Over the past 53 years and 23 film releases, James Bond has set the standard for adventurous global travel, journeying around the world to more than 92 amazing destinations.
With Spectre, the latest instalment of the Bond series, set to officially launch in Australia on 21 November (and advance screenings starting next week), the travel experts at Cheapflights.com.au have developed a shortlist of 10 of Bond's most famous locations – the ultimate travel inspiration for Aussies wanting to channel their inner Bond on their next international getaway.
Location: Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Film: Dr No (1962)
Bond: Sean Connery
Scene: After sneaking on to Crab Key (Dr No's mysterious island), Bond comes across Honey Ryder (Ursula Andress), emerging from the sea in a bikini. One of the most famous Bond scenes of all time, the beach setting was actually within the private estate of a true Bond fan.
Today: Ocho Rios is a port of call for many cruise lines and boasts some of the most luxurious resorts in the Caribbean.
Location: Ko Tapu, Thailand
Film: Man with the Golden Gun (1974)
Bond: Roger Moore
Scene: Bond flies over Phang Nga Bay on his way to hitman Scaramanga's island hideaway on Ko Tapu. Bond is challenged to a duel at gunpoint, and as tension builds, Bond turns and prepares himself to aim. When he goes to fire, he finds Scaramanga has already flead the scene.
Today: Now known as James Bond Island, this is one of Thailand's most famed destinations. It can be reached via a tall boat ride, which will take you to picture-perfect coves and dreamy secluded beaches – an island-lovers paradise.
Location: Sugarloaf Mountain, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Film: Moonraker (1979)
Bond: Roger Moore
Scene: In an action-packed sequence, Bond battles it out with metal-mouth Jaws atop two cable-cars, strung high above Rio de Janeiro's Guanabara Bay. He then slides down the cable with his beautiful astrophysicist Bond girl, Holly Goodhead (Lois Chiles).
Today: More than a million tourists visit the 396m high Sugarloaf Mountain every year to enjoy the breath-taking view of one of South America's most stunning cities, including surrounding beaches, mountains and forests.
Location: Lake Pichola, Udaipur, India
Film: Octopussy (1983)
Bond: Roger Moore
Scene: Bond, disguised as a crocodile, swims up to the 263 year old white marble floating palace which rises from a rock foundation on its own island in Lake Pichola. He enters Octopussy's lair to find it populated only by attractive women.
Today: You can book to stay in the Taj Lake Palace Hotel. Take in the stunning views and intricate décor, and enjoy a visit with truly royal mystique.
Location: Paradise Island and Nassau, Bahamas
Film: Thunderball (1965)
Bond: Sean Connery
Scene: In pursuit of Spectre agent, Emilio Largo, Bond finds himself on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. This epic location becomes the backdrop for a game of poker and a thrilling underwater battle between Bond and Largo's men.
Today: Known for its crystal clear waters, visitors can enjoy hours of sunny lounging by the beach on Paradise Island, and, in true Bond fashion, spend the evening in the casino.
Location: Ticino, Switzerland
Film: Goldeneye (1995)
Bond: Pierce Brosnan
Scene: A spectacular opening, James Bond jumps on a bungee cord from the 220 meter high wall of Contra Dam.
Today: If you're feeling brave you too can take the leap of faith. The 007 jumping station is in the middle of the dam wall and is the world's highest stationary bungee station.
Location: Jökulsárlón, Iceland
Film: Die Another Day (2002)
Bond: Pierce Brosnan
Scene: Bond enters a wild chase with henchman Zao on glacial Lake Jökulsárlón in Iceland.
Today: Book a night's stay in The Ice Hotel where the walls, floors and ceilings of the hotel are the canvases of designers from all creative disciplines. The artists and art work vary from year to year, each rendition of the hotel presenting an ephemeral collection.
Location: London, England
Film: Skyfall (2012)
Bond: Daniel Craig
Scene: After being informed that she will be 'retiring', M returns to the real MI6 HQ, the Secret Intelligence Service building, just in time to see her office dramatically blown up as she crosses Vauxhall Bridge.
Today: Visit Blighty and take a river boat down the Thames, right past the MI6 HQ featured in many of the Bond films.
Location: Lake Garda, Italy
Film: Quantum of Solace (2008)
Bond: Daniel Craig
Scene: Mr White chases James Bond's Aston Martin DB5 in an Alfa Romeo 159 along a mountain-hugging road by the shore of Lake Gard, right into an MI6 lair.
Today: Take a dip in the clean, clear and fresh water and spend the afternoon or following days exploring each of the beaches and towns which dot the lake's edges.
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Film: From Russia With Love (1963)
Bond: Sean Connery
Scene: Bond travels to Istanbul, Turkey, to collect potential defector, Romanova, arriving at the old Yesilköy Airport.
Today: Istanbul is now a tourist mecca, famed for its bustling atmosphere and marketplaces. Brush up on your haggling skills and grab a bargain at the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest markets in the world.
If none of these destinations ticks the boxes for you, you might also like to head to one of the three cities Bond has journeyed to most, with amazing deals now available for:
Vienna: $1,416 (ex Sydney)
Miami: $1,390 (ex Sydney
Hong Kong: $637 (ex Sydney)
To search for more inspiration or book your Bond destination, visit Cheapflights.com.au.
