Speculative fiction is the umbrella genre for sub-genres of fiction that depart from realism, including fantasy, science fiction, horror, and everything in between. The popularity of ‘spec fic’ books, movies, and media stems from the genre’s power to offer an escape from the mundane into imaginative realms where the magical, fantastical, and supernatural are possible.
If you’ve ever fallen in love with a fictional universe and wish you could step into it, even just for a moment, you will be delighted to know there are plenty of magnificent places on the planet that look right out of your favourite author’s imagination. That’s hardly surprising, though, since travel has always served as a source of inspiration for storytellers.
High Fantasy: Galway, Ireland
Many notable works in the high fantasy genre are already mainstays in pop culture. These include CS Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia, Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien, and George RR Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire book series.
Often featuring swords and sorcery, heart-fluttering romance, and epic battles of good versus evil, the typical high fantasy setting is a realm where castles stand stark against barren fields, questing heroes gather in cosy coastal towns, and dragons dwell in majestic mountains and caves. That makes Galway, a harbour city on Ireland’s west coast, a fantasy fan’s dream destination—a rugged coastline, inconceivable geographic features, and medieval architecture.
Things to do: Have the perfect day out exploring the iconic castle and former monastery, Kylemore Abbey. Have a Medieval-style banquet dinner at Dunguaire Castle. See the breathtaking view on the Cliffs of Moher.
Urban Fantasy: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Set in a contemporary metropolis with fantastical elements superimposed, urban fantasy can make a real-life city feel magical to travellers who enjoy this subgenre. Any metropolis in the world can be envisioned to have fantastical elements, but Malaysia’s capital city has an added touch of mystique courtesy of the nation’s diverse cultural heritage.
As evidenced by the short stories in the anthologies, KL Noir: Magic and A Teaspoonful of Malaysian Magic, Kuala Lumpur is a goldmine for the active imagination. It’s not hard to imagine that hidden somewhere in plain sight is a portal to another dimension, a secret orang bunian hangout, or a VIP lounge where a group of weather-controlling bomoh congregate.
Things to do: Take a walk along Jalan Tun HS Lee and Jalan Hang Kasturi, where various shops, used bookstores, and hipster cafes are housed in colonial buildings. Make your way through the bustling Petaling Street Bazaar and onto Kwai Chai Hong to see the latest art installations. Enjoy the nightlife at the happening thoroughfare of Bukit Bintang.
Magical Realism: Cartagena, Colombia
Originating from Latin America, magical realism depicts a realistic world while incorporating fantastical elements. Unlike other fantasy genres where magic is often hidden or acquired by a select few, magic in this subgenre is shown to be normal with an intentional lack of explanation.
The most notable example of work in this genre is the seminal novel, One Hundred Years of Solitude by Colombian author, Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Magical realism also recently gained attention with Disney’s 2022 animated film, Encanto.
Cartagena, a port city on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, is the closest you can get to an enchanting world. With streets bathed in colour, colonial buildings with flora growing out of their façade, and live music filling the air at every corner, you will have no doubt the city is magical.
Things to do: Go on a walking tour of the city’s charming streets, especially the walled Old City and Getsemani. You may encounter the Palenqueras, colourfully dressed women with fruit baskets on their heads if you are lucky. Be sure to have cash ready if you want to take photos with them.
Horror: Transylvania, Romania
Horror is meant for more than eliciting fear in its audience. The genre often delves into unsettling subject matters, utilizing plot devices like paranormal events, monsters, and things that go bump in the night. What could be a better travel destination for lovers of the genre than the hometown of literature’s most famous vampire?
In Transylvania, Count Dracula is sort of real. Author Bram Stoker based the fictional count of his 1897 novel on Vlad the Impaler, a 15th-century Wallachian nobleman who earned his moniker for his cruelty towards his foes. But Transylvania is more than the legend of a bloodthirsty count. It is a fascinating region filled with frozen-in-time castles, churches, and villages, offering plenty of cultural experiences.
Things to do: Walk the fairytale-like streets of Sighisoara, where Vlad the Impaler once lived in exile. Visit Bran Castle and Corvin Castle, both said to be inspirations for Dracula’s home.
Cyberpunk: Tokyo, Japan
In a cyberpunk universe, futuristic technology and scientific achievement have become a ubiquitous part of life, often having the side effects of social collapse, disorder, and decay. This science fiction sub-genre is rooted in examining the impact of technology on our lives. So, think sentient androids, artificial intelligence gone rogue, and everyday utilitarian machines being weaponised.
Much of the cyberpunk’s genre-defining work hails from Japan, namely Akira, Ghost in the Shell, Cowboy Bebop, and Battle Angel Alita. Present-day Tokyo is nowhere near the dystopia envisioned in manga, anime, and film – and we hope it doesn’t get there – but Japan’s busy capital is still the best place to feel cyberpunk vibes.
Things to do: Venture into Akihabara, the district for electronic gadgets and geek culture goods. See the vibrant fashion subcultures in Harajuku. Visit Tokyo’s many temples and parks. Behold the city’s neon-lit night view.
Wuxia: Wuyuan County, Jiangxi, China
Literally translating to ‘Martial Heroes’, wuxia is a sub-genre of Chinese historical fantasy that concerns adventures of lawless warriors and feuding martial arts sects set in ancient China. What was historically a genre banned for fear of inspiring revolutionary ideals, wuxia in all forms of entertainment media now has a devoted audience worldwide.
Wuyuan, a county in northeastern Jiangxi province of China, is where you can step back in time and indulge in your vagabond sword maiden fantasy. Its scenic landscape is dotted with caves, secluded rock formations, and numerous historical sites, not to mention some of the best-preserved architecture dating back to the Tang dynasty. The real hidden gem of Wuyuan though, are the ancient villages like Huangling and Likeng.
Things to do: Get a historical makeover at one of the ancient villages, complete with a Hanfu and period-specific hair and make-up. Stay overnight at a traditional house and have a dreamy photoshoot on the streets at twilight.
The next time you feel inspired to inhabit a fictional universe from your favourite book, game, or film, look to the world at large for extraordinary places you can travel to. Then, muster up some main character energy, make that itinerary, and book that flight ticket!
