Ohai Travellers! Are you a fan of travel movies? As the lead character has an epiphany on a journey, a new place inspires them to have new perspectives and strangers turn into soulmates, travel is definitely a favourite subject of many moviemakers. From colourful landscapes to diverse cultures, the portrayal of it all is simply awe-striking. So currently, if you are unable to plan your next trip, don't lose hope! Check out these beautiful travel movies that will give you a feeling of travelling through the world right from your home itself.

Here is our list of 10 travel movies you should catch up on during weekends - 

1. The Darjeeling Limited

An emotional tale of three brothers reuniting after years to take a trip to India, this movie is a must-watch for reasons beyond travel (making it one of the best travel movies out there!). Not only does the movie encapsulate India in all its chaos and glory, but it also takes the viewer on a ride that is both visual and spiritual. Wes Anderson‘s bright and bold direction allows for a complete immersion into the journey that the brothers undertake. Replete with stunning scenes capturing the heart of the Indian way of life, Anderson permits the scenery to speak for itself. From the train to the busy streets to the barren, dust-covered plains – this is a movie like no other. It captures the diversity of the country without taking away from the original story.

2. Lost In Translation

If Japan was not on your travel bucket list, then this movie is bound to change that. A moving story about an ageing actor and a twenty-something woman meeting in a foreign place, 'Lost in Translation' captures the beauty of finding a similar soul in a world full of people speaking in another tongue. Amongst the many travel movies that have ever been made this one emphasizes not on the sexual or the vibrant, but the fluidity and connection between the two characters as well as the city. Filled with neon signs and crowded streets and lanky buildings, Tokyo feels like something out of a dystopic world. And somehow we see our protagonists experiencing the same.

3. Samsara

Although this production is termed as a non-verbal guided meditation, I am inclined to add this to the list simply because of Ron Fricke’s breathtaking visuals. It was filmed over a span of five long years and over 100 different locations in more than 20 countries; an expansive list of which can be found on the internet. This is a film that will forever change your perspective of nature and culture. Displayed in the most colourful and vibrant manner, Samsara offers visuals starting from the Epupa Falls in Angola; Thiksey Monastery in India; Burj Khalifa Tower in the United Arab Emirates, the Yellowstone National Park in the USA – and beyond. A complete joyride of scintillating imagery, Samsara is an experience like none other.

4. Wild 

Wild is a brave and heartwarming story about a 26-year-old divorcee who treks 1100 miles of the 2650-mile-long Pacific Crest Trail in 1995. Based on the memoir ‘Wild’ written by Cheryl Strayed; this movie allows you to experience this young woman’s redeeming journey while also being greeted by the beautiful scenery of the trail itself. Reese Witherspoon plays Strayed and manages to really capture the essence of a determined woman. Throughout the gruelling journey, she faces many a difficulty- but giving up is something not on the itinerary for her. It is a must-watch amongst all travel movies, specifically for every female traveller.

5. Y Tu Mama Tambien

A sweet coming-of-age story, Y Tu Mama Tambien ( translated to ‘and your mother too’) is about growth and freedom and sexual expression. Two boys fool an older woman into taking a trip with them to a fictional beach they call Boca del Cielo (Heaven’s Mouth). Initially hesitant, she changes her mind after finding out about her unfaithful husband and accompanies them. They drive through miles and miles of rural Mexico to rediscover the happiness found in freedom. The real scene stealer is the beautiful rolling scenery of Mexico and the wonderful glistening beaches. This is one of those travel movies that is guaranteed to make you want to grab a backpack, call your dearest ones and plan a road trip.

6. A Good Year

This 2006 British American rom-com is bound to open your eyes to a leisurely French holiday. Set in the golden southeastern Provence (France), A Good Year is the story of an uptight investment banker who has acquired a vineyard that was left for him in his uncle’s will. Upon travelling to the country, he discovers all the beauty that lay in wait for him. This includes the dewy grape vineyards, the pale French architecture and a very blossoming young lady, whom he later falls in love with. As they begin to court, we also begin to discover the brilliance of old French vineyards. Just like the protagonist, this movie makes you want to quit that 9 to 5 and become a winemaker. This is one of our favourites when it comes to travel movies.

7. Roman Holiday

It is easy to understand why the Library of Congress chose this film for preservation. The story is genuinely beautiful as is the place it is set in. Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck deliver charismatic performances. Hepburn plays a princess tired of stately duties. She runs away from the embassy and happens to chance across Peck, who manages to convince her to let him show her the city. And this tour lets us into the understated and classical beauty that Rome has. Even though this travel movie is completely black and white, the grandeur of old Roman architecture mixed with the quaintness of its modernity makes it easily one of the most romantic locations in the world.

8. The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty 

This 2013 travel movie is about the journey of negative assets manager at Life magazine. He is on a quest to uncover an important negative left by a renowned photojournalist (played by Sean Connery). Walter Mitty visits many picturesque places. His journey begins amidst the quaint town of Nuuk in northern Greenland.  Followed by the stark greenery and breathtaking landscapes of Iceland. Mitty also travels to Yemen and the mountains of the Himalayas. The movie portrays how beautiful and untouched some areas of the world truly are. It also shows the importance of capturing the small moments in life. Not to forget the important and well-deserved cameo of David Bowie’s song ‘Space Oddity'.

9. Eat Pray Love

Also based on a book, Eat Pray Love tells the story of a woman. She is on a journey of self-discovery. Unhappy with the way her life was proceeding, our protagonist takes a break from this disillusionment. She decides to travel to Italy, India, and Indonesia. This movie is about how once in a while we must detach ourselves from the hustle-bustle of daily life. We must do so to quieten our minds and rediscover ourselves via travel. Julia Roberts does an excellent job of playing the part of a novice traveller. The majestic locations of Italy, India, and Indonesia do their job quite well in making this movie enjoyable.

10. The Bucket List

This 2007 American movie combines the best of comedy, friendship and travel. It is about 2 people who become friends while undergoing treatment at a hospital and happen to start travelling together. A billionaire and a simple mechanic. Sounds like a strange pair, doesn't it? They are but that is what makes this movie more flavorful and comedic. A point to mention here would be the brilliant chemistry and relatable acting skills of two of the most celebrated actors in Hollywood, Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. Not only does the film show you gorgeous locations, and give a glimpse into foreign destinations but also closely follows the growth of a unique friendship. Definitely one of those travel movies that tug at your heartstrings.