Thanks (No Thanks) to the uninvited guest of 2020, the only travel plans we can make is a run to the grocery store. Most of us decided to explore the world this year, but we are just exploring our refrigerators today. Even though our physical existence is caged inside the four walls of our own safe space, our hearts are snorkeling under the Maldivian waters, breathing the fresh air of Himalayas, and tasting the fine wine and cheese in the Europeans streets. To cater to your desires for traveling, you can approach a different form of possible art during this Pandemic- CINEMA.
Hollywood has created the magic of traveling in motion pictures since the 1950s. Visual interpretation of a place has a strong impact on people’s imagination. We know you are browsing Netflix and other platforms more than what you are proud of. So, the next time you spend hours on finding the perfect movie you want to watch, take note of these travel movies that are perfect for your little travel enthusiastic heart.
1. Eat Pray Love
If the movie title, the beautiful smile of Julia Roberts, and the simplicity of the plot does not sweep you off your feet, the connection of spiritual enlightenment with all the countries that she travels to in the movie definitely will. The movie revolves around Liz, a successful woman with a perfect husband, perfect home, and a perfect job, who finds herself losing all of it one day. Living inside the bubble of happiness all her life, she decides to step out of her comfort zone and embark on a journey of self- discovery. From savoring the exquisite Italian meals and walking on the streets of Rome learning the language and relishing on fresh Gelato to meditating in the Ashrams in India, waking up early for Yoga and eating the fresh organic food to finding the true love of her life in Bali, Eat Pray Love is the exact denomination of her journey.
The movie is an adaptation of a best-selling book written by Elizabeth Gilbert. This is one of the very rare movies that surpassed the standards set by the book.
2. The Beach
The famous Leonardo DiCaprio movie that introduced the world to one of the most beautiful beaches in the world- Maya Bay, Thailand. Richard played by Leonardo is a boy in his 20’s who is hopping from one backpacker hostel to another in Thailand in search of finding something that is inspiring, moving, and meaningful. After a tip from a stranger in Bangkok, he is set on a new adventure of finding the hidden island which is supposedly the greatest paradise with crystal blue water, white shining sand, and views that are beyond beautiful.
Only a handful of travelers know about this mystery beach and they have sworn to keep the location a secret. As he makes the search for this mystical island his life motive, the series of events unfold making the beach a blessing in disguise.
3. Forrest Gump
One of the classic Tom Hanks movies that will leave you laughing, crying, wondering, and amused all at the same time. Forrest Gump is a decent but slow-witted man with an extravagant zeal for life. He is always ready to be a part of an adventure, an experience, or even a tragedy. His life follows events from America to Vietnam to Washington from football scholarships to the army and to love. After being dejected from the only girl he gave his heart to, Gump decides to run across countries and continues to do so for three years.
The movie is an absolute visual delight filled with a rollercoaster of emotions. Forrest Gump did tremendously well in the box office and won many national awards for being culturally and aesthetically pleasing.
4. Into the Wild
The first Hollywood movie that comes in mind as soon as someone mentions adventure, wilderness, and travel is 2007 released Into The Wild. Inspired by the true story, the movie talk about the boy who decides to leave a profitable career, a stable life, and the monotony of the urban world and sets out on an adventure alone in Alaska. From exploring the woods to completing the snow-capped summits to chasing the Pacific to Kayaking the Colorado Rivers, this movie is every traveler’s vision and depiction of a wondrous soul.
Alex decides to completely shut off his old identity and begins shaping his life with every new person he meets, every new place he sees, and every realization he experiences on his journey. His life undergoes many transformations for good and for bad and he ultimately gives his life to the wilderness in the end.
5. The Darjeeling Limited
Set in the different picturesque locations of India, The Darjeeling Ltd is an emotional story of three brothers who have not seen or spoken to each other ever since their father’s sudden demise. Each of them is suffering from depression and decide to reunite for a train journey across India to find a ray of happiness and purpose in life. Starting from the cramped train to busy Indian bazaars to barren deserts and stunning mountain landscapes of India; this movie takes you to the essence of the country.
The plot takes an interesting turn when one of the brothers finally reveals that the real reason for their reunion is to visit their long-lost mother in a Himalayan convent.
6. The secret life of Walter Mitty
After tirelessly working in a monotonous job at a magazine company, Walter Mitty who is a day-dreamer and an escapist gets a chance to set out on an adventure in the quest of finding that one cover-worthy photo from the world-famous Sean O-Connell whose whereabouts are unknown to the world.
The visual embodiment of these movies will take you from Manhattan to Iceland to Greenland and even India. Whether he finds the cover or the journalist is for you to find, but his global journey turns his fantasies into reality one at a time.
These were some of our top favorite Hollywood movies for all our wanderlusts that are constantly posting throwback travel pictures and scouting the travel websites every other day. These feel-good movies will take you around the world without being worried about a life-threatening disease Covid-19. Sooner or later, there will be better days and we all will travel to our heart’s content, but till then enjoy these movies while you are inside and safe!
Movies Posters Source: IMDB
