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!
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!
Glad you enjoyed it!
This is a great list. One of my favourite travel movie is Eat Pray Love with Julia Roberts. It is an inspiring book and movie.
I need to watch and read that!
[…] kid not to press a button and you can bet your bottom dollar they’ll be pressing that button. A lot of people miss travel right now, that’s no surprise. But all we can really do is sit tight, wait it out and get out […]
Just seen The Bucket List (2007) from your list, so yes lots of catching up to do. Will definitely try the appealing snacks.
Great list!
I loved your picks, and sex and the city 2 is simply the most loved of all. I think, the movie “Eat, Pray, Love” is the one I can watch over and over.
This list really helped me! Just can’t wait to travel again. But till then will travel on my couch through this list! Thanks! 💕
Haha you’re welcome!
😊 all great movie suggetions. My favourites are the rom com travel movies, light and feel good for these times.
They’re always good movies to get stuck in to!
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 !!
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.
The Inbetweeners will never get old, will they?
Absolutely helpful thank you so much😁😁😁😁👍👍👍
These look delicious. My current snack of choicer is Propercorn Vanilla and Coconut but perhaps I’ll have to give these a go as an alternative. My favourite travel themed movie is Letters to Juliet, if that counts?
Vanilla and coconut popcorn sounds beaut!
This was a much needed post! Gonna binge watch during quarantine days! Thanks!
Hope you enjoy them!
Great. Thanks for the list.
Surprisingly I haven’t actually seen these movies and if I have I can’t remember watching them. Will add them to my list for when I’m in the mood 🙂 great post Jenny xx
Fy https://cultureeighteen.wordpress.com
Oh what! I hope you get around to watching them at some point 🙂
This is such a great idea! I can’t wait to start traveling again! I’m supposed to be in Ireland right now:(
Ah I’m sorry to hear that!
I love the Beach, it’s so weird and wonderful and fills you with pure escapism!
Great list! Adding these to my evenings!
Rosie
It really does!
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
Haha not weird at all! I love watching anything medical!
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!
Thank you! I do hope so – I should have just come home from my little solo trip now so I’m pretty sad 😂😂
Love this!🙌
Thank you 😌
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.
Yeah I didn’t want to add too many other wise the post would have been too long. I’ve had a few recommendations of Into the Wild.
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 🌎
I’ll definitely give that a watch!
I actually haven’t seen any of these movies! I am not a huge movie person, so that isn’t surprising at all. I do miss going out and doing things too, like going to the beach!
Also, these snacks sound SO good!
tonyalee @ http://vivaciousbibliophile.com
The snacks were pretty yummy!
Great movie recommendations. I love a good movie night! I’m missing planning trips. This year was supposed to be the year where we planned lots of stuff and I keep dreaming about different trips and being on holiday! I miss it!
Lauren | http://www.laurenyloves.co.uk
Same girl – I had so much planned! 😭😭
These are such great suggestions! I think I will rewatch The Bucket List- it’s one of my favorite movies ever!
I might rewatch that today too!
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
Thank you 😌
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!
The Inbetweeners are VERY British but I hope you like them!
I’ll let ya know!! 😉
I never heard of these films but it’s always fun to watch movies where people visit countries and experience a culture shock. I’ll have to look up The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel next week.
Natonya | https://JustNatonya.wordpress.com
Hope you enjoy 😌
I haven’t seen any of these films, now is a great time to indulge. The snacks sound delicious too, I always love things with spice so smoked chilli would be my favourite too. Thanks for sharing beauty!
Tx. // Tajinder Kaur
Thank you 😌
Thank you for the suggestions!!
You’re welcome!
I haven’t seen ANY of these!!! Will have to check them out. Those chilli Plant Pops sound so good.
Lexie
http://www.whatlexieloves.blogspot.com