Art has been inspiring bucket lists for centuries. From the Greek epics to Monet’s paintings of Provence, stories of adventures around the world and descriptions of faraway lands have shown up in every medium. Today, we’re inspired to travel through movies and film. Eat, Pray, Love is a perfect example, as is White Lotus. The impact of movies and film can be so significant that destinations will capitalize on the interest and create tours or experiences dedicated to the filming locations. Harry Potter has done this for the UK, Outlander for Scotland, and Game of Thrones for many places, including Croatia. All of these introductions are a great way to dive into new cultures, traditions, and people - go outside of our comfort zones and discover somewhere new that perhaps we weren’t aware existed before.

With this in mind, we’ve compiled a list of destinations inspired by some of our favorite shows and movies, and a few we’ve recently discovered. Keep reading to see the list, head to our Instagram, and comment or DM us with a film or series that has inspired you…

Bologna, Italy || Inspired by Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy (HBO Max)

No one knows Italy quite like Stanley Tucci. For those who love food, culture, and history, Tucci’s docuseries “Search for Italy” is the deep dive into Italian life that no one asked for but we all wanted. Lucky for us, he just premiered a new version of the show with National Geographic, so the adventure continues! Bologna is considered the food capital of Italy, and who are we to argue? Familiar dishes like Bolognese, Tortellini en Brodo, and Mortadella call this city home, with rich food that satisfies even the most ravenous of appetites. But more than food, Bologna is filled with historical landmarks, cultural gems, and bustling piazzas. The city is an Italian treasure you don’t want to miss, but if you have time to explore further, go deeper into the Emilia-Romagna region for medieval cities, stunning coastal towns, and more like the Byzantine Mosaics in Ravenna. It’s Italy, so expect there always to be something to discover, no matter how many times you visit.

Çeşme Peninsula & Istanbul, Turkey || Inspired by Chasing the Wind (Netflix) and Erkenci Kuş (YouTube)

If you haven’t discovered Turkish movies and shows, this is your clue to start. The entertainment industry holds a significant role in Turkish culture, with films and series (dizis) capturing the attention of people around the world. What we love most is how much it’s helping us discover previously unknown parts of Turkey, like the Çeşme Peninsula. Istanbul is one of the most unique cities in the world because it is located on two continents – Europe and Asia - separated by the Bosphorus Strait. Each side of the city provides a distinctly unique experience, representing the blend of European and Asian cultures that make up the two sides. Many different empires have ruled over Istanbul over time, including the Romans, Ottomans, and Byzantine (to name a few), and every single one has left a mark on the city. Food is a large part of Turkish culture, something you can enjoy in full force with a traditional Turkish breakfast. And the country's diverse geography offers everything from mountain retreats to coastal escapes. The Izmir region, in particular, has a variety of experiences from quaint coastal towns to vibrant nightlife. The area is steeped in history and culture, and places like the Çeşme Peninsula offer breathtaking seascapes. Watch Chasing the Wind and you’ll know exactly what we mean.

Costa Rica || Inspired by Down to Earth with Zac Efron (Netflix)

Zac Efron’s docuseries on Netflix visits destinations that aren’t necessarily unknown, but he visits them with a different intention. For example, he takes an intensive look at Paris’ water system and steps into communities severely impacted by Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. He learns about potatoes in Peru and longevity in a small town in Sardinia. The episode where they visit Costa Rica introduced us to this popular country in a new way, focusing on its sustainability practices and communities that are living waste-free. Costa Rica has become a particularly popular vacation destination, but there’s so much this country offers outside of resort stays. Visit an animal sanctuary, drink coffee from the source, explore the rainforest, taste the many different flavors of the vibrant culinary scene, see what chocolate looks like before it becomes…well, chocolate. Costa Rica is home to one of the six blue zones, offering insight into a long, healthy life. This country is an ideal destination to unplug and get back to nature.

Cusco, Peru || Inspired by Without Saying Goodbye (Netflix)

For a fun movie night, the Peruvian-Spanish film Without Saying Goodbye is a lighthearted romantic comedy that may inspire you to quit your job and live a slower, more intentional life. But even if it doesn’t, it will make you want to visit Peru. For those of us who only think of The Emperor’s New Groove when hearing “Cusco”, this Peruvian city has much more to offer, including a visit to Machu Picchu. What we loved about Without Saying Goodbye is that it focused on the heart of the city rather than simply presenting it as a fun destination. It showcased the people, the culture, the art, and the history, and made you want to visit Cusco to meet people and hear their stories. It also showcased all the different climates in Peru. The main characters’ hike to Machu Picchu took them through everything from mountains to rainforests. It speaks to the diverse experiences Peru has to offer. Special mention to Puno and Ica, which also made brief appearances, inspiring even more future travels for us.

Derbyshire, English || Inspired by Pride & Prejudice - 2005 (Netflix + HBO Max)

We’d be remiss not to include something inspired or written by Jane Austen. Her representation of the English countryside is timeless and romantic, making it a sought-after destination for literary lovers. Pride & Prejudice, featuring Kiera Knightley and Rosamund Pike, is our favorite Austen film, with breathtaking cinematography – much of which was filmed in Derbyshire. Places like Pemberley and the cliffs where Elizabeth is deep in thought with her dress blowing in the wind were filmed in this region and can be easily found with a quick Google search. Make Derbyshire your leading destination when visiting the UK or include it in a trip venturing through the English countryside.

Lombok, Indonesia || Inspired by Eat Pray Love (Netflix)

One of our favorite movies of all time, Eat, Pray, Love, is known for the three destinations Liz visits on her journey – Rome, India, and Bali – but there’s something about her time in Lombok that deserves the spotlight. It’s the final destination in her journey where everything she’s been through and learned finally comes together so she can find her happy ending (or happy ending for now). We’re so connected in the wrong ways, constantly attending to our phones and tablets. Visiting places that value personal connection over digital connection is a refreshing change of pace, especially for those desperate to slow down and start living for themselves again. Lombok is the perfect destination to do just this. To settle your mind, dive into long meditations, enjoy fresh food picked off the tree that morning, and get to know the local people.

Los Angeles, California || Inspired by Because I Said So (Prime)

This one may be out of left field—and we’re sure there are better options that properly represent LA—but this romantic comedy starring Mandy Moore and Diane Keaton is why we prioritized the Venice Canals while visiting on a recent trip. The Because I Said So production team wanted to showcase the best of Los Angeles, so each filming location was meant to represent the most beautiful parts of the city. With that in mind, several spots were based in the Venice Canals. Walking through this neighborhood feels like a peaceful respite from the city. Mere blocks away is Venice Beach, which is quite the juxtaposition. The homes have such character, and the flowing canals are unexpected. It’s a charming space you could spend hours roaming through. The few glimpses of the coast in the film are enough to inspire visits to Malibu or even Santa Monica for a bit of sand and sun.

New Zealand || Inspired by The Lord of the Rings (HBO Max + Prime)

No list of filming locations would be complete without Peter Jackson’s trilogies. Using New Zealand as the backdrop for Middle-earth was a genius decision. From majestic mountains to rolling hills, Kiwi country has every landscape necessary to paint the backdrop of one of the best fantasy worlds of all time. There is a long list of filming locations throughout New Zealand that anyone can visit. See The Forbidden Pool, where Faramir tricks Frodo into capturing Gollum in Tongariro National Park. Head to Wellington for several locations, such as Kaitoke Regional Park, which became part of Rivendell. Fans of the franchise can even experience a day in Hobbiton at the movie set, which was left after filming The Hobbit Trilogy as a permanent destination. See a hobbit hole, enjoy a meal befitting of a hobbit, and if you’re lucky, grab a photo with one of the cast members known to stop by for special celebrations.

Oahu, Hawaii || Inspired by Blue Crush (Starz)

You can blame Blue Crush, a romantic drama from the 2000s starring Kate Bosworth, for our fascination with all things surfing. It made the surfer girl aesthetic a lifestyle, not just a trend, and filled our landlocked hearts with a longing to live near a salty breeze and ocean waves. Blue Crush made terms like “pipeline” recognizable to anyone who wasn’t already a part of the surfing community, and we’re sure surfing lessons took off wherever available. The movie was filmed mostly on the North Shore of Oahu. Rather than focusing on the more luxurious parts of the island catering to tourists, it focused on real-life people, following the characters to smaller beaches and more hidden parts of the island (even if it was fabricated for filming). However, it made Oahu more appealing for us. Regardless, the crystal blue waves captured our attention. It’s no wonder that over two decades later, we’re obsessed with spending as much time near the ocean as possible.

Paris, France || Inspired by Midnight in Paris

There are countless shows and films set in Paris (we’re looking at you, Emily in Paris). However, Midnight in Paris does a beautiful job of blending recognizable landmarks and getting lost amid random streets with a nostalgic twist. Having a story that takes place in modern times and during the “golden age” of Paris with people whose legacies have turned them into characters was nothing short of perfection. Midnight in Paris is the dream scenario for anyone with a mild appreciation for art, music, and literature. Meeting icons like the Fitzgeralds, Gertrude Stein, Cole Porter, and Salvador Dali in their time would have been iconic. Nonetheless, time travel is not real, so we’re left to simply admire their work. Many scenes in this film are easy to find while visiting Paris. Musée de l’Orangerie is a personal favorite of ours - the Monet paintings offering a tranquil escape among the Tuileries Gardens. The scene where Owen Wilson simply sits and gets lost in them is something we’ve done and highly recommend. The stairs he visits at night to travel back in time are located on Rue Montagne Sainte-Geneviève at a church behind the Pantheon. What we love most about this film’s representation of Paris is that having no agenda can lead to the most incredible of adventures. Paris is a city that you are meant to get lost in. To get caught in the rain in. The most romantic side of Paris is the one that is unplanned.

San Juan, Puerto Rico || Inspired by Despacito Music Video

We’ll call this an honorable mention since it’s technically not a film or series, but something about the setting of the Despacito music video makes us want to pack a bag and head to the home of Reggaeton without looking back. The vibrant blue water mixed with the colorful buildings featured as the video starts reel you in, but the waves behind Luis when he starts singing do us in every time. How can you not want to visit a place with beaches that gorgeous? While we know people don’t dance in the streets like this in real life, Puerto Rico has much to offer, from a rich culture to friendly locals. The food scene is as vibrant as the art you see throughout the city. San Juan, where the music video was filmed, is home to Old San Juan – the oldest part of the city, filled with historical and cultural landmarks

Scotland || Inspired by Outlander (Starz + Netflix)

Raise your hand if Jamie Fraser has made you dream of booking a one-way flight to Scotland? Aside from Jamie and Claire’s epic love story, Outlander has reminded the world of Scotland’s beauty, particularly in the Highlands. The vibrant green hills and breathtaking coastal landscapes look so welcoming and peaceful, it’s impossible not to add this country to your bucket list after just one episode. Whether you’re city hopping or taking a road trip through the country, there’s much to discover in Scotland, from magical fairy glens to medieval castles. The Scottish people are proud of their heritage, and most would welcome a chance to share the history of their country. While you’re tackling Outlander filming locations, make sure to also hit a few Harry Potter sites like Victoria Street in Edinburgh, which inspired Diagon Alley, and the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which is the iconic bridge the train takes to Hogwarts.

Skiathos & Skopelos, Greece || Inspired by Mamma Mia! (HBO Max)

Greece is arguably one of the most picturesque countries in the world. Mamma Mia! isn’t the first to use this beautiful country as its backdrop, and it certainly won’t be the last. From the beach scenes to the charming character of Donna’s hotel, there’s no scene that isn’t magical. The movies were filmed on the islands of Skiathos and Skopelos in the Aegean Sea. See the church in the Kastri region of Northern Skopelos, visit the Old Port in Skiathos where Sophie met her dads for the first time, and take your pick visiting one of several exquisite beaches. Greece has much to offer first-time and return travellers. Dive into history by hiking through one of the many ruins, relax in the sun on one of the picturesque beaches, and meet the warm and welcoming locals.

Southport & Wilmington, North Carolina || Inspired by Safe Haven (Starz) and other Nicholas Sparks movies

Is Nicholas Sparks the resident ambassador of the Carolinas? We don’t know for certain, but he might as well be. With most of his books and films set in a coastal Carolina small town, his stunning representation of this region has us ready to pack up our lives, run away, and move into a weathered cottage within steps of a beach. Something about that coastal life calls to us from the peaceful quiet of remote living to the supportive community of small towns. We’ve seen most of Mr. Sparks’ films (and read quite a few of his books too – we’re still waiting on The Guardian to be turned into a movie, sir!), but Safe Haven starring Julianne Hough and Josh Duhamel remains one of our favorites. Filmed mainly in Southport and Wilmington, North Carolina, it’s no wonder Katie (Hough’s character) decides to settle there.

Verona, Italy || Inspired by Letters to Juliet (Prime)

Making a second appearance on this list, Italy appears in no shortage of movies and shows. While Tuscany is one of the most popular filming locations in the country, Verona doesn’t make as many cameos as other parts. Letters to Juliet is one of those mid-2000s feel-good films. Starring Amanda Seyfried and Vanessa Redgrave, the film takes inspiration from Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet. People write notes to Juliet under the balcony where she was said to live and ask for advice on love. A group of women retrieve the letters and respond which is where Sophie (Seyfried’s character) finds a decades-old letter from Claire (played by Redgrave). From there, she responds and ends up on a journey with Claire and her grandson Charlie, searching for her first love through the Tuscan countryside. The scenery is beautiful and romantic, and what more do you need than that?