Not actual Hollywood – I mean those gorgeously romantic Hollywood movies shot in the mostspectacular, picturesque places that look like heaven. I just want to take my husband by the hand and jump through the screen for the most romantic holiday we’ve ever had. Or maybe it’s just the lighting and other visual effects that make them so sumptuous? Anyway, here are some of the movie destinations that have had me drooling and browsing holiday sites for cheap deals…

Paris

Watching An Education recently sent my head spinning with the delights of the French capital – in my (and many other people’s) opinion, the most romantic city on earth. Teenager Jenny thinks all of her dreams have come true when she’s whisked away by new middle-aged catch David, and I would too. Paris, Je T’Aime is another jealousy-provoking masterpiece set in the city. I could watch it over and over, just to feel like I’m in Paris again.

Zihuatanejo

Although I can’t pronounce this word, I really would love to go there one day. For those of you who can’t pronounce it either, this quiet place in Mexico is Andy Dufresne’s dream destination and eventual recluse in The Shawshank Redemption. To me it represents all of the liberty and tranquillity that Andy finds in the place – I would love to go and join him on his boat along with Red (Morgan Freeman), who also finds salvation there.

Thailand

The second part of the chaos of The Hangover hit the screens recently and had me dreaming of Thailand. Not Bangkok – the more peaceful beaches further south! Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason shows a slightly more romantic side of Thailand – at least until she gets arrested, that is. And The Beach has absolutely stunning shots of the idyllic islands.

Skopelos, Cephalonia and other Greek islands

Mamma Mia is another one that has me running down to the local travel agents. And the best part is that Greek islands like Skopelos (where the film was shot) are relatively cheap to get to, so there’s some hope here. Captain Corelli’s Mandolin also has some gorgeous shots of the beautiful island of Cephalonia.

New Zealand

This is the top of the stack. Lord of the Rings with its varying terrain – from mountain ranges to forests to the luscious meadows of the Shire – gives me itchy feet every time I watch it. Take me to Middle Earth someone please! Or I’ll settle for New Zealand… Wherever you met your partner, whether it was through friends or on free dating websites (perhaps spotting a love of travelling in their online personality profile) , I’m sure you’d agree with me that these are some amazingly romantic locations worth putting on the wish list!