So it's a sure bet that the beautifully shot landscapes of this summer's blockbuster -- Columbia Pictures' Eat Pray Love starring Julia Roberts -- will spark a flurry of visits to Italy, India and Bali by fans who want to follow in the footsteps of bestselling author Elizabeth Gilbert.
Blog: Where Liz Gilbert ate, prayed and loved
Images: A yoga trip in India
Gilbert's real life year-long journey of self discovery has been inspiring travellers since it was first published in 2006. Now, with there release of the film, there are even "official" travel partners -- guidebook giant Lonely Planet has a website with tips for planning Eat Pray Love journeys (lonelyplanet.com/eatpraylove) and STA Travel has packages inspired by the film (eatpraylove.statravelpackages.com).
Other travel companies are getting in on the act, too, borrowing the theme and offering packages around it.
The people at Gap Adventures believe Eat, Pray, Love embodies the core values of their company.
"We love changing lives and spreading happiness around the globe. And there's no better way to do that than by offering unforgettable trips to those who have been inspired by this movie to travel," said Gap Adventures founder Bruce Poon Tip.
To celebrate travel's "transformational potential," the tour operator is offering 15% off of select itineraries to Italy, India and Bali to eat, pray and love. These include:
-- The 13-day Ultimate Italy (from $2,032 per adult, trip code EIUL) offers plenty of chances to indulge in pasta, seafood, gelato and wine in Rome, Siena, Florence, Venice, the Italian Riviera, the Asti wine region, Lake Como and the Italian Alps.
-- The 15-day Spiritual India trip (from $1,349, trip code AHSH), a meditative journey through Delhi, the Golden Temple, Haridwar, Varanasi and the Taj Mahal.
-- The eight-day Discover Bali itinerary ($608, trip code AEDB), which offers the best of Bali's pristine beaches, bustling centres and cultural heritage at Sanur Beach, Ubud, Tanah Lot, Tanah Ayun, Lovina, Kintamani, Besakih and Semarapura.
The deal is good for new bookings made by Oct. 31 with departures until Dec. 31. Some restrictions apply. See gapadventures.com.
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts also has a package for guests who want to follow in the footsteps of author Gilbert -- and the film's cast and crew.
The Bali, Pray, Love experience includes four nights' accommodation -- two at the oceanside Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay and two at the verdant Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan; a personal consultation with Ketut Liyer, the medicine man who inspired Gilbert met on her now-famous travels; a private cooking class where dishes featuring local aphrodisiacs will be prepared and later enjoyed at a candle-lit dinner in your villa; a 90-minute couple's Balinese massage; a guide to the island's most romantic experiences; transfers between the airport and resorts; packing/unpacking, floral bath upon arrival; and daily breakfast for two.
Bali, Pray, Love packages start at $750 per room per night. See fourseasons.com.
Even destinations and hotels not connected to the book or film are jumping on the bandwagon. San Antonio, Texas, has a themed itinerary. Como Hotels and Resorts says its properties in Bali -- Shambala Estate, Anantara Seminyak Resort & Spa -- and other exotic destinations are ideal for soul searching and body pampering retreats (see como.bz).
Those who have somehow missed the Eat Pray Love buzz and want to view the trailer can watch it at letyourselfgo.com.
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