Movies that Inspire Travel

March 2 2009 by Mike Mason
Comments (3)

moviestravel.jpgHave you ever had the excitement of seeing someplace you've traveled portrayed in a movie? Did you feel a certain excitement rush through you, "I've been there! I stood in that spot!" It also feels great because you have a better appreciation for the sights, sounds, and atmosphere for what is playing out on screen. You are getting a better experience than the rest of the audience that is only experiencing it through the big screen version. They don't know what it sounds like, smells like or feels like to be there.

On the other hand, having experienced the previous scenario on a few occasions, it also leads me to wonder what it would be like to visit so many places that you see in film. To be more specific, some movies are so enticing with their locations that I want to run out of the theater, pack my bags and catch the next plane.

I recently read that Mumbai, India is seeing a spike in tourism tied to the recent Oscar winner Slum Dog Millionaire. Not sure how they measure that, but it sounds plausible.

Here is a list of a few movies that give me the travel bug.

When Harry Met Sally - Captures New York in all its seasons. Every time I watch it, I want to spend time in the Big Apple.

Ocean's 11 - What happens there stays there. A movie that makes Vegas seem slick, fun and cool. Not that Vegas needs help with their "fun" image.

Roman Holiday - Ok, I know this is an oldie, but goodie. Italy here I come!

Out of Africa - The cinematography, though amazing, makes you wonder what it would really be like.

Ferris Bueller's Day Off - I saw this as a kid. I have dreamed of skipping school (or work) and spending the day in Chicago ever since.

North by Northwest - Another classic. Intrigue and thrills on the nose of Abraham Lincoln. Gives me the urge to see the monument in South Dakota.

A River Runs Through It - Makes the outdoors hypnotic. And makes me want see if fly fishing can really be a transcending experience in Montana. Only one way to know for sure.

The Bourne Identity - Country criss-crossing, spy-filled, thrill seeking European excitement.

The Da Vinci Code - Secret codes in paintings? Paris museums are now a bit more interesting.

The Blair Witch Project - This really isn't on my list, but I mention it because the movie did spike travel of curious movie buffs on a witch hunt.

I am sure this is just the tip of the iceberg (no Titanic reference intended) for movies that inspire travel. Let us know what movies you would add to the list.

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    3 Comments

    By J.T. Mohr on March 5, 2009 7:37 AM

    This is a great list. Inspires me to want to go out and rent some of this movies again and then book a trip.

    Maybe we need to add Planes, Trains and Automobiles to the list!

    By Alex Walker on March 5, 2009 8:38 AM

    Wow! Yes, movies are more exciting when you're familiar with the locations. The last movie I saw that made me want to just be THERE was "The Bucket List". Still have to get there, though.

    Thanks for the post.

    By C.M. Philp on March 13, 2009 3:58 PM

    The movie "Ned Devine' makes me want to go to Ireland again and again as I've already been tiwice, and would live there if I could.


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