History and travel movies/books were my favorites since I was a kid. Once on an expedition with Jules Verne, searching for gold in Alaska. Other times I was walking on the streets of Paris with Alexander Dumas, during the French Revolution in the 18th century. The same applied to travel movies. Every time I’ve seen one, I’ve traveled with the main characters. And what if travel movies are also girl movies? You can also find some of the best travel movies on Netflix! Find on this list also movies like sisterhood of the traveling pants, movies like Notting Hill, and movies like Eat Pray Love.
In my movie repertoire, my favorites were always related to the above topics. It always had to include travel and beautiful destinations, or history. Here’s my ultimate list of the best travel movies that inspired me as a traveler, and as a blogger!
A list of the best travel movies for girls & best travel movies on Netflix
In movies, such as traveling in real life, it is always a journey where individuals discover themselves, go through a self-development process. Or find a more inspiring lifestyle. Sometimes they develop a more positive mindset, other times they find love. A life purpose. The answer for what they’ve been searching for. This is how it is in real life too! If you love travel movies, and you’re looking for movies like Eat Pray Love, you’ve come to the right place!
Let’s see the ultimate list of the best travel movies for ladies who are seeking some adventures! Movies like the movies like sisterhood of the traveling pants, movies like Notting Hill, and the best travel movies on Netflix, but also the best movies like Eat Pray Love! List of the best travel movies 2021 update!
1. Holiday in the Wild
IMDB rating: 6.1
Looking for travel movies like Eat Pray Love? Like most of my favorite travel movies, Holiday in the Wild is about self-discovery and a hint of how and where this earth needs our help. I couldn’t leave this post behind without highlighting at this movie, that you can all help these animal sanctuaries, simply by adopting an animal at WWF. I think supporting organizations like this is crucial, in the state of the animal population.
Story: After her husband ends their marriage, Kate embarks on a solo second honeymoon in Africa. There, she and Derek, a pilot, rescue a baby elephant. While nursing the elephant back to health, Kate discovers how much she loves her new surroundings. It’s an exciting and beautiful story, presenting the savannas in Africa, the elephants, and a heartwarming story. One of the best travel movies on Netflix and it’s a great alternative for movies like Notting Hill.
2. Eat, Pray, Love
IMDB rating: 5.8
Eat, pray, love for some is very disappointing, for others is a real inspiration. As you can guess, I’m playing in the second team! This movie inspired me in some ways, to have the courage to get my own luggage and hit the roads. If you ask me, it’s one of the best travel movies!
Story: Liz thought she had everything she wanted in life: a home, a husband, and a successful career. Now newly divorced and facing a turning point, she finds that she is confused about what is important to her. Another story about a single woman walking on the path of self-development while living and traveling in Rome, then India, and Bali. This movie inspired numerous solo female travelers around the world, and it’s basically one of the reasons why many fellow ladies started to travel alone. Eat, Pray, Love is also a great alternative movies like Notting Hill.
Now let’s see some more movies like Eat, Pray, Love!
3. Under the Tuscan Sun
IMDB rating: 6.8
Another great pick from the movies like Eat Pray Love. As a lady, this is one of the best movies to see before visiting Italy! I watched this one at least a thousand times. Especially when I was going crazy after returning home from Italy. Or any time I was missing Italy. Or when I just saw a picture or anything on social media that reminded me of Italy and I had some spare time for a movie. My all-time favorite, and best inspiration for me to move to Italy on my own. It’s a movie like Eat, Pray, Love, but in a much different, more Italian style.
Under the Tuscan Sun is definitely my favorite travel movie about Italy!
The story: The famous writer, Frances Mayes after going through an ugly divorce, decides to go on a trip to Tuscany, where she ends up buying a villa called Bramasole in Cortona. The story presents how this single woman builds a new life in Italy. A beautiful story about self-development, romance, and friendship with spectacular sceneries from Tuscany. You can actually visit Bramasole in Cortona by the way!
4. Letters to Juliet
One of the best travel movies for Italy
IMDB rating: 6.5
Another of the romantic travel movies like Eat Pray Love. On the list of 10 movies to see before visiting Italy, this one is my personal favorite! Letters to Juliet is a real inspiration for those in love with Italy. And it also gave me the idea of visiting Verona in 2017 and 2020, and Siena in 2019. It’s one of my favorite American girl movies that are set in beautiful Italy!
Story: While visiting Verona, with her busy fiance, a young woman named Sophie visits the house of Juliet where the heartbroken leave notes to Shakespeare’s tragic heroine, Juliet Capulet. Finding one such letter from 1957, Sophie decides to write to its now elderly author, Claire. Inspired by Sophie’s actions, Claire sets out to find her long-lost lover, accompanied by her disapproving grandson and Sophie. Another beautiful love story with inspiring scenes from all over Verona, Siena, and Tuscany. Another alternative for movies like Notting Hill.
5. Midnight in Paris
IMDB rating: 7.7
First, I did not like Midnight in Paris, but when I watched it again, I realized it’s one of the best travel movies set in Paris!
But this movie, and the Paris that Gil loved so much in the movie, that Paris I could fall in love with, over and over again. That Paris was like a shiny diamond.
Story: Gil arrives with his fiancee and her family in Paris for a vacation, even as he tries to finish his debut novel. He is beguiled by the city, which takes him to a time past, away from his fiancee. He gets into a car, that basically will take him back in time, to the Paris he admires the most. And he will meet some of the greatest artists of that time.
6. Vicky, Cristina, Barcelona
IMDB rating: 7.1
Let’s start here: I’ve been to Barcelona three times, and I’m obsessed with Vicky, Cristina, Barcelona. One of the best travel movies like Eat Pray Love, but also a great alternative of movies like sisterhood of the traveling pants.
Both times, before going, I watched Vicky, Cristina, Barcelona. Both times it gave me such a positive feeling about the city, that I can’t describe. What I also did, the spring of 2020, I downloaded the song you’ll hear in the movie Paco de Lucia – Entre dos Aguas, I plugged my ears when I’ve been wandering in the Gothic Quarter of the city, and I’ve been listening to this guitar play the whole time! It was absolutely fabulous! If you watch this movie, and you’ll visit Barcelona, you can also try this way to wander around!
Story: The two American girls, Vicky and Cristina spend the summer in Barcelona, staying at Vicky’s friends. They meet a handsome Spanish painter, Juan Antonio, who straight away offers them both a sweet, hot night in Oviedo. They will both have separately an illicit affair with him, but they are unaware that his ex-wife Maria Elena is about to re-enter his life.
7. Chalet Girl
IMDB rating: 6.3
I’m not sure, that I love this movie because of the Alps, or the snowboarding, or because after years of watching Gossip Girl I just can’t ignore Chuck’s face, but I really feel like Chalet Girl is a really amazing, and inspiring movie. Another strong, young lady, on her way, to find her passion and reach her goals. One of the best American girl power movies for sure!
Story: Former skateboarding champion, Kim Matthews accepts a catering job in the Alps of Austria. She lost her mother, and she is blocked. She starts snowboarding, but her mind keeps taking her back to the tragedy. If you like romantic travel movies and snow, Chalet Girl is a great pick!
8. Sex and the City 2
IMDB rating: 4.5
If you love the Middle East and the Sex and the City, as usual, this is a must-see travel movie! What I really love about this movie, is the Arabic architecture that you’ll keep seeing everywhere. I don’t know about you ladies, but I’m a huge fan of Arabic architecture. Huge fan! It’s one of the best travel movies on Netflix, and if you’re looking for movies like Eat Pray Love, this will be a great option!
Story: Carrie, Miranda, and Charlotte are tired of dealing with the pressures of life and desire a break. Each one has something bad going on, as always. Thus, they join their friend, Samantha, in Abu Dhabi where her former partner is filming a movie. One of the best American girl movies out there! You will surely love it!
9. A good year
IMDB rating: 7.0
Not sure if I’m way too romantic, or there’s another reason, but I’m in love with places like Provence. It’s the magic of chateau’s, the long kilometers of vineyards, the lavender plantations, and farms, or the beautiful landscapes, but I’m just so enchanted. I feel the same way about Tuscany too! So this movie, won my heart fast! A great feel-good movie, and even better romantic movie set in France.
Story: A London-based investment banker Max Skinner learns that his Uncle Henry has died. Henry left him a chateau and vineyard in Provence. He travels to France in order to sell off the property, but he’ll slowly realize, that living peacefully in a heavenly place like this, is much better than the busy life in London. A Good Year can definitely be a great alternative for movies like Notting Hill!
10. Wild
IMDB rating: 7.1
One of the best travel movies, where the main character will prove to us that we are capable of more than we think! The Wild is one of the top-rated girl power movies, when we discover that inner power, we become unstoppable. This movie is a great inspiration, for all of us struggling to make that first step on the road of adventures.
Story: Cheryl Strayed, a recently divorced woman, decides to start a new life by hiking along the 1,100 mile-long Pacific Crest Trail. She begins to discover herself as she goes along her trek.
11. Hangover 2
IMDB rating: 6.4
Another of the best travel movies on Netflix! Definitely not romantic, not inspiring, and not something I’d like to experience! But let’s face it, it’s great for a few seconds to imagine, how cool it would be if we would go through this. It’s an adventure! (Still wouldn’t want to try!). The reason I wanted to add this movie to the list, is because it’s showing some great part of Bangkok, and if you’re concentrating on other than the smoking monkey, you can actually get some insights of the city.
Story: After the bachelor party in Las Vegas two years ago, Phil, Stu, Alan, and Doug head to Thailand for Stu’s wedding. However, things go awry when Stu’s soon-to-be brother-in-law goes missing. Definitely, an amazing comedy movie that you must see
12. Roman Holiday
IMDB rating: 8.0
The Roman Holiday is one of the most iconic movies in the history of filmmaking! It’s one of those iconic movies about Rome that every girl has to watch! A never-dying classic! A beautiful story from the 50s, a princess, a journalist, and Rome, the Eternal City!
I myself had an interesting experience, while my friend and I in Rome were looking for the house from the movie Joe Bradley was living in. Read our story here!
One of the most iconic travel movies about Rome!
Story: Overwhelmed by her suffocating schedule, touring European princess Ann (Audrey Hepburn) takes off for a night while in Rome. When a sedative she took from her doctor kicks in, however, she falls asleep on a park bench and is found by an American reporter, Joe Bradley (Gregory Peck), who takes her back to his apartment for safety. At work the next morning, Joe finds out Ann’s regal identity and bets his editor he can get an exclusive interview with her, but romance soon gets in the way.
13. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
IMDB rating: 7.2
I am personally not the biggest fan of the movie. It’s great. It’s really great, but not for my taste. However I know how many of us loved it, so I couldn’t skip it. A great piece to get some insights from India. A travel movie that you must see once! The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is one of those movies like Eat, Pray Love, that can make you want to visit India!
Story: A decrepit hotel hosts seven British tourists who come to Jaipur on a holiday. Each one has a past and a new ambition. Their lives intertwine with their host, who is also trying to get a grip on life.
14. What a Girl wants
IMDB rating: 5.8
Here comes another of the best travel movies on Netflix. If you love travel movies set in London, you’ll love What a Girl Wants. When I was in my teenage years, I watched this movie a thousand times. The orphan girl, who finds her dad, that happens to be a lord… Each of you who imagined yourselves as Disney princesses in childhood will love this movie! A great American girl movie, that takes you around London and the life of the British royalty.
Story: When Daphne, an American teenager, learns that her father is a prominent politician in the UK, she must decide if she wants to confront him at the risk of costing him the elections.
15. The Call of the Wild
IMDB rating: 6.8
Warning: Don’t watch this movie if you’re emotional about animals. You are risking crying a million times during the movie!
I really loved The Call of the Wild! As I just love animals, and even more, I love movies about self-discovery. Movies that remind you of being a free spirit, and going for your dreams, no matter what, are the best! It’s a beautiful, sometimes sad, but absolutely heart-warming story! Really worth watching! A travel movie taking you to Alaska.
Story: Buck is a big-hearted dog whose blissful domestic life gets turned upside down when he is suddenly uprooted from his California home and transplanted to the exotic wilds of the Alaskan Yukon in the 1890s. As the newest rookie on a mail-delivery dog sled team, Buck experiences the adventure of a lifetime as he ultimately finds his true place in the world.
16. Blue Crush 2
IMDB rating: 5.4
I loved this travel movie for three reasons. First, because the story takes place in South Africa, which is one of my top bucket list items. Secondly, because it’s about a brave girl, who goes for her dreams while she’s going through a spiritual development that again reminds me of pieces of my life. And also, because I really love surf, and I really want to finally learn it! It’s an amazing American girl movie, a travel movie that will make you want to get your surfboard and head to the ocean! Blue Crush is also one of the best movies like the sisterhood of the traveling pants.
Story: Dana, a fanatical teenage surfer, needs a break to overcome her mother’s demise. Thus, she leaves for South Africa to accomplish her mother’s dream of surfing the deathly waves of Jeffreys Bay. You can find some of the best travel movies on Netflix, though this one isn’t there. Alternatives might be for surfer movies the Outer Banks and the Unstoppable on Netflix.
17. The Tourist
IMDB rating: 6.0
The tourist travel movie is super popular and it’s one of the best travel movies on Netflix! A very adventurous story, with one of my favorite actors, Johny Depp. As parts of the story take place in Venice, I couldn’t skip this. Venice is such a charming city, that it must be seen! It’s not a definite travel movie, it’s more an action movie, but thanks to its setting, I have decided to add it to my travel movie list!
Story: Frank, an American tourist, is visiting Italy to deal with a recent heartbreak. Elise sits next to him on a train going to Venice and convinces him that he is her lover who is wanted by the police.
18. Falling Inn Love
IMDB rating: 5.6
Here comes another alternative for movies like Notting Hill. One of my favorite travel movies on Netflix is Falling Inn Love. One of the latest travel movies in the air. You must’ve realized by now, that I’m fascinated by movies where brave women hit the roads to find the place where they belong. I always felt that I was born in the wrong place, and I don’t fit in there. And I’m not living there anymore, as you might know! Gabriel’s journey brings her great changes and for us some lessons, and inspiration for beautiful New Zealand. An American girl movie, that you do have to see! It’s also a Netflix movie, so if you’ve got Netflix, go ahead and watch it!
Story: Romance and remodeling collide when a corporate executive wins a New Zealand inn that lacks curb appeal. When Gabriel arrives and finds her new inn to be completely in ruins, she decides to refurbish it. This will lead to romance, discoveries, and big decisions as well. This movie is a great alternative if you’re looking for movies like Eat Pray Love.
19. The Holiday
IMDB rating: 6.9
The Holiday is another of the great travel movies on Netflix! Two of my favorite actresses in one movie? And it’s also one of the cutest travel movies, filled with adventures, and self-discovery. Bring it in! It’s a lovely story, especially for cozy movie nights! The Holiday is a beautiful American girl movie, which is also one of my favorite romantic movies for cozy evenings.
Story: Two girls from different countries swap homes for the holidays to get away from their relationship issues. However, their lives change unexpectedly when they meet and fall in love with two local guys. Again, one of the best movies like Eat Pray Love, but better yet movies like Notting Hill!
20. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2
IMDB rating: 6.2
Well, if you’re looking for movies like the Sisterhood of the traveling pants, here’s the second part that’s also a travel movie! Once I was in love with best friend movies. The sisterhood of the traveling pants is one of my favorites because Lena, well, Lena will spend her summer in Greece, while Carmen is in South America. I lovely stories about friendship, love, and those little things that really matter in our lives. Another American girl movie that you must see if you’re seeking inspiration for traveling!
Four young women, Tibby, Carmen, Bridget, and Lena, share a deep bond. As time passes they realize that it will take them more than a hurried note or a shared pair of jeans to stay in touch. Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 is on Netflix, and it’s definitely one of the best travel movies on Netflix!
Some of the best adventure, and mystery travel movies – Dan Brown
1. The Da Vinci Code
IMDB rating: 6.6
This movie got people really talking. Especially those in the Vatican. It’s one of the best ever mystery shows, and I can just recommend! One of the best movies, and one of the best travel movies on Netflix!
Story: Symbologist Robert Langdon travels from Paris to London to discover the truth behind a mysterious and bizarre murder. Later, he learns about a religious mystery protected by a secret society.
2. Angels and Demons
IMDB rating: 6.7
After my first time in Rome, I was literally going crazy to go back as soon as possible. I did actually get tickets to go back in 3 weeks after my first visit. In this period, I was watching all kinds of movies that are Rome related, and the Angels and Demons were one of my favorites. When I went back, I went one by one to all the scenes that have a specific meaning in the movie.
Story: When Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon discovers the resurgence of an ancient brotherhood known as the Illuminati, he flies to Rome to warn the Vatican, the Illuminati’s most hated enemy. Joining forces with beautiful Italian scientist Vittoria Vetra (Ayelet Zurer), Langdon follows a centuries-old trail of ancient symbols in the hope of preventing the Illuminati’s deadly plot against the Roman Catholic Church from coming to fruition.
3. Inferno
IMDB rating: 6.2
As I was already obsessed with the previous two parts, the Da Vinci Code and the Angels and Demons, I was super excited for the Inferno movie. This movie inspired me the most to visit as soon as possible Florence, and inside that, in the Palazzo Vecchio, I was specifically looking for the symbol that’s playing a big role in the movie.
Story: Famous symbologist Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) follows a trail of clues tied to Dante, the great medieval poet. When Langdon wakes up in an Italian hospital with amnesia, he teams up with Sienna Brooks (Felicity Jones), a doctor he hopes will help him recover his memories. Together, they race across Europe and against the clock to stop a madman (Ben Foster) from unleashing a virus that could wipe out half of the world’s population.
Inspiration beyond the best travel movies, girl movies & best travel movies on Netflix
Let’s see what we’ve got beyond the best travel movies on Netflix, movies like Eat Pray Love, movies like Notting Hill, and movies like the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants? Sharing my list of the best travel movies, and American girl movies aren’t the only inspiration for travel, history, and culture. Check out some more posts beyond travel movies, American girl movies, and girl power movies!
6 historical tv series about Italy and the Roman Empire
10 movies to see before visiting Italy
10 Best Capital Cities in Europe for Solo female Travelers
30 Reasons why traveling alone is AWESOME
Haha this is great! Especially because I’m literally just watching the da Vinci code!?
Right in this moment I am watching Sex and the City 2 and tomorrow I might start to watch another recommendation of yours! The Da Vinci Code might be my first choice!
Thanks for your feedback. Happy you like the list, and it came handy! x
I was looking for some travel movie inspiration just this weekend. I wanted something lighthearted and wanderlusty considering im meant to be travelling right not so this has done the job!
Love Hangover :DDD
Hahaha… I need to ask. You love it for the party or for Thailand more??
Woow that’s so interesting!