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For some of us, film and TV can stir up wanderlust like nothing else. From spellbinding cities to magnificent natural landscapes, many of the world’s most captivating places have graced our screens and inspired our travel goals.
Seeking out destinations from movies and shows can also add an extra layer of excitement to travel, whether by visiting iconic filming locations or living like our favourite characters for a week or two.
So, if you’re a film buff or just looking to get inspired, why not read our list of 11 unforgettable travel destinations from film and TV below?
1. The Bay of Naples, Italy – The Talented Mr Ripley (1998)
Hollywood returns again and again to Italy’s chattering piazzas, sun-kissed countryside, and glittering coastlines. But no film has captured the allure of this country’s southern seaside towns quite like Anthony Minghella’s 1999 thriller The Talented Mr Ripley. The film’s early scenes are particularly spellbinding, filmed mainly on the islands of Ischia and Procida in the Bay of Naples.
Just a short ferry ride from Naples itself, these islands offer something for everyone. The Castello Aragonese, an impressive stone castle connected to Ischia by a stone bridge, is the most iconic sight. However, you’ll surely enjoy some aimless exploration, discovering family-run trattorias, artisan boutiques, and pristine beaches with powder-soft sands.
2. Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland – Game of Thrones (2011-2019)
Some of Game of Thrones’ most captivating scenes take place beyond ‘the Wall’, a giant structure built to protect the Kingdom of Westeros from unknown horrors in the icy wilderness to the north. While the GOT creators used some CGI to touch up their mythical landscape, the looming mountains and sparkling glaciers are real, and you can see them for yourself at Iceland’s Vatnajökull National Park.
Home to Europe’s largest glacier, visitors to Vatnajökull National Park can strap on crampons and hike over its sparkling surface, exploring otherworldly ice caves and tunnels. Other exciting sights in the region include a plunging waterfall surrounded by hexagonal basalt columns (Svartifoss) and a glacial lagoon ringed with black sand beaches where icebergs float in electric blue waters.
3. Aït Benhaddou, Morocco – Gladiator (2000)
The stunning hillside town of Aït Benhaddou in southwestern Morocco has appeared on screen many times. However, its most famous appearance was probably in Ridley Scott’s 2000 Oscar-winning flick Gladiator. Here, it stands in for Zucchabar, an ancient Roman market town in modern-day Algeria, where Russel Crowe’s Maximus shouts the famous line, “Are you not entertained?”
Aït Benhaddou is made up of 18th-century mud-brick structures that rise from the red desert like a giant sand castle. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a stunning example of a ksar, a fortified village traditionally inhabited by Indigenous Berbers, so it’s a fascinating travel choice for those interested in history, architecture, and unique local cultures.
4. Philadelphia, U.S.A – Rocky (1976)
Known as ‘the Birthplace of America’, Philadelphia is one of the country’s most historically important cities, where the Declaration of Independence was drafted and signed. However, film buffs might know it best as the home of the Italian Stallion, Rocky Balboa. So, as well as sampling Philly cheesesteaks and touring Independence Hall, you can visit iconic sights from the beloved boxing movie (and its sequels).
For example, visitors can follow in Rocky’s footsteps (literally) by climbing the 72 steps in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Snap a picture with your arms held high before heading inside to discover works by Cezanne, Renoir, Van Gogh, and more. The 9th Street Italian Market, America’s oldest outdoor market (and one of Rocky’s favourite training spots), is another great film-focused stop.
5. Khao Phing Kan, Thailand – The Man with the Golden Gun (1974)
It may be far from the best James Bond film, but 1974’s The Man with the Golden Gun delivers on stunning locations. This is especially true for the scenes at the villainous Scaramanga’s island lair, filmed on Khao Phing Kan, Thailand. Now dubbed ‘James Bond Island’, it has since become a tourist hotspot.
Khao Phing Kan is made up of two rugged limestone islets covered in lush vegetation and bridged by a small sandy beach. Standing in the bay created by the islands is an impressive sea stack that’s a popular photo opportunity. While the main beach gets busy, there’s a quieter one accessible by a rocky trail. There are also sea caves with fabulous geological formations to explore.
6. Bath, UK – Bridgerton (2020-)
Have you been swept away by Bridgerton’s bodice-ripping drama? If so, a Bath city break could immerse you in this world of 19th-century romance. Not only is Bath more evocative of the Regency era than anywhere else – thanks, in large part, to its gorgeous Georgian architecture – but it’s also filled with filming locations from the hit Netflix show.
An organised Bridgerton tour will reveal behind-the-scenes facts about spots like the Holburne Museum and the Assembly Rooms, allowing you to enjoy music from the show between stops. Or why not channel your inner socialite with afternoon tea at one of the city’s high-end hotels? You could even get a glimpse of Regency Era life at No.1 Royal Crescent, a Georgian townhouse turned museum, which doubled as the Featheringtons’ home in the show.
7. New Zealand – The Lord of the Rings
New Zealand famously set the scene for the mythical realm of Middle-earth in Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy – and again in The Hobbit films. From the volcanic peaks of Tongariro National Park to the vast fjords of the South Island, Jackson and his crew travelled all over the country to bring J. R. R. Tolkien’s novels to life. So why not set off on an unexpected journey of your own?
A must-visit destination for LOTR fans is Hobbiton in Matamata, where the Shire set from The Hobbit films has been turned into an immersive tourist attraction. Some filming locations are more isolated, such as Mount Sunday (which became Edoras, the capital of Rohan), while others are within easy reach of major cities. For example, Kaitoke Regional Park, which doubled as the Elven settlement of Rivendell, is a 45-minute drive from Wellington.
8. Havana, Cuba – Our Man in Havana (1959)
Take a leaf out of Alec Guinness’s book and jet off to the sultry Cuban capital, the setting for his beloved 1959 spy comedy, Our Man in Havana. By day, take a walking tour through the grand and gritty Old Town (Habana Vieja), where colourful colonial buildings and 16th-century fortresses loom over lively streets, or hit the nearby beaches of Playas del Este.
As evening falls, head to the Tropicana or Hotel Nacional to enjoy a burlesque show, a glamorous relic of pre-revolutionary Cuba. Or seek out frozen daiquiris at Sloppy Joe’s bar, a now-restored watering hole where Guinness’ vacuum salesman is recruited by MI6 in Graham Greene’s original novel. Top the night off by tasting the bold flavours of Cuban cuisine at a paladar (family-run restaurant). Ropa vieja (shredded beef) and tostones (fried unripe plantains) are both must-tries.
9. Jodhpur, India – The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
In the heart of India’s desert country, a swathe of vibrant blue stands out amongst the dusty brown landscape. Why Jodhpur locals paint their buildings blue isn’t clear – some say the colour helps keep structures cool, while others maintain it was traditionally used to mark the dwellings of Brahmans (members of the highest Hindu social class). Whatever the reason, the effect is spectacular.
The Mehrangrah Fort, an impressive 15th-century citadel that looms over Jodhpur like a guardian angel, is the most iconic sight. Cinephiles might recognise it from The Dark Knight Rises as the place where Bruce Wayne is imprisoned following his catastrophic fight with Tom Hardy’s Bane. But there’s plenty more to discover at ground level – from bustling bazaars to gleaming palace estates.
10. Maui, U.S.A – The White Lotus (2021-)
The White Lotus has captivated viewers with its irresistible blend of scathing satire, murderous intrigue, despicable characters, and gorgeous locations. Later seasons took us to glamorous spots like Sicily and Koh Samui. However, we think the show’s most iconic destination is Maui, a sun-kissed island in the Hawaiian archipelago, where filming for season one took place at the luxurious Four Seasons Resort.
It’s little wonder that Maui is so beloved. Volcanic peaks cloaked in vibrant vegetation slope down to palm-fringed beaches with gentle turquoise tides. Popular coastal activities include snorkelling and whale watching, while hiking and wine tasting await in the upcountry. Be sure to delve into the island’s complex history and local culture during your stay, too.
11. Tokyo, Japan – Lost in Translation (2003)
Sophia Coppola’s story of unconventional connection, Lost in Translation, made movie-goers fall in love with the Japanese capital in 2003. And because the indie hit was shot entirely in Japan, super fans could spend their entire trip checking off related sights and activities, from singing belters at Karaoke-kan to visiting the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing.
Of course, there are plenty more reasons to visit this sprawling metropolis. Here, ancient traditions mingle with high-tech innovations, and the fabulous food scene lives up to the hype. You’ll discover all kinds of cultural curiosities, from automatically-opening taxi doors to 24/7 convenience stores (konbini), which offer endless delectable delights.
Final thoughts…
From sun-kissed coastlines to rugged wildernesses, these destinations are even more beguiling in real life than on screen, proving that some of the best travel experiences might not begin with a guidebook, but rather a good film or TV show.
Whether you’re relaxing on a beach in Maui, channelling your inner Regency-era royalty in Bath, or enjoying a classic Cuban getaway in Havana, there’s a cinematic travel location for everyone. So, when booking your next getaway, why not take inspiration from the screen?
And for more movie-motivated travel ideas, check out our article: 12 iconic film locations to visit in Europe.
Is your favourite film or TV-inspired travel destination on this list? Or do you have any ideas for other places to include? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
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