Sometime back I happened to be in a discussion with the Director of Barefoot Resorts in the Andamans. And he was telling me about the huge influx of tourists that the Andamans witnessed after the Hindi movie ZindagiNa Milegi Dobara was released. Tourists came in large numbers for the diving experience, because the movie depicted it as one of the coolest and most exotic things that one should be doing.
Likewise the English Movie “Bucletlist” got everybody creating their own. The word all of a sudden became an everyday word. Everybody was creating their own Bucketlists of what they would want to do, where they would want to go before they die.
Movies have an incalculable influence on travel and holidays. That, wanting to go to a place is driven by what we get to see through various mediums like movies, documentaries, advertisements etc, read and also what we hear from others. Movies are known to influence cultures, cuisines, fashion everything.
Here is a list of 5 movies I think have influenced travel or an experience to a very large extent. Do note that this is just a list and not a ranking.
Zindagi Na Milegi Do Bara
As mentioned before this movie set the trend to travel carefree to some of the most exotic destinations in Europe like Span and Greece. Festivals, traditions, long drives, Scuba Diving everything that this movie said was followed by a horde of Indian Tourists. I personally know of a number of couples who have wanted to re-create the magic after seeing this movie.
Eat.Pray.Love
A woman’s journey seeking happiness, truth and bliss. Played by Julia Roberts this movie takes one into some of the most exiting places like India, Italy and Bali.
This is the story of a woman travelling all by herself and during her journey meeting different types of people, the cuisines, the places that she goes to etc. An extremely well put together, a comfortably paced movie and a must see.
The Bucketlist
One of my personal favourites. Played by two stellar actors, Academy Award Winners from Hollywood. Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. One a Billionaire and one a normal everyday guy.Both on their death beds, terminally ill. They create their Bucketlist. Of destinations/experiences they would want to see or experience before they die. A must see.
Yeh Jawani Hai Dewaani
A typical Hindi romantic film. Look out for stunning locales in India and overseas. A very today’s movie for the young at heart. This movie will want to take you to places like never before to see and do things like never before.
The Wild
Played by Resse Witherspoon. To me, it feels like more of a running documentary. A story of a woman who hikes across 1,100 miles (1,800 km) of the 2,650-mile (4,260 km) Pacific Crest Trail on a journey of self-discovery and healing.