17 holiday movies that'll make you want to book a one-way flight
Oscar-winning acting, great characterisation and gripping plot lines do all a good movie make, but some incredible scenery never goes amiss.
If you're in need of some escapism then we've got you covered with our pick of the best holiday movies and epic travel scenes.
From road trip flick Little Miss Sunshine to the unspoilt island life in The Beach, these are the films guaranteed to give you wanderlust.
Warning: It might be wise to block all airline websites before you view this gallery.
Rex FeaturesLost In Translation (2003)
Where? Tokyo, Japan
Hectic Tokyo wasn't the popular tourist haunt it is now when this Sofia Coppola classic was released, but it fast made it a bucket list destination for her cult following. Even if the likelihood of meeting a cool American actor in your hotel to rival Bill Murray is pretty slim, the prospect of seeing the city's dwarfing skyline and letting rip at a Japanese karaoke bar were enough of a draw.
Rex FeaturesDirty Dancing (1987)
Where? Virginia, USA
Kellerman's family-friendly resort in the Caskill mountains is actually The Mountain Lake Lodge in Virginia. It's a functioning hotel so if you want to book in for a romantic weekend away or carry a watermelon around the grounds then you can. We imagine that wading into the water to do the film's famous lift is frowned upon, though.
Rex FeaturesThe Beach
Where? Ko Phi Phi Le, Thailand
Based on Alex Garland's adventure novel, The Beach not only gave us lots of topless shots of Leonardo DiCaprio, it also gave us a glimpse of life on a hidden island. The foraging part and the group politics weren't that appealing, but the crystal clear waters, dramatic coastline and lagoon swimming captured the wanderlust of millions of viewers. So much so that Phi Phi is now a tourist and party hot spot. Though there are still plenty of unspoilt spots among the Krabi province.
Rex FeaturesMamma Mia! (2008)
Where? Skopelos, Greece
When Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) arrives at her mum's Greek island hotel for her weddding she has a plan to find out who her real father is - but it's pretty hard to concentrate on the clues when the scenery is this beautiful. The rugged coastline, idyllic stone cottages and sunsets to die for? When can we come and stay?
Rex FeaturesLittle Miss Sunshine (2006)
Where? Arizona and California, USA
This left field movie about a family who drive across the country to help their daughter get into a beauty pageant final not only leaves you feeling warm and fuzzy inside, it also makes you want to buy a bright yellow VW and take a West Coast road trip. Though maybe not with the whole family in tow.
Rex FeaturesSex and the City 2 (2010)
Where? Abu Dhabi
The souks, the moonlit dinners, the awkward run-ins with exes*, why wouldn't we want to jet off to Abu Dhabi with our girl mates? *Kidding on that last one.
Rex FeaturesIn Bruges (2008)
Where? Bruges, Belgium
Short of making Bruges look like look somewhere you wouldn't want to step foot in in the dark, this crime drama actually showcases how idyllic the tiny Belgian city is. The Bell Tower, the cutesy guest house and quant pubs - a perfect weekend away.
Rex FeaturesEat, Pray, Love (2010)
Where? Italy, India, Bali
One word: pizza! It's never looked as good as in this movie on Elizabeth Gilbert's tour of Italy. Oh, and we wouldn't say no to love in Bali either, though the silent retreat in India might take some persuasion.
Rex FeaturesForgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)
Where? Hawaii
The plot line of this Russell Brand comedy is pretty awkward - guy jets off to Hawaii to get over being dumped, only to run into his ex with her new rock star boyfriend. Like we said: awkward. However, if this movie teaches us anything it's that there's no more perfect place to have an awful time in your romantic life than Hawaii. You might just meet Mila Kunis, too.
Rex FeaturesThe Holiday (2006)
Where? LA and Surrey
This Christmas favourite gives you two dream holidays for the price of one. Kate Winslet's heartbroken Iris heads to a plush, tech-decked LA apartment, while its owner (Cameron Diaz) house-swaps for her chocolate box cottage in leafy Surrey. We're edging towards LA, but only because of the pool. Nothing to do with the freezing weather in the UK...
Rex FeaturesThe Inbetweeners 2 (2014)
Where? Sydney, Australia
The feckless cast of The Inbetweeners didn't exactly nail the travelling lifestyle in Oz, but seeing some amazing sights along the way, they did remind us why a gap year is THE dream.
Rex FeaturesBridget Jones: The Edge Of Reason (2004)
Where? London and Austria
Bridget's not a born skier and she had a pregnancy scare while at her resort in the Alps, but that aside - how great does the snow look? And that suite with four poster bed? Dreamy. Here's hoping we'd be more of a Rebecca on the ski skills front.
Rex FeaturesVicky, Christina, Barcelona (2008)
Where? Barcelona, Spain (as the title suggests)
If you've not been on a city break to Barcelona then this Woody Allen movie will have you booking the next available flights. Picnics in the sprawling parks, tapas by candle light, markets and the cafe culture are a visual treat, not to mention super romantic.
Rex FeaturesJust Go With It (2011)
Where? Hawaii
Yup, Hawaii again. It just doesn't get any better than the crystal-clear waters, Mai Tai-sipping scenes and chilled vibes of this beautiful island. Even Adam Sandler's bad jokes couldn't spoil it.
Rex FeaturesChalet Girl (2011)
Where? Tyrol, Austria
The skiing scenes for this Ed Westwick, Felicity Jones rom-com were filmed on location at a resort in Tyrol. The crisp white snow, amazing mountain views and their party antics are enough to make us want to pick up a board, head out on the next plane and bomb it down the mountain. Maybe after some lessons, anyway...
Rex FeaturesFool's Gold (2008)
Where? Queensland, Australia
Matthew McConaughey's character Finn plays a treasure hunter in this action-cum-romance movie. The plot is pretty weak, but the scenery: incredible. In pursuit of his loot, Finn and his wife Tess (Kate Hudson) sail on some incredible turquoise seas in her boss's yacht. The story is based in The Bahamas but was shot in Queensland, so head to Oz for the same sun and sea.
Rex FeaturesOnly You (1994)
Where? Venice and Rome, Italy
Faith Corvatch (Marisa Tomei) travels to Rome to find her true love (after an ouija board told her to). Cue Robert Downey Jr. as Damon Bradley and beautiful Italian scenery.
