Travel-themed games have a unique appeal, offering players the chance to explore new destinations, cultures, and experiences without ever leaving their homes. These games provide an immersive experience, allowing players to embark on virtual adventures across diverse landscapes and historical periods. From open-world exploration to historical quests, travel-themed games cater to various interests and gaming preferences. In this article, Charlene McMillian, expert in travels from iPositively, explores 16 travel-themed games, categorizing them by type or theme to help you find your next virtual journey.
Open-world and sandbox games emphasize exploration and freedom, allowing players to roam vast landscapes and engage in diverse activities at their own pace.
Microsoft Flight Simulator
Game’s Description
Microsoft Flight Simulator is a highly realistic flight simulation game that allows players to pilot various aircraft across the globe. Utilizing real-world data and advanced graphics, it offers an unparalleled experience of flying over detailed and accurate representations of cities, landscapes, and weather conditions.Basic Rules
Players can choose different aircraft and flight paths, from casual sightseeing to challenging flight conditions. The game requires a basic understanding of flight mechanics, making it accessible to beginners but offering depth for advanced players.Interesting Facts
- Microsoft Flight Simulator uses real-time weather data, allowing players to experience current weather conditions anywhere in the world.
- The game includes over 37,000 airports, providing a comprehensive and realistic flying experience.
Assassin's Creed (various locations)
Game’s Description
Assassin’s Creed is a historical action-adventure series that takes players to various time periods and locations, from ancient Egypt and Greece to Renaissance Italy and Victorian London. Each game offers a rich narrative intertwined with historical events and figures.Basic Rules
Players assume the role of an Assassin, navigating open-world environments to complete missions, solve puzzles, and combat enemies. The game balances stealth, combat, and exploration, suitable for players with moderate to advanced gaming skills.Interesting Facts
- The series is known for its meticulous historical accuracy, often incorporating real historical figures and events into the storyline.
- Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey allows players to explore ancient Greece, including iconic locations like Athens and Sparta.
Red Dead Redemption 2
Game’s Description
Red Dead Redemption 2 is an open-world action-adventure game set in the late 1800s American Wild West. Players follow the story of Arthur Morgan, an outlaw navigating the challenges of a changing world while exploring vast landscapes ranging from snowy mountains to arid deserts.Basic Rules
The game focuses on story-driven missions, side quests, and exploration. Players engage in combat, horseback riding, and various activities like hunting and fishing. It’s suitable for players with intermediate to advanced skills.Interesting Facts
- Red Dead Redemption 2 features a dynamic weather system and realistic animal behavior, enhancing the immersive experience.
- The game includes over 500,000 lines of dialogue, contributing to its rich and engaging narrative.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Game’s Description
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is an open-world action-adventure game that allows players to explore the vast kingdom of Hyrule. Players control Link, who awakens from a long slumber to defeat the evil Calamity Ganon and restore peace to the land.
Basic Rules
Players are free to explore Hyrule at their own pace, solving puzzles, battling enemies, and discovering secrets. The game emphasizes exploration and creativity, suitable for players of all skill levels.
Interesting Facts
- Breath of the Wild was praised for its open-ended gameplay, allowing players to tackle challenges in numerous ways.
- The game features a physics engine that lets players interact with the environment in creative and unexpected ways, such as using metallic objects to conduct electricity.
These games offer a glimpse into the diverse and immersive world of travel-themed gaming, providing players with the opportunity to explore new worlds, time periods, and adventures from the comfort of their homes. Whether you’re piloting a plane, navigating historical cities, or wandering through enchanted lands, these games are sure to satisfy your wanderlust.
Building and Managing Your Own Travel Empire
Simulation and management games offer players the opportunity to build and operate businesses related to travel. These games combine strategic planning with creative problem-solving, allowing players to create and manage their own travel empires.
Airport CEO
Game’s Description
Airport CEO is a management simulation game where players take on the role of an airport CEO. Players are responsible for building and managing an airport, including terminal layout, runways, and facilities for passengers and aircraft. The game emphasizes strategic planning and operational efficiency.Basic Rules
Players start by designing the airport layout, including terminals, runways, and taxiways. They must manage staff, schedule flights, and ensure passenger satisfaction. The game requires a good understanding of management principles and strategic planning, making it suitable for intermediate to advanced players.Interesting Facts
- Airport CEO allows players to design every aspect of the airport, from the placement of security checkpoints to the layout of restaurants and shops.
- The game features a dynamic weather system and realistic flight schedules, adding complexity and realism to airport management.
Hotel Magnate
Game’s Description
Hotel Magnate is a tycoon-style management game where players build and manage their own hotel. The game allows players to design and customize the hotel layout, manage staff, and cater to guests’ needs to build a successful hospitality business.Basic Rules
Players begin by choosing a location for their hotel and designing the layout, including rooms, amenities, and common areas. They must manage staff, set pricing, and market the hotel to attract guests. The game is accessible to beginners but offers depth and complexity for more experienced players.Interesting Facts
- Hotel Magnate features a detailed customization system, allowing players to design unique hotel rooms and amenities.
- The game includes a dynamic reputation system, where guest satisfaction impacts the hotel’s success and profitability.
Planet Coaster
Game’s Description
Planet Coaster is a theme park management simulation game where players build and manage their own amusement park. Players can design roller coasters, attractions, and park amenities while managing finances, staff, and guest satisfaction.Basic Rules
Players start by selecting a park location and designing attractions, including custom roller coasters and themed areas. They must manage park operations, hire staff, and ensure guests are entertained and satisfied. The game is suitable for players of all skill levels, with a focus on creativity and strategic management.Interesting Facts
- Planet Coaster includes a robust coaster design tool that allows players to create custom roller coasters with realistic physics and thrill factors.
- The game features a vibrant community of players who share custom park designs, rides, and scenarios through the Steam Workshop.
Traveling Through Time and History
Historical and adventure games can transport players to different eras, allowing them to experience significant historical events and immerse themselves in various cultures and civilizations. These games offer a unique blend of education and entertainment, making history come alive through interactive storytelling and gameplay.
Assassin's Creed Origins (Ancient Egypt)
Game’s Description
Assassin’s Creed Origins takes players on a journey through Ancient Egypt, exploring the origins of the Assassin Brotherhood. Players control Bayek, a Medjay warrior, as he seeks to protect his people and uncover the secrets of the ancient world. The game features an open-world environment, rich historical details, and a compelling narrative.Basic Rules
Players navigate the vast landscapes of Ancient Egypt, completing missions and side quests while uncovering the story. Combat, stealth, and parkour are key gameplay elements. The game is accessible to both newcomers and experienced players, with adjustable difficulty levels to cater to different skill sets.Interesting Facts
- Assassin’s Creed Origins includes a Discovery Tour mode, allowing players to explore Ancient Egypt without combat, focusing on educational content and historical insights.
- The game’s depiction of Ancient Egypt is meticulously researched, providing an authentic and immersive experience of the time period.
Assassin's Creed Odyssey (Ancient Greece)
Game’s Description
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey transports players to Ancient Greece during the Peloponnesian War. Players choose to play as either Alexios or Kassandra, mercenaries with a mysterious lineage. The game combines historical exploration with mythological elements, offering a rich and expansive open-world experience.Basic Rules
Players engage in various quests and activities, ranging from naval battles to political intrigue. Combat, dialogue choices, and character development play significant roles in the gameplay. The game is suitable for players of all levels, with options to adjust the difficulty and focus on either story or action.Interesting Facts
- Assassin’s Creed Odyssey features a branching narrative with multiple endings, influenced by player choices throughout the game.
- The game includes a mode called “Exploration Mode,” where players can navigate the world without markers, relying on in-game clues and their sense of direction.
Uncharted Series
Game’s Description
The Uncharted series follows the adventures of Nathan Drake, a treasure hunter who travels the world uncovering historical secrets and lost civilizations. Known for its cinematic storytelling, breathtaking set pieces, and engaging characters, the series combines action-adventure gameplay with rich narratives.Basic Rules
Players control Nathan Drake through a mix of exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat. The series emphasizes fluid movement and dynamic environments, allowing for a seamless blend of gameplay and storytelling. Suitable for intermediate to advanced players, the series offers varying levels of challenge and complexity.Interesting Facts
- The Uncharted series is renowned for its cinematic quality, often compared to blockbuster action films for its storytelling and visual design.
- Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End received widespread acclaim for its detailed graphics, character development, and emotionally impactful story, concluding Nathan Drake’s saga.
Immersive Role-Playing Adventures in Faraway Lands
Role-playing games (RPGs) offer immersive stories and character development set in unique and exotic locations. These games allow players to step into richly crafted worlds, engage in complex narratives, and interact with diverse characters. The following RPGs are renowned for their ability to transport players to fantastical realms filled with adventure and intrigue.The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Game’s Description
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is an open-world RPG that follows the story of Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter on a quest to find his adopted daughter, Ciri, while navigating a world in political turmoil. The game features a vast, detailed world with diverse environments, from war-torn villages to dark, enchanted forests.Basic Rules
Players control Geralt in a third-person perspective, engaging in combat, exploring the world, and making decisions that affect the story. Combat involves using swords, magic, and alchemical potions. The game is accessible to both beginners and experienced players, with adjustable difficulty settings.Interesting Facts
- The Witcher 3 has won over 250 Game of the Year awards, making it one of the most critically acclaimed games of all time.
- The game’s world is inspired by Slavic mythology and folklore, providing a rich cultural backdrop to its story.
Skyrim
Game’s Description
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is a critically acclaimed RPG set in the expansive open world of Skyrim, a region of the continent of Tamriel. Players assume the role of the Dragonborn, a prophesied hero with the power to combat dragons and save the world from destruction.Basic Rules
Skyrim offers a first or third-person perspective, allowing players to explore, complete quests, and develop their character through various skills and abilities. The game features an open-ended structure, enabling players to pursue the main storyline or engage in numerous side quests and activities. Suitable for players of all levels, it offers varying difficulty settings.Interesting Facts
- Skyrim has a vibrant modding community, with thousands of mods available that enhance and expand the game, from graphical improvements to entirely new quests and regions.
- The game has been released on multiple platforms, including VR, making it accessible to a wide range of players.
Final Fantasy XIV
Game’s Description
Final Fantasy XIV is a massively multiplayer online RPG set in the fantasy world of Eorzea. Players create their own characters and embark on epic adventures, participating in quests, battling monsters, and interacting with other players in a persistent online world.Basic Rules
Players choose from various classes and jobs, each with unique abilities and roles in combat. The game emphasizes cooperation, with many activities requiring teamwork, such as dungeons, raids, and large-scale battles. While accessible to newcomers, the game also offers deep and complex mechanics for seasoned players.Interesting Facts
- Final Fantasy XIV was initially released to poor reception but was completely revamped and relaunched as Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, which was highly successful and critically acclaimed.
- The game features frequent updates and expansions, continually adding new content, stories, and gameplay features.
Casual and Mobile Games for Travel Enthusiasts
Casual and mobile games offer quick and accessible travel experiences for players looking to explore the world from their smartphones or tablets. These games are perfect for short play sessions and provide a delightful escape into various travel-themed adventures.80 Days
Game’s Description
80 Days is an interactive fiction game inspired by Jules Verne’s classic novel, Around the World in Eighty Days. Players take on the role of Phileas Fogg’s valet, Passepartout, as they attempt to circumnavigate the globe in 80 days. The game combines narrative choices with resource management, creating a unique and immersive travel experience.Basic Rules
Players must manage time, health, and finances while making strategic decisions about routes, modes of transportation, and interactions with various characters. The game involves reading text-based stories and making choices that impact the journey’s outcome. Suitable for players of all skill levels, the game is easy to pick up and play.Interesting Facts
- 80 Days features over 150 cities to explore, each with its unique storylines and events.
- The game has received numerous awards, including Time Magazine’s Game of the Year in 2014.
GeoGuessr
Game’s Description
GeoGuessr is a geography quiz game that uses Google Street View images to challenge players to identify their location on a map. Players are placed in random locations worldwide and must use visual clues to guess where they are.Basic Rules
Players navigate the Street View interface, examining surroundings for hints like road signs, vegetation, and architectural styles. They then place a pin on a world map to guess their location, earning points based on the accuracy of their guess. The game is suitable for all ages and skill levels, providing a fun and educational experience.Interesting Facts
- GeoGuessr has various game modes, including single-player, multiplayer, and themed challenges focusing on specific countries or landmarks.
- The game has gained a large following on social media, with players sharing their best guesses and most challenging locations.
Flightradar24
Game’s Description
Flightradar24 is a real-time flight tracking app that allows users to follow flights worldwide. While not a traditional game, it offers an interactive experience for aviation enthusiasts to explore global air traffic, track specific flights, and learn about aircraft and airlines.Basic Rules
Users can search for specific flights, browse flights by region, and tap on aircraft icons to view detailed information such as flight paths, altitude, speed, and aircraft type. The app is easy to use and accessible to all ages, providing a fascinating look into the world of aviation.Interesting Facts
- Flightradar24 uses data from multiple sources, including ADS-B transponders on aircraft, to provide real-time tracking information.
- The app features an augmented reality mode, allowing users to point their device at the sky and identify aircraft flying overhead.