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?
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 !!