Having just (officially) launched in Canada last month, Canadians have now had some time to scour through their cities collecting all sorts of Pokémon – from Drowzees to Jigglypuffs – but for those that have a Pokémon Master title in their sights, they’ll need to take their game to the next level and look beyond our borders in order to “catch them all”. What better way to induce jealousy among your friends than by collecting region-exclusive Pokémon (hello Mr. Mime! Which by the way, is only available in Europe) and actually taking that last minute trip this summer? Forget fridge magnets and post cards, travellers are collecting Pickachu and Sandshrew instead of souvenirs. Contiki Holidays shares a list of the top 5 destinations every Pokémon Go trainer should have on their travel radar – just make sure to take your eyes off the screen and soak in the beautiful sights of each destination. So, where to Pikachu?
Sydney, Australia
From the babes on the beaches of Manly, the buzzy Kings Cross and its colourful characters to Chinatown and Darling Harbour, Pokémon trainers will have a field day locating all the Pokémon, including the elusive Kangaskhan (which is only available in this region) while discovering Sydney’s sights and sounds on foot. Make sure to head to the Circular Quay area, where the iconic Sydney Opera House has been made into a gym. Between the city’s beautiful weather and blissful beaches, Sydney makes for the perfect hiding ground for Charizard, Charmander and Onix.
London, UK
Home to some of history’s most famous sights and modern cultural exuberance, London offers a melting pot of opportunity for the traveller. From Big Ben to the recently opened Tate Modern, this metropolis oozes bucket-list worthy experiences. Speaking of Big Ben, is it a Pokémon gym? You betcha and that’s not the only place. For a city littered with well-known historic buildings and monuments, almost every street corner is littered with Poke Stops: coveted Poke Balls are located near the historic Savoy Hotel; collect Squirtles in ritzy Knightsbridge (and re-fuel at the never-ending food hall in Harrods); Machamps in diverse Woolwich; and Dragonairs on the Isle of Dogs (where you can celebrate the day’s exploits at one of the area’s lively pubs).
Rome, Italy
Stylish Rome oozes energy and overflows with relics from another age, and Contiki’s special access coach tour gets you right into the thriving atmosphere of this living timeline. When in “The Eternal City”, trainers will not only spot the massive stone amphitheatre known as The Colosseum, but also Pikachu, Squirtle, Oddish, Espeon, Umbreon and Makuhita. The city is crawling with Pokémon as Romans of all ages have given up their long lunch on a paved piazza for a Pokémon hunt. Just make sure to look up once in awhile and soak in the culture. After all, you are in Rome!
Disneyland, California
The happiest place on Earth is also a breeding ground for Pokémon. While people from all over the world visit Disneyland to indulge the child within on such treasured rides like the Old West in Frontierland or with Indiana Jones in Adventureland, trainers can catch a whole heap of coveted Pokémon in between rides. Children may be lured by Mickey and Minnie (not to mention a fair share of adults), but there are also lots of lures to attract Pokémon all over the place. Masters should make a beeline to the Sleeping Beauty Castle which is now a top tier gym.
Bangkok, Thailand
While the buzzing city of Bangkok doesn’t “officially” have Pokémon…yet, there have been reports of many sightings of Bulbasaur. Between tuk-tuks flashing past shrines and street side BBQs, traditional long-tail boats cruising past high rises, and locals, businessmen, travellers and monks sharing the streets, Bangkok is a busy urban centre boasting culture and food the eye can see. Talking about culture, trainers on a Contiki trip to this Asian metropolis have the opportunity to visit the incredible Royal Palace. It’s 61 acres of stunning buildings, gleaming spires and multi-coloured murals, where they will learn about Thai beliefs and the Royal Family’s lifestyle at Bangkok’s most famous site and spiritual hot spot. After a busy day exploring the city (and catching those Pokémon), trainers are in the right spot when it comes to re-fuelling. Bangkok is a foodie’s paradise and has over 50,000 places to eat at, from noodle stalls to gourmet restaurants.
