GUEST COLUMN: 4 Films That Will Get You Excited to Travel

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4 Films That Will Get You Excited to Travel

by Kevin Faber

Getting excited about a trip can take a lot of effort, especially if you'd rather stay at home. Fortunately, you may find some help in the movies. Several iconic films make traveling look fun and desirable. So, if you're preparing for an adventure, here are four films that will get you excited about traveling.

1. Under the Tuscan Sun

If you're looking to get excited about traveling, few movies will be as helpful as Under the Tuscan Sun. This film is a classic in the romantic comedy genre. In the movie, the audience follows a writer named Frances Mayes. Unfortunately, Frances begins the film by discovering that her husband is cheating. Her friend then offers her tickets to a tour of Tuscany. On this tour, Frances falls in love with a villa and decides to stay. While this may seem highly irresponsible to many viewers, it makes for a charming watch, as well as a reminder that people can be spontaneous at any age. The movie also has some beautiful shots of Tuscany, which makes it very appealing to look at. Best of all, Under the Tuscan Sun is based on a true story. Frances Mayes is a real woman who wrote a memoir about her time in Tuscany. This makes the experience all the more inspiring, especially for those who are interested in global citizenship. 

2. Indiana Jones series

Indiana Jones isn't a conventional pick when it comes to travel movie series. After all, it isn't exactly relatable or calm. Despite this, Indiana Jones still manages to make traveling look appetizing. How? Well, Jones isn't exactly looking for artifacts in New Jersey. The movies take place in a wide variety of locations, and many scenes actually depict the travel experience. Jones rides on elephants, falls down a waterfall and even stays at a palace. Sure, most of these adventures culminate in life or death situations, but it's still appealing for viewers. The sheer adventure involved in Jones' travels is enough to get your blood pumping. Because of this, the Indiana Jones movies are a great pick if you want to get hyped up for travel.

3. The Lord of the Rings series

The Lord of the Rings film series is, undoubtedly, a classic. No other fantasy series, except perhaps Harry Potter, has come close to its level of quality and faithfulness. All of this aside, The Lord of the Rings is also a great traveling series. Anyone who's seen the movies knows how much time is spent on traveling. Does this get tedious at times? Certainly. However, it also provides some beautiful visuals and fun relaxation sequences. The movies were filmed in New Zealand, which has some amazing locations to boast about. Even when the long shots go on for a while, there's always something gorgeous to look at. It's also nice to see how the group is brought together by the quest. While traveling isn't always fun, it's almost sure to make you want your own fellowship quest.

4. Up

Up is a movie that makes traveling feel like a lifelong dream. While it doesn't feature a real location, it does focus on the very act of traveling. Up focuses on a widower named Carl. When Carl's wife Ellie was still alive, the couple planned on moving to Paradise Falls. Eventually, once it becomes clear that Carl will be forced into a nursing home, the stubborn old man manages to fly his house towards that very location. Unfortunately for him, a young Wilderness Explorer named Russell manages to tag along. This plot, which is all introduced fairly early on, drives most of the film. A good majority is simply the journey to Paradise Falls. Because of this, the strong emotions involved in the journey are deeply explored. Sure, Up isn't the happiest movie ever. You'll probably spend the first ten minutes crying. However, it does make you want to travel as soon as possible.

When you're in the right mood, traveling can be a lot of fun. So, pull up some movies and start packing!