Travel movies are a great way to help you choose your vacation destination. In the past twenty years there have been some really great (and not so great) films made that feature panoramic views of popular vacation destinations. The following is a short list of some of the better travel films you can rent and enjoy from home.

Romance: Most of what you see in the movies about Europe tends to have a romantic plot or subplot so the scenery takes center stage. For some great shots of Paris and Vienna check out the two Richard Linklater classics Before Sunrise (1995) and Before Sunset (2004). Both have decent but slow moving plots, thought provoking dialogue, and awesome views of two of the most popular European vacation cities. For something a little deeper with shots of Spain and the beaches of the Iberian Peninsula, watch Woody Allen’s Vicky Christina Barcelona (2008).    

Drama: Lost in Translation (2003) was billed as a comedy-drama due to the presence of Bill Murray in the cast. It does have it’s funny points but the film is one of the better cinematic works for successfully capturing the essence of Japan and the differences between East and West. If you like the comedy-drama mix you can also pick up Thelma and Louise (1991), a film that combines quick wit, a great cast, and breathtaking scenery of the American southwest and the Grand Canyon. 

Three movies that should also be added to your travel drama library are The Beach (2000), a film about backpacking in Thailand, Seven Years in Tibet (1997), documenting the last years of Tibets freedom before the Chinese invasion, and The Motorcycle Diaries (2004), a movie about the early years of Che Guevara with some footage of the South American rain forest you won’t see anywhere else.

Comedy: There are dozens of comedies that feature scenery and landmarks that are popular on European tours, Asian tours, and North American vacations. Our top four would have to be Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989), Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987), National Lampoons European Vacation (1985), and Road Trip (2000).

Adventure: Watch all of the Indiana Jones movies and the Back to the Future Trilogy. You’ll be pumped full of adrenaline and ready to fly off to exotic destinations around the world.

Horror: Remember that what you are seeing is only a movie. The movie Hostel (2005) will have you on the edge of your seat and show you some great scenes of Slovakia, one of the hottest European tour spots. The Descent (2005) is British horror movie filmed in Scotland. 

Thriller: Joy Ride (2001), starring Paul Walker, is filled with moment after moment of nail-biting suspense and great shots of an 1800 mile trek from Colorado to New Jersey. Definitely worth a watch.