However, nowadays, technology’s another reason fuelling people’s desire to roam the globe. An increasing number of tech enthusiasts are booking trips to different destinations across the world with the sole aim of immersing themselves in the local tech scene, attending industry conferences, and enjoying futuristic attractions and experiences.
If you think about it, travelling for tech makes perfect sense in a day and age dominated by technological and scientific breakthroughs. So, if the idea of taking a tech-infused trip appeals to you, here are some of the most interesting destinations to consider.
Melbourne, Australia
Off to Australia next to venture into its ever-expanding technology landscape. It turns out the land Down Under has a lot more to offer than kangaroos and an intimidating number of deadly creatures. The local tech sector is growing at a rapid pace, with the city of Melbourne leading the charge.
Melbourne’s robust startup economy and advancements in Fintech and Biotech contrast heavily with the rough and hostile environment of the Australian Outback. More than half of Australia’s top tech companies have their headquarters in Melbourne, where all the tech-minded individuals seem to flock. Since you’ll be far away from home no matter where you’re visiting from, you might want to consider getting a prepaid eSIM for your travel to Australia to enjoy your tech trip to the fullest.
Silicon Valley, USA
It should come as no surprise that Silicon Valley tops the list of sought-after tech destinations. Ask any tech-savvy person, and they will tell you that Silicon Valley is the Mecca for high technology and innovation. This region, which stretches around the south San Francisco Bay Area, is home to numerous major tech companies and organisations, including Apple, Google, PayPal, Chevron, eBay, Meta, and Visa.
Owing to its solid business infrastructure, talented workforce, and thriving marketplace, Silicon Valley has a strong startup culture, becoming a magnet for forward-thinking entrepreneurs and visionaries on a quest to revolutionise the world with their innovative ideas. As you can assume, there’s no shortage of tech events taking place all year round, giving you the opportunity to get the pulse of the current tech scene and connect with like-minded individuals. While you’re there, make sure to visit the Tech Museum of Innovation, the Computer History Museum, NASA Ames Visitor Center, and some tech companies’ headquarters if you can fit them all into your schedule.
Tokyo, Japan
The Land of the Rising Sun is known for its eclectic and intriguing blend of age-old traditions and advanced technology, and no place reflects this fascinating juxtaposition better than the capital city of Japan, Tokyo.
Apart from tech giants like Sony, Toshiba, and Panasonic and the nearly 1,200 software startups that populate the local tech ecosystem, this buzzing tech hub also boasts numerous research centres and facilities that have contributed significantly to advancements in robotics, AI, and other cutting-edge technologies. Your trip to Tokyo should include in-depth explorations of the most popular tech districts in the city, such as Odaiba, Akihabara, Shibuya, and Ikebukuro, where you can visit robot exhibitions and gadget stores so you don’t return home empty-handed.
London, UK
We’re changing continents and heading straight to the UK’s capital, London, for our next tech destination. Considered the top tech hub in Europe, London stands as a breeding ground for innovation and tech advancement, with an impressive array of world-class tech firms like Cisco, Salesforce, and Expedia Group among the 18,000 tech companies operating in the city.
The Fintech and Edtech sectors stand at the forefront of the thriving local tech industry, while government-funded programs such as the Tech Nation Visa and Future Fund: Breakthrough have contributed significantly to its development by attracting investment and a talented workforce. From the London Science Museum to the Retro Computer Museum or hi-tech events and annual science festivals, tech attractions in London abound, providing you with plenty of options to choose from.
Berlin, Germany
We remain on the Old Continent but switch countries this time and stop in Berlin, ranked as the second-largest technology hub in Europe after London. Like the British capital, Berlin also benefits from favourable policies and government support alongside a network of incubators and accelerators. These have attracted a large number of entrepreneurs, investors, and tech startups, establishing the city as an innovation powerhouse.
A deep dive into the local tech ecosystem wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Game Science Center, an independent museum that hosts a variety of interactive exhibitions and installations spanning technology, art, and games, giving tech lovers the chance to enjoy all sorts of futuristic experiences.
Seoul, South Korea
With a bustling innovation ecosystem and a tech-savvy population, Seoul has become somewhat synonymous with high-tech and futuristic experiences. The capital of South Korea has a notable technological edge stemming from its solid R&D facilities, a large number of startups and established firms in the tech industry, and people’s vivid interest in cutting-edge technologies.
Visits to the Robot Museum, Samsung D'light, and the Seoul Digital Media City are worth including on your to-do list. In between, make time to stop at a VR cafe.
Shenzhen, China
As one of the main contenders in the global race to technological leadership, China invests heavily in critical development sectors such as hypersonics or underwater drones. The country’s tech-related endeavours are concentrated around Shenzhen, often described as the Asian version of Silicon Valley, where most of China’s tech products are manufactured.
Tech enthusiasts are lured in by attractions such as the buzzing //medium.com/@dreamethle/a-day-at-chinas-largest-electronics-market-huaqiang-north-cf0f9780c182" style="text-decoration: none;">Huaqiangbei tech market, the Shenzhen Hi-Tech Industrial Park, and the numerous awe-inspiring tech-themed parks.
So, if you’re in the mood for an atypical trip that will take you on an exciting adventure into the fascinating world of technology, any of the destinations listed above will be a great choice for you.