5. The Assassination of Jesse James
The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert F. Ford, starring Brad Pitt, was filmed in various locations throughout Alberta, Canada. The locations add depth to the film and provide great destinations for set-jetters. One of these locations, Fort Edmonton Park, is offering wagon tours that highlight where key scenes were filmed within the park. Travel Alberta has excellent information about all of the locations used in the film as well as lodging, dining, and entertainment options in Alberta.
4. The Darjeeling Limited
The Darjeeling Limited is the story of three American brothers who take a trip across India in hopes of finding themselves and strengthening their relationship. Their trip is taken off course by a suicide attempt and a new journey begins. Here are a few behind-the-scenes videos from the shoot.
The All India Travel Guide offers tours ranging from 5 to 18 days which include stops at the Taj Mahal, Darjeeling, Eastern India, and Nepal. If you want to recreate the movie’s train ride, here is a beginner’s guide to train travel in India.
For something different, how about a volunteer vacation in India? Global Volunteers is just one organization that can help you make arrangements to do something good with your vacation. And as always, before leaving for India you should check the U.S. Department of the State’s advisories.
3. Transformers
Transformers brought us battling aliens, autobots, and great locations. One of these locations is White Sands in New Mexico.
The White Sands Monument is a truly unique destination. These beautiful white gypsum dunes stretch as far as the eye can see. Situated in the heart of New Mexico, it is within driving distance of some of the most spiritual and quirky destinations in the country. White Sands Monument is within a few hours drive of both El Paso, TX and Albuquerque, NM. This is a desolate drive from either direction but there are some interesting points along the way, like the Trinity Site, the testing site of the first atomic bomb. Almogordo is the closest town to White Sands and your best bet for lodging, restaurants, and amenities. And don’t forget Roswell, a short drive from White Sands, and Mecca of all things alien.
For most, the white sands will resemble snow, the roads even have to be plowed but the heat will tell you otherwise. Make sure you stop at the information center when you arrive, there you can buy a plastic disc to slide down the dunes, it is fun for all ages and makes the long drive seem well worth it!
White Sands is only one of the location used in the movie, here is a complete list of locations.
2. Into The Wild
Into The Wild, based on the life of adventurer Chris McCandless, follows his quest to live in the wilderness away from the material world. Check out this list of locations. This is not another typical movie made in the location that offers the best tax breaks rather than the best scenery.
Sean Penn wanted to capture Chris’ journey in the most authentic way, by living it. Chris eventually died of starvation in an abandoned bus in the Alaska outback. To capture the isolation here, Penn brought the entire crew to the bus making a visually unique and stunning film.
For most, this will be the most intriguing location since it was the place where Chris died. The bus is located about 25 miles from Healy, Alaska. Here is tourist information if you are interested in visiting Healy or think you can make it out to the bus on your own. If you want to live vicariously through someone else’s adventure, take a look at the 2007 Live Wild Tour in support of the release of the film. If you are interested in taking a guided tour of one of the trails Chris traveled, there is an Into The Wild Tour which leaves daily from Denali, Alaska.
1. Stardust
Stardust may not have been the biggest box office draw of the year but it did have the most stunning scenery.
This fairy tale with a big name cast including Robert DeNiro, Michelle Pfieffer, and Claire Danes was filmed during the spring and summer of 2006 in the UK. Here is a guide to four of the main locations used in filming, for a list of all locations, check imdb.
Much of the film was made in Wester Ross in the Scottish Highlands. Here is a list of hotels in the area as well as a list of things to do and special events taking place.
The town of Stormhold in the movie is is actually Elm Hill in Norwich, England. Elm Hill is a beautiful cobblestone street lined with Tudors dating back to the 16th Century. It is now home to quaint art shops and antique dealers. Luckily someone has created a wonderful guide to Norwich, see it here or visit the city’s official guide.
Filming also took place in the woods near the Ashbridge House in Hertfordshire, England. The house is now a business school whereas the rest of the land is part of the National Trust. They offer guided tours of the property or you can walk on your own through an extensive network of country paths. If you would like to stay near Ashbridge, The Grove is close and has received excellent reviews.
Castle Comb, our fourth location, is located in Chippenham, Wiltshire, about 2 hours west of London. If you stay in this area, we recommend The Manor House. This 14th Century manor will make you feel like you have stepped right into the film.
For more information about travel to the UK and vacation packages, check out Travelocity.
And watch for our predictions of the most travel inspiring movies of 2008 in this week’s newsletter!
