Self-isolating and planning a coronavirus binge watch? As well as inspiring wanderlust, films about travel are set in fabulous locations and can serve as much needed escapism. From romantic comedies to road movies, here is a selection of classic films about travel to help you through the days and weeks ahead.
Wild (2014)
Wild‘s heroine (played by Reese Witherspoon) is based on the real-life writer Cheryl Strayed, author of a best-selling memoir, also called Wild. The story is based on Cheryl’s adventures on one of America’s most difficult hiking routes, the Pacific Crest Trail that runs from the Mexican to the Canadian border. Grief-stricken, mourning a broken marriage and recovering from a drug addiction, Cheryl decides to attempt 1,100 miles of the hike – a journey which nearly breaks her.
Variety calls the movie “a ruggedly beautiful and emotionally resonant saga of perseverance and self-discovery.” It is also a celebration of the American wilderness; intimidating, untamed, but astonishingly beautiful too. The protagonist’s dramatic journey might even encourage you to set off into the wild yourself.
Wild is a celebration of the untamed American wilderness. Wild, Fox Searchlight Pictures, 2014.
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011)
Next, Rajasthan, India, where seven retirees are enjoying old age – with a twist. In The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, a group of seniors decide it is the perfect time in their lives to discover India – a place where conveniently, their money will stretch a lot further.
The group begin their stay at a rather shabby retirement hotel in Jaipur. As you might imagine, there are plenty of comical mishaps, insights into aging, and life lessons learned along the way. India often steals the spotlight, with its kaleidoscopic colours and gorgeous scenery.
The Telegraph describes the film as “sweet-natured, good-hearted and decent.” It will leave you smiling, if not contemplating a trip to India immediately.
The Beach (2000)
The opening scenes of The Beach will resonate with any backpacker who has found themselves in Bangkok as part of their South East Asia gap year. But viewers soon realize that protagonist Richard’s journey is nothing like the average backpacking trip to the Far East.
Played by Leonardo diCaprio, Richard is a young American who arrives desperate for adventure and an authentic travel experience. He meets Daffy, a seasoned traveller – and most definitely a madman – who inspires him to search for a mythical island. The island is a utopia, according to Daffy, who kills himself soon after, leaving Richard a map. While the plot becomes increasingly dark and disturbing, the incredible blue waters and white sands of the island will have you dreaming of your own mysterious paradise.
The white sand and crystal clear waters of the island in The Beach will have you dreaming of your own deserted paradise. The Beach, 20th Century Fox, 2000.
The Endless Summer (1966)
Documentary The Endless Summer was made by filmmaker and pro-surfer, Bruce Brown, who set off with two other surfers – the original ‘dudes’ – on an around-the-world surfing odyssey that took in Hawaii, Australia, South Africa, among other countries, on a hunt for the elusive perfect wave.
The film played a major part in popularizing surf culture, and is definitely one which will have you longing for lazy summer days lived out on a beach somewhere sunny. The movie is slightly dated now, but footage of some of the world’s best waves makes up for it. Even if you’ve never surfed in your life, it offers some fabulous escapism. In the words of the film, “On any day of the year, it’s summer somewhere in the world.”
The Before Trilogy (1995 – 2013)
Director Richard Linklater is known for his realistic movies, many of which take place in a single day. Such is the case with The Before Trilogy which begins with Before Sunrise, where the protagonists, Jesse and Céline, first meet in Vienna and fall in love. The sequel, Before Sunset takes place in Paris where the two meet again nine years later. Before Midnight takes place nine years after that in Greece. By now, the two are a committed couple with kids, facing standard couple problems.
The locations also have starring roles in the movies. Vienna, Paris, and Messenia in Greece are all as captivating to watch on screen as the characters themselves – and will make you hanker after a romantic summer holiday in Europe. As CN Traveller writes, the three movies are, “a testament to travel’s power to realign your perception of your own life.”
Richard Linklater’s The Before Trilogy will have you hankering after a summer in Europe. Before Sunrise, Castle Rock Entertainment / Columbia Pictures, 1995.
Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008)
Also set in Europe, this Woody Allen feature stars Rebecca Hall, Scarlett Johansson, Penélope Cruz, and Javier Bardem, and is just as gorgeous and beautiful as you might imagine with such a cast.
Best friends Vicky and Cristina arrive from America for a summer holiday in Barcelona. They meet beguiling artist, Juan Antonio, who invites them to his house for the weekend. When Antonio’s former lover, played by Cruz, arrives on the scene, things get predictably wild and fiery. Spain looks stunning on screen, as do the actors, with Cruz delivering a dazzling performance.
Watch this film if you’re looking for an excuse to book a ticket to a Mediterranean city in search of romance and adventure.
Eat Pray Love (2010)
Critics often reduce Eat Pray Love to a simplistic story of a rich, entitled Manhattanite having a nice time on holiday. But given that it involves sojourns in Italy, India, and Indonesia, it’s one of the best films for stirring up some serious wanderlust.
Based on the book by Elizabeth Gilbert, the film stars Julia Roberts as a successful writer with what appears to be the dream life but who isn’t quite satisfied. She sets off on a quest to find herself and, on route, consumes delicious food in Rome, meditates in an ashram in India, and discovers love in Bali.
A light-hearted jaunt around the globe, it is full of easy-to-digest insights about love, life, and what we mean when we talk about happiness.
With sojourns in Italy, India and Bali, Eat Pray Love can stir up some serious wanderlust. Eat Pray Love, Plan B Entertainment / Columbia Pictures, 2010.
The Motorcycle Diaries (2004)
The Motorcycle Diaries tells the true story of two young friends who travel on motorbikes through South America. One of them is Ernesto Guevara, who later becomes iconic revolutionary Che Guevara. Beginning in Buenos Aires in Argentina where Guevara grew up and heading through Chile, across the Andes, and into the Peruvian Amazon, the film features spectacular footage of places that, in 1952, were rarely explored.
The New York Times writes, “In an age of mass tourism, (The Motorcycle Diaries) unabashedly revives the venerable, romantic notion that travel can enlarge the soul, and even change the world.”
Thelma and Louise (1991)
Thelma and Louise is another movie featuring two best friends on a road trip. But in this case, the protagonists are women – something rare in 1991, when the film first aired.
Played by Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon, the heroines don’t behave much like ladies though, setting off on a holiday that quickly becomes a mad dash for Mexico, on the run from the police after they get into trouble at a bar. On the way, they rob a store, shoot up a truck, and lock a cop in the trunk of a car, all while racing through stunning desert landscapes.
You know it can’t end well, but you also can’t look away as the film careers toward one of the most dramatic and memorable endings in cinema. As CN Traveller writes, while “ultimately, Thelma and Louise don’t get their happy ending…the best coda is knowing their movie paved the way for countless other women to hit the road on their own.”
Thelma and Louise make a mad dash for Mexico, driving through stunning desert landscapes along the way. Thelma and Louise, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), 1991.
Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
For dysfunctional family drama, it doesn’t get much better than Little Miss Sunshine, which also happens to be a great road trip movie. Meet the Hoover family: a teenage son who refuses to speak, a drug-addled grandpa, depressive uncle, weary mother, impossibly positive father, and, of course, Olive, an unconventional child pageant contestant. Not to mention a ramshackle VW campervan, which, inevitably breaks down. This all makes for thoroughly enjoyable watching as we accompany the family on their journey to the Little Miss Sunshine beauty pageant.
The script is tight, witty, and just a tad dark. There are moments of hilarity and moments of true poignancy. And while spectacular scenery doesn’t play such a major role in this movie, the story will remind you that setting off on a trip is, at its best, about an inner journey too.
Family holidays are when you make memories and capture the golden moments of childhood. But they can also be stressful. Whether you have an energetic toddler or a lethargic teenager, keeping everyone happy can be a challenge. And how do you make sure you all have fun while also ensuring you get a much-needed rest?
With some imagination and planning, you can escape the everyday and reconnect. Think about vacations that involve embracing new cultures, get the adrenalin pumping or include sightings of incredible wildlife. Here are some suggestions to get you started.
Thailand has it all: magnificent religious relics, bustling cities, gorgeous beaches, and bucket-list-worthy wildlife.
You might be tempted to give Bangkok a miss, with its reputation for terrible traffic and sleaze. In fact, it can be an intoxicating introduction to the country. Whiz around the centre in a tuk tuk, making sure to sample some weird and wonderful street food as you go. Visit Wat Phra Kaew, or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, which is just as dazzling as it sounds.
High on your list should be elephants – a hit with kids no matter their age. The Telegraph recommends Anantara Golden Triangle retreat which is home to 20 rescue elephants and their mahouts, writing, ‘The river views are a big selling point, as is the huge pool, set amid tropical gardens.’
Wat Phra Kaew temple in Thailand
For a relaxed alternative to the city, head north to the chilled-out cultural hub of Chiang Mai. Explore the old town by bike, visit the evening markets, and spend a day at the zoo. Or venture into the surrounding countryside where you can go rafting or zip-lining.
For spectacular natural scenery, it doesn’t get better than the Ao Phang Nga National Park with its towering limestone islands, including ‘James Bond Island’, which featured in The Man With The Golden Gun. Or travel south for some beach time: Phuket and Krabi are both popular choices. Consider a cooking class, which can be fun and educational.
We recommend staying at The Slate. As Frommer’s says, ‘The facilities are excellent, especially for families – with rooms ranging from pavilions and villas to exquisitely furnished suites.’
Before the civil war, Mozambique was one of Africa’s most popular destinations. Now it’s starting to edge its way back onto the tourist map. There is lots to tempt holidaymakers, including a pristine coastline, pretty tropical islands, and documentary-worthy wildlife. Mozambique isn’t full of tourists – which is part of the appeal.
Explore the long stretch of Indian Ocean coastline with its dunes, beaches, and crystal-clear waters, home to schools of amazing fish and well-preserved coral. Visit the Quirimbas and Bazaruto Archipelagos, two of the world’s top diving destinations. In the latter, you might be lucky enough to spot dugong, dolphins, sharks, and stingrays. Or head to Lake Malawi, which is home to more species of fish than any other lake on Earth. The lake is also great for water sports, including scuba diving, paddle-boarding , kayaking and sailing.
Mozambique has plenty of wildlife
There is also the Maputo Special Reserve, where you can see elephants, kudu, warthogs, zebras, and hippopotamuses. Gorongosa National Park is where you might spot a lion. Hop on board a traditional dhow boat and camp out on deserted islands like pirates. Or help with turtle conservation projects on Vamizi Island.
TripExpert recommends staying at Radisson Blu Hotel which, Lonely Planet writes, ‘offers sleek, modern, well-appointed rooms, a restaurant and a full range of amenities.’
A hot climate can be difficult to enjoy when you have kids in tow. If you’d rather somewhere a little cooler, try Iceland. The small North Atlantic island has made a name for itself in recent years. With striking scenery, friendly people, affordable flights from many major cities, and, of course, the Northern Lights, Iceland ticks lots of boxes. And, you’ll have no concerns for your family’s safety – the country has topped the Global Peace Index for the last ten years.
Kids can have an adventure in Iceland
Iceland combines easy-going vibes with a spirit of adventure. Enjoy volcano tours, glacier hikes, and whale watching, or hire a car in order to take in the best sights. The famous Golden Circle route is especially thrilling with its spouting geysers and thundering waterfalls. Discover the country’s diverse wildlife including the Icelandic horse, whose short and stocky stature makes it perfect for kids to ride. Explore lava caves, swim in geothermal pools, go dog sledding or join a wild reindeer safari.
TripExpert recommends staying at Hotel Borg, which Jetsetter describes as, ‘A slice of 1930s Art Deco glamour and old-school elegance in downtown Reykjavik.’
It’s no secret that Sicily is a charming holiday destination. But have you considered it for a family vacation? The Guardian recommends the Egadi island of Favignana, off the coast of north-west Sicily which has clear waters, picturesque coves and fresh local cuisine. And, if the kids are bored, you can easily hop on a boat and visit another island.
The Telegraph suggests visiting Sicily in October when you can escape the crowds, high-season prices, and searing heat. Stay in an agriturismo (farmstay) where you can experience rural Sicily and farm-to-table cuisine that is deserving of the name.
Sicily can be a great place to holiday out of season
Explore the hill towns of Modica and Ragusa with their winding streets. Check out the coastal reserves of Vendicari or Lo Zingaro. Travel back to ancient times at the Greek temple of Agrigento or the Norman basilica of Monreale. Finally, there’s the volcano, Mount Etna which will undoubtedly wow the kids.
TripExpert recommends staying at Grand Hotel Villa Igiea in Palermo, which Frommer’s says is, ‘still arguably the best place to stay in town.’
Tokyo probably isn’t the first place that springs to mind when planning a family holiday. It is a mega-city, after all, and the thought of fighting through crowds of people with the little ones in tow might immediately put you off. But in fact Tokyo is a thrilling place to take the family with its mix of ancient customs and high-tech innovation.
Visit Shibuya Crossing to see one of the most iconic images of the city. Dont miss Harajuku and Takeshita Dori for unique Japanese pop culture. Also on your list should be the Meiji Shrine, one of Japan’s most important religious sights, although the kids might be more impressed by the cat, hedgehog, and owl cafés.
Tokyo is colourful and fun
For some tradition and tranquility, head to the Hamarikyu Gardens, a beautiful park with a tea house in the centre. Or step back in time at Asakusa, one of the oldest areas in the city. Make sure to visit the Sensoji temple. Explore Hanayashiki, Japan’s oldest amusement park, or relax in Ueno Park, which has beautiful cherry blossom at certain times of year as well as a zoo. Museums to visit include the Samurai and Ninja Trick Museum. Also worth seeing is Tokyo Skytree, Japan’s tallest building, which has fantastic views of the city. And, finally, what child wouldn’t enjoy a robot restaurant?
TripExpert recommends staying at Park Hyatt Tokyo. Departures writes, ‘Celebrated in the movie Lost in Translation, the hotel is probably Tokyo’s most beloved—in Americans’ imaginations, at least.’
Costa Rica is famous for being one of the happiest countries in the world, which already sets it up as a great option for a family holiday. Because who wouldn’t want to be surrounded by smiling faces all week? But the main reason that this Central American country is such a fantastic family vacation choice is the wildlife. From the rainforest of Corcovado to the coral reefs of Caño Island, the country is home to five percent of the world’s biodiversity. Sloths, capuchin monkeys, Blue Morpho butterflies, and caimans – your kids will be amazed by the bizarre and beautiful creatures to be found in Costa Rica.
Aside from wildlife, you can enjoy adventure pursuits such as zip-lining through cloud forests, rappelling down jungle waterfalls, surfing, and river-rafting. Fancy a slower pace to your holiday? Adults can enjoy yoga classes while the kids hang out in the pool or try horse-riding.
Costa Rica boasts incredible wildlife
Head to the north-west for surf or the Caribbean coast for quieter beaches. Corcovado National Park boasts some of the best wildlife, while Tortuguero National Park lays claim to the turtles. Head to Arenal or Poás to see an active volcano. Visit the thundering La Fortuna Falls or laze around in the hot springs. You’ll soon understand what the Costa Ricans’ pura vida is all about.
TripExpert recommends staying at Nayara Resort Spa and Gardens. The Telegraph writes, ‘Both a family-friendly base for adventures and an elegant romantic hideaway, Nayara Resort, Spa and Gardens combines the great outdoors with well-executed opulence.’
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