Millennials love to browse flights for fun, create fantasy itineraries, watch travel docos and holiday films and some of us even consider just how much money is really needed to move to abroad and start a new life.
Surely, I’m not the only one who’s felt trapped in a terribly mundane routine before. And the monotony of it all can feel particularly real when the holidays roll around and everyone you know seems to be living it up in a dream destination.
So, if you’re stuck at home this silly season, know that you’re not alone. It’s bloody hard to save cash for a trip. Here are 5 holiday films that’ll get you excited about travelling… even if you can’t afford it just yet.
1. Call Me By Your Name
You call this a romance film? I call this my Italian travel fantasy. This indie film exploded in 2018, and not only because actors Armie Hammer and Timothée Chalamet have incredible on-screen chemistry.
Call Me By Your Name is set in Crema, Italy and boy, oh boy…. the scenes… they’re magnificent. This film perfectly captures the quaint feel of this Italian town. It portrays scenic bike rides on gravel roads, cobblestone paths and lush green fields.
2. Into The Wild
What an absolute classic. Into The Wild is perfect for the viewer who craves spontaneous travel and a wilderness adventure. The film follows Christopher McCandless as he escapes suburban life to go adventuring into the bush but it’s all very organic.
There are no tour guides, plans or back-packing buddy. He does it all alone. It’s a deep and, at times, gruelling film but an essential watch for anyone who’s into the outdoors and thinking deeply about the world.
3. Before Sunrise
This one is for all travel-keen individuals who’re fantasising about a trip through Europe and all of its beautiful cities. Before Sunrise is a romance film at heart but it’s not exceedingly corny. It’s dialogue-based and at times feels more like a doco.
You’ll be watching two strangers (Julie Deply and Ethan Hawke) as they meet on a train. They get along so well they decide to get off at Vienna together and explore the city for a day. This is one of those more low-key holiday films but it pulls-off an incredibly natural portrayal of a European city. It’s pretty convincing.
4. Wild
This one’s another outdoor adventure film but it’s a go-to for anyone who’s feeling a little lost on their life’s path. Wild is based on a true story about a woman, Cheryl Strayed, who loses her mother and struggles to deal with the loss.
Strayed experiences an intense downhill spiral after her mother’s death and decides to embark on a 3-month solo trek on the Pacific Crest Trail, in search of clarity. Reece Witherspoon’s portrayal of the character is a whole new level of moving. It’s one of those “self-discovery” holiday films without all the unnecessary bells and whistles.
5. Eat Pray Love
Corny? Yes. Stereotypical? Okay, also yes. BUT this is one of those holiday films that’s a guilty pleasure for all aspiring travellers.