If you are looking for creative ways to keep busy, why not add a travel twist to your movie night? The best travel films are the ones that make your brain start racing with thoughts of adventure and endless possibilities. Before you know it, you’ll be jumping off the sofa and hopping onto a plane because you just can’t wait to get there. We’ve rounded up some of our favourite destination-inspired movies that will transport you to paradise (for a few hours, at least).
Director Michael McGowan’s One Week (2008) invests so much into Canada’s scenery that it feels like one of the characters. A comedy-drama, it tells the story of Ben Tyler (Joshua Jackson), who sets off on a cross-Canada motorcycle journey after being diagnosed with cancer. Traveling from Toronto to Vancouver Island, he stops at many Canadian landmarks along the way, including Sudbury’s Big Nickel and the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. The settings range from British Columbia and Alberta to locations even some Canadians may not recognize, including Carman, MB, and Minden, ON. The film is as Canadian as it gets!
Dreaming of heading back to the pristine shores of Jamaica? While you might not be able to visit the island just yet, you can get a taste of the tropics by watching Cool Runnings (1993). The movie is loosely based on the story of the Jamaican bobsled team that competed in the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, AB. While a great deal of the film takes place in Calgary, it starts on the island of Jamaica, with filming taking place primarily outside of Runaway Bay and in Kingston.
Pixar has long been world famous for its beautiful animation, and this might be the best example. Brave (2012) is about Merida - a princess who is determined to make her own path in life and is willing to defy tradition and honour to do so. With wildfire-coloured locks to match her feisty personality, the thought of an arranged marriage is enough to make her sick. This film is pure Disney and Pixar magic, and includes everything we love about Scotland: ginger hair, tales of magic, quirky clansmen, stunning scenery and a message about family and love.
Into the Wild (2007) is an unbelievable true story of a top student and athlete who abandons everything he has and hitchhikes to Alaska to live in the wilderness. It is an inspiring story taking place in the most incredible landscapes of Alaska. If you choose just a few movies to watch from this list, include this one in your selection!
Wadi Rum Desert in Jordan plays a key role in the movie Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019). While Wadi Rum has been featured in the Star Wars series before in the film Rogue One, the final installment of the Star Wars ennealogy used the stunning desert landscape as an entirely different planet. During the movie taping, the actors and filmmakers needed to stay in the Kingdom of Jordan for a month during shooting.
This travel movie is based on a true story of a woman who sets on a solo journey of over 1,500 kilometres hoping to recover after the passing of her mother. Wild (2014) is full of beautiful scenes through the Pacific Northwest in the United States. This is one of those travel films that reminds you that often the journey is more important than the destination.
With Journeys by CAA, solo travellers can explore the world on their own but not alone. The Solo Travellers program will introduce you to a wide range of travel options and destinations you may not have considered. With itineraries labeled Solo Friendly, solo travellers may have access to affordable pricing, as well as the comfort of travelling in a group. For those looking to travel entirely with just other solos, Journeys' Solo Exclusive itineraries provide just that. More information here.
Want to experience some of these featured destinations first hand? Be sure to check our upcoming tours or contact a travel consultant to get started.