There’s never been a better time for travel-loving technology junkies. More and more countries are investing in tech; pushing the boundaries and using forward-thinking, innovative skills and ideas to transform the world as we know it. And for those who have a passion for technology and enjoy globetrotting, visiting one of the many tech hot-spots dotted around the world is the perfect excuse for a holiday.
So pack your bags and head to one of these 3 travel destinations to experience cutting-edge tech and let your inner geek run wild. While you’re there, why not get one step ahead of the curve and try out a travel chatbot? It’s like your own personal travel assistant, in your pocket – high-tech or what?!
TOKYO, JAPAN
Tokyo is everything a tech-enthusiast could dream of – there’s quite literally something hi-tech around the corner of every vertigo-inducing skyscraper! If museums are your thing, you can explore the Toshiba science museum, where you’ll get the low-down on all things Japanese tech, before heading to the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation – which has tons of hands-on technology exhibitions – on the island of Odaiba. But you only have to wonder Tokyo’s futuristic streets to gauge how advanced the city is. At some restaurants, you’re able to order your food from an iPad, before having it delivered to your table on a conveyor belt – no servers needed here! Even Tokyo’s toilets (yes, toilets) are extraordinary. The seats heat up, there are front and rear sprays, and they flush all on their own – Western toilets never sounded so boring.
Don’t miss: The Akihabara district, world-famous for its multitude of electronic shops – a great place to get your hands on some duty-free gadgets and play some video games.
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA
Lightning fast internet speeds, the home of huge tech companies like LG and Samsung, and robotic convenience stores? Seoul is one of the most technologically advanced cities in the world! Your tech-experience will begin as soon as you touch down at Incheon International Airport, where robots are on hand to help you find your way around – oh, and they’ll even make you a coffee! Hop into the city and you’ll find tons of tech-inspired activities – from riding a virtual roller coaster at a VR cafe and exploring the famous Robot Museum, to watching your favourite band, hologram style, at K-live. If you can’t decide what to do, get geeky with your pocket chatbot and make use of your personal travel assistant – we bet they’ll have some tips!
Don’t miss: The digital D’Light, a global exhibition space and showroom inside Samsung’s headquarters, which is full to the brim with TV’s, smartphones, and upcoming gadgets.
SILICON VALLEY, USA
If we were to ask a handful of people what they thought the biggest tech brands in the world were, we’ve no doubt that most of them would say Google, Apple or Facebook. And guess what? The cutting-edge Silicon Valley is home to the headquarters of all three – and has since become the destination of choice for thousands of establishing technology businesses.
Known as a global centre of innovation, there’s no end of science and tech-themed things to do. Check out some of the oldest computers in the world at the Computer History Museum, and head to the Apple headquarters building, which looks scarily like a spaceship. The Intel Museum is another must-see, boasting over 10,000 square feet of exhibits surrounding the culture, history and manufacturing of the company – which are all completely free! Oh, and while you’re there, keep your eye out for self-driving cars. They look like pods and are actually a prototype for one of Google’s projects!
Don’t miss: The Android ‘sculpture garden’, where you’ll see huge, bright Android mascots for each version – past and present – of their system. It’s a great photo-op for tech-lovers, and you can stock up on some Google-themed merchandise!
So, which cutting-edge tech travel destination will you visit first? Be sure to let us know how your trip goes and how you got on with Hanna, the intelligent travel chatbot who can answer all your travel questions.
