Movies to Inspire Your Wanderlust

 *Disclaimer - I am new to blogging and I am a horrible writer. Enjoy!

From an early age, I fell in love with movies. So many times, I have been drawn into a story, the location and the characters. I have movies to blame (or thank) for my passion of travel. As most of us are in self-isolation, this is a great time to catch up on new movies or even see a much loved film as many times as you wish. 

I was on a recent video conference with my day job and a conversation started about everyone's favorite shows to watch during social distancing. It inspired me to think about my favorite movies and which ones inspired my wanderlust. Surprisingly, there were several movies that rose to the top. The second half, a little harder as I had to get a little cut-throat on some beloved movies. So here you go...Laura's Top Ten Movies to Inspire Your Wanderlust:

 

10. Up, 2009

Yes, I know this is an animated film. What I find so endearing about this movie is that Carl finally set out on an adventure to see South America to complete a promise he made to his late wife, Ellie. Along the way, he experiences a series of adventures and learns how to live his life again. Moral of the story, there is so much love in the world and we must never give up on our dreams and friends.

9. War and Peace, 2016 TV Series

Hear me out, this is not a movie, but a very good mini-series. The thought of this story may put you to sleep, but I found it to be binge-worthy. With filming locations like Catherine's Palace, The Hermitage Museum and Yusupov Palace, this series draws you into a heartbreaking story of love and loss. 

8. National Lampoon's Vacation, 1983

Growing up in a family that loved everything Disney, we made an annual road-trip to Orlando from North Carolina to visit Walt Disney World. It was roughly a 12-hour, one-day drive. I am pretty sure my Mother and I fought most of the time, and Dad, peacefully driving the mini-van down I-95, had every stop planned for the maximum time management and comfort. I think everyone can relate to this movie...it's a classic!

7. The Talented Mr. Ripley, 1999

This movie is definitely one that you need to watch more than once to really appreciate the story. While slow in the beginning, the crystal-blue waters and incredible scenery will make you appreciate the cinematography. Aside from New York, almost the whole movie if filmed in Italy. If you haven't seen this movie, now is the time. Grab a glass of wine and a charcuterie board and appreciate the beautiful, yet a bit creepy, film.

6. Romancing in the Stone, 1984

One of my favorite films growing up, Romancing the Stone inspired a sense of adventure and romance in my life. The main character goes on a life-saving adventure through the jungles of Colombia, only to be "rescued" by a dashing, Michael Douglas. This movie is the reason Cartagena is on my bucket list. I will make it there one day.

5. All Indiana Jones movies, 1981 - 2008

Harrison Ford is the ultimate adventure hero we all need. Exploring ancient ruins, check. Saving the women he loves, check. Eating bugs, check. He does it all and even saves us from the Nazis several times.  What are you waiting for...time for an Indiana Jones marathon!

4. Into the Wild, 2007

This is one of my son's favorite movies. It is based on the true story of Christopher McCandless and his hitch-hiking adventure across the country to Alaska. Not quite prepared for the adventure, he struggles for survival in the wild. The scenery and sense of adventure is overwhelming at times. In all, this story is about a man who gives up everything only to realize that it may not have been worth it. Maybe it was. 

3. Marie Antoinette, 2006

This movie is by far my guilty pleasure. I fell in love with the Palace of Versailles when I was just 18. I was on a spring trip with my high school and spent a whole day exploring the magnificent grounds. While the film was criticized by Parisians and movie-goers, I fell in love. It tells the story of a teenager and how she was thrown into the French Court. She knew nothing about ruling and made many mistakes along the way. This is an amazing movie, you won't be able to argue this with me. 

2. Out of Africa, 1985

"I had a farm in Africa..." it was a phrase that i would say many times as a child because it delighted my mother. We had watched this movie so many times as I was growing up. I always dreamed of visiting Africa and when I finally did, guess what movie was playing on the patio one night on the big screen overlooking the savanna? While I was nowhere near the foot of the Ngong Hills, I felt like a childhood dream had finally reached full circle. Added to the bucket list...actually visiting The Karen Blixen Museum in Nairobi. 

1. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, 2013

For once, the movie is better than the book! If you aren't inspired by one man's incredible adventure, then maybe you have lived a lifetime of adventures of your own. Daydreams are no longer just dreams, they are real and amazing. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is fun, lighthearted and full of surprises. What are you waiting for? Watch it now!

 

Inspiration is in the eye of the beholder. What movies inspire your wanderlust? I want to hear your thoughts!