There is a stirring certain movies inspire; to shrug off the daily grind and explore the world. They are catalysts to throw on a backpack and see new places, or even move to another country to try it out. These movies are able to make the viewer feel the highs and lows of travel in a foreign land.
Top 10 Travel Movies
Under the Tuscan Sun – Beautifully filmed, well acted and at times very funny, this movie showcases Tuscany. Here is a movie that makes the viewer want to book the next flight out.
Lost in Translation – If there was ever a movie to sum up jet lag and culture displacement, then it was this one. This movie lulls the viewer into the stupor that is often felt while westerners travel in Asia.
Motorcycle Diaries – Although it is a story about Che Guevara’s younger days, it is essentially a buddy road film. A very well done movie.
Into the Wild – Based on a true story, this is a powerful film. Probably not a movie that everyone will get, but for those that do, they will get the urge to head off into the unknown. It is full of good teachings about living life fully.
Curious Case of Benjamin Buttons – An incredible movie that conveys the message to live fully everyday, and take advantage of opportunities to explore.
Forrest Gump – Although not really a travel movie, it has that innocence of exploration that is a key factor in travel movies. The cross country running scenes definitely inspires one to see the world around them with new eyes.
Shirley Valentine – Tired of the restraints and boredom of life? Shirley Valentine was, and her answer was to head to Greece for an adventure.
Darjeeling Limited – While this movie may have lacked something in the acting department, it is a strong motivator to head off to India and see the country by train.
Y Tu Mama Tambien – A wonderful film out of Mexico. Combines love, sexuality, and death all in a buddy travel film.
Kiss the Sky - When life gets too restrictive, leave everything and move to the tropics. Beautiful movie with some interesting messages on life choices. Good Buddhist messages on attachment and suffering.
Honourable Mentions
One Week - A Canadian movie that was well received at film festivals, this movie captures the feel of the open road.
Bucket List - It is interesting how many people when faced with their mortality choose to see more of the world as a number one priority.
7 years in Tibet – This movie is about traveling in a time and place that unfortunately does not exist any longer.
A Good Year - Nice romantic comedy about moving to France to take over a vineyard estate.
Out of Africa – A classic movie about living in Africa in a different era.
No Where in Africa – A well done movie about carving out a life in Africa. Very simply told, but draws in the viewer’s heart and imagination.
Hideous Kinky – Set in the early 1970’s in Morocco, this film manages to capture the feel of the area.
Before Sunrise / Before Sunset – Two movies that play upon the romance on the road angle.
Holy Smoke – The scenes in India accurately convey the wonder and disorientation of travel in an exotic place.
Quiet American – Even though it is a war film, it captures the feeling of a being an expat in a completely foreign land.
Stealing Beauty – A beautiful film that deals with young love, pain, and life in general. Good performance by Liv Tyler.
Easy Rider – Mention has to be made of the original road film.
No Room in the Suitcase
The Beach – Just too pretentious and unbelievable, plus they ruined a beautiful beach to make it.
Reference
Robert Oakes - For over twenty years I have studied as a holistic health practitioner with a background in herbalism, homeopathy, eastern medicine, ...
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