The Top Five Films to Inspire Your Next Holiday

Great cinema can make you fall in love with a place before you’ve even set foot on it. Sweeping natural landscapes and vibrant cityscapes have long been the backdrop of iconic films, inspiring travellers to pack their bags and seek out those same horizons.

Below, we cover five films that offer more than escapism. They may spark real adventures on your holidays abroad, from Europe to the Americas.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty – Greenland and Iceland

The beloved The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013) is practically an advert for Iceland’s raw natural beauty. It prominently features shots of glaciers and volcanoes, capturing landscapes so surreal they seem otherworldly.

Travellers drawn by Mitty’s journey can recreate the magic through glacier walks and whale-watching tours. Those willing to travel further afield can visit Höfn, a harbour town in the southeast. It was used for the Nuuk, Greenland, airport scenes and as a base for accessing the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. You may discover that it inspires you to plan your next trip to Greenland.

Midnight in Paris – France (Paris and Beyond)

Woody Allen’s Midnight in Paris (2011) is a love letter to the French capital. The film captures Paris’s timeless charm, with key Left Bank locations, such as Gertrude Stein’s apartment and the steps of the Saint-Étienne-du-Mont church, serving as important settings for Gil’s magical journeys into the past.

It can inspire exploration beyond the city into the coastal cliffs of Normandy or the lavender fields of Provence. You can also take a short drive or flight to Spain or Italy to extend your holiday with other cinematic destinations.

Eat Pray Love – Italy

The Italian chapters of Eat Pray Love (2010) romantically showcase the Amalfi Coast. Think cliffside drives and limoncello tastings, as well as rustic cooking classes. The film captures Italy’s enduring allure as a place where scenery and lifestyle elegantly combine.

While Italy is a dream destination for many, affordability plays a role in decision-making, especially during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. Many Brits are opting for the Algarve, a less pricey alternative, but Italy’s cinematic appeal is hard to beat.

The Motorcycle Diaries – South America

The Motorcycle Diaries (2004) follows young Che Guevara’s journey through South America, offering a breathtaking view of the Andes, Patagonia, and rural villages. It’s inspired tourists to trek through Ecuador and stay in family-run lodges in Patagonia for over twenty years.

ABTA’s Travel Trends for 2025 report reveals that over two-thirds of British tourists plan to spend the same or more on their holiday this year, with long-haul adventures increasingly popular. Many are opting for slower, more authentic experiences over carefully planned itineraries.

Into the Wild – United States

Sean Penn’s Into the Wild (2007) tells the true story of Christopher McCandless and his quest to live off the grid in Alaska. The film is both a cautionary tale and an inspiration for those who crave silence and a connection with nature.

Watching the critically acclaimed film may spur you into hiking in the Pacific Northwest with a friend or river rafting in Alaska. It could be your “destination dupe”, an affordable alternative that’s less crowded and more affordable than other options in the USA and Canada.

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Adam Regan

Deputy Editor

Features and account management. 3 years media experience. Previously covered features for online and print editions.

Email Adam@MarkMeets.com