Fans of the James Bond series will no doubt be aware that the worlds’ most famous fictional secret agent does a lot of travelling throughout his films.
From the beaches of the Bahamas to the jungles of the Amazon, Bond jet sets around the world battling criminal masterminds, his adventures have even taken him into space!
Ever fancied taking your holidays in a Bond film location? Here are a few ideas to help you plan your own little James Bond adventure – minus the secret underground lairs of course!
Bahamas (Thunderball/Casino Royale)
Blackbeard Bay, Bahamas
Flight time from UK: around 16 hours
Currency: Bahamian Dollar
Highlight: White sandy beaches and crystal clear seas
The islands of the Bahamas have been used in a number of Bond films – including Thunderball and Casino Royale.
Indeed, the islands are packed with vacation rentals, as well as resorts – such as Albany House and the Atlantis resort on Paradise Island – which give you the opportunity to relax on the beach a la Bond.
A popular destination for honeymooners, the Bahamas also offer an opportunity to partake in a variety of activities, including boat trips and fishing excursions. If you like it well enough, you might want to consider Buying A Home In The Bahamas, that way you can live there more permanently and enjoy this fun lifestyle year-round.
If you fancy taking the plunge, why not go scuba diving in clear blue waters and over coral reefs, where Bond was pursued underwater by the henchmen of Kristatos in Thunderball.
Las Vegas (Diamonds Are Forever)
Las Vegas Sign
Flight time from UK: around 15 hours
Currency: US Dollar
Highlight: Casinos
Bond’s visit to Vegas in Diamonds Are Forever saw him trying to stop a super villain from building a satellite that would destroy the world, finding time along the way to partake in a game of craps at the Whyte House Casino en-route to locating the bad guys.
With a multitude of casinos to choose from, including the world famous Caesars Palace, as well as a number of live shows and sights to enjoy – including the musical fountains outside the Bellagio hotel, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
For something a bit more Bond-esqe, why not take in the views of sights along the Grand Canyon, including the world famous Hoover Dam, from the comfort of a helicopter during your visit?
If you fancy playing some high class cards like Bond, there are plenty of casinos along the Sunset Strip to take your fancy, each with its own unique theme. There’s even a small establishment called Casino Royale, perhaps in homage to the secret agent? There are also numerous year round hotel options that will suit your budget and preferences.
London (Various)
London Eye, River Thames
Currency: British Pound
Highlights: Thrilling Thames Speedboat Ride
London is featured in most Bond films, mainly as the location of his employers MI6. Other notable locations include Westminster Bridge, which houses a fictional Tube station in Die Another Day, and The World Is Not Enough sees Bond racing down the River Thames in a speedboat in pursuit of an assassin.
There are tours available that take you past the headquarters of Bonds’ employer – MI6 – and give you the chance to experience what Pierce did as he zoomed towards the 02 Arena (then the Millennium Dome) from Canary Wharf.
Monte Carlo (Goldeneye)
Bring your Aston Martin to Monte Carlo
Flight time to Nice from UK: 2 hours
Currency: Euro
Highlights: Casinos and Boutiques
Monte Carlo is known as the playground of the rich and famous, so it wouldn’t be a great surprise if you saw 007 himself chasing a spy through the streets. The resort can be reached by flying to Nice and either by hopping on the train, hiring a car, or if you want to travel a la Bond you can hire a helicopter for around €100.
With a selection of five-star hotels and resorts for those who have cash to splash to enjoy, Monte Carlo is the height of indulgence, especially where hotels are concerned.
Monte Carlo has plenty to keep even Bond busy. Relax on the world famous inner-city Larvotto Beach, take in a show at the magnificent Opera de Monte-Carlo opera house and enjoy plenty of restaurants and bars around the city.
Visit the Les Thermes Marins Spa for a spot of pampering, giving you the sort of indulgence and relaxation worthy of a Bond girl.
The streets of Monte Carlo also come alive with the sound of revving engines when the Formula 1 Championship race rolls into town, the resort gets very busy around this time and it’s worth booking well ahead if you want to enjoy the race.
Brazil (Moonraker)
Overlooking Rio in Brazil
Flight time from UK: around 12 hrs (non-stop)
Currency: Brazilian Real ($R)
Highlights: Cable Cars and Jungle Adventures
Bond’s adventures take him to the jungles of the Amazon as he tracks down the villainous Hugo Drax before following him into space for the climax of the film.
When visiting Rio De Janiero be sure to take a ride on the cable cars of Sugarloaf Mountain, which provided the backdrop for a fight atop a cable car with the steel-mouthed henchman Jaws…nice and relaxing then!
There are plenty of inspirational places around the world where you can sip cool martinis (shaken not stirred of course) and enjoy a brilliant holiday without the threat of Bond baddies chasing you down the beach!
This is a sponsored guest post written by David Collins. Pictures were taken from FlickR users and credit is found by mouseover, and clicking on photos to get to original photograph.
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Beautiful. That’s what I love about the James Bond movies, it is like one big travel show inspiring me to go out and see more of the decadent locations on earth. I’ve only been to two of the locations, Bahamas and a quick drive through Monte Carlo.
Yep, not only do they pick nice countries, but it always seems to be in stunning locations in those countries too. I think I’ll have to do a James Bond themed trip around the world some time in the future – when I can afford too obviously.
You know what make James Bond so Cool?
It has to do with his body language….
Can you guess how his body language makes him cool and such a sly international man of leasure and danger?
He has no body language … or very subtle body language.
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Thanks Rob. Now this is a good idea. I love a holiday with a theme, the difference for me is like comparing running on the road from A to B compared to running chasing a ball or someone on the rugby pitch. Same outcome of getting fit but I know which one I choose.
Love the picture of the Aston Martin, love that car!!
Benji – passionate about Margaret River´s latest blogpost – Settlers Tavern Gigs – Thirsty Merc
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