National Geographic | THE COMPASS

National Geographic

THE COMPASS

This week, we explore Hollywood’s obsession with Italy, spirit away to the town in Taiwan that inspired this iconic film, take a tour of Northern Ireland with ‘Derry Girls’, and more!

A view of colorful houses atop a cliff in Italy. Below the sea is calm, and a boat is coming in from the sea

PHOTOGRAPH BY MATTEO COLOMBO, GETTY IMAGES

HOLLYWOOD’S OBSESSION WITH ITALY

From White Lotus to The Talented Mr. Ripley, Italy (pictured above) has long been a star of the big screen. From Rome’s cityscape to the coast, the most beautiful parts of Italy not only inspire filmmakers, but entice the travelers who see them on screen. Here’s how you can visit some of TV’s most iconic settings.

Related: What is ‘set-jetting’? The ultimate travel itinerary for film buffs.

Visitors explore Jiufen's tight winding alleyways lit by traditional hanging lanterns

PHOTOGRAPH BY MIKE CHEN

EXPLORING THE ‘SPIRITED AWAY’ CITY

See the city from Miyazaki’s famous creation through the eyes of a photographer. Mike Kai Chen takes us through Jiufen, from its cliffside tea houses to steep city streets (pictured above).

A large, elaborate room with wood floors, high and painted gold adorned ceilings, velvet and gold furniture, paintings on the wall, and a large fireplace.

PHOTOGRAPH BY TNGOLF POMPE 75, ALAMY

MORE SCANDALOUS THAN ‘SALTBURN’

England’s country houses (pictured above, Wilton House) still remain elegant symbols of wealth—and aristocratic scandal. While beautiful creations from famous architectural minds such as Inigo Jones and landscaper Capability Brown, their real histories can put some of today’s imagined plots to shame. Here are six of them.

STEEPED IN SCANDAL

Related: These mansions reveal the grittier side of the Gilded Age
Also: Welcome to the Wales you don’t know

GOOD READS

Movie filming locations you can travel to

The New Orleans milieu of the food pioneer who inspired the character of Princess Tiana

Take a tour of Northern Ireland with help from the ‘Derry Girls’

Want to see the real Los Angeles? Take a peek at its legendary movie theaters.

Liked ‘The Bear’? Eat your way around Chicago with these iconic dishes

Chef Gordon Ramsay teaches us how to cook a piranha—and other things he learned on travel TV

Discover the places seen in ‘All the Light We Cannot See’

Recreating Aretha Franklin’s extraordinary life

A man walking next to a colorful mural creeping up a building in Birmingham, United Kingdom.

PHOTOGRAPH BY BEN ROWE

THE REAL-LIFE ‘PEAKY BLINDERS’

Home to the real-life street gang made famous by a streaming series, Birmingham has changed drastically throughout its history. Serving as both literary and television inspiration for some of the most popular stories today, tourists are being drawn to this city’s filming locations.

4 WAYS TO DOCUMENT YOUR TRAVELS

Record your journey with one of our favorite ultra-compact digital cameras, an immersive video camera—or good-old fashioned
pen and paper.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF B&H

Sony RX100VII Digital Camera

We love Sony’s RX100 line—one of the most versatile ultra-compact cameras for travelers, with highly reliable real-time autofocus and high shutter speeds for bright light conditions.

PHOTO COURTESY OF B&H

Insta360 X3 360° Camera

This user-friendly camera and its accompanying cellphone app allow you to edit your content as either vertical or horizontal video, giving your family (or followers) the best experience.

PHOTO COURTESY OF AMAZON

LEUCHTTURM1917 Hardcover Notebook

Nothing beats the tactile joy of an old-school travel journal. This one is a perennial favorite for its durable hard cover, elastic closure, and smooth, thick paper. Pair it with one of our favorite pens.

BUY NOW AT AMAZON

PHOTO COURTESY OF AMAZON

JOBY GorillaPod Compact Tripod Kit

Sometimes you need a little help to snap a great selfie or group shot. This compact tripod is sturdy and versatile enough to use in many different situations. You can also add a cellphone mount.

BUY NOW AT AMAZON

Today’s Soundtrack: Tu Vuo’ Fa’ L’Americano, Hetty & the Jazz Band

WHAT WILL WE EXPLORE NEXT?

Be sure to check your inbox next week to find out.

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