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Genre Getaways on Earth

Written by Carol Pinchefsky

Science fiction and fantasy films have some fabulous locations: the United Federation of Planets, a galaxy far, far away, and Middle Earth, to name a few. But because these worlds exist only in the imagination—and a studio lot—you can't get there from here.

You may be surprised to learn that some of these places actually do exist on planet Earth. With a little time and financial planning, you can visit them yourself and have a terrific day trip, or entire vacation. And you don't even need an FTL drive.

Indiana Jones's exploits led him to many exotic destinations, but none so breathtaking as the city of Petra, Jordan, the stand-in site of the Canyon of the Crescent Moon. Built within a valley and cut into a 100-meter deep gorge around 200 BCE, Petra is a history buff's delight, with its Greek, Egyptian, Assyrian, and Roman influences.

You need a minimum of four days to explore the spread-out city, which contains such ancient necessities as churches, a theater, a treasury, and "The High Place of Sacrifice." The Nabataeans who built Petra even cut channels into the rocks to drain away the blood of sacrificed animals.

There are no hotels within several miles of Petra, but the better ones provide shuttle service to the city. Local Bedouins act as tour guides, and they can point out Petra's treasures in English. Exploring the city involves steep climbs, some of which can be alleviated by renting a donkey, camel, or horse.

Jordan is a moderate Muslim country, so women can wear their Western clothes (no tight shorts or bikini tops, however). Dress comfortably and wear sensible shoes because you can expect a lot of walking. But more importantly, expect a sense of wonder imparted by the remnants of ancient civilization.

As far as we know, there are no wizened Crusaders guarding the Holy Grail. Still, you would choose wisely to vacation in Petra.

For more information:

http://www.visitjordan.com/

According to my tour guide, who acted as liaison between the town of Tremezzo and the Star Wars film crew, a visiting George Lucas was so taken with Villa Balbianello that he wrote the love scenes between Anakin and Padmé specifically with the villa in mind.

The villa is a half-day destination, but the surrounding towns on the lake, including Bellagio, make this vacation well worth a three-day journey. Built in late 18th century, Balbianello was the second home of a wealthy cardinal. However, its interiors were informed by its last owner, Guido Monzino. Monzino, a wealthy explorer who climbed Mount Everest in 1973, had an entire room dedicated to his maps and research material.

Balbianello's exteriors are limited by its sloping promontory, but what is there makes an impact: cherubs carved into banisters, a loggia decorated with interwoven vines. But Villa Balbianello's biggest pull is its view of Lake Como, a lake so beautiful it's practically ethereal.

My husband and I rented a paddleboat in a nearby village and paddled out to the middle of the lake. Surrounded by blue water and snow-capped mountains, we didn't need a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away. We had right then, right there.

For more information:

http://www.fondoambiente.it/english/Properties/Balbianell/index.htm

Star Trek was mostly shot on set, but the crew occasionally ventured outside the Paramount lot. For the episode "Arena," they chose to film in the Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park for its jagged red terrain and geometric beauty. And despite its seemingly remote location, it's a mere forty-five minutes away from Los Angeles.

The episode, with its hissing alien Gorn, became a cult classic. (The silhouette of the rocks became so iconic, it was even lampooned in Bill and Ted's Bogus Journey.) Now fans flock to "Gorn rock." But what do they see when they get there?

The park is best enjoyed by people who like a rugged environment and all of the activity it requires. Hiking and biking are great draws here. No need to bring a picnic basket, as the park has an American café, a Mexican restaurant, and a pizzeria.

The park is a day-trip for visiting fans, but its most