13 Films to Inspire You to Travel
Even when you’re in pajamas on your couch, movies have a way of taking you to faraway places. They offer us breathtaking vistas, bring us face-to-face with vibrant cultures, and crank up the inevitable urge to throw a bag together and hit the trail. Certain films are so charming that you find yourself fantasizing about wandering the cobblestone streets, walking through dense jungle, or breathing in the view of the sea at the edge.
For the seasoned globetrotter or the person who is just beginning to dream of their first big trip, these films will get you in the mood to pack your bags. They each provide a virtual passport to places you might never have thought of. Let’s jump into a cinematic tour of the world.
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
Do you ever feel like your life needs a little shake-up? Walter Mitty sure did. This stunningly gorgeous film takes you to Iceland, Greenland, and the Himalayas where the landscapes are magnetizing and leave you wondering, “Why not?” It’s a nudge to encourage you to jump into the extraordinary, even if it makes you feel a little uneasy.
Eat Pray Love
Based on Elizabeth Gilbert’s best-selling memoir, this film shows a transformative journey through Italy, India, and Bali. From pasta indulgence to ashram retreat, this story is a friendly reminder to reconnect with the world around you. Plus, who wouldn’t want to find themselves while sipping wine in Tuscany?
Into the Wild
The story of Christopher McCandless who abandoned the central life to know the beautiful wildness of America is told in this poignant film. His journey ends in tragedy, but the beautiful images of Alaska, endless deserts, and forests of the Pacific Northwest will have you hankering for a little bit of the wild and a respite from those gorgeous structures, even if it’s just a long weekend camping trip.
Before Sunrise
Of all the indie films, this one nails the uniqueness of serendipity and the wonder of a tour of Vienna on foot. The accidental meeting of two strangers blossoms into an unforgettable night of exploration and conversation—proof that sometimes the best adventures are not planned, they just happen.
Wild
Cheryl Strayed’s hike up the Pacific Crest Trail is grueling and, in many ways, inspiring. Based on her memoir, the film evokes all the difficulties and rewards that come with traveling alone. Watching Reese Witherspoon take on the trail will make you want to lace up your hiking boots and find your own resilience again.
Midnight in Paris
This film is a playful trip through Paris for art, literature, and history fans. It’s a love letter to the City of Light, written with nostalgia and charm. When you’ve watched it, you’ll be daydreaming about riverside picnics and late-night walks down cobblestone alleys.
The Motorcycle Diaries
This film is based on the early travels of Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara, and the road trip across South America. It’s a touching meditation on friendship, youth, and budding ambition, as well as the colors and drama of the continent’s colors and landscapes. Patagonia is ruggedly beautiful, enough to make you want to get a map and start plotting your own adventure.
Call Me by Your Name
This story is set in northern Italy, among sun-soaked villas, lush orchards, and charming villages. It’s intoxicatingly languid summer life and the film’s gorgeous visuals will have you Googling “Italian countryside vacations” by the time the credits roll.
Lost in Translation
This Sofia Coppola classic is all about Tokyo. The film includes everything the city is: the haphazardness of its neon-lit streets and the quiet beauty of its temples. It’s a gentle reminder that travel is as much about excitement as it is about quiet self-reflection.
The Darjeeling Limited
This Wes Anderson film is about three estranged brothers on a train journey across India. While the colors of the markets, streets, and sprawling landscapes are a feast for the eyes, the underlying message is about the importance of family and connections.
Under the Tuscan Sun
If you ever fantasized about breaking free from your life and starting anew in a sun-kissed villa? In this heartwarming film, that is exactly what Frances Mayes does. The stunning Italian countryside provides the perfect backdrop for her journey of self-discovery and reinvention.
Tracks
This film is based on the true story of Robyn Davidson who treks 1,700 miles across the Australian desert with her dog and four camels. It’s an inspiring tale of courage and determination against a backdrop of stark, otherworldly beauty.
Amélie
This French classic invites the viewer to experience the city of Paris through the eyes of a quirky, adorable dreamer. Its whimsical charm and iconic locations, from the Montmartre district to the Canal Saint-Martin, will hypnotize you and make you fall in love with the city.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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