Calling all wizards and witches, elves and hobbits, dragoons and black mages, and soot sprite enthusiasts! It’s time to step out from the pages and consoles and into worlds that will tickle your fantasy cravings like never before. Whether you’re longing to channel your inner wizard at the magical Hogwarts Castle, seeking a Middle-earth adventure through the glorious landscapes of New Zealand, wanting to cast spells in the mystical world of Final Fantasy in Japan, or desiring a serene escape to the colorful, enchanting realms inspired by Studio Ghibli classics, we’ve got you covered. We specialize in planning dreamlike holidays that bring your beloved fantasies to glorious life – allowing you to not only see but live the magic! Let us transport you to these unparalleled fantasy destinations, where imagination reigns and the extraordinary becomes reality.
Here are our top picks (in no particular order) for trips that will immerse you in that fantasy feeling IRL.
Universal Studios Orlando – The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™
Little known story: another famous Orlando theme park had a chance to get this franchise in their park and totally fumbled the bag. Universal, however, was more than happy to jump on the opportunity, opening The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ in 2014. The themed area is spread across both Universal Orlando parks with Hogsmeade™ located in the Islands of Adventure Park, and Diagon Alley™ situated on the Universal Studios side. To experience the entire Wizarding World on a single day, one must have tickets to both parks, also known as a Park-to-Park ticket. With this, you can hop on the Hogwarts™ Express and experience a cinematic train ride between the two areas, imagining you finally received your letter to the prestigious school. On either side, you can experience the nostalgic details built into the park like tasting Butterbeer™, riding a hippogriff, escaping from Gringotts™, and even have a wand selected for you at Ollivander’s™. (Photo credit: HarshLight on Flickr)
Hobbiton™ Movie Set – Matamata, New Zealand
Many people know that The Lord of the Rings movies were filmed in New Zealand. Did you know, though, that you can explore the Shire™ at the Hobbiton™ Movie Tour experience? Set in idyllic Matamata, New Zealand you can enjoy a tour of the movie set, have second breakfast and even dine like a hero with the Evening Banquet Tour. While there are no accommodations on-site, your travel agent at Geeked Getaways can help you find a great place to stay while you imagine you’re trekking through Middle-Earth. (Photo credit: Joe Ross on Flickr)
Studio Ghibli Museum – Mitaka, Tokyo, Japan
This destination is less an amusement park, and more of a whimsical journey into the worlds created by award-winning filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki. From Spirited Away to My Neighbor Totoro and all his other iconic movies, the Studio Ghibli Museum is a must-stop for fans when visiting the Tokyo area.
A few other destinations to consider when planning a trip to tickle your fantastical fancy:
Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe – Mystical Waters:
- The awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in the world, can evoke a sense of magic and wonder, especially during the rainbow-lit spray.
Drakensberg Mountains, South Africa/Lesotho – Majestic Peaks:
- The Drakensberg Mountains with their rugged peaks, deep valleys, and ancient rock art sites can provide a setting reminiscent of fantasy landscapes.
Iceland – Land of Ice and Fire:
- With its otherworldly landscapes, Iceland is perfect for fantasy enthusiasts. Explore geysers, glaciers, and volcanic landscapes that could easily pass for scenes from a fantasy novel.
Marrakech, Morocco – Aladdin’s City:
- Marrakech’s vibrant markets, intricate architecture, and the historic Medina can transport you to the world of Aladdin and Arabian Nights.
Croatia – Game of Thrones Filming Locations:
- Dubrovnik, Split, and other Croatian locations were used for filming Game of Thrones. Explore the real-life King’s Landing and other iconic settings from the series.
Ireland – Ancient Legends:
- Ireland is rich in mythology and folklore. Visit places like Giant’s Causeway, the Cliffs of Moher, and the Burren, and immerse yourself in the magic of Celtic legends.
Peru – Machu Picchu:
- Machu Picchu, the ancient Incan city nestled in the Andes, has an awe-inspiring and mysterious quality. It might remind you of lost civilizations and ancient quests.
Jordan – Petra:
- Known as the Rose City, Petra in Jordan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring ancient rock-cut architecture. It may remind you of the city of Naboo from Star Wars.
Which of these adventures piques your interest the most? Can you think of any other fantasy destination that you’d be geeked to visit? Reach out to your travel advisor to get started making the fantasy a reality today!