We’ve all been there- times are tough, and you’re thinking “there’s got to be more to life than living to work!”.
If you’re like us, you may turn to a movie to make you feel that little bit better.
Here are 10 movies that will infect you with the travel bug.
Eat Pray Love (2010)
Starring Julia Roberts, this movie focuses on a woman who embarks on a journey to find herself by travelling the world, leaving her “perfect” marriage behind.
We follow Liz as she travels to Rome, Bali, and India to rediscover who she really is, learning important lessons along the way and about the relationships she is choosing to surround herself with.
It is so well written that it is easy to feel what Liz is feeling: worry, loneliness, maybe even anger for having wasted a portion of her life.
We watch as she steps out of her comfort zone, which makes it all the more inspiring to learn it is based on a true story.
EuroTrip (2004)
Very American Pie-esque, EuroTrip shows Scott (a young man who has recently graduated from high school) having his heart broken by his girlfriend.
Before leaving for med school, he decides to travel to Europe and turns to his German pen pal “Mike”. Following a series of unfortunate events, he discovers Mike is actually a beautiful girl named Mieke, who has now cut all contact with him.
Scott decides Mieke is his soulmate, and so he travels to Berlin- with his best friend- to track her down. We watch the two navigate Paris, London, Amsterdam, Bratislava, Berlin, and Rome, encountering awkward situations as they go.
Lizzie McGuire Movie (2003)
Lizzie is a teenage girl who is moving onto high school, and doesn’t seem to feel like she fits in right anywhere. She joins a school trip to Rome and begins a journey of adventure, romance, and, again, realisations of what is really important.
Personally, this was one of the first films that made me want to travel as I watched her speed on a Vespa through the streets of Rome with her love interest, Paolo.
Wild Hogs (2007)
After becoming increasingly frustrated with their mundane lives, four men make the decision to up and leave to California as a biker gang: the Wild Hogs.
This comedy-adventure film will have you belly laughing as we watch their mishaps and how they unknowingly get themselves into trouble.
It is a hilariously relatable film, as I think everyone has considered just escaping to pursue their dreams before thinking of the consequences; and we watch that play out during the duration of this movie.
Bucket List (2007)
Following a cancer diagnosis, Carter and Edward become friends after meeting in hospital.
Carter writes a bucket list, but after being given his life expectancy he instantly gives up on this. Edward finds this, and urges Carter to go for it- with a few additions of his own!
Thus starts their journey around the world. The Pyramids, Safari, skydiving- everything you could dream of. Alongside this, they are trying to make amends with family and friends.
This is an odd kind of film to make you want to travel, but it seems to be more of an “I don’t want to leave it until the last minute” kind of urge.
Wild (2014)
Distraught by her mother’s death, a divorce, and spiralling mental health, Cheryl takes herself to hike the Pacific Crest Trail.
This is the first time she has ever done anything like this, and she has started with one of the toughest trails she could do!
This, based on a true story, is a tale of discovery, learning to trust yourself, and realising only you can save yourself.
It’s hard not to want to get up and get out when watching a movie like this as it puts everything into perspective.
UP! (2009)
After losing the love of his life, Carl is the typical “grumpy old man”- no longer seeing the joy in life.
From a young age he and his wife had been side-by-side, planning an adventure to move to Paradise Falls, idolising a famous explorer. However life got in the way, and the trip was never taken.
This movie follows Carl, a young boy scout named Russell, and their animal companions as they embark on an adventure to Paradise Falls, attempting to fulfil Carl’s lifelong dream.
Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again (2018)
This one is a no brainer! The ultimate feel good movie about love, escaping reality, and overcoming obstacles.
The prequel/sequel to Mamma Mia! This movie is based around Donna, recently a University graduate, who realises that she is not ready to go back to America to begin her life.
She promptly leaves, stopping in France, then making her way to the dreamy island of Kalokairi…”meeting” people as she goes.
There’s music, beautiful scenery, and a ridiculously attractive cast- of course this is a 10/10 for travel inspiration!
Midnight In Paris (2011)
Starring Owen Wilson, Midnight In Paris will get you booking your flight to Paris in no time!
A screenwriter goes on holiday with his fiancée’s family, and after a turn of events, finds himself travelling back in time each night.
This film shows just how romantic Paris can be; for those of you who have not yet visited the City of Love- you will want to after watching this!
It highlights relationships, and how being outside of your routine can really emphasise what needs to change in your life. It is a great representation of just how freeing travelling can be once you take the first step.
Under The Tuscan Sun (2003)
As if you would need any inspiration at all to move to Tuscany, right?
Under The Tuscan Sun shows Frances, a recently divorced writer (i’m seeing a pattern here…) who is suffering from writer’s block.
Her friends gift her a trip to Tuscany to try and clear her head, which she reluctantly accepts. Whilst on the trip, Frances impulsively buys a run-down house which is in serious need of some TLC.
We see Frances on her struggles to settle into her new life, trying to overcome obstacles and longing to be loved whilst in the beautiful scenery of Tuscany.
This film will immediately make you want to sell everything and move to Italy on a whim, in great escapist fiction tradition.