5 Movies that Inspire Travel
Which big screen movies feed your wanderlust?
After speculation today about Patrick Swayze and pancreatic cancer, I've been thinking of movies that motivated me to get outside my own little space and see the world.
Take me to the moon!Dirty Dancing gets honorable mention in my books. Despite obvious reasons I why love the movie (I'm a chic and it was Patrick Swayze...) it stirred me to think about breaking away from my predictable life, the price, the rewards, the endless possibilities of exploring how I wanted to live in the world.
Do you have a list of movies that trigger travel dreams? Do they match mine?
Out of Africa - Kenya, 1985
Sweeping vistas, exotic animals and sweet seduction come together with heavy-weights, Meryl Streep and Robert Redford. Within a few months of the movie's release, tourism replaced agriculture as Kenya's top producing industry.
If you're inspired to safari your way through Kenya, 2Afrika offers some good, budget priced tours. Prices start at approx $2000,which include airfare from New York to Nairobi, transportation, meals and lodging.
When Harry Met Sally - New York City, 1989
Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan hate each other, but their love story mirrors the love/hate relationship most of us have with New York. And of course, there's the famous lunch where Sally showed the world just how easy it is to fake it...
Visit the city is in the fall when you can stroll through a kaleidoscope of colors in Central Park. Don't forget the Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village where Harry discovers he loves Sally and enjoy lunch at Katz's Delicatessen where Sally enjoyed that famous turkey sandwich (205 E Houston St.).
Crocodile Dundee - Australia, 1986
Sure it's filled with clichés and stereotypes but Paul Hogan and his Crocodile Dundee persona did more for tourism than any previous PR company. If you've never been to the land down under, the kangaroos, Opera house and Outback pubs serving Fosters will make you want to go.
Get out into the wilderness with a tour company like AdventureTours.com. They'll take you to Kakadu National Park and help you explore much of the same terrain Dundee covered in the movie.
The Sound of Music - Salzburg, Australia, 1965
Mozart was born here 100 years prior before, but the Sound of Music consistently inspires more tourists every year. Rogers and Hammerstein may have inspired our imagination, but the Von Trapp's are a real family and the Trapp Family Lodge is a good enough reason for anyone to visit Austria.
Moonraker - France, Venice, Guatemala, Brazil, Outer space, 1979
He's hit more than 30 countries, but 007 outdid himself in Moonraker, his absolute silliest movie. He raced through 7 countries on 3 continents and beyond. If you're set in following in 007's tracks, you may be in luck if you chummy up to Sir Richard Branson - he's hoping to make it an exclusive destination spot with Virgin Galactic.
Your turn. Share your movie memories with all of us here at GoGirlfriend! Either type your comments below or shoot our editor an email.
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What a great topic! How
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