The Star Wars film series has graced the big screen over a span of more than 40 years, ending with the currently-showing masterpiece, Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker.
Out-of-this-world locations are home to characters we’ve grown to love, like the planet of Dagobah where Yoda meets Skywalker, and Naboo with its rolling hills and swampy lowlands.
And while an intergalactic adventure may be out of the question considering NASA books up quick and accommodations are slim pickings, you may be shocked to know that a good old, earthly airplane will get you to the destinations super-fans have only dreamed of.
Let’s look at four locations that brought George Lucas’ vision to life and all the exciting excursions you can do while you’re there.
Planet Jedha (Wadi Rum, Jordan)
In Rogue One, Planet Jedha is considered a holy city where spiritual guidance can be sought by Jedis.
The rust-colored flat lands and staggering rock formations made Wadi Rum the perfect location for “The Valley of the Moons.”
The last film in the Star Wars saga features this sacred landscape once again. Spoiler – you can get a sneak peak by viewing the trailer that shows Rey doing a backflip over a TIE silencer.
To reach this epic destination, according to Condé Nast Traveler, you have to fly into Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA), then take a four hour journey south on Desert Highway (yes, it looks exactly how it sounds).
When you arrive, book a 4×4 vehicle to explore the thrilling terrain or go old-school and ride a camel instead.
If you are brave enough, take a ride in a microlight aircraft or hover above the unforgettable scenes in a hot air balloon.
After an adrenaline filled day, settle down for the night in an authentic tent camp owned and operated by the Bedouin tribe, called Arabian Nights.
Planet Endor (Redwood National Park, California)
Everyone who has seen Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi fell in love with the Ewoks who lived among the groves of the forest.
Only six hours north of San Francisco rests the world’s tallest trees in Redwood National and State Parks. It’s one of the most enchanting places in the world and home to Star Wars’ beloved furry creatures.
Like the Ewoks, you’ll have to camp among the towering trees and rich soil if staying overnight in the park, but hotel accommodations are available in nearby towns as well.
Del Norte County Airport/Jack McNamara Field (CEC), Arcata-Eureka Airport (ACV), and Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport (MFR) are all located close to the park. From there you can take a rental car right into the heart of the forest.
Endless trails and breathtaking scenery makes the list of things to do endless, but the visitor center is always a good place to start.
Planet Ahch-To (Skellig Michael, Ireland)
Want to visit the place where it all began for the Jedi Order and where Luke Skywalker dramatically exiles himself at the end of Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens?
Me too! The peculiar beehive huts seen in the movie are actually “part of an ancient monastery dating back to the sixth century that sits atop the island,” reveals Condé Nast Traveler.
And Skellig Michael is actually just as remote as Planet Ahch-To appears to be, only twice as beautiful.
You can visit mid-May through the end of September by taking a landing boat tour the eight miles off the coast of western Ireland.
Book your flight to the town of Shannon, the closest airport to the Ring of Kerry, where the tours depart from Portmagee.
After you finally arrive, explore the paths all throughout the island or climb the 600 stone steps to the top of the beehive huts and witness puffins making their homes.
Overnight accommodations are not allowed on the island, but you can stay where the Star Wars cast and crew did at The Moorings in Portmagee.
Tatooine (Tozeur, Tunisia)
Arguably the most instrumental Star Wars movie, Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace features the home of Anakin and Luke Skywalker, Tatooine.
Southern Tunisia’s vast Sahara offered exactly what the crew needed to capture George Lucas’ vision.
Tunisia’s real town of Tataouine was the inspiration for the fictional Tatooine with its unique architecture and even more unique name.
You can visit the abandoned sets of the film in Tozeur, 5 hours away from Tataouine, by flying into Tozeur Nefta International Airport (TOE).
Many of the big hotels in the area have tours that take you to the set, or you can book a half-day tour through Viator.com.
Sleep comfortably in the middle of the Sahara in the newly-opened Anantara Tozeur Resort with its luxury rooms and private villas.
These destinations will definitely take you away from the everyday tourist attractions.
Star Wars fans and adventure-seekers of all ages are sure to experience the thrill of a lifetime when visiting one of the sites that made the greatest movie series of all time a reality.
Please let us know in the comments section if you’ve always dreamed of visiting a Star Wars movie location and which one you want to explore the most!
