Stuck at home? Stream these 12 movies to cope with travel wanderlust
If we had to guess, you might be in need of a good movie and a good laugh right about now.
There's a good chance you're also spending quite a bit of time at home these days — or are preparing to hunker done for a lengthy staycation. Give yourself a much-needed break from all the craziness out there and curl up on the sofa with one of these wanderlust-worthy films this weekend.
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"Eat, Pray, Love"
If there's one movie that can make you feel like you've traveled the world (or, at least India, Italy and Indonesia) without ever leaving the couch, it's "Eat, Pray, Love." Follow Julia Roberts through the sybaritic food scenes in Rome to the stunning natural scenery in Bali, you'll feel inspired and refreshed by the time the credits role.
"The Secret Life of Walter Mitty"
Prepare yourself for some for some of the most stunning landscapes you've ever seen on the big screen. Think: close-ups of Iceland and Greenland, with a plot that traces the globe from the streets of New York City to the Himalayas, with Icelandic folk music by Of Monsters and Men playing in the background. It's the visual tonic we all need right now.
"Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants"
Transport yourself to Greece (and Maryland, South Carolina and Mexico) just by turning on your television. If the inseparable bond of Carmen, Tibby, Bridget and Lena — and the almost mystical quality of the so-called traveling pants that perfectly fit all four girls — can't put a smile on your face, nothing can. Those jaw-dropping shots of Santorini don't hurt, either.
"Point Break"
Whether you watch the original "Point Break" with Keanu Reeves from 1991 or the new version from 2015, you're sure to get some serious inspiration for your future travels. Both films are about a group of athletes who are always seeking the next thrill. This includes traveling all over the world to destinations like the Alps for a wingsuit flight, or to Angel Falls in Venezuela for free solo climbing. Though you might want to pass on the extreme sports, we can all appreciate the incredible shots of the beautiful places these fearless adventurers go.
"Mamma Mia"
Don't deny it: You just sang Abba's classic song in your head (or out loud, we don't judge). If musicals are more your thing but you still want to soak in all of the magic of Greece, make sure "Mamma Mia" is waiting in your queue. Here we go again.
Related: These are the most-watched inflight movies and TV shows of 2019
"Ugly Delicious"
OK, this isn't exactly a movie. But David Chang's food and travel docuseries is a must-see for any world traveler and epicurean — and luckily for you, the second season was just released last weekend. Spoiler alert: This show introduced me to the best pizza I've ever had. The latest season includes trips to Mumbai, India for a lesson in Indian cuisine and some of the world's best chophouses, including those in Australia. Just be sure to have your takeout ordered or your dinner cooking before you press play.
"Catch Me If You Can"
Get ready for all of the travel nostalgia, mixed with a twinge of drama, plenty of adrenaline and lots of Leonardo DiCaprio. This 2002 classic (based on a true story!) never gets old, and it's a tale that will entertain the entire family.
"Parts Unknown"
If you haven't seen Anthony Bourdain's "Parts Unknown" docuseries yet, consider this the perfect time to binge watch all 12 seasons. The series shows the late Bourdain traveling the world, eating some of the most delicious food on the planet and getting to know the people and cultures around him. We could all use a little bit more of that magic right now, don't you think?
Related: Travel podcasts guaranteed to spark your wanderlust
"The Imagineering Story"
If your Disney travel plans just got upended by all the theme park closures, queue up your Disney+ subscription instead. This in-depth film will take you behind the scenes to see how Disney theme parks around the world were made. Even if you're not a die-hard Disney fan, we have a feeling everyone could use a healthy dose of childhood wonder right about now.
"Crazy Rich Asians"
If this movie doesn't have you itching to book a flight to Singapore, nothing will. Settle in and get comfortable for some gorgeous scenery, delicious street food you can practically taste through the television and plenty of family drama. When you're done, don't forget to read the book on which the movie is based. It's enough to keep you occupied for the length of the world's longest flight.
"Under the Tuscan Sun"
We have a feeling you could use some vitamin D and a trip to Italy right about now. While that might not be possible in person, watching "Under the Tuscan Sun" might just be the next best thing. This classic movie will have you ready to move to the Italian countryside and start a new life — or at least visit it.
Related: Crazy rich AvGeeks: Production designer dishes about movie's airline design
"Where'd You Go, Bernadette?"
In this film, two parents are reminded of the promise that they'd take a family trip to Antarctica if their daughter maintained perfect grades when she does, in fact, earn perfect grades. Things don't go exactly as planned, but the whole family takes an unforgettable trip to Antarctica. Though it's not an easy destination to reach, this movie will definitely make you want to add Antarctica to your bucket list.Additional reporting by Liz Hund.
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Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.