Vacation Hot Spots in DDO

It shouldn’t be any real surprise to anybody that has read my blog that I really enjoy exploring and adventuring in the myriad of wilderness/explorer zones in DDO, in both worlds of game, Eberron and Forgotten Realms.  I was thinking about this other day as I was taking Erdrique (Level 18 Monk) through the Ruins of Gianthold Explorer area and then I started thinking wouldn’t it be fun to perhaps vacation in some of these particular areas and then I thought which ones would be the best to spend a vacation in.  So here are some thoughts on that.

First off, lets take a quick look at the large number of wilderness/explorer zones that are present in DDO.  The DDOwiki has them listed out here.  They span the gambit from the low level Korthos Island to the epic level Thunderholme.  Without double counting the explorer zones that have a heroic and an epic version, we have a total of 32 different wilderness/explorer zones.  Now, I have to admit that I haven’t ventured into all of these as of yet.  I have never played in the Stormhorns or Thunderholme, and I have barely explored the House Cannith Manufactory, Artificer Workshop, and the Research Facility.  With that said, the House Cannith explorer zones would not be a top notch vacation location for myself, unless of course they had happened to have some type of fancy amusement park set within them, which they do not, or unless I was fascinated with computer engineering or robotics, which I’m not.  So those wouldn’t be ranked very high in my list.  Now the Stormhorns might be a different story.  I know from what I have read and screenshots that I have seen that this area is just beautiful.  I can easily see the Stormhorns being a highly valued place as a vacation destination.  The Ruins of Thunderholme, am I still unclear on.  I haven’t really heard too much in particular about this area and because of that I can’t really weigh in on its appeal as a vacation hot spot.

So out of these wilderness and explorer zones, which ones would I pick as my top five places to visit for vacation:

Number 5-Three Barrel Cove
Ok, so what appeals more to a sense of adventure than exploring a pirate controlled island.  Not to mention that landscape is just beautiful.  It has a nice array of sandy beaches, crystal clear water, exotic ship wrecks, fascinating land marks, spacious forests, beautiful waterfalls, and some enchanted mountains.  Three Barrel Cove would be a great place to have a vacation, minus the large number of giant scorpions, roaming sahuagin, and pirates of course :).

Suppply thinking that is fun to explore pirate ships in Three Barrel Cove.

Number 4-Ataraxia’s Haven
The whole point of this arid island was to be set up as a vacation hot spot.  The island has a beautiful resort and spa where one can easily relax.  The island is composed of some sandy beaches with some strong fishing aspects as well as some fun landmarks including an interesting light house and some ruins that you know have some type of history that is just waiting to be discovered.  What could be better than fishing on the beach, going back to the resort to relax, and spending a peaceful night under the stars.  Just be mindful of all of those duergar, hyenas, and razor cats!!

Erdrique enjoying the scenery in Ataraxia’s Haven.

Number 3-The High Road
One wouldn’t think that area called “The High Road” would actually be an interesting vacation spot.  However, The High Road is more than just a road, it is actually a beautiful forest at the foot of the Stormhorn Mountains.  The exquisite forest and open meadows make this area a great place for campers and foresters alike.  Now, if we could only get rid of the Netherese and their shadows that seem to be ruining the place, it could be perfect.

Wapoyein thinking it would be fun to vacation in the High Road.

Number 2-Stormhorns
Ok, I’m merely putting the Stormhorns as number two based on what I have seen on heard from others have remarked on.  Many folks love to take vacations in the mountains and for these people the Stormhorns couldn’t be better.  The vast alpine reaches and wildnerness make the area a beautiful place to relax and to spend a fun vacation.  Just watch out for all of those enemies that serve as the wildlife in the area.

Number 1-The King’s Forest
I haven’t seen too many explorer areas more beautiful than the King’s Forest, although the Stormhorns have been reported to be just as beautiful if not more so.  The King’s Forest is a large area that contains an expanse forest as well as fast flowing river and numerous villages.  The forest is dense and spacious at the same time with very large trees that form a thick canopy with an open underspace beneath.  The King’s Forest has plenty of places for camping, hunting, and fishing.  And it would be a great place to relax….it it wasn’t crawling with drow :(.

The King’s Forest has a large number of aesthetic huts and villages to vacation in.

So those are my thoughts on fun places to spend a vacation in DDO, at least looking at the Wildnerness and Adventure areas.  Some other places that deserve a mention also include Sorrowdusk Isle, Searing Heights, and  the Red Fens.  I mean who wouldn’t mind visiting a jungle island with some ancient ruins, or visiting a volcano, or exploring some wondrous swamp lands?  Thanks for reading everybody and happy hunting!!