There are many things that inspire us to travel – boredom with our daily grind or simply reading content on our favorite website. Inspiration can also come from what we see on the screen. Travel shows that we watch and movies that take place in exotic places can spark our wanderlust. Travel shows and movies, whether fiction or nonfiction, depict the protagonist in an unfamiliar place where they encounter situations and meet interesting people all while going through a process of self-discovery. This is why we love these films.
The Way (2010)
Martin Sheen plays Thomas Avery, a father who has just received news of his son’s death, who was killed traveling the Camino de Santiago (The Way of St. James). Initially, he goes to France to retrieve his son’s ashes, but decides to take the pilgrimage in homage to his deceased son. Along the way he meets an overweight man looking to lose some weight, a woman fleeing an abusive husband, and a writer looking to fulfill a lifelong dream. The four walk together as pilgrims and run into some more pilgrims, all while Thomas has visions of his son.
The Beach (2000)
Based on English writer Alex Garland’s novel, The Beach follows Richard (played by Leonardo Di Caprio) who feels disillusioned with modern technology-obsessed culture. He finds out about an isolated community on an uninhabited island in the Gulf of Thailand. Upon arriving, Richard finds out the rumors are correct and lives among the leisurely group. But soon tensions arise coupled with a mortal injury within the group and a visitation from the resident cannabis farmers. All of which can compromise the secrecy of this island utopia.
Into the Wild (2007)
Another movie based on a novel, except this one is an account of Christopher McCandless’s journey to Alaska and his time spent there in the early 90’s, which the film jumps back and forth from. His journey begins in Georgia where he leaves behind his savings, identifying documents, and family. From there he journeys through South Dakota to California, having run-ins with law enforcement, a harvesting company owner, and a hippie couple.
Eurotrip (2004)
Eurotrip is a comedy film where Scotty Thomas, following a break-up with his high school lover, along with his friend and two siblings, travel to Europe in search of Scotty’s German pen pal, Mieke. But the quest takes the group through London, Paris, Amsterdam, Bratislava, Rome and finally Berlin. They encounter numerous characters and face countless awkward situations.
The Darjeeling Limited (2007)
Three brothers played by Jason Schwartzman, Adrien Brody, Owen Wilson travel across India on the train The Darjeeling Limited, in the wake of their father’s death. The journey is an attempt for them to bond with one another. Along the way they visit the Indian countryside, Hindu temples and rescue three boys in a river. A funeral mourning the death of one of the boys prompts a revelation regarding their father’s death.
180° South (2010)
Inspired by a 1968 overland trip from Ventura, CA to Patagonia, Chile by Yvon Chouinard and Doug Tompkins, traveler Jeff Johnson decides to emulate that experience. Rather than travel by land Johnson travels by sea where he partakes in climbing, surfing and sailing. He makes a stop on Easter Island before reaching his final goal – Corcovado Volcano in Patagonia.
photo credit: gomattolson Loring Park Film Nights via photopin (license)
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