When in Rome, visitors might not necessarily do as the locals do, but many certainly follow the example of Audrey Hepburn's character in "Roman Holiday" by sticking their hands in the "Mouth of Truth" near the church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, or buying a gelato on the steps of Piazza di Spagna.
Many people will recall these scenes from the classic 1953 film, which is a prime example of how movies and TV programs can not only transport viewers to another world, but also inspire them to actually travel.
Take Dawn Smith, a 38-year-old American from Minneapolis, Minn., who got hooked on the popular American TV series "Sex and the City" this past summer.