Electronic Arts announced today that fans of the popular video game franchise, The Sims 2 can whisk their Sims away on exciting trips to discover exotic locations, including the Far East, Rustic Mountaintops, and a tropical island. The Sims 2 Bon Voyage will allow fans to travel with their Sims on a variety of magnificent vacations featuring a myriad of all-new activities when the expansion pack launches this year.

Whether the Sims are relaxing on a lush tropical island in a luxury suite, camping with the family on a pristine mountaintop, or exploring the culture of the Far East, they’ll enjoy new activities to relax and rejuvenate. From building sand castles and catching rays to meditating in the Zen garden after a visit to the pool, players can quickly transform their Sims from bumbling tourists to savvy international travelers. Sims will also learn new customs including local greetings and traditional dances to take home and teach to their friends.

As Sims travel the globe, they’ll interact and learn from a variety of real and mythical locals including the wise old hermit, fire dancers, and even Bigfoot. Like all true vacationers, Sims will be able to decorate their homes with unique souvenirs from their trips that are available only at destinations within The Sims 2 Bon Voyage. They can even buy unique jewelry to wear or take home as gifts. Fall in love with the hula dance lei from your Sims tropical beach vacation? Bring it back and flaunt to the neighbors. Love the moves your Sim mastered doing the Slap Dance at the rustic lodge? Teach fellow Sims the tricks of the trade back at home.

“The Sims 2 Bon Voyage brings so many new experiences and locations to the game, there’s almost no end to the surprises that fans and their Sims are going to discover as they travel to each of the three exotic travel destinations. It’s a perfect break from the everyday home routine!” said Vice President and Studio Head of The Sims Division, Rod Humble. “Every member of the family should be able to find activities that suit them—Mom can get a massage at the spa, Dad can practice Tai Chi in the Zen Garden, kids can explore the ruins of our largest object yet - the Pirate Ship! With The Sims 2 Bon Voyage, you can take your Sims – even your family – on the trip of a lifetime!”

The Sims 2 Bon Voyage will ship across the US and Europe in early September as a PC expansion pack that builds on the original The Sims 2 PC game experience. The Sims 2 Bon Voyage requires The Sims 2, The Sims 2 Special DVD Edition, The Sims 2 Holiday Edition, or The Sims 2 Deluxe for PC to play.

Features in The Sims 2 Bon Voyage include:

• Travel to Three Exotic Destinations

Each location offers unique landscapes and local residents, such as the Fire Dancer and Ninja, for the Sims to meet and learn from. Try local cuisine and admire cultural landmarks as the Sims explore these new locales.

• Send Your Sims on Tours

Glass bottom boat rides, adventurous van tours, and other excursions are fun new activities for the Sims, but there may be some surprises in store!

• Buy or Find Unique Items

Shop for rare items found only on the Sims’ travels, including unique jewelry they can wear or take home as gifts. Stumble upon hidden locations, collect shells on the beach, or dig up treasure.

• Stay at New Travel Accommodations

Splurge on a luxury suite for your Sims or choose a cozy cabin. Sims will enjoy the comfort of room service, get pampered at the spa, and more.