Ten Movies That Will Inspire You To Travel

Travel… why do it? Maybe you need a break from the monotony of everyday life… maybe you to be reminded of relaxation and glistening sun kissed beaches… or maybe you need some inspiration for your next trip. Every travelista has a bunch of whimsical movies on her shelf that ignites that “must-be-on-the-road” feeling time and time again. Here’s my list of ten travel-inspired movies that never get old.

THE BEACH

Filmed in Phuket, this movie will no doubt inspire you to seek out beautiful white sand beaches on remote islands. In this movie, twenty-something Richard travels to Thailand and finds himself in possession of a strange map promising a beach paradise. Who wouldn’t want an adventure like that?

GORILLAS IN THE MIST

The true story of Dian Fossey surrounding a young anthropologist who travels to the forests of Rwanda to track rare mountain gorillas. As time passes, over 18 years, her love and passion finally turns into an obsession seeing her risk her life to protect these gorgeous animals from poachers.

BROKEDOWN PALACE

It might not seem like the best travel-inspired movie but nevertheless it definitely makes you think twice about what you do and say when travelling abroad. Two best friends go to Thailand on a dream vacation. This quickly turns into a life-changing nightmare as they try to prove their innocence to a foreign government that has nothing but harsh punishment for foreigners who disobey their laws.

THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL

British retirees travel to India and take up residence in what they first believe to be a newly restored hotel. While this is not what they expected, the hotel and people slowly start to charm their way into each other’s lives. If you have never been to India, then this travel-inspiring movie will definitely make you want to escape for a month or two.

  

JULIE AND JULIA

Filled with scenes from a 1950’s Paris and mouthwatering French food, Julie Powell cooks her way through Julia’s famed cookbook entitled ‘Mastering the Art of French Cooking’. As she does, she discovers a love of eggs and that she finally has enough confidence to bone a duck. This movie will leave you wanting to 1) work up some French wonders in the kitchen and 2) escape to Paris and delight in everything Parisian.

UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN

One of my all time favorites, this is a romantic comedy filled with delightful wines, mouthwatering delicious Italian food, rolling Tuscan hills and love of a different kind. Under The Tuscan Sun is one movie that will certainly inspire you to spontaneously scrap any form of urban existence you may be living, buy a gorgeous rundown villa in Italy and disappear into some form of whimsical happiness. It melts my heart every time.

LETTERS TO JULIET

This is of course, another Italian romance travel-inspired movie. Letters to Juliet was actually inspired by the 2006 non-fiction book with same name by Lise and Ceil Friedman. This book is filled with panoramic views of beautiful Verona and Tuscany, Castelnuovo Berardenga and Montalcino. My absolute favorite quote from this movie:

‘”What” and “If” are two words as non-threatening as words can be. But put them together side-by-side and they have the power to haunt you for the rest of your life: What if? What if? What if?’

EAT PRAY LOVE

Based on the 2006 memoir by Elizabeth Gilbert, this movie follows the tri-country journey of Julia Roberts as she eats her way through Italy, prays her way through India and learns to love again in Indonesia. This is definitely a movie for all single and solo women travelers and naturally something you should watch before you set off on any soul-searching adventure. Or if you need that last push before you decide to leave.

P.S. I LOVE YOU

This movie takes us to beautiful Ireland as a young widow goes on a journey of self discovery through ten messages left by her late husband. Watch as Hilary Swank discovers more about herself and discovers a new lust for life. It will also make you want to buy a one way ticket to such a magical place.

THE SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELLING PANTS

 Bridget, Carmen, Lena and Tibby are four best friends living in Maryland. After many years of friendship, the girls devise a plan to stay connected by sharing a pair of second-hand jeans that miraculously fit them all perfectly. Eventually Bridget heads to Mexico, Lena visits family in Greece and Carmen and Tibby stay closer to home. Despite their different journeys, they still take turns sharing a pair of pants that eventually not only strengthens their sisterhood but also gives them the confidence to grow and live life.