Movie-themed Travel Destinations

Movie-themed Travel Destinations

If you're a movie buff who loves to travel, why not combine your passions and visit some of the most iconic movie-themed travel destinations around the world? From the rolling hills of New Zealand to the bustling streets of Tokyo, there are countless places that have served as backdrops for some of the most beloved films in history. In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the best movie-themed travel destinations, and what makes them so special.

 

New Zealand: The Lord of the Rings

New Zealand is a natural wonderland, with breathtaking landscapes and scenery that are truly one-of-a-kind. It's no surprise that it served as the backdrop for the epic fantasy series "The Lord of the Rings," which was directed by Peter Jackson, a native of New Zealand. Here are some of the places that any "Lord of the Rings" fan should add to their travel itinerary:

• Hobbiton: Located in the small town of Matamata, this charming village is where the hobbits lived in the movies. You can take a guided tour of the Hobbiton movie set and see the Hobbit holes, the Green Dragon Inn, and the Party Tree.
• Mount Ngauruhoe: Also known as Mount Doom, this active volcano was used as the location for Mordor, the fiery realm of Sauron. You can hike to the top of the mountain for stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
• Wellington: New Zealand's capital city was the home base for the cast and crew during the filming of "The Lord of the Rings." You can visit the Weta Cave, which is a museum and gift shop that showcases the props and costumes used in the movies.

Tokyo: Lost in Translation

"Lost in Translation" is a beloved film that explores the themes of culture shock and disorientation in a foreign land. The movie is set in Tokyo, one of the world's most exciting and vibrant cities. Here are some of the places you should visit if you're a fan of "Lost in Translation:"

• Park Hyatt Tokyo: This luxurious hotel is where the characters played by Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson stay during their time in Tokyo. You can enjoy a drink at the New York Bar, which is located on the 52nd floor and offers breathtaking views of the city.
• Shibuya Crossing: This busy intersection in the heart of Tokyo is one of the most famous in the world. It's featured in the movie during a scene where the characters navigate the crowds and neon lights of the city.
• Kabukicho: This lively neighborhood in Shinjuku is known for its nightlife and entertainment options. It's where the characters go to sing karaoke and immerse themselves in the culture of Tokyo.

Croatia: Game of Thrones

"Game of Thrones" is one of the most popular TV shows of all time, and it was filmed in a variety of locations around the world. One of the most stunning backdrops for the series was Croatia, a beautiful country that's known for its rich history and culture. Here are some of the places you should visit if you're a fan of "Game of Thrones:"

• Dubrovnik: This beautiful walled city served as the location for King's Landing, the capital of the Seven Kingdoms. You can take a walking tour of the city and see the Red Keep, the House of the Undying, and the St. Lawrence Fortress.
• Krka National Park: This stunning national park was the location for the epic battle at the Trident, where Robert Baratheon defeated Rhaegar Targaryen. You can see the waterfalls and rivers that were featured in the show.

Scotland: Outlander

Outlander is a popular TV series that has gained a significant following since its release in 2014. The show is set in 18th-century Scotland and features many iconic Scottish locations. Fans of the show can visit several of these locations in Scotland, including:

• Culross: This is a small village located in Fife, Scotland, that was used as the filming location for the fictional village of Cranesmuir in Outlander. Visitors can explore the village's cobbled streets and 17th-century buildings, including the Palace, the Mercat Cross, and the Study.
• Doune Castle: This 14th-century castle is located near the village of Doune in central Scotland and was used as the filming location for Castle Leoch, the home of the MacKenzie clan in Outlander.
• Glasgow Cathedral: This medieval cathedral, located in Glasgow, was used as the filming location for L'Hopital des Anges, the Parisian hospital where Claire volunteers her nursing skills in the show.

Scotland: Harry Potter

Fans of the Harry Potter series will love a visit to Scotland, where many of the films' most iconic scenes were shot. Visitors can take a walking tour of Edinburgh, which served as the inspiration for Diagon Alley. The tour also includes stops at Greyfriars Kirkyard and Victoria Street, which were both used in the films.

For those looking for a more immersive experience, there are several companies offering multi-day tours that take visitors to some of the most iconic filming locations. These tours include visits to the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which was used in several of the films, and the Jacobite Steam Train, which was used as the Hogwarts Express.

 

Conclusion

Movie-themed travel destinations are a great way to combine your love of film with your passion for travel. From Croatia's Game of Thrones to New Zealand's Lord of the Rings, and Scotland's Outlander, there are plenty of options for movie fans to explore. These destinations offer a unique and exciting way to experience the locations that were used in your favorite films and TV shows.

Whether you're a die-hard fan of a particular franchise or just looking for a new travel adventure, these movie-themed travel destinations are sure to satisfy your wanderlust. So start planning your next movie-themed trip today and get ready to explore the locations that brought your favorite films and TV shows to life.

References

1. "8 Popular Film Locations to Visit in New Zealand," Tourism New Zealand, accessed November 3, 2021, https://www.newzealand.com/int/film-locations/.
2. "Outlander Film Locations in Scotland," VisitScotland, accessed November 3, 2021, https://www.visitscotland.com/see-do/attractions/tv-film/outlander/locations/.
3. "Game of Thrones Filming Locations in Croatia," The Dubrovnik Times, accessed November 3, 2021