Movies touch our hearts, awaken our visions and changes the way we see things.

They take us to other places.

They open doors and minds.

Movies are the memories of our lifetime.

We need to keep them alive.

– Martin Scorsese

They  say that an image is worth a thousand words…

Well a movie, especially travel movies, really make you feel as if you’re in that exotic location, they take you directly to another dimension!

I have always been curious and wanting to travel the world from a very young age.  Hence I got to travel for the first time when I was 7 years old and I think that very first experience changed my life…forever!

After graduating from university, I went to Europe for 2 months and that was a major turning point in my life.

I haven’t stopped travelling since then. I have been to several continents and there is still tons of countries I would like to visit. All in its due time right?

In the meantime, I love day dreaming of those faraway places thanks to the magic of movies.

I’d like to share with you my Top 5 favorite movies of all time.

In no particular order. Let’s start with

1- The Motorcycle Diaries 

The young Che Guevara and his friend Alberto leave their home and belongings to travel throughout South America which will eventually transform both of their lives and they will become important figures in Latin American history, especially the Che as you know. We witness his transformation as the film and the story develops and we kind of understand why he took it to heart and fought for those who had no voice and resources.

The scenery is simply spectacular: from the Argentinean country side, to crossing a lake on the way to Chile, to the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru to Colombia and finally Venezuela.

What I loved most is how the people he encountered helped shape the man he would later become and what ideals he would be fighting for.

The movie really left a strong, lasting impression & never get tired of watching it over and over again! It’s a must for everyone who loves adventures and history 😉

2- Casino Royale

Let’s be honest here. I had never seen Daniel Craig in any movie before this one. So I did not know what to expect. Boy was I pleasantly surprised!

Ok I admit I am a 007 fan and have been since I was a child. My dad has the entire DVD collection *which he received from someone I won’t mention her name ;)* so I have seen pretty much all of them and was always fascinated by all the incredible locations he wast sent to.

Talk about incredible adventures in stunning locations around the world! (Turkey, Jamaica, Thailand, Brazil, Russia, Switzerland, Japan, Hong Kong etc). Nothing prepared me for this.

I was literally on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. There are some amazing scenes filmed in the Bahamas, Montenegro, Talamone, Venice!  It certainly deserves a spot on my list!

I was, am and always will be a 007 fanatic 😉

3- L’Auberge Espagnole

The Spanish Hostel, is the story about 6 Students coming from all over Europe and live together in Barcelona.

Their lives are intertwined and they are all very interesting. This movie is hysterical and it sure helped me understand many things even before I went there and experienced it myself (I lived in Italy for a month & had Greek, Thai and Mexican roommates). You must see it!

4- Under the Tuscan Sun

It’s a really moving story, of personal transformation with the help of different persons coming into your life at the right time and what better place than Under the Tuscan Sun!

I call it a renewal of the human spirit and faith. Things get better and better as we age, difficulties are just necessary to our development! I love Italy even more and cant wait to go back.

What I love the  most is the phenomenal locations where it was filmed, particularly Cortona, Roma, Positano and the always colorful Amalfi Coast!

Love always finds a way, even when you least expect it 🙂

5- Eat, pray, love

I first read the book “Eat, Pray, Love” by Elizabeth Gilbert and I swear I could not put it down. I had to read it from the first page to the last. She really knows how to capture the reader from the get go and makes you an active participant.

I just laughed so hard when she described the atmosphere at the Italian football stadium (calccio) and made me salivate when she talked about that delicious Margherita pizza in Naples.  I wasn’t too crazy about the part in India but did enjoy Richard from Texas’ intervention in her life and those bumper sticker quotes like this one:

“If you want to control things in your life so bad, work on the mind.”

Now the movie came out and I thought it was a condensed version of the book. The images of Italy, India and Bali are stunning. I literally fell in love with the island! I really have to go there and see for myself. It is definitely worth it! Julia Roberts just illuminates the screen, so it’s much more fun to watch.

So there you have my Top 5 favorite travel movies.

Now it’s your turn!

Tell us,

 

What is (are) are your favorite movie(s)?

 

I just can’t wait to read all about it!

Until next time,

Happy travels

Karla 😉