuck at home, living vicariously through our hobbies and passions, geek fandoms rose above and gave us hope for the day we could travel again. You think that might have made geeks a bit more mainstream, but apparently not. Try to mention ‘geek travel’ or even ‘video game tourism’, and there are still many voices out there who think it is too niche.
So, if we are so niche, what makes geeks so unique? And how does that change our travel style?
Is it our passion for details and connections? Geeks are known for being passionate about specific topics and digging into the details. We can establish connections between locations, history, fashion, food, and characters, while ensuring that we respect authenticity and representation. Sounds to me like the perfect skills for creating a travel itinerary and highlighting responsible travel.
Perhaps it’s our problem-solving skills: Geeks, and especially gamer geeks, often have great skills for solving puzzles and mysteries. We also possess the persistence to complete tasks and the creativity to explore new solutions. When travel plans go awry, I would rather be travelling with geeks and improve my survival stats, thanks.
Then there’s the sense of adventure. Most geeks understand the concept of a Side Quest. It could be a random souvenir found in the market, or perhaps an art workshop in a museum, or even following a cat through the many laneways of street art. Geeks have a goal, but they’re not afraid to check out the adventure one street over.
And of course, geeks are loyal. Sure, you can end up with some very heated discussions about sand with Star Wars geeks (as an example). But it is also very unlikely that you will even be abandoned in the airport, because that’s not the way it rolls–Rebels or Empire.
Whether you’re chasing Middle-earth in New Zealand, ghosts in Tsushima, or the red roads to Avonlea, travel has always been for the geeks. This is your starting point. Here you can search for your favourite geek interest or your dream location. And we’re always open to suggestions.
Follow your geekdom and find your next adventure.
