Arguably, one of the hardest parts about seeing an inspirational travel movie is the sad realization that you’re still at home. Unlike the protagonists on the silver screen, you aren’t surrounded by majestic wildlife in the lush valleys and gorges of Hawaii like “Jurassic World” or on a spiritual journey through India’s dazzling and chaotic streets like “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.” At least not yet. Happily, these once-in-a-lifetime tours and trips were curated for movie lovers who want to experience the same places as much-admired fictional characters. From an incredible 38-day journey retracing Elizabeth Gilbert’s footsteps in “Eat, Pray, Love” to a rugged tour of locations shown in “Jurassic Park,” these adventures will bring your favorite films to life.
An ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ Journey
To celebrate the 10-year anniversary of Elizabeth Gilbert’s empowering novel ,“Eat, Pray, Love,” Intrepid Travel, a tour operator, has created the ultimate journey to honor her pilgrimage. This 38-day itinerary takes you from Italy to India to Bali, and is designed primarily with solo female travelers in mind. Much like Gilbert’s book (and subsequent acclaimed movie), the Intrepid adventure focuses on personal growth and self-discovery. The first portion is dedicated to food, and the trip weaves you through Rome, Venice and Bologna, Italy, stopping at vineyards, family run restaurants and olive oil producers. The second part of the trip takes you to India, and is based on spirituality, taking you to the country’s most sacred sites, like the Taj Mahal in Agra. And finally, the journey ends in Bali, where you’ll get the chance to fall in love with the idyllic beaches and lush countrysides of the breathtaking island. The trip starts on Sept. 30, 2016 and ends on Nov. 2, 2016. Fares start at $7,250 USD and include transportation, lodging and dining costs.
A ‘Wild’ Hike on the Pacific Crest Trail
Stretching from Mexico to Canada, through California, Oregon and Washington, the Pacific Crest Trail traverses the country’s most spectacular and varied landscapes, ranging from barren deserts to rugged mountain ranges to glacier-fed streams. The trail is made famous thanks to Reese Witherspoon’s portrayal of Cheryl Strayed in the movie “Wild.” To follow in Strayed’s footsteps, you can pack a bag and join the Evergreen Escapes’ all-inclusive Pacific Crest Trail & Columbia Gorge Tour. Although this private tour doesn’t take you the entirety of Cheryl’s 1,050-mile path, it does lead you to the Pacific Crest Trail’s most beautiful spots, like the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area, Cascade Locks, Multnomah Falls and the iconic Bridge of the Gods. In addition to an expert-led private tour, the trek includes a lunch and beer samples at Thunder Island Brewery Company, a hiker favorite. The six- to eight-hour tour starts at $350 per person.
A ‘Jurassic Park’ ATV Tour
Nestled between Oahu‘s lush, carved mountain cliffs and the sparkling Kaneohe Bay sits Kualoa, one of the world’s most famous nature reserves. Though it’s been the location for numerous films, such as “50 First Dates” and “Pearl Harbor,” Kualoa’s fame is due mostly to the Jurassic Park franchise. To relive the blockbuster movies in life-like splendor, hop on an ATV tour of the Kualoa Ranch with an expert guide. While you won’t find any towering Brachiosaurus and Parasaurolophus grazing off the trees or herds of Gallimimus predators sprinting by, you will be met with breathtaking views of the vast gorge, rugged mountain cliffs, dense forests and pristine coastline. Not only will the ATV tour take you to the memorable filming locations, they’ll also guide you along more scenic valleys and remote areas. Hourlong guided walking and horseback-tours start at $119.95 per person.
‘The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’ Tour
India is one of the most chaotic, beautiful and mesmerizing places in the world — and no film quite captures the country’s breathtaking landscapes and sights like The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel franchise. Experience your own culture shock and fall in love with the bustling streets, the beautiful people and the architectural gems on your own journey with On the Go Tours, which offers a movie-inspired tour that takes you to the country’s most famous landmarks and places featured in the films. Start with a warm namaste welcome in New Delhi; then embark on a life-changing 10-day expedition around beautiful northern India, covering the architectural wonders of Jaipur, the exhilarating streets of Udaipur and the inspiring Taj Mahal. In addition to tuk-tuk rides and market visits, you’ll also check into the Ravla Khempur, the real-life Best Exotic Marigold Hotel in the tiny town of Khempur, where the movie was filmed. Tours start at $2,779.
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4 Great Movie-Themed Trips That Will Inspire You to Travel originally appeared on usnews.com
