Tube Travel Tuesday: Into The Comfort Zone

Yes, fellow travel junkies in the Philippines (specifically Luzon), today I recommend you to stay indoors. That nonstop rain is a real bummer. This morning we were supposed travel from Tarlac to Makati for a visa application, but because of those darn floods, we didn't push through. Some part of me is furious, yet a better part of me is feeling grateful for we're not directly affected by such calamity. Though we might lose thousands of pesos on a rescheduled flight, this dilemma is nothing compared to losing a car, a house, a relative, even a pet.

So I quit my whining and started looking into options on how to help others in our own little way.

Now since we're gonna be stuck in our homes for another day (or two or three), Tube Travel Tuesday is back to nourish our adventure-hungry souls. Here's another list of flicks that shall keep you company whilst you're buried under those sheets...

"When it comes to settling down... Never settle.", says Away We Go's trailer.
Away We Go


A recent find, thanks to the awesome drummer of The Strangeness (a.k.a. Ze Ex). Its story I can relate with the most at this time of my life. The main characters, steadies Burt and Verona, got knocked up unscheduled in their early thirties like hubby and I (Verona's a year older than Burt, I'm a year older than hubby too).

During the pregnancy, the couple visits Burt's parents who live within the area and found out that they're moving to Belgium a month before the baby is due. Between Burt and Verona, the latter's the worrier (Burt never gets angry like hubby too!) yet she's the one who pointed out that they could live wherever they want. And that's when there vagabonding begins... In search of the place where they will raise a family.

Towards the end of the flick, they found their possible home. I reckon it will be our future home too, someday when we finally decide to settle down. And oh, I love the soundtrack!

Hotel Very Welcome


Hotel Very Welcome tells the divergent stories of five Europeans traveling in Asia. In Thailand, Svenja missed a flight and calls a Thai travel agent who becomes her phone pal. Buddies Josh and Adam from England, also in Thailand, parties hard amidst money problems. In India, Liam explores the country with a guide, pondering about a one-night stand gone complicated. Marion, who's prolly in India too, does soul-searching through mediation and dance.

I love the film's rawness. The lines from the script sound like they came straight from a backpacker's mouth, and the characters feel so real. I found a piece of myself in every one of them.

The soundtrack's royally cool as well.

The Darjeeling Limited


Reiza of Wander If You Must:

Probably not one of the best travel flicks I’ve ever seen, but “The Darjeeling Limited” made quite an impression on me, though it left me with a pang of guilt over my oftentimes spontaneous, purposeless trips. The story revolves around three semi-estranged brothers who went on a train trip through India to rekindle their bond a year after their father’s death and to see their eccentric escapist mother, who went to become a nun in a monastery on a hill. It's a family tragedy of some sorts, bubbling up and then fizzling down, unfolding unexpectedly towards an ending that fortunately brings a sigh of relief. The film is rightfully funny, moody in some parts, gently heartbreaking, quite scenic without being overwrought. It has an off-kilter element of philosophical wisdom thrown in bits and pieces here and there, which actually led me to revisit the reason I travel: is it to escape, to find myself, to be a better person?

Often when I travel, I think about the shallow feelings of excitement that I want to cherish. But even through that haze of thrill, essential realities emerge. The movie reminded me that traveling with a purpose is definitely going to add a lot of character to us and make us carry on. My motivation for travel has since taken a more sentimental and meaningful turn.

Y Tu Mama Tambien


Rain of Rakistang Nars:

Set in the real world Mexico, Y Tu Mama Tambien is a fabric of interwoven truths: politics, poverty, drugs, sex and youth. On a road trip to the initially fictional Boca Del Cielo, a couple of teenage boys and a broken young woman laughed and lived, fought and f***ed. It is a story of discoveries-- of Boca del Cielos, of life, and of oneself.

I came to know of it at the height of my activism following a stint as a campus journalist. It spoke of my plight at the time-- my brooding, melancholic and raging passion against authority, reality and mor(t)ality. The movie validated how I was reckless and romantic at the same time, how sins were attractive and how truths were uncomfortable. At any given point in the past, I have found myself in the shoes of Tenoch Iturbide, of Julio Zapata, and of Luisa Cortes. I lived for the moment. Then again, that was the way of the youth.

A Map For Saturday


Angelica of Angge Turns 26:

A Map for Saturday is a documentary created by Brook Silva-Braga. It gives us an idea of the modern backpacking world. Both the hassles and wonders of backpacking and especially of travelling alone. He travels through Australia, Asia, Europe and South America. In between the still shots of beautiful landscapes and people, he interviews his fellow backpackers about life on the road. The reason why people travel, the instant friends and constantly saying goodbye to people, the burnout point when travelling becomes tiring and ordinary, the anxiety and stress of going home and facing ‘reality’, and the addicting quality of travelling.

This was the documentary that gave me the (once) crazy idea of doing something with my life – deciding to finally quit my job and travel. It took me almost a year to save up and prepare for the trip. My decision, like his, was also questioned by people around me. But this did not stop me. Five months of backpacking also made me realize how much I can relate to the backpackers in his documentary. Why we travel - we come from different countries and from different backgrounds, some travel alone and some in groups. But all of us do it for three simple reasons- the love of traveling; the belief that life is not entirely about career and money; and living life with no regrets. Five months back in the normal routine, I too feel that I have changed. But just like Brook, the experience wasn’t just so we can tell ourselves that we have done something crazy and amazing before we settle down. It proved to be just a start of something more – more travels and more adventures. And this love for travel ultimately pushes you to enjoy life and to explore the rest of the world.

But the one backpacker that really affected me and inspired me big time is the 70 year old man who along with his plastic bags of pills is still travelling around Europe. He is living his life the best way he knows how. No illness or weak bones can stop him. ‘Anyone can,’ he said. I guess if you just really want it so bad, you’ll do everything you can to make it happen. And it will eventually happen. And that dreams do come true. Mine did.


Is this your first time to read Tube Travel Tuesday? If so, share us your fave travel flick!

Tube Travel Tuesday Series:

Tube Travel Tuesday
My List Exactly
Probably Not The Last
The List Goes On
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Islands Insider Special Preview

On the 21st of May, I found myself snickering alongside fellow travel bloggers, tucked cozily in the back rows of Greenbelt 3's Cinema 5. We were catching up on our recent adventures. Everyone was scrubbed, and polished. Heck I even substituted my usual shabby harlem pants with them skinny jeans, and I could barely remember when was the last time I wore a pair (Morocco, I reckon).


Only events like this can bunch up a gargantuan chunk of travel bloggers in a theater (Okay, maybe we weren't that many.). And lemme tell you, only shows like Islands Insider can keep these folks buckled in their seats (Except for plane rides.) and keep them quiet for an hour or so.

Islands Insider official trailer.
After quick speeches from the series' producer (The Extra Mile Productions) and host Ginggay Hontiveros, director and writer Gabriel Malvar, and DOT Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr., we braced ourselves for an epic showing (With the newest DOT It’s More Fun in the Philippines ad as the front act!).

Tonight's episode.
Islands Insider showcases the Philippines' travel destinations as witnessed by an unobtrusive host. She guides viewers through the place with notes of her own ascertainment, meshed with stories from the locals or insiders (Hence the title.) themselves. The show takes you on a voyage beyond keychains and fridge magnets.

Shirt I won from the raffle. Now I don't have to, uhm, borrow sister's.
The series features Batad, Coron, Taal, Siquijor, Mt. Pulag/Kabayan and Anilao. Tonight at 8:30 PM on National Geographic the second episode, Coron, will be shown. Pinky swear, you'll be taken to some place where only a few blessed people outside of the Tagbanua Tribe has been. And man it will... Cheesiness ahead... Take your breath away. It has that effect on me.

Don't miss it.

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Tube Travel Tuesday: The List Goes On

And we're back to virtual traveling through the tube (though in real life we're currently on a six-hour drive from Gold Coast to Port Macquarie)! Today, five more travel bloggers share flicks that don't blatantly state "Hi, I'm a travel film", but inspired them to explore the world anyway.

After that long weekend vacay burning a hole in your pocket, grab a copy of each so staying in this coming weekend won't be so bad.

3 Idiots


Josiah of Lakas Ng Trip:

"One of the 3 bestfriends suddenly disappeared after graduation in an engineering college. When the other two got a lead on where their friend was, one emergency landed a plane and the other left his home with only a shirt and his underwear. They then found a not-so-good friend from college where their journey begins around the breathetaking sceneries of India only to find their friend.

The story is done with intermittent flashbacks on the present day and their wacky adventures in college where they learned a lot about life, pursuing their dreams and how they can be the best at what they do.

This movie made me realize that travels should not always be planned. Sometimes you just need to stop what you are doing, go out and do the things you want. There are a lot of flashbacks in your life that will happen during travels and those will make you realize if what you did in the past episodes of your life was good or bad."

Sin Nombre


Dennis of Nomadic Pinoy:

"Released in 2009, Sin Nombre is a very gritty, emotionally-charged movie tackling "greener pastures" for two different Latino characters who meet by chance on a rail journey to the United States. The girl (Sayra), prodded on by her estranged father, goes north to escape poverty in Honduras while the boy (El Casper) is trying to escape from the shackles of gang violence in Mexico.

Captivating cinematography brings the audience up close to the dangers that illegal immigrants from Central America face as they embark on a hopeful journey to a better life in the States. This voyage honestly mirrors that desperation and melancholy so many people face which oftentimes and painfully so, end up in defeat.

This kind of journey may not be everyone's cup of tea but Sin Nombre effectively depict hopes and dreams as a long road full of potholes. So raw, so sad, yet so beautiful."

Outsourced


And another fave of Dennis:

"This was the movie (besides Slumdog Millionaire) that got me wishing for a plane ticket to India. It's hilarious, candid and a great peek at the cultural rift between the West and East. When an entire call center department in Seattle was outsourced to India, Todd Anderson (played by Josh Hamilton) was sent to train his Indian replacement at a remote location. The cultural shock he encountered on arrival in Mumbai - like hiring a taxi and catching a train - was just a prelude to the many experiences that many other travelers to developing countries encounter. Todd's naivete on so many things outside America becomes apparent even as he tries to Americanize the accents of the Indian call center agents. In no time, the Indian characters all around him - especially the outspoken co-worker Asha and his friendly replacement Puro - made him more at ease with the customs while at the same time gaining a traction on the very reason why he was sent there in the first place."

View From The Top


Lloyd of The Lost Boy:

"View from the Top's plot is amusingly simple. Here is a small town girl Donna (Gwyneth Paltrow) who wants a job away from her hometown. When her boyfriend breaks up with her through a birthday card and she quits her job, she got inspired by a TV interview with Sally Weston (Candice Bergen), a retired star flight attendant. Donna packed her bags and started her dreams up in the air as a flight attendant at Sierra Airlines, a regional carrier. She knows she has bigger dreams, so she went to Royalty Airlines. The road was tough though, as she was conflicted between her career and romance, but nothing stopped her from achieving her dream of flying to "Paris, first class, international."

With REALLY bad reviews, people have dismissed this as an offensively horribly movie, but this movie inspires me. I also want to be a flight attendant for the travel opportunities, and flying simply amazed me. I just know that my dreams are up there and in different places around the world."

Amelie


Kara of Travel Up:

"The French film Amelie inspired me to look at everything - both in travel and life in general - in a more positive light.

Set in a beautiful red and green-tinted Montmartre, Paris, the film is a about how a highly imaginative but shy waitress changes the lives of people around her, while struggling with her own isolation. The movie brings together a cast of interesting characters, including Nino, a young man who Amelie is drawn to because he strangely collects discarded photographs from passport photo booths and pieces them together.

Amelie finds joy in simple pleasures and concocts complicated plans in order to help the people around her. Through her schemes, she helps her father pursue his dream of going around the world, gives closure to a neighbor who thought her husband abandoned her years ago, and plays practical jokes on a bullying neighbor to make him question his sanity.

I love the idea of a world where ordinary things can be extraordinary - how discarded photographs can be one's treasures, and a garden gnome can travel the world. I've always been a pessimist and an introvert and there was a time that I dreaded talking to people I didn't know. In a way, this movie inspired me to go beyond my comfort zone, take more risks and open up more. Now when I travel, I relish the experience, focus on the positive highlights and just let go."

Cast Away


Dane of Tramping Philippines:

"Its a movie about a fed ex superior that unfortunately got his plane struck down by a storm. He eventually washed up the shore of an uninhabited island and discovered that there's no one else there to help him survive other than, of course, himself

It got me sort of inspired by the way he tries to survive without the technology of our present time. The things he do I try to emulate while we're on the mountains. For example, I actually dont bring lighters and matches during climbs, instead I have a flint. And I start to create fire using nothing but ol mother nature himself. haha. Its pretty weird but learning survival stuffs kinda helpful as a climber and actually helped me realize how some things can be made through natural materials."

How about you? What movie/documentary made you pack your bags and go?
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Tube Travel Tuesday: Probably Not The Last

This is the final installment of a three-part series (parts one and two here and here), but there's a probability that Tube Travel Tuesday will make a comeback sometime in the near future (cause hey, there are heaps of flicks out there that made/will make us suddenly pack our bags and head out).

The idea of compiling travel related movies struck me one frigorific Sydney winter morning when I was uber lazy to hit the road. I needed something, anything to jump start my sense of adventure, that sort of waned because of the nippy temperature outdoors which I am totally not a fan of. The posts turned out to be avenues for people to exchange awesome movie lists, much thanks to the travel bloggers who have contributed.

And so here's the last, but definitely not the least, batch.

Lost In Translation


Graciel of Pinay On The Move:

"I have to say that my favorite travel film is Lost in Translation. It came around the same time as when I was living in Tokyo (http://www.pinayonthemove.com/2011/03/top-8-quirky-tokyo-tidbits.html) . In the film, an aging actor named Bob Harris (Bill Murray) and a recent college graduate named Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson) develop a unique closeness after a chance meeting in a grand Tokyo hotel. The movie explores themes of loneliness, alienation, insomnia, and culture shock against the backdrop of a modern Japanese cityscape. I could totally relate to ScarJo’s feeling of isolation and culture shock. But despite these challenges what I loved about her character is the relentless curiosity for exploring such an interesting culture. It really inspired and motivated me to go around the city even though I was pretty much by myself. I didn’t have a lot of friends the first few months in Tokyo but somehow I still manage to have a lot of fun."

Motorcycle Diaries


Marky of Nomadic Experiences:

"It is a biopic based on the journal of a young Che Guevarra. It recounts his 1952 journey across South America riding his motorcycle along with a friend. From initially what seems like a youthful exuberance, the journey uncovers a realization for the young Che Guevarra that eventually catapults his consciousness to the overall social and economical picture of Latin America.

It inspired me to travel and go beyond the borders of home. As the trip helped morphed Che Guevarra into an eventual legendary figure, by opening his eyes to the realities of the world around him. I would like to find that realization as well through traveling. On the road, you find yourself and your true calling.

The world is a big place it is impossible to learn it through written accounts, that one must be able to see it with their own eyes, feel it with their own senses and talk their way inside the hearts of the people along the way. Doing that, you immersed yourself with the world around you and with open mind and wandering eyes, you get to know more about yourself and the rest of the world. In every step comes a promise of a new discovery."

Under The Tuscan Sun


Eileen of Possibly Pinay:

"Before there was “Eat Pray Love,” there was “Under the Tuscan Sun” by Frances Mayes. It’s the story of a newly-divorced American writer who, while on a tour group throughout Italy, decides to ditch the group and buy an Italian villa in Tuscany.

In this movie, you are spontaneously and dramatically whisked away to Rome, Positano and the entire Tuscan countryside. It was this movie that really made me fall in love with Italy. I have made the conscious decision to make a month long trip (at least!) around Italy and to make extra effort to stay, at least a week, in Positano. And it’s because of this movie that I want to share that experience with my little girl, who I’m waiting to grow up so we can do this thing!

This movie is so representative of the things people are too scared to do like travel, live abroad, learn a language or buy a house. Sometimes, you just have to do it and think about the consequences later. For some, it’ll be enough to live it through the movie and for some, like me, it’ll be an inspiration to finally just to do it, whatever it is. After watching the movie, I always end up feeling empowered and romanticized at the same time."

Kadin


Angel of Lakwatsero:

"Kadin is goat in Ivatan dialect. Shot entirely in one of the most beautiful places in the Philippines - Batanes. The film is about an Ivatan boy and his sister, in search for their missing goat. The two embarked on a journey around the island, a journey that teaches them a lot of lessons in life in the backdrop of Batanes' stunning landscape.

The movie made me appreciate Batanes even if I haven't been there yet. When I saw the movie, the place almost always visits me in my dreams for months. I promised my self that I will go there soon, very soon. But unfortunately, the odds were all against me, the place seems so elusive. But apart from the film's beautiful setting, it is also about simplicity, innocence, pure love and sacrifice, a story of finding and losing, of coming and going, of kindness and cruelty, and a story that reminds us that nothing in this world is permanent."

Forever And A Day


Jerik of Pinoy Boy Journals:

"Forever and a Day is about a person’s journey and adventure to the many facets of life. Set in the picturesque provinces of Cagayan De Oro and Bukidnon in the Philippines, the story unfolds as one career-driven man meets a fragile woman whose will to survive is challenged by the many adversities of her life. With a wealth of adventure in the Southern part of the country as the setting, the movie’s theme is about winning and losing, about triumphs and defeats, and about living and leaving.

Nowadays, we live in a world where we seldom think about the simple joys of life. We are quick to pursue our own demons and push forward for success, taking for granted what really makes each and every one of us happy. As the plot unfolds, little by little we see ourselves, either to one or both of the protagonists. Its bittersweet ending has taught us so much more than aiming for that one big adventure and conquering our greatest fears. Yes! These are unforgettable milestones in our life. But as memories fade, we realize more and more the real miracles of life. It is knowing that in everything we do, we don’t always win every battle we pursue. But, what’s nice about all of these is that there’s still time for us to manage our losses. As the sun sets, at least we still have another day to win again."

Mica of Senyorita:

"Half of the movie was shot in some parts of Mindanao and it made me appreciate its beautiful tourist spots. Unfortunately though, some tourists are scared to explore the area due to the negative media hype. Through the movie, I also realized that Your Job is NOT your Life. Don't be afraid to try new things. Step out of your comfort zone! Just last week, I enjoyed my Mindanao trip and i am encouraging everyone to drop by especially if you're an adventurous person. Life is like a zipline ride - it's fast and exciting!"

Until the next Tube Travel Tuesday... Whenever that would be.

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Tube Travel Tuesday: My List Exactly

Last week, five awesome Pinoy travel bloggers shared their favorite flicks which inspired them to live their dreams and travel the world. Today's list from six other equally awesome bloggers is special because the movies cited here are my personal faves. If you have not seen any/some of them, I suggest you find copies now. Read on to find out what you've been missing. Warning, may contain spoilers.

The Bucket List


James of Journeying James:

"It's a movie about 2 old and terminally ill guys, portrayed by Jack Nicholson and
Morgan Freeman who lists all the things they want to do before they die. And one by one ticking off the list like sky-diving, going to Taj Mahal, The Great Wall and the Pyramids.

How did it inspire you?
"I guess it inspired me to do my own bucket list and not wait until I'm terminally ill to do the things I really want to do. It also showed me that money (or lack of) is never a hindrance to travel."

The Beach


Flip of Flip Nomad:

"One of my fave movies that inspired me to travel is The Beach... The movie is filmed in Thailand and revolves around the life of a backpacker in search of that "perfect beach" which later on got him to a lot of trouble and of course to an awesome life-changing adventure. This movie inspired me to travel abroad and see the "beach" itself. Phuket and Koh Phi Phi were part of my first overseas adventure which led me to realized that travelling is my passion. Funny though that as I'm writing down my response to this short feature, I'm back in Phuket and made me remember my first trip. There's a lot to say about the film but above everything else I've learned that the world is a beautiful place and I'd like to see a lot of places and experience different cultures before I die."

Up


Jules of The Trail Running Mistress:

"UP is a movie about the promise Carl gave to his wife Ellie about going to Angel Falls in South America. After Ellie passed away, an accident forces Carl to go to a retirement home. Before they can take him to the home, Carl and his house flies away. Along with young stowaway, Russell, and a rare bird named Kevin, Carl fulfills his promise to Ellie.

I watched this movie with younger cousins thinking it would just another run-of-the-mill feel good animation movie. But at the start of the movie when young Ellie shouts “Adventure is out there!” I got hooked. I was able to relate to the movie because I am in love with the beautiful tepuis (flat-topped mountains) of South America where Angel Falls can be found. ‘Up’ made me want to go after my dreams which includes traveling to all 80 provinces of the Philippines, visit our ASEAN neighbors and take a serious shot at the Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon which is dubbed as “The World’s Toughest Mountain Race.” But more importantly, the movie made me realize that every single day is an adventure to be cherished whether I’m just doing a dance-off with my baby niece and nephew or I’m skyrunning at the country’s roof top."

127 Hours


Ed of Soloflight Ed:

"127 Hours is a film based on a mountain climber, Aron Ralston, and his story of being trapped for 5 days by a boulder while canyoning in Utah. His arm got stuck and he had to amputate it in order to break free and survive."

How did it inspire you?
"Despite having only one arm, he still continues to do what he loves to do. Seeing the character still pursuing his passion for climbing was very motivating."

What lessons have you learned from it?
"Aside from making sure that you let people know where you're headed, the importance of understanding basic survival skills is also a big factor to consider when you're out on a trip."

First aid, lighting a fire, etc. - these are things I learned from my scouting years and yet at the present, I don't even know how to tie a square knot anymore. It is important to instill these skills to help us during our adventures and not only when we become stuck between a rock and a hard place."

Into The Wild


Ron of Flip Travels:

"A lot of running, road shots, Pale face-big hair guy, Krysten Stewart in her half drunk-retarded acting and no it's not a teenybopper vampire flick--INTO THE WILD is the true story of Christopher McCandless (aka. Alexander Supertramp). Freshly off the bounds of college with a promising future ahead, Chris instead walked out of a privileged life and into the wild for his ultimate adventure. It is a story of life on the road and the people a wanderer meets along the way. A story of a traveler and a fearless risk-taker who lived the simple life and took the unorthodox high way.

This movie is a backpacking textbook in motion. The raw sense of adventure is so palpable that you can actually feel the dirt on your soles while watching it. The juxtaposition of sanity and aberration of a backpacker's life were delivered in a very convincing way that it made me want to start writing my resignation letter to my boss.

The beauty of McCandless' words and how he came in an abstract full circle is simply spellbinding. The heartwarming stories of his relationship with the people he stumbled upon ratifies my believe that "kindness is innate among strangers;" That every once in a while, there will be stray souls that will pass into our lives, and if we allow them to leave footprints in our hearts, we will never be the same."

Dong of Escape Islands:

"Christopher McCandles embarked on a journey to discover more of himself through solo adventure. Gave up his savings for charity and escaped from a complicated life with his parents. Met people along the way as he crossed from US to Mexico and finally to Alaska.

The best lesson I got from this movie was the point that he started with a mind-set of doing solo adventure yet in the end he realized that "Happiness is only real when shared".

I could relate to this movie as I myself find solo travel exciting. The adventure of backpacking and immersion to isolated communities (meeting people) remains a passion."


Stay tuned for the next Tube Travel Tuesday, interesting choices lined up for next week!

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Tube Travel Tuesday

Sometimes it's the need to reignite your passion. Sometimes it's the thirst for new knowledge. Sometimes it's the craving for adventure but you're dead broke (or in the process of saving up) to be outdoors. Or sometimes you just can't drag your lazy arse out of the couch, and prefer to virtually travel while munching on butter popcorn.

We got various reasons for picking that travel-related/adventure-injected (at times mushy) film from the video rental store or uhm, pirated stuff stand. And though such film may impose a certain moral, us viewers pluck diverse bits of lessons from it. Tube Travel Tuesday features our fave travel bloggers' fave travel flicks/documentaries which fueled their urge to cover as much of the world as they could. If spoilers don't bother you, this should be an awesome read!

The Accidental Tourist


AJ of The Transcendental Tourist:

"Ironically, the movie that inspired me to put up a travel blog is not strictly a travel-related movie; it's about a travel writer. The movie is The Accidental Tourist, adapted from Anne Tyler's novel. As you can see, I took liberties with the title to come up with the name of my blog, The Transcendental Tourist.

Macon Leary, the main character, writes for reluctant travelers. He is a passive observer, much like his audience, who merely delivers information about places without any emotional involvement. He is just as detached in his personal life. While grieving for the senseless murder of his son, his wife divorces him. He then meets a kooky dog trainer who injects a feisty spontaneity into his rigidly OC life. As he falls for her, his wife decides to reconcile with him. Suddenly, he faces a fork in the road of his life (this happens in Paris, not a bad place to be in such a dilemma, haha!).

The movie is more about emotional landscapes than literal ones. But its metaphorical use of travel as a man's internal journey on the road of life inspired me to become a travel writer who, ironically again, transcends Macon's idiot's guide to traveling. Life is not made more fulfilling by circumstances but by the individual; a trip not made more meaningful by the place but by the traveler. As I tread the literal and figurative road, I hope that's the kind of traveler, and travel writer, that I have become - from accidental to transcendental."

Priscilla, Queen of the Desert


Nina of Just Wandering:

"Priscilla, queen of the desert made me interested to travel to Uluru or Ayers Rock in Australia's Northern Territory. While this is not your typical travel movie, Priscilla, Mitzi, Berndette and Felicia takes you with them into an incredible journey into the Australian outback and gives you a glimpse of life on the road. It certainly made me want to learn how to drive and make the same journey when I go back to Australia.

The movie teaches us that you can climb a mountain (or huge rock) wearing a fancy frock, satin gloves and elaborate headdresses as long as you're wearing the right shoes."

Before Sunrise


Lois of We Are Sole Sisters:

"A young man and woman meet on a train in Europe, and wind up spending one romantic evening together in Vienna. Unfortunately, both know that this will probably be their only night together.

This movie opened my eyes to the possibility of Europe and the romantic notion of travel. Who wouldn't want to get off a train randomly with a handsome stranger and get lost together? The plot embodies the true sense of travel: Getting lost in the moment, welcoming strangers with open arms and enjoying the feeling of not knowing what the next destination will bring...

Hopeless romantic much? Who knew?"

A Map for Saturday


Monette of Flip Travels:

"The setting is all over the world, duration of the travel was 341 days. From new york, the protagonist, brooke, went to Australia and then to Southeast Asia. From there, he went to India and then Europe. His final stop was in South America before going back home. It is a documentary of different discoveries. Of making new friends and losing them. Of combating loneliness amidst people. And of seeing how vast the big world is but somehow, it becomes less exotic every day...

The movie inspired me in such a way that I am vindicated of the decisions I made before traveling; and it further inspires me to lose the things that I think make me whole and just explore the world with an open hand.

The lesson in the documentary that made an impact to me is the possibility of long-time travel. I guess if one really wants to do it, he/she can. I am absolutely convinced that when i finally do it, it will be the best decision I'll ever do in my life..."

Seven Years In Tibet


Christine of Adventures of a Jovial Wanderer:

"There’s no single movie that inspired me to travel but one of the noteable ones that made crave to get off my comfort zone and explore was Seven Years in Tibet. I seriously don’t even remember the story except that Brad Pitt made looking dirty sexy and that I wanted to live as adventurously as I can! The setting was so different from the tropical weather I was accustomed to because they had snow everywhere. I remember feeling so curious and telling myself that one day I’ll go places too. Several years after watching that movie, I was able to organize trips, climb more mountains and explore far-flung places I find in maps. There’s still more to see and though I know that I can never explore all the amazing destinations I get excited at the thought that the world is one huge wonderland and great views are within reach if only you take time to move a bit farther from home.

I Googled the gist in case you’re interested to watch it. Haha! It’s based from a true story of Austrian mountain climber, Heinrich Harrer, who became friends with the Dalai Lama at the time of China's takeover of Tibet. There’s a book that came earlier than the movie so you can get inspired in whatever method you fancy."


Have you watched any of these flicks? How did it/they change your life or inspire you as a traveler?

Stay tuned for the next Tube Travel Tuesday, more films lined up!

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