There are three types of travellers: the Earthlings, the dreamers and those in between. And for the last two categories, fictional places can be just as real.
As the times we are currently living in have rendered any destination fictional, one could argue that the OG fictional places are slightly better… but what any bookworm/TV fanatic or gamer will tell you is that they’ve always been better. I mean, you can hardly argue against magic, dragons and myth, can you?
So, if you care to join me in this mystical journey, allons-y!
10. Asgard – Marvel Universe
Yes, technically Asgard is a place from the Norse mythology, but for the purpose of this list, I’m taking into account the Marvel version. Which is absolutely stunning. You don’t only have the Palace and Rainbow Bridge as the main landmarks, but the surroundings are thundering as well.
9. Atlantis – Greek Mythology
As Greece has made it onto my real-life Bucket List, it’s only fitting that Atlantis is now found here. I’ve always been fascinated by anything underwater as it is a world that mirrors our own but with some few amazing twists. Carriages carried by seahorses, gadgets and gizmos aplenty all the little sea creatures. I want to be part of that world.
8. Sims World – The Sims
The Sims is pretty much the only game I’ve ever played (barring some failed Assassin’s Creed attempts). While the concept of it can appear quite boring – I mean, what’s so fun simulating real life? – the Sims World is simply a better version of our own. Hear me out. There’s no crime apart from robbery, no illnesses, no corruption or pollution. You get starting funds which are more than enough for a home, working on your skills is extremely easy, getting promoted and upgrading your living conditions happens in no time, you can cheat in pretty much any aspect of your life. The Sims have got it eaaasy.
7. Capitol – Hunger Games
I’ve debated whether to include this on the list or not. For what it is, Panem is a dystopian place where teenagers are forced to fight to the death. Its capital city, on the other hand, is a booming place, a district (no pun intended) of fashion, parties and extravagance. Think of it as a Las Vegas times 100. And as far as the Games themselves go, barring the killing part, they do sound like quite entertaining. I’d volunteer.
6. Storybrooke – Once Upon a Time
There are so many Disney / story places that would have made the list, but thankfully, Once Upon a Time exists. So nope, I didn’t cheat. The series itself drags for quite a bit, but the town of Storybrooke, the place where all fairytales come true, redeems it. It is a mix of the Enchanted Forest, rural France, Agrabah and many more and all the characters live here happily ever after. Or do they?
5. Westeros – A Song of Ice and Fire
There is the ongoing debate that you wouldn’t want to live in Westeros. Which I can get behind… at the best you can be a part of a noble house and probably die in a coup, and at the worst you could be a slave. However, from a tourist’s point of view, Westeros is just like the Many-Faced God: you have the lush landscapes of The Reach, the sun-kissed Dorne, the historical King’s Landing, the breathtaking Vale, The Stormlands with day trips over to the cultural Essos, and the wintery landscapes of The North & Beyond the Wall. And dragons, of course.
4. Middle Earth – Lord of the Rings
Middle Earth is the tame version of Westeros: mythical creatures, a medieval vibe, landscapes to die for, all of that minus the war. Sure, there is the impending doom at Mount Doom, but everything else is just so serene. From the cosy, little Hobbiton to the mythical Rivendell, impressive kingdom of Gondor and breathtaking Misty Mountains, I’d definitely take the hobbits to Isengard.
3. Willy Wonka’s Factory – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
I am Augustus Gloop, the kid who drown in the Chocolate River. I would absolutely lose my mind in a room where everything is edible. And then have an army of oompa-loompas always making and perfecting chocolate for me? Yes, please, and thank you very much.
2. TARDIS – Doctor Who
Well, I bent the rules a bit for this one, but it’s fine, since the Tardis itself bends time and space. The Time And Relative Dimensions In Space machine is a fictional means of transport rather than a destination. However, as it IS bigger on the inside and with surprises at every step of the way (that’s why it’s so big, it’s full of secrets), it’s an attraction in itself. And considering it can take you to all fictional places (and the real ones!) everywhere and everywhen… hm, bucket-list who?
1. Hogwarts – Harry Potter
If I were to receive a letter from Hogwarts tomorrow, I would leave everything I know behind without skipping a beat. Learning spells and potions, playing Quidditch, kicking Gryffindor asses, learning how to Apparate and never being late again… oh, sweet, Merlin. Having grown up with the magic of the books, it is a bittersweet feeling knowing you can never see a place you know so well. But one can only dream… for in dreams we enter a world that is entirely our own
Alas, it does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live. The fictional places are immortal and will be readily open to us tomorrow, next year or twenty years from now. Just as long as we let our imagination run wild.
The reality, on the other hand, is a bit harsher. The places we love are fragile and might not be around for long. So we will need to find the right balance between grasping the moment and being mindful. It’s a thin line we’re walking on.