Ever watched a film and whispered to yourself – ‘I have to go there’? You’re not the only one.

In fact, movie tourism is a big deal, and the world’s most iconic films have transformed the economies of the towns and cities in which they’re set. In fact, 2012 research from the Tourism Competitive Intelligence found that 40 million international tourists had chosen their destination because they’d seen a film or TV show in that particular location. That’s pretty impressive and demonstrates the power that the Box Office has on us everyday folk…

If you’re thinking about taking a vacation this year but can’t decide where in the world to go, then let some of your favorite movies inspire your travel choices. Below, we’ve rounded up 5 movie set destinations to visit if you’d like to holiday like a celebrity in 2019 and beyond…

Barcelona – as seen in Barcelona

The 1994 American comedy-drama Barcelona may not be the most famous movie in the world but it’s a fun rom-com that’s often on TV – and at the time, it took $7.3 million at the Box Office.

After Ted (played by Taylor Nichols) receives an unexpected visit from his cousin Fred, they strike relationships with women in the city and experience conflicts, to much humor.

If you’re looking to take in the sights and sounds of the city and sample some of its delicious cuisines, then a Barcelona foodie tour could be just what you’re looking for. But be warned: with so much delicious food on offer, you’ll probably return home a dress size larger!

Skiathos – as seen in Mamma Mia!

The all-singing, all-dancing Mamma Mia was a sensation when it was released in 2008, and the follow-up released last year also went down a storm.

Set in the stunning Greek island of Skiathos and its smaller neighbor, Skopelos, the movie is jam-packed with ear-worms from Abba’s back catalog and is today considered a modern classic.

Add to that an appearance from Cher, and it might just be one of our all-time favorite movies.

The truth is that there is not an awful lot to do in Skiathos, other than recreate the movie’s Dancing Queen scene at the port, although its beaches (Paralia Lalaria, Koukounaries Beach, Banana Beach, and Agia Eleni Beach) make for stunning Instagram shots – and a great place to catch a tan.

Thailand, as seen in The Beach

We’ll be honest: the only reason we know about The Beach is because it’s the movie where Leonardo DiCaprio can be seen in his speedos, and it’s become a pretty iconic piece of pop culture history.

Released in 2000, the movie took $144.1 million at the Box Office and shows off some of the stunning sights and scenes of Thailand. Nowhere else in the world can you find islands as pretty and unspoiled as Koh Phi Phi Leh – it looks like paradise, and definitely a place to add to your travel bucket list. The hardest part will be deciding on the best bikini!

Springbrook National Park, Australia – as seen on I’m A Celebrity

If you really want to live it up like a celebrity – a Z-lister that’s being paid to sit in a jungle for three weeks, that is – then consider Springbrook National Park in Australia.

This stunning jungle is featured in I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!, and is set in the Gold Coast region of Queensland. The good news is that the park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its Gondwana Rainforests truly must be seen to be believed.

You won’t be able to visit the camp where filming takes place, but you can stop by Murwillumbah, where additional scenes are shot, and camp on the settlement to get a feel for jungle life. If you want to get close to the action, The Mouses House Rainforest Retreat is the ultimate hideaway – but it’s not cheap!

Los Angeles – as seen on E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

Los Angeles is already a pretty popular tourist spot, but if you’re looking to head somewhere where the stars have been, then this is the spot for you. Los Angeles was a feature in the 1982 movie E.T, with Tujunga, Porter Ranch and Granada Hills neighborhoods used to film the children’s classic.

As a tourist, you can head to Culver City High School to see where the classroom scenes were shot, whilst White Oak Boulevard and Tulsa Street will give you the perfect view of Elliot’s bike take-off. Oh, and whilst you’re there, you’ll probably spot a film star or two – Mila Kunis, Johnny Depp, Katy Perry, Russell Brand, and Melissa McCarthy are just some of the residents of this all-star destination, so book a celeb sight-seeing trip!

There you have it – just some of the destinations to consider if you’re looking for a movie-inspired trip. Whatever you decide to get up to, we wish you a fun and safe vacation!

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