How to Play

Practice mode, buy me a coffee.

If you like travle - consider buying me a coffee!

travel imois

Travle Game Modes

Travle's official website is https://imois.in/ It looks like you're playing on a website that has stolen it!

These websites steal revenue from game creators by re-hosting their games and overlaying their own ads. Always play Travle on imois.in , and you'll always have the latest version, fewer ads and help support the creators (I.e. me)!

Thanks, - Oisin

Privacy Policy

California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”)

Under CCPA, Californian residents have the right to declare their preferences on the sale of data for advertising and marketing purposes. If you wish to change your preferences, click this link to launch our preference portal:

We use a third-party to provide monetisation technologies for our site. You can review their privacy and cookie policy at https://publift.com/privacy-policy/.

In addition we collect generic website analytics by way of website browser and cookies. This is performed using google analytics.

Transfer Your Statistics

Confirmation.

This will delete any statistics on the current device, and is not reversable. Are you sure you wish to proceed?

Travle's new home!

Travle is moving to https://travle.earth ! Click below to move your saved games there.

Past guesses (click to show/hide):

Get a hint (0/3):.

How to Play

Buy me a coffee.

If you like travle - consider buying me a coffee!

travel imois

Practice Configuration

Travle game modes.

Travle's official website is https://travle.earth/ It looks like you're playing on a website that has stolen it!

These websites steal revenue from game creators by re-hosting their games and overlaying their own ads. Always play Travle on travle.earth , and you'll always have the latest version, fewer ads and help support the creators (I.e. me)!

Thanks, - Oisin

Transfer Your Statistics

Confirmation.

This will delete any statistics on the current device, and is not reversable. Are you sure you wish to proceed?

Past guesses (click to show/hide):

Get a hint (0/3):.

Play other games

Weddle

Travle is a game for geography lovers. A game that challenges you to travel from one country to another in as few guesses as possible. You are given a start country and an end country, and you have to name all the countries you would pass through if you traveled by land from one to the other. An emoji that indicates how close you are to the correct route.

  • A green check mark means you guessed a country that is on the shortest route.
  • A yellow circle means you guessed a country that is on a longer route but still connected to the start or end country.
  • A red means you guessed a country that is not connected to either the start or end country.

Category and Tags

Discuss travle.

Maria Stoyanova

Travle Game — Find the path between two given countries

🗾 Guess countries until you've made a path from start to end! You can guess the countries in any order. 📍 Try to get there in as few guesses as possible by land - sea travel doesn't count. 🎉 A new travle is released each night at midnight — play at imois.in/games/travle/

Gallery image 0

A way to test your geography knowledge by guessing more countries between 2 destinations, not only one per day.

Travle is created by Oisin Carroll ( twitter.com/onemoremoose )

Ian

This game is fun! Very good geography tester.

Profile picture

Contributors

Maria Stoyanova

Travle Game

Find the path between two given countries

Improving Your English

Travel idioms: Fun ways to talk about traveling and adventures

travel imois

Are you in the mood for an adventure? Before you pack your bags and grab your passport, make sure you have the right vocabulary to talk about it.

These English travel idioms will not only inspire you to see the world but can also be used on your journey. We have included lots of fun and useful expressions about travel and transport, all with examples and definitions. Idioms can be hard to understand , after all.

travel imois

Travel idioms

A country mile.

A country mile is not an exact measurement but refers to a deceptively long distance. Country roads usually meander, so a destination a mile away can take much more than a mile to reach.

“It was suposed to be a 5 mile run but it felt like 5 country miles!”

People who have itchy feet are bored of where they are and have a desire to travel, do something new, or explore.

“She only came back from her camping trip last week but she got itchy feet and is setting off on a road trip tomorrow.’

Feet and other body parts are featured in idioms a lot, so they are always useful to know.

The travel bug

Be careful: if you catch the travel bug, it may turn your plans upside down! The travel bug refers to a strong urge, passion or desire to travel the world.

“I caught the travel bug when I first explored Europe over 20 years ago.”

At a crossroads / a fork in the road

You will surely come across a crossroads or a fork in the road when you are traveling. These expressions relate to any place where the road splits or meets another road, and you must decide which way to go.

However, we have put these on our list of travel idioms because they can also be used figuratively as choice idioms . You can say someone is at a crossroads or at a fork in the road if they have an important decision to make in any area of their life.

“I’m at a bit of a crossroads and I’m not sure what I should do.” “We get along fine, until we hit a fork in the road.”

At the crack of dawn

At the crack of dawn is a simple but fun way of describing any time very early in the morning.

“We’re going to have to get up at the crack of dawn to make our flight.”

There are many other time idioms you may find useful for planning a travel itinerary.

Bad news travels fast

Bad news travels fast , or at least that is how it often seems. Most bad news is scandalous or a great topic for gossip, so people are more likely to talk about it with their friends or colleagues.

“I can’t believe I got fired and that my wife knew about it before I even got home. I guess bad news really does travel fast!”

Live out of a suitcase

People who live out of a suitcase travel a lot from place to place, not returning home often. Since they normally stay for a short period of time in each place, they keep all their clothes in their suitcase rather than bothering to unpack and settle in.

“Guys, we have a busy interary, so get ready to live out of your suitcases for the next week or so!”

On a shoestring

Although this is a good travel idiom, it can actually apply to all situations. Anything that happens on a shoestring is done with a very small budget, keeping costs as low as possible.

“I’m backpacking around Asia next year but I’m traveling on a shoestring.”

Find some more money-related idioms here .

Hit a roadblock

This is a saying with two meanings. An actual roadblock is something used by the police to stop the illegal activity of a driver. As a travel-related idiom, to hit a roadblock refers to something getting in the way and stopping you from making progress in a project.

“The new contract negotiations were going well but we’ve hit a bit of a roadblock now.”

This is not to be confused with the one below.

Hit the road

Here’s a very popular travel idiom; so popular, in fact, that you’ll hear it in many songs like “ Hit the Road Jack “. To hit the road simply means to depart on a journey.

“Well, it’s getting late, so I think it’s time we hit the road.” “The car is all packed; let’s hit the road!”

You normally say this phrase when referring to traveling by car or going home, but it could be used in other circumstances.

Catch the sun

A lot of these travel idioms focus on going on vacation. For most people, a vacation means time in the sun. To catch the sun is to spend enough time in the sun that your skin burns or develops a tan.

“Won’t be long until I’m catching the sun in Spain.” “Looks like you have caught the sun today.”

You may also hear catch some rays , which means to sunbathe.

If you’re heading off for a summer vacation, make sure you check out some idioms about summer before you go. There are expressions to suit every season, in fact: winter , fall (autumn) and spring .

Pack light / travel light

People who travel light or pack light are careful not to bring unnecessary items. They keep their luggage to a minimum, whether for convenience or to avoid paying extra airfares for it.

“I always travel light.” “Much as I try to travel light, I always seem to need a huge suitcase.”

Travel on a full / empty stomach

Part of the joy of traveling is deciding what to eat! To travel on a full stomach means you have just eaten a lot and have no room for any more food. On the other hand, an empty stomach means you are very hungry as there is no food in you!

“I can’t have you traveling on an empty stomach. Let me make you a snack.” “I mustn’t travel on a full stomach. I get car sick.”

A mile a minute

Travel idioms can be a fun way to exaggerate your point. When you need to highlight that someone was traveling very fast, you could say they were moving a mile a minute . This saying comes from when cars had a top speed of 60 miles per hour and it was considered very fast.

“You must have gone a mile a minute to get here so fast!”

This fast idiom can also be used more generally to refer to anything done very quickly.

“She had the whole family to cook for and was chopping and mixing a mile a minute to get it all done!” “I could tell he was excited because he was talking a mile a minute. I couldn’t keep up.”

Off the beaten track / path

A beaten path or track is one that is well-used by other people. So, to get off the beaten track is to go somewhere unknown or more isolated.

“When we visit Thailand we like to get off the beaten track so we’re not just following the other tourists!”

Although it may seem similar to the next expression, this saying is more about a physical place than a direction in life.

Take the road less traveled

Here’s a travel idiom that may just change your life!

When you have a choice to make, people may advise you to take the road (or path) less traveled . This is an encouragement to think independently or unconventionally, rather than conforming to the norm and picking the option that everyone else would pick.

“I’ve decided to take the path less travelled and decline the job offer.”

Just to be very clear: this doesn’t have to be a decision related to travel. It could be about the type of job you choose, family options, education path, etc.

If you enjoy an adventure like this, also check out some action and adventure idioms .

Travel broadens the mind

Here is a little proverb that’s sneaked onto our list of travel idioms. A great reason people may give for seeing the world is that travel broadens the mind . You learn about different cultures, beliefs, and customs. You learn first-hand about history and taste new foods. Travel gives you a greater understanding and a new perspective on life.

“I’m so glad you’re taking a year to backpack Africa. Travel really broadens the mind.”

Spread your wings and fly/soar

Here is another travel expression that describes the freedom and liberty that comes with being able to wherever you like. We can liken this feeling to a bird spreading its wings to fly or soar above the world.

“You’re still young! It’s the best time to spread your wings and fly.”

This expression about freedom can relate to things other than travel, such as moving to a new place or beginning a new season of life.

travel imois

Travel idioms featuring different modes of transport

We’re not done yet! Here are some more travel idioms, this time featuring or about different modes of transport.

In the driver’s seat

The person in charge of a situation and making the choices is the person in the driver’s seat .

“Mary took the week off, so Sam is in the driver’s seat.”

If you specifically need driving-related idioms more than travel idioms, there are plenty to refer to.

Catch a red-eye

Due to the size of America, it’s common to have long domestic flights. This is why this phrase is more of an American English idiom than British. A red-eye is a flight that departs late at night and/or arrives early in the morning, disrupting your natural sleep pattern and perhaps giving you red or bloodshot eyes.

“To make it to the wedding on time, we’ll have to catch the red-eye tomorrow.”

In the same boat

Normally, you’d use this saying in the context of a negative situation. To be in the same boat means that you and the people around you are all in a similar situation or experiencing the same thing.

“I know you’re cold, but we’re all in the same boat.” “The recent tax increases have hit us hard, but everyone is in the same boat.”

Here are some more idioms to use in bad situations .

Fly under the radar

Radars are used to detect things like planes or submarines. Someone or something that flies under the radar goes unnoticed or undetected, usually by people in authority.

“Let’s keep our heads down and hope we fly under the radar.”

As the crow flies

The straight-line distance from one location to another is measured as the crow flies . This is different from the distance needed to actually travel from one place to the other, since you usually need to navigate around roads, buildings, rivers, and other geographical features.

“The beach is only 2 miles away as the crow flies, but it’s more like 4 on the winding country roads.”

Find some more interesting bird idioms here.

Don’t forget to write

If you’re going to be traveling for a while, you’ll probably want to write to your friends and family back home. Traditionally this was done via letters or postcards, but now you’re more likely to email or use social media.

You can say don’t forget to write as a farewell, reminding the person to keep in touch while they are away.

“Have a fantastic trip, and don’t forget to write!”

It’s surprising how many idioms about writing are becoming obsolete as we turn to electronic methods of communication.

Float your boat

If you find something appealing, you can say that it floats your boat . It’s often used in negative constructions about things you don’t like.

“I think I’ll pass on the spring rolls, thanks. They don’t really float my boat.”

You can also use the expression whatever floats your boat to mean ‘whatever you like’ or ‘whatever makes you happy’.

“Listen, whatever floats your boat is ok by me.” “Peanut butter and tomato sandwiches sound a bit weird to me, but… whatever floats your boat.”

Occasionally, you may hear people use this in relation to a person, meaning that they find that person attractive. This could be considered rather sleazy, and there are better idioms about love and attraction that you could use.

Just the ticket

Here’s a travel idiom that can actually be used as a sentence on its own. Just the ticket is a way of expressing that something is exactly what is needed or wanted; a perfect solution to a problem.

“Brilliant! That’s just the ticket. Thanks.”

Be aware that this expression might sound a little old-fashioned nowadays. Find some other ways to describe good things here.

There really are plenty of boat and ship-related travel idioms. When you jump ship you move from one group, cause, or situation to join another.

“We heard the company was struggling, so Martha jumped ship as soon as she could.”

That ship has sailed

Sadly, when you hear the saying that ship has sailed , it means you’ve missed an opportunity. Perhaps something or someone is no longer available, or the situation has changed.

“Sorry son, that ship has sailed.”

Here are some more idioms about change that you can use.

Train of thought

If you didn’t know the meaning of the phrase train of thought , you’d struggle to work it out or make a logical guess! It’s the process by which someone reaches their decision; their line of reasoning to make a choice.

“I really don’t understand her train of thought, but she’s the boss, so we’ll do as she says.”

Have these idioms about travel inspired you to start planning your next adventure? Can you think of any others that should be on this list? Leave a comment to let us know!

Learn a new language from home - get Lifetime Access to Mondly with 95% OFF!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and site URL in my browser for next time I post a comment.

Sign me up for the newsletter!

The Planet D: Adventure Travel Blog

60 Best Travel Movies to Inspire Wanderlust

Written By: The Planet D

Travel Movies

Updated On: February 14, 2024

What makes for great travel movies? We feel it is when the destination becomes the star. A movie that showcases beautiful cities , landscapes, and culture is a movie that inspires us to visit a destination or relive our time there when we get home. Dave and I love movies. We worked in the film business in our previous careers and lived for the cinema. So when we chose our list of the best travel movies, we took it seriously. 

Table of Contents

The Best Travel Movies

Our choices for the best travel movies are probably very different than yours, so leave a comment and let us know what you think the best travel movies are. We are always looking for new travel films to ignite our wanderlust. To rent or buy one of these travel films to inspire wanderlust right now, check out Amazon Instant Video

The Best Travel Movies to Inspire Wanderlust

1. in bruges.

best travel movies in bruges

This is by far the best travel movie. One of the characters actually carries around a guidebook! If you love a good caper set in an exotic location, you’ll love In Bruges. Collin Farrel and Brendan Gleeson star as two hit men who are sent to Bruges, Belgium to hide out after a job goes bad.

The more Colin Farrell’s character complained of hating Bruges (in Belgium), the more you took in the surroundings of Bruges and noticed just how picturesque the city is. While the film is primarily a crime drama and dark comedy it intertwines the city’s picturesque locations and cultural aspects with the narrative seamlessly.

Rent or Buy In Bruges on Amazon

2. banshees of inisherin trailer

best travel movies banshees of inisherin

I was so excited to see Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson reunite and this time, they share screen time in one of the newest travel films on our list, the Banshees of Inisherin. The movie takes place on the Aran Islands of Ireland and showcases the beauty of that destination as two friends go through some very dark times.

Gleessan’s character Colm decides he has wasted his life and cuts ties with his lifelong best friend Pádraic (Farrell) and all kinds of darkness begins. It had some of the best acting I’ve seen in years, and every one of the four main cast was nominated for Acadamy Awards.

3. One Week

best travel movies one week

One of our favorite travel movies of all time. And not because it is set in Canada. One Week follows a young man driving a motorcycle on a cross-country road trip across Canada after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. No movie has made me want to explore a country more than One Week. It showcases Canada beautifully.

I didn’t want to see this movie because of its morbid subject, but it ended up being an uplifting and enlightening film of self-discovery. It truly is the ultimate Canadian road trip movie. Rent One Week Here on Amazon

4. Secret Life of Walter Mitty

best travel movies secret life of walter mitty

I had to watch this most popular of all travel films twice before deciding I liked The Secret Life of Walter Mitty and I can understand why it is at the top of most lists of best travel movies. This movie takes you from New York, to Iceland, Greenland and the Himalayas.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty shows how taking a risk and getting out of your comfort zone can lead to great things. The ending was my favorite, but I won’t spoil it for you. Rent it now .

5. Before Sunrise Trilogy

best travel movies befor sunrise trilogy

We have three of our favorite travel movies in one package! And each showcases the destination they are in. The Before Sunrise movies are about love but they are also very much travel films. They were filmed 10 years apart and they take place in three different locations around Europe – Vienna , Paris , and Greece .

The Before Sunrise trilogies capture the essence of each destination. And here’s a cool fact – Dave and I stayed at  Costa Navarino  in Greece where After Midnight took place!

It is probably the best of all romantic travel movies out there that literally spans three decades. (They film a movie every 10 years). Watch Before Sunrise and Sunset on Amazon Prime

6. Planes Trains and Automobiles

travel imois

John Candy and Steve Martin take an unexpected cross country road trip from New York City to Chicago. This is Dave’s pick for the best travel movie.

This is considered one of the great comedy travel movies, but I look at it as a drama. John Candy’s character breaks my heart. You may think of it as a holiday film but it is also one of the funniest travel films out there. If you’re in the mood for a good heartfelt comedy,  rent it today.

7. Julie & Julia

best travel movies julie and julia

Not only does Julie and Julia star the great Meryl Streep but this travel movie is based on blogging. It’s like it was made for us! I was surprised by how much I loved this movie based on the true story of Julia Child and I didn’t go in expecting much.

Julie & Julia follows the life of Julia Child during her time in Paris and cuts throughout to the present day in New York . It makes you crave French cuisine and a life of decadence in France. When it comes to choosing a  favorite travel movie this one is right up there. Rent it now

8. The Big Year

best travel movies the big year

The Big Year follows Jack Black (who doesn’t love Jack Black?), Owen Wilson, and Steve Martin traveling around the United States with hopes of becoming the number 1 bird watcher in the world. It ended up being one of the most surprising travel films I’ve seen.

They are obsessed with spotting more species of birds than any other person in 365 days. I related to this movie because it is more about the journey and how having a great adventure can change a life. Rent it Now

Best Travel Movies for Adventure Lovers

9. into the wild.

best travel movies into the wild

The real-life true story chronicles the journey of  Christopher McCandless who went on a cross country road trip through the US and ended up in Alaska .

I read Into the Wild years ago and was mesmerized trying to figure out how someone could give up everything to go and live off the grid. John Krakauer dug into the psyche of McCandless and what motivates people to take risks.

Things don’t turn out as he hoped, and it is a lesson learned for would-be adventurers. Enjoy it now !

travel imois

Wild is an adaptation of Cheryl Strayed’s travel memoir, From Lost To Found On The Pacific Crest Trail. Based on a true story, it follows her journey about putting a life back together after it all falls apart.

Pushing the limits physically on the Pacific Crest Trail and stepping out of her comfort zone take her on a journey of self-discovery. A struggle and journey can change a life and Reese Witherspoon is excellant as usual. Check it out on Amazon

11. Everest

best travel movies everest

Everest by John Krakauer is the true story of the catastrophe that happened on Everest in 1996. It’s a first-hand account by Krakauer who was on Everest at the time. While the movie focuses on the events, it does showcase the psyche of why people climb mountains and it shows the culture and beauty of the Everest Region.

As far as travel movies go, even though it is based on a dark subject, it does make me want to go to Everest. So we did! Plus, it stars Jake Gyllenhaal and Josh Brolin, so how can you go wrong?

  • You can rent this movie made in Hollywood
  • You can also check out the documentary.

best travel movies tracks

Tracks is another travel movie base on a true story and I really enjoyed it. It’s a film about a young woman who walks across Australia from Alice Springs to the Indian Ocean with four camels and her pet dog.

What I really liked is how the lead character Robyn Davidson learns the skills needed to survive. She is visited by a photographer from National Geographic who shared her story and was led through the sacred lands of the Outback by an Aboriginal elder. Watch this Amazing true story on Amazon ! 

13. World’s Fastest Indian 

best travel movies world's fastest indian

From New Zealand to America, Anthony Hopkins takes his Indian Motorcycle to the salt flats to see how far he can go. The World’s Fastest Indian is one of my favorite performances by Hopkins and it is one of the great underrated travel movies.

He is vulnerable, lovable, and inspiring. This true story takes you on a fun road trip along the way until he reaches the Salt Flats of California and that is when you really start rooting for him to win! Rent it on Amazon Prime

14. Adventures of Pricilla Queen of the Desert

best travel movies pricilla queen of the desert

Adventures of Pricilla Queen of the Desert follows a group of drag queens taking a cross country road trip in a van named “Pricilla” from Sydney to Alice Springs where they are going to perform their drag show.

They meet a lot of characters along the way and this film introduced us to superstars Hugo Weaving and Guy Pearce who joined the already-established Terrence Stamp.

15. Motorcycle Diaries

best travel movies motorcycle diarieas

Ever since watching one of the best travel movies about South America, (you guessed it, the Motorcycle Diaries) wanted to do a road trip through South America. (PS. I’m still dreaming of that road trip through South America one day)

Gael García Bernal stars as Che Guevera and it follows his journey on a motorcycle trip through South America before he became a part of the revolution. This movie is based on a true story where Che traveled through the continent and I believe it was traveling through South America that Che saw what people were going through and that is what sparked him to take action in his own way.

  • Check it out for yourself
  • Rent it on Amazon

16. The Way

best travel movies the way

Dave and I have always wanted to walk the Camino de Santiago in Spain. This movie is a bittersweet tribute to the epic hike. Acting legend Martin Sheen walks the trail to honor his son Emilio Estevez (also director) who died on the walk. This movie explores themes of grief, regret, and understanding.

Sheen’s character finishes what his son started helping him connect and understand his son while examining his own life and is one of the most moving travel movies on our list. You can watch it on Amazon

Best Classic Travel Movies

17. lawrence of arabia.

best travel movies lawrence of arabia

Lawrence of Arabia made us dream of the Arabian Desert and that is what travel films are meant to do. I would say that this is often considered one of the best travel movies of all time. It’s the original travel movie for sure and it really does capture the majesty of the Arabian Desert.

When we got the chance to visit Jordan and walk in the footsteps of the real Lawrence of Arabia, we couldn’t believe we were living our own travel movie. This will make you want to go on an adventure and spend the night in a Bedouin tent. Rent it on Amazon Prime Now

18. Out of Africa

best travel movies out of africa

If you want another Meryl Streep vehicle that is often considered one of the best travel movies, you should try  Out of Africa. Out of Africa takes place in a different time, but it captures the heart of Africa beautifully.

Based on a true story, Meryl Streep stars as a married baroness in love with big game hunter Robert Redford. Their chemistry is unmistakable. She falls in love with Africa and you will fall in love with it too.

The cinematography is outstanding. It won 7 Oscars including Best Picture and Best Cinematography. Rent Out of Africa

19. Romancing the Stone

best travel movies romancing the stone

Who didn’t fantasize about an adventure in Colombia after watching Kathleen Turner and Michael Douglas in Romancing the Stone? As a kid I always thought about the line “ I need to get to Cartagena ” and while I had no idea where Cartagena was,(It’s in South America by the way) I knew it was exciting.

In the most romanticly fun of travel movies, Kathleen Turner transformed from a scared writer who merely writes about adventure, to a woman encountering an adventure and meeting a rugged mysterious man in exotic Columbia. Watch Romancing the Stone today

20. The Bucket List

travel movies the bucket list

With two of my favorite actors and a message to live life to the fullest, the Bucket List is one amazing movie and one of the best travel movies. I think it actually invented the term, The Bucket List. The phrase has been overused in recent years, but the message never gets old. The Bucket List is the original “live your dreams now” travel movie.

It’s beautifully acted, heartfelt, and showcases how life should be lived to the fullest. Rent or buy it here!

travel movies amelie

Most people say that Amelie is one of the best travel movies of all time. So this list wouldn’t be complete without it. I did love the views of Paris and the everyday life showcased in Montmartre.

I also enjoyed the uplifting message of a quiet young woman named, Amelie helping the people around her in the lovely district of Montmartre in Paris. If you want to watch sweeping scenes through Paris streets and if you love Paris, you can’t help but like Amelie. So check it out !

22. Roman Holiday

best travel movies roman holiday

This did not age well in our opinion. We watched it recently and it is just downright bad. Many people will probably disagree. But as far as travel movies go, it is fun to see a princess posing as a regular young Woman zipping around Rome.

They should remake Roman Holiday, it would be fun. Rent it on Prime

23. Sideways

best travel movies sideways

I admit it. After this movie came out, I didn’t drink Merlot for years! Sideways takes us on a road trip through California wine country and it really is filled with amazing performances by Paul Giamatti, Sandra Oh, Virginia Madsen, and Thomas Hayden Church.

We have been to Santa Maria, California, and this movie captures the feel of wine country perfectly. Rent or buy on Amazon Prime 

24. Up in the Air

best travel movies up in the air

Up in the Air makes you love the idea of travel but it shows the emptiness that the life of a vagabond can lead to if you don’t stay grounded with your family and friends. It’s not in the genre of typical travel films out there, but travel is the main theme.

I cannot go through airport security anymore without thinking of George Clooney as his character has the art of travel down to a science.

This movie also has a great message that Dave and I can relate to. We all become so consumed with our careers and our lives that we forget about what is important. Get it on Amazon Instant Video

Best Travel Movies Highlighting Destinations

25. ticket to paradise.

best travel movies ticket to paradise

Our newest addition to our travel movies is from two legends, George Clooney and Julia Roberts who take us to Bali for their daughter’s wedding. The two divorced years ago, but agree that their daughter is too young to get married and decide to sabotage the wedding.

This movie showcases the culture and beauty of Bali while showing us once again how travel can be transformational and can change your life.

I love these two together, George and Julia, and great friends in real life and have amazing on-screen chemistry.

26. The Beach – Thailand

best travel movies the beach

The Beach is the original backpacker slacker travel film. The Beach captures what Thailand was like before tourists started flocking to it en-masse. At one time, it was an off-the-beaten-path backpacker destination. We enjoyed the book more, but you can never go wrong with Leo.

If you want to get a sense of what it was like to travel to Thailand before mass tourism, this is a good movie for you. Plus it is beautiful and as far as travel movies go, it will make you want to go to Thailand. Not only are the people beautiful, but the scenery of southern Thailand is also out of this world.

Take in the journey as they search for a hidden beach that is pure perfection.

27. Lost in Translation – Tokyo

best travel movies lost in translation

Tokyo is a bit strange. It is unlike anywhere else on earth, and Lost in Translation showcases the culture shock that one feels when staying in a different city.

There are different customs in Japan and the culture is much different than anywhere else and this movie captures that odd feeling you get when traveling there. Lost in Translation highlights some of the best spots in Tokyo.

The hotel where the movie takes place still has one of the best views in the city! And who doesn’t love Bill Murray? He is priceless and it’s one of Scarlett Johanson’s best performances. Check it Out

28. Slumdog Millionaire – India

bes t travel movies slumdog millionaire

We traveled to India in 2010 and Slumdog Millionaire seemed to capture the true slums of India while showcasing the heart of the people. Many of the rich cities are modern, but when traveling through rural India and the poorer areas, this is what it’s like.

Dev Patel stars as a young Indian boy who gets on a game show that could change his life. It’s heartbreaking, raw, and sometimes uncomfortable which is exactly what travel can be too hence why it made the list of our favorite travel movies. Download it here on Amazon

best travel movies lion

If you are a fan of Dev Patel (as we are) you will love him in another of our favorite travel films, Lion. Lion is based on a true story and is an emotional journey that takes audiences across India and Australia spanning cultures, and decades.

Patel plays Saroo Brierley, a young Indian boy who gets lost on a train in India at the age of five. After surviving several challenges on the streets of Kolkata and eventually being adopted by an Australian family, Saroo, as an adult, uses Google Earth to find his birth mother and the journey begins. The movie also stars Nicol Kidman.

30. Vicky, Cristina Barcelona – Spain

best travel movies vicky christina barcelona

Admit it, we all want to go to Spain and run into beautiful people like Penelope Cruz and Javier Barden. I think this movie did so well because it inspired everyone to go to Barcelona. (That’s our criteria for choosing the best travel movies, how they inspired travel)

Vicky Cristina Barcelona makes us dream of the cities in Spain , the passion of the Spanish people and getting away for a summer in Spain.

Vicky Cristina Barcelona definitely is an inspiring travel movie and one of the best travel films out there. It really captures the energy and passion of Spain in Barcelona . Rent Vicky Christina Barcelona on Amazon

31. Under the Tuscan Sun – Italy

best travel movies under the tuscan sun

For the romantics out there, Under the Tuscan Sun is one of the best travel movies. Wouldn’t you just love to buy a villa in Tuscany and fall in love with a stranger?

This is one of my favorite romantic travel films and Under the Tuscan Sun based on a true story. After a bad divorce, her character takes a trip to Italy courtesy of her best friend, (The incredible Sandra Oh!) and buys a house!

This travel movie is based on a true story where our star shares the trials and tribulations of renovating a Tuscan villa. You can rent Under the Tuscan Sun on Amazon

32. Best Exotic Marigold Hotel – India

best travel movies best exotic marigold hotel

We always preach that you are never too old to try something new and you are never too old to travel and that is the premise of one of the most beloved travel movies, Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. It’s chock full of great legendary actors including Dame Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, and Maggie Smith.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel follows a group of retirees who travel to India to live out their days at a crumbling retirement hotel. All mayhem and madness ensue as things can only in India. There’s romance, tragedy, and hope. Rent it now

33. A Good Year – Provence France

best travel movies a good year

A Good Year made me want to go to Provence and live a simple life…on a multi-million dollar vineyard estate. That’s reasonable, right? And that’s what travel movies make you want to do…Pick up and go somewhere.

A Good Year makes life in Provence look like the Garden of Eden and I want a piece of it. Everyone is beautiful, everyone is a wine connoisseur, and everyone is pure and good. Who wouldn’t want to go to the south of France after seeing A Good Year? Rent it now.

34. Midnight in Paris – Paris

best travel movies midnight in paris

Looking for travel movies that combine time travel this movie night? Midnight in Paris captures the golden years of Paris as Owen Wilson walks through the streets at night in search of that romantic nostalgia of the city.

Blending time travel with traditional travel, this film showcases Paris’s rich history and examines how different eras appeal to different people.

He ends up meeting the famous patrons of the 1920s including Cole Porter, Ernest Hemingway, Gertrude Stein, and more! This travel movie makes me want to hop on a flight to Paris every time! Watch it on Amazon Prime or get it on DVD

35. Australia – Australia

best travel movies australia

This movie was crucified by the critics, but I loved it and its one of the best travel movies showcasing the beauty of Australia’s landscape. Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman take her cattle across the Outback.

It also touches on the injustices of how Australia treated the Aboriginal People, reminding me of what Canada did with residential schools to our own indigenous communities.

It’s beautifully shot and is a love letter to Australia while highlighting the true story of the Aboriginal struggles. I think it deserved more love than it got. Check it out on Amazon

36. The Impossible

best travel films the impossible

It took me forever to finally watch the impossible because it is based on the true story of surviving the devastating Tsunami in Southeast Asia. It follows a family from England who are vacationing in Thailand and are impacted by the Tsunami.

It showcases the huge hearts that the Thai people have. Even while going through their own trauma, they play a huge role in helping this family get back together and survive.

The movie stars Naomi Watts, Ewan McGregor and Tom Holland and it is one of the best performances I think Naomi Watts has ever done.

Lighthearted Travel Movies

37. eurovision.

best travel movies eurovision

This is one of the funniest travel movies out there. The movie kicks off (after a brief flashback) in Iceland showcasing its beautiful landscapes and waterfalls with sweeping drone shots of the stars performing.

It has all the stereotypes and cliches of Iceland, but it is done with heart and fun. It really is a love letter to Iceland. Follow Lars and Sigrit as they try to fulfill their dream of competing in Eurovision in Edinburgh. The movie gives a nice showcase of that city too making it two travel movies in one. Rent it on Amazon

38. Darjeeling Limited

best travel movies darjeeling unlimited

This quirkiest of travel movies takes Owen Wilson, Jason Schwartzman, and Adrian Brody across India one year after their father’s death starting on the Darjeeling Express train. It’s strange, heartbreaking, hilarious, and pure Wes Anderson.

When they visit their mother in an Ashram, it makes me think of the strange people that run away to India to find themselves. Oh yeah, he gets it. Check it out on Amazon Prime

39. Forgetting Sarah Marshall

best travel movies forgetting sarah marshall

Set in the very real Turtle Bay Resort in Oahu this pick on our travel movies list stars Jason Seigel as a Hollywood Writer who goes to Hawaii to heal his wounds after getting dumped by his girlfriend Kristen Bell. It turns out, she is there on vacation with her new boyfriend and shenanigans ensue.

This movie makes you want to book a plane to Hawaii and have your own stay at Turtle Bay which has now become very popular. Rent it on Prime

40. Last Holiday

best travel movies last holida

If you are searching for comedy travel movies, this should be at the top of your list. This is the ultimate fairytale on how travel can change a life. And how we should all strive to live a better life. It’s too short to wait.

Queen Latifa is priceless as a woman who is diagnosed with a terminal disease, so she takes her life savings to enjoy her final holiday at a luxurious resort. She does everything from base jumping to snowboarding and indulging in decadent French cuisine.

If everyone took a holiday like this, we’d all live happier lives. Rent, Buy or Watch on Amazon Prime

41. The Holiday

best travel films the holiday

It may be a Christmas movie, but The Holiday is one of the best travel movies out there. We watch it every year and it shows how travel is transformational. Starring Kate Winslett, Jack Black, Jude Law and Cameron Diaz, The Holiday flips back and forth between Los Angeles and England.

The two female stars have very different vacations as they house swap, but both have their lives changed through travel.

42. French Kiss

best travel movies french kiss

Meg Ryan plays a woman named Kate who is afraid to travel. When her fiance falls for another woman in France, she vows to win him back and travels there despite being terrified. Hilarity ensues when she meets con man Kevin Kline and they venture across the country together following the formula of travel movies galore.

My favorite scene is when she is indulging in cheese on the train. It’s that French moment that made me daydream about traveling by train across the French countryside. Watch French Kiss for yourself

43. My Life in Ruins

best travel movies my life in ruins

While not as good as My Big Fat Greek Wedding, My Life in Ruins is a nice comeback for Nia Vardalos in a fun-loving travel film.

She plays a tour leader taking stereotypical tourists through the sites of Greece. It’s fun, it’s romantic and the setting is beautiful. It’s not going to win any Academy Awards, but for a fun Saturday afternoon movie, this will transport you to Greece. Rent it or buy it on Amazon

44. The Hangover 2

best travel movies hangover 2

The First Hangover was far better and it too is a travel movie taking you to Vegas. But when choosing travel movies from this trilogy, I had to choose the setting of Bangkok. It captures the crazy energy of the city.

My favorite scene is when Bradly Cooper has to go to the hospital and comes out with an absurdly low hospital bill. Dave and I have been to the hospital in Thailand and can attest, it is cheap. Rent it now! 

Blockbuster Travel Movies

45. star wars: the rise of skywalker & the last jedi.

best travel movies the last jedi

One wouldn’t think of a movie based in outer space to be a travel movie that inspires wanderlust, but the last Star Wars Trilogy featured one of our favorite destinations on Earth, Skellig M ichael

This 6th-century monastery was a star unto itself as Luke trained Rey in the ways of the Force. It has now inspired many travelers and film buffs to take the hair-raising boat ride out to these rocky islands 12 km off the coast of Ireland. Check it out

46. Mama Mia

best travel movies mama mia

We actually learned where Mama Mia takes place while visiting the location where it was filmed, Pelion, Greece. The Greek islands are paradise, and Mama Mia follows the story of Meryl Streep who runs a hotel on the coast. We thought it was filmed somewhere like Santorini or Mykonos.

When her daughter becomes engaged, she invites three men who might be her father. It’s a rip-roaring good time of music, fun and beautiful scenery.

The Santorini blue and white houses, the crystal clear blue sea, and the music of Abba become those who watch to travel to Greece! Watch it on Prime today

47. Once Upon a Time in Mexico Trilogy

best travel movies once upon a time in mexico

How sexy are Antonio Banderas and Salma Hayak together? You must watch the entire trilogy to really appreciate this series by Robert Rodrigues. Once Upon A Time In Mexico ends the trilogy with Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, and Cheech Marin. El Mariachi started it all starring Carlos Gallardo. My favorite of the 3 is Desperado , but they are all entertaining.

Once Upon A Time In Mexico is a fantasy and it is a stereotype of Mexico, but it makes you want to go to Mexico and have a great adventure. The scenery is gorgeous, the film is filled with cool style, and the music is fabulous. Watch the Trilogy today!

48. The Legend of Tarzan

best travel movies legend of tarzan

The $180 million dollar budget makes sure to showcase the beauty of the African Savannah, the dense jungles, and the majestic wildlife. You feel as if you have entered the heart of Africa. Seriously, rent it, you’re going to like it a lot more than you think! Rent it on Amazon

49. The Tourist

best travel movies the tourist

It’s a little indulgent, and Angelina Jolie is a bit annoying to watch with how amazing she thinks she is in this, but it does capture taking an international trip to Europe beautifully.

It makes you want to have a romantic tryst in Venice . It makes you want to ride a train and have a mysterious encounter. It gives you a glimpse into how the rich live and travel the world.

50. The Thing

best travel movies the thing

Recently we had someone write to us with a list of their favorite movies about travel. He mentioned the first Alien vs. Predator took place in Antarctica and I remember that being a pretty entertaining film. Then I thought about the classic Kurt Russel movie, The Thing .

This thriller takes place at a scientific base camp in the Antarctic and really lets you feel how claustrophobic and isolated researchers must feel when spending the winter at the bottom of the world. Watch it now!

51. Thelma and Louise

best travel movies thelma and louise

Who would have thought that Thelma and Louise would be heralded as one of the best travel films of all time, but it has. When researching this article, I saw that everyone had it on their list, so I had to include it. Besides, I love this film. I saw it at the theatre when it came out and it blew me away.

Brad Pitt makes his debut in this dark road trip adventure. Susan Sarandon and Geena Dave about female empowerment, friendship, and the transformative power of travel.

52. Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

best travel movies sisterhood of the traveling pants

Yes, this was a blockbuster film for teenagers. I remember working at YTV and this movie was going mad in the teen realm so I had to add it to my best travel movies list. The premise of the story revolves around four friends—Lena, Tibby, Bridget, and Carmen—who find a pair of jeans that, despite their differing body types, fits each of them perfectly. They decide to share these “magical” pants as they embark on their separate summer adventures, thus maintaining their connection with each other.

Where does the traveling come in? Well, Lena travels to Greece , Bridget goes to Mexico , Carmen visits her father in South Carolina, and Tibby stays in Maryland.

While not a “travel movie” in the traditional sense—where the main characters are often journeying together or the narrative revolves solely around their travel experiences—”Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” embodies elements of travel movies by incorporating different cultures, locations, and the concept of journeying (both physical and emotional) into its narrative.

53. Bourne Movies, James Bonds, Mission Impossible & Indiana Jones Movies

The Bourne movies, James Bond, Indian Jones, and Mission Impossible take us around the world with each movie and really are the best travel films to showcase the globe. These epic travel movies take audiences to a whole new level of taking an international trip with decadence, wealth, espionage, and romance.

I wanted to include them because if you are looking for some beautiful scenes from Europe and the Middle East, these travel films fit the bill. They are so good at taking you away to exotic places .

Our Favorites of These Epic Travel Movies are

54. the bourne identity.

best travel movies bourne identity

The original takes us on an international trip from Switzerland through Paris. It’s the car scene in Paris that really captures the city but the entire movie is one big travel movie.

55. Casino Royal – James Bond

best travel movies casino royal

This makes us dream of living with the high rollers in Montenegro the beautiful people in the Bahamas. It’s as epic as epic travel movies get riding on trains, planes and yachts and it’s the best James Bond with Daniel Craig.

56. Mission Impossible – Ghost Protocol

best travel movies mission impossible

It’s not often that sequels are better than the original, but when it comes to the Mission Impossible series, each one out does the other. Tom Cruise loves to travel and push the limits creating the most epic travel movies on the planet. I chose Ghost Protocol because of its setting in Dubai and Cruise scaling the walls of the Burj Khalifa. (The tallest structure in the world)

Best Travel Movies in Fictional Settings

57. grand budapest hotel.

best travel movies Grand Budapest Hotel

I can’t help it, I love Wes Anderson movies. He is offbeat and quirky. Grand Budapest Hotel is one of the best travel movies that isn’t set in any real place. This is all in a fictional setting.

I like this for a travel movie because it reminds me of the grand old hotels from another era. Well, it should because it is set in another era. The hotel is fictional, but it does take you away to another world. Rent it on Prime

58. Black Panther

best travel movies black panther

Wakanda may be a fictional place in Africa, but this movie captures the spirit of East and South Africa. It embraces the African culture and many of the movie’s scenes were filmed in Africa.

We have been to Africa numerous times and this movie transported us there again. It may be fictional, but Black Panther is one fo the best travel movies to make you want to discover the culture and beauty of Africa. watch it now!

59. Lord of the Rings and Hobbit

best travel movies lord of the rings

They may be set in Middle Earth, but the Lord of the Rings movies are a love letter to New Zealand. As far as setting go, the trilogy makes for epic travel movies! Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit Movies make us want to go to New Zealand and these films capture its beauty perfectly.

Rent the trilogy on Amazon today

60. Eat Pray Love

best travel movies eat pray love

And let us end with the mother of all travel movies, Eat Pray Love. Who doesn’t love Julia Roberts? However, Eat Pray Love wasn’t my favorite travel movie at all. But The book was okay but the movie starring Julia Roberts is dreadful. If you liked it, let me know. Maybe I’ll give it another watch in case I missed something. Rent it on Amazon

We’ll be updating this list regularly and we love finding new travel movies to watch. So, if you have suggestions for your favorite travel movies, leave them in the comments below and we’ll be sure to give them a watch!

Awesome Travel Movies to Inspire Wanderlust

Tell me what you think are the best travel movies and we will compare notes.

You May Enjoy these other inspiring posts:

  • 44 of the Best Road Trip Songs
  • Best Travel Songs Playlist
  • Best Travel Books to Inspire Travel
  • 60 of the Best Road Trip Songs to Rock the Long Drive
  • 101 Best Travel Quotes in the World with Pictures

Disclosure:  The links above are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. We receive affiliate commissions, but it’s no extra cost to you!

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

  • Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
  • Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

You May Also Like

Game of Thrones Filming Locations You Can Visit in Real Life

Game of Thrones Filming Locations You Can Visit in Real Life

20 Best Motorcycle Movies and TV Shows To Inspire Wanderlust

20 Best Motorcycle Movies and TV Shows To Inspire Wanderlust

One Week – My Movie Review of This Beloved Canadian Film

One Week – My Movie Review of This Beloved Canadian Film

About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

Join thousands of others who get our monthly updates!

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

107 thoughts on “60 Best Travel Movies to Inspire Wanderlust”

Very interesting and thought-provoking list. Another film I think belongs in this company is “A Month by the Lake,” a 1995 work starring Vanessa Redgrave, Edward Fox, and Uma Thurman. Its setting, at the Villa del Balbianello on a peninsula in Lake Como, was used in scenes from a number of other movies, but here it gets starring role.

one of my favorite travel movies is “If it is Tuesday it must be Belgium”. it captures the travels and travails of some very uninformed American tourists on a guided tour. One of the wives, tired of the endless strings of cheese shops they visit heads back to their tour bus. The problem is it is the wrong tour bus. Hilarity ensues …

Thanks for the thoughtful list. Might I add a few more wanderlust-inducing movie recommendations/destinations that I have a hunch you will love?

Enchanted April (Italy) Shirley Valentine (Greece/Mykonos) Everything is Illuminated (Russia/Ukraine) Summer Lovers (Gene Siskel’s ‘guilty pleasure) (Greek Islands/Santorini) The Hundred Foot Journey (India/France) Local Hero (Scotland — and perfectly depicts how an enchanting location can change your view of what’s important in life) Anne of Green Gables — Kevin Sullivan version (Price Edward Island) Outsourced (India) Jean de Florette/Manon of the Spring (Provence France) The Quiet Man (Ireland) A Passage to India (India)

These are fantastic suggestions, thank sfor sharing! I’ve been wanting to see The Hundred Foot Journey. I think that will be my weekend watching!

Hi , thanks for sharing the best travel movies.

I love to watch 72 hours is my best travel movie all time.

Brilliant! Some of my teal favourites and now a list to watch. …many, many thanks. Allison

Great movies list all movies are best and all movies have a good rating on IMDb actually my favorite movie is LORD OF THE RINGS AND HOBBIT. and next, I would like to watch Star wars series.

Great choices of movies you have given a big list a great work

Great article! I will definitely choose a few movies that I haven’t seen yet. I could add a movie called “The Hundred-Foot Journey”. This film is about a Hindu family who moves to France, where they open a restaurant.

I’ve been meaning to watch that one. I think I will have to check it out this weekend and add it to the list! Thanks for the reminder.

Very comprehensive list! lots of great movies, and some of my favourites such as Seven Years inTibet and Walter Mitty.

I have to disagree with you about The Darjeeling Limited though: “When they visit their mother in an Ashram, it makes me think of the strange people that run away to India to find themselves. Oh yeah, he gets it.”

I felt the most important scene in the movie is when the guys rescue the boys in the river, and one doesn’t make it. They take part ion the family grieving and funeral, and have a very life-changing, profound experience. I felt the movie actually validates people “running away to India.”

In these difficult times especially, finding a sense of purpose, or meaning, or spirituality, or whatever you want to call it, is more important than ever. I think we will see a lot more people “running away to find themselves” and in fact, I am working on offering spiritual itineraries.

How about Red Eye and Flight Plan? I think they both portrait (fear of) commercial flying experience pretty good!

We have already watched quite a few of these ? gotta love a great movie night! Thanks for a great list, that we will start to work our way through ?

Great choices for movies! Others that come to mind are “Before Sunrise” and “Into the Wild.”

LORD OF THE RINGS AND HOBBIT is my favourite. i had watch so many times but always loved

This list couldn’t have come at a better time as we currently shelter in place and travel only through our TVs! Thank you.

All movies are great and my fav <3

great films..i watched some movie

OOH Julie and Julia is one of my all time favorites! And Eat Pray Love…It’s a good time for movies at home for sure!

Love the list. Thank you for sharing. As a classic movie buff, however, you are so wrong about Roman Holiday. This movie is a classic. I recently saw it on the big screen for the millionth time and it was amazing. How can you not love Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn?! His voice alone is worth a listen! And the old scenes of Rome are wonderful. Have to truly disagree about this one. LOVE this movie.

Anyway, thanks again!

SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY movie motivates people to dare to make a decision.

I love this list!! You hit some of my favorite movies. I’ve watched a lot of these but I have a feeling I’ll be rewatching some of them in the coming weeks. Thanks for remind me!

GREAT list, thank you! I’ve seen some Bollywood films and loved them, and would love a best of list of them!

Great site for everything

Great list, guys — you really dug deep. If you love The Sounds of Music, you have to visit Salzburg, where you can see the actual places where they shot many of the scenes, including the palace in the middle of town. You can even stay in the Von Trapps’ house. And I may have missed it in your list, but The Year of Living Dangerously absolutely captures the exotic atmosphere and the beauty of Southeast Asia — the gamelan music stays in your head for days. Also, Gandhi for a virtual trip to India.

Very well collections, Really some of the names are not heard. This type of movies are oxygen for any traveler.

Great list of movie i like slumdog millionaire once upon a time in mexico

Secret Life of Walter Mitty for sure, this movie made me so pumped to travel while ‘into the wild’ made me a little depressed and not wishing to become a mentally ill person who goes eating dead animals and rejecting society

Lovely idea, great movies! Love your blog!

I really love this movies.

Each movie is an exciting adventure, felt from the film, emotions, as well as an impressive moment. Thanks for your collection!

Thank you for your list! Lawrence of Arabia for certain, but almost any film by Werner Herzog, especially Aguirre:The Wrath of God. But I am partial to “art” or “foreign” films over Hollywood.

I loved a movie I watched and I can’t remember the name and I can’t find it. It was about a woman, maybe in her 40’s maybe 50’s that traveled to India to meet up with her husband. Her husband was detained by work and sent his male Indian assistant to meet her. While waiting for her husband to arrive, the assistant showed her the sites of India. A romance developed with the assistant over many days, but never crossed the line. Would love to watch this again….

Maybe you’re thinking of the movie ‘Cairo Time’. It’s set in Egypt, not India, but has the exact plot you’re referring to.

All are attractive and I will watch each movie

I shared the movies I shared. The movie content is very interesting and interesting, I like it very much.

This is also a very good post which I really enjoy reading

For me Motorcycle diaries is best.Thanks for list. I will check other movies too.

Nice list, you got almost all of my favorite travel films! A couple additions I would make are “The Sheltering Sky”, and “Voyager”.

The Painted Veil – gorgeous!

I hope it will be show at CGV

Definitely a great list of movies that gets us thinking about travel. Everest was one that really took our breath away and told an amazing story. In Bruges is still one of my favorite. Thanks for sharing!

Loved the post and the films. I still didn’t see 9 films and already want see. Will try found they for this weekend. But the best is to see Indiana Jones in the list.. it’s my prefer film of life <3

the beauty of this movie list is that this in includes movies in Malayalam, Hindi English and believe me these movies are the very best travel movies I have seen . kudos?

Great Choices !

Always on the lookout for movies to watch on the plane!!! Thanks for the recos!!!!

Great choices for movies

I hate you after watching only 2 of these movies from your list i feel like travelling but unfortunately my my academics. By the way best list of travel movies I have seen on internet. Good going brother. wish to see more content in future.

Mr. Bean’s Holiday. A very ridiculous movie, but the cinematography is amazing, and it’s very inspiring.

Great article and awesome collection of movies. Red balloon is my favorite movie and it’s amazing storey

Film is called Before Midnight. Not after.

Thanks for the correction. I mixed up the Trilogy in my head, thinking “the one after Before Sunset.” – There is Before Sunrise, Before Sunset and Before Midnight.

Great article, many good informations

I love watching movies ahead of travelling and often find them inspirational. For Western Australia I found ‘Rabbitproof Fence’ a very good movie. You’ve chosen some good ones!

Great collection of movies to watch. I absolutely loved The Bucket List. As usual Morgan Freeman was awesome. Great movies about travel and for when traveling.

Can you believe that I never saw Stealing Beauty? Now I am going to have to check it out. I agree with Sideways too. Loved that show. It made me want to drink Pinot Noir.

Wild is a great book and the movie is pretty true to the book. Reece Witherspoon is really good in it. Based on true story of a troubled woman who decides to hike one of Americas longest trails with little money and not enough experience. Humbling and left me feeling the wanderlust pretty hard.

The Bucket List and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty are the best travel movies in my opinion. Iceland is on my travel bucket list, hope I can visit that place.

Best Movie Collection. my favorite movies also include in these. love to see the collection of movies thanks to sharing this information with us.

Nice article! inspiring people for Traveling

Thanks for compiling this list. It’s interesting to know the place where the movie was shot. I absolutely agree on what you said about James Bond movies.

Thanks for the post. Some I have seen and some I haven’t, and looking forward to (Especially ONE WEEK)

I’d like to add LOCAL HERO. There are some melancholic moments in the film accompanied by Mark Knopfler’s beautiful soundtrack. Would make anyone jump off the couch, dump all the COMFORTS OF CITY and visit rural Scotland and walk the beaches and witness the Aurora Borealis. One of my favourites alongwith The Motorcycle Diaries and Into the Wild.

Great choices

Excellent list, but Indiana Jones really is a wonderful trip. Note 1000.

Under a Tuscan sun is my favorite!!!! Been to Tuscany because of that movie!! 🙂 Jotted down a few to watch from your list! Thanks!

thank you guys. Into the wild is my favourite one on the list.

You named quite a few of my favorites but the two I’d like to recommend are Hector and the Pursuit of Happiness starring Simon Pegg, and The Way starring Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez.

The Way inspired me to walk the Camino de Santiago which turned into an incredible trip.

Great list of best all time travel movies. I must admit that there are still so many movies I have not yet seen. I need to work on that sooner rather than later!

Great list but would certainly add :

– The way (with Martin Sheen) , very inspiring movie about Camino de Santiago – Motorcycle diaries, simply a great movie about travel and life

Fantastic films, thanks for making this kind of film! Many people should watch it! Thanks for sharing this list.

Wow! This list is great! I will surely add these in my playlist. Hopefully, I will be able to watch most of these travel movies. I plan to travel soon, I’m juts looking for more inspiration and travel tips. Glad I came by your blog!

Whoa! You gave me a completely new set of movies to add to my list here! Into the Wild is one of my favorites and the Everest is a spine-chilling movie. A great list Dave & Deb!

Check out Maindentrip, the story of the youngest girl to sail around the world, Laura Dekker. I think my wife finally believed we could do it if a 13 year old can.

Thanks for the recommendation!

These ultimate travel tips for when they have a desired of lust.

What about “Blue Hawaii” and any of the Jurassic Park videos for Hawaii?

Thank you for your list – I am constantly looking for good travel movies.

Till the date bucket list is one of my favourite movie 🙂 Thank you for the information about other movies too

Thank you for this great list. I see some old favorites on the list but also a number of movies I need to see. I’ve added them my list. You’re right about movies inspiring travel. After seeing, Under the Tuscan Sun, I’ve always wanted to visit Tuscany. I’m finally making it there soon.

What a fantastic list full of excellent movies! There’s no doubt that these titles can help to light the spark of wanderlust in anyone. I was actually lucky enough to stumble upon the making of Ridley Scott’s upcoming Alien Covenant movie in New Zealand’s Milford Sound. I’m very much looking forward to its release so I can see the spectacular panning shots of that breathtaking landscape. Movies are a great medium to translate the beauty of travel.

No way! That is so cool. I’m such a fan of Alien, it would be amazing to see them filming it. I love seeing landscapes of places I’ve been in movies.

Slumdog Millionaire and Secret Life of Walter Mitty are Good Movies

Nice list – a few of my favourites there: Everest, Into The Wild, Slumdog Millionaire, The Bucket List, Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Nothing like a good movie for inspiring travel.

A few others to consider: The Beach, Midnight Express, Kundun, Seven Years in Tibet…

“Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all of one’s lifetime.” – Mark Twain

Hi, Oh wow I really love this list, seriously is so right! Holidays is another good one that invites you to discover surrey :), I enjoyed so much Amelie, unfortunately I cannot say the same of Paris, Je t’aime, which is other of the “must seen movies”, honestly… overrated… anyways, nice list I really enjoy it.

Great list… something a lot of people leave off the list is Julia and Julia. That movie is HUGE to foodies, chefs, etc… Makes me want to hop on a flight every time I see it! Julia Child was a machine, so glad you guys included that movie on this list!

I am a movie addict person, and I loved to travel. I enjoyed all of these films. Very Inspirational lists. Thank you, Dave, for this excellent Article. Loved it:)

A lots of movies that needed to add here. I watched a few of then not all and find very inspirational and heart touching. Slumdog millionaire is one of my favourite and very heart touching.

I love this list, but I’d add almost any movie filmed in San Francisco, even if they weren’t that good (like “The Wedding Planner” or the “The Rock”). They’d actually have to be filmed there and not just set there, like the last “Godzilla” movie 😉

Thanks for the additions. I loved the wedding planner. Although I just watched it again recently and realized what a schmuck Matthew Macoughnay’s character is. He totally led Jennifer Lopez’s character on and was a jerk to his fiancé. haha. But it’s a good lighthearted romantic comdey. They don’t make enough of those anymore..

I came to this article to ensure you had Romancing the Stone..and you didnt let me down. I used to love that movie growing up. I am totally with you, on thinking about Cartagena as some exotic far away place that I had to visit. I eventually found out the movie wasn’t actually filmed in Cartagena or Colombia because of the dire security situation at that time…but when i finally visited Cartagena, i found it even more magical and exotic than the film…love the film, and love the city even more now.

I am so glad we didn’t let you down! I am also so glad that you felt the same way about Cartagena. I always envision Kathleen Turner saying “come to Cartagena with me” It was such a grand adventure. We need more movies like that!

Cool list! I would add:

– Before Sunrise (Vienna) – Waking Ned Devine (Ireland, though filmed in the Isle of Man) – Lost in Translation (Tokyo)

Great additions. I loved Before Sunrise, I can’t believe I forgot about that one. I saw it in the 90s and then watched the whole trilogy. I haven’t seen Waking Ned Devine, I’m going to check that out and yes, Lost in Translation is a good one for Tokyo. I have to watch that again. I barely remember it, but I do remember loving Bill Murray

Just what I needed, thank you guys. Into the wild is my favourite one on the list.

I don’t think any movie has made us want to travel more than Amelie.

2 Days In Paris, on the other hand, was kind of a turn off.

Amelie celebrated Paris, but 2 Days kinda made fun of it. .-= The Jetpacker´s last blog .. UFO Hotspots — 11 Best Places To See UFOs In The World =-.

I don’t need a movie to inspire me to travel. I always want to travel, but some movies make me want to travel more I guess is how to put it. BTW. I thought Up in the Air stunk and don’t get why it was so popular. I loved In Burges which many people have never seen. Guess I’m just weird. .-= Gwen´s last blog ..Kids Grease Costumes =-.

You’re not weird at all! That is what makes watching movies so great. Everyone has different opinions on them all. We didn’t love Amelie and I have never met another person that didn’t like it. We were more into the quirkiness of Two Days in Paris and nobody liked that one:-)

Great choice, I never really fancied visiting Bruges until watching the hilarious In Bruges (and I agree the film also did Colin Farrell a huge favour). Tuscany is still on my must see list after the gorgeous ‘Stealing Beauty’ and being from the UK, Sideways and Swingers always made me want to go to California.

OK, I obviously need to get myself to the nearest pirated DVD place since I’ve only seen 3 of these movies! Thanks for the advice. .-= Audrey´s last blog ..Couch Surfing with KGB Agents =-.

Fantastic post, though most of these movies I haven’t seen (yet) but Vicky Christina Barcelona has really made me want to see Barcelona. I’m really bad for being easily suggestible when it comes to travel. If a place is featured on a movie or tv have a sudden desire to go there. Like I watch a John Waters movie and I wanna go to Baltimore, or the way Shirley Valentine made me really want to go to Greece. Even places that were never really on my travel to do list, like watching Dexter has made me want to visit Miami (even though most of the show is filmed around LA). .-= Alouise´s last blog ..List 9 – How To Have A Cheesy Time At West Edmonton Mall =-.

Wonderful list! I’ve seen a few of these and just loved them (Once Upon a Time in Mexico, Julie & Julia, In Bruges, Up in the Air, and Romancing the Stone)…..and I still dream of someday going to Cartagena, Columbia because of that movie! There are so many great movies that inspire travel that I’m sure it must have been hard to winnow it down to just eight. The rest of your list I’ll have to add to my Netflix queue! .-= Trisha´s last blog .. PR-Blogger Relations Manifesto =-.

I love that you think of Cartagena because of Romancing the stone. There were so many movies that I had on a list. I could have just listed about 50 and that could have been good enough. Maybe I will do that for a post one day when I am out of ideas:) It was very difficult to narrow it down to eight, we were trying to be a little unique in our choices, but then again, it is hard to be unique when it comes to choosing great travel movies. I guess, it was more of a reminder post. Everyone thinks of the choices like The Beach, The James Bond Movies and the Bourne Movies, but we haven’t thought about Romancing the Stone or Once Upon a Time in Mexico in a while.

Great list! We think movies and books add so much to travel that we brought a bunch with us on our open ended world tour. We’re in France now, so tend to watch French ones here and ones that are family friendly since we travel with a kid. 😉 I think we love the Red Balloon and Chocolate best for France.

Two that really stick out on our trip were Troy ( watched again and again through out Greece while reading Homer, including also while we were in Troy in Turkey) and “The Medici, Godfathers of the Renaissance” a thrilling PBS special series that we watched in Florence before we toured. .-= soultravelers3´s last blog .. Captivating Colliore- France on Bastille Day =-.

Thanks for the additions. I forgot about Chocolate. I loved that movie and Johnny Depp and Juliet Binoche were both so charming. I haven’t seen Red Balloon, I will check it out. It is wonderful to watch movies for inspiration before, after and while you are at that place.

Great choices for movies! Others that come to mind are “Before Sunrise” and “Into the Wild.”

We’re on the road right now – join in on the fun and follow @thebrokebackpacker on IG!

  • Meet the Team
  • Work with Us
  • Czech Republic
  • Netherlands
  • Switzerland
  • Scandinavia
  • Philippines
  • South Korea
  • New Zealand
  • South Africa
  • Budget Travel
  • Work & Travel
  • The Broke Backpacker Manifesto
  • Travel Resources
  • How to Travel on $10/day

Home » Budget Travel » The Ultimate List of Travel Movies Updated For 2024

The Ultimate List of Travel Movies Updated For 2024

There is a pretty high chance that you were first inspired to get out of your hometown and see a bit of the world by a film. Maybe you were filled with a deep desire to be in nature after watching “Into The Wild”, or perhaps you just fancied partying in Thailand after seeing “The Beach”. Alternatively, (like me) you simply wanted to visit the chic cafes of Paris after watching the works of New Age Wave autre John Luc Goddard.

In this post, we are going to take a look at some of the best travel movies, documentaries and TV shows ever. As well as introducing the films, we’ll reflect on what makes them special and what they say about travel.

Unlike some other travel blogs, the Broke Backpacker boasts several self confessed film snobs amongst its writing staff and our eclectic list reflects this. We have included some true classics  (ie, golden oldies),  a few leftfield, indie-gems, and yes, a few definitive backpacker faves that we simply could not leave out. Oh and I’m happy to tell you right now that “Eat, Sleep, Pray” did  not  make our list.

What is a Travel Movie?

Firstly I think it’s worth taking a closer look at what we mean by a “travel film” or “travel movie” as the definition is not as apparent as it may at first seem.

In order to qualify as a travel film on this list, the film needs to have “travel”, or the journey of the protagonists as a central theme. Alternatively, it must use travel as the setting to explore the characters’ story arcs. So does this mean that Lord of the Rings qualifies? After all, the characters cover a fair few miles over the course of the trilogy. Well no, because to make it onto our list it also has to take place in a ‘real world’ setting.

hobbiton

It is also not enough for a movie to simply be set “abroad” in order for it to qualify and for this reason, “Lost in Translation” qualifies whereas “Enter The Void” doesn’t. Whilst both are essentially films about Americans in Tokyo, there are some crucial differences. “Enter The Void” is simply a story that happens to take place in Tokyo whereas the central theme of “Lost in Translation” is the alienation of being a stranger in a strange land (oh and much of the film takes place in a hotel!).

Finally, it’s only fair to tell you in advance that some films may make it onto this list purely because I say so!

The Best EVER Travel Films 

Now that we all know the rules, let’s meet the contestants. These are the best travel movies EVER. Pass the popcorn…

Into The Wild (2007)

Into The Wild

Firmly established as a contemporary backpacker favourite, Sean Penn’s Into The Wild casts a young Emile Hirsch as “Alexander Supertramp”; a disillusioned young man who leaves his home, turns his back on society and sets off in search of the simple, free life. 

Based on a true story, Into The Wild examines the possibility of living a nomadic, cash-free existence in modern America as he ventures towards a hermetic existence in the wilds of Alaska . Critics of the film point out that it seems to gloss over the protagonist’s mental health issues and portrays his self-destructiveness as a form of nobility.

Into The Wild has become a very influential film and has (kind of) inspired a generation of backpackers as well as an Arcade Fire song (the book did anyway) . Pretty much all of The Broke Backpacker team have been told we are “just like the guy from Into The Wild” at some point or another – we don’t agree, as we are all glued to the capitalist system. But we don’t think it would necessarily be a good thing anyway if you’ve seen how it ends.

On The Road (2012)

On The Road is based on the seminal Jack Kerouac book of the same name and tells the semi-fictitious tale of the author’s alter-ego, Sal Paradise, as he crosses back and forth across America in the 1950s. Setting out from New York with his best friend and idol, Dean Moriarty, the film is an amphetamine fuelled, jazz soundtracked take on the nature of freedom and the symbolism of the road.

On The Road

Sam Riley puts in a solid performance as Sal/Kerouac and there is also a notable cameo from Steve Buschemi. A few people would argue that the film fails to even come close to the novel, but it is indeed a worthy attempt.  

I first read the book as a young man and it inspired me to get out and travel, although it took me a good few years to muster the courage and save the cash to actually do so. Whilst On The Road has gone down a truly great piece of literature, its greatest achievement is perhaps putting hipster city Denver on the map.

Seven Years in Tibet (1997)

Seven Years in Tibet

Let’s start with a fun factoid, this worthy adaptation of the memoir of the same name is one of the few films you can watch at the little cinema in Manang, halfway up Nepal’s Annapurna circuit . If you are ever passing that way, be sure to check it out.

Seven Years in Tibet tells the true story of Austrian (Nazi sympathising) mountaineer Heinrich Harrer who gets effectively stranded in the (closed) country of Tibet when World War II breaks out. After finding refuge in the “forbidden city” of Lhasa, Harrer is hired to serve as a tutor to the young Dalai Lama who inevitably ends up teaching him.

The film is a touching tale of redemption and enlightenment that examines the nature of friendship and fatherhood. The film is also notable for depicting the unique (and lost) Tibetan culture and the tragic invasion of Tibet by China’s Red Army in 1950.

The Darjeeling Limited (2007)

The Darjeeling Limited

For some bizarre reason, there seems to be a shortage of travel films set in India. This Wes Anderson comedy throws together a stellar leading cast including Owen Wilson (we’ll be seeing more of him) and Adrian Brody.

Seemingly set in the 1970s (judging by the fashion and soundtrack), The Darjeeling Limited documents the train journey 3 brothers decide to take across India to commemorate their Fathers passing.

As with most Wes Anderson films, the film does dry, dark humour very well. Moreover, as a travel movie the film examines the cliches and realities of the notion of India as a “spiritual country” . It also looks at the dynamics between travel companions – if you have ever taken a trip with your relatives, you know the pain.

Raiders of The Lost Arc (1981)

Raiders of The Lost Arc

The first of the Indiana Jones series introduces Harrison Ford as the world’s most bad-ass archeologist. This fast paced and utterly lovable flick sees Jones travel from Peru, to Nepal and onto Egypt trying to beat the Nazis to the Arc of Covenant. The original 3 Indie films are all raucous globe-trotting masterpieces but this is probably the pick.

Despite being fantastical, the Jones films did nevertheless inspire a generation of youngsters to go out and seek adventure. Even to this day, when I find myself exploring the Temples of Bagan, or the overgrown Fort in Bundi, Rajasthan, I get giddy with excitement channelling my inner Indie.

Caravan (Himalaya) (1999)

Caravan (Himalaya)

This French-backed Nepalese feature film rightfully won a raft of awards upon its release and to date stands as one of the few Nepalese films to ever meet with worldly success. Set and filmed in Nepal’s mysterious and ancient Dolpang region, Caravan tells the story of traditional Nepalese mountain folk making their annual journey to sell rock-salt.

Despite such a simple premise, the film is utterly gripping. The journey across the Himalayas is tough and arduous and to make it, the cantankerous but wise Tinle must reconcile with young protegge Karma.

Most of the characters in the film were absolute amateurs – Dolpanese villagers making their acting debuts – but the performances are so perfect you would never tell.

You can also watch this film at Manang cinema too.

Before Sunrise (1995)

Before Sunrise

The first (and best) instalment of the beautiful Before trilogy , Before Sunrise introduces Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy as 2 American backpackers who meet on a train whilst interrailing around Europe.

Finding an immediate and deep connection (which seem to come thick and fast when backpacking) the pair are both ending their trip and decide to spend their last 12 – 24 hours exploring Vienna together before going their separate ways forever (or at least until 2004’s Before Sunset).

What this film does majestically, is encapsulating the joy of simply walking around a city with somebody interesting. Vienna is nice, but it ultimately serves as a backdrop to the two protagonists’ deeper explorations of one another.

Once you see this film, your challenge is to try and blag a “pay you later” bottle wine like Ethan Hawke’s character does. Let me know how it goes.

Fitzcarraldo – The Burden of Dreams (1982)

Fitzcarraldo - The Burden of Dreams (1982)

This West German underground masterpiece by auteur of the weird Werner Herzog is perhaps amongst the most unique films to make this list. Set in the Amazon Rainforest in the 1920s, Fitzcarraldo is based on the exploits of real-life Rubber Baron Roberto Fitzarrold.

Fitzcarraldo, played by the intense and charismatic Klaus Kinski, is an entrepreneur and Opera fan. Fitz dreams of building an Opera house in the middle of the jungle so he can invite legendary Tenor Enrico Caruso to open it. In order to raise the cash, Fitz needs to find a way to access the lucrative rubber trees buried deep in the forest, so he decides the easiest way is to carry his steamship over a mountain.

The film is utterly balmy. It’s surreal, humorous and possibly unlike anything else you have ever seen.

In Bruges (2008)

In Bruges (2008)

Even Gangsters need vacations right? Well, kinda yes, but mostly no. In Bruges tells the story of 2 bungling gangsters who are sent to Ghent, er I mean Bruges, by their crime lord boss apparently to lay low after a hit gone wrong back in London. After spending the first few days confined to a tiny hotel room, the 2 begin taking it in turns to go out and explore the city making friends and enemies as they go. Eventually, it becomes clear to the pair that their jaunt in Brugge is not just a jolly, but there is another hit that needs doing…

Starring Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson and Ralph Fiennes, the all-star cast are on their comedy best and the film packs in plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and memorable one-liners (what about the Vietnamese?).

“It feels like a dream but I know I’m awake” is how Colin Farrel’s character describes Bruges (actually he didn’t, he said it was shit, watch the film to find out why this is funny). Indeed the film put Bruge firmly on the map for weekend breaks and stag do’s – a clientele even less desirable than hitmen.

Roman Holiday (1953)

Roman Holiday (1953)

Rome has never not been an “in demand” holiday destination and the eternal city has been attracting visitors even long before St Paul made his pilgrimage there to establish a death cult. Still, in the 1950s, chic Rome was possibly at its peak, thanks in part to Richard Burton living there. But also thanks to this classic piece of black and white cinema.

Roman Holiday stars everyman Gregory Peck and the elfin beauty of Audrey Hepburn as a reporter and a secret Princess who meet one day exploring Rome . What follows is now a textbooky comic-romantic-adventure involving Vespa scooters, the Spanish steps and a ton more Roman tropes.

One of the oldest travel films to make our list, Roman Holiday is a true classic from one of Hollywood’s golden periods.

Easy Rider (1969)

Easy Rider (1969)

“Two men set off in search of America, they couldn’t find it anywhere” – is how Easy Rider was summarised on its release in 1969. Filmed and set in California at the height of the 60’s counter-culture, Easy Rider follows the 2 protagonists (Dennis Hopper and Hollywood-hippy Peter “Wow’ Fonda) as they journey up from Mexico across the south-west en route to sell a giant haul of cocaine.

The film celebrates the simple joy of the open road examines the thriving hippy counterculture of the time. The New Orleans graveyard scene is perhaps one of the earliest and most successful attempts to capture the LSD experience on film. Easy Rider also packs an awesome soundtrack including The Byrds’ “Wasn’t Born To Follow”. The less than happy ending reminds us that not all journeys end well…

Midnight Express (1977)

Midnight Express (1977)

Now for a look at the darker side of travel. Midnight Express is based on the true story of American Billy Hayes who spent 5 years in a Turkish prison for attempting to smuggle hashish out of the country.

The film is not for the faint hearted and depicts the brutality of the Turkish prison regime which drives the protagonist to the point of insanity.

Whilst watching this film, I was reminded that each year young backpackers around the world are arrested and sentenced to long jail sentences in foreign prisons for drug offences – please don’t take the risk and please stay safe in Istanbul !

Lost in Translation (2003)

Lost in Translation (2003)

Sofia Coppola’s critically acclaimed (but actually quite boring) indie flick sends Bill Murray alongside Scarlett Johansen (in her breakout role) to Tokyo. Murray is an American film star who has been sent to Tokyo by his agent to do some commercials, whereas Johansen is a bored wife who’s husband is always too busy working.

The film slowly examines one of the lesser acknowledged aspects of travel – the occasional melancholy and “why the fuck am I here?” moments that can make a traveller wonder whether actually, those who wander truly are lost after all.

There is plenty of substance in this film, some genuine moments of dry humour and the soundtrack features shoegaze pioneers My Bloody Valentine.

Midnight in Paris (2011)

midnight in Paris

I wasn’t a fan of Owen Wilson and initially dismissed him as a floppy Woody Harrelson until I saw this. Directed by another Woody, Woody Allen’s (who’s neurosis Wilson channels throughout) Midnight in Paris is the story of a Hollywood writer and his fiancee holidaying in Paris with her conservative (boo!) parents.

Despite having always dreamed of visiting Paris, Gil (Owen) is ultimately disillusioned with its reality and it just cannot live up to his expectations. He constantly finds himself wishing he “was here in the 20’s” or “here in the rain” and is endlessly seeking a romanticised version of the city that only ever really existed in the novels of Hemmingway and films of Truffaut anyway. Can you relate to any of that? Because I certainly can.

I won’t give away too much, but the film takes on a magical twist when (around midnight), Gil is transported back in time to the Paris of his fantasies – cue inevitable, happy, eventual realisation about the only time and place worth being here and now.

Lawrence of Arabia (1962)

Lawrence of Arabia (1962)

I was loath to include war films on this list. Basically, I don’t really think that invading France or bombing Vietnam is what people have in mind when they think about “travel” despite what the shitty army recruitment campaigns try to suggest (‘Get Paid To Travel! Your Country Needs You!” etc)..

Anyway, I have included this firstly because it is a masterpiece and true classic, but also as it invites us on an intriguing cinematic voyage across a Middle East that is now lost forever. Leading an all legend cast, Peter O Toole plays British agent T.E Lawrence in the true story of his life and exploits in “Arabia” during WWI. Lawrence travels from Jordan to Syria to Iraq, basically trying to convince the Arab tribes to rebel against their Ottoman overlords and fight alongside the British.

Needless to say, both Lawrence and the Arab tribes are screwed over the British once get what they want from them. Thank God it’s only a film ( oh wait…) .

The Beach (2000)

Do I even need to tell you what this one is about?! The Beach follows a young Leonardo Di Caprio finding himself on his gap year (yada-yada) around Southeast Asia. He quickly grows disillusioned with “doing the same old shit” and having inauthentic experiences in Thailand, so decides to head out in search of something else.

Inspired by a scene-stealing Robert Caryle, Di Caprio and his hostel-buddies set off in search of a mysterious, hidden backpacker paradise known as “The Beach”. Upon finding it though, they soon realise that Paradise comes at a cost.

This one is rightfully established as a contemporary-classic travel film. It perfectly caught the Zeitgeist and feels as pertinent today as it did upon its initial release in 2000. The Beach forces us to acknowledge the dark side of hedonism and moreover, to confront the huge elephant (pants?) in the waiting lounge; are travellers actually looking for something or simply running away from something?

The actual beach used in the film is now closed after Thai backpackers pushed the eco system to the point of ruin.

The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956)

The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956)

Another golden oldie, The Man Who Knew Too Much is my excuse to include a film offering from ‘the master of suspense’ Alfred Hitchcock.  Featuring James Stewart and Doris Day (two other film & media legends), The Man Who Knew Too Much is a classic adventure romp across French Morocco and makes extensive use of Casablanca’s and Marrakech’s cinematic charm .

If you’re in the mood for great, entertaining filmmaking, they don’t make ’em like this anymore.

The Italian Job (1969)

The Italian Job (1969)

The Swiss/Italian border high up in the Alps makes for perhaps one of the most scenic drives in the world and has been utilised by filmmakers countless times – never more memorable than in The Italian Job.

This 60s classic casts Michael Caine as a debonair, loveable ex-con who, upon his release from jail, sets to work on his next caper – a bold plot to rob the Italian gold reserve. The Italian Job is the only heist film you ever need to see. It fuses witty dialogue with some unforgettable visual set pieces. The mini chase around Turin looks as impressive today as it must have done in 1969.

FYI – There is a shitty remake of this film knocking about which is to be avoided at all costs.

Withnail & I (1987)

Withnail & I (1987)

If any of you have ever taken a country break in the UK, then you will know firsthand that they tend to descend into squalid, traumatic disasters that leave you wishing you’d never left the city. 

This is essentially Withnail & I! Two out of work, out of luck, out of it actors decide to escape 60’s London for a few days and head to “the country” to gatecrash the rural cottage owned by Withnail’s (Richard E Grant) eccentric Uncle Monty. The two quickly find themselves making enemies of the country folk at every twist and turn as they bumble from one disaster to another.

Things only take a turn for the worse when Uncle Monty turns up and takes a bit too much of an interest in the protagonist “I” (Paul Mcann). This is British Black humour at its best. A true cult classic packed with t-shirtable one-liners.

The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)

The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)

The Talented Mr Ripley is an alluring, seductive and sinister story of obsession, envy, longing, belonging and social class. Young psychopath Thomas Ripley’s (played by Matt Damon) great talent is that he can almost “become” anybody and accordingly, is dispatched to Italy by a wealthy shopping magnate to persuade his wayward son to come home and grow up.

Arriving in 1950’s Italy, Thomas finds himself immersed in the intoxicating lifestyle of Dickie (Jude Law) and his young & monied circle. I have to be mindful not to give away any plot devices here so suffice to say, tensions start to build and things get a bit dark.

As a travel film, this focuses on the strange concept of travel nostalgia ( Italy in the roaring 50s – yes please!) along with the sobering realisation that no matter how much we like to pretend otherwise, travel is still reserved for the privileged.

Mr. Nice (2010)

Mr. Nice (2010)

Mr Nice tells the story of everybody’s favourite drug dealer, Howard Marks. Based on Marks’ memoir (which he wrote in jail), the film tells the (true) story of a simple boy from the Welsh Valleys who became one of the world’s biggest marijuana smugglers.

Funny, witty and fast paced, the film follows Marks from swinging London, to troubled Ireland, to Afghanistan and Mallorca before doing an unwanted tour of countless american penitentiaries. Ouch.

In case you have moral misgivings as to whether it’s ok to like a drug dealer so much, remember that Mark’s never dealt in hard drugs and never used violence. Outlaw yes, criminal no.

James Bond (1961 – Present)

James Bond (1961 - Present)

I mulled long and hard over whether to include the Bond franchise on this list and mulled even harder over which one to single out as the best. In the end, I decided James Bond films do qualify but there are simply too many nuggets to choose just the one!

A supercool Brit fighting and shagging his way across the world whilst being utterly culturally insensitive, Bond was in many ways my original travel hero ( although I’m not so much into that Queen and Country crap) . What Bond does well (or awfully) is serve up delightfully patronising travel tropes whether it’s the Q-mechanised Indian Rickshaw in Octopussy or the cartoon Haitian Witch Doctor’ in Live and Let Die.

Ever wanted to jump from the Eiffel Tower? Cos Bond’s done it. Ever wanted to drive a Soviet tank across Red Square? He’s done that too.

Want to visit some of the spots made famous in the movies, check out the best James Bond filming locations for some inspiration.

Best Ever Travel Documentaries

These real-life documentaries are bound to astound and inspire you. Let’s take a look at the best travel documentaries ever.

Samsara (2011)

Samsara (2011)

The last word in travel porn was how our very own Ralph Cope described this – and he’s not far wrong. Samsara is a non-narrative documentary that basically splices gorgeous images from around the world set to a haunting soundtrack featuring Lisa Gerrard (Dead Can Dance). 

From the sacred to the mundane, delving into the profane, the film’s iconic scenes feature the temples of Bagan in Myanmar, as well as jails in the Philippines. Whilst not always an easy watch, Samsara is rewarding, unforgettable and will inspire you to see more of the world.

Parts Unknown (2013 – 2020)

Parts Unknown (2013 - 2020)

Parts Unknown is essentially a cooking show for people who hate food (or at least hate cooking shows ). Celebrity Chef and all round hero, Anthony Bourdain (dec’d) travels the globe in search of great recipes. On his way, he takes a close look at the cultures behind the food, meeting the people, learning the histories and seeking out the hidden spots that only the locals know about.

Various episodes have seen Bourdain drinking beer and eating noodles with Barack Obama in Hanoi, and have seen the chef getting pissed on a train in Myanmar. What I love about this show is that it reminds us how important food is to the travel experience – it’s no coincidence that all of my favourite countries have great cuisines.

Above all, it also reminds us that a good meal with the right people in the right setting, is an experience in itself and can take you away.

Planet Earth (2006)

Planet Earth (2006)

If you are reading this, then there is a pretty good chance that you live on Planet Earth. This lauded BBC David Attenbrough series collates some utterly mesmerising footage from the 4 corners of the flat-earth and weaves them into the narrative of our planet.

From the snows of Bhutan, via the deserts of Sudan, to the Jungles of Milan, it’s all in here. The series melds never seen before, HD footage of some of the world’s great wonders with Attenbroughs familiar Grandfatherly tones offering the narration.

As well as Planet Earth, Human Planet and Blue Planet are equally unmissable.

Around The World in 80 Days (1989)

Around The World in 80 Days (1989)

Before Bond and before Jack Kerouac, my first ever travel inspiration came as a 12-year-old boy watching the erstwhile, BBC-perfect, prototype Brit, Michael Palin going around the world in 80 days. In the late 1980s, Palin set out to re-create the fictional journey undertaken by Jules Verne’s character Phileas Fogg in the 19th-century classic novel.

Getting around the world in 80 days sounds easy enough until you realise that staying true to the source material, Palin was forbidden from flying and was instead forced to use trains and boats. This is where I caught my first ever glimpse of Tokyo’s pod hotels and the Orient Express. As a naive working-class boy from a small town, I had no idea that such a world existed and a seed was planted.

Palin’s gift is to make the ordinary extraordinary and all of his travel series are a delight. Also, I have a confession for you – as much as I like to think I’m Bond, in truth I’m closer to the amiable Palin. In fact, whenever I find myself in challenging situations out on the road, I ask myself “What would Michael Palin do?” and try to channel his unflappable manner of being calm, pleasant and just a bit bumbling; after all, it’s gotten him out of many a jam.

Tribe – with Burce Parry (2002 +)

Tribe - with Burce Parry (2002 +)

Ex-Royal Marine and trek leader Bruce Parry travels to some of the most remote places on earth to visit and ingratiate himself with various indigenous tribes. Parry seeks out tribes who still live a traditional way of life more or less untouched by the modern world. His challenge in each episode is to immerse himself in their culture, master their ways or surviving and sometimes even undergo their brutal initiation rituals.

Over the course of the series, Parry has lived with Inuits in the Arctic, Mongolian horse tribes in the Steppes, and even dined with some of the earth’s last cannibal cultures.

Long Way Down (2006)

Long Way Down (2006)

Long Way Down takes 3 of the coolest things in the world and throws them together in one long road trip. Yes, the winning formula of Motorcycles + Travel + Obi Wan Kenobi (or Ewan McGregor as he insists on been called) proved to be a massive hit.

The show follows McGregor and his best mate Charlie Boorman John o’ Groats in Scotland through eighteen countries in Europe and Africa to Cape Town in South Africa. It is a follow-up to the Long Way Round of 2004, when the pair rode east from London to New York via Eurasia and North America. On the way they visit the set of Star Wars in Tunisia, make their way (minus the camera crew) across Libya and bribe their way through multiple African border crossings.

Best Ever Travel Series

Let’s face it, this is the Netflix era and Hollywood is dead. For the last decade, HBO, Sky and now even the BBC have been producing absolutely awesome long-form TV series that rival even the greatest pieces of film in terms of storytelling and cinematography. Therefore it would be churlish (as well as Boomer as Hell) to not allow TV Series onto this list.

The Serpent (2021)

The Serpent (2021)

Made by the BBC, The Serpent transports us to 70’s Bangkok by way of India and Nepal. It tells the true story of a Dutch Diplomat who gets wound up in the investigation into 2 missing backpackers. Unimpressed by the Thai Police’s apathy, he takes matters into his own hands and ends up hot on the trail of notorious backpacker killer, Charles Sobhraj.

The show is gripping, fast paced and the characters well executed. Best of all, it shines a light on the seedier side of the 1970’s hippy trail and reminds us that we backpackers are pretty vulnerable. Don’t let your parents watch this before you set out on a trip is all I can say!

The Terror (2018)

The Terror (2018)

The Terror is a fictional account of the very real lost voyage to the Arctic of Sir John Franklin which took place between 1845-1848. His ships leave England headed towards the cold North seeking out a mythical shortcut through the Arctic.

Strange things happen at sea and it seems even stranger things happen on frozen seas. As well as having to deal with the usual diet of rum, sodomy and the lash, the crew are challenged by ice-breaks, the arctic winter and a strange monster that haunts the frozen wasteland.

As winter drags on, the surviving crew slowly lose their grip on sanity (lead in your food will do that) and the boundaries between dream states and reality dissipate.

Fortitude (2015)

Fortitude (2015)

Right, so this one breaks my rules a bit. It is a drama set in a travel-place but it isn’t really about travel. Still, I am making an exception because it is set somewhere you just need to see, because it has an international cast and because I did warn you that sometimes I would just say so!

Fortitude is filmed on and based on Svalbard, although they renamed the city Fortitude in the show for dramatic purposes. It’s about a terrible prehistoric disease that breaks out in the isolated frontier settlement because of melting ice caps – how 2020 of them.

When I visited the Norwegian territory myself in 2016, I immediately said “this place is simply fascinating, it would make a great TV show” before the barman said, “they already made one, I was in it!”.

Final Thoughts

I enjoyed writing this one and I hope you enjoyed reading it. I could have included more but let’s keep it sensible, right? How many of these have you seen? Are you inspired to see a few more? If you have any gems that you think I missed, do let me know in the comments!

travel imois

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Aiden Freeborn

Aiden Freeborn

Travel Movies Pinterest Image

Share or save this post

promotional sidebar image for booking.com

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

TRAVLE UNLIMITED

More Travel Wordle games in other languages

english

Travle Unlimited Game

In this Travle Wordle , you have to name countries to travel from the Start Country to the End Country. The objective is to complete the journey using as few guesses as possible. You can guess countries in any order.

Travle game maps

travle

Alternatives to Travle

daily wordle games

How to solve Travle

3D map of the world

How to play travle game?

Select a country.

Make the first word

Travle answers

Create a word list

Solving Travle

Find out your score

Travel Wordle Frequently Asked Questions

What are the rules of the travle game.

The rules of the Travle > are relatively straightforward: Objective: The objective is to identify a name countries to travel from the Start Country to the End Country. Countries Selection: Countries must be at the list. Objective: You can select the countries by tapping or clicking on them. Choose the countries you believe are linked from Start Country to the End Country. Submission: After selecting your answers, submit your answer to check if it is correct. Mistakes: Be cautious, as you are typically allowed a limited number of mistakes (such as nine) before the game ends. Daily Puzzles: Each day, new groups of countries are presented, with varying levels of difficulty. You can attempt to solve these puzzles on a daily basis.

What are the best Travle Unlimited Game tips?

We've detected unusual activity from your computer network

To continue, please click the box below to let us know you're not a robot.

Why did this happen?

Please make sure your browser supports JavaScript and cookies and that you are not blocking them from loading. For more information you can review our Terms of Service and Cookie Policy .

For inquiries related to this message please contact our support team and provide the reference ID below.

  • EN - English
  • PT - Portuguese
  • ES - Spanish
  • How it works
  • Become a Host
  • Download the app

Top Destinations

  • United States
  • United Kingdom

What type of experience are you looking for?

  • Non-Profit School
  • Permaculture project
  • Eco Village
  • Holistic Center
  • Guest House
  • How Worldpackers works

travel imois

Learn from the most experienced travelers of the community

Traveling with worldpackers, planning and budgeting for travel, make a living while traveling as a lifestyle, travel with worldpackers.

  • Using Worldpackers
  • Work exchange
  • Social impact
  • Plan your trip
  • Women traveling
  • Budget travel
  • Solo travel
  • Language learning
  • Travel tips
  • Get inspired
  • Digital nomads
  • Travel jobs
  • Personal development
  • Responsible travel
  • Connect with nature

Top destinations

  • South America
  • Central America
  • North America
  • More destinations
  • WP Life WP Life
  • Exclusive discounts Discounts

25 best travel movies to inspire your own adventures

A list of our favorite travel movies, from classics to lesser-known films, plus tips to live your own real-life adventures.

travel imois

Worldpackers Worldpackers

Nov 23, 2023

travel movies

Feel like going on an incredible excursion without leaving the house? That's the magic of travel movies. Picture this: one moment you're exploring sun-soaked vineyards in Italy, then you're navigating bustling markets in Morocco. All without leaving home!

Travel movies let us experience cultures around the globe. They inspire our wanderlust and help plan real-life adventures . And sometimes they offer an escape when we need it most. Ready to dive into cinematic journeys that span continents?

In this article we'll remind you of iconic films that have shaped this genre and discover more recent gems . So, grab some popcorn as we embark on a reel-world adventure.

25 best travel movies that will inspire you

Here’s a list of Worldpackers team’s favorite travel movies, which make us feel like we’re out and about without leaving our couch. Some films take this experience up a notch, offering more than just beautiful locales - they shape our understanding of travel itself.

The Motorcycle Diaries (2004)

We start this list of travel movies with a great example of that power of broadening perspectives: The Motorcycle Diaries isn't simply about two friends exploring South America on a motorcycle. It's the story of Che Guevara, discovering social injustices that would later ignite his revolutionary spirit. It has inspired many travelers who crave authentic experiences over typical tourist attractions.

As Ernesto Guevara and his friend Alberto Granado travel through various countries, the film portrays their interactions with diverse cultures, people, and landscapes. They witness the disparities in wealth and healthcare, which ignite Ernesto's desire to bring about social change. 

The Motorcycle Diaries is a coming-of-age story that traces the evolution of Guevara from a carefree medical student to a passionate advocate for the oppressed. It's an inspiring story combined with beautiful cinematography that encourages us not just to see new places but also understand different cultures better.

best travel movies

Around the World in 80 Days (1956)

Feel like going for a classic? This film is based on the novel by Jules Verne and follows the journey of Phileas Fogg, an eccentric and wealthy Englishman who bets that he can circumnavigate the globe in just 80 days.

The plot of the movie revolves around Fogg's race against time as he embarks on an adventure across the globe, accompanied by his loyal French servant, Passepartout. They go on a daring journey using various means of transport - from hot air balloons to elephants - and encounter a series of comedic and sometimes perilous situations.

Eat Pray Love (2010)

You've probably heard of Eat Pray Love, a romantic drama film based on Elizabeth Gilbert's memoir of the same name. The movie follows the life-changing journey of the protagonist, Liz Gilbert, played by Julia Roberts, after going through a divorce.

She sets out on an expedition to find herself through food, spirituality, and love while traveling through Italy, India, and Bali respectively. This film emphasizes the healing power of travel and how it can help you find your inner self.

eat pray love takes you to indonesia

Into The Wild (2007)

Another book turned into film, this biographical drama directed by Sean Penn is based on the non-fiction book by Jon Krakauer. It tells the true story of Christopher McCandless , a young man from a well-to-do family who decides to abandon his conventional life and venture into the wilderness of North America in pursuit of a more meaningful existence.

He renames himself “Alexander Supertramp”, cuts ties with his family and embarks on a journey across the USA, eventually reaching Alaska . Throughout his journey, Christopher encounters various people who impact his life.

Wild (2014)

For those who love biographical tales, here’s another one: Wild is based on Cheryl Strayed's memoir, which chronicles her 1100-mile solo hike along the Pacific Crest Trail. 

It’s not just about stunning landscapes but also self-discovery and healing, since the character starts the hike after a series of destructive behaviors and the loss of her mother to cancer.

Throughout her journey, Cheryl encounters many challenges, including harsh weather, injuries, and the weight of her emotional baggage . Her journey becomes a test of her inner strength, determination, and resilience.

pacific crest trail

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)

A modern classic, this film follows the life of Walter Mitty, a man who escapes his mundane existence through elaborate daydreams. He works as a photo negative manager at Life magazine, a job that involves processing photographs for publication.

One day he misplaces a crucial photograph negative taken by a renowned photographer and sets off to find the missing negative. This journey takes him on an adventure around the world, from Greenland to Iceland , going far beyond his comfort zone.

The Way (2010)

Dream of doing the Camino de Santiago, in Spain? The Way portrays one man’s pilgrimage along the Camino after his son's death.  

The main character is Tom (played by Martin Sheen), who encounters a diverse group of fellow travelers, each with their own reasons for walking the pilgrimage. Together, they share stories, hopes, and struggles.

As Tom travels through picturesque landscapes and faces physical challenges, he not only learns to honor his son's memory but also discovers profound insights about life, faith, and the power of human connections.

camino de santiago

Thelma and Louise (1991)

A road trip movie classic, Thelma & Louise tells the story of two women who set out on a weekend getaway but find themselves on the run from the law after a traumatic incident. Their journey becomes a symbolic escape from societal constraints, leading to a series of events that challenge the roles they've been assigned as women.

With every scene, more beauty unfolds as they drive amidst vast American landscapes in their iconic convertible. The film is a thrilling and thought-provoking exploration of friendship, empowerment, and the consequences of defying societal norms.

Roman Holiday (1953)

Another classic, Roman Holiday transports viewers back in time while offering picturesque views around Rome's historic cityscape - perfect for those wanting both cultural immersion and vintage vibes.

The film revolves around the story of a young European princess named Princess Ann (Audrey Hepburn), who is on a diplomatic tour of Europe and becomes overwhelmed by the constraints of her royal duties and her sheltered life. 

It’s a love story that captures the magic of a whirlwind romance against the backdrop of the Italian capital.

one of the best classic travel movies

The Darjeeling Limited (2007)

Directed by Wes Anderson, the movie follows the journey of three estranged brothers who reunite for a train trip through India . They board the Darjeeling Limited, a luxury train, each dealing with his own personal struggles and unresolved issues.

As the train journey progresses through the picturesque Indian landscape, the brothers encounter many  challenges and quirky situations . Along the way, they engage in both humorous and poignant interactions with fellow passengers and locals, leading to moments of self-discovery and reflection.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011)

Another treat for those longing to visit India, this heartwarming film tells the story of a group of British retirees who decide to spend their retirement years in a hotel in Jaipur . They face a variety of personal challenges and cultural adjustments as they settle into the vibrant and colorful environment of India.

The hotel is far from the luxurious paradise the retirees were expecting, but through their shared experiences and interactions with the local community, they find renewal, purpose , and unexpected opportunities for love and personal growth.

many good travel movies take place in india

Lost in Translation (2003) Loneliness, connection, and cultural dislocation are the main themes of this drama-comedy directed by Sofia Coppola, which takes place in Japan. The story revolves around Bob Harris, a middle-aged American actor who is in Tokyo to shoot a whiskey commercial, and Charlotte, a young college graduate accompanying her photographer husband. Both Bob and Charlotte are feeling adrift in their lives and marriages , grappling with feelings of isolation and purposelessness in the bustling and culturally unfamiliar capital of Japan. Their chance encounter leads to a deep and platonic connection. The Holiday (2006)

This romantic comedy follows the intertwining stories of two women, Iris (Kate Winslet) and Amanda (Cameron Diaz), who are experiencing relationship troubles during the Christmas holiday season.

Iris is British and Amanda is American. Feeling the need for a break from their lives, they discover each other through a house-swapping website and decide to exchange homes for the holiday season . While their lives take unexpected turns, we feel like we're exploring the English countryside and sunny California along with them.

Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)

This travel movie follows the story of Frances (played by Diane Lane), a recently divorced writer who impulsively purchases a villa in Tuscany, Italy , in an attempt to start anew.

As Frances attempts to restore the villa to its former glory, she forms connections with the local community and undergoes a personal transformation , rediscovering her passion for life, writing, and love. The picturesque landscapes of Tuscany provide a stunning backdrop to the story.

tuscany makes a great scenery for travel movies

Tracks (2013)

Based on the true story of Robyn Davidson, this travel movie chronicles her remarkable journey across the vast Australian desert with a dog and four camels . She went on a solo trek of over 1,700 miles from Alice Springs to the west coast of Australia, motivated by a desire for solitude and a deep connection with the land.

Along the way, she faces various obstacles, including encounters with curious locals, harsh weather conditions, and the emotional toll of isolation . The film is a visually stunning and introspective portrayal of an extraordinary real-life adventure.

Before Sunrise (1995), Before Sunset (2004), Before Midnight (2013)

The "Before" trilogy, directed by Richard Linklater and starred by Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, starts with the movie Before Sunrise , which follows the chance encounter of two strangers on a train traveling through Europe. They strike up a conversation and decide to spend the night together in Vienna, Austria, before Jesse's departure the next morning.

Before Sunset , its sequel, takes place in Paris, where Jesse and Celine meet again 10 years later. Finally, Before Midnight takes the same characters to Greece, almost two decades before their first encounter.

The trilogy is celebrated for its realistic and emotionally charged dialogue . Each film captures a different stage in Jesse and Céline's lives, offering insights into the complexities of love and human relationships, while they walk around beautiful cities.

vienna is the setting of before sunrise

Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016)

This New Zealand adventure-comedy film follows the unlikely friendship between a rebellious young boy and his reluctant foster uncle as they become the subjects of a nationwide manhunt in the New Zealand wilderness.

As they navigate the rugged terrain, their relationship grows stronger, and they become unlikely partners in a wild adventure to evade capture by the authorities. Along the way, they encounter various colorful characters and face numerous challenges.

Patagonia (2010)

Probably one of the lesser-known films in this list of travel movies, Patagonia interweaves two distinct but interconnected stories that take place in different parts of the world, both involving characters on personal journeys of self-discovery.

One storyline follows Gwen and Rhys, a Welsh couple who travel to Patagonia in Argentina as part of a photography project. Their journey becomes a catalyst for Gwen's personal exploration as she grapples with her desires and the changing dynamics of her relationship with Rhys.

The second storyline follows Cerys, an elderly Welsh woman who embarks on a pilgrimage to visit her family's ancestral homeland in Patagonia, where there is a Welsh-speaking community. Along the way, she meets a young Argentine named Alejandro who is searching for his Welsh roots.

patagonia

The Bucket List (2007)

This movie tells the story of two terminally ill men , Edward Cole (played by Jack Nicholson) and Carter Chambers (played by Morgan Freeman), who meet while sharing a hospital room. Both men have been diagnosed with advanced stages of cancer and are given limited time to live.

As they grapple with their mortality and impending deaths, Edward and Carter decide to create a list of things they want to do before they "kick the bucket." The two men embark on a global journey to check off the items on their list, forming a deep friendship along the way.

A Good Year (2006)

Directed by Ridley Scott, this movie follows the story of Max Skinner (played by Russell Crowe), a successful and ruthless London-based investment banker who inherits a vineyard in Provence , France, upon the death of his estranged uncle.

Max reluctantly travels to the vineyard with the intention of selling it quickly and making a profit. However, as he spends time in the picturesque countryside and reconnects with his childhood memories, he begins to reconsider his priorities and values.

travel movies

A Walk in the Woods (2015)

This film is based on the memoir of the same name by the well-known travel writer and author Bill Bryson. After living abroad for many years, Bryson returns to the United States and decides to hike the Appalachian Trail , one of the longest continuous footpaths in the world, together with an old acquaintance, Stephen Katz.

As Bryson and Katz traverse the Appalachian Trail, they face a series of humorous and challenging situations, including encounters with fellow hikers and with wildlife, and the physical demands of the trail itself. Along the way, they also engage in conversations about life, friendship, and the beauty of the natural world .

a walk in the woods takes place in the appalachian trail

This list of travel movies wouldn’t be complete without some heartwarming animations . Starting with Up, a Pixar and Walt Disney film centered on the story of Carl Fredricksen, a widowed elderly man who embarks on a remarkable adventure using balloons to fly his house to South America.

It all starts when Carl finds himself facing eviction from his beloved home and missing his late wife, Ellie, who had shared his childhood dreams of adventure, so he decides to fulfill their lifelong dream of visiting the remote Paradise Falls . 

During the trip, he learns to let go of the past, embrace new experiences, and find joy in unexpected places.

Coco (2017)

There are also plenty of animations that take us on a deep dive in foreign cultures. One of the best travel movies of this kind is Coco, an animated musical film which is also produced by Pixar and released by Walt Disney. The movie is set in Mexico and revolves around the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) holiday , a celebration of deceased loved ones.

The plot follows Miguel Rivera, a young boy with a deep passion for music, despite his family's long-standing ban on music due to a past family tragedy. On Día de los Muertos, Miguel accidentally finds himself transported to the Land of the Dead, a vibrant and colorful afterlife realm where deceased family members reside.

animations are great options of travel movies

The impact of travel movies on tourism

Besides being great entertainment, travel movies can wield a remarkable influence over tourism. They can kindle wanderlust, highlight unique cultures, and even steer the course of travel trends.

Movies often inspire personal journeys by portraying transformative experiences tied to specific locales. Take Eat Pray Love, which ignited a Bali tourism boom as fans flocked there hoping for self-discovery adventures akin to Julia Roberts' character.

Into The Wild, based on a true story, was another influential film. Despite its tragic ending, the movie encouraged many to seek their own version of an Alaskan wilderness experience.

Sometimes movies can create entirely new tourism trends. After Peter Jackson's Lord of The Rings, fans began traveling to New Zealand just to see the stunning landscapes that brought Middle-earth to life . This trend even led to unique travel experiences like Hobbiton tours and “Middle-earth” packages designed specifically for Tolkien enthusiasts.

However, this popularity has its drawbacks. When travel movies gain too much traction, they can cause stress on the locations they showcase. One example is the Maya Bay beach, in Thailand, which was made famous in the movie "The Beach”, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, and had to be closed to tourists due to the damages caused by overtourism.

maya bay beach

Tips for enjoying your favorite travel movies

We hope you enjoyed our list of travel movies, but luckily there’s much more to watch after you’re done with those films! Unearthing cinematic gems that inspire wanderlust and fuel the desire to explore is an adventure in itself. Here are a few suggestions to keep that habit going:

Talking to other travelers

One surefire way to discover great travel movies is by connecting with fellow globetrotters. They often have a treasure trove of film recommendations based on their own experiences and personal tastes.

You could start these conversations on platforms like Worldpackers , where you'll find a vibrant community of seasoned and newbie travelers alike.

Keeping a travel movie journal

Maintaining a journal dedicated solely for recording memorable travel films can be rewarding too. As you note down details about each movie , it becomes more than just keeping track; it turns into an immersive activity that lets you savor each film long after the credits roll. This method also helps when sharing recommendations with friends or social media followers.

Planning themed movie nights

A fun twist is organizing themed movie nights around different countries or regions. Not only does this make for an entertaining evening but watching several related films in one go might highlight your next dream destination.

For instance, if South American culture piques your interest, consider watching films such as 'The Motorcycle Diaries' and other movies that take place in the continent, whether they’re actually travel-related or not. This is a great way to dive into the richness of this vibrant region. And why not making a themed dinner as well?

watch travel movies with a themed dinner

Traveling to your dream movie destinations

What about visiting some of the destinations portrayed in your favorite travel movies and living your own amazing adventures? It’s easy to do so with Worldpackers , a platform that connects travelers to hosts from all over the world for volunteer and work exchange programs.

In exchange for a few hours of help, you’ll get free accommodation and other perk s, like meals and tours. Besides saving a lot of money, you’ll get to meet other travelers and locals who can give you tips and insights into local culture, while living r eal-life adventures that might as well be turned into film someday.

Keep reading to understand how it works:

  • Our step-by-step guide on how Worldpackers works
  • Traveling with Worldpackers: your top questions answered
  • Collaborative tourism: what are collaborative travel relationships?

travel imois

If you liked our list of travel movies, keep reading our blog and follow our social media accounts for more travel tips and inspiration! We’re on TikTok and Instagram .

Join the community!

Create a free Worldpackers account to discover volunteer experiences perfect for you and get access to exclusive travel discounts!

Worldpackers Editorial

Worldpackers.

The safest community to travel, volunteer and make a positive impact in +140 countries.

Be part of the Worldpackers Community

Already have an account, are you a host, leave your comment here.

Write here your questions and greetings to the author

travel imois

Nov 18, 2023

Has casually come on a forum and has seen this theme. I can help you council. Together we can come to a right answer.

Josiahacund

Nov 21, 2023

https://virtual-local-numbers.com/countries/53-greatbritain.html

travel imois

Nov 22, 2023

Thank you for sharing valuable information. I'm delighted to have read this article, and I appreciate the detailed information provided. It's fantastic! https://pickleballus360.com/courts/midlothian-middle-school/

travel imois

More about this topic

travel imois

Navigating the globe through unique experiences

Exploring creative travel journal ideas for your adventures, tattoo ideas for the adventurous traveler: designing your next trip with ink, how do worldpackers trips work.

As a member, you can contact as many hosts and travel safely as many times as you want.

Choose your plan to travel with Worldpackers as many times as you like.

Complete your profile, watch the video lessons in the Academy, and earn certificates to stand out to hosts.

Apply to as many positions as you like, and get in contact with our verified hosts.

If a host thinks you’re a good fit for their position, they’ll pre-approve you.

Get your documents and tickets ready for your volunteer trip.

Confirm your trip to enjoy all of the safety of Worldpackers.

Have a transformative experience and make a positive impact on the world.

If anything doesn’t go as planned with a host, count on the WP Safeguard and our highly responsive support team!

After volunteering, you and your host exchange reviews.

With positive reviews, you’ll stand out to hosts and get even more benefits.

  • Destinations

Wild Junket

60 Best Travel Movies that Inspire Wanderlust [2020]

60 Best Travel Movies that Inspire Wanderlust

Last Updated on April 15, 2021

I love movies for so many reasons ― they can move us to tears, make us laugh out loud, and inspire us to travel and explore. And at times when travel isn’t an option , movies are the best escape.

I realized I had a travel obsession when all my favorite films were movies about traveling. Great travel movies like Seven Years in Tibet and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty have always been my greatest source of inspiration.

For movie lovers who are also obsessed with travel, I have compiled the ultimate list of the best travel movies with the help of our community. These travel movies range from Hollywood adventure films to classic wanderlust movies and visually stunning travel documentaries. It’s a long list, so be sure to bookmark it and come back whenever you need a new film to feed your wanderlust! 

movie night to watch the best travel movies

Table of Contents

BEST TRAVEL MOVIES

Raiders of the lost ark (1981), baraka (1992), catch me if you can (2002), the bucket list (2007), eat pray love (2010), the secret life of walter mitty (2013), samsara (2013), out of africa (1985), gorillas in the mist (1988), hotel rwanda (2004), the white maasai (2005), duma (2005), last king of scotland (2006), the good lie (2014).

  • Queen of Katwe (2016)

Buena Vista Social Club (1999)

Y tu mamá también (2002), frida (2002), city of god (2002), the terminal (2004), the motorcycle diaries (2004), into the wild (2007), 7 days in havana (2012), wild (2014), a walk in the woods (2015), the endurance (2000), encounters at the end of the world (2007), eight below (2008), into the cold (2013), kundun (1997), seven years in tibet (1997), anna and the king (1999), the beach (2000).

  •  Lost in Translation (2003) 

Memoirs of a Geisha (2005)

The darjeeling limited (2007), slumdog millionaire (2012), the best exotic marigold hotel (2012), lion (2016), before sunrise (1995), under the tuscan sun (2003), before sunset (2004), eurotrip (2004), a good year (2006), vicky cristina barcelona (2009), the way (2010), midnight in paris (2011), lawrence of arabia (1989), not without my daughter (1991), the kite runner (2007), argo (2012), bekas (2012), salmon fishing in the yemen (2012), theeb (2014), wadjda (2013), crocodile dundee (1986), whale rider (2003), australia (2008), tracks (2014), travel movies set around the world .

I can’t write a list of best travel movies without including the legendary Indiana Jones franchise! In my opinion, this first installment is the best out of the four Indiana Jones movies. The award-winning Hollywood adventure film stars Harrison Ford as archaeologist Indiana Jones, who sets out to South America in search of a golden statue. Dr. Jones meets a museum curator, who tells him about a biblical artifact called the Ark of the Covenant. It is said to hold the key to human existence. Filming actually took place in many parts of the world, including France, Tunisia, Hawaii, and California .

best travel movies - indiana jones

Watch on Amazon Prime

A visually stunning documentary film with no narrative or voice-over, Baraka is a powerful footage of people and places from around the world. It is a transcendent global tour shot in 24 countries on six continents over a 14-month period. From chaotic cities to barren wilderness, the movie takes viewers around the globe to witness both natural and technological realms. A feast for the eyes and a must-watch for travel lovers!

best travel movies - baraka

From three-time Oscar winning director Steven Spielberg, Catch Me If You Can tells the crazy but true story about a 19-year-old man who posed as a lawyer, doctor, and pilot, all while conning millions of dollars in checks. The movie’s main character, Frank Abagnale Jr, is always jetting off to somewhere new, all on other people’s dime! The movie was filmed in three different locations: California , New York City, and Quebec.

best travel movies - catch me if you can

One of my absolute favorite travel movies of all time, the Bucket List is a comedy drama that follows two men on a no-holds-barred adventure as they read the end of their lives. The movie shows that it is never too late to live life to its fullest. Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman play the two unlikely friends, who head off on a round-the-world journey to ticket off their bucket lists. They go skydiving , fly over the  North Pole , marvel at the Taj Mahal, ride motorcycles on the  Great Wall of China , go on safari in Tanzania and climb to the top of the Giza pyramids.

movies about travel - the bucket list

An adaptation of the biography of American author Elizabeth Gilbert, this movie actually surprised me and turned out better than the book. Newly divorced and at a crossroads, Gilbert (played by Julia Roberts) embarks on a quest for self-discovery around the world. She discovers the true pleasure of nourishment by eating in Italy, the power of prayer in India, and, finally and unexpectedly, the inner peace and balance of true love in Indonesia .

movies about travel - eat pray love

Definitely one of the best adventure travel movies of all time, this film is beautifully filmed and successfully conveys the message of how adventure is possible for everyone. The wanderlust film follows the extraordinary adventure of an ordinary man, played by Ben Stiller, who finds the courage to discover his destiny and leap into an adventurer that is life. He goes in search of a photojournalist from the streets of Manhattan to Iceland , Greenland, and the Himalayas . Movies like The Secret Life of Walter Mitty make you feel like you’re traveling without leaving your armchair .

movies about traveling - secret life of walter mitty

Samsara reunites the filmmakers of the award winning film Baraka. Filmed over five years in 25 countries and shot on 70mm film, Samsara takes us to sacred grounds, disaster zones, and natural wonders. The global travelogue is brings us across the Himalayas, the American Southwest, European cathedrals, and other beautiful sites. As compared to Baraka, Samsara is more intense and solemn in its tone. The cinematography is flawless and the music arrangement simply mesmerizing. This is armchair travel at its best.

best travel documentary - samsara

Best Travel Movies Set in Africa 

Filmed in Kenya during the 1980s, Out of Africa is a pioneer in the world of exotic movies. The travel film is based loosely on the autobiographical book by Danish author Karen Blixen .  Initially set on being a dairy farmer, Blixen (played by Meryl Streep) travels to Kenya to join her husband who instead spends their money on a coffee plantation. After discovering he is unfaithful, Karen develops feelings for hunter Denys (played by Robert Redford). The two get entangled in a complicated relationship until a series of events force Karen to choose between her love and personal growth.

adventure travel movies - out of africa

Another hugely popular classic movie about travel, Gorillas in the Mist is an adaptation of world-famous wildlife expert Dian Fossey’s autobiography. Fossey (played by Sigourney Weaver) leaves the United States for Africa, where she studies the gorillas of Uganda and Rwanda. As Fossey develops a bond with the animals, she also becomes wary of the poachers who prey on them. Fearing that the gorillas will go extinct if humans continue to hunt them, she organizes a defense league to protect the animals. In doing so, though, she puts herself in a perilous situation.

bets movie about traveling - gorillas in the mist

In my opinion, this is one of the best movies of all time. It might not be a travel film but it is an insightful movie based on the horrifying genocide that happened in Rwanda just 20 years ago. In 1994, the ethnic Hutu militia initiated an ethnic cleansing campaign to decimate the Tutsi population, and killed over 800,000 people. The film tells the true story of Paul Rusesabagina, a Hutu who manages the Hôtel des Mille Collines and courageously allow refugees to take shelter in his hotel. As the U.N. pulls out, Paul must struggle alone to protect the Tutsi refugees in the face of the escalating violence later.

best travel film - hotel rwanda

Based on a non-fiction memoir, this German movie sparked my interest in Africa almost 12 years ago. It tells the story of Corinne’s trip from her home country of Switzerland to Kenya , where she met and fell in love with a Maasai warrior. She decides to stay and build a home with him in the African savanna. Albeit the challenges, she adapts to Maasai life and even gives birth to a baby in the bush. 

best travelling movies - the white masai

Buy the DVD on Amazon

This is a travel movie that not many people know about but I absolutely love (so does my 5-year-old daughter)! The family-friendly movie centers around a little boy named Xan, who lives on a ranch in Kenya with his parents. When the family stumbles upon an abandoned baby cheetah one afternoon, Xan takes the cub in and begins to care for it as if it were his own. Over time, Xan grows incredibly attached to the cheetah, which the family names Duma . But when Xan moves to the city following his father’s death, he learns that Duma belongs to the wild. To get Duma back into the savanna, he and Duma embark on an intrepid journey riddled with danger and adventure.

best movies about travel - duma

Technically this isn’t a movie about traveling, but it sure piqued my interest in Uganda . The Last King of Scotland is an intense thriller set in Uganda during the 1970s. Forrest Whitaker gives an outstanding performance as Idi Amin, the third Ugandan president, who was heavily criticized for human rights abuse. Amin’s savagery is depicted through the eyes of a Scottish doctor who finds himself entangled with Amin in a desperate fight for survival. 

traveling film - the last king of scotland

One of those great movies that inspire, The Good Lie features the true story of a group of Sudanese refugees. After their village is destroyed and their parents killed by Northern militia, Sudanese orphans Theo, his siblings and other survivors make a difficult journey to a refugee camp in Kenya. Thirteen years later, the group gets the chance to settle in the U.S. They are met in Kansas by Carrie Davis (Reese Witherspoon), who has been charged with finding them jobs. However, seeing how adrift they are in 20th-century America, Carrie endeavors to help them in rebuilding their shattered lives. 

travelling movies - the good lie

Queen of Katwe  (2016)

The newest addition to the list of traveling movies based in Africa, Queen of Katwe tells the true story of a young Uganda girl named Phiona Mutsei and how she defies the odds and becomes a chess champion. Born and raised in a slum of Kampala, the capital city of Uganda, the young girl becomes fascinated with chess after meeting a local coach. Under his guidance, she becomes a top player and comes in first place at a competition. It is one of those movies that inspire us not just to travel but also to keep at it.

traveling movies - queen of katwe

Best Travel Movies Set in Americas 

This documentary by lauded German filmmaker Wim Wenders follows renowned guitarist Ry Cooder and his son, Joachim, as they travel to Cuba and assemble a group of the country’s finest musicians to record an album. Eventually the ensemble travels to the United States to perform in front of audiences. This revelatory documentary captures a forgotten generation of Cuba’s brightest musical talents as they enjoy an unexpected brush with world fame.

wanderlust movies - buena vista social club

This exhilarating movie follows three friends as they set out on a Mexico road trip . The emotionally-charged movie also tells the tale of what the boys learn along the way, after they both fall for the same older woman. The movie was filmed in both Mexico City and Oaxaca. It stars two of the most famous Mexican actors, Gael Garcia Bernal and   Diego Luna.

best wanderlust films - y tu mama tambien

Set in Mexico City , this is the biopic of the bold and controversial life of artist Frida Kahlo. Nominated for 6 Academy Awards including Salma Hayek for Best Actress, the visually evocative film traces her lifelong, tempestuous relationship with her mentor, along with her illicit affairs with Trotsky and various women. Her forward-thinking artistic, political and sexual attitudes are explored as we witness a hard-drinking, passionate woman of the early 1900s.

wanderlust movie - frida

Another movie that might not strike some as a traveling film, City of God reveals life in the poverty-stricken favelas of Rio de Janeiro during the 1970s. The movie is centered around two young men from the favelas who choose different paths. Rocket is a budding photographer who documents the increasing drug-related violence of his neighborhood. José “Zé” Pequeno is an ambitious drug dealer who uses Rocket and his photos as a way to increase his fame as a turf war erupts with his rival, Knockout Ned. The film was shot on location in Rio’s poorest neighborhoods.

list of hollywood adventure films - city of god

The Terminal tells the story of Viktor Navorski (played by Tom Hanks), an Eastern European tourist who gets trapped in JFK Airport indefinitely. Upon landing at the airport, war breaks out in his country and he finds himself caught up in international politics. Because of the war, the Department of Homeland Security won’t let him enter or exit the United States. While living at the airport, Viktor falls for a flight attendant (Catherine Zeta-Jones). 

hollywood travel movie - the terminal

For a peek into South America during the revolution days, this movie follows Argentinian revolutionary Che Guevara as he travels the length of South America. This traveling film is highly entertaining and insightful — especially for fans of South America. Famous Mexican actor Gael García Bernal plays Che Guevara in the movie. Definitely one of the best travel movies of all time!

movies that inspire - the motorcycle diaries

Often lauded as one of the best adventure travel movies, Into the Wild tells the remarkable story of a young man’s solo adventure in Alaska. In 1992, he left his well-to-do family, hitchhiked to Alaska and walked alone into the wilderness north of Mt. McKinley. He had given $25,000 in savings to charity, abandoned his car and most of his possessions, burned all the cash in his wallet, and invented a new life for himself. 

movies like into the wild

Filmed on location in Havana , this anthology movie brings together 7 short films produced by 7 different directors. A lesbian, an aspiring actor, an aspiring singer, a marriage, a neighborhood community and 2 renowned directors have memorable less-than-24-hour experiences while living in/visiting the capital of Cuba. I personally enjoyed the movie a lot more than I expected to, mainly because it brings back beautiful memories from one of my favorite cities in the world  and the music throughout the movie is is excellent!

adventure travel movies - 7 days in havana

Based on yet another bestselling travel book , this wanderlust movie follows the journey of Reese Witherspoon as Cheryl Strayed, as she treks 1,100 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail after the devastating loss of her mother. Seeking self-discovery and solutions to her personal grief, Strayed set out on her journey, alone and with no prior hiking experience. One of the best explore movies made in recent years, Wild  is an incredible reminder of how a journey can be pivotal in helping us understand more about ourselves.

explore movies - wild

An adaptation of Bill Bryson’s bestseller, this comedy adventure follows Robert Redford and Nick Nolte on their hike along the 2190-mile Appalachian Trail. The trail stretches from Georgia to Maine and covers some of the most breathtaking terrain in America: majestic mountains, silent forests, sparking lakes. This is one of those light-hearted wanderlust movies that will set you in the right mood!

best wanderlust movies - a walk in the woods

Best Travel Movies Set in Antarctica & Arctic 

A thrilling documentary narrated by Liam Neeson, this adventure travel movie tells the story of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s ill-fated expedition to Antarctica in 1914-1916. It features new footage of the actual locations and interviews with surviving relatives of key expedition members, and a generous helping of the footage and still photos shot on the expedition. An excellent wanderlust film for those dreaming about visiting Antarctica.

epic adventure movie - the endurance

Buy DVD on Amazon

Another artistic and stunning travel documentary set in the world’s final frontier, Antarctica . Film-maker  Werner Herzog  and cinematographer  Peter Zeitlinger  travel to Antarctica to meet people who live and work there and to capture footage of the continent’s unique locations. This movie was one of the reasons why I traveled to Antarctica in 2013.

travel documentary on antarctica - encounters at the end of the world

This Walt Disney film is an adventure travel movie set in Antarctica (but filmed in Svalbard, Greenland, and British Columbia). It is a remake of the 1983 film, Antarctica , based on the ill-fated Japanese expedition to Antarctica that took place in 1958. Three members of a scientific expedition, Jerry Shepard (played by Paul Walker), his friend Cooper (Jason Biggs) and an American geologist (Bruce Greenwood), must leave their beloved sled dogs behind after a devastating accident and increasingly perilous weather conditions. Alone, the dogs struggle to survive the harsh Antarctic winter. 

travel film on antarctica - eight below

Best Travel Movies Set in Asia 

This epic biographical film was one of the first travel movie I’ve ever seen and it  was the reason why I wanted to travel Tibet . Directed by Martin Scorsese, the movie is based on the life and writings of Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama , an exiled political and spiritual leader of Tibet . “Kundun” meaning “presence”, is a title by which the Dalai Lama is addressed. The uniqueness of the Tibetan culture and their distinctive architecture and traditional costumes were what made the movie so interesting for me. With stunning photography and a moving soundtrack, the epic film may be a little slow, but  it is one of the most emotional and spiritual experiences I ever had on film. 

best travel movies set in asia - kundun

  Seven Years in Tibet  is the true story of Austrian mountaineer Heinrich Harrer, played by Brad Pitt. The adventure travel movie covers the escape of Harrer from a British internment camp in India to Tibet. He spent several years in Lhasa , and subsequently became a tutor of the 14th Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of the Buddhist nation. The Dalai Lama imparts valuable lessons to him, and they build a strong friendship. But nothing will prepare him for the devastation about to descend when Communist China decides to attack, leading to the deaths of over 1 million Tibetans and the destruction of over 6000 monasteries.

best travel movies set in asia - seven years in tibet

One of my personal favorite travel movies set in Asia during the 1860s, Anna and the King is a biographical period drama based on the true story of Anna Leonowen. Anna (played by Jodie Foster) is an English school teacher, a window and mother who moves to Siam (Thailand) to teach the 58 children of King Mongkut. An unexpected romance between Anna and the King, but cultural differences keep their love apart. The movie evokes the old-world charm of Thailand, though it was mostly shot in Malaysia .

best travel movies set in asia - anna and the king

Coming in top on many lists of Hollywood adventure films, The Beach encapsulates the freedom and ecstasy that many of us experience on the road during our youth. I watched this when I was just a teenager, and was completely drawn to the backpackers’ world. An adaptation of Alex Garland’s acclaimed novel, the movie tells the story of Richard (played by the young Leonardo Di Caprio), an American backpacking through Asia. While in Bangkok, he meets a mad Scotsman who gives Richard a crude map to a place in Thailand that he claims is paradise on earth: beautiful, unspoiled, and uninhabited.

best travel movies set in asia - the beach

  Lost in Translation (2003) 

Funny and transformational at the same time, this comedy drama definitely makes you want to travel Japan if you haven’t already been there! Lost in Translation stars Bill Murray  as aging actor Bob Harris, who befriends college graduate Charlotte in a Tokyo hotel. The movie explores themes of loneliness and culture shock against the backdrop of a modern Japanese city.

movies that inspire - lost in translation

While some might not consider this to be a travel movie, I think it put Japan on the map for many and drew attention to this gorgeous country with rich traditions. The epic movie’s main character is Chiyo, who gets sold to a geisha house at the tender age of 9. There, she is forced into servitude, receiving nothing in return. After rigorous years of training, Chiyo becomes Sayuri, a geisha of incredible beauty and influence. Life is good for Sayuri, but World War II is about to disrupt the peace.

movies filmed in japan - memoirs of a geisha

I’m a big fan of comedy films, so a movie that combines comedy and travel has definitely hit the jackpot for me. The Darjeeling Limited follows the adventures of three drug-addicted brothers traveling together across India by train . You may not wish to buy a venomous snake, nor follow in many of the other violent mishaps of these brothers, but this movie definitely made me want to go back to India! Click here for more movies about India .

movies filmed in india - the darjeeling limited

Ranking high on my list of favorite travel movies, this Oscar winner tells the story of an Indian Muslim, Jamal Malik (played by the brilliant Dev Patel) from the Dharavi slum in India. At 18 years old, he is a contestant on India’s version of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?”. Flashbacks show how he got there. Part of a stable of young thieves after their mother dies, Jamal and his brother struggled to survive on the streets of Mumbai. Salim finds the life of crime agreeable, but Jamal scrapes by with small jobs until landing a spot on the game show. 

movies filmed in india - slumdog millionaire

Another movie set in vibrant South Asia, this wanderlust film follows a group of British retirees (including Judi Dench) as they outsource their retirement to exotic, and less expensive, India. Lured by advertisements for the newly restored Marigold Hotel and imagining a life of leisure in lush surroundings, they arrive and find that the Marigold is actually a shell of its former self. Though their new home is not quite what they had imagined, the retirees find that life and love can begin again when they let go of their pasts.

movies filmed in india - the best exotic marigold hotel

Based on the non-fiction book A Long Way Home , this biographical film is poignant and gripping and tells the true story of Saroo (played by Dev Patel from the Slumdog Millionaire fame). At five years old, Saroo gets lost on a train which takes him thousands of miles across India, away from home and family. Saroo must learn to survive alone in Kolkata, before ultimately being adopted by an Australian couple. 25 years later, armed with only a handful of memories and a revolutionary technology known as Google Earth, he sets out to find his lost family and finally return to his first home. I’m not crying, you’re crying!

movies filmed in india - lion

Best Travel Movies Set in Europe

There is good reason why this movie was so good that they made two sequels (read below). Set in Austria, Before Sunrise is definitely one of the best romance-travel movies. It follows Jesse (played by Ethan Hawke ), a young American man, and a young French lady named Céline ( Julie Delpy ). They meet on a train and disembark in Vienna, where they spend the night walking around the city and getting to know and falling in love with each other.

movies that inspire travel - before sunrise

One of the best movies set in Italy , Under the Tuscan Sun  actually inspired me to visit Italy when I was 20. The travel memoir, written by American author Frances Mayes, describes her experience of traveling to Italy and falling in love with the Tuscan countryside. She and her husband decide to buy and restore an abandoned villa, but the renovations prove to be a long, tedious but rewarding experience.

movies that inspire travel europe - under the tuscan sun

Before Sunset picks up the story of the two protagonists in Before Sunrise , nine years after the events of the first film. Their paths intersect nine years later in Paris, and they spend a beautiful afternoon together. This sequel is better than the first in my opinion, and definitely makes you fall in love with the two characters.  The third sequel,  Before Midnight , picks it up again a further nine years later. The two go on a summer vacation in Greece .

movies that inspire travel europe - before sunset

I know, EuroTrip is slapstick comedy at its worst. But I loved it when I was a teenager and it made me want to jump on a plane to Europe SO badly! The movie follows the journey of lovelorn Ohio teen Scott Thomas, who goes on a quest across Europe to find his sexy German pen pal, Mieke. Joining him are his brainless buddy and a pair of twins. Scott’s quest does not turn out to be easy, and they become embroiled in many absurd situations as they hop from country to country. The movie is a silly and amusing travel film worth watching if you need a laugh!

movies that inspire travel europe - eurotrip

A Good Year  is a romantic comedy film loosely based on the novel, A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle (one of the best travel books in my opinion). The movie follows the story of an investment banker, who moves to France after inheriting a wine estate from his late uncle. He meets a woman there who lays claim to the property and falls in love.

movies that inspire travel europe - a good year

I have to admit this isn’t one of my favorite travel movies. Hear me out: my husband is Spanish, we lived in Spain for over 8 years and Spain is somewhere special for me. Sadly, Hollywood movies don’t do the country much justice. That said, almost every friend I have love this movie, so I decided to include it in this list of best travel movies. The movie revolves around t wo girlfriends, who go on a summer holiday in Spain and become enamored with the same painter. They are unaware that his ex-wife is about to re-enter the picture.

movies that inspire travel europe - vicky cristina barcelona

An incredibly moving film that will resonate with those who have walked the Camino de Santiago ! The movie tells the story of Dr. Thomas Avery ( Martin Sheen ), an American who goes to France following the death of his adult son . In a combination of grief and homage to his son, Tom decides to walk the ancient spiritual trail where his son died. While walking the Camino , Tom meets others from around the world, all looking for greater meaning in their lives.

movies that inspire travel europe - the way

Directed by Woody Allen, this fantasy comedy film is set in romantic Paris, France. The story follows screenwriter Gil Pender (played by Owen Wilson) who is forced to confront the shortcomings of his relationship with his materialistic fiancée. His problems become increasingly exaggerated as he travels back in time each night at midnight.

movies that inspire travel europe - midnight in paris

Best Travel Movies Set in the Middle East 

A classic travel film from 1962 (but restored in 1989), this historical drama film is based on the life of British Lieutenant T. E. Lawrence. Due to his knowledge of the native Bedouin tribes, Lawrence is sent to Arabia to serve as a liaison between the Arabs and the British. With the aid of native Sherif Ali, Lawrence rebels against the orders of his superior officer and strikes out on a daring camel journey across the harsh desert.

exotic movies list - lawrence of arabia

Based on the best-selling travel book of the same name, Not Without My Daughter isn’t exactly a title that inspires you to travel. But it has such an amazing storyline that I had to include it in this list. It tells the true story of Betty Mahmoody, an American woman married to an Iranian living in the United States. When her husband suggests visiting Iran with their daughter, Betty is reluctant because of the country’s harsh treatment of women. When the family arrives in Iran, Betty discovers that her husband plans to stay in Iran for good. He has no intention of letting her or her daughter return to the United States. This movie depicts their harrowing escape.

best biographical films - not without my daughter

Based on my absolute favorite travel book of all time, The Kite Runner tells the story of Amir, a well-to-do boy from Kabul, Afghanistan. He is tormented by the guilt of abandoning his friend Hassan. The story is set against a backdrop of tumultuous events: from the fall of the monarchy in Afghanistan to the mass exodus of Afghan refugees, and the Taliban regime. It’s a deeply heart-wrenching film with all the drama you look for in a great movie, plus interesting bits of culture, history and politics thrown into it.

best adventure travel movies - the kite runner

Based on real events, the dramatic thriller Argo chronicles the life-or-death covert operation carried out in Iran in 1979. Militants storm the U.S. embassy in Tehran, Iran, taking 66 American hostages. Amid the chaos, six Americans manage to slip away and find refuge with the Canadian ambassador. Knowing that it’s just a matter of time before the refugees are found and likely executed, the U.S. government calls on extractor Tony Mendez (played by Ben Affleck) to rescue them. 

best adventure travel movies -argo

This Kurdish comedy-drama movie gives a light-hearted take on life in Iraqi Kurdistan . Set in Kurdistan during the early 1990s, the movie revolves around two orphaned brothers, Zana and Dana. They catch a glimpse of Superman at the local cinema and decide that they want to go to America to find Superman. Zana, the younger brother, starts to make a list of all people he is going to tell Superman to punish. On top of the list is Saddam Hussein. Dana makes a plan for what they need to get there: money, passports, and transportation. They have neither, but in spite of everything they decide to follow the dream.

best adventure travel movies - bekas

This British romantic comedy is based on the novel of the same name by Paul Torday. Dr. Alfred Jones (played by Ewan McGregor) is a fisheries scientist who one day receives an unusual request. A businesswoman named Harriet Chetwode-Talbot wants his help in fulfilling a wealthy sheik’s request to bring sport fishing to Yemen. Jones declines at first, but joins in when the British prime minister latches on to the project as a way to improve Middle East relations. Romance blooms as Jones and Harriet work to make the sheik’s dream come true. 

best adventure travel movies - salmon fishing in the yemen

If the panoramas from Lawrence of Arabia awed you, this movie will definitely win your heart. The stunning landscapes of Jordan provide an austere but gorgeous setting for this Academy Award nominee. Set in 1916, the film revolves around a young Bedouin boy named Theeb (which translates to mean Wolf). He lives with his tribe in a remote part of the Ottoman Empire. When his older brother has to escort a British officer across the desert, Theeb tags along for the adventure. He encounters revolutionaries and raiders, but tries to survive and live up to the name his father gave him.

best adventure travel movies - theeb

Best Travel Movies Set in Oceania 

Australians might cringe at the crudely drawn Aussie caricature that is Mick Dundee — but who can deny the fact that this classic put Australia on the map for international audiences? Legendary comedian Paul Hogan plays a free-spirited Australian who hunts crocodiles with his bare hands and stares down giant water buffaloes. But he’s about to face the ultimate torture test — a trip to New York City.

best adventure travel movies - crocodile dundee

The only New Zealander movie on this list, Whale Rider is an Oscar-Nominated blockbuster that brings Maori culture and tradition to a mainstream global audience. A Maori village faces a crisis when the heir to the leadership dies at birth and is survived only by his twin sister, Paikea. Though disregarded by her grandfather, 12-year-old Paikea remains certain of her calling and trains herself in the customs of her people. The film is not only gives a great cultural representation of New Zealand , but also an incredible showcase of the country’s spectacular scenery.

movie about traveling - whale rider

Watch on Prime Amazon

This non-fiction movie is based on the adventure of Robyn Davidson, a young girl who traverses across the rugged landscape of Australia with only four camels and a beloved dog for company. She satisfies her craving for solitude on this solo trek across 1,700 miles (2,700 kilometers) of Australian desert  from Alice Springs to the Indian Ocean . Along the way, National Geographic photographer Rick Smolan documents her journey.

best movie set in australia - tracks

Did I miss out on any great traveling movies? Do you prefer real-life travel documentaries or simply wanderlust movies that inspire? Leave me a comment below and let me know which are your favorite movies about travel! 

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you buy or book something with my links, I’ll get a small commission at no extra cost to you . 

Inspired? Pin it!

travel imois

Nellie Huang

Nellie Huang is the founder of WildJunket. Originally from Singapore, Nellie has traveled to over 140 countries across 7 continents. As an adventure travel blogger, she has a special interest in unusual destinations and deep experiences. Her work has appeared in many major publications including BBC Travel, CNN and LonelyPlanet.com. Read more about her here and get more life updates from her on her Facebook and Instagram .

Leave a Comment Cancel Comment

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

The Comments

' src=

jessy lipperts

looooove this list!! Thank you! I also loved The Tourist, very juicy with Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie… Lots of love from Rosie and Me xx

' src=

Jessie, thanks for dropping by! Oh yes I remember watching that!

' src=

¡Madre mía tenemos películas para todo el confinamiento!. Gracias Nellie

' src=

Edwina Lee Fort

Nellie … Lots of potential entertainment which will keep us all, hopefully, calmed during this horrid coronavirus time. I always enjoy your website and wish you and yours much health while keeping safe.

hi Edwina, thanks so much for the very kind words! Glad that you’re enjoying my website. Stay safe and healthy!

' src=

Anand Balaji

I never knew we have this much list to watch. I have seen some 10 movies, and my all-time favorites are the secret life of Walter mitty and into the wild. Both movies share a wonderful experience to understand what we are living for. Nice share!!

Thank you, the Secret Life of Walter Mitty is my favorite too! Thanks for dropping by. :)

' src=

Brilliant! Thanks for sharing, this is very helpful. I will do my best to watch all. Sometimes I write about the movies too. Here’s a handpicked list of movies that make you want to travel and fuel your wanderlust, in case you or any of your readers find it interesting. Keep up the good work. Can’t wait to see something new from you. Cheers!

You May Also Like

2014: my year in pictures, 2012: our year in photos, world’s most famous bridges.

Popular destinations

IMAGES

  1. 25 best travel movies that will inspire you

    travel imois

  2. 21 Best Travel Movies That Will Inspire Your Wanderlust

    travel imois

  3. 25 best travel movies that will inspire you

    travel imois

  4. Emoji travel emoticons vector set. Emojis travelling characters with

    travel imois

  5. Emoji Travel Smiley Vector Set. Emoticon Travelling Characters with Map

    travel imois

  6. The 40 Best Travel Movies To Inspire Armchair Wanderlust

    travel imois

VIDEO

  1. 31 March 2024

  2. #лучшая #хочуврек

  3. 🇧🇬🇪🇺🇹🇷🎶 KaBaDaN KuCHeK Mix 2024‼️🎬🎙️ ELNİNO & TuGi Klarnetista & ERCAN AHATLI 🎶 Tik Tok 💯

  4. Adoptable dog Jolene from www.gdrne.com

  5. એકે લાલ દરવાજે//ગરબો// Banjo cover song 🎺🎶🎵

  6. White fairy 🖤 RITU HOSSIAN|#shorts

COMMENTS

  1. travle

    Travle: A daily game, get between countries in as few guesses as possible!

  2. travle_practice

    With any contribution you can play travle without ads, forever!

  3. travle_game

    There's now a bonus 'perfect' score which you can only get by guessing the shortest path in the correct order from start to finish. There's also now a '+0' score, for finding the shortest route but not in order. This also caused some other shuffling: now is only if you guess a country on the shortest route which is also connected to the start.

  4. Travle

    Travle. Travle is a game for geography lovers. A game that challenges you to travel from one country to another in as few guesses as possible. You are given a start country and an end country, and you have to name all the countries you would pass through if you traveled by land from one to the other. An emoji that indicates how close you are to ...

  5. I just released Travle

    It is just land travel, you can only 'travle' between countries that're adjacent on the map. I will add connections for countries connected via tunnel, that makes complete sense. I'm not too sure about all sea borders however, it looks like Italy would border a lot of the Mediterranean and north Africa.

  6. This country borders game is highly addictive [Travle Country Routes]

    There are all sorts of neat geography games on the internet these days but this one has to be one of the best. Travle is a game that tests your border knowle...

  7. Find the path between two given countries

    Travle Game. —. Find the path between two given countries. 🗾 Guess countries until you've made a path from start to end! You can guess the countries in any order. 📍 Try to get there in as few guesses as possible by land - sea travel doesn't count. 👉 Recommend this Website?

  8. Ultimate List: 65 Travel Movies That Will Inspire You to See the World

    One final travel documentary that will have you dreaming of palm trees, The Endless Summer is the ultimate surf movie about a pair of friends who travel the globe looking for the perfect wave. They visit dreamy places like Australia, West Africa, Tahiti, and more, while enjoying the wide-open ocean and flying around on their surfboards.

  9. 30 Inspiring travel idioms you won't want to miss

    To travel on a full stomach means you have just eaten a lot and have no room for any more food. On the other hand, an empty stomach means you are very hungry as there is no food in you! "I can't have you traveling on an empty stomach. Let me make you a snack.". "I mustn't travel on a full stomach.

  10. 60 Best Travel Movies to Inspire Wanderlust

    55. Casino Royal - James Bond. This makes us dream of living with the high rollers in Montenegro the beautiful people in the Bahamas. It's as epic as epic travel movies get riding on trains, planes and yachts and it's the best James Bond with Daniel Craig. 56.

  11. The Ultimate List of Travel Movies Updated For 2024

    Fitzcarraldo - The Burden of Dreams (1982) This West German underground masterpiece by auteur of the weird Werner Herzog is perhaps amongst the most unique films to make this list. Set in the Amazon Rainforest in the 1920s, Fitzcarraldo is based on the exploits of real-life Rubber Baron Roberto Fitzarrold.

  12. TRAVLE

    Travel Wordle Frequently Asked Questions. What are the rules of the Travle game? The rules of the Travle> are relatively straightforward: Objective: The objective is to identify a name countries to travel from the Start Country to the End Country. Countries Selection: Countries must be at the list. Objective: You can select the countries by tapping or clicking on them.

  13. 50 Best Travel Movies Of All Time

    If you're wondering what it's like to backpack around the world for a year, this is the best travel movie for you. In 2005, Brook Silva-Braga left his seemingly idyllic job to do just that. Follow the journey few dare to take, and experience all the emotions that accompany long-term travel on a very personal level. This documentary will give you a realistic idea of the ups and downs of ...

  14. International Travel to the U.S. Has Resumed. Who's Going Where

    According to data from Travelport, a global technology company that powers travel bookings for hundreds of airlines and thousands of hotels worldwide, flight bookings to and within the U.S. have ...

  15. Travel Town

    TRAVEL TOWN FEATURES: == Merge Objects ==. • Discover over 500 fantastic objects through hundreds of levels! • Freely drag objects around the beautiful world and merge 2 of a kind evolve them into more superior items! • Fulfill missions for the townsfolk to unlock more amazing items! == Meet New Villagers ==. • Discover 55 villagers who ...

  16. 45+ BEST Travel Movies to Inspire Wanderlust [2024 Edition]

    1.23 The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013) 1.24 The Trip (2010) 1.25 Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987) 1.26 The Darjeeling Limited (2007) 1.27 Patagonia (2010) 1.28 Map for Saturday. 1.29 The Art of Travel (2008) 2 The Best Travel Movies with Locations You Can Actually Visit. 2.1 Grand Budapest Hotel.

  17. 25 best travel movies to inspire your own adventures

    The impact of travel movies on tourism. Besides being great entertainment, travel movies can wield a remarkable influence over tourism. They can kindle wanderlust, highlight unique cultures, and even steer the course of travel trends. Movies often inspire personal journeys by portraying transformative experiences tied to specific locales.

  18. 60 Best Travel Movies that Inspire Wanderlust

    Travel Movies Set Around the World. Raiders Of The Lost Ark (1981) Baraka (1992) Catch Me If You Can (2002) The Bucket List (2007) Eat Pray Love (2010) The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013) Samsara (2013) Best Travel Movies Set in Africa.

  19. Travel

    Plan your trip with Google. Find flights, hotels, vacation rentals, things to do, and more.