“I wish I had never gone travelling, said no one ever.” – Anonymous
For a wanderlust-addict like me, it’s tough to be told I can’t go anywhere. My last holiday was in November 2019; and just before Circuit Breaker kicked-in, I was meant to be in Fiji. Oh well. Paradise must wait. For now.
In the meantime, while the borders and skies are shut for our own good, our minds have free reign to do anything. We can transport ourselves to anywhere we please, anytime we want, with anyone we love.
No tickets. No packing. No rules.
Today, we’re going to travel across the globe through the power and beauty of film. We’ll watch three brothers reconnect on an epic train journey across India, get carried away to South America in a floating house, and discover the beauty of Rome through the eyes of a princess.
Through seven captivating stories that showcase the magic of the outside world, we will visit these magnificent locations that are ours to appreciate from the comfort of our couches – kid-friendly options included!
We begin our journey with Roman Holiday in the 1950s, where a beautiful and oppressively-frustrated princess escapes her royal life to explore the Eternal City. Not only did the film catapult Audrey Hepburn to stardom, it also immortalises one of the most iconic locations in the world as it plays tour guide to anyone looking for an intimate introduction to the Italian capital.
Fast forward to mid-90s America as we shadow the adventures of Forrest Gump through several decades of his life. Through his simple and kindhearted eyes, we bear witness to major historical events that shape the US in the 20th century. Apart from the usual big-city destinations, the movie takes us along the coastal states of Georgia, South and North Carolina and Maine.
From a great American road trip to the cramped confines of a railway train, the wide-open spaces of Rajasthan offer great relief to us in this underrated Wes Anderson film. We join estranged brothers Peter, Jack and Francis in The Darjeeling Limited, where they are forced to face their inner demons on a journey towards spiritual enlightenment. The only bond being the grief of their father’s death, the emotional journey is counterbalanced by the magical beauty of Jodhpur and Udaipur.
The only animated movie on this list, UP manages to make you fall in love with Ellie and Carl without words; within its first 10 minutes, we watch their lives unfold through laughter, milestones and misfortune. Post-Ellie, Carl and Boy Scout Russell take us on a legendary trip across South America to the fictional Paradise Falls. A story of promises kept and adventures lived, the real-life Angel Falls is a geological marvel in south-eastern Venezuela.
The spectacular Life of Pi begins with a family that embarks on an transcontinental ocean voyage with their zoo animals. Beginning in the seaside state of Pondicherry, it showcases the French and Tamil quarters and sweeps us off on a wild, fantastical trip that involves colourful chaos, breathtaking cloudscapes and a glimpse into the underwater world.
Next, we get to unveil The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. On a quest to find the elusive “Negative 25″, Walter goes from dull daydreamer in a concrete jungle to globe-trotting, action-packed hero. His wildest daydreams come to life as he explores Iceland, Yemen, the Himalayas and Afghanistan, as the journey slowly reveals the brave alter-ego he had long suppressed.
Finally, our last expedition is a biographical drama that follows the painful but triumphant journey of Lion. Starting in India and ending in Australia, it’s the heartwarming reunion of a mother and son across oceans and decades. The film takes us through Kolkata in India, where we see Sheru get lost at Howrah Station and explores the Australian states of Melbourne and Tasmania with Saroo – where the story works itself down the southern coast and eventually ends at Cockle Creek, in Recherche Bay, which is the farthest south it’s possible to drive in Australia.
So if you’re suffering from cabin fever, or are just looking to find inspiration for your next adventure, this list is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to transporting your imagination beyond your four walls. While we wait for things to go back to “normal”, let’s appreciate the effort of artists and storytellers who have made it possible for us to find escape in times when it seems impossible to.
Text: Angelique Teo
Angelique hosts ONE FM 91.3’s Weekday Getaway, every Monday to Friday, from 4pm to 8pm.