explore the blog

Sometimes you need to just escape the day to day but you can’t get away away. So I’ve compiled a list of some movies that can make you feel like you’re exploring somewhere new for a couple of hours. 

UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN

Frances, a recently divorced woman visits Italy…and never leaves. If this movie doesn’t make you want to sell your house and move to a villa in Tuscany, I don’t know what will. From the views to the food and culture, it’s Italian sensory overload in this movie based on the memoir of the same name. 

EAT PRAY LOVE

In another memoir turned movie, this story of a woman finding herself spans Italy (Eat, obviously!), India (Pray) and Bali (Love). I hesitate to put this on the list because I think the book is far better but there’s something to be said for a movie that can capture the distinct beauty and nuances of each of these special places in under 3 hours. 

MIDNIGHT IN PARIS

I love this movie. Maybe because I’m a sucker for period pieces or possibly because Paris is a character in its own right in the film where Gil, a writer finds himself transported to 1920’s Paris when he goes for a walk one evening. Sounds a bit fantastical, I know but trust me, it works. The casting is great and the scenery is just dreamy (see above!)

THE BEACH

We’re taking it way back with this one but I couldn’t leave this classic tour of Thailand off the list. An American backpacker’s search for paradise leads him to some beautiful but… interesting places. The filming locations and visuals for this movie are insane, with one of the actual beaches in Thailand now a currently off-limits tourist attraction because it was so popular (pro tip- even if it reopens, skip it). Fair warning, you may find yourself booking a flight to Thailand after this one. 

VICKY, CRISTINA, BARCELONA

2 Americans spend a summer in Spain.  Romance and drama ensue.  Even more interesting than the spicy plot is the backdrop of Barcelona and the Spanish countryside. There is something about Woody Allen’s movies that really transport you, the setting seems as important (or more than?) the plot. 

LOST IN TRANSLATION

I’ve got to admit it – I haven’t actually seen this one yet but my interest in Japan has recently piqued and this tryst to Tokyo is going on the must watch list. 2 lonely strangers are bonded in a foreign land and find escape and distraction in the backdrop of Tokyo.  

SIDEWAYS

I can remember, way back when, that this was one of the first movies that really made me want to go somewhere. It felt like a love letter to California wine country. While it’s really more of a pre marital romp, it’s entertaining nonetheless.