You know you are a true travel enthusiast at heart when cinematic shots in a movie excite you more than its story and you can sit for hours just enjoying the view. What if you get to live vicariously as a traveler without spending a single penny? This seems too good to be true considering the economy is going through a rough patch. However, with the help of cinematic experience, it is now possible.
There are movies made for travelers and people who like the idea of spending their days at work dreaming about backpack life and nights visualizing a walk through their favorite tourist destination. For a very long time, these travel-themed movies were very few and limited in number. Moreover, the limited travel movie options would have a documentary vibe with voice-over and just cinnamic shots. As travel vlogs became common, the genre of movies changed with it. Now, movies are more interactive and there is a human perspective involved along with a robust synopsis.
However, to enjoy these movies, you need to have multiple content streaming subscriptions, however, this can impact your budget. Alternatively, smart Cable TV is a much better and more economical option as it comes with multiple in-built streaming sites, HD channels access, and on-demand content streaming options. For this, we recommend you to check localcabledeals.com where you will find details about all the best internet service providers and cable TV options in the US.
5 Best Movies Every Travel Enthusiast Must Watch
If you are into movies, you might have noticed that there are so many different travel-based movies released in recent times. Most of these movies have a very weak plot and the focus is only on the scenery, visualization, and cinematic experience. There should be a whole package to a movie because cinematography alone cannot compensate for a weak story.
Since there are so many different movies but only few have a good plot and solid storytelling, you need to research the list before you start watching. If you are looking for good travel-themed movies, here are some of the best options to consider.
1- Into The Wild
Release: 2007
Available on: Prime Video, Vudu, and Apple TV
Runtime: 148 min
Genre: Adventure, Biography, Drama
Synopsis: A recently graduated young man abandons his worldly belonging and hitchhikes to Alaska to live in the wilderness.
If you are a travel enthusiast or you like watching movies, there is no way you have not heard of this movie already. Into the wild is an exceptional yet very audacious attempt of discussing the ever-so-controversial topic of capitalism vs. wanderlust.
The movie very carefully juggles both concepts making sure that viewer gets to experience things from both lenses. Rather than taking a polar approach, the story is neutrally knitted making sure the viewer gets a very practical perspective.
Into the Wild revolves around a young graduate who ends up abandoning his degree, donating his money, and getting away from people to live in isolation. In his attempt to get close to nature, he ends up hitchhiking to Alaska where he lives a very independent life, cooking with natural ingredients, and using abandoned places for shelter. However, the crux of the movie is just one last dialogue that states, “Happiness is Only Real When Shared.”
2- The Beach
Release: 2000
Available on: Prime Video
Runtime: 119 min
Genre: Adventure, Drama, Romance
Synopsis: An American teen whole enjoying his vacation in Thailand explores a secret destination that is rumored to be paradise; the journey becomes complicated when it is mixed with drugs and followed by some uninvited guests.
The beech is a heavenly story mixed with aesthetic scenery, an exotic beach party, remarkably good-looking cast members, and enticing food. This Leonardo DiCaprio movie might not motivate you to become an entrepreneur, but will surely lure you into booking the next flight to Thailand. The cinematic experience of The Beach is raw yet very authentic.
As a film student, you will fall in love with the camera work and frame sequences. Within the movie, you will see some of the hottest tourist destinations in Thailand including the metropolitan city of Bangkok, the marvelous scenery of Koh Samui Beaches, the Gulf of Thailand, and Ko Phi Phi Leh.
The story revolves around the young American tourist who quenches his thirst for wonder lust by visiting the party capital of the world. However, from the concrete jungle, he soon gets to explore the hidden Thai island that is known for its beauty. The movie pitches a very hippie and idealistic backpack idea at first but soon it transitions into a very realistic experience. All this roller coaster makes The Beach one of the best movies for people who want to travel to Thailand.
3- The Motorcycle Diaries
Release: 2004
Available on: Amazon Instant Video, Google Play, iTunes, and Vudu
Runtime: 126 min
Genre: Adventure, Biography, Drama
Synopsis: One of the most exceptional travel stories from the viewpoint of a young medical student who became the biggest name in the world of revolution today – the journey of Che Guevara as he discovers the world.
“The Motorcycle Diaries” is not just a movie; it is a feast for people who like politics, economics, and traveling. From a history geek’s point of view, you will get to experience the world while knowing about the most famous revolutionist Che Guevara. The movie is a very subtle love letter to the idealistic approach of Che Guevara. Although most people complain that this motion picture does not highlights the personality of Che, rather emphasizes the sceneries and the tourist destination. However, regardless of critic’s opinion it is safe to say that this mix of nature complements each other very well.
The story of “The Motorcycle Diaries” revolves around two ambitious young medical students who embark on a magical journey of knowledge. The movie is based on a book written by Che himself of the same name. Apart from the inspirational story; you will get to enjoy some of the best and most exotic sceneries from South America. The whole movie is a visual treat but the cinematic shots from Patagonia, Miramar, Venezuela, Atacama Desert, and Machu Picchu are the crown jewel.
4- The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
Release: 2013
Available on: Disney+
Runtime: 114 min
Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Drama
Synopsis: Two 9-5 iterative employees, ditch the corporate world to discover a life closer to nature and away from the mundane daily routine
If you are stuck in a mundane 9-5 corporate job, this is the movie that will offer you the motivation to break the chain. Simple, raw, authentic yet very relatable movie for people who struggle with the corporate world. For most people, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty might seem like an underwhelming story told by a sad person with a burning desire for escape, but it is a ray of hope for others.
The plot of the movie revolves around two co-workers who feel stuck in a boring routine but as the job that caged them starts to tighten its grip around them, they devise an escape plan. Mitty the protagonist of the movie is a dedicated worker who struggles to fit in but as his job pushed him to make one of the most difficult decisions of his life; he gives up on corporate slavery.
The theme of the movie is not just about scenery and travel, but about self-love and developing hope in hopeless situations. It is a love note for people who have similar wishes but struggle with taking the first step and finding the courage.
5- Eat Pray Love
Release: 2010
Available on: Netflix
Runtime: 113 min
Genre: Biography, Drama, Romance
Synopsis: A woman post-breakup, embarks on the journey of self-discovery, adventure, and quest for happiness by traveling and experiencing different authentic flavors.
A very complex yet easy on the eyes and heart, “Eat, Pray, Love” is one of the most thrilling movies that celebrate little things in life. From finding ways to enjoy solitude to relishing exotic flavors, this movie can quickly become your comfort entrainment. Where most movies with identical plots will mainly focus on visiting the place, this movie offers a full living experience that consists of cozy space, traveling, scenery, and good food at cozy cafes.
Eat Pray Love is based on a book of the same name and you will get to visit places like Italy, India, and Indonesia with rich cultural experiences. Apart from traveling, the movie very carefully explains how relationships when reaching an expiry become burdensome and require a solid escape plan before they start to make you feel rotten from the inside. With deep meaning and a solid storyline, this movie should be on your watch list.
Wrap Up
Most travel movies seem like a documentary with many cinematic shots of picture-perfect and scenic views. These movies can be boring and a waste of time. If you are looking for a solid plot with a message that resonates, the above-mentioned list is ideal for you.
