Make some popcorn and dim the lights… here are more than 30 great travel movies that will inspire you to go globetrotting. If you’re not taken in by their plot, you’ll still marvel at their amazing urban settings and drop-dead gorgeous natural scenery. These travel films, television shows and documentaries were crowd-sourced from a group of avid travellers with varying interests and range from the adventurous to the romantic. They showcase dozens of destinations that will surely spark your wanderlust.
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Table of contents
Nature and Adventure Travel Movies
The Way (2011)
When Daniel dies trekking the El Camino De Santiago, his father Tom travels to France to recover his body. It is there Tom is inspired to complete the journey his son could not.
Key filming locations: The Way was shot along the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route in northwestern Spain, with pivotal scenes filmed inside the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, Galicia.
Tracks (2013)
Tracks is based on the true story of Robyn Davidson’s 9-month trek across Australian deserts. The film was adapted from Davidson’s memoir detailing her 1977 adventure, walking across 2700-km (1700-mi) from Alice Springs to the Indian Ocean accompanied by her dog and four camels. You probably won’t feel compelled to follow in her footsteps, but you will admire her courage and the amazing Australian outback.
Key filming locations: Flinders Ranges and Coffin Bay, South Australia and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and Kings Creek Station in the Northern Territory, Australia
The Beach (2000)
A young traveller sets out to find a mysterious Thai beach and finds a troubled paradise. A secret community of travellers inhabits the island alongside Thai cannabis farmers, until it’s not so secret anymore.
Key Filming Locations: The amazing island scenery in The Beach was filmed in Maya Bay, on Phi Phi Leh, an island of Thailand.
Wild (2014)
Based on author, Cheryl Strayed’s memoir, the film chronicles her solo hike along 1,100-miles of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). The book/movie raised the popularity of the trail so much, the PCT Association had to revamp their hiking permit system in 2015 to cap the number of long-distance hikers per day.
Principal filming locations: Wild was filmed in and around Portland Oregon including Smith Rock State Park, Crater Lake and Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Kon-Tiki (2012)
Kon-Tiki is based on the true story of explorer Thor Heyerdahl’s crossing of the Pacific Ocean on a balsawood raft. The Norwegian adventurer wanted to prove the possibility of pre-Columbian migration between South America and Polynesia. It won’t make you want to hop the next raft across a great expanse of water. However, it will make you appreciate cruise ships, air travel and the islands of the Pacific.
Key filming locations: Principal production locations include the Maldives, Malta, and Khao Lak, Thailand. The Kon-Tiki Museum in Oslo, Norway has one of the original rafts on display. You can also see the remains of two Las Balsa rafts at the Ballina Naval & Maritime Museum in Australia where the expedition concluded (an obscure fact that I happen to know, because Ballina is my hubby’s hometown).
Australia (2008)
Director, Baz Luhrman, lends his dramatic flair to the Aussie outback and makes a panoramic, 3-hour tourism advertisement. Even if you don’t go for the romantic plot: English aristocrat falls for rough Aussie stockman in the sprawling outback, you can’t help but be enamoured by the stunning landscapes of my homeland.
Key filming locations: Interior scenes were filmed in Sydney with Stirkland House, Vaucluse standing in for Government House. On location shoots took place near Bowen, Queensland and Kununurra, Western Australia. Additonal filming was done in Darwin, Northern Territory including Stokes Hill Wharf.
Queen of the Desert (2015)
Another adventure travel movie starring Nicole Kidman, this one based on a true story, is Queen of the Desert. The Werner Herzog-directed biopic tells the story of Gertrude Bell, an English traveller, archaeologist, explorer, cartographer and political attaché for the British Empire. You won’t only be fascinated by Bell’s life but by the stunning north African scenery.
Principal filming locations: Major sequences were filmed in Morocco — in and around Merzouga, Erfoud, Ouarzazate, Marrakech, and the UNESCO-listed adobe city of Aït Benhaddou — and in Petra, Jordan.
Romance and Self Discovery Travel Movies
Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)
This is one travel movie I’ve seen countless times, and will keep re-watching. The story is based on the book, Under the Tuscan Sun, a 1996 memoir by American author Frances Mayes. In the film version, an American divorcee impulsively buys a villa in the most adorable Tuscan town. There, she sets out to revive her renovator’s delight, along with her life.
Principal filming locations: Under the Tuscan sun was mostly filmed around the town of Cortona, near Arezzo in Tuscany. Also, in the hills around Tuoro sul Trasimeno on Lake Trasimene in Umbria. There are two Villas Bramasole – the actual one the author, Frances Mayes, bought and renovated. The second was used for the film.
Chocolat (2000)
A mysterious woman and her daughter move into a small French village. There, they ruffle feathers by not conforming to the townsfolk’s rigid values. However, with a little chocolate, one can do wonders!
Key filming locations: Scenes were filmed around the medieval village of Flavigny-sur-Ozerain in the Burgundy region of France. Other locations include Rue De L’ancienne Poste in Beynac-et-Cazenac in Dordogne.
Before Sunrise (1995)
An American tourist, and French student meet on a train travelling from Budapest to Vienna. They spend a day together and develop a bond that makes the thought of their pending separation, more and more difficult.
Filming locations: Before Sunrise was filmed in Vienna, Austria. Specific locations include Cafe Sperl, Wiener Riesenrad (ferris wheel) in Prater, Maria Theresien Platz, Friedhof der Namenlosen (Cemetery of the Unnamed) and Kleines Cafes.
Midnight in Paris (2011)
Screenwriter Gil, journeys to Paris with his fiancée and her family. On an evening walk, Gil finds himself in the 1920s — his romantic image of Paris’ hey-day. A geographic travel and time travel movie in one!
Filming locations: Specific spots around Paris include Parc Jean XXIII, Maison Deyrolle, Place Dauphine and various Latin Quarter locales. Plus Musée del’ Orangerie and Jardin Tuileries.
Eat, Pray, Love (2010)
Frustrated with her loss of enthusiasm for her life, Elizabeth Gilbert makes a journey of self-discovery that takes her to Italy, India and Indonesia.
Key filming locations: Various locals in Manhattan and Brooklyn were backdrops for Eat, Pray, Love. But what we really came for the are the scenes shot in Italy, India and Indonesia. Scenes were shot in Rome (mostly in Piazza Navona); Pataudi, Hary (Hari Mandir Ashram) and Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh in India; or Tegallalang Rice Terraces and Padang-Padang Beach in Bali, Indonesia.
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011)
One of my personal favourite travel films, if not for the story and scenery, but the dazzling cast. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel depicts a group of British retirees on a budget. They travel to India to live out their senior years in comfort, but on arrival they find their retirement home is not as promised. Nevermind, as my favourite quote from the movie says: “Everything will be alright in the end. If it is not alright, it is not the end.
Filming locations: The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is actually Ravla Khempur, an equestrian hotel that was originally a palace. It is located in the village of Kemphur in the Rajasthani countryside.
Hector’s Search For Happiness (2014)
A quirky, adventure travel movie that could only star Simon Pegg. Psychiatrist Hector embarks on a quest to research the secret of happiness. This film hits four continents – North America, Europe, Asia and Africa.
Principal filming locations: Vancouver and Coquitlam in B.C., Canada set the scene. As well as Johannesburg, South Africa; Karwendel Mountains in Germany; Shanghai, China; and London, England.
Roman Holiday (1953)
Step back in time to post-war Rome with Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck in this charming classic. Roman Holiday captures the heart of the Eternal City—from the perspective of a first-time sightseer. It’s the ultimate guide to old-school Roman glamour and scooter-powered adventure. Perfect for romantic dreamers, history buffs and Italophiles alike.
Key filming locations: Shot entirely on location in Rome, Italy, including the Spanish Steps, Piazza Venezia, Palatine Hill, Castel Sant’Angelo, and Via Margutta (Gregory Peck’s character’s apartment).
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)
Visually striking and emotionally uplifting, this modern reimagining of the 1939 short story takes you on an soul-searching journey across some of the world’s most jaw-dropping landscapes. From the volcanic plains and glaciers of Iceland to the snow-capped Himalayas, Walter Mitty is a visual love letter to life outside the comfort zone—perfect for those needing a gentle push towards their own big adventure.
Key filming locations: Despite its wide-ranging narrative, most international scenes were filmed in Iceland, doubling for Greenland, Afghanistan and the Himalayas. Notable locations include Stykkishólmur, Seyðisfjörður, Vatnajökull Glacier, and Garðskagi Lighthouse. Additional scenes were filmed in New York City and Los Angeles.
Mamma Mia! (2008)
Whether you’re here for the ABBA soundtrack, the sun-drenched scenery or the chaotic wedding energy, Mamma Mia! delivers Mediterranean magic in spades. Filmed mostly on the lush Greek island of Skopelos, it’s a feel-good escape full of bougainvillaea-covered villas, turquoise waters, and timeless summer vibes. Ideal for travel dreamers seeking a carefree island getaway with a musical twist.
Key filming locations: Principal photography took place on Skopelos Island, Pelion Peninsula, and Skiathos in Greece. Notable sites include Agios Ioannis Chapel (the clifftop wedding location), Kastani Beach, and the town of Glossa.
Outstanding Travel Documentaries
Antarctica: A Year on Ice (2013)
The story of a year spent living in the coldest, driest place on earth. Contains must-see timelapse footage of the remote southern continent. I know someone who spent a year in Antarctica, who said this is the closest they’ve seen to capturing their lived experience.
180 Degrees South: Conquerors of the Useless (2010)
Jeff Johnson sets out to retrace the 1968 journey of his heroes Yvon Chouinard and Douglas Tompkins (founders of Patagonia and Northface respectively) to Patagonia, Chile.
Long Way Round (2004)
Actors Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman make a 31,000-km (19,000-mi) journey on motorbikes across Europe and Asia, flying to Alaska and continuing to New York.
Waste Land (2010)
Waste Land follows artist Vik Muniz to the world’s largest garbage dump located in Brazil, where he photographs catadores who make a living by picking through the garbage to find recyclable materials. Huffington Post called this “The Slumdog Millionaire of documentaries: an inspiring, deeply moving crowd pleaser.”
The Art of Flight (2011)
A Red Bull sponsored documentary combining adrenalin pumping, freestyle snowboarding and breathtaking scenery.
The Swiss Family Robinson (1960)
A shipwrecked family make a fantastic life for themselves on a deserted island. A whimsical, kid-friendly version of Tom Hanks’ Cast Away.
Principal filming location: The original 1960, Swiss Family Robinson flick was filmed on the island of Tobago in the Caribbean.
The Sound of Music (1965)
This award-winning musical is a favourite among young and old featuring stunning footage of Austria. You won’t be able to resist those opening shots of Salzburg’s stunning Lake District, the Salzkammergut.
Key Filming locations: Most of The Sound of Music was filmed in and around Salzburg, Austria. Specific locales within Salzburg include Mirabellplatz (Mirabell Gardens), Residenzplatz (Salzburg Old Town), Petersfriedhof (St Peter’s Cemetery), Nonnberg Abbey, Mozartsteg footbridge, Schloss Leopoldskron and Hellbrunn (Leopoldskron and Hellbrunn Palace) and Felsenreitschule (Rock Riding School). Plus outside Salzburg: Untersberg Mountain and Basilika St. Michael (Mondsee Cathedral).
The Big Year (2011)
Ok, hear me out. Birdwatching doesn’t sound like a high-stakes travel adventure—until you meet the obsessive competitors of a “Big Year.” This underrated comedy follows three birders (played by Steve Martin, Jack Black and Owen Wilson) criss-crossing North America in search of rare and elusive birds. It’s quirky, wholesome, sneakily inspiring and based on a real story, as penned by Mark Obmascik in a best-selling book. Whether they’re chasing snowy owls in Alaska or hummingbirds in the Southwest, the film showcases North America’s wild places with a comedic twist.
Filming Locations: A lot of this film was shot in B.C., Canada however there’s a few other distinct locations including Joshua Tree National Park, California.
Travel TV shows
Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy (2021-2022)
If you’re not desperate to see Italy after watching this, you’ll at least be hungry. I binge-watched this entire series in one sitting, on a long-haul plane journey and I didn’t want it to end. Tucci does what we all dream of doing—eating his way around Italy with charm, sophistication and a dash of dry wit. The actor-turned-food-documentary-host delves deep into regional Italian cuisine, from the pasta of Rome to the rustic dishes of Calabria. The original CNN series was so successful it won multiple Emmys and got a second life with National Geographic in 2025 as Tucci in Italy. This is slow travel at its most delicious.
Filming Locations: Every last corner of Italy including Rome, Naples, Florence, Milan, Venice, Sicily, Tuscany, Bologna and Sardinia.
The White Lotus (2021–2025)
What started as a limited series quickly became a globe-trotting dark comedy about privilege, desire, and disaster in paradise. Each season of The White Lotus unfolds at a lavish resort in a dreamy location, giving us serious wanderlust between gasps at the drama. Season 1 takes place in lush Maui, Hawaii; Season 2 unfolds across Sicily’s coastal gems; and Season 3 (2025) transports us to the temples, street markets, and five-star luxury of Thailand. It’s satirical, stunning, and full of complex characters (and interiors you’ll want to immediately pin to your mood board).
Filming Locations: Maui, Hawai’i USA; Taormina, Palermo, Noto – Sicily, Italy; Bangkok, Phuket, Koh Samui, Thailand.
Men in Kilts (2021)
Road trip through Scotland’s incredible landscapes, heritage and culture with Outlander cast members Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish as your guides in Men in Kilts.
Joanna Lumley’s Nile (2010)
British model, actress and presenter, Joanna Lumley (you might know her as Patsy in Ab Fab), has hosted quite a few travel series now and they are all worthy of your attention. My favourite to date is her trip down the Nile, travelling 4000-miles from the mouth of the River in the Mediterranean to its source, in this 4-episode mini-series.
Mekong River with Sue Perkins (2014)
Comedian, actress and presenter, Sue Perkins, follows the Mekong River through Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and China. Having spent some time on various parts of the Mekong myself, this only made me long to return.
An Idiot Abroad (2010-2013)
An Idiot Abroad is a comedic documentary following Karl Pilkington, a simple British homebody, as his colleagues Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant send him out to travel the world. The three seasons were filmed from 2010-2013 and has an accompanying book and podcast. Watch the trailer here.
Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown
I would be remiss if I did not include at least one Anthony Bourdain travel tv show on this list, although they all deserve a spot. Foodies and adventurers alike will appreciate Bourdain’s globetrotting. As unfiltered as An Idiot Abroad but with a completely different point of view.
The Last Overland (2022)
Imagine retracing one of history’s most iconic road journeys—this time, with hindsight, heart, and a 64‑year‑old Land Rover named Oxford. In The Last Overland, British adventurer Tim Slessor—one of the original 1955 overland expedition members—teams up with filmmaker Alex Bescoby and a multinational crew to recreate that London–Singapore route in reverse. Set across 23 countries and spanning over 19,000-km through deserts, jungles, mountains, and cities, this four‑part documentary is equal parts nostalgic, heartwarming, and madcap—just the kind of globetrotting inspiration your travel tv show list needs.
Key filming locations: The team drove from Singapore, traversed Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, the Pamir Highway in Central Asia, then through Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, and finally into the United Kingdom.
If you have a favourite travel movie, documentary or tv show, please share it with us in the comments below.
Peace, love & inspiring travel,
Madam ZoZo