10 Binge worthy travel movies on Netflix
- Christabel Ododa
- Jun 24, 2020
- 4 min read
Yes if Covid-19 has taught us anything it is that life is too short, book the trip, bring your family and make memories but clearly, we are not going anywhere anytime soon and while I can't lift the lock down I can share with you a temporary stress alleviation plan in place of travel and holidaying. Here's a list of inspiring, comical, quirky and even spiritually awakening binge worthy travel movies to sample on Netflix from the comfort of your own homes.
Cuba and the Cameraman – A thought-provoking retrospective of the Cuban people over a whopping 40 years of change.
The Cuban joy and spirit definitely makes this movie delightful. A thought-provoking retrospective in which Cameraman Jon Alpert films the Cuban people over a whopping 40 years of change. From the peak of Fidel Castro’s rule through it’s many changes and manifestations to his eventual death at age 90 in 2016. Jon revisits old friends, including Castro himself, at intervals of around 5 years over 4 decades and through natural and genuine friendships he paints a vivid picture of one of the most polarizing regimes in modern history. If you watch just one thing on this list, watch this!
Mountain – a breathtaking film that takes viewers to the summits of some of the world’s most amazing mountains
Set against a classical score with sparse narration by Willem Defoe, this is a wonderful collection of birds eye view footage from the highest and most dangerous peaks around the globe, it is truly hypnotic. If you are a climber or someone that seeks thrills in high places this will certainly wet your appetite to plan a post lock down expedition! If you are just someone who enjoys cinematography and the amazing scope we have now to film in some pretty harsh environments you will also appreciate this!
The Kindness Diaries – Leon Logothetis travels the world relying only on a vintage motorbike and the kindness of strangers
This story will no doubt restore your hope in humanity. Coupled with must see travel destinations and scenery, author and motivational speaker Leon Logothetis's journey starts in the middle of nowhere with nothing but a tank of gas and depending on the season a choice of either a vintage motorbike or a Volkswagen beetle.He must however reach his destination by appealing to the kindness of the people he meets along the way and reciprocate with acts of kindness too.
Expedition Happiness – two free spirits and one dog go on a road trip in search of something more
A cool and quirky pair, the German film director Felix Starck,his musician girlfriend Selima Taibi and their dog Rudi make an epic journey from North Carolina to Mexico in an old converted school bus. We join the pair as they head to Alaska through some breathtaking Canadian scenery before heading down the West Coast of the States, cutting east through Death Valley and finally exploring the cities and landscapes of Mexico. Their sense of eternal optimism and charming approach to obstacles combined with breathtaking landscapes will help you escape from your claustrophobic living room almost into the reality of great outdoors!
Dark Tourist – a thought provoking documentary series about the phenomenon of dark and off beat tourism
From Vampires in New Orleans, exorcisms in Latin America to Nuclear testing sites in the Middle East, New Zealand journalist David Farrier explores countries through the most obscure encounters shading some insight on what draws some tourists to these darker travel experiences and what drives those who provide these experiences.
Stay Here – an original and entertaining AirBnB development show
The first episode features a romantic little houseboat on the Seattle Waterfront,within a stone throw distance from historic Pike Place Market and thats as far as I have gone but in a nutshell, designer Genevieve Gorder and real estate expert Peter Lorimer travel around the USA helping people spruce up their unusual rental properties. It’s pretty amazing what they manage to accomplish and you can definitely pick up lots of cool tips on making the most out of little spaces and you might get a few alternative ideas for your next holiday too!
J Style Trip – Taiwanese megastar Jay Chou travels to destinations meeting up with buddies along the way
A completely different kind of travel movie...you've got to watch to know what I mean, this movie is a little frenetic and over-exuberant but if you are a fan of Asian-anime-type aesthetics you'll love it. Taiwanese musician and magician Jay Chou and his mates travel to Paris, Singapore and Taipai surrounded by crazy Manga-esque visuals and lots of banter.
Pedal The World – A solo trip of a lifetime
Just a word of caution, your calves might hurt just watching him but the stunning scenery and honest reflection of a solo trip is well worth watching Felix Starck’s heroically biking 18,000 km in 365 days, through 22 countries and for the large part alone. It is rawer than Expedition Happiness and sees our hero going through many ups and downs, both emotionally and physically, he scales some impressive peaks – especially in Thailand and Newzealand! Starting from his home town in Germany, with nothing, it seems, but a few pairs of shorts and a pair of Birkenstock’s, he traverses Austria, Eastern Europe, Greece, Turkey, South East Asia, NewZealand and the US before heading home.
Ainori Love Wagon Asian Journey – Seven men and women board a travelling pink bus in search of true love
Seven young Japanese gals and boys set off in a pimped up pink van in the hopes of finding love on the road, whilst back in Japan a panel discusses the blossoming couples as they watch them start to fall for one and other. The scenery in this case merely provides a backdrop for the growing romances and the show only lightly explores the local cultures that the participants travel through. It’s very sweet though and, like J Style Trip, a glimpse into another way of making TV.
Lea and I – a beautiful and moving road trip journey with a twist
This unusual little gem of a travel documentary focuses on a spiritual journey as much as a physical one. The impulsive Lea and her reserved friend ( and our eyes in the film ) Camille take a trip from LA through Mexico in search of a cure for Lea’s Cystic fibrosis. Along the way they meet many people on similar quests and experience some fascinating rituals and alternative medicines that are deeply steeped in the local culture and mysticism.
Hope you enjoyed one or two!
Wow! awesome.