4 Films That Will Make You Want To Drop Everything and Travel Abroad
Posted on November 19, 2021
When lockdown started almost two years ago I found myself watching a lot more movies than I had previously. Looking back now, I noticed that many of these films took place in picturesque locations like the Italian countryside. At a time where I was stuck inside and clearly not going to be travelling for a while, these films acted as an escape from reality.
Fortunately, our lockdown restrictions have almost entirely lifted, however, travelling still feels a bit out of reach. Also, with the end of the semester and exams coming up, I thought we could all use an escape from these busy and stressful times. Here is my list of 4 films with such beautiful locations, they make me want to travel abroad.
Call Me By Your Name (2017)
Image Credit: The New York Times
Call Me By Your Name takes place “somewhere in Northern Italy” and is primarily a story of love and heartbreak between Elio and Oliver, an American who has come to Italy to assist Elio’s father with his research. Every single frame of this movie is picturesque from the Italian villa to Elio and Oliver’s walk through the town. This film was also entirely shot on film which really enhances the ambience. This movie is a must-watch, if not for the heartbreakingly beautiful plot, then certainly for the scenery. Be careful though, you may suddenly have the urge to run away to a villa in the Italian countryside.
Notting Hill (1999)
Image Credit: Wikipedia
This next film is partially to blame for my obsession with moving to London. Notting Hill, as the name suggests, is set in a small area of London called Notting Hill that is known for its markets, cafés, and pastel-coloured homes. This film is your typical rom-com that centers around the love story of a book store owner and a famous actress. The opening scene will have you sold on London in the first few minutes as it follows Hugh Grant’s character around the quaint Portobello Street of Notting Hill and eventually into the iconic travel bookstore. After watching this movie you will likely be writing down ‘Notting Hill, London’ on your travel bucket list.
Midnight in Paris (2011)
Image Credit: YouTube
I’m almost certain that Paris is already on everyone’s list of places to visit, however, in the slight chance that it isn’t or if you just need a little bit more convincing, Midnight in Paris will definitely give you that final push. This film is an interesting take on a typical romance film when the protagonist Gil, is transported back to the 1920s while on vacation in Paris. You will already be hooked after watching the opening scene of this movie – 4 minutes straight of scenic Paris videos and French jazz music. Between the architecture, the bustling streets, and the cafés, this film is sure to make you wish you were wandering the streets of Paris.
Eat, Pray, Love (2010)
Image Credit: IMDB
Arguably one of the best travel movies, Eat, Pray, Love follows Elizabeth Gilbert and her year of travels through Italy, India, and Bali. This movie has become one of my comfort movies – I think there is something so special about the spontaneity of her trip and the lessons she learns about herself and about life along the way. On top of that, the scenery of all of the places she visits is breathtaking. Her walks through the streets of Italy and bike rides through the lush vegetation of Bali are sure to give you the travel bug. And even if we can’t travel just yet, watching this film will make you feel like you are on the trip with her.
