From Mamma Mia to Lord of the Rings – we’ve put together our top 5 favourite film inspired holiday destinations!
1) Bali – Eat Pray Love
Inspired by the film Eat Pray Love, where Julia Roberts spends a year ‘finding herself’. Her last stop is the exotic island of Bali, this little island in Indonesia has something for everyone. It’s sandy beaches in Seminyak and Kuta, boast world-class surfing, snorkelling and diving spots. They’re also the perfect spot for those of you looking to just relax and soak up some of that Balinese sun! Heading over to the cultural area of Ubud, you’ll find lush rice terraces, volcanoes and monkey-filled forests. With an array of hotels, bars and spas all at amazing prices, we can see why Bali is one of the most popular holiday destinations!
2) New York – Elf
Our next source of inspiration comes from the 2003 Christmas film, Elf. The story follows Buddy the Elf, who travels to New York on a mission to find his real Father. New York is known as the city that never sleeps and it’s guaranteed to keep you busy from dusk till dawn. Just a handful of the must-see things whilst in New York include the Empire State Building, Times Square, the Statue of Liberty and the Rockefeller Center. You can also take have a wander along the famous fifth avenue for some retail therapy, or escape the concrete jungle by taking a horse and carriage ride through picturesque Central Park.
3) Skopelos, Greece – Mamma Mia
Mamma Mia was filmed on a number of different Greek islands, but with the main wedding scene being filmed on the island of Skopelos, we think this is the place to go! This unspoilt Greek island has a charming green landscape, with picturesque villages located on its hillside, offering stunning views that stretch for miles. You can either relax along one of the many beaches famous for their crystal clear waters, hike through the lush countryside or explore the charming old quarter. Skopelos is definitely a destination for those of you looking to wind-down and relax.
4) India – Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
India is a destination like no other. Oozing with culture, India is full of amazing temples, street markets, spicy food and is full of colour and excitement. When visiting India, The Taj Mahal should be on everyone’s bucket list. Made of white marble, this mausoleum was created in memory of the emperor’s wife. We can see why this masterpiece is branded as one of the ‘7 Wonders of the World’! You can head out of the busy city and into Bandhavgarh national park, known for its large population of Bengal Tigers. Alternatively, if you’re after a relaxing holiday with an array of luxury hotels, palm swept beaches, white sand and turquoise waters, then Goa is the place to go!
5) New Zealand – Lord of the Rings
The Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed entirely in New Zealand, and the village of Hobbiton was created in the Waikato town of Matamata. This is now a permanent attraction that draws in more than 350,000 visitors a year! However, New Zealand has more to offer than a visit to Middle-earth. It offers magnificent landscapes and coastlines, national parks and modern cosmopolitan cities. There are also endless activities for those adrenaline junkies out there! You can skydive over the Franz Josef Glacier, go bungee jumping, try your hand at white water rafting or scuba dive in the waters of White Island!
Image Sources:
- www.thingstodoinbali.com
- www.worldatlas.com/articles/10-best-places-to-see-the-new-york-skyline-from.html
- www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/greece/articles/Is-Skopelos-the-perfect-Greek-island/
- www.roadaffair.com/best-unesco-world-heritage-sites/
- www.media.newzealand.com/en/story-ideas/the-hobbit-location-lake-town-lake-pukaki,-mt-cook/
