With the Star Wars trailer out last October 19 and the coming of the movie 'The Force Awakens' on December 18, fans new and old are bound to be excited.

Perhaps the reason why the greatest sci-fi franchise had so many following is because it turned to reality what most people could only dream about - to travel to other planets. Being able to journey to lands far, far away is something that is certainly exciting because it allow anyone to discover strange creatures, rare cultures, and unusual sights. Star Wars was able to deliver this by allowing the movie goers to visit planets and experience cultures and people that could only exist in imagination.

However, these 'planets' are not that light years away as one might presume them to be. In fact, some of the locations where the scenes in the film were shot may be close nearby. The following are locations in the world where the outworldly Star Wars scenes took place.

Matmata, Tunisia - Berbers built unusual underground structure that looked as if they were created by troglodytes (or cave dwellers). It became a lodging for travelers and named "Hotel Sidi Driss."This came to be where Luke Skywalker spent his childhood in a planet Tatooine.

Redwood National and State Parks in California - The planet Endor where the Ewoks lived among tall trees that seemed to stretch forever is actually filmed in this California park.

Norway's Glacier Mountains Hardanger Jokulen and Ice Village Finse - the ice world Hoth that fans have become familiar with in 'The Empire Strikes Back' was filmed in these icy locations.

Mount Etna, Italy - The master-student clash between Anakin and Obi Wan Kenobi in 'Revenge of the Sith' took place in the volcanic location in Mustafar. The background overlay to create the dreadful mood of the decisive battle was actually taken from this stratovolcano.