7 awe-inspiring films to help satisfy your wanderlust for now

We’re all stuck at home together, thanks to the COVID-19 crisis.  Like us, you’re probably dreaming of your next travel adventure when the time is right. With all this free time on our hands as we join the stay-at-home movement, what better way to inspire our future travel plans than with a few destination-centric movies, shot around the world? On behalf of our friends at The Travel Corporation, here are 7 travel-inspired movie picks for your viewing pleasure:

Chasing Liberty – Eastern Europe

A classic romantic comedy about Anna (Mandy Moore), an 18-year-old daughter of the President of the United States who rebels and goes on an epic European adventure. She travels to Europe with her family but craves freedom from her father’s protective service agents. When she runs into Ben (Matthew Goode) he helps her escape, on a vespa no less. The two travel through Prague where she jumps into the Vltava River, attends the Love Parade in Berlin, runs through the countryside in Austria and goes on a gondola ride in Venice. The movie’s scenery closely depicts Contiki’s Eastern Quest which guides travellers on a 10-day adventure through Italy, Austria, Czech Republic, and Germany, plus Netherlands, England, Belgium and France. Plus, have you heard? Contiki is hosting its own Netflix parties every other Thursday as we’re all kicking it at home! Check out @contiki on Instagram for more detail.

Photo by Felix Mittermeier from Pexels

Amelie – France

Amelie has a fabulous destiny in Paris, France and she’s bringing you to the city of lights to explore as the movie is shot in 80 Parisian locations. As she helps and discretely orchestrates the lives of the many characters she meets along the way, Amelie finds love and invites you into her beautiful world. The movie captures the charm and mystery of Paris through this young girl’s eyes who plays a shy waitress in a Montmartre café. Audrey Tautou plays the leading role and adds humour to the eccentric film, known to be a classic international movie.

Photo by Rob Potvin on Unsplash

The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants – Greece

If you haven’t already had your wanderlust fueled for the Greek islands, this movie will certainly activate your strong desire to go. This heartwarming tale of friendship features four teenaged girls who set off in different locations, following their life’s path and passing around a pair of secondhand jeans while they travel. Lena takes off to Santorini for cultural immersion and romance and through her experience, the film lovers get whisked away in the marvelous visual splendour with its charming fishing village feel, bright blue waters and white houses scattered throughout. If you’re looking for a necessary feel-good flick, choose this one.

Photo by Aleksandar Pasaric from Pexels

 

Eat Pray Love – Italy, India, Indonesia

Fitting for the times we’re living in, some eat, pray, love is exactly what we need. Follow Julia Roberts through Italy, India and Bali as she re-awakens her soul with some much-needed Italian cuisine, followed by spiritual connection in India and, of course, love in Bali. How it all started? Best to watch the movie yourself and find out but we can tell you as you re-connect with yourself at home, you’ll find plenty of wonderful places to visit in this movie as you plan your future round-the-world journey. Insight Vacation’s first women-only journey to India – Inspirational India, A Wander Women Journey – in 2021 will offer you the chance to do some soul-searching next year.

Photo by Bhavitya Indora from Pexels

Vicky Cristina Barcelona – Spain

A well-matched cast, stunning views of Spain’s most alluring city, drama, romance and comedy – what more do you need? When Vicky and Cristina, two young Americans, travel to Barcelona for a summer escapade, they meet a flamboyant artist and his distraught ex-wife. Vicky and Cristina become enamoured with the artist, played by Javier Bardem, without knowing that his ex-wife, Penelope Cruz is about to re-enter his life. The rest of their entangled world is yours to discover.

Photo by Kristijan Arsov on Unsplash

The Sound of Music – Germany and Austria

For a true classic from the 60s, look no further than The Sound of Music. Starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, the film brings pure joy from the very beginning. The opening scene features the notable song “The Hills are Alive,” shot on the scenic alpine Mehlweg meadow with German Alps in the background, just 30 minutes away from Salzburg, Austria where the remainder of the movie was filmed. When in Austria, follow the footsteps of the von Trapp family at the original shooting locations like the Mirabell Palace and Gardens and Residenzplatz Square along with Residence Fountain. Travel with Trafalgar on its Best of Germany and Austria trip, specifically designed to have you visit the movie’s most famed locations.

Photo by Paul Gilmore

Lion King – Botswana

The classic Disney movie set in the Pride Lands of Africa will have travellers craving a safari adventure. Botswana is the ideal destination for those looking for an extraordinary safari experience with diverse ecosystems, varied wildlife and remarkable landscapes. Chobe National Park and the Chobe River are Africa’s most sought-after safari destinations, where the elephant population is amongst the highest density in Africa. Lion World offers travellers an array of wildlife experiences and who knows, perhaps you will run into the likes of Simba, Pumbaa and Timon together in real life.

Photo by Mike Holford on Unsplash

Nadia Elkharadly

Nadia Elkharadly

Nadia Elkharadly is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of Addicted Magazine. Her myriad of addictions include music, fashion, travel, technology, boxing and trying to make the world a better place. Nadia is also a feminist, an animal lover, and a neverending dreamer. Keep up with her on social media through @thenadiae.
Nadia Elkharadly