Thanks to the way it sounds when spoken in a sentence, May 4 has long been known as a day for Star Wars fans to openly celebrate the movies, books, comics and videogames released since 1976.
It is no wonder, then, some people will inevitably want to travel for the occasion. In addition to destinations, there are a few good reasons to travel around May 4. Unfortunately, the big family-friendly Star Wars destinations inside the Disney parks don’t open until a little bit later this year. Fortunately, there are tons of real-life places featured in the filming of various Star Wars films that are great for the entire family.
Starting at the beginning, the first look at a planet viewers got was Tatooine. These scenes were filmed in Tunisia. This multiday tour gives groups a chance to experience the force by way of visits to the Cantina and “Ben” Kenobi’s home.
Older fans of the original trilogy should book a trip to Tikal, in Guatemala, a filming destination for Yavin IV, in A New Hope. If you’re more partial to Ewoks, travel to the Redwood forests of California is all you need to visit the moon of Endor, where much of Return of the Jedi filmed.
Mayan Temples of Gran Plaza or Plaza Mayor at Tikal National Par. Photo: Diego Grandi – Dreamstime.com
Younger fans will most definitely be more familiar with the new trilogy of films, and luckily, the new trilogy features just as many distinct locales as the previous six movies.
One of the most iconic destinations from The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi is Luke Skywalker’s refuge, Skellig Michael. Skellig Michael is a World Heritage island off the coast of Ireland, home to a number of monastery buildings. The isolated island created the tension and isolation demanded by Skywalker’s character in these films.
Jakku was filmed in the Rub’ al Khali desert, on the Arabian Peninsula, while the scene where Han, Rey and the crew land to look for help from Maz Kanata was filmed in Derwentwater, England.
The Star Wars films are absolutely packed with beautiful locations. Although they aren’t all filled with family-accessible tours and adventures, like those in Tunisia, they represent a great opportunity for the entire family to see some of the most beautiful destinations in the world.
Read This Next
5 Tips for First-Time Campers
Travel Tips
Apr 26, 2024#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
May 2, 20245 Montana National Park Vacations to Experience This Summer
Home to some of the country’s most beautiful national parks, Montana beckons family travelers this summer with some thrilling and fun adventures and experiences. Whether it’s taking an RV to Yellowstone and Glacier National Park or embarking on adventures in Big Sky, here’s five national park vacations to consider in Montana this summer.
Sponsored Content
United Continues Its Global Expansion
United Airlines keeps soaring to new heights, recently announcing another expansion of its leading global route network. The airline added new non-stop flights between Newark (EWR) and Marrakesh (RAK), Morocco; Tokyo (NRT) and Cebu (CEB), Philippines; and Houston (IAH) and Medellin (MDE), Colombia. That’s not all: United also plans to increase flights to popular worldwide destinations including Hong Kong (HKG); Seoul (INC), South Korea; and Porto (OPO), Portugal. Following the recent agreement to increase flights between the U.S. and Chinese governments, the airline now adds four weekly flights from Los Angeles (LAX) to Shanghai (PVG).
Slideshow
May 2, 20246 European Castles for Family Travel
It’s time to start dreaming of your next family trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through these European castles with us.
Destinations
May 2, 20245 Beachfront Resorts for Summer Vacation
Plan summer family travel to one of these beachfront resorts around the world.
Sponsored Content
United Airlines Celebrates its First Class of United Aviate Graduates
As the only major U.S. airline to own a flight school, United Airlines already hit a major milestone, and now the carrier celebrates another important — and historic — step as the inaugural class of United Aviate Academy pilots graduates, leading the next generation of aviators. The 51 students in the graduating class were majority, at 80 percent, women and people of color — another stride toward United’s goal of training 5,000 new pilots by 2030 with half women or POC.
Destinations / North America
May 1, 2024Music Jams Await the Whole Family in Cajun Country, Louisiana
It’s always time for music in Louisiana’s Cajun Country and, in May, the place to be for family travelers is St. Landry’s Parish. Celebrate Mothers’ Day in Opelousas at Tucka James Music Fest, May 10–11, where 16 artists perform over two days. Friday is Country Takeover and Saturday stars the King of Swing, Tucka James.
ShareThis