Summer is here and that means it is time for a vacation. Most people hear that word and think “beach” but not you. You’re a proud geek and for you, a real vacation would be a deep dive into your passions. Geek adventures may not be mainstream travel, but they are out there for those who seek them. Check out these three nerd-tastic trips and start planning your ultimate geek getaway.
Huntsville, Alabama
Space Camp — “Get Ready”
Two words: Space Camp. That’s right, NASA now offers a three- and four-day Adult Space Camp Academy. With your fellow cadets, you’ll train like a real astronaut on NASA’s Multi-Axis trainer, engineer a rocket, design a protective heat shield and participate in a simulated mission. So for all you geeks who begged your parents to send you to Space Camp to no avail, here is the chance to finally realize your dream.
New York, New York
There is something for everyone in the Big Apple, and that holds true for geeks, too. Spend your days exploring New York’s world-class museums. It seems like New York City boasts a museum for every flavor of geekery, from the Hayden Planetarium and the New York Hall of Science to the Museum of the Cartoon Art at the Society of Illustrators and the Museum of Mathematics. Musuem-ed out? Gamers will be in heaven at the Compleat Strategist in Midtown or the Brooklyn Strategist in Carroll Gardens. For nighttime entertainment, check out the Secret Science Club, a monthly event which combines a lecture from a scientist, cocktails and a DJ at the Bell House, an ultra-hip venue in Brooklyn. Theater is for geeks, too, with spoof productions like Spamilton at the Puerto Rica Traveling Theater and PharmaBro at the Players Theatre. Discount tickets are available, so you don’t have to wait in the long lines at the box office, just order right from your computer. For drinks, check out Barcade, a cool bar teeming with classic arcade games, or the Way Station, a Doctor Who-themed bar in Brooklyn.
Video Games New York – Retro Game Shop
Orlando, Florida
Diagon Alley Tour – The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Universal Studios Florida
Orlando may seem like a clichéd suggestion for a geek vacation, but there are at least two good reasons to make the trek to the happiest place on earth: Star Wars and Harry Potter. Star Wars fans will love the ever-growing wealth of Star Wars experiences at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. If you want to go all in, spring for the Star Wars guided tour, which will ensure you get the complete experience, including two stage shows and Star Wars-themed fireworks with reserved viewing, Jedi Training for the kids, Star Tours, character greetings, a tour of Star Wars Launch Bay, a Star Wars themed dessert party and more. For Harry Potter fans, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios is a transcendent experience. Stay at one of the Universal Hotels, which are all walking distance to the Island of Adventure park. The hotels give you perks like early admission to the park and a free Universal Expresss pass, which allows you to skip the regular lines for most rides. The park is small enough that you’ll be able to take it all in if you get there early, but be sure to drink a butter beer at the Hogs Head Tavern and choose a wand at Olivanders.
