There’s no denying that the past year and a half have been a roller coaster ride for everyone. With pandemic restrictions going back and forth, it’s hard to feel a sense of normalcy in our everyday lives.
As Singapore starts to implement travel bubbles and vaccinated travel lanes with other countries, it’s a step to show that we’re on track to return to life as we know it before.
While several people have already bought plane tickets to travel out of the island, I know many who have chosen not to travel yet.
For those who aren’t in a rush to travel, why not take a virtual vacation by sitting back and watching the best travel-inspired movies to help satisfy the wanderlust in you?
I’m here to share some travel movie recommendations that may inspire your future travels, so you may want to take some notes in between those bites of popcorn!
Since we’re currently under special circumstances, there’s nothing wrong with taking things slow because before you know it, you’ll be packing your bags and jetting off to a new location again.
With the range of online streaming services today, you won’t run out of choices! You can find my travel movie recommendations on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and more!
Eat Pray Love
Eat Pray Love is a classic romantic film that will never fail to tug at your heartstrings, even after watching it for the 4th time.
It tells the story of Elizabeth (played by Julia Roberts) who embarks on a journey of self-discovery in Italy, India, and Bali after finding herself at a crossroad in life.
There’s just something relatable about a woman who runs away from her life by travelling around the world. Isn’t that what we all want to do in life? Hopping on a plane to nowhere whenever life throws a major curveball at us.
Also, who doesn’t like Julia Roberts, right?
Catch Me if You Can
If you’re a fan of crime stories with a tinge of drama, you’re going to love Catch Me If You Can!
It’s based on the true story of Frank Abagnale, Jr, a con artist who pretended to be a doctor, lawyer, and a co-pilot for a huge airline, all before turning 21.
You’ll be reminded of your own travel adventures (and misadventures) as you’re watching Frank go around the world to escape from the authorities.
It stars Leo Decaprio, Tom Hanks, and Amy Adams, and is directed by Steven Spielberg.
Midnight in Paris
If there’s a movie that’s going to make you fall in love with Paris, it’d be Midnight in Paris!
Alluding to the city’s romantic and nostalgic atmosphere, it’s a story about a man who finds himself back in time, in the company of literary greats like Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemmingway.
The more time he spends in the past, the more he becomes dissatisfied with his present and his desire to escape from it grows.
As we struggle to adapt to the changes forced upon us by the pandemic, it’s the perfect film that will remind us of our life back then.
Up
Up is one of those classic animation films that don’t need an introduction because I feel like everyone has seen and cried over it!
It’s a poignant travel story of Grandpa Carl and Russell who goes all the way to Niagara Falls aboard a house carried by millions of balloons.
It’s the film that reminds us that the real adventure of life is the relationships we have with other people, so we must cherish every moment we have with them before it’s gone.
If you want to feel a roller coaster of emotions, I’d highly recommend (re)watching Up!
The Tourist
If a romantic thriller is a genre you think you may like, The Tourist should be at the top of your travel movie bucket list.
In an impromptu trip to Italy, Frank (played by Johnny Depp) finds himself on an extraordinary adventure after meeting a mysterious stranger named Elise (played by Angelina Jolie).
What started as an innocent trip to escape from his life becomes something that will change his life and leave a mark forever.
The Tourist will remind you that being on the road as traveller is filled with the unexpected that will stay with us long after coming home.
Leap Year
Leap Year is a romantic comedy that will treat your eyes to the beautiful sceneries in Ireland, which may inspire the next destination of your post-covid-19 travel.
It tells the story of Anna (played by Amy Adams), a woman frustrated as another anniversary passes by without her boyfriend proposing.
Growing impatient, she decides to take matters into her own hands by proposing to her boyfriend on February 29, referencing the old Celtic tradition. What follows is a series of misfortunes that will lead her to realise what true love is.
Anna’s story is full of ups and downs and it reminds us that life always comes with adventures and misadventures.
Under the Tuscan Sun
Under The Tuscan Sun is one of those movies that makes you want to live in the Mediterranean forever - which is essentially what it’s all about.
After learning of her husband’s infidelity, Frances (played by Diane Lane) travels to Italy with her best friend to drown her sorrows.
An attempt to pull herself out of a failed relationship becomes a permanent vacation when she falls in love with the beauty of rural Italy and a handsome Italian man.
Preparing for your future travels?
That’s it for my travel movie recommendations to psych you up for your next trip! Do you have any travel movies you’d like to recommend? Let me know in the comments!
There's no need to rush your travels, but you can start planning as early as now! Get in touch with me if you need help in planning your trips in the coming year. Let’s help the hospitality and tourism sector bounce back together!
