Need Holiday Inspo? Watch A Film!

Wondering where to book your next holiday? Read on.

Cold, damp weather and infinite hours of darkness; winter is getting a bit boring now, it is time to swap the sweaters for swimsuits.

But, not much can be done about British weather, so we simply must settle with lusting over beautiful countries and subsequently booking holidays there.

However, it can be hard thinking of places to visit, which is where film inspiration can come in. According to research by Travel Republic, films have a BIG impact on where we decide to holiday.

In fact, half of those questioned said that films inspired their holiday destinations and over a third revealed that they even have a list of places they would like to visit inspired by film locations.

The Mamma Mia 2 trailer has recently reminded us of the ridiculous beauty Greek Islands have to offer.

In 2008, when Mamma Mia first hit cinema screens, it became huge inspiration for many. One in twenty of those polled revealed that they booked a holiday to the island where it was filmed, Skopelos, after being taken in by the pretty whitewashed buildings and clear blue skies.

Peter, a 48 year-old teacher, was one of those inspired to visit the Greek Island. He said: “In the first few minutes of [Mamma Mia], you see the crystal clear blue seas and sunny weather the Greek Islands has to offer, and I instantly thought ‘I have to go there!’… me and my wife have been a couple of times since, and it really is just as beautiful as in the film.”

As well as Mamma Mia, other films have also drawn people into the beauty Greece has to offer. Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, a 2001 epic love story based on the novel by Louis de Bernieres, caused 49 year-old Jane to book a holiday in Kefalonia.

She said: “The scenery just looks so beautiful in the film, so I had to visit!”

However, it isn’t just the sunny coastal film destinations that have inspired us Brits. Over 10 per cent of people who took part in the poll were inspired to book a fun-filled holiday to Las Vegas after watching the Hangover films.

One of the many people inspired to visit Las Vegas, Joab, a 23 year-old project manager, said: “After watching the first Hangover film, I put visiting Las Vegas right at the top of my bucket list. I haven’t visited yet, but I hope it is just as amazing as the film makes it out to be!”

The Big Apple is another American destination often shown in films and TV, which is why it is hardly surprising that it has led many people to visit there. A huge 31 per cent of those polled visited the city after watching films such as Sex and the City, eighties classic When Harry Met Sally or Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

Mel and Chris, a 45 year-old teacher and 44 year-old head of family support, visited New York after seeing the film in films like Ghostbusters. In fact, they even visited Grand Central station to deliberately see the famous clock featured in the film Madagascar.

Chris said: “Our holiday to New York was definitely inspired by films, there are so many films out there that have made it seem like such an exciting place to visit.”

Another destination that is often used in films is the romantic French city, Paris. The city of love has played the backdrop to numerous successful films from Amelie to Ratatouille. The former quirky French love story is in the top 20 most most holiday-inspiring films.

Donna, a 52 year-old teacher, visited Paris after watching The Lovers on the Bridge. She said: “When I saw the film I was desperate to visit and walk across the bridge just like Juliet Binoche.”

Another inspired traveller, Debs, a 51 year-old support worker, said: “After watching An American in Paris, I was keen to visit and walk along the river and buy a little Eiffel Tower ornament.”

And, it’s not just films that get people whipping out their credit cards and booking flights abroad. Books and TV shows also have a significant impact on where we holiday.

Keziah, a 29 year-old charity regional manager, said: “One of my favourite books is The Shadow of the Wind, which is set in Barcelona, and after reading it I was desperate to visit – and I did… now it is one of my favourite places in the world!”

The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings are books and films that have inspired many fans worldwide to visit New Zealand. And, a little closer to home, Emily Bronte’s works have led many people keen to explore the Yorkshire Moors, which she writes about in Wuthering Heights.

Television shows also often inspire holiday destinations. Game of Thrones has caused Iceland to become a hotspot for fans of the show, with many hoping to see the unique landscape shown in the hit HBO show.

Regardless of where they are set, it seems that as a nation, we are inspired to explore the backdrop for our favourite novels, films and television shows.