If you’re feeling like you need to change things up a bit, get unstuck, let go of a relationship or job, escape a life rut, or generally need inspiration, you have to watch these 11 Travel Movies That Will Change Your Life.
Really.
Grab some popcorn and curl up on the couch. Let these travel movies change your life. They will inspire you to change your life direction, and take control of your destiny.
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Table of Contents
Can a Travel Movie Really Change Your Life?
Absolutely! How can I be so sure? Because a travel movie changed my life.
How a Movie Changed My Life
In 2011, not long after the release of The Way, starring Martin Sheen, I watched it. It was a random movie choice. It happened to be one of the few new releases on the DVD shelf at a rural general store. I felt like watching a movie (and eating a pint of Ben & Jerry’s), and there it was.
In retrospect, it was sort of like one of those things that’s meant to happen, but you don’t realize it until, well, afterwards.
I took home the film. Popped it into the DVD player after the kids (who were then so tiny) were in bed, and watched…mesmerized.
By the time the credits rolled, I jumped off the couch excitedly and said aloud, “I have to walk the Camino de Santiago.”
Fast Forward
In the days that followed, I began Googling flights to Spain and researching everything I could about walking The Way. I bought an official route guide that was crammed with important details: A Pilgrim’s Guide to the Camino de Santiago.
A few months later, I was walking the Way… with my four children in tow.
Walking the ancient pilgrimage route is as life changing as it’s said to be. And the experience stays with me every.single.day.
The Movie Is Also Probably Why I Have This Travel Blog
Watching The Way was a life changing experience.
It marks the beginning of epic family travel adventures with my children. Had I not watched that movie, I also might not have started this blog. I might have become a travel blogger. I might not have gone on to hike other major routes with my children, such as the Tour du Mont Blanc.
So, if you’re wondering if a travel movie can really spark a change in your life, trust me. It can. It might just ignite a fire.
11 Travel Movies That Will Change Your Life
But don’t just take my word for it that a couple of hours on your couch watching a movie can change your life.
I’ve heard from some popular bloggers who also say told me that a travel movie changed their lives too. So, to further convince you that a travel movie can change your life, read on.
You’re going to love what they have to say. And you’re going to love these travel movies.
And Those 11 Travel Movies Are…
1. Leap Year.
Blogger, Crystal, who writes the blog, Simply Full of Delight, says that the movie Leap Year (Amy Adams, Matthew Goode) is a life changer. “It’s a hilarious romantic comedy that also has amazing views of Ireland. It’s inspired me to add a trip to Ireland to my “must do” list!
2. The Way.
Julie, that’s me 😉 , who writes the blog, Wanderschool, says that the movie The Way (Martin Sheen) inspired her family to become adventure seekers and to seek out meaningful family travel experiences. “It changed my life.”
3. Into the Wild.
Blogger, Naia of the blog, Skyrunning Girl, says the movie Into the Wild made a big impression on her life. “It made me fall in love with the idea of solo, adventure travel.’
4. Before Sunrise.
Blogger, Luschka, who writes the blog, Giving Up Normal, says that the movie Before Sunrise (Ethan Hawke, Julie Delphy) changed her life. In that movie, a couple spend hours walking around Paris and talking. She says, “I’ll never forget walking along the Seine years later, blown away by actually being in Europe (I’m from South Africa).”
5. Under the Tuscan Sun.
Blogger, Jen, who writes the blog, Organizenvy, says that the film, Under The Tuscan Sun (Diane Lane) changed her life bucket list. “Under The Tuscan Sun made me add a tour of rural Italy to my bucket list. The gorgeous scenery, charming village and friendly locals are so endearing!”
6. Chocolat.
Blogger, Luschka of the blog, Giving Up Normal also says the movie Chocolat gave her perspective on her own life. “I grew up military and we were always moving. When Vienne talks about the North Wind driving her to move on it felt like coming home – I finally understood the constant need to keep moving.”
7. Contact.
Blogger, Gale of the blog Texifornia, says that the movie Contact (Jodi Foster, Matthew McConaughy) left a lasting impact on her. “So [Contact], it’s about traveling across the universe, not to “real places.” But I feel like it captures the wonder of traveling…how it makes you feel so small, and how it brings meaning, and connections with others, and makes you see the place you come from anew on your return.”
8. Wild.
Other bloggers remarked that the movie, Wild (Reese Witherspoon), was a game changer–inspiring them to take on bigger adventures and reminding them not to settle in life.
9. Up.
One blogger noted that the animated movie Up was inspirational, reminding them of the importance of not giving up and to always follow your dreams.
10. Eat Pray Love.
A perpetual travel movie favorite, Eat Pray Love (Julia Roberts), will remind you to dare to live, take chances, and listen to pay attention toyour heart when it’s telling you to do something else with your life.
11. RV.
The Robin William’s Comedy Classic, RV, will have you thinking about roadtrips and #RVLife (short or long, slow travel) in no time. This was one of the movies I watched with my kids before we went on our epic 50 States Tour via Motorhome.
What Travel Movie Has Changed Your Life or Inspired You to Make a Big Change? Drop a Comment Below.
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I LOVE Into The Wild!! I did sooo much research on that movie after I watched, and I wanted to go out and actually see the bus!! Eat, Pray, Love is next on my watch list. Thank you so much for sharing!
This is so true, actually not just travel movies but also movies that has a good story has the potential to change your life. I came across one show 8 years ago or so and it changed my life every since.
Great list! I actually did go to Ireland after watching Leap Year. It was one of the best decisions.