This week Journey to the Center of the Earth opens nationwide and is receiving more buzz for its digital 3-D effects than for its plot or acting. But what it lacks in storyline it makes up for in location. The movie is not only set in Iceland but was also partially filmed there.
Iceland is becoming a hot travel destination because of its diverse landscape that includes glaciers, hot springs, geysers, volcanoes, and lava deserts. Since Iceland isn’t exactly a tourism Mecca it is hard for many (including me) to picture what it is like or what there is to do. MTV sent a reporter to Iceland for a week and she posted details from her trip on their blog. I wouldn’t normally consider MTV a great travel resource but this is actually an excellent overview.
Reykjavik is the capital of Iceland and a good “home base” as it is the most populous city in Iceland. Like most cities there is an art scene, shopping, and many restaurants specializing in seafood. But to really get the full experience no trip to Iceland is complete without venturing out. Here are few recommended excursions.
The only real downfall (and the reason why few actually visit Iceland) is it can be cost prohibitive. You can cut expenses by staying in a hostel rather than a hotel and traveling by bus pass rather than car. It may also be more cost effective to take an all inclusive tour of Iceland. Another option might be winning a trip. Iceland Naturally is sponsoring a contest for 3 nights all expenses paid if you want to try your luck.
Journey to the Center of the Earth has shined a much needed spotlight on one of the earth’s most unique destinations. With the movie’s release, Iceland is sure to be added to everyone’s must see list.
Tagged as:
Iceland,
Journey to the Center of the Earth,
Travel Inspiration
Wanted, had a huge opening last weekend, coming in second to Wall-E only because it opened in 800 less theaters across the country. The movie tells the story of a young man who, after learning his dead father was an assassin, is recruited into the same exclusive, superhuman association his dad once belonged to.
Wanted was filmed in Prague, Budapest, and Chicago. OLV brought you all of the Chicago locations as they were shooting last August, now we have even more travel inspiringinformation about Prague and Budapest.
Prague is not just the capital of the Czech Republic but also the cultural, economic, and political heart of the country. Since Prague was the primary filming location for Wanted, a large set was built in the city as director Timur Bekmambetov explained to MTV “we built a huge textile factory in Prague. The production designer, John Myhre, made ‘X-Men,’ ‘Chicago’ and ‘Memoirs of a Geisha.’ He’s built this huge set, and we’ve created a mythology in this world of weavers.”
Prague’s cityscape is still largely made up medieval cobblestone roads, traditional pubs, and ancient courtyards, all overlooked by a 1100 year old castle. This is not to say the city doesn’t have its fair share of trendy cafes and boutiques. It would be easy to spend three days just exploring the city and admiring the architecture she is known for. But there is also a thriving nightclub scene in Prague, another illustration of the dichotomy between old and new in the city. Prague’s many options spill over into the vast choices for accommodations too. From hostels to luxury hotels, there is truly something for everyone. [click to continue…]
Tagged as:
Travel Inspiration,
Wanted
