TripZillaAttention all Star Wars fans: wondering if you can do anything spectacular to commemorate the recent 40th anniversary of the release of Star Wars: A New Hope? Well, postpone rewatching the revered original trilogy, and book a stay in a Star Wars-themed accommodation instead!
Fortunately for you, there are several HomeAway listings that are situated at actual filming locations of the series, or are so similar to the locations themselves that you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference! After all, in the words of Qui-Gon Jinn, “your focus determines your reality.”
So pack your lightsabers and Chewbacca masks, and get ready to stay in these epic places you never knew existed:
Erg Chebbi, United Arab Emirates: Stroll around the sands of Jakku
Jakku – the planet that restarted it all again. Who would forget the iconic shot of Rey walking along the sand dunes of Jakku with BB-8 rolling behind her, or Finn shedding his stormtrooper armor as he strides across the desert planet? Just like Tatooine in the original trilogy and the prequels, Jakku has an actual real-life filming location – this time at the desert of Erg Chebbi, UAE. And you can now get a chance to stroll along the dunes as Rey did, with this HomeAway listing comprising of luxe tents right in the middle of the desert! While there are no wreckages from the Battle of Jakku to explore (sadly), you can still enjoy the peaceful silence that this desert has to offer.
Find out more or book here.
California, USA: Pilot the Millennium Falcon
Think you can make the Kessel Run in twelve parsecs? Get the chance to step into the shoes of Han Solo and pilot the renowned Millennium Falcon via bedroom of the HomeAway in Anaheim! This room is furnished in the design of the famous ship’s cockpit, complete with a life-sized painted depiction of the legendary droids C-3PO and R2-D2, and realistic dogfights between X-Wings and TIE fighters. The room even has two sets of bunk beds, ensuring that no one in your crew gets left out as you relive the Battle of Yavin.
Find out more or book here.
Moorea, Tahiti: Explore the beaches of Scarif
Mention Rogue One, and the tropical planet of Scarif comes to mind. The military complex on this planet housed the Galactic Empire’s top-secret plans, including the blueprints to the Death Star, which Jyn Erso and her allies stole in the film’s final act. While a remote atoll in the Maldives was used as the setting for Scarif during filming, this HomeAway in the island of Moorea near Tahiti is almost identical in the lush tropical landscape, shallow azure waters and alabaster white sand! As you gaze at Moorea’s untouched greenery and pristine waters from the comfort of your villa, you can almost see the AT-AT Walkers in the distance.
Find out more or book here.
Dubrovnik, Croatia: Reenact scenes from The Last Jedi
“I only know one truth. It’s time for the Jedi to end.” This sentence, as uttered by Luke Skywalker, surely sent shivers down your spine! While The Last Jedi is only set to be released in theatres at the end of this year, you can mitigate your agonising wait with a trip down to one of its filming locations – the Stradun, the main street of Dubrovnik’s Old City. The street’s historic buildings are set to be portray the rumoured casino resort world of Canto Bight, with this HomeAway listing potentially featured in the film itself! While filming has already wrapped up in the Stradun, you can still explore the Dubrovnik’s picturesque Old City, and imagine scenes from the sequel to 2015’s blockbuster.
Find out more or book here.
“Do or do not, there is no try.” Set aside your other plans, and start booking a stay at any of these places today! Once you step foot into any of these accommodations, even the 501st Legion won’t be able to drag you home.
Information is extracted from press release issued by Ketchum on behalf of HomeAway.
