Vacations are generally viewed as a time meant to disconnect from the “real world”. We take a break from our jobs, step away from any social obligations we rather not be fulfilling, and have some me time in a foreign place that ignites the senses and creates lasting memories. Except this is 2015, and for most of us, particularly a tech junkie or self-described Internet addict, the term disconnecting is used very loosely.
“Free Wi-Fi” is practically a requirement when perusing hotels online, and the thought of not having any contact with the outside world for the duration of your holiday isn’t exciting in the slightest.
Never fear! There are plenty of places you can visit for your next vacation that will allow you to put down your gadgets for a while and embrace all that the locale has to offer, whilst still staying connected as need be and even being exposed to some of the coolest technology and sights your little digitized heart can imagine.
5. New York City
Renting a luxury suite to impress is nice, but if you really want to blow someone’s mind, take them to New York. It’s also home to a variety of tech themed stops, such as the Nintendo World Store. Located at Rockefeller Center, the two story store has over 10,000 feet of games and hands-on experiences. It celebrates its first decade this May.
4. Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo is one of the most diverse, innovative cities in the world. This is the city in which all the great technological innovations begin, and where you can’t turn a corner without encountering something that perfectly demonstrates just how far into the future we have come, and how this is only the beginning.
3. Hong Kong, China
Hong Kong has everything you can imagine packed into its crowded, narrow streets. Gadgets you can’t even think of seeing on other countries, phones you’ve never laid eyes on, and of course, iPhones everywhere. The Sham Shui Po district is the one stop, must see place for all things electronic (and cheap!)
2. Silicon Valley, CA
The top players of the industry can be found in California, such as Yahoo, Bing, Google, Apple, and Intel for starters. The “mothership” of Apple Stores can be found in San Francisco, that will surely make any geek’s heart light up with joy. They far surpass electronics and have all the Apple swag you could ever want, from mugs to t-shirts to hoodies and hats. And it’s the only place where one can acquire the “I Visited the Mothership” tee.
1. Seattle, Washington
Microsoft Headquarters are hosted just 15 miles outside of Seattle in Redmond. The 388-acre fortress has a visitor’s center where you can steep yourself in Microsoft’s rich history, and take in sights such as a 3D globe adorned in a constant stream of headlines courtesy of four large projectors. And of course there’s a company store where you can check out all the latest innovations.
