What’s an avid traveler to do when they find themselves sequestered at home for the foreseeable future? Though nothing can fully replace the all encompassing experience of being immersed in a new country, there are substitutes that can get us through ‘til the next adventure! This extensive list of incredible movies and TV series will offer you glimpses into the never-ending beauty of worldwide cultures, unique characters, and beckoning landscapes that await your exploration. So while you’re at home and seeking inspiration for your next adventure, be sure to delve into the options below!
BEst Movies to Inspire your travels:
Whalerider (2002)
Set in New Zealand, the story of Pai, a newly born twin in the Maori tribe. Unfortunately, her twin brother who is destined to be the future chief of the tribe dies at birth. Due to patriarchal tradition and customs she isn’t considered to become chief. However, at age 12, she enlists the help of her grandmother and the training of her uncle to claim her birthright and prove to her traditional grandfather that she is worthy and capable of being the leader. An excellent story that provides a compelling look at the traditional Māori culture of New Zealand.
Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)
The story of France, a woman that decides to pack her bags and move to an Italian villa after her marriage goes down the drain. She uses her new independence and power to renovate her new house and enjoy the dreamy Italian life. This story is the perfect escape for those who dream of an authentic Italian adventure!
Lost in Translation (2003)
An American man and an American woman (played by Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson) are an odd pair thrown together by circumstance while living as expats in Tokyo. They become close friends as they navigate the strange & wonderful culture around them. The movie showcases Tokyo’s unique, hectic and colorful ambience enticing those who watch it to see it all for themselves.
Motorcycle Diaries (2004)
Director Walter Salles tells the story of “Che” Guevara’s journey across Latin America with his motorcycle and his pal Alberto Granado. As they explore the rich and complex culture and geography of the continent they have an epiphany regarding the political injustices in Che’s country and all over South America.
A Good Year (2006)
Max Skinner is an investment banker who learns his uncle left him a chateau and vineyard in Provence after his death. He travels to France to sell the property but ends up wishing to stay forever, This romantic movie will have you daydreaming of a French love story.
The Darjeeling Limited (2007)
Three brothers hop on a train and travel across India after their father’s death in order to bond again as siblings. All the mishaps, obstacles and successes they endure together will teach them more about their relationship as a family and will unite them as it has ever happened before.
A Map for Saturday (2007)
This documentary showcases the story of Brook Silva- Braga and the product of his year-long travel to 26 countries on four continents. 24 solo travelers join Braga and help him tell the story of all the locations they visited and the experiences they shared. If you want to have a glimpse of what its like to almost travel the whole world in 90 minutes, this documentary is the perfect pick.
The Way (2010)
After his son died attempting the Santiago de Compostela trail in Spain, a father travels to France to recover his body. In order to understand his son’s experience before his death, he decides to complete the hike himself. His experience turns into a lifechanging and eye-opening adventure.
Eat Pray Love (2011)
Elizabeth Gilbert (played by Julia Roberts) seems to have the perfect life — living in the city of her dreams, working at her dream job, and married to a loving husband. However, she finds herself overwhelmingly unhappy and realizes she needs to change everything. She divorces her husband and decides to embark a once in a lifetime adventure to rediscover herself. She spends extended periods in Italy, India and Indonesia on her adventure and transforms her life and her perspective along the way.
Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011)
An eccentric hotelier invites seven tourists to stay in an old and ruined hotel in India for their holiday. Each tourist arrives from different backgrounds and different stories. Their coexistence in a place far different than what they expected, along with the antics of their host, create a once in a lifetime bond that opens their minds and hearts. Each person leaves after those seven days with new goals and ambitions in their life.
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)
Ben Stiller plays Walter Mitty, a Life magazine employee who embarks on an adventure he could have never imagined. He finds himself traveling from New York City to Greenland, Iceland and finally the Himalayas to find a missing photo that would boost his professional career. Filled with life lessons and a heart-warming story, this movie and its incredible cinematography will have you craving your next travel destination.
Tracks (2014)
The traveling adventure of a man and a woman, four camels and a dog across the unique landscape of Western Australia. Throughout their journey, they meet a variety of individuals with different backgrounds and stories who each offer guidance and anecdotes about the sacred lands they are traversing.
Wild (2014)
The story of Cheryl Strayed (played by Reese Witherspoon), a writer that decides to trek the Pacific Crest Trail after her mom’s sudden death. After trekking 1,100 miles of forests, fields of snow, dusty desserts, and trails filled with mud Strayed reaches an inspired mental clarity. This movie will make you want to pack your backpack and undertake your own life-changing adventure!
A Walk in the Woods (2015)
Travel author Bill Bryson decides to hike the Appalachian Trail to find some inner peace and self-discovery. Along with him come his old pal, Katz, a serial philanderer who wants to join this adventure to sneak out of paying some debts. The problem is, the see the definition of adventure in two different ways. They find themselves pushing each other’s limits and bonding like they had ever before.
Call Me By Your Name (2017)
If you want a glimpse of what it is like to enjoy a summer holiday in the idyllic Italian countryside, this movie will have you getting all the feels. Take a peek into this unexpected Italian romance set on a 17th-century villa in Lombardy, Italy for a beautifully depicted story of awakening.
Roma (2018)
Director Alfonso Cuarón tells the story of Cleo, an indigenous Mexican working as a maid in Mexico City in the 1970’s. This black and white cinematographic masterpiece shows what life was like in the capital of Mexico in the colonial neighborhood of Roma. Filled with history and a heartwarming story, Cuarón is able to show the growth of the neighborhood throughout the past 50 years.
Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
If you need one extra push to inspire travels to China, this movie is it. The story revolves around Rachel Chu, a Chinese American who falls in love with one of Singapore’s elite members. Not knowing how elite his lifestyle is, they travel together to Singapore to formalize their relationship even more. There she gets a glimpse of his extravagant lifestyle amidst the beauty of this modern and unique city.
The Farewell (2019)
The story of Billi (played by Golden Globe award-winning Awkwafina), a Chinese American girl traveling from her home in New York City to Changchun in China, to visit her grandmother and extended family. There she finds herself trying to adapt to Chinese culture while also finding out her grandmother has a life-threatening disease. A bittersweet story that will make everyone appreciate family and loved once during hard times.
TV Series to Inspire your travels:
Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown (2013 -2018)
If you are a foodie and travel enthusiast, this series is perfect for you. Follow iconic chef Anthony Bourdain as he travels the world and discovers some of the most diverse, exotic, and unique cuisines and dining rituals. Dive in to all twelve seasons to explore and learn about a vast range of cultures around the world. The late Bourdain became a travel icon through making this series with his avid appreciation for food being surpassed only by his breadth of cultural appreciation.
Long Way Round (2004 – 2005)
The motorcycle adventures of Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman as they travel from London to New York, by land. Going through Europe, Asia, and then around to Alaska they experience different cultures and learn how to overcome difficulties and challenges along the way. If you are interested in unique travel adventures or dream of traversing the world with your motorcycle, this show is the perfect combination.
Long Way Down (2007)
Inspired by Long Way Round, Ewan and Charley embark on another motorcycle adventure but this time they go down. Starting in Northern Scotland, they travel through Europe, down to Africa and finish in Cape Town. The series offers six episodes of some crazy bike adventures along their route.
Travel Man (2015 - Present)
This docuseries hosted by Richard Ayoade has been on for 10 seasons and is still going strong. In each episode, Richard travels to a popular city to explore all its most famous touristic attractions along with a celebrity guest. His wittiness and unique sense of humor will make anybody who watches it inspired to travel and discover each destination.
Ugly Delicious (2018 - Present)
You know what they say, traveling to any new destination is not complete until you have tasted the traditional cuisine like a local. David Chang, an award-wining chef hosts this travelogue series showcasing his culinary journey around some of the hottest spots to eat around the world. Each episode welcomes various celebrities as they break down cultural barriers through food.
Even while navigating a time where staying home is the correct thing to do you can always find new destinations to crave for your future travels. Enthusiastic travelers who are battling restlessness during this time can satiate their yearnings by remaining curious and absorbing as much information about where to journey to next, as soon as it’s possible. Feel free to check out our blog for even more travel inspiration!
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