Electronic Arts has announced that "The Sims 2: Bon Voyage", the travel expansion to The Sims 2, has been shipped.

"Whether your Sims are meditating in a pristine Zen garden in the Far East, enjoying an adventurous helicopter tour through the mountains, or relaxing in a luxury suite in the Tropics, they'll enjoy a myriad of all-new activities to unwind and rejuvenate. From exploring ancient ruins and building sand castles to catching some rays after a boardwalk shopping spree, players can quickly transform their Sims from bumbling tourists to savvy international travelers. Sims will also learn new customs including local greetings and dances to take home and teach to their friends. With The Sims 2 Bon Voyage, players can send their Sims packing for the trip of a lifetime!

As your Sims travel, they'll interact and learn from a variety of real and mythical locals including the wise old hermit, fire dancers -- even Big Foot! Like all true tourists, your 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. What your Sims learn and collect is up to you!

"The Sims 2 players will be amazed by the amount of environments and activities that are offered in Bon Voyage. We have opened up a world of opportunity for your Sims to travel and expand their cultural horizons as well as relax and escape from their hectic everyday routines," Studio Head of The Sims Label, Rod Humble, states. "Whether your Sims are enjoying local treats on white sandy beaches, learning Tai Chi from experts in the Far East or honing their log-rolling skills at a rustic mountain camp -- there's always a new fun way to stay entertained in The Sims 2 Bon Voyage!"

The Sims 2 Bon Voyage will ship under the EA brand and is rated "T" for Teen by the ESRB. The game will ship August 31st in Europe and across the US as a PC expansion pack(1) that builds on the original The Sims 2 PC game experience.

For more information on The Sims 2 and The Sims 2 Bon Voyage, visit http://www.thesims2.com."