Maybe you had to cancel your family vacation since the lockdown started. Perhaps you have kids or siblings who are also dying to get back outside adventuring. Well, while we are all cooped up inside, why not have a family movie night to explore the world via Hollywood? From the French Polynesian Islands to the plains of Africa, these travel-related movies will have you daydreaming about your first trip after lockdown. So here are 15 family movies about travel!
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Moana
Travel Inspiration: French Polynesia.
No other movie will leave you craving an adventure at sea like Moana. This story of bravery, adventure, and island life will impress both kids and adults alike. And above all, the music sets this one apart from the rest.
Coco
Travel Inspiration: Mexico for Dia De Los Muerto.
Coco tells the story of a young boy’s dream to become a musician. (Despite that his family hates music!) Set in Mexico on the Day of the Dead, this enchanting story highlights the relationship between grandmother and grandson. All the while featuring Mexico’s beautiful traditions at this one-of-a-kind festival.
While Santa Cecilia is an imaginary town, it is inspired by a variety of real life locations in Mexico you can actually visit.
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
Travel Inspiration: Greenland, Iceland, Yemen, Afghanistan.
With so many epic landscape shots, this film will leave you wanting to go EVERYWHERE. If you’ve ever found yourself daydreaming about travel as a monotonous day slipped by, you might be able to relate to Walter.
Cars
Travel Inspiration: Road Trip down Route 66.
No road trip is as iconic as cruisin’ down Route 66. But did you know Cars is based on the real life town of Seligman, Arizona? When lockdown is over, you just might have to get on America’s mother road and drive the famous road stretching Chicago to Santa Monica.
Rio
Travel Inspiration: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
This story of two blue macaws is too cute to pass up! Not only will you have the songs stuck in your head but you’ll find yourself planning a trip to Brazil’s epic Carnival festival. Kids and adults alike will love this musical tale.
Holiday In The Wild
Travel Inspiration: Zambia, Africa.
This Netflix original has all the makings of a cheesy Hallmark Christmas movie… but we can’t deny how much it will leave you wanting to travel Africa! Whether it’s to embark on a safari or volunteer at a wildlife sanctuary, this movie is certain to inspire your travel daydreams! Best served at the holidays with lots of Christmas cheer. (But we’d be lying if we said it’s not totally enjoyable year round!)
Mammia Mia
Travel Inspiration: Greece.
This classic ABBA musical will have you singing and dancing as you pack your bags for Greece! Filmed mostly on the island of Skopelos, you’ll be itching to toss your swimsuit on and dive in the crystal blue waters. And the toe-tapping music is sure to put a smile on your face!
Lion King
Travel Inspiration: African Safari.
From the awe-inspiring opening number of the film to it’s finale, the Lion King is sure to fuel your wanderlust for an upcoming trip to Africa. Hakuna matata!
Roman Holiday
Travel inspiration: Rome, Italy
If you haven’t already seen this black and white classic starring Audrey Hepburn, add it to your list. She’s as charming as can be. And the dashing Gregory Peck will have you swooning for your own Roman romance. Follow the pair around Italy as the day unfolds. It definitely ranks as one of our favorite family movies about travel!
Letters To Juliet
Travel Inspiration: Verona, Italy.
If you’re a hopeless romantic, you will love this film. And you’ll certainly find yourself daydreaming about beautiful Verona. Did you know can actually volunteer to read and respond to all the love letters written to Juliet like in the movie? How dreamy.
National Lampoon’s Vacation
Travel Inspiration: American Road Trip: Grand Canyon, Monument Valley & more.
Fun, wacky and charming. If you’re looking for a family movie about travel, look not further. This classic captures the feelings many of us have felt while on a vacation with the family. So pile in the car…. and let’s go!
Born in China
Travel Inspiration: China.
Any of the Disney Nature films will leave you with feelings of awe long after the movie is over. Get up close and personal with a cute panda bear family, a bunch of snow leopards and golden monkeys.
Slumdog Millionaire
Travel Inspiration: India.
This moving film will inspire your future travels to India. But just so you know, it only makes the cut for family movie night if the youngsters aren’t involved. (Due to a few mature scenes!) But overall, it’s a beautiful and haunting tale that will warm your heart.
March of the Penguins
Travel Inspiration: Antarctica.
Narrated by Morgan Freeman and with tons of cute penguins, what’s not to love?! Watch as the penguins waddle their way around the 7th continent. Full of highs and lows, this movie is sure to leave you on the edge of your seat. In other words, prepare to get very emotionally invested in some penguin drama. Bundle up, let’s head to Antarctica!
Brave
Travel Inspiration: Scotland.
Shots of the sweeping Scottish landscape with swells of Scottish music make this movie a real travel favorite! And as a result, you may start making plans to visit Scotland with the family. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!
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Hi Alyssa! This is such a clever post while we are all at home in quarantine! I did a post about House Hunters International and how when you watch that it feels as if you are starting your day in a different country. That said, I hadn’t thought of movies. I love Moana, Coco and Rio and will certainly be rewatching them in the next couple of days! Thanks for such a great idea!
OOOOHHHH great idea!!!! I play Design Home app which has some houses featured on House Hunters and it fulfills my wanderlust, but I didn’t think to actually watch the show!!! Love it!!
Fun list! A few new ideas for movie night.