The far-off places seen on the big screen are mesmerizing in size and grandeur – if only we could step into the film and explore these alluring destinations for ourselves.
Well, actually, we can!
Take an adventure and escape to these nooks in the world that we’ve grown to love from our favorite movies.
The Darjeeling Limited (2007)
In this cinematic work of art, three brothers journey to find their mother after their father’s death, but end up finding themselves in the process.
Their exciting trip takes them through India by train, with much of the scenery shot in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
Famously known as the Blue City for its visual masterpiece of stunning blue architecture throughout the desert city, it was also the filming location for The Dark Knight Rises.
While you’re there, be sure to visit the city’s central attraction, Mehrangarh Fort, built hundreds of years ago. It’s truly an architectural wonder as it sits high upon the edge of the city.
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)
All of us are guilty of the occasional daydream of going to some exciting place other than our cubicle at work, but Walter Mitty takes it to a whole new level.
In this creative and inspirational film, Mitty gets the opportunity of a lifetime when Time Magazine asks him to go on a quest to take the perfect photo.
The opportunity leads him to Iceland, and the perfect shot did he find indeed!
Iceland boasts a color palette like nowhere else in the world. Between the breathtaking valley of Kalfafellsdalur and the coastal town of Garður with its iconic lighthouse and local fishermen, you’ll find Iceland the perfect destination for your next vacation.
Indiana Jones Series (1981-2008)
Indiana Jones is the perfect blend of intellectual and explorer, and in his quest to find some of the world’s rarest artifacts, he gets involved in some risky adventures.
Anyone who watches these films can’t help but be whisked away by the authentic culture and excursions to places such as Tunisia where Raiders of the Lost Ark features Jones fighting Nazis in the desert.
Tunisia is even more notably known as the location of the Star Wars city of Tatooine, as Proud American Traveler previously shared with readers.
However, there is no sight quite like the cascading waterfalls in the latest Indiana Jones film, The Crystal Skull, filmed on the Argentina-Brazilian border.
The Lord of the Rings (2001-2003)
Do you think you could deal with the large, hairy Hobbit’s feet if it meant you could live in the serene land of Frodo and Bilbo Baggins in Bag End?
If so, you are not alone.
Most of the Lord of the Rings movies were filmed in New Zealand, and more than 150 locations served as the scenes for Mordor, Hobbiton, and Rivendell—much to the envy of many tourists.
And one of the most-visited film locations is Mount Ngauruhoe, which is much more beautiful in real life with its snowcapped crests than as the dark Mount Doom in LOTR.
Wild (2014)
This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning one of the best travel movies of the decade, Wild, starring Reese Witherspoon.
In this film of self-discovery, Witherspoon’s character embarks on a journey every experienced hiker dreams of – backpacking along the Pacific Crest Trail that extends from Mexico to Canada.
With no skills and nothing left to keep her home, she takes one of the toughest physical and mental excursions of her life.
If you’re looking for some travel inspiration, catch any of these films and start planning a getaway to a land you thought was only fantasy!
Please tell us in the comments section what your favorite travel movie is and if you’ve had the chance to visit its filming locations.
