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Are you a Dungeon Master trying to figure out a nice environment for your players to run around in, but can’t quite get a good enough of a feel for it?  Even if you refer to books and photos, you still can’t seem to get your imagination to wrap around it?

Maybe it’s time for you to get outside then!

Even better, get on a plane and go somewhere new!

Checking Out the Cities
If you’re playing in a classic medieval-style setting, you’re going to want to know how the cities are likely to be built.  They’re definitely not going to be like newer cities, such as Los Angeles or Las Vegas.  Likely, you’re going to find something more appropriate in a city like Boston.  But that’s just in the United States.

If you want to get a more authentic feel of a medieval city, you’ll probably want to try travelling to Europe.  I’m sure London would give you a very good idea of how cities of old were laid out.  Same thing with Rome.  And if there’s a certain medieval style you’re looking for, check out other cities in Europe.  I’m sure Berlin, Barcelona, Paris, and various other cities (even ones that are not capitols) will give you the best ideas you can work with for your D&D campaign.

Of course, D&D is more than just the big cities.  Your players’ characters are bound to end up on smaller towns, and even villages.  So while you’re out travelling, it’ll probably be worth your time to check out those smaller, out of the way areas.

Checking Out Nature
Just as D&D isn’t all about the big cities, it isn’t all about civilization too.  Player characters are bound to be traveling through forests, deserts, and mountains all over the place.  So you can go camping, hiking, or driving around in those same places.  Check out northern California and/or Oregon.  Or you can go to New England, which is loaded with vibrant green forests.

On the other hand, you can drive through areas like Death Valley to get a good feel for what a desert is like.  And if you’re daring, fly over to Africa and check out the Sahara.  Or hang out in one of the middle eastern nations, though I wouldn’t recommend it with the mess over there right now.

As for the mountains, I’d say pick your favorite moutain range and go hiking.  Though, depending on the kind of mountain region you want to do, it could be a different experience.  The White Mountains in New Hampshire are bound to be a different experience compared to mountains that are found in Arizona.

Broaden Your Horizons
While most of my examples are limited to the United States, I am fully aware that there are many other places throughout the world that would be great places to travel to for inspiration for your D&D campaign.  If you’re able to, or if you live outside the U.S., I highly recommend traveling to the various cities, towns, forests, deserts, and mountains on this Earth.  Or even go sailing across the oceans, if you’re planning on having considerable sea-bound adventures for your players.

Though, just the Dungeon Master going on such trips is one thing.  The Dungeon Master bringing all the players along as well can go to great lengths to enhancing immersion for everyone!

Of course, this may depend on your budget, as well as the budget of your players.  But if you do have a chance to travel around, then it’s very well worth it!