art of travel film

THE ART OF TRAVEL Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf

For some, traveling is defined as movement from location to location in as little time as possible. For others, traveling is merely the first step toward greater self-exploration, where adventures can teach and motivate the soul to higher plains of consciousness. "The Art of Travel" is an indie film that explores the very nature of wanderlust, and how it informs character and transforms life. It's filled with familiar dramatic footprints, but "Art" remains something worthwhile and unexpectedly delicate.

Catching his fiancée in a compromising position, Conner Layne (Chris Masterson) ditches his betrothed on their wedding day and boards the first plane out of the country. Ending up in

Nicaragua , Conner is overwhelmed by his vacation decision, but quickly soothed by his fellow travelers, who push the young man to challenge himself by abandoning his comfort zone and taking on new challenges. When a week away soon becomes years, Conner struggles with the concept of settling back down and returning home, trying to imagine a world without the constant life-altering experiences he's grown accustom to.

"Art of Travel" is truly about the simple pleasures in life. It's an unpretentious motion picture, endeavoring to construct the journey of a sheltered teenager as he grows into a knowing, mentally-porous adult. The direction by Thomas Whelan reaches for poetry and achieves an even flow of culture shock humor and gentle Zen-like absorptions of experiences. It's a sturdy directorial job for a difficult movie; one that wants to spread the idea of travel as the ultimate cotton swab of life, but also engages in good times to keep the less spiritually open audience member awake.

The lighthearted moments of Conner's early days in foreign lands hold the most wildly appealing material. Scenarios with Conner facing erratic shower facilities, the culture of petty crime, and his interactions with some sexually-minded fellow travelers lend the film some decent laughs before it all starts to slip into solemnity. Once Conner meets up with a pair of Americans (Brooke Burns and Johnny Mesner) looking to clear an unimaginable path through dense South American forest, "Art" settles down and begins to itemize Conner's revelations and obstacles. The transition isn't jarring, but a certain playfulness is left behind the film could've emphasized further down into the story.

While I'm not convinced Masterson has the gravitas to sell Conner's more insular struggles of the soul, I did enjoy his performance, which does thankfully pull the actor away from his "Malcolm in the Middle" legacy and into more promising actorly fields of emoting. He's a solid center for this relaxed movie, helping the story get through thin-ice plot turns (an encounter with violent jungle Guerrillas lacks credibility) and substantial time jumps.

"Art" eventually turns romantic, focusing on Conner's relationship with traveling pal Anna (Angelika Baran), and steps even further away from what makes this movie feel special: the restless soul. The arc is performed nicely and it fits a very specific thematic need in Brian LaBelle's script, but it also restrains the picture from further wonder. "Art of Travel" is a dynamic travelogue, with gorgeous locations and fascinating psychological issues to address, so it seems only appropriate that when it stops to explore a stagnant life, the film feels impatient to move on to the next adventure.

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The Art of Travel

2008, Adventure, 1h 41m

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The art of travel photos.

Conner goes on his honeymoon, alone, and finds adventure with a ragtag group in Central America.

Rating: R (Language|Some Nudity)

Genre: Adventure

Original Language: English

Director: Thomas Whelan

Producer: Emyr G. Graciano , Kyle Dean Jackson , Brian LaBelle , Carol Masterson

Writer: Brian LaBelle , Thomas Whelan

Release Date (Theaters): Sep 2, 2008 limited

Release Date (Streaming): Aug 10, 2016

Runtime: 1h 41m

Production Co: Brenster Productions, The Summerland Story Company

Cast & Crew

Christopher Masterson

Conner Layne

Brooke Burns

Darlene Loren

Johnny Messner

Christopher Loren

James Duval

Taylor 'One Ball'

Shalim Ortiz

Carlos 'Bullet'

Jake Muxworthy

Justin 'Two Dogs'

Angelika Baran

Anna 'G-Spot'

Maria Conchita Alonso

Alexandra Breckenridge

Ernie Lively

Thomas Whelan

Brian LaBelle

Screenwriter

Emyr G. Graciano

Kyle Dean Jackson

Carol Masterson

Lawson Deming

Cinematographer

Yesenia Higuera

Film Editing

Steve Bartek

Original Music

Jennifer Williams

Production Design

Costume Design

Critic Reviews for The Art of Travel

Audience reviews for the art of travel.

Hmm.....I put it on as something to fall asleep to, and it was so bad I couldn't sleep through it. For a movie that claims to hate quotes, it sure uses lots of lame ones to tell the story.

Stunning scenery, interesting characters, decent acting, but a lackluster plot add up to make this a bit of a disappointment. I didn't necessarily need a Hollywood, feel good ending, but it needed some spark to make it memorable and all we got was a little "pfft". There was so much I could not buy about the story. There were a lot of unanswered whys. Why were they hacking their way across the jungle? Why did the couple entice Conner to join them? Why did it take Conner so long to hook up with the girl and why did he leave her? Why? I think this was just a vehicle, an excuse to film in some incredible locations. And the promise is that there will be more to come. Oh, joy. Watch it for the scenery, but don't expect much from the story.

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The Art of Travel

With a title guaranteed to draw swarming hordes of Town & Country subscribers, "The Art of Travel" is a coming-of-age picaresque that features a continent's worth of breathtaking miles, but not in the company of people you want to spend that much time with.

By John Anderson

John Anderson

Oscars: ‘True Power of the Human Spirit’ the Theme of Best Picture Nominees 8 years ago
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With a title guaranteed to draw swarming hordes of Town & Country subscribers, “The Art of Travel” is a coming-of-age picaresque that features a continent’s worth of breathtaking miles, but not in the company of people you want to spend that much time with. Overacted and overblown, pic will underwhelm commercially, with theatrical perhaps limited to friends and family. DVD release is set for Sept. 2.

It certainly starts off with a bang, though, at one of the cinema’s great non-weddings: Set to marry the lovely, faithless Kate (Alexandra Breckenridge) in front of their collected kin, Conner Layne (Christopher Kennedy Masterson) says “I don’t” in no uncertain terms. He then proceeds to get drunk and catch the next plane available, which happens to be going to Managua, Nicaragua. There he will become a man — or least, less of a boy.

Popular on Variety

Helmer Thomas Whelan (who wrote the script with producer Brian LaBelle) takes a leisurely amount of time getting his movie where it intends to go, which is on a grueling, yearlong trek through the Darien Gap — which is not, in fact, a clothing store in Connecticut, but rather a virtually impassable stretch separating Panama and Colombia.

The wanderlusting Conner is drafted onto the team — which includes such grizzly youth as One Ball (James Duval), Bullet (Shalim Ortiz) and Two Dogs (Jake Muxworthy) — by Christopher and Darlene Loren (Johnny Messner, Brooke Burns), who seem to have “white slavery” written all over them, but who somehow gain the milky-white gringo’s trust. The journey involves machetes and poisonous snakes, practical jokes and guerrillas, maturity and temper tantrums. And a romance between Conner and Anna (Angelika Baran), who, in case this was all sounding too genteel, is nicknamed “G-Spot.”

It would be nice to say the trip represents Conner’s rite of manhood, but he doesn’t change too much from the precociously clever, jungle-marching Doogie Howser he is at the beginning — aided and abetted by a script with no aversion to remarkable coincidence and convenient happenstance: When the team’s campsite is invaded by guerrillas, Conner disarms their commandante by quoting from a Bible-like book of revolutionary dogma Conner heisted from one of Managua’s flea-bag hotels. Not only does Masterson look like a Boy Scout, but his character knows how to “be prepared!”

Whelan’s directorial technique involves having his cast eschew nuance for rhetorical strong-arming, something to which most auds will likely be resistant. The landscapes are lush and beautiful, and make up for some but not all of what’s misfiring dramatically.

Production values are tops.

Production: A First Look Studios release of a Brenster Prods. presentation, in association with To Be Determined Distribution. Produced by Kyle Dean Jackson, Carol Masterson, Emyr G. Graciano, Brian LaBelle, Christopher Kennedy Masterson. Executive producers, Robert Lazo, Bob Costano. Co-producer, Kathryn Soler. Directed by Thomas Whelan. Screenplay, Brian LaBelle, Whelan.
Crew: Camera (color), Lawson Denning; editor, Yesenia Higuera; music, Steve Bartek; production designer, Jennifer Williams; art director, Williams; (Dolby Digital), Gary Day; supervising sound editor/sound designer, Michael McDonald; visual effects supervisor, Kenneth Armstrong; stunt coordinator, G. Peter King; associate producer, Christine Felton; assistant director, John Vanover. Reviewed on DVD, Los Angeles, June 8, 2008. (In Palm Springs Film Festival, 2007 Boston Film Festival.) Running time: 100 MIN.
With: With: Christopher Kennedy Masterson, Johnny Messner, Brooke Burns, Angelika Baran, James Duval, Shalim Ortiz, Jake Muxworthy, Alexandra Breckenridge.

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THE ART OF TRAVEL

Fresh out of high school — and freshly scorned by his high school sweetheart, whom he planned to marry — Conner Layne embarks on his yearlong honeymoon alone and learns plenty about himself in the process.

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The art of travel.

2008 Directed by Thomas Whelan

The art of travel is to deviate from the current plan.

High school grad. Conner Layne is about to marry his first love, but when wedding plans fail, he goes solo on his honeymoon to Central America, finding adventure with a ragtag group of foreigners who attempt to cross the Darien Gap in record time.

Christopher Masterson Brooke Burns Johnny Messner James Duval Angelika Libera Jake Muxworthy Shalim Ortiz Ernie Lively María Conchita Alonso Bijou Phillips Alexandra Breckenridge Tommy Savas Frank Califano Silvia Spross Annie Huntley Brian LaBelle Danny Trejo

Director Director

Thomas Whelan

Executive Producer Exec. Producer

Corey Large

Composer Composer

Steve Bartek

Alternative Title

Uma Viagem Inesquecível

Adventure Comedy Drama Action

Crude humor and satire Laugh-out-loud relationship entanglements Show All…

Releases by Date

08 jan 2008, releases by country.

Theatrical R

100 mins More at IMDb TMDb Report this page

Popular reviews

Review by horizonmars ★★★

I won't lie, this film was initially a struggle to get through. So much so that I ended up watching it in two separate instalments. The plot is overly contrived, the script fairly unbelievable, and certain sequences are incredibly hammy (the jungle sections in particular).

But where this film redeems itself is through it's fairly good performances across the board. The exchanges between Christopher Masterson's and Angelika Libera's characters toward the latter end of the film are credible and relatable (particularly to someone who has travelled extensively in the past, as in the case of this author.)

The film also manages to capture the thrill of the open road fairly well, helped in no small part by the often breathtaking…

Review by PhillyFilmFan ★★½

This film begins with an excellent premise. Our hero has just graduated from high school and is about to marry his sweetheart after four years of savings themselves for each other. During their wedding he interrupts the ceremony to inform everybody that he has a present for each of them. The crowd reaches under their seats to find envelopes containing a picture of the bride in bed with the groom's brother. Our hero then tells the bride to fuck off, walks out of the ceremony and catches the next available flight out of town. That flight takes him to Managua, Nicaragua where drunken escapades with Dutch co-eds ensue alongside muggings and other clashes with the locals. The movie's a whole lot of fun until the main character decides to go on a dangerous, year-long trek through the jungle. It takes forever and it's not very interesting. Also, the ending is stupid.

Review by Vince Rogue ★★★★

"Relax, have a beer, and see what happens next."

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The Art of Travel

Credits
Image gallery [1]

All images are copyrighted by their respective copyright holders and/or producers/distributors.

Jake Muxworthy

Angelika Baran
Frank Califano

Silvia Spross
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Watch The Art of Travel

1 hr 40 min
6.3 (2,617)

The Art of Travel, a 2008 adventure comedy-drama film directed by Thomas Whelan and starring Christopher Masterson, Brooke Burns, and Johnny Messner is a story that explores the themes of self-discovery and finding one's place in the world. The movie follows Conner Layne (Christopher Masterson), a recently graduated college student, who is about to marry the love of his life, but suddenly finds himself dumped at the altar. Confused and heartbroken, he decides to embark on a journey to clear his head and find himself. He plans a backpacking trip across Central America, with the ultimate destination being Machu Picchu in Peru.

As he travels from one country to another, he meets a variety of people who challenge him in different ways. Along the way, he crosses paths with Darlene Loren (Brooke Burns), a beautiful and adventurous woman who lives by her own rules. She becomes his travel partner, and together they face the ups and downs of the journey.

However, as the journey unfolds, Conner realizes that his backpacking trip is not just a physical journey but also a journey of self-discovery. He is confronted with his own shortcomings and forced to confront his fears, which ultimately leads him to a greater appreciation of the world around him and a newfound sense of self.

One of the most captivating aspects of the movie is the beautiful scenery throughout Central America. Cinematographer Richard Crudo captures the stunning landscapes of Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Peru, creating a sense of wanderlust and adventure that is sure to captivate viewers. There are also a couple of thrilling action sequences, such as when Conner and Darlene are chased by a group of bulls through the streets of Pamplona.

Aside from the stunning visuals, the movie's real strength lies in its ability to explore deeper themes. It showcases Conner's journey to self-discovery as he struggles with issues like regret, self-doubt, and finding his place in the world. Through his encounters with the locals along the way, Conner learns to develop a new perspective on life and begins to see that every culture and individual has something unique to offer.

The chemistry between the two main characters is palpable, and the actors' performances are excellent. Christopher Masterson plays Conner as a likable and charismatic character, with a good sense of humor and an adventurous spirit. Brooke Burns plays Darlene Loren, a free-spirited woman with a thirst for adventure, perfectly.

Overall, The Art of Travel is an enjoyable and inspiring movie, particularly for those who love to travel and immerse themselves in new cultures. Despite being a relatively low-budget production, it manages to convey an epic sense of adventure, and its themes resonate deeply with viewers. The movie teaches us that sometimes we need to take a leap of faith and step outside of our comfort zones to truly discover who we are and what we are capable of achieving.

The Art of Travel is a 2007 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.

Genres Action Adventure Drama Comedy
Cast Christopher Masterson Brooke Burns Johnny Messner
Director Thomas Whelan
Release Date 2007
MPAA Rating R
Runtime 1 hr 40 min
Language English
IMDB Rating 6.3 (2,617)

The Art of Travel

First Look, 101 min., R, DVD: $24.99 Volume 24, Issue 1

by E. Hulse

January 11, 2009

Rating: 3 of 5

For a guy who was valedictorian of his high school class, Connor Layne ( Malcolm in the Middle 's Christopher Masterson) isn't terribly smart. For one thing, Connor doesn't find out until his wedding day that his fiancée and his best friend have been having an affair. For another, Connor manages to get suckered out of all his money when he impulsively decides to go to South America. But Connor is looking to shake up his life, and that's certainly what happens when he accompanies newfound friends Darlene (Brooke Burns) and Christopher (Johnny Messner) on an expedition across the Darien Gap, a 100-mile-long stretch of dense jungle spanning Panama and Columbia. Director and co-writer Thomas Whelan's low-budget film—shot on location—successfully captures the exhilarating feeling of big journeys, as the three American travelers negotiate a formidable wilderness. The principal players are solid, with Masterson making the best impression as a wounded soul, while Maria Conchita Alonso and Bijou Phillips are also solid in small but notable roles. Recommended. ( E. Hulse )

Star Ratings

As of March 2022, Video Librarian has changed from a four-star rating system to a five-star one. This change allows our reviewers to have a wider range of critical viewpoints, as well as to synchronize with Google’s rating structure. This change affects all reviews from March 2022 onwards. All reviews from before this period will still retain their original rating. Future film submissions will be considered our new 1-5 star criteria.

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25 Best Travel Movies Of All Time (Films That Will Inspire You To Travel)

Journey through the best travel movies ever made ........................................................................ You can watch these films over & over again, and never get sick get sick of them. Nothing gets me more excited to travel than a good travel film. It gives you the inspiration and the motivation to a new destination. So here is my personal list of the best travel movies of all time. Which ones are your favorites? I started to realize I had a travel obsession when all my favorite movies were based on crazy travel adventures. Once I’ve finished watching any of these films, I feel the instant urge to pack up everything and head out to explore the world. Great travel movies like these have inspired me a lot for my own personal travel goals over the years.

Movies or TV
IMDb Rating
In Theaters
Release Year

1. Into the Wild (2007)

R | 148 min | Adventure, Biography, Drama

After graduating from Emory University, top student and athlete Christopher McCandless abandons his possessions, gives his entire $24,000 savings account to charity and hitchhikes to Alaska to live in the wilderness. Along the way, Christopher encounters a series of characters that shape his life.

Director: Sean Penn | Stars: Emile Hirsch , Vince Vaughn , Catherine Keener , Marcia Gay Harden

Votes: 657,308 | Gross: $18.35M

Into The Wild is the true story of Christopher McCandless, a recent college graduate who gives away his live savings and hitchhikes to Alaska. He meets all kinds of people along the way, each with their own stories. In Alaska, he heads out into the wilderness to live on his own. His life is filled with random adventures and experiences while he makes his way up to “The Last Frontier”. This is what travel is all about to me. Experiences, good and bad, make you who you are. And long term travel is FULL of new experiences. The key is to not completely get in over your head (like Christopher did).

2. The Motorcycle Diaries (2004)

R | 126 min | Adventure, Biography, Drama

Ernesto Guevara de la Serna, popularly known as Che, along with his friend Alberto Granado, decides to take a road trip across South America. His experiences on the journey transform him.

Director: Walter Salles | Stars: Gael García Bernal , Rodrigo de la Serna , Mía Maestro , Mercedes Morán

Votes: 104,713 | Gross: $16.78M

Essential Visuals: Miramar, Buenos Aires, Argentia; Caracas, Venezuela; Patagonia; Nahuel Huapi Lake; Machu Picchu; Atacama Desert Where It Takes You: South America This awe-inspiring film is based on the memoirs of Che Guevara, from a time before he became an iconic Latin American revolutionary. Guevara (Gael Bernal) and his friend Alberto "Mial" Granado (Rodrigo De la Serna, Guevara’s real-life second cousin) climb atop a motorcycle and ride across South America for eight months and over 14,000 kilometers. The trip inspired the rest of Guevara's incredible life. The movie will inspire you to learn more about the incredibly beautiful continent.

3. The Beach (I) (2000)

R | 119 min | Adventure, Drama, Romance

On vacation in Thailand, Richard sets out for an island rumored to be a solitary beach paradise.

Director: Danny Boyle | Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio , Tilda Swinton , Daniel York , Patcharawan Patarakijjanon

Votes: 253,402 | Gross: $39.79M

Where It Takes You: Thailand Essential Visuals: Bangkok; Koh Samui Beaches; Gulf of Thailand; Ko Phi Phi Leh Want to see Leonardo DiCaprio before he had a dadbod? We hate to bust someone’s bubbles, but we’re not talking about Titanic here. For the ladies reading this post, the 2000 adventure film “The Beach” lets you feast your eyes on a shirtless young Leonardo DiCaprio, swimming on the fabulous crystal clear waters of Ko Phi Phi Lee.

4. The Way (I) (2010)

PG-13 | 123 min | Comedy, Drama

A father heads overseas to recover the body of his estranged son who died while traveling the "El camino de Santiago," and decides to take the pilgrimage himself.

Director: Emilio Estevez | Stars: Martin Sheen , Emilio Estevez , Deborah Kara Unger , Yorick van Wageningen

Votes: 35,288 | Gross: $4.43M

The Way is a beautiful and inspiring tale about a father walking Spain’s Camino de Santiago trail to honor his recently dead son. The experience is an eye-opening an emotional one for him, as he’s forced to make friends with complete strangers and examine his life during the 800km journey. It features a very eclectic mix of characters, all walking the path for their own personal reasons. The movie certainly made me more interested in traveling along the Camino at some point in my life. The Way is a heart-warming and beautiful story of a father who walked the Camino de Santiago trail in Spain, to honor his estranged son who recently died while trekking this trail. His experience was eye-opening and quite an emotional one, as he was compelled to make friends with total strangers as well as examine his life during his long 800 kilometer long journey. The film features a pretty eclectic blend of characters, all trekking the long trail for their own personal reasons.

5. 180° South (2010)

PG | 85 min | Documentary, Drama, Sport

The film follows adventurer Jeff Johnson as he retraces the epic 1968 journey of his heroes Yvon Chouinard and Doug Tompkins to Patagonia.

Director: Chris Malloy | Stars: Yvon Chouinard , Doug Tompkins , Keith Malloy , Alicia Salome Acuna Ika

Votes: 3,172 | Gross: $0.03M

180 Degrees South is a documentary that follows the adventure of a group of friends as they travel to Patagonia in the spirt of their heroes. They pack their surfboards and climbing gear as they sail and drive along the South American coast, learning about the losing battle against industrialization and the destruction of the natural world. Modern commercial interests fed by the growing human consumption of disposable goods is ruining our planet, and the film shows what some brave people are doing to try and stop it. The movie’s beautiful scenery and fantastic soundtrack mix together with a strong message and travel adventure to create a true work of art.

6. Wild (I) (2014)

R | 115 min | Adventure, Biography, Drama

A chronicle of one woman's 1,100-mile solo hike undertaken as a way to recover from a recent personal tragedy.

Director: Jean-Marc Vallée | Stars: Reese Witherspoon , Laura Dern , Gaby Hoffmann , Michiel Huisman

Votes: 138,676 | Gross: $37.88M

Reese Witherspoon donned a pair of ill-fitting hiking boots and a giant backpack for her role as Cheryl Strayed, a writer who trekked 1,100 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail after the devastating loss of her mother. (The film is based on Strayed’s best-selling 2012 book of the same name.) Strayed crosses the dusty Mojave, crazy forests, snowy fields, and muddy trails, losing toenails but gaining mental clarity—or at least self-acceptance—along the way.

7. One Week (I) (2008)

Not Rated | 94 min | Adventure, Drama

Chronicles the motorcycle trip of Ben Tyler as he rides from Toronto to Tofino, British Columbia. Ben stops at landmarks that are both iconic and idiosyncratic on his quest to find meaning in his life.

Director: Michael McGowan | Stars: Joshua Jackson , Peter Spence , Marc Strange , Gage Munroe

Votes: 12,040

Where It Takes You: Road Trip Across Canada This 2008 film chronicles the motorcycle escapade of Ben Tyler, a school teacher, as he takes a fascinating road trip from the city of Toronto to British Colombia’s Tofino. Along his quest’s route, he makes stops in a number of landmarks, to find the true meaning of life, before he gets married.

8. Tracks (I) (2013)

PG-13 | 112 min | Adventure, Biography, Drama

A young woman goes on a 1,700-mile trek across the deserts of West Australia with four camels and her faithful dog.

Director: John Curran | Stars: Mia Wasikowska , Adam Driver , Lily Pearl , Philip Dodd

Votes: 31,698 | Gross: $0.51M

Where It Takes You: Western Australia Standing in for real-life writer Robyn Davidson, Mia Wasikowska travels across the breathtaking landscape of Western Australia with only four camels and a beloved dog for company. Her occasional human visitors include a photographer for National Geographic (Adam Driver), an indigenous Australian elder named Mr. Eddy who guides her through sacred lands, and various tourists who come to gawk at the so-called Camel Lady. Davidson’s solo trip was beyond the pale for a woman in the '70s, but it's still incredibly inspiring today. We'll just leave the camel-training to someone else.

9. And Your Mother Too (2001)

R | 106 min | Drama

In Mexico, two teenage boys and an older woman embark on a road trip and learn a thing or two about life and each other.

Director: Alfonso Cuarón | Stars: Maribel Verdú , Gael García Bernal , Daniel Giménez Cacho , Ana López Mercado

Votes: 128,777 | Gross: $13.62M

Where It Takes You: Mexico Essential visuals: Mexico City; Puerto Escondido; Huatulco; Secluded Mexican beaches Julio and Tenoch are two teens ruled by raging hormones and a mission to consume exotic substances. But one summer, the boys learn more about life than they bargain for when they set off on a wild, cross-country road trip with seductive, 28-year-old Luisa. The temptress Luisa teaches them the finer points of passion, and they of course, both fall madly in love with her.

10. The Darjeeling Limited (2007)

R | 91 min | Adventure, Comedy, Drama

A year after their father's funeral, three brothers travel across India by train in an attempt to bond with each other.

Director: Wes Anderson | Stars: Owen Wilson , Adrien Brody , Jason Schwartzman , Amara Karan

Votes: 216,692 | Gross: $11.90M

Essential Visuals: The Himalayas; temples in Jodhpur; Indian railways Where It Takes You: India The Darjeeling Limited is a wacky film about three wealthy, spoiled brothers taking an overland train trip through India. They haven’t spoken in a year, and the trip is supposed to heal and bond them again. Initially it all goes wrong as they bicker and fight with each other. They are all suffering from depression, and pop pain killers like candy. When it seems like nothing is going right, their crazy experiences along the way finally put things into perspective. The ultimate goal of healing and rejuvenation starts to happen. They finally start to grow up and turn into men. The movie is hilarious, and beautifully shot too. It will make you want to visit India.

11. Encounters at the End of the World (2007)

G | 99 min | Documentary

Film-maker Werner Herzog travels to the McMurdo Station in Antarctica, looking to capture the continent's beauty and investigate the characters living there.

Director: Werner Herzog | Stars: Werner Herzog , Scott Rowland , Stefan Pashov , Doug MacAyeal

Votes: 19,229 | Gross: $0.94M

Encounters At The End Of The World is an incredibly beautiful and funny movie about the people and animals who live in Antarctica. The film is done by Werner Herzog, one of my favorite directors. The individuals that work at the National Science Foundation research station are full of character, and most are permanent world travelers. Even if you’ve seen Discovery channel shows about Antarctica, this is totally different and fresh. I liked it much more than I thought I would, and it has earned a spot on my best travel movies list because as soon as it was over I wanted to pack up and head down there for a bit!

12. The Bucket List (2007)

PG-13 | 97 min | Adventure, Comedy, Drama

Two terminally ill men escape from a cancer ward and head off on a road trip with a wish list of to-dos before they die.

Director: Rob Reiner | Stars: Jack Nicholson , Morgan Freeman , Sean Hayes , Beverly Todd

Votes: 259,581 | Gross: $93.47M

The Bucket List is a tearjerker, and more importantly, a heart-warming film that will inspire you to do all the things that you want to do before you kick the bucket, including traveling. To me, the film also reminds us that life is too short, and we should enjoy it to the fullest.

13. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)

PG | 114 min | Adventure, Comedy, Drama

When both he and a colleague are about to lose their job, Walter takes action by embarking on an adventure more extraordinary than anything he ever imagined.

Director: Ben Stiller | Stars: Ben Stiller , Kristen Wiig , Jon Daly , Kathryn Hahn

Votes: 340,430 | Gross: $58.24M

When Walter’s job along with that of his co-worker are threatened, Walter takes action in the real world embarking on a global journey that turns into an adventure more extraordinary than anything he could have ever imagined. This is a lighthearted look at the adventurous spirit with some awesome travel mixed in.

14. Out of Africa (1985)

PG | 161 min | Biography, Drama, Romance

In 20th-century colonial Kenya, a Danish baroness/plantation owner has a passionate love affair with a free-spirited big-game hunter.

Director: Sydney Pollack | Stars: Meryl Streep , Robert Redford , Klaus Maria Brandauer , Michael Kitchen

Votes: 86,205 | Gross: $87.10M

Where It Takes You: Kenya Essential Visuals: Ngong Hills; Shaba National Game Reserve; African savannas Meryl Streep and Robert Redford star in this tragic love story about a married baroness who falls for a big-game hunter, based on the autobiographical novel by Isak Dinesen. Filmed on location in the UK and Kenya, including the Shaba National Game Reserve, Out of Africa feels about as epic as the doomed love affair between two very different people.

15. Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011)

Not Rated | 155 min | Comedy, Drama, Musical

Three friends decide to turn their fantasy vacation into reality after one of their friends gets engaged.

Director: Zoya Akhtar | Stars: Hrithik Roshan , Farhan Akhtar , Abhay Deol , Katrina Kaif

Votes: 85,720 | Gross: $3.11M

Where It Takes You: Spain Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara ( You Don't Get Life a Second Time ) - Two lifelong friends (Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar) take a third (Abhay Deol) on a road trip through Spain instead of throwing a traditional bachelor party.

17. The Endless Summer (1966)

Not Rated | 95 min | Documentary, Sport

The crown jewel to ten years of Bruce Brown surfing documentaries. Brown follows two young surfers around the world in search of the perfect wave, and ends up finding quite a few in addition to some colorful local characters.

Director: Bruce Brown | Stars: Robert August , Michael Hynson , Lord James Blears , Bruce Brown

Votes: 6,212

Catch a wave and you’re sitting on top of the world,” sang the Beach Boys; and if ever a film embodied that mindset, it’s Bruce Brown’s 1966 surfer documentary. Brown shadowed buddies Robert August and Mike Hynson on a round-the-world surfing trip, filming their travels to places like Hawaii, New Zealand, and South Africa as they crested waves and met like-minded surf obsessives. The film’s impact on surf culture and tourism was huge, thanks in no small part to Brown’s cinematography, as well as the subjects’ ability to make riding those impossibly large waves seem effortless This 1966 classic has a cult following, and deservedly so; it spiraled an entire surf and travel subculture, and has been inspiring travelers for the past 50 years. The film follows surfers around the globe as they search to continue summer surfing beyond the summer months. Their travels are what any traveler could wish on such a journey; exotic locations, cultural exchanges and lessons, and plenty of good stories along the way.

18. Easy Rider (1969)

R | 95 min | Adventure, Drama

Two bikers head from L.A. to New Orleans through the open country and desert lands, and along the way they meet a man who bridges a counter-culture gap of which they had been unaware.

Director: Dennis Hopper | Stars: Peter Fonda , Dennis Hopper , Jack Nicholson , Antonio Mendoza

Votes: 116,806 | Gross: $41.73M

Released the year of the Woodstock festival—perhaps the biggest event of the ’60s counterculture movement—Easy Rider couldn’t have come out at a better time in history. The film plays out like a motorcycle travelogue, following Wyatt (Peter Fonda) and Billy (Dennis Hopper) on their sojourn from Mexico to Los Angeles to New Orleans. Shot on a shoestring budget, the film is flush with desert landscapes and towns that the pair of nogoodniks (and co-stars, like a young Jack Nicholson) pass through on their drug-and-booze-fueled hippie adventure.

19. The Art of Travel (2008)

R | 100 min | Drama

Having called off his wedding, a high school graduate journeys alone to Central America, finding adventure with a ragtag group of foreigners who attempt to cross the Darien Gap in record time.

Director: Thomas Whelan | Stars: Christopher Masterson , Brooke Burns , Johnny Messner , James Duval

Votes: 2,620

Ever think of trading out the American dream of white picket fences and suburban houses for an adventure? The 2008 film The Art of Travel shows a man who does just that after finding out his long time sweetheart and fiancee is cheating on him. Abandoning the past and in an attempt to move forward, he takes his honeymoon alone. The result is an adventure of self discovery and the true meaning and mastering of wanderlust as he and a group of adventurers try to race across the Darien Gap. Travel lovers everywhere will be inspired by the cinematography as the hero travels through the miles of the South and Central American rainforest. The film also does a fantastic job of depicting the struggle every traveler feels in their soul at the thought of returning to what is familiar after having experienced the challenges the world has waiting for you.

20. A Map for Saturday (2007)

TV-PG | 90 min | Documentary

On a trip around the world, every day feels like Saturday. A MAP FOR SATURDAY reveals a world of long-term, solo travel through the stories of trekkers on four continents. The documentary ... See full summary »

Director: Brook Silva-Braga | Stars: Scott Erikson , Rebecca Filmer , Sabrina Hezinger , Kate McNair

Votes: 1,214

A Map For Saturday is a travel documentary that follows one man as he quits his cushy job with HBO to travel around the world for a year and live out of his backpack. It shows the different ways people travel, and gives an accurate picture of what it is like to vagabond around the world long term. You get to experience both the ups and downs of his trip at a very personal level. If you ever thought of doing something like this, the movie will show you what the experience is really like. It also shows you that anyone can travel cheaply if they really want to. The only thing stopping you is, well, you.

21. Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008)

PG-13 | 96 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance

Two friends on a summer holiday in Spain become enamored with the same painter, unaware that his ex-wife, with whom he has a tempestuous relationship, is about to re-enter the picture.

Director: Woody Allen | Stars: Rebecca Hall , Scarlett Johansson , Javier Bardem , Christopher Evan Welch

Votes: 268,627 | Gross: $23.22M

Where It Takes You: Spain Essential Visuals: Barcelona Harbor; Spanish countryside; Oviedo; Santa Maria del Mar Church

23. Away We Go (2009)

R | 98 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance

A couple expecting their first child travels the U.S. seeking the perfect "family home." They have misadventures and find fresh connections with relatives and old friends who help them discover "home" on their own terms for the first time.

Director: Sam Mendes | Stars: John Krasinski , Maya Rudolph , Allison Janney , Carmen Ejogo

Votes: 55,055 | Gross: $9.45M

A few months before their baby is due, Verona (Maya Rudolph) and Burt (John Krasinski) decide to take a road trip to find the perfect location to raise their family. Their journey takes them from Phoenix and Tucson to Madison and Montreal, a city that has never seemed more friendly or inviting. The movie is a wonderful tour of North America’s cities, as well as a touching tribute to love and family. John Krasinski and Maya Rudolph play expectant parents in director Sam Mendes's 2009 flick. Verona (Rudolph) and Burt (Krasinski) travel across the continent searching for where they should settle down to raise their unborn baby. They visit friends along the way, learning about the type of parents they'd like to be and despite Verona's hesitation to get married, pledge they'll always be there for each other. In his review of the film, Globe film critic Wesley Morris wrote that it "is a road movie for idealists. Away We Go is story of discovery and interaction with different lifestyles of people across the world, and a look into the different kind of lives we can choose to live. The story follows a couple who is expecting their first child; upon learning they are pregnant, they decide to travel across North America to try to find the kind of culture and life they wish their child to grow up in. The film does well at inspiring you to not settle to be like the people around you, but to make your own path.

24. Lost in Translation (2003)

R | 102 min | Comedy, Drama

A faded movie star and a neglected young woman form an unlikely bond after crossing paths in Tokyo.

Director: Sofia Coppola | Stars: Bill Murray , Scarlett Johansson , Giovanni Ribisi , Anna Faris

Votes: 487,672 | Gross: $44.59M

Where It Takes You: Japan Essential Visuals: Tokyo; Daikanyama; Shinjuku Park Tower; Heian Jingu Shrine in Kyoto; Nanzen-ji Temple’s Sanmon gate Lost In Translation is based on two separate travelers, Bob & Charlotte, visiting Tokyo at the same time. They meet each other and form a friendship as they experience confusion and hilarity in a strange and curious city. Bob is an aging actor starring in commercials, while Charlotte is the bored wife of a photographer there on business. They are an unlikely pair, experiencing a degree of loneliness in a foreign city filled with millions of people. This is another beautifully shot film that also shows how funny and interesting traveling in a new country can be. The many little random experiences that present themselves while traveling are often the most memorable.

25. Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)

PG-13 | 113 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance

Frances Mayes, a 35-year-old San Francisco writer, gets a divorce that leaves her with terminal writer's block and depression. Later, she decides to buy a house in Tuscany in order to change her life.

Director: Audrey Wells | Stars: Diane Lane , Raoul Bova , Sandra Oh , Lindsay Duncan

Votes: 59,381 | Gross: $43.61M

Where It Takes You: Tuscany, Italy Don’t want to give up your city life? A word of advice, please don’t watch the Under the Tuscan Sun. With all the delightful wines, mouthwatering food, remote cottages and scenic rolling hills shown in the film, this romantic flick will inspire to you to travel to this Italian paradise, as well as urge you to scrap your urban life, for a chance to harvest an awesome dream of living a life Under the Tuscan Sun.

26. Eat Pray Love (2010)

PG-13 | 133 min | Biography, Drama, Romance

A married woman realizes how unhappy her marriage really is, and that her life needs to go in a different direction. After a painful divorce, she takes off on a round-the-world journey to "find herself".

Director: Ryan Murphy | Stars: Julia Roberts , Javier Bardem , Richard Jenkins , Viola Davis

Votes: 105,717 | Gross: $80.57M

Where It Takes You: Italy, India, Indonesia The book-turned-movie Eat Pray Love, ever since it was released, has been inspiring people to travel, and seek a life or career outside the big buzzing cities. I have to admit that this was one of those rare occasions where I didn’t enjoy the book but I enjoyed the movie. Yet another one based on the real story and memoir by Liz Gilbert, Julia Roberts plays her and visually takes us through her transformational journey from a difficult divorce to a quest of self-discovery through eating in Italy, praying in India and loving in Bali. A movie for the senses.

27. The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994)

R | 104 min | Comedy, Music

Two drag performers and a transgender woman travel across the desert to perform their unique style of cabaret.

Director: Stephan Elliott | Stars: Hugo Weaving , Guy Pearce , Terence Stamp , Rebel Penfold-Russell

Votes: 54,894 | Gross: $11.22M

Guy Pearce, Hugo Weaving, and Terence Stamp star as two drag performers and a transwoman who travel to Alice Springs, Australia, in a lavender-hued school bus they've named Priscilla. A road trip across the Outback serves as a dusty backdrop for personal revelations and general awesomeness, like a fireside lip-sync performance of Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive.

28. Seven Years in Tibet (1997)

PG-13 | 136 min | Adventure, Biography, Drama

Heinrich Harrer, an Austrian climber, breaks out of prison and travels to the holy city of Lhasa. He is employed as an instructor to the 14th Dalai Lama and soon becomes his close confidante.

Director: Jean-Jacques Annaud | Stars: Brad Pitt , David Thewlis , BD Wong , Mako

Votes: 155,728 | Gross: $37.96M

Seven Years In Tibet is about an Austrian mountaineer who heads out to conquer a Himalayan mountain in 1939. After getting captured and sent to a prison camp, he ends up breaking out with another man and sneaking into the holy Tibetan city of Lhasa. He befriends the young Dalai Lama just as the Chinese attempt to invade Tibet by force. Both men are from totally different worlds, yet become great friends and learn from each other. The character starts off as a selfish prick, but slowly changes his outlook on life when confronted with new experiences in a very foreign land. It’s a good movie that shows you how travel adventures can transform your life. Filled with scenic shots and views of The Himalayas, Potala Palace, and other sites, most of the filming actually took place in Argentina. However, two crews allegedly secretly shot footage in Tibet, providing authentic visuals.

29. The Way Back (I) (2010)

PG-13 | 133 min | Adventure, Drama, History

Siberian gulag escapees travel four thousand miles by foot to freedom in India.

Director: Peter Weir | Stars: Jim Sturgess , Ed Harris , Colin Farrell , Dragos Bucur

Votes: 121,914 | Gross: $2.70M

Inspired by an incredible true story, The Way Back follows seven prisoners from very different backgrounds as they attempt the impossible: escape from a Siberian prison in the dead of winter. Thus begins a treacherous 4,500-mile trek to freedom across the world’s most merciless landscapes – from Siberia to India. They have little food and few supplies. They don’t know or trust each other. But they know that to survive, they must withstand nature at its most extreme. A compelling testament to the code of trust among travelers, and our innate quality to seek survival and freedom at all costs

30. The Spanish Apartment (2002)

R | 122 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance

A strait-laced French student moves into an apartment in Barcelona with a cast of six other characters from all over Europe. Together, they speak the international language of love and friendship.

Director: Cédric Klapisch | Stars: Romain Duris , Judith Godrèche , Kelly Reilly , Audrey Tautou

Votes: 42,761 | Gross: $3.90M

I have met very few travelers who aren’t obsessed with L’Auberge Espagnole. While there are numerous reasons to love this movie—the romance of Barcelona, the potent sexual tension, etc.—the number one reason why travelers crave this movie is because it’s so incredibly real. Anyone who has ever lived or studied abroad can instantly relate to this film and the way in which it traces the subtle cultural differences and real-life situations experienced by University-aged travelers. Watching L’Auberge Espagnole makes you want to call up long lost travel acquaintances and reminisce and laugh over a stiff drink and focus on the lighter, more important side of life. A final sticking point is the way in which the main character, Xavier, realizes that life’s various experiences and the personal connections you forge are ultimately what really matter, not your salary, title, or career. As this is a mantra many free-spirited travelers hold so dear it’s no wonder the film has fostered such a devoted following.

31. Baraka (1992)

Not Rated | 96 min | Documentary

A collection of expertly photographed scenes of human life and religion.

Director: Ron Fricke | Star: Patrick Disanto

Votes: 40,943 | Gross: $1.33M

Baraka is a non-narrative documentary film, but this list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Baraka. This movie explores themes via a kaleidoscopic compilation of natural events, life, human activities and technological phenomena shot in 24 countries on six continents over a 14-month period. Shot in 70mm film in 24 countries on six continents, Baraka (meaning “blessing” in several languages,) is more of a transcendent global tour – an exploration of extraordinary places, peoples and cultures that create the world’s pulse. A world beyond words, this story is almost an un-story, a narration of nature and of humankind’s chaotic and lovely relationship with it. A viewing experience truly awesome and like nothing you’ve seen or felt before. (2008 | Not Rated) If you loved Baraka,

32. Before Sunrise (1995)

R | 101 min | Drama, Romance

A young man and woman meet on a train in Europe, and wind up spending one evening together in Vienna. Unfortunately, both know that this will probably be their only night together.

Director: Richard Linklater | Stars: Ethan Hawke , Julie Delpy , Andrea Eckert , Hanno Pöschl

Votes: 338,665 | Gross: $5.54M

Takes You: Vienna, Austria Essential Visuals: Wiener Riesenrad Ferris Wheel; Hofburg Palace; the Donaukanal When traveling to a new city, chances are you spend a large part of the first few days just walking around and finding your bearings. Few films encapsulate that aimless walkabout feeling like Before Sunrise. Backpacking American Jesse (Ethan Hawke) gets to live every male traveler’s dream. He meets Celine, a gorgeous French woman (Julie Delpy), and the two have a 12-hour love affair while exploring Vienna for the day. No strings attached. Regarded as one of the most significative films of the 90s, and starring a young Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, the film tells the story of an American travelling by train around Europe, and a French girl travelling home from Budapest. After striking a conversation on the train and having an instant chemistry, they decide to get off together in Vienna. The couple establish an intense intimacy, share stories, opinions jokes and discover love, all surrounded by backlit buildings, racing against time before sunrise. The film’s success is proven by two sequels, Before Sunset and Before Midnight.

33. Central Station (1998)

R | 110 min | Drama

The emotive journey of a former schoolteacher who writes letters for illiterate people, and a young boy whose mother has just died, as they search for the father he never knew.

Director: Walter Salles | Stars: Fernanda Montenegro , Vinícius de Oliveira , Marília Pêra , Soia Lira

Votes: 42,243 | Gross: $5.60M

Where It Takes You: Brazil Central Station tells the story of a bitter old woman and an orphan who leave Rio de Janeiro’s outskirts to embark on a road trip the northeast of Brazil, in search for his father. Expect spectacular scenery of an arid, semi-desert part of Brazil, with traditional cultural insights, far from the flashy beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana.

34. In July (2000)

16+ | 99 min | Adventure, Comedy, Romance

A young, insecure teacher embarks on a journey through Europe to Turkey, where he wants to see a woman again whom he believes to be his fate.

Director: Fatih Akin | Stars: Moritz Bleibtreu , Christiane Paul , Mehmet Kurtulus , Idil Üner

Votes: 22,827

Where It Takes You: Eastern Europe In July (Im Juli) is a movie about a road trip through eastern Europe and all the adventure that goes along with it. Daniel is a shy & boring young school teacher who never really does anything fun & exciting. He decides to break out of his shell while chasing a girl from Germany to Turkey on a crazy road trip that will change his life forever. His travel partner shows him what he’s been missing as they drive, hitchhike, walk, swim, get robbed, steal a car, get in fights, escape from jail, and bribe border guards to get to their ultimate destination. By the end of the adventure, he’s a changed person.

35. The Road Within (2014)

R | 100 min | Adventure, Comedy, Drama

A young man with Tourette's Syndrome embarks on a road trip with his recently-deceased mother's ashes.

Director: Gren Wells | Stars: Robert Sheehan , Dev Patel , Zoë Kravitz , Robert Patrick

Votes: 16,256

36. Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

R | 101 min | Comedy, Drama

A family determined to get their young daughter into the finals of a beauty pageant take a cross-country trip in their VW bus.

Directors: Jonathan Dayton , Valerie Faris | Stars: Steve Carell , Toni Collette , Greg Kinnear , Abigail Breslin

Votes: 517,356 | Gross: $59.89M

Lovely, cute, inappropriate and hilarious, Little Miss Sunshine tells the story of a dysfunctional family that went on an unusually blissful and funny road trip to California, to fulfill the dream of their sweet little girl. Time to cross the country with the eccentric Hoover family on a hilarious ride in a VW bus to bring their Little Miss Sunshine to her beauty pageant finals in southern California… It’s a good thing this little girl has some serious sunshine – her family needs every ounce of it! And she spreads it liberally

37. Amélie (2001)

R | 122 min | Comedy, Romance

Despite being caught in her imaginative world, Amelie, a young waitress, decides to help people find happiness. Her quest to spread joy leads her on a journey where she finds true love.

Director: Jean-Pierre Jeunet | Stars: Audrey Tautou , Mathieu Kassovitz , Rufus , Lorella Cravotta

Votes: 793,427 | Gross: $33.23M

Where Its Take you :Paris If you haven't been to Paris before you'll want to plan a trip after stepping into Amelie's world. This whimsical, contemporary French classic shows the life of an imaginative waitress (played by Audrey Tautou) living in Montmartre as she goes on quite the personal adventure throughout the city. Scenes take place in a Parisian cafe, the metro, and the Basilica of the Sacré Cœur, and there's also beautiful landscapes shots and one of the loveliest moped scenes you'll ever watch. No list of the best travel movies would be complete without including this beautiful French film that is not only a heartfelt good-vibes story, but also an impressive display of cinematography. The film follows the life of Amelie – a young French woman in search of her purpose in life, and the lives of those around her. It’s about as good as it gets for Paris inspiration and wanderlust.

38. Into the Cold: A Journey of the Soul (2010)

TV-G | 85 min | Documentary, Action, Adventure

Into The Cold--A Journey of the Soul retraces the personal and harrowing expedition of two men on foot to the North Pole in sub-zero temperatures to commemorate the centennial of Admiral ... See full summary »

Director: Sebastian Copeland | Stars: Sebastian Copeland , Keith Heger

39. Highway (I) (2014)

Not Rated | 133 min | Crime, Drama, Romance

Right before her wedding, a young woman finds herself abducted and held for ransom. As the initial days pass, she begins to develop a strange bond with her kidnapper.

Director: Imtiaz Ali | Stars: Alia Bhatt , Randeep Hooda , Durgesh Kumar , Pradeep Nagar

Votes: 30,401 | Gross: $0.53M

The movie went beyond the social message or the Stockholm Syndrome. More than a love story, it was about the sense of freedom that travel can introduce one to.

40. Hector and the Search for Happiness (2014)

R | 114 min | Adventure, Comedy, Drama

A psychiatrist searches the globe to find the secret of happiness.

Director: Peter Chelsom | Stars: Simon Pegg , Rosamund Pike , Tracy-Ann Oberman , Jean Reno

Votes: 50,466 | Gross: $1.12M

41. Two for the Road (1967)

Not Rated | 111 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance

A couple in the south of France non-sequentially spin down the highways of infidelity in their troubled ten-year marriage.

Director: Stanley Donen | Stars: Audrey Hepburn , Albert Finney , Eleanor Bron , William Daniels

Votes: 14,666 | Gross: $7.63M

Travel is a constant theme in this romantic dramedy about a married couple, played by Albert Finney and Aubrey Hepburn. The movie starts off with a road trip to Saint-Tropez, and as they drive through France, the audience is treated to flashbacks of previous trips that have affected their relationship.

42. Samsara (I) (2011)

PG-13 | 102 min | Documentary, Music

Filmed over nearly five years in twenty-five countries on five continents, and shot on seventy-millimetre film, Samsara transports us to the varied worlds of sacred grounds, disaster zones, industrial complexes, and natural wonders.

Director: Ron Fricke | Stars: Balinese Tari Legong Dancers , Ni Made Megahadi Pratiwi , Puti Sri Candra Dewi , Putu Dinda Pratika

Votes: 37,993 | Gross: $2.67M

SAMSARA is a Sanskrit word that means “the ever turning wheel of life” and is the point of departure for the filmmakers as they search for the elusive current of interconnection that runs through our lives. Filmed over a period of almost five years and in twenty-five countries, SAMSARA transports us to sacred grounds, disaster zones, industrial sites, and natural wonders. By dispensing with dialogue and descriptive text, SAMSARA subverts our expectations of a traditional documentary, instead encouraging our own inner interpretations inspired by images and musi

43. Blue Skies, Green Waters, Red Earth (2013)

137 min | Adventure, Drama, Romance

Kasi and Suni go for the ride from Kerala to Nagaland in search of Kasi's girlfriend. En route, they encounter different people who change their lives forever.

Director: Sameer Thahir | Stars: Dulquer Salmaan , Sunny Wayne , Bala Hijam Ningthoujam , Shane Nigam

Votes: 4,233

44. Touching the Void (2003)

R | 106 min | Documentary, Adventure, Drama

The true story of two climbers and their perilous journey up the west face of Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes in 1985.

Director: Kevin Macdonald | Stars: Simon Yates , Joe Simpson , Brendan Mackey , Nicholas Aaron

Votes: 38,067 | Gross: $4.59M

Based on the dramatic true story of Simon Yates, who, with Joe Simpson, attempted to scale the never-before-climbed 21,000 foot Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes. On the descent, a disastrous fall levels Yates, shattering his leg … mountaineering “alpine style,” (carrying gear and food on your back,) didn’t make the situation any easier. Now separated, Yates and Simpson must access every shred of strength and courage in their being to make their way home in this ruggedly real mountain voyage.

45. Midnight in Paris (2011)

PG-13 | 94 min | Comedy, Fantasy, Romance

While on a trip to Paris with his fiancée's family, a nostalgic screenwriter finds himself mysteriously going back to the 1920s every day at midnight.

Director: Woody Allen | Stars: Owen Wilson , Rachel McAdams , Kathy Bates , Kurt Fuller

Votes: 449,424 | Gross: $56.82M

Where Its Take you: France If you are into Woody Allen films, Paris and art, you will love this movie as I did. Owen Wilson as Gil Pender an aspiring novelist, travels to Paris with her fiancée’s family and somehow finds himself traveling back in time to the 1920’s and meets Jazz Age icons in art and literature like Cole Porter, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway. I absolutely fell in love with this movie.

46. On the Road (2012)

R | 124 min | Adventure, Drama, Romance

Young writer Sal Paradise has his life shaken by the arrival of free-spirited Dean Moriarty and his girl, Marylou. As they travel across the country, they encounter a mix of people who each impact their journey indelibly.

Director: Walter Salles | Stars: Sam Riley , Garrett Hedlund , Kristen Stewart , Amy Adams

Votes: 43,275 | Gross: $0.72M

47. Copenhagen (2014)

Not Rated | 98 min | Adventure, Drama, Romance

When the girl of your dreams is half your age, it's time to grow up.

Director: Mark Raso | Stars: Gethin Anthony , Frederikke Dahl Hansen , Sebastian Armesto , Olivia Grant

Votes: 13,848

Where Its Take you : Copenhagen, Denmark A thoughtful coming-of-age film that gets into the rather messy topic of a May-August romance; which in Copenhagen is between a stunted late twenty-something traveler and a grown-up teenager. The film also features the theme of searching for one's family, and has a number of beautiful and alluring shots of the city. The trailer alone wants to make you fly over and go on a bike ride.

48. Una noche (2012)

Not Rated | 90 min | Drama, Romance

In Havana, Raul dreams of escaping to Miami. Accused of assault, he appeals to Elio to help him reach the forbidden world 90 miles across the ocean. One night, full of hope, they face the biggest challenge of their lives.

Director: Lucy Mulloy | Stars: Dariel Arrechaga , Anailín de la Rúa de la Torre , Javier Núñez Florián , María Adelaida Méndez Bonet

Votes: 1,979 | Gross: $0.07M

Where Its Take you : Havana CUBA Giving you a gritty look of Cuba along with sun-kissed imagery, the energetic Una Noche follows a young man living in Havana who dreams of escaping to Miami.

49. The Trip to Italy (2014)

Not Rated | 108 min | Comedy, Drama

Two men, six meals in six different places on a road trip around Italy. Liguria, Tuscany, Rome, Amalfi and ending in Capri.

Director: Michael Winterbottom | Stars: Steve Coogan , Rob Brydon , Rosie Fellner , Claire Keelan

Votes: 16,171 | Gross: $2.87M

Where Its Take you : Liguria, Tuscany, Rome, Amalfi and ending in Capri. The fictional Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon team up again for a second restaurant tour, this time in Italy. The characters eat at some of the finest restaurants and beautiful hotels across the country from Piedmont to Capri—following the footsteps of romantic poets Percy Bysshe Shelley and Lord Byron.

50. Riding Solo to the Top of the World (2006)

94 min | Documentary

Riding Solo To The Top Of The World' is the unique experience of a lonesome traveler, who rides his motorcycle all the way from Mumbai to one of the remotest places in the World, the ... See full summary »

Director: Gaurav Jani | Star: Gaurav Jani

51. In Bruges (2008)

R | 107 min | Comedy, Crime, Drama

After a job gone wrong, hitman Ray and his partner await orders from their ruthless boss in Bruges, Belgium, the last place in the world Ray wants to be.

Director: Martin McDonagh | Stars: Colin Farrell , Brendan Gleeson , Ciarán Hinds , Elizabeth Berrington

Votes: 460,931 | Gross: $7.76M

Where It Takes You: Bruges, Belgium Essential Visuals: Groeningemuseum; Belfry of Bruges; Bruges’ historic city center This is great because most people never have a reason to travel to Bruges, even though it's an impressive and historic city. Luckily, this film shows viewers enough to make them feel like locals. Two hit men, played by Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson, hide out from their gangster boss (Ralph Fiennes) in the city's storybook background. It's a sexy, violent, intriguing romp through the city and is amazingly well done to boot.

52. Thelma & Louise (1991)

R | 130 min | Adventure, Crime, Drama

Two best friends set out on an adventure, but it soon turns around to a terrifying escape from being hunted by the police, as these two women escape for the crimes they committed.

Director: Ridley Scott | Stars: Susan Sarandon , Geena Davis , Harvey Keitel , Michael Madsen

Votes: 172,597 | Gross: $45.36M

Thelma & Louise is indisputably the best American buddy road trip movie all time. Yes, even better than Dumb & Dumber. It’s also a rare popular feminist movie, so that’s an added plus.

53. Due Date (2010)

R | 95 min | Comedy, Drama

High-strung father-to-be Peter Highman is forced to hitch a ride with aspiring actor Ethan Tremblay on a road trip in order to make it to his child's birth on time.

Director: Todd Phillips | Stars: Robert Downey Jr. , Zach Galifianakis , Michelle Monaghan , Jamie Foxx

Votes: 357,672 | Gross: $100.54M

54. Italy: Love It, or Leave It (2011)

Not Rated | 75 min | Documentary, Adventure, Drama

After their award winning documentary, 'Suddenly, Last Winter', Luca and Gustav are back. This time they have to decide: should they stay in Italy, or leave it, like so many of their ... See full summary »

Directors: Gustav Hofer , Luca Ragazzi | Star: Frank Dabell

55. Long Way Round (2004–2010)

TV-PG | 32 min | Documentary, Adventure

Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman embark on a grueling quest to motorbike from London to New York. Going east through Europe, Asia and then to Alaska, they experience different cultures and have to overcome the elements and adversity.

Stars: Ewan McGregor , Charley Boorman , David Alexanian , Russ Malkin

Votes: 15,243

Keeping up with my travel bug, I decided to pick up watching a tv series called ‘Long Way Round’ where Ewan McGreggor and Charley Boorman decide to take a several month trip around the world on their motorcycles. Not only did it appeal to me because…well it’s an amazing journey, but the fact it was done on a motorcycle adds another bit of excitement. Immediately after watching the show, I found myself looking up sport touring or enduro style motorcycles. - See more at: http://www.adventureseeker.org/travel-inspiration/the-10-best-travel-films-of-all-time/#sthash.9Smq9YyT.dpuf

56. Sin Nombre (2009)

R | 96 min | Adventure, Crime, Drama

A young Honduran girl and a Mexican gangster are united in a journey across the U.S. border.

Director: Cary Joji Fukunaga | Stars: Paulina Gaitan , Marco Antonio Aguirre , Leonardo Alonso , Karla Cecilia Alvarado

Votes: 34,033 | Gross: $2.53M

57. The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)

R | 99 min | Adventure, Comedy, Crime

A writer encounters the owner of an aging high-class hotel, who tells him of his early years serving as a lobby boy in the hotel's glorious years under an exceptional concierge.

Director: Wes Anderson | Stars: Ralph Fiennes , F. Murray Abraham , Mathieu Amalric , Adrien Brody

Votes: 885,117 | Gross: $59.10M

Where It Takes You: Germany Amazing, amazing film! It’s a black comedy narrating the adventures of Gustave H, a legendary concierge at a world-renowned hotel in the Republic of Zubrowka (which doesn’t exist in real life), and Zero Moustafa, the lobby boy who becomes his best friend. The Grand Budapest Hotel features the incredibly picturesque landscapes of Saxony and its beautiful capital Dresden.

58. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011)

PG-13 | 124 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance

British retirees travel to India to take up residence in what they believe is a newly restored hotel. Less luxurious than advertised, the Marigold Hotel nevertheless slowly begins to charm in unexpected ways.

Director: John Madden | Stars: Judi Dench , Bill Nighy , Maggie Smith , Tom Wilkinson

Votes: 99,378 | Gross: $46.41M

When a group of British retirees hit up a hotel in India and find it to be not quite what they expected, they get a great cultural lesson and immersion experience. It just goes to show you what expectations can do, and how much fun you can have when you have a great group of people.

59. The Darien Gap (1996)

Not Rated | 92 min | Comedy

A young man hitchhikes through Central America until he is faced with crossing an 80-mile gigantic swamp called the Darien Gap. This comedy adventure from Brad Anderson was a Grand Jury Prize nominee at Sundance.

Director: Brad Anderson | Stars: Sandi Carroll , Bob Druwing , D.W. Ferranti , Leech

60. Up & Away (2012)

97 min | Adventure, Drama

The story is about two brothers want to travel to america and the adventures that they face in the journey.

Director: Karzan Kader | Stars: Zamand Taha , Sarwar Fazil , Diya Mariwan , Suliman Karim Mohamad

Votes: 5,788

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The Art of Travel Films: A Conversation with Brandon Li

In his or her own way, almost every person in the world is a travel filmmaker. When people find themselves in new places, they get out their camcorders and hit Record. These videos, of course, are historically some of the most boring videos ever made. That’s why when a professional travel filmmaker like Brandon Li turns his eye on a place, the result is so striking. There is an art to making a great travel film, and we hoped Brandon could teach us what it is.

As a former MTV producer and a current vagabond artist, Brandon is something of an expert at both filmmaking and world traipsing. And he’s found a way to put the two elements together. He told us, “[I realized] I could just go out and live and do cool stuff and film it and make stuff that people would actually want to watch because it’s actually interesting stuff.”

For anyone who thinks that sounds like a pretty decent life (count us in), read on. Brandon Li has a few things to teach you.

What are you doing in Abu Dhabi?

I’m shooting some promotional videos for Etihad Airways, which is Abu Dhabi’s airline. They’re coming out with some new planes, and I’m filming little walk-throughs on the planes, showing all the features of first class and business class, that kind of thing.

Is that pretty cool?

For me, it’s basically just a paycheck. It’s not my passion. I don’t entirely support the whole ultra-luxury lifestyle. These planes have apartments on board for $20,000 a flight. One way. You get a butler all to yourself.

That’s pretty sweet.

I guess. But the thing about Abu Dhabi and Dubai is that without technology, they basically don’t exist. These places have nothing cool that isn’t artificial. You take away the artifice, and you have a desert. And not even a nice desert. Everyone here is so accustomed to luxury because without it, you basically have nothing. You become numb to it.

Have you always been such an active traveler?

I lived in Missouri until I was 18. I couldn’t wait to get out of there because most of my friends were planning on becoming real estate agents or nurses, and I didn’t want to be either. Throughout my childhood I was always making short films with my friends. I always knew I wanted to be a filmmaker of some kind. So I ended up going to film school — basically the only one that accepted me: University of North Carolina School of the Arts.

It was a good film school. It taught me the traditional methods of filmmaking. As soon as I graduated, I started working for MTV on a show called True Life.

What was that like?

The way True Life worked was they’d give you an assignment, and you’d go out and film the thing yourself, edit it yourself, and basically make an entire TV episode with just a camcorder and a couple lavaliers.

They just sent you out to follow somebody around?

They’d give me a topic and an American Express Gold Card. They’d say, “Hey, your topic is narcolepsy. See you in six months.” They’d give me some leads but they always sucked. The problem is, when you’re filming a reality show like this, it all depends on what is happening right now. Usually the interesting story had already passed by the time I got the lead.

So how did you find stories then?

A whole bunch of ways. Craigslist was usually the starting point. I’d put an ad either in “Gigs” or “Jobs,” someplace that had a wide spectrum of people seeing it. Then I’d interview hundreds of people. That was one way. If a show was about, say, narcolepsy, I might call up clinics and ask doctors to suggest it to their patients. That worked a few times. Then there was a website called, I think, ExperienceProject.com . It’s like a social network for people who want to talk about their personal issues. Or sometimes I would find stories through friends.

Were there skills you picked up that are still useful to you?

True Life is where I learned to do documentary-style stuff. Before True Life, I had no interest in anything real. I just wanted to make comedy videos. Then I did True Life, and suddenly I was much more interested in real stuff. And in traveling. While I was doing True Life, I was generally in a different city every two weeks for eight years.

Were there any lessons you learned about what makes a good documentary story?

I learned a lot about how to catch conflict on camera. I learned to smell trouble and put the camera in the right place. But maybe the most important thing I learned was how to construct a story spontaneously. Just little storytelling things, like keeping the audience spatially oriented. You want people to know where somebody is going, what they’re doing, eyelines, reaction shots, things like that. Just the bits and pieces of a scene that we’re familiar with from narrative cinema. You need those same pieces even if it’s a completely unplanned documentary. I learned how to gather all those bits and pieces. To actually shoot scenes.

I also learned how important it is to have a point of view. If I’m at a festival where there are 1,000 things going on, I could either spend my time getting random shots of every single thing I can, or I can pick a point of view and stick with it. I can decide, “Okay, I’m going to tell this festival story from the point of view of, say, the guy who breathes fire.” So then I’ll focus on how the festival feels to him. Or maybe from the point of view of a child who is experiencing this for the first time.

I can see that in Gateway to the Ganges. It feels like much more than just random travel scenes.

I wanted to profile these holy cities that weren’t as well known to the outside world. I wanted to show it from the point of view of people who live there and struggle there day after day. What shocked me about India was how much poverty is everywhere. Most people are straight-up living in houses made of sticks, walking through fields of trash every day. I wanted to show the balance between the suffering that happens there all the time and the rituals and ceremonies they use to strengthen their faith and get through their difficult lives.

So what was your process like for making a film like this?

I spent a lot of time chatting with whoever could speak English…café owners, merchants, just asking them, “Hey, so you live here. What’s it like? What do you do? What is a regular day like? What should I see?” I became good friends with this guy who owned a café, and one morning I ended up on a scooter with him, riding up the mountain. The café owner told people what I was doing, told them not to smile for the camera, to just ignore me. Then this one guy, as soon as he heard I was filming, he grabbed two sickles and started climbing a tree. I realized he was hacking off branches to feed to his cattle. They existed in this balance where they could only have so many cattle because they only had so many trees. It was interesting to see them living on the limits of subsistence.

How do you condense an entire place into a three-minute video?

Mainly, there are two things I look for. One is what’s unique about the place. What’s something you can’t find anywhere else on the planet, or at least anywhere else outside of that country? That’s the first thing. The second thing I look for is movement. I’m shooting video, not taking pictures; so something has to be moving inside the frame. It’s surprisingly difficult to find stuff that moves when you’re shooting travel films. Most sightseeing is organized around static things: buildings or mountains, which are beautiful, but they don’t do anything. It’s hard to make them work for video.

I also try to get as intimate with people as possible without violating their sense of privacy, and I try to do it as quickly as possible because I like to cover a lot of ground when I’m shooting. It’s always a delicate balance of reading the subject’s comfort level while getting closer and closer to them. I prefer people to be unaware of the camera. I like to keep the fourth wall up.

My pet peeve in travel videos is the little kids in Africa smiling and chasing the camera, running up and making goofy faces. I think Westerners misinterpret that footage to be like, “They’re in some idyllic village where life is simpler than ours and they love it.” They’re not. They’re just happy because a camera is there. It still sucks to be poor.

How important is it to plan ahead?

Here’s how I look at it. If I’m going somewhere, I have to have a climax in mind for my video. I have to have something visually kinetic that is interesting and moving and unique. Beyond that, I don’t schedule a whole lot.

With Gateway to the Ganges I knew I wanted [people] bathing in the river, and I wanted the fire ceremony. I knew those two things would be really interesting on camera. Lots of motion, lots of emotion, and both said a lot about the area. Beyond that, I just wandered around. I’m always after something spontaneous. I try to capture something you can’t possibly plan. I think that’s what makes videos really interesting.

That’s a tough assignment.

Yeah, but the thing about spontaneous moments is they usually repeat. For instance, there’s a shot in there of a monkey jumping. I spent 15 minutes trying to capture the perfect jump in slow motion and missed most of them. So I usually look for things that have some sort of repetition. Even bathing in the river. It looks spontaneous, but actually those people kept dunking themselves and coming back out. I had four or five tries per person.

The funny thing is that most of this is stuff I learned while shooting True Life. I was always trying to capture spontaneous moments on that show.

Has traveling so much changed your perspective on being a filmmaker?

I’ve realized you just have to go do things. I had such a hard time coming up with things to film when I was living in Los Angeles. It would always be some contrived situation about some guy who thinks his girlfriend is a ghost or something. Like, “Wouldn’t that be weird if your girlfriend were a ghost?! Crazy, right? There are twists!”

Then people get involved and micromanage the script, like, “I don’t know if I’m really feeling that twist in the third act,” or “It feels a little too cliché, a little too repetitive, a little too…whatever.” I could go through all that, or I could just go out and live and do cool stuff and film it and make stuff that people would actually want to watch because it’s actually interesting stuff.

You don’t have a hard time coming up with ideas anymore?

No. Now I’m just filming the world. And the world is pretty big. Every corner you go around, there’s something interesting.

One of the things we appreciate most about Brandon is not just the fact that he’s an excellent filmmaker, but he’s a very thoughtful one too. When you talk to Brandon, it’s obvious he’s thought a lot about what he does and why. So in addition to the practical lessons Brandon shared above, another lesson we can take away is the value of contemplating your craft. Understanding why you do the things you do. The value of thoughtfulness itself.

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Art of Travel [DVD]

Purchase options and add-ons, product description.

Conner Layne (Christopher Masterson) is about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime, just not the one he planned on. Having discovered that his fiancée is having an affair with his best friend, he dumps her at the altar and heads off on his honeymoon solo. While experiencing the wonders that South America has to offer, including meeting two hot Swedish travelers and being robbed of all his money and belongings, he meets a friendly couple -- Darlene (Brooke Burns) and her husband Christopher (Johnny Messner) -- who are planning to cross the Darien Gap, a 100-mile-long streak of undeveloped jungle that separates Panama and Colombia, in record time with a ragtag group of foreigners. Conner decides to join the group of adventurers journeying through perilous landscape for the quest of a lifetime and gets more of an adventure then he bargained for.

Product details

Is Discontinued By Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ No
MPAA rating ‏ : ‎ R (Restricted)
Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.75 x 5.75 x 0.53 inches; 3.2 ounces
Director ‏ : ‎ Thomas Whelan
Media Format ‏ : ‎ Color, AC-3, Widescreen, DVD, Dolby, Subtitled, NTSC
Run time ‏ : ‎ 1 hour and 41 minutes
Release date ‏ : ‎ September 2, 2008
Actors ‏ : ‎ Christopher Masterson, Brooke Burns
Subtitles: ‏ : ‎ Spanish
Studio ‏ : ‎ Alchemy / Millennium
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0019T3DXC
Number of discs ‏ : ‎ 1
#27,368 in Drama DVDs

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The Art of Travel

Seamus Kearney

Cedric Leprettre

The spotlight falls on the revolution underway when it comes to the way we conceive and experience journeys. Embark on a journey in France with these visionaries who are making a great leap between heritage and avant-garde.

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TOP 10 TRAVEL FILMMAKERS ON YOUTUBE

Some of the best filmmakers on youtube..

| Who are some of the best filmmakers on Youtube with travel related videography? Found out below

Before we start

First of all this list is not conclusive meaning that it’s just a personal opinion from the Filmspace team. Videography isn’t about being the best but about connecting, inspiring and being inspired by and with other videographers. This is for us the most important and why we also created the platform Filmspace.

| FILMMAKING IS ABOUT INSPIRING, INSPIRATION AND CONNECTING WITH OTHER VIDEOGRAPHERS. IT’S NOT A COMPETITION

This is why we want to share these creators that we look up to so much so you can learn about them.

Sam Kolder has indeed redefined what it means to be a vlogger. His blend of cinematic aesthetics, engaging storytelling, and technical proficiency has set a new benchmark for what can be achieved in the realm of YouTube content creation. His work is a testament to the power of creativity and the endless possibilities of filmmaking, even within the seemingly everyday domain of vlogging.

JustKay Davinci Node Structure

This package contains a meticulously designed node structure for Davinci Resolve containing 20+ Nodes. This structure is used by Professional Filmmakers and Colour Graders. Save time with this pre-built Davinci node structure to accelerate your colour grading. Instantly access everything a professional colour grader uses by downloading this package.

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Watch Masterclass

Getting paid to travel sounds like a dream to many. For few committed filmmakers and creatives, it's reality!

Are you debating whether travel filmmaking and cinematography are right for you? If you're ready to invest yourself and dive in, read on to learn about:

What travel filmmaking really is,
Tips you should consider before starting a project,
Techniques to master,

Pst... We are diving deep into the caves of travel filmmaking. So, if you were looking for general filmmaking tips – this is for you.

Travel filmmaking: A professional's insider tips

Interested in Travel Filmmaking? Meet your new instructor Thomas Alex Norman, who will go through the corners of travel filmmaking in this Masterclass session.

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What you’ll learn

Composition: How to overcome the typical beginner mistakes.

Movements: How a gimbal help you achieve the cinematic look.

Show your best work: Why saving the best for last is a misstake.

Planning: Why prepping is the most crucial phase for your film.

Cinematic look: How a-roll is often forgotten and why you shouldn’t.

Authenticity: How to be natural in front of your camera lens.

What is travel filmmaking?

Travel filmmaking or cinematography is somewhat vaguely defined as the art of creating films about traveling and exploring a region or country. However, making captivating visual stories about your adventures is often more complex than it sounds.

Following the tips and techniques below will help elevate your craft and give your films a professional, cinematic feel that stands out.

Travel filmmaking vs travel vlogging

Before we get started, let's get our terminology straight. What is the difference between travel filmmaking, travel cinematography and travel vlogging?

The differences can be subtle. So subtle in fact, that filmmaking and cinematography refer to practically the same thing: the art and craft of making motion pictures. This consists of many things, like lighting, composition, depth of field and much more.

Travel vlogging is marginally different. It's the personal reflection of tourists and travelers, in a video format. There is often overlap, but ultimately you don't have to be a cinematographer to vlog, and you don't need to be a vlogger to work with travel filmmaking either. If you want to learn more, check out our article about travel vlogging!

Tips to improve your travel cinematography

Before you get started, there are a few things you should consider. Spending a little extra time in the preproduction or planning phase can really pay off, so try to stop for a minute and think about your vision.

1. Do you research

It's hard to make decisions if you don't know what your options are. Before committing to any big choices, go to YouTube or Vimeo and explore the travel videos out there. Don't try to copy your peers, just gather inspiration!

Travel films come in different styles and aesthetics. Do you want to make something fast-paced, with high energy and a lot of stunts? Or would you rather showcase the local culture and cuisine over chill Lo-Fi beats? Having your vision set means you're ready to get the shots you need for a coherent project.

Pros of planning and cons of overpreparation

Doing your research during preproduction is necessary to avoid a chaotic editing phase since your footage just doesn't fit together.

Learn at least a little about your destination before arrival. Having an overarching story or key points planned for your travel film can help tie things together.

But be warned: having your travel film planned out scene-by-scene, and shot-by-shot is a surefire way to turn your vacation into a full-time filming gig.

2. Adjust your attitude

Make the decision in advance: are you on holiday? The dedication to visit Bondi Beach or the Taj Mahal and not take a day off is impressive, but it's up to you whether it's necessary. You can go with the flow and take breaks from filming, or you can shoot every second you spend adventuring.

To avoid burnout and a generally disappointing experience, decide in advance and adjust your attitude. Commit to work, vacation, or a set balance between the two and roll with it!

3. Find the balance

Are you camera shy? Whether you're really into travel vlogging or want to make objective documentaries, you should decide the broad split between commentary and visuals in advance.

Generally speaking, you should try to aim for some consistency. But rules are meant to be broken! Just make sure you don't regret not commenting on location or getting extra footage of an event.

4. Master A-roll and B-roll

As a travel filmmaker, the temptation to go all-in on the B-roll can be overwhelming. Once again, aim for a balance. You'll need both beautiful nature or urban shots of your environment, and close-ups of the action, the locals and your company.

As a rule of thumb, always shoot more than the main action. Capturing the small details of your surroundings can immerse the viewers, so they'll feel right at the moment with you.

Techniques to master

If you have a general narrative thread for consistency, you're onto traveling and production. While having the right gear for travel filmmaking has a great impact, it's the skill and techniques of the filmmaker that makes or breaks a production.

The techniques below will ensure that you'll create the right feel and a cinematic look to your footage. Hop on a plane, boat or train and get started!

5. Shot variety

To captivate the audience and never bore them, it's important that you don't just vary your topics and environments, but also your shot sizes.

Using a wide variety of shots, like opening with an extreme wide shot and then drawing attention to the details of an antique vase creates movement and flow that your viewers will love to follow. Play with shot sizes, angles and camera movement to achieve your desired look.

If you're ready to film, consider downloading our shot list template . Need to brush up on your knowledge in this area? We got you covered too! Check out our complete shot size, angle and movement overview .

Composition is key. Any expert travel filmmaker could tell you that!

You can use classic composition techniques to elevate your footage and fool the viewers into thinking that they're watching the work of a large-scale, professional production team.

Are you familiar with the rule of thirds, leading lines, and negative spaces? Are you comfortable with your choices about headroom?

If you're feeling a bit uncertain, don't fret! There's plenty of awesome resources and guides out there, like Thomas Alex Norman's YouTube channel . He gives tips and tricks to filmmakers looking to improve the way they're creating content. He also shares his own adventures! Definitely worth checking out.

7. Movement

When it comes to camera movement, smooth shots are key. Unless you're a neurosurgeon by day, you probably don't have the steady hands to pull off a perfect tracking shot or any random movement without the help of the stabilizer.

If you don't already own a gimbal or steadicam, you can always consider buying one or renting a stabilizer with Wedio.

8. Time-lapses and slow-mo

If you're thinking about travel filmmaking staples, you can't miss out on slow-mo and time-lapse shots. They're stunning, cinematic ways of captivating the audience, but nowadays you can even pull them off with a newer smartphone!

When all the footage is recorded, and you might have returned home with that typical 'vacation glow', it's time for editing! Post-production will pull all your shots together into a cohesive unit. If you're editing your own travel video, here are some things you need to know.

Pacing is absolutely crucial if you want to pull off a professional look. No matter how great your footage is, if it drags on forever or it's too difficult to follow, no one will take the time to watch it. Make sure you edit with pacing and coherence in mind.

10. Transitions

While regular cuts will get the job done, you can really spice up your footage by using transitions!

Master techniques like the speed ramp transition, mask and in-camera transitions, or a zoom and swipe to dazzle your watchers. If you're not sure where to get started, check out Skillshare's editing courses .

Add some music to make the magic happen. You can use this to evoke the culture and charm the viewers. You can find copyright-free music to use at many places, or even make and use your own soundtrack.

Closing thoughts

Starting out on the journey of filming your adventures is a daunting task – I would be intimidated!

Get prepping and keep learning on the go and you're sure to improve your travel filmmaking fast. Don't forget to send me a postcard!

Happy filming!

About the instructor

Thomas Alex Norman

Videographer

London, United Kingdom

Thomas Alex Norman is a professional filmmaker, YouTuber, and musician. He regularly posts videos about travel filmmaking, editing, gear, and more.

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Regina Dörflinger

Regina is a digital marketing associate who enjoys creating content for the community. In her free time, she likes baking for her friends and writing all sorts of things, including fiction.

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ARTOFTRAVEL.COM POWERFUL ALLURING ATTRACTIVE PRECISE

When domains opened with ARTOFTRAVEL.COM available, I moved fast--I was well aware of the power, beauty, and long history of Art of Travel. Now offered for the first time since, ARTOFTRAVEL.COM is a uniquely powerful travel domain, bedrock for major business. For an airline, cruise line, travel enterprise or campaign: ARTOFTRAVEL.COM intrigues resonates gets holds makes sense conveys quality, experience, wisdom, confidence, efficiency, value, flair, elegance, joy sells. Airline 1– SELL ADD-ONS THE BEST. Airline 2— is improved or transformed MOTIVATION useful, profitable, imperative? Airline 3— need an OUTSTANDING co-brand? Get the best, CACHET SELLS. Very Nice Cruise Line— have more UPSCALE CUSTOMERS in mind? Travel Enterprise— require exactly right? ARTOFTRAVEL.COM makes you STRONG. Credit Issuer—ACCENTUATE, ACCELERATE, ADVANCE with ARTOFTRAVEL.COM Tech— can you ELEVATE and ENRICH travel, achieve world-class returns? AI Integration— enhance with very human, very EMOTIVE Art of Travel from throughout the ages. Bottom Line— promote positive impression, inspire great feeling, gain steady share with ARTOFTRAVEL.COM. Cachet prestige status mood morale motivation add-ons always ARTOFTRAVEL.COM Ars apodemica (art of travel) is the study of thousands of travel works created over the centuries. A few are highlighted below. Art of travel resounds throughout our history, inspires our future more than ever. Ibn Battuta 1355. The original Art of Travel by the preeminent explorer-scholar of 100,000 kilometers over thirty years with many extended stays, A Masterpiece for Those Who Contemplate the Wonders of Cities and the Marvels of Traveling. François de Gerzan 1650. L’ Art de Voyageur. "...the more we see...the more we acquire knowledge...the closer we get to God..." Jean-Baptiste Chévremont 1698. L’Art de Voyageur Utiliment. Includes practical and moral considerations. Anonymous 1699. The Art of Travelling, Shewing how a Man may Dispose his Travels to the best Advantage. Johann Christoph Wagenseil 1705. Abrichtung in der Arte Apodemica. Training in the Art of Travel, for young princes. Francis Galton 1855, 1856, 1860, 1867, 1872. The Art of Travel. By the scientist-explorer. Henry James 1958. The Art of Travel. Fine writing by the great novelist. John Gregory 1995. Art of Travel; How to See the World. Popular early Internet hit. Alain de Botton 2002. The Art of Travel. Acclaimed work by the philosopher-author. Thomas Whelan 2008. The Art of Travel, film. Summary ARTOFTRAVEL.COM is a uniquely powerful travel domain, invaluable bedrock for business. For centuries great communicators have used Art of Travel to intrigue, get, hold, and sell. Art of Travel promotes positive impression and feeling; inspires wonder and awe; is welcomed into mind space; is proved profitable and successful, over and over again. Long in Cultural Consciousness Powerful Memorable Conveys Quality, Experience, Wisdom, Confidence, Efficiency, Value, Flair, Elegance, Joy Promotes Positive Impression and Emotion Intrigues, Gets, Holds, Sells

Here's what's happening this weekend in Chicago

T his weekend in Chicago, check out art at the biggest fair in town, see a film at the Latino Film Festival or catch award-winning country artist Kane Brown in concert.

1. 🎨 Expo Chicago

Experience this year's edition of Expo Chicago , one of the biggest events in the art industry.

Between the lines: The longtime fair featuring mostly contemporary art was acquired by a London-based company last year.

By the numbers: Expect to see 170 galleries from almost 100 exhibitors spanning 29 countries and 75 cities.

What to expect: Local galleries include Corbett vs. Dempsey , Document , Engage Projects , Les Enluminures , Rhona Hoffman Gallery , Moniquemeloche and Volume Gallery .

When: 6–9pm Thursday, 11am–7pm Friday and Saturday, 11am–6pm Sunday

Location: Festival Hall at Navy Pier

Tickets start at $30

2. 🎞️ Chicago Latino Film Festival

The 40th annual festival kicks off this weekend at Landmark's Century Centre , the Davis Theater and the Instituto Cervantes . Details
Dates: Thursday through April 22
Cost: Individual screenings are $15, festival passes $125

3. 🖼️ The Other Art Fair

Start your art collection with pieces starting at $100 by artists from Chicago and around the world. Tickets start at $25
Hours: 6pm–10pm Thursday, 5–10pm Friday, 11am–7pm Saturday, 11am–6pm Sunday
Location: Artifact Events

4. 🎵 Kane Brown

The award-winning country star will take the stage at Allstate Arena with Tyler Hubbard and Parmalee 7pm Friday. Tickets start at $89
What to expect: The setlist includes "What Ifs," "Famous Friends" and "Bury Me in Georgia."

5. 🏒 Blackhawks

The 'Hawks (23-50-5) will face the Nashville Predators (45-29-5) and Carolina Hurricanes (50-22-7) in the final two home games of the season. Tickets start at $40
If you go: Hawaiian shirts will be given out at Friday's match.
When: 7:30pm Friday and 5pm Sunday

6. 😂 We Them One's Comedy Tour

Mike Epps hosts this two-night comedy show featuring DC Young Fly, Karlous Miller, Chico Bean, Lil Duval and Chicago-based comedian Dyon "Mojo" Brookzz. Tickets start at $65
Location: Wintrust Arena
When: 8pm Saturday and 7pm Sunday

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Here's what's happening this weekend in Chicago

How Wes Anderson Redesigned Our Train

Filmmaker Wes Anderson sits at a French polished table in an art deco carriage and observes the world through the window

Wes Anderson's distinctive style now graces the rails. Climb on board the British Pullman and discover a train carriage re-designed by the director and spiriting travellers across the UK.

With worldwide devotees and endless award nominations under his belt, Wes Anderson is one of the most pioneering filmmakers working today. Now, fans of the director’s distinctive style can embark on a new cinematic adventure. Discover how Wes Anderson reimagined a vintage train carriage of the British Pullman, A Belmond Train – and how you can step on board.

Angular, symmetrical and intricately designed, Wes Anderson films are known for their exquisite aesthetics and predilection for panache. Just look at the snow-capped pastels of Zubrowka in ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’, or the whimsically named Ennui-sur-Blasé in ‘The French Dispatch.’

Wes is an expert in rendering fantasy worlds that are a little more beautiful and satisfying than the ones we live in—his latest feature, 'Asteroid City,' proves as much. With relentless details to feast upon and carefully calibrated colour palettes to pore over, his films aren’t just thrilling stories: they’re works of art.

Anyone who has seen ‘The Darjeeling Limited’ will also know that Wes has an affinity for the beauty and excitement of train travel. Starring Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody and Jason Schwartzman, the film sees three brothers reuniting in India and embarking on a luxury train journey together.

“I have often had the chance to invent train compartments and carriages in my movies,” Wes tells us. “So I was very eager to make something new while also participating in the process of preservation which accompanies all the classic Belmond train projects. They are keeping something special alive. An endangered species of travel which is nevertheless very suited to our time.”

Wes Anderson smiles quizzically, dressed in a pale blue seersucker blazer, yellow and navy striped tie and yellow plaid shirt

Cygnus – a carriage built in the 1950s – has its fair share of cinematic history, featuring in the 1972 film 'Agatha' starring Dustin Hoffman and Vanessa Redgrave. It is one of eleven on the British Pullman, whose carriages have hosted royalty, carried statesmen and survived World War II bomb raids over the years.

With his love of trains and passion for craftsmanship, Wes was tasked with balancing the history of the Cygnus carriage with his own bold and modern vision. The result is a carriage straight out of one of his films: stunningly symmetrical marquetry, bold rectilinear shapes and a feast of complementary colours.

With a pastel-pink ceiling detailing and a variety of green tones in the carpets and chairs, at first glance Cygnus feels like stepping onto one of the director’s film sets. Stunning marquetry work in numerous wood panels shows sunbeams, clouds, stars and waves. Bold, sharp lines feature in the shape of the chairs and mirrors, adhering to the angular equilibrium the director is famed for. Eagle eyes will also spot the many swan details, referencing the carriage’s name and history.

Guests can ride in Cygnus on any journey on the British Pullman, a unique travel experience that rumbles across the rails all over England. Whether a murder mystery lunch through the Kent countryside or a sparkling dinner hosted by an up-and-coming guest chef, a ticket in Cygnus means you can experience the Golden Age of Travel while appreciating the beauty of modern design. With two private four-seat coupes or seats in the open carriage, the choice is yours.

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Watch how artisans brought wes anderson’s designs to life.

Art deco marquetry, featuring a pale and dark sunburst, with cloud silhouettes and waves wraps the walls of a private booth

BOOK A JOURNEY IN PULLMAN DINING BY WES ANDERSON

Stunning marquetry depicts art deco sunsets on the horizon of an expansive sea set into the polished wood panel wall

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COMMENTS

The Art of Travel (2008)
The Art of Travel: Directed by Thomas Whelan. With Christopher Masterson, Brooke Burns, Johnny Messner, James Duval. Having called off his wedding, a high school graduate journeys alone to Central America, finding adventure with a ragtag group of foreigners who attempt to cross the Darien Gap in record time.
The Art of Travel (2008)
High school grad. Conner Layne is about to marry his first love, but when wedding plans fail, he goes solo on his honeymoon to Central America, finding adven...
The Art of Travel (2008)
Conner is met with practical jokes (spider placed on his face), retaliates with putting Icy Hot on Two Dog's butt, gets held at gunpoint by FARC rebels, and gets the Jeep overturned when a winch breaks. They emerge from the jungle having broken a world's record for crossing. Everyone splits up except Anna and Conner, who go together.
THE ART OF TRAVEL Movie Review
"The Art of Travel" is an indie film that explores the very nature of wanderlust, and how it informs character and transforms life. It's filled with familiar dramatic footprints, but "Art" remains ...
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Part The Graduate, part Fitzcarraldo, The Art of Travel is a tribute to living on the road less traveled. Filmed entirely on location, it offers a more rounded portrayal of culture outside of the ...
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The Art of Travel Production: A First Look Studios release of a Brenster Prods. presentation, in association with To Be Determined Distribution. Produced by Kyle Dean Jackson, Carol Masterson ...
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Film Review: The Art of Travel May 15, 2008. For some, traveling is defined as movement from location to location in as little time as possible. For others, traveling is merely the first step toward greater self-exploration, where adventures can teach and motivate the soul to higher plains of consciousness. "The Art of Travel" is an indie ...
The Art of Travel (2008)
THE ART OF TRAVEL. Directed by. Thomas Whelan. United States, 2008. Adventure. 101. Synopsis. ... Cinequest San Jose Film Festival. 2008. Cast & Crew. Show all (11) Thomas Whelan Director. Christopher Masterson Cast. Brooke Burns Cast. Johnny Messner Cast. Shalim Ortiz Cast. Jake Muxworthy Cast. Angelika Baran Cast.
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Heart of a Dragon. Disgrace. A Year Ago in Winter. Language of the Enemy. Neptune Cowboy. August. Having called off his wedding, a high school graduate journeys alone to Central America, finding ...
‎The Art of Travel (2008) directed by Thomas Whelan • Reviews, film
The art of travel is to deviate from the current plan. High school grad. Conner Layne is about to marry his first love, but when wedding plans fail, he goes solo on his honeymoon to Central America, finding adventure with a ragtag group of foreigners who attempt to cross the Darien Gap in record time. ... The film also manages to capture the ...
The Art of Travel (2008)
The Art of Travel is a film directed by Thomas Whelan with Christopher Masterson, Brooke Burns, Johnny Messner, James Duval .... Year: 2008. Original title: The Art of Travel. Synopsis: High school grad. Conner Layne is about to marry his first love, but when wedding plans fail, he goes solo on his honeymoon to Central America, finding ...
The Art of Travel
The Art of Travel theatrical trailer. The film stars Christopher Masterson, Johnny Messner, and Brooke Burns.
Watch The Art of Travel Online
R. 2007. 1 hr 40 min. 6.3 (2,617) The Art of Travel, a 2008 adventure comedy-drama film directed by Thomas Whelan and starring Christopher Masterson, Brooke Burns, and Johnny Messner is a story that explores the themes of self-discovery and finding one's place in the world. The movie follows Conner Layne (Christopher Masterson), a recently ...
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The Art of Travel. First Look, 101 min., R, DVD: $24.99 Volume 24, Issue 1. by E. Hulse. January 11, 2009. 12:00 AM. RSS. Print. ... Director and co-writer Thomas Whelan's low-budget film—shot on location—successfully captures the exhilarating feeling of big journeys, as the three American travelers negotiate a formidable wilderness. ...
25 Best Travel Movies Of All Time (Films That Will Inspire You To
The 2008 film The Art of Travel shows a man who does just that after finding out his long time sweetheart and fiancee is cheating on him. Abandoning the past and in an attempt to move forward, he takes his honeymoon alone. The result is an adventure of self discovery and the true meaning and mastering of wanderlust as he and a group of ...
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Mark Bell, Film Threat Magazine "Be on the look out for The Art of Travel, a well-made shrewdly written comedy-drama that captures that feeling of being young and broke and ready to go anywhere."-Mick LaSalle, The San Francisco Chronicle "Travel is an ambitious, involving and extensive travelogue that challenges the imagination.
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Independent Movie Trailer of film shot in Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Bolivia and California.
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The spotlight falls on the revolution underway when it comes to the way we conceive and experience journeys. Embark on a journey in France with these visionaries who are making a great leap ...
TOP 10 TRAVEL FILMMAKERS ON YOUTUBE
In the realm of YouTube filmmaking, certain names stand out for their exceptional talent and creative vision. Among these talents is the Argentinian filmmaker, Gaston Luna. Known for his awe-inspiring travel videos and profound storytelling, Luna is making waves in the digital world. A Storyteller at Heart.
Travel Filmmaking
Learn at least a little about your destination before arrival. Having an overarching story or key points planned for your travel film can help tie things together. But be warned: having your travel film planned out scene-by-scene, and shot-by-shot is a surefire way to turn your vacation into a full-time filming gig. 2. Adjust your attitude
Art of Travel Beautiful
The Art of Travel. Acclaimed work by the philosopher-author. Thomas Whelan 2008. The Art of Travel, film. Summary ARTOFTRAVEL.COM is a uniquely powerful travel domain, invaluable bedrock for business. For centuries great communicators have used Art of Travel to intrigue, get, hold, and sell.
Michael Palin: The Art of Travel, Series 1
LNER. Michael Palin goes to St Andrews on a train journey up the 'drier side of Britain'. All episodes of Series 1.
Here's what's happening this weekend in Chicago
This weekend in Chicago, check out art at the biggest fair in town, see a film at the Latino Film Festival or catch award-winning country artist Kane Brown in concert. 1. 🎨 Expo Chicago ...
Ride A Wes Anderson Train
Travel in a vintage train carriage designed by pioneering film director Wes Anderson, director of new film Asteroid City, on your next visit to the United Kingdom. ... they're works of art. Anyone who has seen 'The Darjeeling Limited' will also know that Wes has an affinity for the beauty and excitement of train travel. Starring Owen ...

THE ART OF TRAVEL Movie Review

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25 Best Travel Movies Of All Time (Films That Will Inspire You To Travel)

1. Into the Wild (2007)

2. The Motorcycle Diaries (2004)

3. The Beach (I) (2000)

4. The Way (I) (2010)

5. 180° South (2010)

6. Wild (I) (2014)

7. One Week (I) (2008)

8. Tracks (I) (2013)

9. And Your Mother Too (2001)

10. The Darjeeling Limited (2007)

11. Encounters at the End of the World (2007)

12. The Bucket List (2007)

13. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)

14. Out of Africa (1985)

15. Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011)

17. The Endless Summer (1966)

18. Easy Rider (1969)

19. The Art of Travel (2008)

20. A Map for Saturday (2007)

21. Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008)

23. Away We Go (2009)

24. Lost in Translation (2003)

25. Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)

26. Eat Pray Love (2010)

27. The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994)

28. Seven Years in Tibet (1997)

29. The Way Back (I) (2010)

30. The Spanish Apartment (2002)

31. Baraka (1992)

32. Before Sunrise (1995)

33. Central Station (1998)

34. In July (2000)

35. The Road Within (2014)

36. Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

37. Amélie (2001)

38. Into the Cold: A Journey of the Soul (2010)

39. Highway (I) (2014)

40. Hector and the Search for Happiness (2014)

41. Two for the Road (1967)

42. Samsara (I) (2011)

43. Blue Skies, Green Waters, Red Earth (2013)

44. Touching the Void (2003)

45. Midnight in Paris (2011)