9 Scenic Films And TV Shows That Will Have You Booking Plane Tickets ASAP
Guess it’s wanderlust era once again.
By Shermin Ng and Syaza Agape - published
No matter what time of the year it is, travelling is always a good idea. But if you’re bored of the usual suspects like Japan, Seoul or even Paris, and are looking for some inspiration for your next destination, looking to the silver screen might be a good place to start. Keep scrolling for a medley of films and television shows to get you inspired and out of your comfort zone.
1. Marvel at Edinburgh’s architectural splendour in ‘One Day’
Set in the town of Edinburgh, Scotland, One Day follows protagonists Dexter (Leo Woodall) and Emma (Ambika Mod) as they reunite on the same day each year. The 14-episode series keeps you on your toes with the constant thought of “will they, won’t they?”
Amidst the heartbreak and tribulation in the series, the choice of locations are equally noteworthy. Journey through Edinburgh’s most iconic landmarks, both natural and man-made, from Arthur’s Seat to the Vennel Steps and Edinburgh Castle.
2. Go on a seaside retreat: Watch ‘The Beach’
If beaches are more your thing, this young Leonardo DiCaprio film could be for you. Backpacker Richard (Leonardo DiCaprio), together with fellow tourists, goes in search of a legendary island paradise in Thailand, but what he finds is a society cut off from civilisation. This film will leave you yearning for seaside escapades and pristine beaches.
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3. Admire the New York landscape in ‘Past Lives’
A more recent addition to many cinephile’s lists, Past Lives is at its heart a simple story about moving on, even if it pains you. We follow Nora (Greta Lee) as she navigates moving from Seoul to Toronto at a young age, leaving behind her crush Hae Sung (Teo Yoo), along with other memories from her childhood.
The film starts in Seoul and concludes in New York City, where the two leads reunite (no more spoilers!). You’ll get your own butterflies-in-the-stomach moments as you watch them take slow walks along the Hudson River and Madison Square Park, go on a ferry ride around the Statue of Liberty and catch up in front of Jane’s Carousel in Brooklyn Bridge Park.
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4. Lose yourself in the hustle and bustle of Tokyo: Watch ‘Lost In Translation’
Sofia Cuppola‘s directorial classic tells the story of Bob (Bill Murray), a faded actor going through a midlife crisis, and Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson), a college graduate neglected by her photographer husband, forming an unlikely friendship in Tokyo. Be transported to the city’s bustling arcades, karaoke rooms and magnificent shrines as they navigate enthralling experiences in a foreign land.
5. Delve into the dreamy charm of Paris: Watch ‘Amélie’
This whimsical comedy offers a poetic and escapist vision of the everyday. Amélie (Audrey Tatou) overcomes a sad childhood and grows up to bring a bit of happiness to her neighbors and regulars at the cafe where she works. Delve into her imaginative world and the dreamy charm of Monmartre as she sets about doing good.
6. Escape city life and head to the Turkish Riviera: Watch ‘Aftersun’
The premise of Aftersun is simple—Calum (Paul Mescal) brings his daughter Sophie (Frankie Corio) on a trip to Turkey. The landscape is breathtaking and serves as a great backdrop for a family vacation. Through Sophie’s childlike lens, you get to escape to places like Belcekiz Beach and Lake Koycegiz, which are just a stone throw’s away from the resort. Who knows, you might get inspired to book a year-end getaway with the family to Ölüdeniz, the town where Aftersun was filmed.
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7. Set out on a train journey across India: Watch ‘The Darjeeling Limited’
Adrien Brody, Owen Wilson and Jason Schwartzman play estranged brothers that reunite on a train voyage through India in Wes Anderson’s emotional comedy. Watch for its dazzling visuals, the stunning Rajasthan landscape, slapstick gags and intriguing scenes.
8. Explore the spectacular landscapes of Iceland: Watch ‘The Secret Life of Walter Mitty’
Ben Stiller directs and stars in this James Thurber adaptation, where Iceland’s epic scenery takes centrestage. Walter escapes the monotony of life into a world of fantasies, until the opportunity to finally embrace life arises when his job is threatened. He embarks on an unforgettable adventure that turns his imaginations into reality.
9. Bask in the warmth of an idyllic Italian summer: Watch ‘Call Me By Your Name’
Set in Lombardy Italy, Luca Guadagnino’s Call Me By Your Name will leave you yearning for an idyllic summer. Seventeen-year-old Elio Perlman (Timothée Chalamet) meets Oliver (Armie Hammer), an intern working for his father during the summer of 1983. Amid the sun-drenched splendor of Northern Italy, a life-changing romance blossoms.