Traveling and watching movies are 2 of my FAVORITE things to do. Today I have combined my 2 big loves and curated this list for you! Here’s why you should watch these 10 travel films. Get excited and get inspired to pack your bags!

 

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1. Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Where: Barcelona & Oviedo – Spain

This film showcases many beautiful landmarks in Barcelona. Two Americans spend time in Spain, falling in love, getting into some triangle situations and ultimately learning more about themselves.

As if you need more convincing, the cast of this film (Penelope Cruz, Javier Bardem, Rebecca Hall & Scarlett Jo) breathes so much life and comedy into their characters. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

2. Under the Tuscan Sun

Where: Campania, Rome, Tuscany – Italy

This film is full of laughter and heart. A newly divorced writer decides to accept her friends’ offer and ends up on a ‘gay and away’ tour of Tuscany. On an impulse to salvage her misery and start new, she buys a run down villa. The adventure continues as Frances restores her home with the help of some eccentric, lovable, and hilarious new friends. The movie not only showcases the beauty of Tuscany but also gives us an insight into Italian family life and culture.

 

3. Lost in Translation

Where: Tokyo – Japan

I’m a fan of Sofia Coppola’s style. She focuses not only on the plot of her films but also the mood. This film does exactly that. A lonely American girl befriends an aging actor in Tokyo. The film succeeds in capturing the chaos and modernity of Tokyo, but also takes us on a subtle yet beautiful exploration of Japanese culture. The story unfolds as we see the two characters bond in an unlikely scenario so far from home.

 

4. 2 Days in Paris

Where: Paris – France

A French girl (Marion) and her American boyfriend (Jack) spends 2 days with her eccentric family in Paris. In midst of their own relationship drama, we watch hilarious scenes of Marion starting trouble with cab drivers and Jack giving wrong directions to a group of American tourists. There are so many laugh out loud moments as we see Jack’s discomfort when faced with cultural differences in ‘the city of love’.

 

5. Cast Away

Where: Mamanuca Islands – Fiji (filming location)

It might be a bit surprising that this movie makes it on the list. However I have good reasons! I love solo traveling but it can get lonely at times. I feel content and at peace as I watch Tom Hanks stranded on an island, persevering and managing to survive not only physically but mentally. Although this film can be viewed as a tragic tale of loss, it’s one with a strong undertone of adventure and endurance.

 

6. A Good Year

Where: South of France

Ridley Scott does RomCom?! That should be reason enough to give it a watch. A Good Year showed me what I already imagined about the south of France. Beautiful stretches of vineyard and picturesque villages. Set in Provence, a London banker(Russell Crowe) finds himself in trouble over his newly inherited vineyard. Also of course, inevitably falling in love with a local girl played by the wonderful Marion Cotillard.

 

7.  Secret Life of Walter Mitty

Where: Iceland

It is no secret to anyone who knows me that I am obsessed with Iceland. This film will surely convince you to feel the same. An employee(Ben Stiller) at Life magazine finds himself on the adventure of a lifetime when he is given a new assignment. This film not only captures the surreal, alien landscapes of Iceland but also the vivid imagination inside his mind. This one will definitely take you on a wild ride.

 

8. In Bruges

Where: Bruges – Belgium 

Honestly, I had never heard of Bruges before watching this film. The story follows 2 hitmen as they hide out in Bruges. This is what I remember from the film (it’s been 10 years): I laughed a lot, and my desire to visit Bruges grew more and more as the movie went on.

 

9. New York, I Love You

 

Where: New York – USA

This film followed after the release of Paris, je t’aime. I have seen both, and I must say I prefer the New York version. I may be biased because NYC was the first city I conquered alone so its got a special place in my heart. This film is made up of vaguely connected short films that takes us to different neighborhoods of New York. Each short has it’s own characters and unique story. It is truly a love letter to the beauty of NYC and its rich diversity.

 

10. Eat Pray Love

Where: Italy, India, Bali (Indonesia)

I saved my favorite for last. As somewhat of a movie snob, this one is definitely a guilty pleasure. I love it for so many personal reasons. It’s based on a true story of a woman feeling lost and trapped in her life. She finally takes the leap to begin a life changing solo journey to find spirituality, love, and herself. My favorite part is her time in Rome, I would watch this movie for the drool-inducing scenes of food alone! Of course that’s not all. There’s so much magic in this film as we follow her through the three different countries, each with its own significant lesson.

READ: Useful Tips for Solo Female Traveler | What I Learned

 

Please comment and share your favorite movies with us!

 

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