Movies That Inspire Travel

Movies are meant to entertain you, show you things and places you have never seen before. Often they are used to escape reality, even if for a couple of hours. A few months ago I wrote an article about how to satisfy wanderlust and one of those aforementioned ways was to watch a movie that inspires you to travel.

I’ve put together a list for you to help you satisfy that travel bug when you can’t go anywhere. These movies in some way shape or form have inspired me to travel around the world to experience new countries and cultures.

Eat, Pray, Love

Lusting after: Italy, Bali, India

I’ve probably mentioned this movie a billion times on this blog but it’s for good reason. First and foremost, I loved her book and like many others felt like it spoke to me. While I didn’t pick up my life and move away for three months, I did have a similar path that led me to Ben. I’m 2/3 with Liz but I don’t think I’m ready for India yet. When I visited Bali I actually went and visited the natural healer Wayan and Tutti. This movie was a large part of the reason I stepped so far out of my comfort zone and traveled to Asia for the first time, and embarked on my first solo adventure (although I did have company for the majority of the time). Some find this movie boring and slow moving but to me it’s a beautiful story that does a wonderful job of showcasing the essence of Bali, Italy and India.

Midnight in Paris

Lusting after: Paris, Versailles

This movie is a very close second. It’s one of those movies that I could watch every day for the rest of my life and not be upset about it. It blends my two favourite things; travel and literature. Yes I’m a nerd.

But seriously, what greater period in time would life have been than the roaring ’20s in Paris. To walk amongst Hemingway, the Fitzgerald’s, Monet, and so on. Not only that but Woody Allen doesn’t complete the film until you’re head-over-heels in love with Paris. Especially Paris in the rain. Travelling to Paris, even for 36 hours, was enough for me to know that Woody was right, Paris is exquisite.

Vicky, Christina, Barcelona

Lusting after: Barcelona, Oviedo

Just as it mentions in the name Woody Allen does it again and has made me lust after Barcelona. I still have not been to the famous Spanish city but I hope to one day soon. Woody has encompassed the Spanish personality of passionate, romantic and creative beings. It’s enough to make every girl want an affair with a Spaniard (but I’m happy with my Englishman)!

Woody seemed to have put Oviedo on the map. I had never heard of the small Spanish town before watching the movie but when I do make it to Spain, you already know what city will be apart of that trip. The Young Adventuress has done a fantastic job capturing Oviedo and Woody’s influence to the city.

Harry Potter

Lusting after: England, Scotland

Yes you read that right. Growing up with Harry Potter, and being a very big fan, made me absolutely fall in love with English culture (which evidently came in handy). The directors of the Harry Potter movies did a great job of utilizing the beauty of the United Kingdom. I still need to experience more of England outside of London and the Harry Potter movies show you iconic architecture, vast landscapes and even make a railway line look like something right out of Pinterest.

Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants 

Lusting after: Santorini

Alright you can laugh at this one. It’s so cheesy and straight out of a teen novel but in my defence when these books and movies came out, I was a teenager. Either way, for those of you who are comfortable with your inner child watch this movie and get inspiration to walk amongst the pristine white buildings of Santorini.

One Week

Lusting after: Canada

This is one of those rare times that the world actually pays attention to the eye candy the Canadian landscape provides. Joshua Jackson travels from Toronto to Tofino on a motorcycle after a cancer diagnosis. It satisfies that craving that most Canadians have, to see their own country. One of the biggest problems I have is seeing the rest of this beautiful country because it costs so damn much to travel around it. I’m going to have to give this movie another watch to give me the inspiration I need …

Julie and Julia

Lusting after: Paris

Yet again there’s a movie begging you to travel to the city of light. Except this time you want to go and eat everything in sight. This movie, somewhat based on a true story follows the life of Julia Child, the famous chef who wrote the cookbook to French Cooking. While the story that’s woven in of Julie Powell isn’t as interesting, it does add context and a bit of New York City charm into the mix.

Under the Tuscan Sun 

Lusting after: Tuscany

While I recently travelled to Italy, I still have yet to visit Tuscany – although trust me when I say it’s not from lack of want. Under the Tuscan sun makes me want to pack up my things and move to Italy for a more laid back, comfortable life. Watching the sun dance upon the grape vines while sipping the fruits of my labour. It’s a cheesy feel good movie but it’ll still make you want to visit Southern Italy.

To Rome With Love

Lusting after: Rome

Yup you guessed it, another Woody Allen flick. Seriously this guy is just too good. The movie plot is admittedly a bit disjointed and hard to follow but if you just forget about the story and enjoy the scenery you’ll love the movie. It captures all of the major tourist attractions in Rome but also the small hidden neighbourhoods and streets.

EuroTrip

Lusting after: Prague, Vatican City, London, Amsterdam, Paris, Bratislava

It’s your classic American-style Eurotrip. Travelling to 8 countries four teenagers experience the best of these countries while getting into funny dilemmas. It’s not exactly the most artistic or well made movie out there but you do get a good glimpse of a few of Europe’s most famous cities. Even if it is just a cliche version of them at best.

Bonus: 

An Idiot Abroad

Lusting after: Seven Wonders of the World

This isn’t exactly a movie but it’s definitely one of the funniest shows I’ve seen in a while. In true Ricky Gervais sarcastic humour, he gets one of his best friends to travel to the seven wonders of the world. However Karl Pilkington hates to travel, hates to experience new things and basically hates being anywhere but on his own couch. Ricky not only gets him up and moving but sends him on the most ridiculous tasks, which at certain points in the shows really try Karl’s patience. Follow along as Karl sleeps in a carnivorous tribe’s camp in Peru, get kidnapped in Israel or attend ninja training in China.

What are your favourite movies or shows to watch to help you satisfy your craving for travel?