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Abroad, Guests

Top Travel Destinations Found in Video Games Every Adventurer Must Visit

posted by Dario
Jan 7, 2019 1386 2 0
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Gamers may have a bit of a reputation for staying in front of the computer for too long, but it doesn’t mean they haven’t seen as much of the world as others. From dystopian war zones to historical monuments, gamers have actually been to many virtual renditions of spectacular destinations across the globe.

Just like books and films, video games have the power to transport viewers to another land. In fact, they tend to do escapism better than most media, since developers are known to put serious commitment into perfecting these motion graphics. Thanks to technology, players are able to engage with these beautiful realities from the comfort of their own homes.

But of course, these places aren’t just pulled out of thin air. Often, they draw inspiration from the real world we live in. And now with the growing popularity of advancements like Augmented Reality, effects are now more elevated than ever, increasing video games’ resemblance to real-life locations and experiences even more. Whether or not the similarities are intentional, using familiar locations makes it more relatable for players, and may even inspire them to get off their screens and experience these environments in the flesh.

Video game fan or not, here are some fantastic gaming world locations that might inspire your next trip or gaming binge.

  • Cambodia
  • Hong Kong
  • Montana
  • Rome
  • Nepal

Cambodia

As seen in: Tomb Raider

According to Business Insider‘s gaming reporter Kevin Webb, the cult popularity of the Tomb Raider franchise catapulted Lara Croft from female protagonist to the gaming industry’s poster child. Having been created in 1996 by British developers at Core Design, Lara Croft and the franchise surrounding her are one of the longest running of their kind in the whole video game history. Throughout the years, the leading lady’s journey has been explored in two Hollywood films, various magazine covers, advertisements, and more.

But on top of all these accomplishments, Tomb Raider was also able to shed light on the wondrous land of Cambodia. The game takes players around the Angkor Wat, which is known as the largest religious monument in the world, housing ruins from a 12th century temple built during the Khmer Empire. While you probably wouldn’t want to include ravine diving and rattlesnake fighting in your itinerary like Lara Croft has had to in the games, you can opt to visit Siem Reap, the closest city to the temple.

Cambodia
Photo credits: Pixel Pasts

Hong Kong

As seen in: Sleeping Dogs

From the distinctly blinding neon lights to the city’s rugged urban charm, it’s almost hard to tell Sleeping Dogs’ virtual version of Hong Kong from the real thing. The game completely immerses players in the environment, all thanks to the intricate details that the developers have injected into the effects and game play. Pleasantly lurking in the scene are some modern day landmarks and institutions, such as the impressive Bank of China Tower. Even the atmosphere and vibe in the game has been perfected down to a tee, as heard in the background characters’ uncanny local accents and the street vendors serving up true-to-life Chinese cuisine.

Photo credits: Digital Trends

Montana

As seen in: Far Cry 5

The Wild Wild West is an instantly recognizable setting, constantly playing host to many of our favorite pop culture classics. Its dramatic landscapes and iconic rock formations are simply the perfect backdrop for action, as seen in hit shows like Westworld and Little House on the Prairie. Unsurprisingly, video games have followed suit, as in the case of Ubisoft’s Far Cry 5.

While the game’s main location, Hope County, isn’t an actual place, developers were inspired by the rugged beauty of Montana in Northwestern USA. In fact, they have created such an accurate portrayal of the state that the game’s locale has taken on a role as one of the most influential characters in the entire Far Cry 5 game. Just a few levels in and you’re sure to be pulled in by the allure of Montana’s mountains, too.

Photo credits: PlayStation Blog

Rome

As seen in: Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood

Assassin’s Creed is pretty much a masterclass for creators on how to ensure the world you make is well-represented and credible. For Brotherhood, its developers designed it in a way that was almost obsessive in ensuring that it historically accurate, even going as far as consulting a Renaissance scholar. And although modern-day Italy has an endless array of potential breathtaking backdrops, the game takes players back in time to Ancient Rome, showing many of its iconic structures such as the Colosseum and Capitoline Hill.

The city is such a rich resource for inspiration that countless other games have been influenced by its heritage. Online slot gaming giant Slingo hosts titles such as Soldier of Rome, Ave Caesar, and Spartacus, which are all deeply influenced by the ancient empire and life in it. Because many of the locations have been carefully preserved, it makes for an interesting encounter once you actually see and touch them personally. Moreover, Ancient Rome’s impact is so immense that it can be felt even across other industries, too. One example of this is the vast world of fashion. The Telegraph notes that many modern trends and labels consistently take their cue from Greco-Roman looks, from the gladiator sandal to asymmetrical body jewellery.

Photo credits: Assassin's Creed Wiki - Fandom
Photo credits: Assassin’s Creed Wiki – Fandom

Nepal

As seen in: Far Cry 4

Another destination from the Far Cry universe, the fourth installment makes use of the surreal Himalayan mountains of Nepal. Just looking at the vast snow-capped peaks and seemingly infinite frozen terrains can almost make you feel the cold ice between your own hands. The environment is so impressively accurate, with developers even matching their game to the locals’ own clothing. For sure, you’ll be itching for the authentic experience with every in-game goal you accomplish.

Photo credits: Far Cry 4
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Dario Dionisi



If you want to know something more about me – my soul is a traveler, my origin is Italian and my true essence is a faithful friend. I am always open to new ideas and will be very happy if you want to contact me at dario@beyondsofia.com

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To the Rhodopes we go! On this adventure we visit To the Rhodopes we go!

On this adventure we visited Sitovo waterfall - a place far away from the human and industrial hand and completely preserved by the surrounding nature. 

It is located in the Rhodopes, 30 km from Plovdiv, right at the junction between the beautiful Rhodope villages Sitovo and Lilkovo. They can be reached by a unpaved, but relatively flat road. The left road continues to Sitovo, and the right - to Lilkovo. 

Under the bridge at the fork, which turns to Lilkovo, the passing river has formed a cascade of waterfalls. The waterfalls have a maximum drop of about 2 meters and are extremely picturesque as you can see from the pictures.

 #Waterfall #Bulgaria #hike
Skakavitsa is the name of the highest waterfall in Skakavitsa is the name of the highest waterfall in the Rila Mountains. Located in Rila National Park. The waterfall is located on the Skakavitsa River in the Skakavishka Valley at the foot of the eastern slope of Kabul Peak, Northwestern Rila. It is located at 1950 m above sea level, and the height from which the water falls is 70 m.

The hike can be challenging during the winter but the final destination is pure wonderland. Although you can visit the waterfall every season because it is always “working”. Skakavitsa is in fact one of the most majestic and amazing waterfalls in Bulgaria, so don’t miss to visit it.

#Bulgaria #Waterfall #hike
Happiness is having a travel partner and dog like Happiness is having a travel partner and dog like Yuki-Doro!

Can't describe how much I love this little sassy piece of fur. 😄

Anyway about our new destination - Slivodolsko praslkalo. It is located in the Dobrostan part of the Western Rhodopes. The nearest settlement is the village of Yugovo located in the southeast.

The water falls from a height of 49 meters, making the waterfall the highest in the Rhodopes.

This waterfall is absolutely magical so it is worth to do the hike to reach the place even if at some spots it is a little bit difficult but the pleasure and views at the end is worth doing the hike!

#bulgaria #hike #dog
We are continuing with the exploration of the Bulg We are continuing with the exploration of the Bulgarian waterfalls. This time we are finding ourselves in the Rhodope mountains. 

There we went to the beautiful village of Manastir. Near the village is situated the waterfall "Holy Spirit". Its height is about 15 meters and is the highest in the period April - June. The waterfall is located on the river Manastirska and is about 1.5 km walk from the center of the village of Manastir. It was declared as natural landmark in 1965, and the area of 0.5 ha around it is protected.

Curious fact:
The village of Manastir is the highest altitude village on the Balkan Peninsula - 1500 meters above sea level.

#Waterfall #Bulgaria #hike
Our last gem waterfall in Belasitsa mountain will Our last gem waterfall in Belasitsa mountain will be the Sramejlivetza waterfall or directly translated in english the Shy waterfall.

The waterfall is located on the river Kameshnitsa between the villages Samuilovo and Kamena. It is locked by a rock in the shape of the letter "P", which surrounds the entire gorge, starting from the waterfall. It is 21 meters high, making it the highest waterfall in the Belasitsa mountain.

It is quite impressive and its totally worth it to go over all the obstacles that the trail has.

#waterfall #bulgaria #hike
Exploring the Mangaro waterfall another nature gem Exploring the Mangaro waterfall another nature gem of Belasitsa mountain.

#Bulgaria #waterfall #hike
Let’s open the season of the waterfalls! Finall Let’s open the season of the waterfalls!

Finally, the warm spring days have arrived and was time to start exploring the awakening waterfalls in Bulgaria. For my first stop I choose the village of Skrat – a place in the very corner of Southwest Bulgaria.

The first waterfall is called waterfall Dubitsata - an easily accessible spot. The hike is around 40-50 min depending of your speed of walking.

It is a wonderful place to explore and to dive into the Belasitsa mountain’s nature.

The face of our mountain expert Yuki-Doro is the living proof of this experience!

#Waterfall #Bulgaria #hike
Click bait post! Just joking, or maybe not? Last Click bait post! Just joking, or maybe not?

Last week we had the chance to visit once again one my most favourite Eco paths in Bulgaria – View to nine mountains.

I always say that only because you visited a place once that doesn’t mean automatically that this spot is not worth visiting again. On the contrary, it is much more worth it to do that. In that way you can see how the place has developed, changed or just refresh your old memories here or even create new ones!

An adventure is always an adventure no matter whether the place is new or old, it is just up to you and how you will live it!

#bulgaria #hike #dog
The Radetzky was an Austro-Hungarian passenger ste The Radetzky was an Austro-Hungarian passenger steamship built in 1851 in the shipyard in Óbuda, Hungary, and used for regular services on the Danube, mainly between Orşova, Austria-Hungary and Galaţi, Romania. Named after Bohemian nobleman and Austrian general Joseph Radetzky von Radetz, it is most notable as part of the history of Bulgaria as the ship which revolutionary and poet Hristo Botev and his band bloodlessly hijacked and used to reach Kozloduy, Bulgaria.

On 29 May 1876, after the ship left the port of Bechet, the Bulgarian revolutionaries, who had boarded it from different ports disguised as gardeners, forced the captain Dagobert Engländer to change course and transport the group to the Bulgarian port of Kozloduy, from where they would attempt to organize an anti-Ottoman uprising as a follow-up to the already crushed April Uprising of the same year.

Nowadays the steamship Radetzky is a national relic of Bulgaria. A village in Sliven Province bears its name, Radetski, and national writer Ivan Vazov wrote a poem based on the events of May 1876, which is today a popular patriotic song called Still White Danube Undulates.

#Bulgaria #history #museum
God's Bridge also known as Jabokrek, is a natural God's Bridge also known as Jabokrek, is a natural rock bridge in the Chirensko-Lilyashki karst region about 15 km north of Vratsa. It is about 20 meters high, 25 meters wide, and along its main axis the "tunnel" formed by the Lilyachka River is about 100 meters long. During the dry months of the year, the river under the bridge dries up and there are several ponds full of frogs. Hence the other name under which this rock phenomenon is known.

The place is quite phenomenal and it’s very interesting to explore. Here you can easily hike for an hour and enjoy the nature that offers not only this but a long side river with small waterfalls, amazing panoramic views and also a bit of history thanks to the vicinity of Borovanska Mogila where remains of a fortress from Roman times are found.

#Bulgaria #nature #hike
Dive in the animal kingdom of Budapest. Being hug Dive in the animal kingdom of Budapest.

Being huge fan of animals, it was a must for me to visit the zoo of Budapest after hearing so much positive feedback.

Saying that, the Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden is one of the oldest in the world with its almost 150 years of history. Having more than 2000 species it makes this place one of the best maintained zoos in Europe.

During my visit here, I was surprised how well divided the the zoo is, every continent had its personalized building where you can enjoy the rich variety of animals and plants.

But probably the best part of this whole experience was the chance to be with some of the cage-free animals, without cages or restriction, just to build that special human - animal bond.

#Budapest #zoo #botanicalgarden
The street habitants of Budapest. As a big fan of The street habitants of Budapest.

As a big fan of every type of art I couldn’t resist but make my research to find the best murals and graffities in the Hungarian capital.

Must say -  I wasn’t disappointed! Budapest is famous with the big spaces and buildings that give chance to talented artist to create and make the urban atmosphere more fun and colourful.

Most of them can be found in the centre of the city in the so-called Jewish neighbourhood, also known as the creative spot of Budapest.

#Budapest #art #graffities
The little cultural art universe of Budapest. The The little cultural art universe of Budapest.

The Museum of Fine Arts is a magnificent example of how well preserved and maintained can one art space be. It is made up of international art (other than Hungarian), including all periods of European art, and comprises of more than 100,000 pieces. 

The Museum's collection is made up of six departments: Egyptian, Antique, Old sculpture gallery, Old master paintings gallery, Modern collection, Graphics collection.

Visitors can enjoy the enormous variety of pieces of art from different decades making this museum one of the best spots to visit in Budapest.

#Budapest #museum #art
Hungarian’s most iconic building ✨ I am sure Hungarian’s most iconic building ✨

I am sure that when someone hears about Hungary one of the first thing that pops in their mind is the building of the Parliament and for a reason. It is one of the most beautiful administrative buildings in the world! 🤩

Building this impressive edifice took 17 years, from 1885 to 1902, based on the design by the architect Imre Steindl. Richly decorated, both inside and out, was inspired by the Houses of Parliament in London, thus it was designed in Neo-Gothic style, although it also bears Renaissance and Baroque stylistic flourishes. The third largest parliament in the world, it was built on the 1000th anniversary of the foundation of the state of Hungary. 🤓

Nowadays you can visit the building with a special tour that will show you the most significant places inside and explain you details about the evolution and roles that this place took part in, in the past and now. 👀

#Budapest #building #architecture
Budapest – The little Paris 👀 Many people de Budapest – The little Paris 👀

Many people describe the Hungarian capital as the little Paris but the question is – is it really? 🤔

The answer is yes, in a very strange way. While exploring Budapest I could see the resembling style and symbol of East Europe but at the same time I could feel the Western influence in the buildings, atmosphere and in the overall view. 🧐

The city is a unique mix of both Europes, showing an interesting and intriguing side of the cultural treasure that our continent has. But probably one of the most important events that marked this place is when Budapest became officially a city in 1873, when the three neighbouring cities of Pest, Buda and Óbuda united.  The unification was extremely important and lead to a rapid development of the city that we can see nowadays. 🤓

#Budapest #Hungary #capital
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