Wondering where to go next? One of the best ways to get inspired for your next travel destination is by sitting on the couch and watching a movie to help your wanderlust settle in.
From seafaring adventures across the Pacific to road trips through the Southwest United States, here’s a list of some of my favorite travel movies guaranteed to inspire you to book that flight.
The Best Travel Movie Ideas to Inspire You to Hit the Road
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Pål Sverre Hagen, Anders Baasmo Christiansen, Tobias Santelmann (Actors)
Kon-Tiki
Thor Heyerdahl, a Norwegian explorer, sets sails from Peru to Polynesia on a balsawood raft he names Kon-Tiki. Using only the stars and the ocean currents as his guides, Thor is faced with enormous challenges along the way, all of which add up to a wonderfully inspiring story of seafaring exploits, perseverance, and a whole lot of misadventures.
Street Food
From the night markets of Bangkok to the alleys of Ho Chi Minh, Street Food will transport you to some of the most incredible cities in Asia through food.
They say the only way to experience a destination’s cuisine is by trying out its street food, and this documentary proves the theory right not only by showing viewers the most exquisite street food out there but also by showing the way a country’s gastronomy ultimately connects its people. Warning: Don’t watch Street Food if you’re hungry! | Stream on Netflix
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Martin Sheen, Emilio Estevez, Deborah Kara Unger (Actors)
The Way
After his son dies on the Camino de Santiago, Tom, an American doctor travels to France to pick up his ashes. Once there, he decides to finish the Camino for his son.
Along the way, Tom meets other pilgrims and winds up finally understanding why his son loved traveling as much as he did. Not only is this a super emotional movie about self-discovery, but it’s also guaranteed to inspire you to hike the Camino to follow in Tom’s footsteps.
No products found.
Into The Wild
Based on a true story, Into the Wild follows Christopher McCandless’s journey into a simple life and away from anything he deems materialistic.
After graduating college, Christopher sets out to travel the United States, Canada, and Mexico with no money, in his pocket, using hitchhiking, camping, and the kindness of those he meets along the way to complete his journey to Alaska.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Gael García Bernal, Rodrigo De la Serna, Mía Maestro (Actors)
The Motorcycle Diaries
This movie follows the life of a young Che Guevara as he travels through South America on a motorcycle. This trip was a catalyst for Che’s revolutionary thinking, but even if you don’t agree with the politics of the movie, you’ll still fall head over heels in love with it as most of it is focused on the landscapes, people, and culture of the continent.
No products found.
Thelma & Louise
Feeling in the mood to travel with your BFF? This movie follows two women driving across the American Southwest, partly in search of adventure but mostly to escape the law.
What’s best? It features a ton of iconic spots in the area (hello, Utah desert!), and you’ll have no choice but to start mapping out your next National Park road trip once you’re done watching this award-winning film!
Warning: This movie isn’t easy to digest as it deals with sexual assault and murder. Still, though, through its harrowing plotline, it has become a staple of feminist cinema.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Kathy Bates, Adrien Brody, Carla Bruni (Actors)
Midnight in Paris
Ever felt like you were born in the wrong decade? If you’re feeling in the mood to travel to Pari in the 1920s, this movie is just what you’re after! Gil is a writer visiting Paris on vacation with his fiancé and her family. Feeling like he doesn’t quite belong, he decides to go for a walk in the city at night, where he suddenly finds he’s been transported to the ‘20s.
You might like:
- The Top 5 Best Road Trip Movies of All Time
- The Best Movies for Aviation Enthusiasts
- 9 Most Awesome Weather Shows on Netflix
- 20+ Family Vacation Movies
- 22 Family Vacation Movies on Netflix
- How to Keep Kids Busy in the Car While Traveling
What are some other unmissable travel-inspired movies everyone should watch at least once in their life? I’d love for you to share your favorites as well as how they inspired an adventure!
- 100+ Educational Netflix Titles for Homeschooling (Free Printable List!) - April 26, 2025
- What To Watch This Week - April 25, 2025
- Where to Watch The Grinch - February 3, 2025
[…] The Best Travel Movie Ideas to Inspire You to Hit the Road […]