There’s no doubt that a large part of the appeal of movies is the escapism they provide from our everyday lives – happy endings, beautiful actors and actresses and amazing costumes. Furthermore, the crucial visual element of cinematography often means that films are set in stunning, picturesque or dramatic settings. As audiences, we get taken into an alternate world and the locations therefore represent an escape and an alluring place to getaway to. As such, it’s not surprising that the settings of popular films often become popular tourist destinations, with the film working to inspire audiences to experience that destination themselves.
So, what are some of the most popular movie inspired travel destinations? Take your pick from the selection below and relive your favorite movie moments!
Salzburg, Austria – The Sound of Music (1965) – The Sound of Music is one of the most popular films ever filmed, and audiences were – and continue to be – stunned by the beauty of Salzburg, Austria where the film was set and shot. The rolling hills and flowing streams inspired audiences to ‘Climb Every Mountain’ for themselves. Today, the Sound of Music tour continues to be one of Austria’s most popular tourist draws.
New York City – Sex and the City (2008) – Both the TV series and Sex and the City: The Movie put New York on every single girl’s map. Carrie’s famous quips about her beloved city and the glamor of their lives and clothing romanticized the city and made it an iconic destination for young women and fans of the show. Today, popular Sex and the City tours run daily, taking participants around the city to well-known settings and locations from the TV series and movie. If you would like to experience New York just as Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda did, then Qantas flights will get you there from Australia.
Kenya – Out of Africa (1985) – The film adaptation of Isak Dinesen’s novel Out of Africa captivated audiences with its shots of the breathtaking scenery and wildlife of Kenya. Coupled with the passionate romance between the two main characters (played by Meryl Streep and Robert Redford) Kenya and the sweeping beauty of the African planes inspired audiences to experience the continent for themselves. To experience the exoticism of Africa look for cheap airfares to get you there.
Scotland – Braveheart (1995)- The dramatic portrayal of William Wallace’s battle for Scotland’s independence is set in stunning Scottish scenery. The drama of the movie was mirrored in the dramatic and grand landscapes of Scotland and motivated audiences to travel to the experience the breathtaking beauty of the country themselves.
India – Slumdog Millionaire (2008) – Set and filmed in India, the film tells the story of Jamal Malik, a young man from the slums of Mumbai who appears on the Indian version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? and exceeds people’s expectations by eventually winning the prized 20,000,000 Rupees. Set in the chaotic and sprawling slums, bustling railway station and various other settings in India, the intensity of life in the film has inspired a new generation of travelers eager to experience the fast paced hustle and bustle of India for themselves.
Thailand – The Beach (2000) – Since The Beach was released in 2000, travelers have been flocking to Thailand to see first-hand the azure waters, white sand beaches and dramatic scenery of Thailand’s islands where all the adventure and drama of the movie took place. Filmed on Ko Phi Phi Leh on Thailand’s Andaman coast, the island and surrounds have become a favorite with backpackers who make a pilgrimage to this stunning location year round. To experience the magic of Thailand for yourself and follow in the footsteps of the film’s star Leonardo DiCaprio, there are a range of Thailand holiday packages available to help you get there.
There are many more movies where captivating locations have whet the appetite of audiences and inspired travel to various locations across the globe. Often seeing it on the big screen and getting drawn into the magic of foreign locations is the push we need to take that long-needed holiday or experience an amazing location, destination or natural wonder for ourselves.
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you have listed some fantastic places above i wish i could visit them all. especially where the beach was filmed that place looks fantastic
I like beach vacations in Thailand. Usually accommodation is reasonably cheap and the service is good. I spend couple of months every year. Some of my family destinations are Pattaya, Samui, Bangkok and Chiang Mai.