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9 Beautiful Movies About Travel

We watch movies to laugh, to learn, and to feel something new. In large part, we watch them to escape reality. We experience something through the screen that we might not experience otherwise. It’s a glimpse into someone else’s life—a chance to put your own mind on mute while you live in another world for a few hours. And while nothing beats packing your bags and leaving on an adventure, an inspiring travel film comes in second. Maybe your schedule doesn’t allow a getaway; or perhaps you haven’t found something budget-friendly. Maybe you simply want to cure your case of wanderlust without having to get up off the couch. Whatever your reasons may be, if you’re looking for some of the most beautiful movies about travel, you’ve come to the right place.

1. Eat Pray Love

Liz Gilbert (Julia Roberts) seemingly has it all: the career, the husband, the home. But after going through a rather painful divorce, she’s left feeling lost and isolated. She embarks on a journey around the world to rediscover herself, indulging in delicious food in Italy, learning the power of prayer in India, and finding peace and love in Bali. Eat Pray Love is not just visually stunning; it grabs a hold of your heart and doesn’t let go.

2. Into the Wild


Here’s something many of us considered doing at one point in our lives: After graduating from college, Christopher McCandless (Emile Hirsch) leaves behind all his belongings, gives his savings to charity, and hitchhikes to Alaska to experience and live in the wilderness. What makes this even cooler is that it’s based on a true story.

3. Wild


You’ll never forget Reese Witherspoon’s portrayal of Cheryl Strayed after the end of her marriage and her mother’s passing. Hopeless and self-destructive, Strayed embarks on a thousand-mile hike along the Pacific Crest Trail—alone. This movie makes you feel unlike any other film will, as you share in her journey of fear, finding hope, and ultimately, healing.

4. The Beach


This is certainly a movie of unpredictable adventures. While traveling in Bangkok, American backpacker Richard (Leonardo DiCaprio) comes across a map that reportedly leads to an isolated island paradise kept a hidden secret from most. He’s able to make his way to this beach utopia but soon learns that everything is not as it seems. DiCaprio’s performance is, as always, unforgettable.

5. Under the Tuscan Sun


Similar to Eat Pray Love, this movie follows a woman named Frances (Diane Lane)—a professor and author—who has just found out that her husband is leaving her for the woman he’s been having an affair with. She escapes her home in San Francisco for a trip to Tuscany with the help of a friend, and in a series of somewhat odd events, ends of purchasing a run-down villa. It’s a beautiful story of heartache, healing, and remembering how to love yourself.

6. Lost in Translation

An unlikely friendship forms between aging movie star Bob (Bill Murray) and recent college graduate Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson)—both of whom are a little lost in life—when they cross paths in Tokyo. The movie portrays not just the isolation they feel being in a strange country, but also the obstacles they face in their own personal lives.

7. The Bucket List


Full disclosure: This one is a real tearjerker. But it’s hard to resist the touching story of Edward (Jack Nicholson) and Carter (Morgan Freeman)—two men from very different walks of life with one thing in common: their terminal illnesses. Together, they decide to ditch the hospital to scratch off the items on their bucket lists. While their adventures certainly brighten their days, it’s ultimately the friendship they form that gets them through their troubles.

8. Vicky Cristina Barcelona


Gal pals Vicky and Cristina are enjoying their summer in Spain when they meet and are immediately fascinated by an artist named Juan Antonio. While he finds himself attracted to the both of them, he’s still hooked on his ex-wife, who is quite the emotional (and also unstable) character. The film won the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture—Musical or Comedy.

9. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants


Based on the book by Anne Brashares, this flick follows four best friends who spend the summer apart. While they can’t be together, a pair of jeans that magically fits all of them is passed between them, keeping them together in another way, and sharing in their adventures.

5 of the Best Movies to Get You Ready for Summer

While summer doesn’t officially start until mid-June, many regard this weekend as the unofficial beginning of the season. If you’re not spending the next few days at barbecues or Memorial Day parades – maybe because you’re saving money, or you’ve got too much work to do, or perhaps you’re just more of a homebody – why not get into the summer mood in the comfort of your own abode?

Since your schedule is likely to be full of social get-togethers the next few months, these might be your last few days to chill on the couch and stream movies without your phone blowing up with pool party and outdoor trip invites. So take advantage of the calm before the summer (that’s not quite the saying, but just go with it), with this list of movies to get you ready for our favorite season of the year.

 

Blue Crush

Kate Bosworth plays Anne Marie, a girl in her 20s living with her best friends in paradise (Hawaii) and surfing every single day – but it isn’t all as fun as it sounds. She struggles to get by on little pay and is responsible for her younger pre-teen sister as her parents are no longer in the picture.

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This all changes when she meets a dreamy football player vacationing on the island who treats her to a luxurious escape from her reality. While this may sound a little reminiscent of Pretty Woman, Anne Marie isn’t looking to be rescued. Without giving away too much, we can say that this is not a Cinderella story, but it does have a happy – and empowering – ending, all against the beautiful backdrop of crashing waves and beautiful sunsets.

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Make a night of it: Get the girls together and start with some pina coladas! A short list of ingredients – cream of coconut, rum (although, just as delicious without alcohol), and fresh pineapple chunks – blended together makes a simple and refreshing treat. Prepare some Hawaiian pork tenderloin and guava cake for dessert and you’ve got a mini (and simple) Hawaiian vacation right at home.

 

Couples Retreat

Vince Vaughn, Jason Bateman, and Jon Favreau are just a few of the big names you’ll find in this hilarious movie. It’s about four couples who signed up for the island trip of a lifetime, but are unknowingly forced into therapy instead.

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Many of the issues they face are pretty typical of LTRs but you’ll still be laughing until you cry at some of the hilarious (some likely ad-libbed) portrayals of them. You’ll also become more and more obsessed with the idea of visiting French Polynesia as the movie was shot almost entirely in Bora Bora.

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Make a night of it: If you’re part of a couple, this is a funny one to watch with – you guessed it – another couple, or a few. Throw together some Bahama Mamas, another uncomplicated tropical drink. Since you’ve got a group, take the opportunity to play some games that work best with multiple people. A simple one to put together without anything more than some paper and pens is Pictionary (like Vince Vaughn did in another of his hilarious movies, The Breakup, albeit unsuccessfully in the film).

Make your game island themed! Just write down anything island-related you can think of on different pieces of paper, split teams up, and take turns pulling from a bowl. The Bahama Mamas won’t make you any better of an artist but you’ll certainly end up with some amusing depictions of hula girls at the end of the night.

 

I Know What You Did Last Summer

The 90s were great for scary movies, and everyone we know saw (and loved) I Know What You Did Last Summer. It was scary, it was funny (the killer had a hook for a hand and the movie itself was a “lesson” in teen responsibility), and it had all our favorite 90s actors, like Sarah Michelle Gellar, Freddie Prinze Jr., Ryan Philippe, and Jennifer Love Hewitt (her, spinning in circles yelling “What are you waiting for!?” is something 90s kids will never forget).

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It did so well, they even made a sequel, with an exceptionally imaginative title, I Still Know What You Did Last Summer. There was even a third, straight-to-DVD film, I’ll Always Know What You Did Last Summer, but we didn’t see that one. Heck, just watch them all; it’s a long weekend!

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Make a night of it: Get your friends together, because scary movies are more fun with people to scare, and turn the lights down low. If you’re the inspired type of host, theme it up with Blood Orange Margaritas (killers are out for blood, you know) and treat your guests to a frightening dessert with a Red Velvet Slaughter Cake.

 

Dazed and Confused

It’s the 70s and school’s out for summer (or forever?) – what are you going to do? The same question runs through every high school kid’s mind, whether you’re a jock, a stoner, a cheerleader, a freshman… the list goes on.

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With an all-star cast (Matthew McConaughey, Ben Affleck, Milla Jovovich, Parker Posey, and Joey Lauren Adams, to name a few) and just as star-studded and amazing a soundtrack, the film is one of our favorite summer movies ever. Even Quentin Tarantino has it on his list of the 10 Greatest Films of All Time.

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Make a night of it: This isn’t a night for fancy drinks or hors d’oeuvres, and you don’t need a keg; but you might want beers and plain old relaxation on the couch with your buddies. Don’t bother inviting your stuffy friends; they just won’t get it.

 

Eat, Pray, Love

If warm weather makes you feel like traveling, this film may add some places to your bucket list. In Eat, Pray, Love, a film adapted from the novel of the same name by Elizabeth Gilbert, Julia Roberts plays Liz (yes, the author), a woman who seemingly “had it all” who becomes lost in her own life through a series of life-altering events and travels the world to find herself.

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The title refers to how she split up her time, with “eat” being in Italy (yum!), “pray” in India, and “love” in Bali. Eat, Pray, Love covers the span of more than one season, but it all feels very summer to us. Plus, even just dreaming of a few months in some of the most amazing places on the planet is enough to make it on this list of must-see pre-summer movies.

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Make a night of it: You’ve got so many options with this one, but you’re likely going to enjoy this most with one of your best friends, perhaps one with whom you could see yourself traveling the world! Start with Amaro al Frescos, a cocktail made with Peroni (a beer brewed in Roma, Italy). Then, try your hand at Indian food for your entrée with Lamb Vindaloo. Finally, satisfy your sweet tooth (and end your around-the-world journey) with some Indonesian Banana Fritters.

Dinner and a Movie: Our 3 Picks For Recreating Mouthwatering Scenes at Home

How often during a movie have you wanted to sink your teeth into the dishes on the screen? The masterminds in Hollywood know how to conjure the most appealing images, and even some story lines leave us feeling hungry. So next time you’re opting for a cozy night in with dinner and a movie, why not use the film as the inspiration for your menu? Here are my three picks to recreate at home.

Eat, Pray, Love + Spaghetti all’Amatriciana

Have you ever fallen in love with your food? Liz Gilbert sure did in Italy, and Julia Roberts devouring a Margherita pizza in Naples will have you aching to follow suit. In fact, the entire Italy leg in this three-part trip to self-discovery may make you drool, but few food scenes on the big screen are more iconic than Roberts eating spaghetti in Rome.

Spaghetti all’Amatriciana: Each region in Italy has its own twists on the classics, but this basic recipe for Amatriciana sauce (with my slight variations) should nicely do the trick. Check the pantry because you may already have a few of these items on hand. Here’s what’s needed:

  • 2-3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 28-oz can peeled tomatoes with juices
  • 4 oz thinly sliced pancetta or chopped unsmoked bacon
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • 2-4 cloves minced garlic (I prefer more than less)
  • a few large basil leaves, roughly chopped
  • salt
  • 12 oz dried spaghetti
  • finely grated Pecorino or Parmesan Reggiano
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper (optional)

First, puree the tomatoes until creamy (with a regular or immersion blender) and set aside. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over low-medium heat and add the pancetta or chopped bacon. Saute it until the pork turns golden brown (the crispiness will depend on your preference). Then toss in the garlic and red pepper flakes and saute for a minute before adding the pureed tomatoes, basil, and salt. Reduce the heat to low and stir occasionally, for about 15 minutes or until the sauce thickens. During this time, boil a pot of water and cook the pasta. Finally, incorporate the sauce into the pasta and serve with some parsley, cheese, black pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.

Julie & Julia + Hollandaise sauce with potatoes and veggies


Julia Child may not have approved, but I think Julie Powell’s take on cooking through Childs’ cookbook was genius. Despite her difficulty at times, Amy Adams (who plays Powell) has a knack for making fans want to jump on the bandwagon and try a few recipes themselves, while Meryl Streep is simply marvelous as Mrs. Childs. Since many chefs would agree with these two women that there is no such thing as too much butter, here is a hollandaise sauce recipe!

Julia’s Hollandaise Sauce: In addition to eggs, you can drizzle it over boiled potatoes and steamed or grilled vegetables. There is also an easier blender version to this recipe, but it involves uncooked eggs, which I am hesitant to try. Here is a recipe variation that I learned while watching Childs’ TV show (or you can try the one linked)!

  • 1 lemon
  • 1 stick of unsalted butter
  • 2 egg yolks
  • salt and pepper (to taste)
  • a bowl of cold water

According to Mrs. Childs: Squeeze the juice of one lemon into a small sauce pan and sprinkle salt and pepper. Place the sauce pan over low heat and stir occasionally. On the side, whisk the egg yolks in a second small sauce pan until they become thick and fluffy. Add a small bit of butter (about a teaspoon). Once the lemon juice has reduced a small amount (there won’t be a lot to begin with), remove the pan from the heat, place it in the bowl of cold water for a minute, and then whisk the juice into the eggs (in small bits at a time).

Place the pan back over the stovetop and continue whisking. Childs’ tip is to repeatedly remove the pan from the heat for a few seconds at a time as you whisk (to control the heat and thickening process). The yolk mixture is ready to remove from the heat completely when the mixture is creamy enough to see the bottom of the pan between strokes.

Continue whisking the yolk mixture off the heat and add more teaspoon-sized pieces of butter one at a time (letting them blend completely before adding the next). You’ll want to eat this soon after it’s finished or keep it warm in a thermos!

Chocolat + Chocolate gravy over biscuits, pancakes, or waffles


Who says you can’t eat dessert for dinner? Warm up a cold winter weekend with this movie and a few chocolate recipes. (The Johnny Depp scenes won’t hurt, either.) From hot chocolate with chili pepper to decadent sauces and enticing candies, there is no limit to the confectionery madness.

Chocolate Gravy: The gravy will be the superstar while biscuits provide the perfect base. Of course, you can add it to pancakes or waffles if you’re more interested in breakfast than dinner.

  • 1/4 c cocoa
  • 2-3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 c sugar (I like ½ cup dark sugar instead)
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • 2 c milk
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1-2 tsp vanilla

Mix the cocoa, flour, sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl until there are no lumps. Then pour the milk and continue mixing until it’s well blended. Pour the mixture into a saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it feels like gravy (which should take between 7 to 10 minutes). Immediately after removing the sauce from the heat, stir in the butter and vanilla. Spoon this creamy piece of heaven over fresh biscuits (or whatever else you choose) and ignore any guilt!