Oh hello, remember me? I’m that money-saving travel blogger who once managed 12 countries in 12 months, then went on to visit 30 countries before turning 30 years old. My passport is probably feeling as neglected as my blog – and I’ve been quiet on Instagram and Twitter too. I have so much I want to write about, but unfortunately this little thing called ‘life seems to get in the way every time I want to sit down to write a post.
When I started at a new company in August 2018, I threw myself straight in, keen to impress and excited to finally be working within the travel industry doing my dream job: content marketing. I love my role, I really do – but the working hours are long and the commute is tough (I spend about five hours travelling to and from the office a day), so sadly I have little energy for writing in my free time. Frying my brain looking at my laptop all day, I like to relax on the train back by watching films – many of which fuel my wanderlust, leaving me itching to break free from commuter life.
So why don’t I travel more and blog at weekends? Well, when I’m not working or commuting, I can normally be found with a drill in one hand and tube of caulking in the other. At the end of 2017 I bought a house. It’s a real ‘doer upper’ that needs a lot of work, so most of my weekends are DIY weekends. It’s getting there, albeit slowly.
At the beginning of April I put the finishing touches to the third room (having already completed my bedroom and the bathroom). It’s a beautiful spare room/office space, so I finally have somewhere relaxing to sit while working from home – and hopefully once back from my next trip (Paris and Montreal), somewhere to blog…
Movies to inspire you to travel.
Now to the main feature, what you’re all really here for: the best travel movies.
I’ve spoken before about how Instagram often inspires me to visit somewhere new – and it’s the same for films. So if you are looking for a good story or some travel inspiration, then draw the curtains and settle down with some movie snacks, to watch any (or all – what else are Sundays for?) of these films. They’ll have you Googling places and planning a trip before the end credits are even rolling…
1. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.
In two minds about a trip to India? Watch The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and thank me when you’re in Delhi or Jaipur, exploring beautiful temples, meeting some of the friendliest people on the planet and chowing down on proper authentic curry.
This British film was the one that not only sparked my desire to go to India, but also my grandma’s. After chatting to her about how much I’d enjoyed the film, we both agreed we’d love to go to India one day – and that’s exactly what we did, just nine months later. You can read all about our trip here: 7 days in India: exploring the Golden Triangle..
2. Wild.
When Cheryl Strayed’s life throws her one too many hurdles, she turns to the great outdoors for solice and closure from both the death of her mother and her previous addiction to heroin. The story follows her 1,100 mile journey hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, and the hardship that comes with it. Based on a true story, Wild is a must for any traveller.
One of the reasons this film inspires me is my affinity with the storyline. Having been in traumatic and difficult situations previously, hiking was (and I’m sure still would be) one of my coping mechanisms. My own hikes had me exploring the achingly beautiful areas of Spurn Point, Dane’s Dike and the Trans Pennine Trail in East Yorkshire.
3. Shirley Valentine.
Want to travel solo, but not sure you’re brave enough? Watch BAFTA award-winning actress Pauline Collins as Shirley Valentine, a middle-aged housewife who’s taken for granted by her husband Joe and spends her days cooking, cleaning and (quite literally) talking to her kitchen wall. I don’t want to ruin the story for you, but when she gets the chance to venture to Greece, she takes the bull by the horns and goes for it, finding herself and others along the way.
4. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.
The first time I watched The Secret Life of Walter Mitty was on the plane back from Mexico. I didn’t think I would enjoy it, as I’m not much into fantasy/time travel sort of films, but this one features some of the most incredible travel destinations. Interestingly, a lot of the scenes (even the ones set in the Himalayas and Afghanistan) are filmed in Iceland. I’m pretty sure the adventures of Walter Mitty will leave you longing for an extraordinary adventure of your own.
5. Death on the Nile.
If you ignore the fact that this film is actually a murder mystery (and one of Agatha Christie’s finest at that, in my opinion), Death on the Nile will have you booking flights to Egypt quicker than Hercule Poirot can say “Belgian! Belgian eavesdropper!”. Filmed on location in Karnak, Aswan, Cairo, Luxor, Abu Simbel and Giza, this film is not only one of my favourites, but also has me reminiscing of my own trip to Egypt back in 2013.
Tip: also ignore Simon MacCorkindale’s questionable acting – stick to small screen hospital dramas, Simon.
6. Into The Wild.
If you watch any film from this list, make sure it’s Into The Wild. The film is based on the unbelievable-but-true story of university graduate and top athlete Christopher McCandless, who abandons his possessions, gives his entire $24,000 savings account to charity and hitchhikes to Alaska, where he lives in the wilderness. This inspiring movie will probably stay with you forever – and the landscapes of Alaska are breathtaking.
7. Adrift.
Now, I know this isn’t the happiest of films, but Adrift is based on the inspiring true story of two free spirits whose chance encounter leads them first to love, and then to the adventure of a lifetime. Both avid sailors, they set out on a journey around the world in a small boat, not realising that they are sailing directly into one of the most catastrophic hurricanes in recorded history. It’s an unforgettable story about the resilience of the human spirit and the transcendent power of love – it left me wanting to find someone to sail around the world with.
8. Under the Tuscan Sun.
Set in quite possibly the most beautiful part of Italy, Audrey Wells’ film Under the Tuscan Sun is a romantic drama that will leave you head over heels in love with Tuscany, dreaming of just dropping everything to relocate and fall madly in love (and not just with the jaw-dropping, colourful countryside). If you’re anything like me, have a few tissues at the ready, because this one will have you crying happy tears.
9. A Good Year.
In A Good Year
10. Out of Africa.
Ok, I know it’s an old one, but Out of Africa definitely deserves a place in the all time favourite travel movies list. Meryl Streep and Robert Redford star in the tragic love story about a married baroness who falls for a big-game hunter, based on the autobiographical novel by Isak Dinesen. Filmed in Kenya and the UK, this classic won 7 Oscars and countless other prizes, and will definitely get you dreaming of Africa. It’s one of those movies that you can watch again and again.
11. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
If there was one hero in my childhood that sparked my love of travel, it was Indiana Jones. All the Indiana Jones movies are great, but especially The Last Crusade. When I saw Petra on screen back in the early 90s, I knew I would go there eventually – even though at the time I had no idea where it was or where Jordan was! And in May 2017, I managed to see the magnificent temple carved out of sandstone for myself, as I finally ticked it off my bucket list.
12. National Lampoon’s Vacation.
Though not my favourite National Lampoon’s film (that title goes to National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation), National Lampoon’s Vacation was where the world first met the Griswolds. The film spoofs the tried-and-true American tradition of a family road trip, taking the Griswolds through Death Valley and the Grand Canyon, on their way to Walley World. Add in a whole load of mishaps and a hit theme song in Lindsey Buckingham’s “Holiday Road,” and you have a film everyone should watch once.
13. Romancing the Stone.
The 80s were definitely the action movie era, but Romancing the Stone took that concept and blew it out, mixing in pinches of Indiana Jones and a whole lot of romance. Co-starring Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner, the adventure begins when the leading lady travels to Colombia in search of her kidnapped sister – but things soon turn dangerous when she finds herself in the middle of a perilous journey hunting for treasure with a mercenary rogue. If this film doesn’t make you fall in love the most amazing South American country, then read all about why my heart belongs to Cartagena – you’ll be packing your SPF20 in no time.
Movies that will make you want to stay home (and hide under the covers).
And, here are four films you definitely shouldn’t watch if you’re in two minds about going travelling…
1. Alive.
This is an amazing, true story of a Uruguayan rugby team’s plane that crashed in the middle of the Andes mountains on their way to a game in Chile. The survivors of the crash are forced to do anything and everything they can to stay alive, with meagre rations in below freezing conditions. Alive is a tale of faith endurance and determination – so why is it in my “movies not to watch” list? Turning to cannibalism isn’t something I’d want to do on a trip to South America…
2. Hostel.
Back in 2016, when I told dad I was going to Prague for a weekend, his immediate response was: “Why? You’ve seen Hostel, right?”. As a self-confessed gore and horror film junkie, of course I’d seen the film. Though I didn’t let it put me off travelling (alone) to Eastern Europe, I am always wary about where I book to stay, in any country. My last trip to the Czech Republic had me staying in the beautiful Seven Days Hotel, which thankfully was a far cry from the accommodation in Eli Roth’s film.
3. Wolf Creek.
Never have I ever wanted to backpack around the outback of Australia less than after seeing Wolf Creek. This 2005 horror had me jumping from the get go – so if you’re planning a trip down under, definitely don’t watch it.
4. Welcome Home.
I recently watched Welcome Home on the commute back from work (yay for Netflix), and was gripped for the entire film – it’s twisted, jumpy and very modern. While the idea of staying in a romantic secluded chateau in Italy with an unlimited supply of wine in the cellar is very appealing, after watching this film I’ll think carefully before I book anywhere that isn’t a standard hotel.
*****
What films have you watched that have inspired you to travel? Or are there films that have really put you off venturing somewhere? Drop a comment below with your recommendations.
All photos from: IMDb
Always Carry On. 
I loved The Secret Life of Walter Mitty and the shots in Iceland. Amazing film.
LikeLike
A good Year is one of our favourites, such a good film. We loved Adrift too!
LikeLike
I love into the wild!! That’s such a great one!!
LikeLike
What a great selection of films. I’ve seen a few – I absolutely adore Death on the Nile – but I’ll have to check out the others.
LikeLike
Wow you have some amazing movie picks here. Yes I have been to India but only to Madras so would live to go again sometime.
LikeLike
What a magnificent look-around and inside-out of the movies I love and those I’ve never seen! You are brilliant. Thank you for a warm down-the-memory-lane film excursion.
LikeLike
This movies sound interesting and fun to me. Will pick a two or three to watch.
LikeLike
Adding several of these to my must watch list! Especially the scary ones!!
LikeLike
I love a good travel movie. It’s the next best thing to actually traveling.
LikeLike
What a fabulous selection of inspiring films to watch where travel and adventure are concerned. I kept smiling as I scrolled down to each new title as I have seen most of them and have heard of almost all of them. Brought back some great memories of places I’ve been and of the films themselves.
LikeLike
I love to travel, I’ll definitively check out these films. I like how you write a little summary of each movie- great blog!
LikeLike
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is one of my fav!!! the sound track is soo good!
LikeLike
Wow I didn’t knew there are so many movies to inspire for travel. I have seen couple of them but not all. I think I got my list for movie night now. By the way I loved the movie best exotic hotel
LikeLike
My favourites were Wild and A Good Year. I absolutely loved tgest films.
LikeLike
These films seems interesting and promising! Thank you for sharing these! I’ll definitely check these out!
LikeLike
Loving your list of movies that inspire travel. However, I will say I had the same reaction to your dad to anyone going to Prague after watching Hostel. For me that movie made me not want to travel. lol.
LikeLike
this is a fab post – some classics on there to inspire travels. I loved Wild!
LikeLike
Thanks for sharing! I have not had time to watch and wish I could see more movies. Thanks for the recommendation. This would really inspire me so much to travel.
LikeLike
Oh wow, what an amazing list of movies! I just watched Under the Tuscan Sun few days ago on Netflix! Would love to watch A Good Year soon. And I think Mamma Mia has inspired a lot of people to visit Greece, don’t you think so? ~ Ola @ WanderWithOla
LikeLike
Amazing movie compilation. Will be watching Adrift and the secret life of Walter Witty. 😊
LikeLike
A great list! I loved reading this post, so inspiring!
LikeLike
I have just watched Indiana Jones and welcome home. But I will check out others too.
LikeLike
O wow I really enjoyed this list! Now I know what movies to add to my list! I loved the secret life of Walter witty! It’s a classic!
LikeLike
Alive is such a good movie but not one to watch before getting on a plane! Great list here!
LikeLike
omg, I havent watched anything that you have listed here! i’m a movie person but oh no I’m missing half of my movie hobby by not watching any of these!
LikeLike
I loved the scenery in Out of Africa — when I went, my then boyfriend (now-husband) went to the Karen Blixen Museum (home of the woman who wrote it). I wish I had more time to travel.
Also, I must say — your third room that you just finished is absolutely gorgeous! I would want to work in there too. Great job!
LikeLike
I have seen some of these films and you have made some great suggestions here. I love Under The Tuscan sun and Wild.
LikeLike
awesome movies! I should avoid re-watching them because it really makes my travel fever BURN
LikeLike
I’ve only seen Indiana Jones. Totally checking the rest out!!!
LikeLike
I love under the tuscan sun! It always makes me want to move to Tuscany!
LikeLike
You have amazing decorating skills!! I’ve watched half of these and excited to watch the rest! Yes, movies definitely inspire me. I must’ve watched Under the Tuscan Sun a thousand times dreaming that one day I would get to visit! And now, I’m living within driving distance and have visited twice!!
LikeLike
Is it awful that I have only watched three movies on this list?! I need to get started and watch some of your recommendations!
LikeLike
You have brought me right back to me teens with Romancing the Stone. Some great choices here, plus some new ones for me to watch
LikeLike
I know it may sound cliche but why wasn’t Eat.Pray.Love on this list that’s the ultimate travel movie! I added many to your list but you to not watch travel list yeah I am convinced Hostel makes me never want to visit a hostel ever!
LikeLike
Great list. There’s quite a few I haven’t seen before so thank you for the inspiration!
LikeLike
I loved Wolf Creek and Hostel, but they are not the best movies to make you want to travel (especially since Wolf Creek is based off actual events). I do want the see the The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.
LikeLike
I would love to watch Under the Tuscan suna and the National Lampoon’s Vacation. Anyway, I watched the Great Wall featuring Matt Damon and I feel like visiting China!
LikeLike
I’ve not actually seen any of these. I will add them to my must watch list. The secret life of walter mitty will be first on my list.
LikeLike
I really haven’t seen a lot of these movies but I have added Wild and Adrift to my list of must sees
LikeLike
I haven’t seen any of these films! Would love to watch the To list but not the stay at home list, they are a bit scary for me haha
LikeLike
Into The Wild is a good film, it’s a very sad story, but quite inspirational as he wanted to live his life how he wanted to. x
LikeLike
You’be got a good list here! I would love to watch the Wild for our next movie session here at home. Keeping this book-marked!
LikeLike
What a great film list! I’ve only seen a handful of these, but now I have to add some onto my list haha.
LikeLike
What a great list you have put together. I would like to watch at least a few of them, whenever I get a chance for my me time. As you know as a mom we barely get that me time.
LikeLike
I absolutely love Romancing the stone. I think there was a sequel too.
LikeLike
I LOVE this list! I’m a huge travel buff and cinemaphile, so I’ve seen all of them more than once.
LikeLike
I love The Secret Life of Walter Mittty and indeed it was a movie that inspires to travel. Hope I can travel soon
LikeLike
All of those are pretty great travel films or films which inspire one to travel. I think if I were to choose one it would be the Secret Life of Walter Mitty. It does inspire me to keep putting myself out there and traveling and seeing the world.
LikeLike
Wild and the Secret Life of Walter Mitty definitely gave me the itch to travel! They were such captivating stories! I will have to check out your other suggestions
LikeLike
Love some of these classic and don’t mind to see it again. These movies certainly inspire me to go out to the world and explore.
LikeLike
I’m definitely going to have to watch a couple of these. I’ve already seen a few.
LikeLike
I’ve seen a few of these but not all. I’m actually excited to add a few movies to my watch list!
LikeLike
I am not a hue fan of travelling due to my fear of flying. However I love seeing our beautiful planet through films, photos and brilliant blogs! It sounds like you have been incredibly busy with your home and work but I hope the wanderlust proves irresistible soon…
LikeLike
Great movie list! We love the The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, such a funny classic! And yes it makes me want to travel more.
LikeLike
I’ve always loved Under the Tuscan Sun…absolutely one of my favorite films! Such a great list of movies…and you are right, now I am feeling inspired!
LikeLike
Nice workspace! I’m not much of a movie watcher so I haven’t seen many of these, I did see alive though. That was such a good movie.
LikeLike
Looks like I need to get busy. I am embarassed. I have only seen one of these movies. That is Indiana Jones!
LikeLike
I have honestly not had a good watch in a LONG time is. I will definitely check out these movies.
LikeLike
I absolutely loved The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, both the first and the second one. I have seen them many times, almost exclusively on flights – I think one time I’ve watched it when I was going to India. It is such an inspiring movie.
LikeLike
The best exotic marigold hotel made me fall in love with iNDIA ! Loved that movie and we re watch it all the time x kind regards Pati Robins
LikeLike
These are all great movies for wanderlust I love the ‘Under the Tuscan Sun’ movie. The place makes it extra romantic.
LikeLike
A few I’ve not heard of there, so I need to check them out. Thanks so much, I can’t wait to plan another abroad holiday. Mich x
LikeLike
I live in India but it is always surprising sometimes pleasant and sometimes unpleasant seeing your country through someone else’s eyes. However, I loved the Great Exotic Marigold Hotel and their perspective for India. 😄
I haven’t watched many of the other movies but will be watching them now. Thanks for recommending. ☺️
LikeLike
Hey Becca! Some great movie suggestions! As a film addict you’ve listed some great ones here, Letters to Juliet is also a favourite amongst the list here.
Lovely blog 🙂
Laura xo
LikeLike