By Karen Quinn-Panzer
Travel Matters
Karen Quinn-Panzer
There’s never been a better time to be both a movie lover and a traveler. Location scouts for the world’s biggest films scour the globe in search of the destinations needed to bring Hollywood movies to life. Some spend months tracking down the ideal locations for their films. But you can visit these incredible sets and their real-life surroundings whenever you’d like, and for as long as you’d like.
Of these locations, some of the most beloved by tourists and moviemakers alike are Mexico, New Zealand and England.
To begin, let me tell you about my favorite place in all of Mexico, a seaside city by the name Puerto Vallarta. Known for its sprawling beaches, lush jungles and renowned art, the city was “put on the map” by Hollywood royalty such as Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, as well as action hero Arnold Schwarzenegger.
The two big movies that were filmed there were the Oscar-winning The Night of the Iguana and the 80s action classic, Predator. Sightseers can enjoy organized excursions or simply drive to the neighboring village of Mismaloya themselves to see the filming location for The Night of The Iguana. The views of the beach and old fortress conjure up an atmosphere that is as romantic as it is beautifully haunting.
If you’re an adrenaline junkie, then the jungles which once concealed a prowling predator are the set for you, as they are now home to action-packed adventure. Visitors can ride ATVs, zipline, swim in streams and rivers and enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine deep within the heart of the jungle.
The next must-visit film destination is Matamata, New Zealand. This amazing little village is home to Hobbiton, the official set of the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film franchises. The set itself is a magical village built directly into the side of a hill and embodies all the enchantment of the films. Anyone touring New Zealand will find that it’s perfect for backpacking, hiking or kayaking and experience the same sense of adventure that the hero of the films experienced across the fantastical land of Middle Earth.
Finally, there’s London. You may have been to London before, but did you know that in 2020 alone, the UK produced over 134 feature films, the majority of which were filmed in London? From Notting Hill to Harry Potter, the city of London is a treasure trove of cinema history and should not be overlooked by film buffs.
The bookstore featured in the 1999 romantic comedy Notting Hill starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant is now the official giftshop for the film. The street it’s located on is a great place for photos and specialty bookstores. From double-decker tour buses to cruises along the Thames, there’s no shortage of ways to explore this world-renowned city and its many film sites.
Karen Quinn-Panzer is the owner and vacation specialist at Dream Vacations Quinn Panzer Travel in Milford.