From Screen to Suitcase: How "People We Meet on Vacation" Is Inspiring Our Travel Plans

Whether you’re an avid traveler or simply want to learn more about the places Alex and Poppy visit in People We Meet on Vacation, I’ve compiled a list of the five most notable destinations from the movie that deserve a spot on your travel bucket list.

Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Ten summers ago, Poppy (Emily Bader) and Alex (Tom Blythe) travel to one of British Columbia's most popular tourist destinations: Vancouver Island. They go hiking in one of the islands famous old growth forests, (Cathedral Grove), poke their heads into one of its most lavish hotels, The Fairmont Empress—which you can book if you're feeling extravagant—and eventually make their way to Tofino where they hike some more.

If you haven’t caught on already, Vancouver Island is arguably one of the most breathtaking destinations for outdoor exploring. A few of the island’s most highly rated hikes include Englishman River Falls—a loop trail that visits both upper and lower waterfalls, winding through canyons and past crystal-clear pools—and, for more ambitious adventurers, the Dakota Plane Crash Site Hike (there is an actual plane crash site along the trail). If you’re looking for a trip filled with coastal hikes, unforgettable forest landscapes, and oceanfront views, this is it. If I scared you off with too much physical activity, remember—the Fairmont Empress is always waiting with a robe and room service.

San Francisco, California

Alex and Poppy’s adventures eventually land them in Northern California eight summers ago. During their time there, they focus on San Francisco, taking a day to explore everything the city has to offer. From walking across the Golden Gate Bridge on foot to getting lost in one of the city’s most famous bookstores, City Lights, Alex and Poppy make the most of their time. They indulge in incredible seafood and end their day off at a Hemingway-themed bar. If you're planning a trip to this beautiful city, Alex and Poppy are onto something—so take notes.

In addition to the excursions Alex and Poppy chose, I have a few suggestions to round out your trip. Visiting at least one art museum in San Francisco should almost be mandatory, and the de Young museum is a great place to start. Its collection spans classic American paintings and sculptures from the 17th to the 21st century, alongside modern and contemporary works from around the world. Even better, many of the city’s art museums are located in popular sightseeing districts, so you’ll never have to choose between culture and exploring the city.

Vail, Colorado

Now for one of the more memorable destinations: Vail, Colorado. Six summers ago, Poppy and Alex make Vail their intimate alpine getaway. They spend their days soaking in the surrounding mountain views, enjoying good food, and sharing plenty of red wine. Vail may be small, but don’t confuse small with boring. During their stay, Alex and Poppy fill their days with hiking, beginner rafting, and cycling through town—just a few of the classic summer activities this charming mountain destination has to offer.

Beyond the adventures Poppy and Alex experience, there are a few more highlights worth adding to your itinerary. Vail may be best known for its breathtaking alpine scenery, but the food scene is equally impressive. From talented mixologists to world-class restaurants and chefs, you’ll find a little bit of everything in this mountain town. And if this hasn’t already convinced you to make Vail your next summer getaway, perhaps a winter visit to Vail Ski Resort will.

Tuscany, Italy

Next, we see Alex and Poppy heading to Tuscany, Italy, three summers ago. This trip highlights Poppy wandering through sunbaked cobblestone streets while sipping limoncello. From extraordinary architecture to award-winning wines, Tuscany is a must-visit destination steeped in history.

My top recommendation during your time in Tuscany is Florence, where wine tastings are often at the top of the to-do list. And if wine isn’t your thing, try the city-famous Negroni instead. From historic wine windows to centuries-old cellars, the highlights of Florence are undeniably its food and drink—or for Poppy, the limoncello.

If all of this hasn’t piqued your interest yet, don’t worry—Florence truly has something for everyone. One must-visit spot is the Bardini Garden, the perfect place to stop and smell the roses. With panoramic views of the Florence skyline, many visitors argue that the view from this terraced garden is even better than the one from Piazzale Michelangelo, one of the city’s most famous lookouts.

Finally, consider heading slightly off the beaten path to visit the Medici Villa Della Petraia. Located on the outskirts of Florence, this historic residence overlooks a grand Italian garden and offers incredible views of the surrounding countryside. With a rich history tied to royalty, art, and culture, the free house and terrace tour is well worth the extra journey.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

More recently, two summers ago, Alex and Poppy find themselves in Dubrovnik, Croatia. Here, they wander the historic city and take in stunning views of the Adriatic Sea. From Dubrovnik, the pair venture by ferry to some of the smaller islands, such as Korčula—ironically nicknamed “mini Dubrovnik,” perfect for those looking to escape the crowds.

Starting your Croatian adventure in Dubrovnik is a great way to experience a busier, bustling atmosphere—plenty of tourists, or as Alex and Poppy like to call them, “people we meet on vacation ;)”. When it’s time for a change of pace, hop on a ferry to Korčula, where the town’s many historical buildings remain impeccably preserved despite dating back to the 13th century. From the house of Marco Polo to St. Mark's Cathedral, Korčula is remarkably walkable, with no shortage of hidden gems to discover.

These are just a few of the most memorable destinations Alex and Poppy visit in People We Meet on Vacation. I hope these suggestions help you plan your own perfect getaway—and maybe, like Poppy, you’ll feel so inspired that you’ll want to write it all down too.