This post is inspired by day two of our 30-day At Home Travel Challenge, helping to keep you inspired for future travels during isolation.

Though re-watching The Office during isolation is great, it’ll only get you so far in curing a case of wanderlust. If you’re missing travelling like we are, then switch out your Netflix routine for a movie set in your favourite city or country. To get you started, here’s a list of films that help us mentally escape to settings near and far.

Beginning with a few of our favourite movies set in Australia:

  • Finding Nemo: 42 Wallaby Way, Sydney. Who else has had this address at the top of their must-see list ever since Nemo and Dory graced us with their all-too-cute presence? Although no such address actually exists (sorry, guys!), Finding Nemo takes us from the Great Barrier Reef in North Queensland to the city of Sydney. It’s the kind of feel-good movie that can do no wrong right now.
  • Australia: A visual extravaganza that you can only expect from a film directed by Baz Luhrman (and starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman). This is one to watch for epic backdrops of the Australian outback.
  • The Castle: If you’re missing a classic Aussie accent and fair dinkum slang, then The Castle is for you. You’ll be hard-pressed to find an Australian that can’t quote The Castle, so now is your perfect time to watch it before your next trip to the land Down Under.

And now our top films set in the rest of the world…

  • Secret Life of Walter Mitty: This is one movie we ALL need to watch at the moment. As Ben Stiller travels around the world, you’ll escape with him thanks to the breathtakingly beautiful scenery. We also love the underlying message of having the courage to choose your own adventures.
  • The Lord of The Rings: There’s a reason why New Zealand has been dubbed ‘Home of Middle Earth’. It’s thanks to this trilogy. The directors filmed LOTR in more than 150 locations throughout the country, so you can expect a spectacle of jaw-dropping scenery.
  • Grand Budapest Hotel: Filmed mainly in Germany, this dark comedy is one that’ll have you daydreaming of a European vacation. It’s a quirky and colourful film, and if it leaves you hanging for more from Wes Anderson, then put The Darjeeling Limited (set in colourful India) next on your list!
  • The Hangover: Maybe you had a trip to Vegas planned before this pandemic. Or maybe you’ve been before and live by the rules of ‘what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas’. Or perhaps Sin City didn’t feature on your travel plans at all, but you’re just in need of a good laugh with a classic cast. Cue: The Hangover.
  • In Bruges: Another dark comedy makes the list! As the name suggests, the Belgian city of Bruges is the setting for this movie. Add it to the list if Europe’s cobblestoned streets and cute canals are what you’re missing!

Want to join the fun in our 30-Day At Home Travel Challenge? Come join us on Instagram, and share your isolation activities with us @wakeuphostels!