Now Reading
10 Movies That Will Inspire You to Travel

10 Movies That Will Inspire You to Travel

As you’re settling into the new year, you’re likely thinking of all the things you want to accomplish this year. Signing up for that gym membership (or finally canceling the one from last year), starting a new hobby, joining a club or, if you’re feeling especially adventurous this year, making travel plans with friends. But sometimes, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s where movies can help.

Movies are a great way to get inspired to travel. They can take you to exotic locales, introduce you to new people and show you the beauty of the world. Plus, they’re a lot of fun to watch.

So if you’re looking for some inspiration for this year’s vacations, here are 10 movies that will make you want to pack your bags and hit the road.

1. Eat, Pray, Love

Eat, Pray, Love is a heartwarming drama about a woman (Julia Roberts) who travels the world in search of herself. The movie takes her to Italy, India, and Bali, and each country offers her something new and special. While her journey takes her on unexpected turns, it’s a reminder that while life rarely goes as we planned, there’s always adventure out there.

2. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

This one is for the daydreamers. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is a whimsical fantasy about a man who escapes his mundane life through daydreams. Ben Stiller delivers an enjoyable and fun performance of a man who longs for his dreams to become a reality. From Iceland to Greenland to the Himalayas, this movie will make you want to travel to far-off places.

3. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy

A group of friends traveling the country together, fighting alongside one another and eating second breakfast — what more could you want? The Lord of the Rings trilogy is an epic fantasy that transports you to another world, and reminds you that adventure is waiting around any corner. While the fellowship wander make their way though the Shire, Middle-earth, a the land of elves and dwarves, start making a list of all the mystical places you want to explore with your own pals.

4. The Princess Bride

The Princess Bride is a classic fairy tale about a princess who is kidnapped by a wicked prince. The movie is full of adventure, humor and romance. While you hopefully won’t encounter the Pit of Despair or Cliffs of Insanity on any of your journeys, it might spark the idea to try something new and exciting this summer.

5. The Grand Budapest Hotel

Wes Anderson knows how to transport you to a world full of stunning visuals and quirky moments. The Grand Budapest Hotel is a whimsical comedy-drama about a concierge at a European hotel, and while some scenes are over-the-top, the movie shows that you will always meet some interesting characters on your travels.

6. Wild

Reese Witherspoon delivers a powerhouse performance as Cheryl Strayed, a woman who hikes the Pacific Crest Trail to heal her wounds and find her inner strength. Brace yourself for breathtaking vistas, rugged wilderness, and the triumph of the human spirit. After watching this film, you’ll be lacing up your hiking boots, ready to conquer your own personal challenges.

7. Before Sunrise – The Trilogy

Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy go on a picturesque exploration of life and love against the backdrop of Vienna, Paris and Greece in a series of enchanting encounters over the years. If these films don’t inspire you to book a trip abroad, we don’t know what will.

8. Into the Wild

Based on a true story, this thought-provoking film follows Christopher McCandless as he abandons his material possessions and embarks on a journey of self-discovery in the Alaskan wilderness. The breathtaking nature, philosophical musings and a profound exploration of the meaning of life will surely inspire you to seek some of your own adventure. Just remember — it’s essential to strike a balance between adventure and preparation.

9. Up 

Pixar has the stunning ability to make us sob our eyes out while inspiring us to take an imaginative and heartwarming adventure. Carl Fredricksen and his floating house reminds us that life’s greatest adventures are often found in the most unexpected places. Who knew a balloon-powered house could teach us so much about embracing life?

10. Encounters at the End of the World

Technically this is a documentary, but it’s so worth the watch. Encounters at the End of the World follows Werner Herzog as he travels to the continent to meet with the scientists, researchers and support staff who call Antarctica home. If Antartica isn’t on your bucket list yet, after this documentary it totally will be.

© 2023 RELEVANT Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Scroll To Top

You’re reading our ad-supported experience

For our premium ad-free experience, including exclusive podcasts, issues and more, subscribe to

Plans start as low as $2.50/mo