Turning Movies Into Reality
Have you ever finished a movie and said, “I have to go there?” Us too!
From the cityscapes of Rome and Paris to the rolling hills of Ireland and Scotland, films have shaped our idea of the world for decades. But what if that movie could become a reality? For those of you looking to inspire your wanderlust, you’ll find the synopsis below of some of my favorite movies. Any of these I can help you plan a dream trip around!
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Synopsis: Owen Wilson plays Gil Pender a screenwriter and aspiring novelist. Vacationing in Paris with his fiancee, he has taken to touring the city alone. On one such late-night excursion, Gil encounters a group of strangers who sweep him along, apparently back in time, for a night with some of the Jazz Age's icons of art and literature. The more time Gil spends with these cultural heroes of the past, the more dissatisfied he becomes with the present.
Make it a reality by visiting the City of Light yourself- take a walk around the world-renowned Louvre Museum, head down the Seine for a leisurely Batobus cruise, or participate in a guided tour that skips the line of the famous Eiffel Tower.
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Synopsis: A boy who learns on his eleventh birthday that he is the orphaned son of two powerful wizards and possesses his own unique magical powers. He is summoned from his life as an unwanted child to become a student at Hogwarts, an English boarding school for wizards. There, he meets several friends who become his closest allies and help him discover the truth about his parents' mysterious deaths with adventure.
While I encourage you to check out the Warner Brothers Studios tour of Harry Potter in London, I’ll focus on another favorite of mine, Scotland. From filming locations to *maybe* inspirational sites, Scotland truly has a great mix of places for any HP lover. Head to Edinburgh first for a walking tour of locations like Victoria Street, where the street isn’t quite diagonal, but it isn’t quite straight either! Could this be Rowling's inspiration for Diagonal Alley? The Elephant House (where she wrote) and Greyfriars Kirkyard (featuring a Thomas Riddle gravestone) are additional spots nearby. Then take the drive to Glenfinnan to spot the Hogwarts Express cross the famous viaduct featured in several of the movies. You can even go one step further by riding the train yourself! I may or may not have teared up when I saw it myself.
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Synopsis: Meryl Streep plays Donna, an independent hotelier in the Greek islands, who is preparing for her daughter's wedding with the help of two old friends. Meanwhile, Sophie, the spirited bride, has a plan. She secretly invites three men from her mother's past hoping to meet her birth father and have him escort her down the aisle on her big day.
While you might not want to relive this 2000s hit movie exactly, head to Greece for a much-needed vacation. Visit the island of Santorini, known for its famous white and blue buildings and stunning views. My favorite activity here is the food, so soak it all up with a day exploring the local food and wine. Island hopping is popular here, so next visit Mykonos where you could enjoy a sunset cruise featuring the coastline and parts of the ancient site of Delos. This gives me all the Bill vibes from the movie!
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Synopsis: William Wallace is the medieval Scottish patriot who is spurred into revolt against the English when the love of his life is slaughtered. Leading his army into battles that become a war, his advance into England threatens King Edward I's throne before he is captured and executed, but not before becoming a symbol for a free Scotland.
Chances are you’ll see me heading back to Scotland soon- if I have any say about it! Take a private tour of famous sites included in this film. You'll have the chance to visit the Church of the Holy Rude, Stirling Castle, the Battle of Stirling Bridge, and the Wallace Monument. From here, you can continue your historical tour to Linlithgow Palace, the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots, or tour a local whisky distillery.
Fun Fact: Whiskey (with an 'e') refers to grain spirits distilled in Ireland and the United States. Whisky (with no 'e') refers to Scottish, Canadian, or Japanese grain spirits!
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Synopsis: In the 1930s, the Grand Budapest Hotel was a popular European ski resort presided over by concierge Gustave H. (Ralph Fiennes). Zero, a junior lobby boy, becomes Gustave's friend and protege. Gustave prides himself on providing first-class service to the hotel's guests when he finds himself the recipient of a priceless painting and the chief suspect in a murder.
Named one of 2022’s Best Places to Travel, stroll the streets of Budapest as you take in the Castle District, Matthias Church, the Fishermen's Bastion, or perhaps the famous Central Market Hall and the largest Synagogue in Europe. Whatever it is, you’re sure to find adventure here.
Stay tuned for our next installment in the series- TV! Any shows you’d like to see featured? Let me know!
Happy Travels, Hannah
P.S. Did this inspire your Wanderlust? Head to the Book Now section for a 1:1 consultation about your next trip.
