Traveling abroad? A good choice! You bought a ticket, your route is set, and you’ve done some research on your destination. Now comes the worst part: the waiting. Count the days until you leave with our selection of movies and TV shows that will take you to faraway places. Even if you’re not planning a trip right now, this list will kickstart your wanderlust from the comfort of your couch. The next steps are up to you.
1. On the Road
Whether you’ve read the classic Jack Kerouac (1957) or not, this film will set your traveling spirit on fire. The film is based on Kerouac’s adventures in the United States in the late 1940s and his rise to prominence as a prominent Beatnik group of American writers. The so-called “beatniks” rejected the mainstream narrative of the time and advocated a bohemian lifestyle. If you are a connoisseur of counterculture, then this film is definitely for you.
2. Am é lie
Enter the eccentric world of a charming Parisian woman. See Paris through the eyes of Amelie, from Montmart to rue Lepic, and how she connects with the guy she likes. Her attempts to question him go beyond what most of us do for love (hey, this is a movie after all), but it’s still fascinating to watch. Amelie’s cunning personality and shy nature shine through her inner dialogue, which she shares with the viewer. It might be too cute for some, but you will still enjoy a great cinematic tale and humorous plot of the traveling garden gnomes (my favorite part).
3. Before Sunrise
Love at first sight. Does it exist? Who knows. But who doesn’t dream of going abroad and falling in love overnight? In this classic film starring Ethan Hawke and Julia Delpy, two young men do just that. They meet while traveling and decide to spend the day (and night) together before parting ways. It’s romantic, witty, and you can enjoy great views of Vienna.
4. The Motorcycle Diaries
This intimate film is a personal snapshot of Che Guevara’s life, as well as a coming-of-age story that spans the entire South America of the 1950s. Based on the actual travel diary of Guevara, we learn how the injustice he witnesses on the trip, mostly from impoverished social strata, turns him into the revolutionary leader he has become. This is the same beautifully shot and written film that you cannot miss.
5. Into the Wild
Based on the true story of Christopher McCandles, the film might break your heart. In 1992, 24-year-old McCandless travels to Alaska to escape modern society, taking just over 10 pounds of rice, a .22 rifle and several books with him. At some point we all crave freedom, but this film begs the question: at what cost? It made me think about the fact that sometimes we forget that everything we want already lives within us. Freedom is essential, but it is the connection with others that makes our life special.
6. BBC Planet Earth
This great documentary series takes you from the ocean to the jungle or somewhere in between. Each episode is 45 minutes long and in that short time will make you seriously think about exploring the distant. We recommend that you watch in HD quality so as not to miss the slightest detail, like colorful places and untouched nature. They have never looked prettier.
7. Y Tu Mamá También
Driving can be problematic. 2 teenagers and a woman decide to take a trip to a hidden beach. This kind of film captures the viewer with a crazy ride through the city of Oaxaca, Mexico. Drama follows a path when they come to terms with their feelings for each other and the consequences of past actions. Sometimes it looks like a soap opera, but with good acting. We were also surprised that 76% of the population in Mexico’s regions live in extreme poverty.
8. Expedition Happiness
This phrase is the watchword for a young German couple who repaired an American school bus and began their adventure from Alaska to Mexico. Watch how the word “home” changes for them throughout the film. You will witness the beauty of North America and how this couple’s relationship is developing.
9. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown
A must-see show featuring the late Anthony Bourdain, this award-winning show is a gem. Bourdain’s brilliant sarcasm meets with genuine enthusiasm as he travels around the world revealing a buffet of culture and cuisine. There are 11 seasons of this show, more than enough to inspire you on your next adventure. Rest in Peace Tony.
10. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
If you choose this movie, you will certainly not regret it. I had no expectations for this film, but it shook me. Ben Stiller is a classic character that always touches. As an introvert, I understand his problems with expressing feelings and opening his heart to outsiders. This film beautifully mixes reality with fantasy, in which these thoughts are embodied as “What if?”. It clearly shows qualities such as courage, responsibility and the desire to make dreams come true. There is a scene in Iceland in this movie that makes you want to grab your skates from the nearest store and fly there on the first flight.