Movies To Inspire Travel

There’s nothing quite like a trip to the cinema to inspire a bit of wanderlust. After all, movies are the perfect escape: they allow you to marvel at the most far-flung and exotic locations without even leaving your sofa.

From Audrey Hepburn using the streets of Manhattan as her very own catwalk, to Leonardo Dicaprio finding a beach utopia – movies have long been used to showcase some of the most stunning locations in the world. Here are a few which will guarantee you’ll want to pack up and fly far, far away…

Manhattan

Endless movies have been set here, but none compare to the aptly named Manhattan. In this romantic comedy, Woody Allen’s beautiful cinematography shows New York like never before; shot in black and white and with grand, stylistic shots of the island, the movie acts as a love letter to the city itself. With some films often portraying New York as a rather gritty, urban jungle, Allen succeeds in showcasing its grand beauty and unique appeal.

Lost in Translation

In this 2003 movie from Sofia Coppola, the bright lights of Tokyo (one of the places on my bucket list) are used to full effect. Starring Scarlett Johansson and Bill Murray as two lonely souls metaphorically stranded, the hustle and bustle of the districts Shinjuku and Shibuya ramp up their isolation and eventual romance. With Japanese culture acting as a character in its own right, it’s definitely a movie which makes you want to experience this otherworldly city.

Mamma Mia

Not the most adventurous choice in terms of travel; however – alongside the A-list karaoke and camp dance routines – Mamma Mia showcase the beautiful country in which it is set. Filmed on the Greek islands of Skopelos and Skiathos, the attractive whitewashed villas and glorious blue hues of the sky and sea make Mamma Mia a treat for the eyes (as well as the ears…). With its ancient history and sun-soaked Mediterranean summers, Greece is one of the most accessible movie destinations; why get booking for this summer?

The Motorcycle Diaries

Set in South America, the Motorcycle Diaries tells the story of a young Che Guevara as he embarks on an 8,000 km trip with his friend and companion, Alberto Granado. Travelling from Argentina to Venezuela, the pair experience the real sights and sounds of the continent like they could never have even imagined. From the Atacama Desert to the Machu Piccu ruins, the scenes in this movie are awe-inspiring, and it is one which is bound to give even the biggest homebody some itchy feet.

Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

Used as the location for Middle-Earth, New Zealand has truly captivated movie fans and travel enthusiasts alike. With lush and picturesque countryside and awe-inspiring river valleys, the terrain here is breath taking. If you’re lucky enough to take a trip here in your lifetime, make sure you grab the opportunity to visit the Tongariro National Park – the contrast of green meadows and magnificent volcanoes are a sight to behold.