Can You Actually Vacation in Video Games?

We usually visit game worlds to save the universe, slay dragons, or build empires. But what happens if you just... check into a hotel and try to relax? I spent three nights across three different franchises to see which digital destination offers the best holiday vibes. Here’s the "Unforgettably Delightful" travel report.

1. Whiterun, Skyrim: The Bannered Mare

Our first stop is the province of Skyrim. Located in the heart of the tundra, Whiterun is the trading capital of the north. I checked into The Bannered Mare, the city's central hub for mead and gossip.

The Experience:

Upon entering, you're hit with the scent of woodsmoke and roasted meat. The inkeeper, Hulda, is efficient, charging just 10 Septims for a room. The bed is firm, and the room comes with complimentary cheese wheels and a boiled cream treat. However, peace and quiet are hard to find—Mikael the Bard plays "Ragnar the Red" on a loop until 4:00 AM, and you might find a traveler named Olfrid sleeping in your bed if you don't secure a private wing.

Rating: 4/5 Stars (Great food, terrible acoustics).

2. Porrima II, Starfield: Paradiso Resort

Next, we headed to the Settled Systems to visit Paradiso, the galaxy’s premier luxury resort on the planet Porrima II. It’s a literal tropical paradise with pristine beaches and crystal-clear water.

The Experience:

Check-in is incredibly smooth, and first-time visitors even get a 20% discount. The lobby is the height of corporate luxury, featuring a full-service coffee bar and "Upscale Chunks" dining. While the resort offers a much-needed break from the industrial grit of New Atlantis or Akila City, the isolation of the planet means you're at the mercy of the hotel's amenities. Still, for those who want to do absolutely nothing in the sun, it’s the jewel of the systems.

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars (The closest thing to a "real" vacation in the stars).

3. Novac, Fallout New Vegas: Dino Delight Motel

Finally, we traveled to the Mojave Wasteland. Novac is a dusty highway outpost famous for Dinky the T-Rex, a giant concrete dinosaur that looms over the parking lot. I stayed at the Dino Delight Motel, run by Jeanie May Crawford.

The Experience:

The motel hasn't been renovated in over 200 years, and it shows. The carpet is stained, the air is stale, and the complimentary snacks include Sugar Bombs and Dirty Water. However, it has a strange charm. The local sniper, Craig Boone, keeps the town safe from the hills, and the Dino Bite Gift Shop run by Cliff Briscoe is packed with thousands of dinosaur figurines—a remnant of a pre-war REPCONN safety scandal.

Rating: 3.5/5 Stars (Rough around the edges, but the locals have heart).

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Traveler's Tip: If you're staying in Novac, keep your data safe! Even in the wasteland, terminal networks are vulnerable. Consider a virtual private network before accessing Manny Vargas' computer.