As someone who is passionate about travelling, I seem to find inspiration just about everywhere, but movies are my absolute favourite source.
Have you ever watched a film and thought – I would absolutely love to live in that world? Well, that is literally my life. It’s rare that I watch a movie and don’t think it would be an amazing place to visit – and I’ve watched a lot of movies.
I wanted to know if anyone else felt the same, so I asked some of my favourite bloggers what movies inspire them to travel, and they’ve shared some amazing fictional places with me, which I’m going to share with you.
Please make sure to check out their blogs while you’re here.
Laputa | Castle in the Sky
One of my favourite movies as a kid was Laputa: Castle in the Sky. I remember the first time I saw it was on a Christmas holiday, it was on 1 channel and something my Dad wanted to watch (I think it was a Davy Crockett western) was on the other channel. Being about 9 or 10 years old and a bit of a brat, I got my own way and was able to watch Laputa and was blown away by it. Never forgot the basic plot and visuals and when it became available on DVD a few years back I was a happy camper.
Laputa, more than anything else, is the thing that has most influenced my sense of wonder at the idea of hidden magical cities, like Laputa, Atlantis or even Machu Pichu. Anyway, back on topic. I think I would enjoy living in a floating castle, despite my fear of heights. I imagine if I was born on a flying island, such a thing just wouldn’t happen.
There is simply something majestic and magical about the idea of a civilization that lives among the clouds. For me it represents a pinnacle, the potential of human beings. The ability to not only defy gravity but to take civilization up. And the idea of floating cities has another appeal in that there is freedom, drifting on the wind. Of course, in the movie, Laputa is held aloft by crystals and magic, and the Laputian Royal family can control the magic. So not only do you have freedom to drift, but also there is still human agency. I find the metaphor appealing. On the other hand, I think it would be really cool to live in a flying castle.
John – It’s More Than Just Gaming
San Fransokyo | Big Hero Six
Welcome to the near-futuristic, urban, Eastern and Western-blended fictional city based on real life San Francisco, California and Tokyo, Japan: San Fransokyo, Big Hero 6’s high-tech metropolis. San Fransokyo is home to 23 distinct districts as well as the Gold Gate Bridge with a Japanese twist. Even though Japanese and American culture seems the most dominant here, San Fransokyo is a vast melting pot of cultures. You’ll spot San Francisco’s classic Victorian architecture as well as a take on Japan’s famous shopping district, Shibuya, along with old school cable cars alongside the elevated roadways.
When planning for a visit to San Fransokyo, there’s several unique and must see points of interest. You can’t miss the famous Golden Gate Bridge so be sure to instagram its unique design based on Japan’s spirit bridges. Are science and technology your thing? Stop by San Fransokyo Tech’s annual convention where geniuses show off their latest inventions to gain entry to the university. On the flipside, you can visit SFTI’s rival: San Fransokyo Art Institute.
If art is your vibe, check out San Fransokyo Museum of Art, the host for predominantly Japanese artwork. If you find yourself blinded by the city’s lights, take a break at Muirahara Woods, San Fransokyo’s own national park and home to various wildlife. Cat lover? Pay a visit to the Lucky Cat Cafe. Bonus points if you manage to visit on a poetry night! If poetry isn’t really up your alley, pay a visit to Noodle burger, a local favorite fast-food restaurant. There’s a little bit of everything for everyone in San Fransokyo.
Megan – A Geeky Gal
Wakanda | Black Panther
There are tons of fictional places I’d want to see, but one in particular would be Wakanda from Black Panther. To the outside world, it might not look like much, but once you get inside its borders it’s full of lush scenery and so technologically advanced. The whole culture is something completely different than anything we’ve really seen in the MCU. The people are so vibrant and strong, and I would take any opportunity to hang out with Shuri and play with all her awesome gadgets!
Heather – Nerdy By Nature
Koriko | Kiki’s Delivery Service
Of all the breathtaking places in the world of Ghibli, Koriko from Kiki’s Delivery Service is my favorite. Koriko is the seaside town that Kiki resides during her year alone as a part of being a witch in training. The city is inspired heavily by Europe and Stockholm in particular, which explains the charm and the aesthetics of the city, which I am fond of. The people are also lovely, with Osono who owns the bakery, the kindly Madame, and Ursula who is the artist in the woods all being so welcoming. From the clocktower to the bakery, Koriko is a very charming place I’d love to explore. And it would be even better to fly over on a broomstick, Kiki style.
Michelle – A Geek Girls Guide
Star Wars
As someone who loves variety when she travels, I wanted a fictional world with an array of landscapes and so, I picked Star Wars. Within the Star Wars universe, you have vast difference of terraform. Often within the same planet. As with Naboo, it has the historic palace in Theed and underwater city of Otoh Gunga. Both of which are spectacular in their own way.
Each planet would offer a different experience, just like visiting different countries on Earth. Visiting the Jedi temples would be similar to touring the ancient ruins in Greece. Canto Bight would be like visiting Monte Carlo. Whereas the city planet of Coruscant with it’s hustle and bustle would be more akin to the city state Singapore.
One of my personal favourite things when travelling is getting to try new types food and immersing myself in the local culture. Just think about the range of food options within such a large universe. Not to mention drinks (although I am not sure I will drink the green milk!) Plus, the Star Wars universe has numerous alien races I can only image all the different cultures and traditions to discover. Of course, the best thing about living within the Star Wars world, would be the chance to meet a Jedi!
Dee – Princess Deia
Karazhan | World of Warcraft
It may seem a little odd that I’ve chosen a film that’s based on a video game, after all haven’t I visited those locations in game? Warcraft is set in a time period that we don’t get to see in the game World of Warcraft, and while most of the locations exist in the game or were made available in a later expansion (such as Draenor in Warlords of Draenor) one location in the movie has always been a dream of mine to explore in all its glory; Karazhan. Home to the the last Guardian of Tirisfal, Medivh, it is the focal point for ley lines and brimming with magical power. It is also filled with knowledge of arcane, fel and all the magical forces of Azeroth and that is what draws me to it.
In World of Warcraft it lies in ruins after the death of Medivh as seen in the movie, and even as you explore the ruins as a player you get a glimpse of the majesty, the beautiful architecture and the many secrets that still lie undiscovered within its wall. To even just spend a day wondering through those halls when Karazhan was at its full power would be indescribable. Like Khadgar in the movie I could get lost within the stacks of the library for hours on end
Heather – Just Geeking By
Middle-Earth | Lord of the Rings
The one movie franchise that never fails to give me crazy amounts of wanderlust is Lord of the Rings. I’ve always loved J.R.R. Tolkien’s books, but the films made Middle-Earth come alive for me, in a much greater way than my imagination ever could. I think the fact that the entire story line revolves around an epic adventure helps a lot too.
And adventuring is exactly what I would do. I think the first place I’d head is Hobbiton, so that I could explore the home of Bilbo and Frodo, then I’d retrace both of their steps all the way through Middle-Earth. I’d visit the elves at Rivendell – a place of sheer beauty, tranquillity and epic feasts. I’d go to the Prancing Pony in Bree for breakfast – and pray I don’t run into any Nazqul. I’d even visit Mount Doom’s volcano and look down into the lava that destroyed the one ring.
Another exciting thing about Middle-Earth is the sheer amount of unusual races that live there. Think of all the different cultures you could experience, and all the interesting people you could meet. I would have second breakfast with the Hobbits, learn to blacksmith with the Dwarves, and feast with the Elves. I’d also love to watch one of Gandalf’s firework shows.
Emma – Geeky Tourist
What films inspire you to travel? Are there any movie worlds you wish you could visit in real life? Are there any movies you wish you could live in?
What to read next:
- Five Fictional Islands I Wish I Could Visit In Real Life
- Five Fictional Hotels I’d Like To Stay In
- Five Fictional Cities I’d Love To Visit In Real Life
- Set Jetting | Aysgarth Falls
GEEKY TOURIST 
Fantastic idea. Thank everyone for sharing their thoughts :)
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This was so fun, thanks for letting me be a part of it! :]
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Great post! For me Star Wars or Middle Earth would be places I’d love to visit. Or Persephone from Firefly / Serenity.
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