Martin looks at the best places for some geeky rest and relaxation.

Where does a big fat nerd like me go on vacation? Here are five thrilling geek getaways.

  1. Geek Cruises
    Imagine being out to sea with some of the geekiest people in the world. They're on the ship not so much for the sun, white beaches, or tropical drinks, but rather to participate in intense Linux seminars taught by the biggest names in the open-source movement. It's a dream come true.

    This week, Geek Cruises is sponsoring Linux Lunacy, a seven-day trip through the Eastern Caribbean featuring such luminaries as Richard Stallman, Eric S. Raymond, John "Maddog" Hall, and Doc Searls. Imagine these dudes at the all-you-can-eat buffets! It must be insane.

    It's probably too late to get onboard Linux Lunacy, but you can still get your boarding pass for Mac Mania, Java Jam 2, Pearl Whirl '02, or Conquering Cold Fusion. You know I'll be there.

  2. My Elf Attacks the Orc
    About 25,000 role-playing game aficionados will converge in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for the 35th annual Gen Con, the largest science-fiction, fantasy, and gaming convention in the nation. And you better believe it, me and my 16th-level Drow elf wizard Mezbhul the Grey are so going!

    If you're into playing "Dungeons & Dragons," "Call of Cthulhu," and "Magic: The Gathering," or if you just like to dress up like a storm trooper or a wood elf, Gen Con should be on your family's vacation short list. The convention is held each August.

  3. Be There and Be Square
    If you're proud of your geekiness and would like to spend a weekend without anyone asking you about sports, head to this year's Geek Pride Festival in Boston. The festival is a time for geeks of all ages (last year's event attracted 3,000 to 4,000 nerds) to get together and frag each other in "Quake," talk Linux, and watch science-fiction movies. This year's Geek Pride Festival was to be held this month but has been postponed. Keep checking its site for details on when it will be rescheduled.

  4. Silicon Valley Tour
    So apparently there are people who travel to Silicon Valley to have their pictures snapped in front of places like Intel and Hewlett-Packard. Well at least that's what this guy Dave did. But Dave is not alone. Europeans pay money to be shown around Silicon Valley. If you want to join one of these adventures, click here.

  5. "Star Trek" Conventions
    Few people would argue that "Star Trek" conventions are among the geekiest events you can possibly attend. Creation Entertainment is host to most of the largest "Star Treks" cons, as well as conventions for Xena and other sci-fi luminaries. Check its website for a calendar of upcoming conventions.