Movies are a great window into places and cultures that would otherwise be impossible for the average person to see. Often, these same films inspire people (including myself) to travel to the locations featured in films. It would be impossible to list all of the films that inspire travel. Instead, I narrowed my list to five movies by setting a couple of rules; 1. I must have personally traveled to the location of the film. 2. The movie must be good! The movies I chose are great at giving you a slice of life somewhere else in the world without ever having to leave your couch. But be careful, you might book an unplanned vacation if you watch any one of these films!
5. 50 First Dates, Hawaii
50 First Dates is a comedy set in Hawaii that tracks the odd romance between a marine veterinarian and woman with short-term memory loss. Much of
50 First Dates was filmed in and around Kaneohe, Hawaii, which just happens to be where I worked my first summer out of college.
50 First Dates captures both the natural beauty of Hawaii and the humor of the people that live on the islands. Travel Tip: If you go to Hawaii, check out the authentic Hawaiian food of real-life Hukilau Cafe (which doesn't look anything like the film version)!
4. The Hangover, Las Vegas
Not only is The Hangover one of the best comedies of the past decade, it is also my favorite movie set in Las Vegas. The plot of the film follows three friends, nicknamed the "wolf pack," as they explore Las Vegas trying to comprehend what happened on one crazy night of a bachelor party. The Hangover inspires the kind of behavior that given Las Vegas the nickname of "Sin City." The Hangover is a must-see film if you are planning a getaway to Las Vegas where you want what happens there to stay there!
3. Under the Tuscan Sun, Italy
Have you ever wanted to pull up your roots and start over in a completely new place? To cope with a bitter divorce, a middle-aged author (played by Diane Lane) buys a dilapidated estate in Tuscany Italy. By rebuilding the house, Lane's character is also able to rebuild her life. Though Diane Lane is the headline actress,
the real star of the film is the Tuscan countryside. Watching
Under the Tuscan Sun inspired my second trip to Italy.
Taking a hint from the film, I focused on enjoying the culture of Italy rather than running from site to site, making the whole experience much more enjoyable.
2. When Harry Met Sally, New York City
There is no better place in the world to film a romantic comedy than New York City.
Simply put, When Harry Met Sally is the best romantic comedy filmed in the Big Apple. The film follows two friends, played by Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan, as they struggle through relationships before finding each other.
When Harry Met Sally showcases New York City in every season, with scenes filmed in Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Washington Square Park. Meg Ryan's famous "faking it" scene was filmed at
Katz Deli.
My wife and I make it a point to watch When Harry Met Sally before each trip to get into a "New York state of mind."
1. Whale Rider, New Zealand
The "
Lord of the Rings" trilogy are too often mentioned as the only movies to be filmed in New Zealand.
The truth is that New Zealand's dramatic scenery has made it a popular set location for major studio films. The Last Samurai, The Chronicles of Narnia, and
Bridge to Terabithia are just a few of the more recent movies filmed in New Zealand.
One film stands above the rest in capturing the "real" New Zealand; Whale Rider. Whale Rider is able to accurately capture the culture and scenery of rural Maori life on New Zealand better than any other film. In 2003, I taught in a small Maori school on the Bay of Plenty, and watching Whale Rider brings back the sounds, smells, and sights of my time there.
If you can't afford a plane ticket to New Zealand, watch Whale Rider to get a small piece of the Pacific paradise.
5. 50 First Dates, Hawaii 
Not only is The Hangover one of the best comedies of the past decade, it is also my favorite movie set in Las Vegas. The plot of the film follows three friends, nicknamed the "wolf pack," as they explore Las Vegas trying to comprehend what happened on one crazy night of a bachelor party. The Hangover inspires the kind of behavior that given Las Vegas the nickname of "Sin City." The Hangover is a must-see film if you are planning a getaway to Las Vegas where you want what happens there to stay there! 
Have you ever wanted to pull up your roots and start over in a completely new place? To cope with a bitter divorce, a middle-aged author (played by Diane Lane) buys a dilapidated estate in Tuscany Italy. By rebuilding the house, Lane's character is also able to rebuild her life. Though Diane Lane is the headline actress, the real star of the film is the Tuscan countryside. Watching Under the Tuscan Sun inspired my second trip to Italy. Taking a hint from the film, I focused on enjoying the culture of Italy rather than running from site to site, making the whole experience much more enjoyable. 
