Pack Your Bags: Best Movies That Inspire Travel 

Lights, Camera, Wanderlust! 10 best travel movies to watch!

Are you craving an escape from your daily routine? These best travel movies will transport you to breathtaking destinations, leaving you with an irresistible desire to pack your bags and embark on your own adventure. From stunning landscapes to cultural immersion, these films will inspire your wanderlust like never before. So, get ready to indulge in these cinematic masterpieces and let your imagination take flight! 

1. “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” (2013) 

An ordinary man’s extraordinary adventure. 

“The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” follows the journey of an unassuming office worker named Walter Mitty, played by Ben Stiller, who embarks on a life-altering global quest. Fueled by his vivid imagination, Walter sets out to find a missing photograph negative, leading him on a series of awe-inspiring adventures across Greenland, Iceland, and the Himalayas. This visually stunning film serves as a reminder that sometimes, the greatest adventures can be found within ourselves. 

Immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes of Iceland and Greenland as you follow the journey of Walter Mitty, a daydreamer who embarks on a real-life adventure to find a missing photograph. This visually captivating film will awaken the explorer within you. 

Key Destinations: Greenland, Iceland, Himalayas 

Travel movie to watch on Prime  

2. “Under the Tuscan Sun” (2002) 

Get whisked away to the picturesque landscapes of Tuscany. 

 “Under the Tuscan Sun,” is a cinematic masterpiece that captures the transformative power of embracing new experiences and the beauty of a foreign land. Prepare to fall in love with Tuscany’s charm and embark on a journey of self-discovery and renewal. 

This travel movie follows the story of Frances Mayes, a recently divorced writer who impulsively decides to purchase an old villa in the heart of Tuscany. As Frances renovates her new home, she begins to discover the hidden wonders of the region and embraces the Italian way of life. The film beautifully showcases islands’ breathtaking landscapes, rolling hills, and rustic villages, leaving viewers captivated by its timeless beauty. Get inspired and immerse yourself in the vibrant colors and flavors of Tuscany archipelago! 

Key destinations: Cortona, Arezzo, Siena, and Montepulciano. 

Watch it on Prime  

3. “Into the Wild” (2007) 

Embrace the freedom of the open road. 

This movie follows the extraordinary journey of a hero who abandons his materialistic life and ventures into the Alaskan wilderness. Experience the thrill of living off the land and the pursuit of self-discovery in this thought-provoking film.  

Based on a true story, “Into the Wild” chronicles the journey of Christopher McCandless, played by Emile Hirsch, as he abandons his comfortable life and ventures into the untamed wilderness of Alaska. This introspective travel movie takes viewers on a transformative expedition, highlighting the beauty of nature and the pursuit of self-discovery. “Into the Wild” will awaken your inner wanderer and ignite a desire to explore the vastness of the world around you. 

Key Destination: Alaska, USA 

Watch it on Amazon  

4. “The Beach” (2000) 

Paradise or a living nightmare? 

Join Leonardo DiCaprio as he ventures into a hidden paradise in Thailand, seeking an idyllic escape from the modern world. Explore the untouched beauty of Koh Phi Phi and Phi Phi Leh islands and let the allure of a tropical paradise captivate your senses.  

“The Beach” follows the journey of Richard, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, as he sets out in search of a hidden beach paradise in Thailand. This gripping adventure takes a dark turn as Richard and his companions face the consequences of their utopian quest. With its stunning cinematography and thought-provoking narrative, “The Beach” will awaken your sense of wanderlust while cautioning against the pitfalls of unchecked idealism. 

Key Destination: Thailand   

Trailer on YouTube 

5. “Eat Pray Love” (2010) 

A journey of self-discovery across three continents. 

Based on Elizabeth Gilbert’s best-selling memoir, “Eat Pray Love” follows the protagonist, as she embarks on a transformative journey of self-discovery. Through her travels to Italy, India, and Bali, she explores the pleasures of food, spirituality, and love. This heartfelt wanderlust movie will inspire you to embrace new experiences and seek fulfillment in unexpected places. 

Immerse yourself in the vibrant cultures and breathtaking landscapes of these diverse destinations. Follow the soul-searching journey of Elizabeth Gilbert (Julia Roberts), as she travels to Italy, India, and Bali in search of self-discovery, spirituality, and love. 

Key Destinations: Italy, India, Bali 

Watch it on Netflix 

6. “The Motorcycle Diaries” (2004)  

A transformative journey through South America. 

“The Motorcycle Diaries” traces the epic journey of a young Ernesto “Che” Guevara, played by Gael García Bernal, and his friend Alberto Granado across South America. This biographical drama captures the breathtaking landscapes, diverse cultures, and social injustices encountered by the two friends on their motorcycle expedition. With its powerful storytelling and remarkable performances, “The Motorcycle Diaries” will inspire you to hit the road and embark on your own transformative odyssey. 

Key Destinations: Argentina, Chile, Peru, Venezuela 

Watch it on Apple TV 

7. “Wild” (2014) 

Find yourself by getting lost. 

Based on Cheryl Strayed’s memoir, “Wild” follows the personal journey of a woman named Cheryl, played by Reese Witherspoon, as she hikes the arduous Pacific Crest Trail. This emotionally charged film delves into Cheryl’s physical and emotional transformation, as she navigates the challenges of the trail and confronts her past. “Wild” will evoke a sense of wanderlust and encourage you to embrace the healing power of nature. 

Key Destination: Pacific Crest Trail, USA 

Watch it on Disney+ 

8. “Lost in Translation” (2003) 

Discover love and connection in a foreign land. 

This movie about travel romance set in the bustling city of Tokyo, “Lost in Translation” tells the story of two strangers, Bob Harris (Bill Murray) and Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson), who form an unlikely bond while navigating the cultural and linguistic barriers of a foreign country. This introspective film captures the essence of being an outsider and finding solace in the unfamiliar. “Lost in Translation” will ignite your desire to explore new cultures and forge meaningful connections on your travels. 

Key Destination: Tokyo, Japan 

Watch it on Google Play 

9. “The Darjeeling Limited” (2007) 

A train ride of self-reflection and brotherly bonds. 

Directed by Wes Anderson, “The Darjeeling Limited” tells the story of three estranged brothers, played by Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody, and Jason Schwartzman, as they reunite for a train journey across India. This whimsical film explores themes of family, love, and personal growth against the backdrop of India’s vibrant landscapes and cultural tapestry. “The Darjeeling Limited” will transport you to an enchanting world, brimming with colorful characters and unexpected adventures. 

Key Destination: India 

Watch it on Google Play 

10. “Out of Africa” (1985) 

An epic love affair with Africa. 

“Out of Africa” is a sweeping romantic drama based on the autobiographical novel by Isak Dinesen (pseudonym of Karen Blixen). Set in colonial Kenya, the film follows Karen Blixen, played by Meryl Streep, as she navigates love, loss, and the challenges of running a coffee plantation. With its breathtaking African landscapes and captivating storytelling, “Out of Africa” will awaken your wanderlust and leave you yearning for the vast plains of the continent. 

Key Destination: Kenya 

Watch it on Apple TV  

Why do people watch travel movies? 

Movies about traveling offer a unique blend of entertainment and inspiration. They have the power to transport us to captivating destinations, evoke a sense of wanderlust, and provide a window into different cultures and lifestyles. Here are some reasons why movies about traveling are so special: 

• Escapism: Travel movies allow us to escape from our everyday lives and embark on a cinematic journey to far-off places. They offer a temporary escape, transporting us to enchanting landscapes and immersing us in the beauty of different cultures. 
• Cultural Exploration: Through travel movies, we can experience the diversity of the world and gain insight into various customs, traditions, and ways of life. They expose us to new perspectives, broadening our understanding and appreciation of different cultures. 
• Inspiration: Travel movies have a way of igniting our wanderlust and inspiring us to explore the world. They awaken our sense of adventure, encouraging us to step outside our comfort zones and seek new experiences. 
• Emotional Connection: Many travel movies tell captivating stories that resonate with us on an emotional level. They often depict personal journeys, self-discovery, and human connections, reminding us of the transformative power of travel and the potential for personal growth. 
• Visual Spectacle: Travel movies often showcase stunning cinematography, capturing breathtaking landscapes and architectural wonders. The visual beauty of these films transports us to places we may have never been and allows us to appreciate the world’s natural and man-made wonders. 
• Whether we’re seeking entertainment, inspiration, or a virtual travel experience, movies about traveling have the ability to captivate and enrich our lives. They remind us of the vastness and beauty of our world, and the endless possibilities that await us beyond our own horizons.

Wrapping it all up 

These top wanderlust movies will transport you to enchanting destinations around the world, filling your mind with wanderlust and a desire to explore. Whether you’re seeking adventure, self-discovery, or simply a break from reality, these cinematic masterpieces will awaken your travel spirit. So, grab some popcorn, sit back, and embark on a thrilling journey from the comfort of your couch. But be warned, they might just make you pack your bags and go travel! 

FAQs: 

Are these movies suitable for all age groups?  

While most of these films are suitable for a wide audience, some may contain themes or scenes that are more appropriate for mature viewers. It’s always a good idea to check the film’s rating or reviews before watching with younger audiences. 

Can I find these movies on popular streaming platforms?  

Yes, these movies are widely available on popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon’s Prime Video, Apple TV and Google Play. Check your preferred platform to see if they are currently streaming. We’ve prepared some useful links for you.  

Are there any other movies that could inspire travel?  

A: Absolutely! The list mentioned above is just a starting point. There are numerous other films like “A Walk in the Woods” (2015), “Midnight in Paris” (2011), “In Bruges” (2008), “In the Mood for Love” (2000) that can ignite your wanderlust.