Academy Award-winning travel: Top destinations inspired by the Oscars

Maui, Hawaii: Any place George Clooney lands has a certain sex appeal, but in this case, Hawaii had a lot to offer before Clooney descended here for "The Descendents," nominated for Best Picture. The story of heartache set in paradise follows Clooney as he works to rebuild his family. While the movie has a depressing undertone, the views of Hawaii are the ultimate pick-me-up. From the Hawaiian music to the flowering trees and the stunning seascapes, it's hard not to find yourself daydreaming about the islands.
Where to stay: The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua is set on white-sand beaches on the western edge of Maui, a paradise Hawaiians call the "Island of the Sun." Enjoy the flowering trees, lush rainforests and an ancient Hawaiian burial ground, all steps from the hotel.

Picturesque Hawaiian sunset at Kapaula

Jackson, Mississippi: "The Help," set in 1960s Mississippi, was shot in the Delta towns of Greenwood, Clarksdale, and Jackson. While the film's story showcases the dark past of the 60s in the south, it also highlights the beauty and poise that makes the south so special. Spend some time enjoying the scenery on a driving tour of downtown and the city's historic Belhaven neighborhood.
Where to stay: There's plenty of smaller-scale hotels in Jackson from Marriott, Sheraton and Hyatt brands. We suggest you make the most of your tip, though, and stay in Savannah, Georgia or Memphis, Tenn., and take some driving tours through the south. Start in Savannah at the Mansion on Forsyth Park and drive the 531 miles from Georgia through Alabama to Mississippi, experiencing some of the best cities the south has to offer. Or, cut your drive time down a few hours and stay at The Peabody Memphis, one of the city's most grandiose hotels located one block from Historic Beale Street.

Smith Park Architectural District in Jackson (photo by Flickr user Ken Lund

Paris, France: Woody Allen's "Midnight in Paris" made us all fall in love with the City of Light... again. Nominated for Best Picture, the movie is set along some of Paris's best known attractions, and lesser known streets. It follows the path of a screenwriter searching for his creativity among the nostalgia of Paris in the 1920s. While we can't promise you'll run into Joséphine Baker or Ernest Hemingway on your visit, you can stumble upon Paris's best jazz bars, artists' quarters and romantic spots along the Siene while you're here.
Where to stay: The uber-chic Le Meurice had a moment in the spotlight in "Midnight in Paris." The hotel is the perfect combination of Parisian elegance and old-world grace - the perfect place to find your love in the City of Light.

Paris from the rooftop of Renaissance Paris Arc De Triomphe Hotel

London, England: "The Iron Lady" and "War Horse" bring the United Kingdom back to the big screen in very different scenes. "War Horse" follows the extraordinary journey of a horse as he moves through the war with the British cavalry after being separated by his young owner. The movie was set in Devon, but most of the filming took place in Dartmoor, showcasing the majestic English landscape throughout the film. In "The Iron Lady", Margaret Thatcher’s life is exposed as the story of her reign as the longest serving Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of the 20th century comes to life. Although London has long been the nucleus of British regime, extensive filming of the movie took place at the Manchester Town Hall, which is often used as a location double for films featuring the Houses of Parliament because of its architectural similarity.
Where to stay: The St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel in London has a century-old history full of royalty, structure and grace. Family tip: the hotel is also set at the St. Pancras train station, where a certain wizard and his friends found magic at Platform 9-3/4. In Manchester, stay at the Arora Hotel Manchester, within walking distance to Manchester Art Gallery, Albert Square and Manchester Palace Theatre. The hotel is just a few blocks from Manchester Town Hall, where "The Iron Lady" was filmed.

The historic St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel in London.
Readers: What movie inspired you to travel this year?

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