I have vacation brain. It doesn’t matter if I’m thousands of miles away or one town over, the second I start traveling it’s like my brain flips a switch and everything relaxes. The air smells nicer. The sky seems more blue. Life is just more pleasant when you’re on vacation. But what happens when the vacation is over? It’s unrealistic to travel all the time, but sometimes you just need an escape. That’s where these movies come in for the perfect trip you don’t have to leave your living room for.
“Crazy Rich Asians” (2018)
When I think of love stories that never get old, I am not ashamed to say that the 2018 romcom “Crazy Rich Asians” is one of them. The film is centered around Rachel (Constance Wu) when she attends a wedding in Singapore with her boyfriend Nick (Henry Golding). There she meets Nick’s family and struggles to find her place in their luxurious lifestyle. This is one of my go-to films when I am traveling for three reasons. One, the love story between Rachel and Nick always seems to warm my heart. Two, the writing has never failed to make me laugh and has provided several iconic cinematic moments I hold dear to my heart. And three, primarily filmed in both Singapore and Malaysia, the backdrop of this film is absolutely stunning. Though it is extremely unlikely I will ever reach the same level of wealth as the people in the film, at least for two hours I can sit back and imagine I’m attending that lavish wedding in Singapore with Rachel.
“La La Land” (2016)
A good vacation isn’t just about the destination. It’s about the memories. Those beautiful moments, no matter how fleeting, that you can look back on fondly. And no film does fleeting yet heartbreakingly beautiful moments as well as “La La Land.” Directed by Damien Chazelle, the Oscar Award winning film tells the love story of Sebastian (Ryan Gosling) and Mia (Emma Stone) as they struggle to figure out what’s best for their future versus their relationship. Though it’s set in a present-day Los Angeles, the film is reminiscent of a dreamier era of Hollywood musicals in the 1940s and 50s. With filming locations scattered around Los Angeles at places like Griffith Observatory, the Watts Towers, The Lighthouse Cafe and a jazz club in Hermosa Beach, it’s clear to see why the City of Angels is one of the most visited places in the U.S. For two hours and 8 minutes, take a break and step into the world of “La La Land.” Who knows, it might even inspire your next California vacation.
“The Sound of Music” (1965)
The hills are truly alive in Robert Wise’s 1965 film “The Sound of Music.” The musical follows Maria (Julie Andrews) when she is sent to take care of the seven motherless children of the von Trapp family. But when she arrives, the aspiring nun finds more than just a simple job; she begins to find a family of her own, and even a little romance. When I think of films where the setting plays as much of a part as the actual characters do, “The Sound of Music” is always high on my list. Set in a pre-World War II Salzburg, Austria, the film does an excellent job at capturing the essence of the cozy Austrian town and surrounding scenery. Couple that with the enchanting soundtrack and even the least musically inclined person will want to head to the nearest field for their own rendition of “The Hills Are Alive.”
“Mamma Mia!” (2008)
If I had to list of some of my dream destinations, there is no doubt that Greece would be at the top. And while a potential Greece trip is probably very far in my future, I can still revisit the scenery in just a few clicks with the 2008 musical “Mamma Mia!” Starring Meryl Streep as Donna and Amanda Seyfried as Sophie, the film is an adaptation of the Broadway jukebox musical of the same name. The movie follows the chaotic events that ensue after Sophie invites three of Donna’s former lovers to her wedding in hopes that one of the men is her father. Though set on the fictional Greek island of Kalokairi, “Mamma Mia!” was actually filmed on Skopelos, along with the nearby island Skiathos and the seaside village of Damouchari in Pelion. With all the charm of a classic, small Greek village and the catchiness of every ABBA song they sing throughout this film, “Mamma Mia!” is the perfect film to watch for a temporary island getaway.
“Raiders of the Lost Ark” (1981)
While my idea of a perfect vacation may consist of relaxing with a good book and the occasional scenic walk, I can understand that some people want a little more thrill in their time off. For those searching for adventure, look no further than Steven Spielberg’s hit franchise “Indiana Jones.” Starting with “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” the film stars Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones, the titular character, an archaeology[SU6] professor racing against the clock to find a lost artifact called the Ark of the Covenant. “Raider of the Lost Ark” was filmed in a wide variety of locations including Hawaii, Tunisia and France. This gives us a cinematic, action-packed trip around the world that is sure to get your blood pumping. While I could never see myself surviving while being chased by a boulder or dragged behind a moving truck like Indiana Jones does in the film, “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and its following films are perfect for any thrill chaser.
