Forget the Oscars! These are my film awards for igniting wanderlust and give you the inspiration to travel and explore the world! These films really are ‘get in a car and just go’ gems that are guaranteed to make you hit the accelerator.
Y Tu Mama Tambien
This cheeky Mexican romp imagines a journey in which two teenage boys have somehow managed to convince a beautiful older woman to take a road trip with them – to a beach that doesn’t exist. Although the visuals are stunning, what really makes the film is its thoughtful voiceover – which interjects with little details about the people of Mexico throughout the film. Through these tiny snap shots, the voiceover builds up a bigger picture surrounding the three main characters, until we have a vivid collage of Mexico as a whole country. Y Tu Mama Tambien also boasts one of the best movie quotes for travellers, when Luisa says: “Life is like the surf, so give yourself away like the sea.”
Into the Wild
A film for the idealist backpacker – this is the true story of one man, who left behind all of his earthly possessions to ‘go it alone’ in the wilderness, hitchhiking to Mexico and eventually ending up in Alaska. It is possibly one of the most beautiful travel films ever made, with seductive shots of the harsh wilderness taking centre stage. But beyond the jealousy-inducing backdrop, the storyline really packs a punch – although we don’t want to spoil the ending for you. An exploration into the nature of travel, and why we travel, that shouldn’t be missed.
Motorcycle Diaries
When the young Che Guevara hoped onto his motorcycle, with a mission to explore his native Bunenos Aires and the whole of South America – no one could have predicted how it would change him as a man. This is a film about the people you meet out on the road, more than the changing landscapes (although there are plenty of those too!). A great watch for any wannabe volunteers – particularly the inspirational scenes set in a leper colony in Peru. If you only learn one thing from the Motorcycle Diaries’, learn that travel can really open your eyes – even in a place you thought you knew.
Priscilla, Queen of the Desert
In this classic Aussie film three drag Queens pack up their cabaret act into a hot pink tour bus called ‘Priscilla’, and journey cross-country from Sydney to Adelaide for a very special gig. The colourful road trip juxtaposes two very different aspects of Australian life – from the cosmopolitan cities to the rural outback. Watch it for the laughs, and to understand that there’s more to Australia and Australians than ‘Neighbours’ and Bondi Beach. Plus, the final glittering performance with Australia-themed costumes is bound to make you want to pack up, and apply for a working holiday visa.
Thelma & Louise
Who doesn’t want to step into a 1950’s classic Cadillac with their best friend, kiss goodbye to the drudgery of domestic life, and embark on a wild adventure across America (which may even involve hooking up with a young Brad Pitt)? Of course, Thelma & Louise’s road trip journey runs far from smooth – but the spirit of the film, which acts as a kind of ‘grab life and live every moment like it’s your last’ motto, is well and truly in keeping with the gap year ethos. Plus, the panoramic shots of the dusty Arizona dessert are spectacularly powerful and make you realise that there’s much more to America than the big cities.
The Whale Rider
A great movie for anyone going to New Zealand, the Whale Rider is a beautiful novel detailing the story of a Maori tribe and one girl’s struggle to prove to her Grandfather, the Chief, that she’s just as strong and tough as any boy. It’s a book that brings Maori culture into modern times, while showing the stunning natural wonders of the country and its wildlife. Even if you’ve read the book, we’d still recommend watching the film.
The Beach
This classic film which put Koh Phi Phi in Thailand on the world stage featured Leonardo Di Caprio going to south east Asia in search of a hidden paradise. Que lots of drama and adventure, and some incredible destinations which will make you want to pack a bag and go visit the beautiful Thai islands for yourself. The book of which the film was based by Alex Garland is also highly recommended.
Have you watched any of the the films on my list? Or do you have a favourite film which I’ve missed? Let me know below.
