What’s the best way to learn about a new place? By visiting of course, but not everyone has the time or money to travel. That’s where movies and TV shows come in. 

Whether you’re looking for a new destination to add to your bucket list or want to armchair travel from the comfort of your own home, there are plenty of great options. These are some highly ranked movies known for the amazing on-sight filming locations.   

The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999) 

This 1999 thriller starring Matt Damon is set in Italy and will have you itching to book a trip to the Amalfi Coast ASAP. The film does an excellent job of showcasing the beauty of Italy, from the stunning coastal scenery to the bustling city streets. It also gives a great sense of what it’s like to travel there, from the food and wine to the language and culture.  

Eat Pray Love (2010) 

Julia Roberts stars in this film based on Elizabeth Gilbert’s best-selling memoir. The movie follows Gilbert’s character as she travels to Italy, India, and Indonesia in search of self-discovery. 

Much like “The Talented Mr. Ripley,” the movie “Eat Pray Love” does a great job of showing the beauty of Italy and India. It also provides a good sense of what it’s like to travel solo as a woman, which can be daunting for some people.  

Wild (2014) 

This 2014 film stars Reese Witherspoon as Cheryl Strayed, a woman who hikes the Pacific Crest Trail alone after experiencing a devastating personal loss. Along the way, she learns a lot about herself and the power of nature. 

“Wild” is an excellent example of how travel can be therapeutic and transformative. It also gives viewers a good sense of what it’s like to hike in the wilderness, something many people are interested in but may not have experienced firsthand.  

Game of Thrones (2011) 

This hugely popular TV show is set in a fictional world, but many locations are based on real-life places in Ireland, Iceland, Croatia, and Morocco. “Game of Thrones” is an excellent example of how travel can be used as a form of escapism. It also does an excellent job of showcasing different cultures and lifestyles.  

Bridgerton (2020) 

This new Netflix show is set in Regency-era England and follows the lives of the aristocratic “Bridgerton” family. It’s full of romance, drama, and plenty of beautiful locations. “Bridgerton” showed the fancy side of living a rich life and how different the social classes were back in the early 1800s.  

It also showed how even though the world has changed, some aspects of human nature remain the same. Apart from the storyline and acting, people loved how relaxing it can be to enjoy the countryside and its greenery.   So, what are you waiting for? Grab some popcorn and settle in for a virtual vacation. Bon voyage!  

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