AD – This post contains gifted items but all thoughts are my own

I think I speak for a lot of people when I say one of the main things I miss about life before COVID-19 is going on holiday, travelling and experiencing new things. April was actually looking to be one of the best months of the year – with THREE trips planned, including my own well-being retreat I was scheduled to run in the gorgeous Norfolk country and a solo trip I was planning to take to the sea-side. It would have been my first solo trip EVER.

Of course, COVID-19 had other plans and mine and everyone else’s travel plans got scuppered. 2020 was set to be an amazing year. I was planning on booking another trip to Disneyland Paris and hoping to head to Amsterdam for the first time too. As well as an abundance of smaller trips to various places in the UK – if you know me, you know I love a staycation.

I’m obviously not the only one absolutely gutted about this. And of course the main thing here is that we’re all safe, healthy and following government guidelines so that the world can get back to normal ASAP and we can all continue with our exciting travels as quickly as possible. It’s okay to miss travelling right now. It’s okay to be sad and gutted that your holidays got cancelled. Those feelings are valid.

I find movies are a great way to switch off when times are tough – like now. They’re a great way to immerse yourself into new places, worlds, countries and galaxies. And in tough times like now, when watching movies are one of the few things we ARE still allowed to do, immersing yourself in travel themed movies is a great way to survive lockdown when you’re missing travelling yourself! Here are 8 travel themed movies to watch:

Wild (2014)

Wild is one of my favourite books and favourite films. Starring Reese Witherspoon, Wild is a true story about a woman called Cheryl who hikes the Pacific Crest Trail amidst the stresses of her divorce, drug addiction and death of her mother. It’s a beautiful film, about a woman and her struggles as well as her triumphs.

The Beach (2000)

The ultimate backpacker movie, the list wouldn’t be complete without The Beach featured on it. Another favourite book and film of mine, The Beach – with it’s incredibly shooting location – is definitely a film you want to watch if you’re experiencing wanderlust.

The Bucket List (2007)

Although a tearjerker, I think The Bucket List is a great movie to watch right now. It’s a poignant reminder especially during the current climate, that life is too short. And when everything is back to normal, we should all strive to do all the things we want to do – including travel.

The Inbetweeners 1 & 2 (2011 & 2014)

If you’re after a laugh as well as a bit of wanderlust then you need to watch these two. Certainly NOT the holidays you’d want to go on in these two movies but at least you’ll get some laughs along the way. The Inbetweeners are undoubtedly British, which is why I love them so much.

Midsommar (2019)

I’m trying to cover all my peeps in this list so if you’re into something darker – much, much darker – then Midsommar is the one for you here. Technically travel themed, as the main couple in the story join their friend for a Summer in Sweden, attending a festival that only happens every 90 years, only to find things aren’t what they seem.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011)

Set in India, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is a great travel themed movie to watch during this dark time, which will warm your heart and soul with it’s electric characters. The hotel isn’t quite what it seems and is a culture shock to the group of retirees. But also an amazing experience.

Sex and the City 2 (2010)

Definitely a bit of niche option here but if you’re a fan of Sex and the City, now is a perfect time to re-watch the movies. Both movies are set or partially set elsewhere than America but in the second in particular, the girls jet off to Abu Dhabi and it is just dreamy.

You can’t have a movie night without snacks. So let me introduce you to Plant Pops:

Movie night is all about getting cosy and munching on your favourite snacks. If you’re after something on the healthier side, then these snacks from Plant Pops could be a great option. This delicious plant-based range are Vegan and gluten-free, contain no artificial ingredients, preservatives or palm oil and are only 99 calories a bag!

I was kindly sent a bag of each of their flavours to try out. I’ve got a lot of Netflix to get through, so these are perfect snacks to nibble on whilst I’m watching my latest show. A quite note on each of their flavours:

Himalayan Salt: These ones have a really subtle salt flavour. Like salty popcorn with not much salt on them – if that makes sense? But they work, they’re really nice! They’re particularly nice mixed in with the flavour below.

Smoked Chilli: These were hands down my favourite. I devoured the packet of these! They do have quite a kick to them – which I love! But like I said, they go really well mixed with the Himalayan salt flavour to balance out the spice!

Peanut Butter: These are undoubtedly peanut butter flavour – you don’t even have to taste them to know! So brilliant if you really like peanut butter. Which luckily, I do! These are a nice change from the other two because they’re slightly sweeter but not sweet. If that makes sense!

You can also grab yourself a 20% discount on Plant Pops using the code: NEVERLAND by using this link here!

Are you missing your travels whilst in lockdown? Have you seen any of these movies? Or tried Plant Pops? Which travel themed movies would you recommend?

164 Comments

  1. I saw The Beach during lockdown, and it fits perfectly in this list. I wanted to hop into an aircraft as soon as I was done with it, but then it dawned on me… sorry buddy, lockdown not over… ^_^’ Thanks for sharing!

  2. Just seen The Bucket List (2007) from your list, so yes lots of catching up to do. Will definitely try the appealing snacks.

  3. We can’t travel in lockdown but well movies are always to our rescue virtual travel is possible !
    Gonna binge watch all of them
    Also do read like or follow my blog. Your reviews are valuable
    And stay safe !!

  4. I’ve actually only seen a couple of these films so I’ve definitely got new ones to add to my ‘to-watch’ list. I love the Inbetweeners films though, can’t resist them. The Plant Pops look delicious, I love the sound of the peanut butter ones! Definitely a good snack for an at-home movie marathon.

  5. This is such a great idea! I can’t wait to start traveling again! I’m supposed to be in Ireland right now:(

  6. I’ve never seen Pant Pops before, they sound interesting. I love the sound of the And movies definitely need snacks. I can’t look at anything travel related right now without it making me really down about things, I’m rewatching Grey’s Anatomy for the millionth time to get me through. And I have no idea why I’m finding a medical drama comforting during a pandemic, I know that’s probably a bit weird? 😂 x

    Sophie

  7. Ooh the plant pops sound yummy – especially the Himalyan Salt ones, I really like subtle flavours in things. I’m sorry that you had so many plans that have all fallen through but with any luck, you’ll be able to get them rebooked when reality returns – especially if you still want to go somewhere alone as that’s such a big thing. Thanks for filling up my film list!

  8. Really good collection of movies, I have seen most of them and couldn’t agree with you more. Although there could be a few more addition. I really like “Wild” but whenever i watch it, it reminds of “Into the wild” which is LOVE . I love the layout of your blog, really cool fonts.

  9. Some great suggestions here! Good to see The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel on your list! The second instalment of this is also worth a gander! One of my all time favourite travel movies has got to be Eat Pray Love with Julia Roberts! Also based on a book, although I’m yet to read it, the film will leave you desperate to travel the world 🌎

  10. These are such great suggestions! I think I will rewatch The Bucket List- it’s one of my favorite movies ever!

  11. Oooh! I love that you’re adding a vibe with travel-themed movies! I haven’t watched these movies before – I need to especially with some being released back in the day haha. I love these movie snacks too. I never had popped lotus seeds before but I am interested!

    Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me

  12. The Inbetweeners are something I have yet to watch, but they’ve been on my list for ages!! Lockdown is definitely a great time to finally see them. The Chili flavoured ones sound sooooo good, I love a good spicy snack!

  13. The Bucket List just gets me. I remember watching it a while back. It was a spur of the moment choice but definitely not one I regret. I might need to check out some of the others though. The Beach is one friends have mentioned to me so guess that will be on the list now.

      1. I was hoping Wild would be on this list. Such a good film. I really need to read the book.
        I haven’t seen The Beach in years but as I visited the “beach” in Thailand last year, I feel its work a rewatch.
        I’d add Into The Wild to this list too. Such a good film and based on a true story.

        Also, himalayas salt ftw!

        Helen

  14. I’ve actually only seen two of these… Inbetweeners 1 and Midsommar! Midsommar was a great film but horrific in its own way, with one scene I’ll never forget (and you’ll know which one I’m talking about if you’ve seen it). I love films with travel in, and one I really enjoyed was Hector And The Search For Happiness with Simon Pegg, which I think is just the sort of film you need right now!

  15. I’ve seen a fair few of the films you mentioned and loved them! I’m yet to see the Bucket List and haven’t heard of Midsommar before (will have to look into it!). The Beach is such a classic and I could definitely see myself snacking on the Peanut Butter Plant Pops while watching the Sex and The City films again x

    https://www.femaleoriginal.com

  16. What a great blog post idea! I’m definitely missing my travels due to lockdown. Didn’t even think of watching films to escape to different parts of the country!

  17. Looks like I’ve got a little film night on the cards now, thanks to your list! I’ve only seen a couple of these before and Sex and the City has been on my list to check out for a while.

  18. Can I recommend “In Bruges” – not a classic travel movie but you definitely wanna visit Bruges when the movie is done. This movie is he reason Bruges is on my travel list.
    Great list ❤️

  19. I haven’t watched many of these movies, I feel like I need to watch more though, I’m always going for a series instead of sitting down and watching a film. Will have to go through a few of these and give them a watch. The plant pops also sound delicious, I’m intrigued about the peanut butter ones and I feel like I would love the smoked chilli ones, yum. Thanks for sharing!!

    Chloe xx
    http://www.chloechats.com

  20. So you meant “Wild”, but don’t go for “Into the Wild”. Because that movie will scare you away from travelling instead of developing your interest. The hero dies at the end.

  21. Omg I absolutely love the best exotic marigold hotel and the inbetweeners they are such good films !! I’ve never heard of the rest of these before I’ll definitely check them out 💗 Great post

  22. I haven’t seen those films in ages so will definitely add them to my watch list! As for the snacks, I’ve seen those in Holland & Barratt but haven’t tried them yet! I miss my vegan snacks! They sound so yummy to much on!

    Daisy xoxo | TheDeeWhoLived

  23. The Beach and The Inbetweeners are definitely ones to watch! 😊

    This is such a great list! And what perfect snacks to enjoy whilst watching! I’ve never heard of plant pops before so thanks for sharing!

    Love Lozza xo
    http://girlygabble.com

  24. Great movie picks! I’m embarrassed that I haven’t seen most of these yet! I think I might get into some travel TV shows to help get through the long lockdowns. I’m looking forward to starting some new series and fuelling the wanderlust that!

  25. Ouuhhh plant pops. That’s the first time I hear this. Looks interesting. I think I would like to the Himalayan salt one 😀 Thanks for sharing this! Btw you have a really nice blog!

  26. I loved themed movie nights, and I definitely miss travelling. The snacks look great too.

  27. Those snacks sound delicious! *step away from the snacks Claire*

    I love the selection of films, i have recently watched but not yet recovered from Midsommer! What a film, I am still not sure if I loved it or if it is some kind of post trauma I am suffering from but I think it is well worth a watch x

  28. Aw this is such a cute post and a great way to vicariously enjoy travel! I love the Inbetweeners and Sex and the City but the other ones are now added to my watch list!
    Soph x

  29. I Love the Best Exotic Marigold hotel it’s such a lovely feel good film! Defiitely think I need to check out some others. I’ve been really loving the BBC. series Race Across The World at the minute as well to fulfil my travel needs!

  30. I am always in a search of good movies, that’s why I love lists like your!
    In this list movie ”Midsommar” catched me… it looks something unseen and worth to see! I am now very excited! 🙂

  31. The only movies I have seen from this list are the first Inbetweeners Movie, and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. I’m a big fan of the Inbetweeners, they always make me laugh! 😂 I need to check out some of the other films on your list – I especially like the sound of Wild and The Beach. Those plant pops sound delicious! I think the smoked chilli would be my favourite flavour too. x

  32. Those snacks sound delicious. I’m definitely missing travelling, especially because most of my friends live up north & I’m down south. We had a UK staycation booked for July but have since cancelled that. As disappointing as it is, at least we will be safe & can rebook for next year.

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