Reel trip: Five movies that inspired travel

Movies aren’t just about good stories, great acting, and superb editing and cinematography. Films can also be an escape to a different reality and an inspiration to see the world with your own eyes. These five films highlight beautiful, exotic, and travel-worthy spots around the globe.

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Motorcycle Diaries (2004)

This biopic tells the story of Che Guevara and Alberto Granado’s motorcycle trek across South America back in 1952, using their medical training to help lepers. This trip took them through Argentina, Chile, Peru, Colombia, and then to Miami before going back to Buenos Aires.

Lost in Translation (2003)

Set in Tokyo, Japan, this movie is about Bob Harris (Bill Murray) and Charlotte (Scarlet Johansson) who met in Japan and formed an interesting relationship amidst the confusion and hilarity in an intriguing city. The film features Shinjuku and Shibuya, two of Tokyo’s loudest and most colorful cities, landmarks such as The Tokyo Tower and Mt. Fuji, as well as various shrines and temples.

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The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)

This film follows Walter Mitty, a hyper-imaginative daydreamer and a photo editor for LIFE magazine who’s led a very boring life, who goes on a real-life journey in search for a photographer when his job is put on the line. He goes from New York City to Greenland, Iceland, Yemen, and finally, Afghanistan.

Into the Wild (2007)

The film showcases the adventures of Christopher McCandless, a recent college graduate who hitchhikes to Alaska after giving away all his life savings. His crazy, visionary, and reckless journey took him to Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, California, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, and Mexico.

Eat, Pray, Love (2010) Based on the real-life memoirs of Elizabeth Gilbert, this movie shows the author (played by Julia Roberts) on a pilgrimage to Italy, India, and Indonesia in a bid to nourish her heart, soul, and stomach. There are other movies that can inspire someone to get up, pack a bag, and hop on the next plane to some exotic getaway. Who knows, the next movie you watch can lead you to a life-changing adventure.  

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