1. Into the Wild (2007)
The soul-searcher. If you haven’t seen this film already, go and watch it. Now. Uplifting, thought-provoking and heart-breaking all at the same time, this movie will make you question your very existence. Emile Hersch is outstanding as Christopher McCandless who, after graduating from university, abandons everything (we’re talking cutting up credit cards, donating everything to Oxfam and ditching his family) to trek out into the North American wilderness. We watch as he makes his solitary journey through spectacular scenery, meeting fascinating people along the way.
Where will it inspire you to travel? It was filmed throughout the US (including Alaska, Oregon, Arizona and Nevada), but really this film just inspires you to travel, full stop.
2. Thelma & Louise (1991)
The ultimate road trip movie. Thelma & Louise is an epic tale of friendship, female empowerment and adventure. It follows badass redheads Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis, who decide to ditch their gender roles and hit the road. Think feel good country music, iconic fashion and non-stop Girl Power. Plus it earned six Academy Award nominations.
Where will it inspire you to travel? This movie will make you want to grab your BFF and set off on the ultimate American adventure. High wasted jeans and retro Ray-bans are a must. High-speed police chases not so much. (Added bonus: Brad Pitt as a shirtless cowboy).
3. Wild (2014)
The Girl Power movie. Sort of the girly equivalent of Into the Wild, there’s so much to love about this movie – beautiful cinematography, an inspiring true story of fearless femininity and, of course, Reese Witherspoon. She delivers a gritty performance as a woman who decides to walk solo for more than a thousand miles along America’s Pacific Crest Trail to recover from personal tragedy. It’s an uplifting journey of strength, self-discovery and healing.
Where will it inspire you to travel? Shot against the beautiful backdrop of Oregon, this film will have you itching to travel to places like Crater Lake National Park, Ashland and Bend.
4. Eat Pray Love (2010)
The find-yourself movie. Does it get much better than Julia Roberts plus some of the most beautiful destinations in the world? Probably not. Although this film gets mixed reviews, its gorgeous locations – Italy, India and Bali – are enough to get you planning your next adventure. Roberts plays Liz, who sets off around the world after a string of failed relationships. She eats her way around Italy (“I’m on a no-carb-left-behind experiment!”), prays in India, and finds love in Indonesia (hello, Antonio Banderas). Soul-searching, feel-good and visually beautiful, this film is perfect for any travel addict.
Where will it inspire you to travel? Specifically, Italy, India and Bali. But really this film is about seeing and experiencing all the beautiful things the world has to offer.
5. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011)
The family-favourite. Everyone loves this feel-good movie. A gang of British ‘golden oldies’ (including the fabulous Maggie Smith, Judie Dench and Bill Nighy) impulsively decide to ditch England in favour of an exotic retirement in a less than luxurious, but charming hotel in India. Queue quippy one-liners from Maggie Smith, an uplifting soundtrack and spectacular scenery; this film will remind you that it’s never too late for adventure.
Where will it inspire you to travel? Beautiful, colourful, chaotic India.
6. The Descendants (2011)
The slow burner. This quirky Oscar-winner follows Matt King (George Clooney), who struggles to reconnect with his daughters after his wife falls into a coma. Set in idyllic Hawaii, this is a must for any travel-lover. And with 115 minutes of George Clooney, what’s not to love?
Where will it inspire you to travel? Hawaii. Beautiful shots of white sand beaches, surfing and epic countryside will have you booking a one-way ticket to these paradise islands.
7. Letters to Juliet (2010)
The travel chick-flick. It’s not exactly Oscar-worthy, and perhaps wins the prize for cheesiest ending ever, but Letters to Juliet makes the list for its beyond beautiful setting: Italy. This feel good rom-com follows Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) on a quest that takes her through the Italian countryside to find an old woman’s long lost love, and, of course, Sophie ends up finding love herself.
Where will it inspire you to travel? Picture cobbled streets in Verona, café-lined piazzas in Siena and sun-drenched vineyards in Tuscany. Add in the uplifting Italian soundtrack and it’s impossible to watch this film without immediately wanting to jet off in search of la dolce vita.