Sure, nothing beats the real thing, but we're all down for a fantasizing every once and a while. So break out the popcorn, get comfy in your PJs and get watching! Whether it's the thrill of a flight taking off or the excitement of a foreign place that gets you going, here's an essential list of wanderlust-inspiring movies that will get you in the mood to travel in no time.

 

Up in the Air (2009)



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There isn’t another movie out there that voices the true pleasures and struggles of living out of a suitcase. Plus, George Clooney. ‘Nuff said.

 

Vicki Christina Barcelona (2008)


 

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Instagram @selinalendra


Two girlfriends on a summer holiday in Spain fall in love with the same painter, who’s stormy ex-wife is about to re-enter the picture. Drama and stunning cinematography ensues.

 

Into the Wild (2007)


 

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If this true-story, biographical drama about a recent graduate hitchhiking to Alaska to live in the wilderness doesn’t make you want to pack your bags and leave it all behind, nothing will.

 

Eat. Pray. Love (2010)


 

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Instagram @oillvipada


This woman’s journey around the world to learn more about other cultures, and ultimately herself, will leave you craving a year abroad to see Italy, India and Indonesia, too!

 

The Beach (2000)


 

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Instagram @ldicaprio


In this coming of age film, a young Leonardo Dicaprio travels to Thailand and finds a mysterious map leading to a tropical paradise which he sets out to find.

 

Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)


 

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Instagram @calisztomania


Feel inspired to visit Italy (or stay forever) when a writer spontaneously buys a villa in Tuscany. It's the movie to watch before going to Italy!

 

EuroTrip (2004)


 

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Instagram @rafaelfortunaaguiar


The less-than-authentic sets might not do Vatican City or streets of Paris justice, but this lighthearted comedy will keep you in stitches over classic European vacation stereotypes.

 

Out of Africa (1985)


 

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Instagram @cinefilos.em.pauta


Feel your inner free-spirit (and romantic) come to life in this classic drama taking place in 20th-century colonial Kenya.

 

The Motorcycle Diaries (2004)


 

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Instagram @j.navaz


Consider your life's calling as Che Guevara considers his own during an epic motorcycle road trip.

 

Before Sunrise (1995)


 

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Instagram @love__movie


Warning: you may develop a serious desire to do something wild and unplanned, and evolve a new found interest in Austria after watching this.

 

Thelma and Louise (1991)


 

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Instagram @mavidirderya


This gender-redefining road trip film will inspire you to shake off the shackles and hit the road.

 

Lost in Translation (2003)


 

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Instagram @uominicheodianoilci


Who hasn't gotten that beautiful yet frustrating 'lost in translation' sensation while travelling? This flick captures it wonderfully, leaving you craving for your own experience abroad and even a trip to Japan.

 

The Way (2010)


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Instagram @fredrikalverlan


In this inspiring movie, a father decides to finish the "El Camino de Santiago" pilgrimage his son couldn't complete before his passing.



The Darjeeling Limited (2007)


 

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Instagram @tarasowlaty


This brotherly bonding tale will have you planning your own Indian escapade in no time! A great movie to watch before going to Asia.

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Am I missing any of your favourite globe-trotting films? Share in the comments below!

Madeleine Lee