Thanks to cinematic finesse, an escapade around the world could be as close as a

Miss the good old days of trekking around the globe? Agoda has the perfect solution to keep your wanderlust alive — all from safety of your own home!

Even in lockdown, travel is still clearly on the minds of many people in Vietnam. According to a survey by Agoda on post-pandemic travel, 84% of Vietnamese are eager to embark on vacations once it is safe to do so.

While travel plans are beyond reach for now, you can still keep the travel spirit alive through the magic of cinema. In these times of self-isolation, movies can provide a much-needed dose of escapism to satiate your wanderlust and immerse yourself in faraway lands.

Here, Agoda lists five films and TV-series that take you on a variety of adventures regardless of age. From heart-warming family journeys to romantic escapades with a significant other, and thrilling road trips with friends to the travels of older adults, these cinematic experiences will help you scratch that travel itch without leaving the comfort of your couch.

A Fairy-Tale Escapade for Lovebirds

Crash Landing on You (2019 — 2020)

Looking for romance and adventure amidst gorgeous settings? This hit Korean series has you covered. Crash Landing on You is a modern-day Romeo and Juliet story with a particularly Korean twist. After a paragliding mishap, wealthy heiress Yoon Se-ri finds herself in the North Korean Demilitarised Zone. She is discovered by Ri Jeong-hyuk, a North Korean army officer, who decides to help her hide and safely return to South Korea. Despite the political tension between their countries, the two get to know each other and fall in love.

Aside from an addictive plot and a strong cast, a big part of this K-drama’s appeal lies in its knack for picking stunning locations to amp up its romance factor. In fact, the story’s iconic opening scene featuring Yoon Se-ri’s “crash landing” was filmed in the stunning forests of the Hallasan National Park in Jeju Island. Another classic scene takes place over the Hantan River Sky Bridge, a long suspended bridge located in Pocheon, South Korea that overlooks a dramatic landscape of mountains and greenery.

Hantan River Sky Bridge in Crash Landing on You. Source: Korean Drama Land

The series doesn’t just settle for the sights and sounds of Korea, as it offers a tantalising glimpse of Switzerland’s travel spots as well. These include the cosmopolitan city of Zurich with its pre-medieval lanes and historical buildings, the majestic Swiss alps, and the charmingly picturesque Lake Lungern.

Discovery of Familial Ties

Crazy Rich Asians (2018)

The global box office sensation that directed the eyes of the world to Asia.  Set among Singapore’s social elite, the comic journey explores the relationship of the daughter of a Taiwanese refugee to the princeling of a Singaporean establishment-family.  Led by an all-star cast including Constance Wu, Henry Golding, Michelle Yeoh and a scene-stealing Awkwafina, the film explores the ties that bind families in this region and beyond.

Unaware of her boyfriend Henry’s vast wealth, new fiancé Rachel boards a jet to Singapore and sets about the process of meeting the in-laws-to-be.  From humble beginnings herself, the stranger to lavish parties, divine lifestyles and stunning fashions of Singapore’s who’s who, the classic fish out of water tale rings true for many, and the comedic set pieces delighted the world on release.

Travellers note the various signature-Singapore destinations that dot the film.  From the iconic Raffles Hotel, to the street-styled Newton Food Center to the stunning Supertree Grove, all under the watchful shadow of the breath-taking Marina Bay Sands – the best of the Lion City is on show in Crazy Rich Asians.

Raffles Hotel. Source: Agoda

Supertrees Groove at Garden by the Bay. Source: Travelage West

Adventurous Exploits for the Solo Traveller

Summer In Closed Eyes (2018)

While solo travel may sound daunting to some, the young protagonist of Summer In Closed Eyes learns that travelling alone can kickstart a journey of self-discovery and fulfilment.  As main character Nhat Ha herself says in the film “while it’s nice to have someone to travel with, it’s also great to embark on your journey alone.”

Believing her long-lost father to be a photography lover, whose passion for the art of the lens took him to Japan. Armed only with a few old prints of his work, Ha sets about a journey of discovery.  Befriending a man along the way, her journey through Japan to the understand of the life of her father, and ultimately recognizing that the life that he built never allowed his love for his daughter to waiver.

Higashikawa town in Summer In Closed Eyes. Source: Du Lich Chat

Set around stunning Hokkaido in Japan, Summer in Closed Eyes allows audiences to stroll Hokuryu Town’s sunflower fields and Kitoushi Forest Park in Nhat Ha’s shoes, to sip the pure waters of Gensui Springs, stand at the majestic Asahi-dake Mountain and visits her father’s beloved Higashikawa Temple as she develops a blooming awareness of her place in the world. The movie perfectly captures the unexpected joys of travelling solo — from making new lifelong friends out of strangers, to carving out a relationship and new understanding of her father.

Asahi-dake Mountain. Source: Kenh14

The Travelling Seniors

Nomadland (2020)

Sweeping up three Oscars at this year’s Academy Awards, Nomadland is not your average travel flick. The film follows 61-year-old Fern and her life as a modern-day nomad, as she travels across western America in search of work.

Inspired by a non-fiction book of the same name, Nomadland depicts the world of older Americans who found themselves living as transients following the 2008 recession, moving from place to place to pick up whatever seasonal jobs they can find.

Badlands National Park in the background of Nomadland. Source: Conde Nest Traveller

As we travel with Fern, whose only real home is her live-in camper van, we get to experience the variety of natural landscapes in five American states. Some of the standout locations include the rugged rock formations of the Badlands National Park in South Dakota, which feature an awe-inspiring collection of deep canyons and dramatic spires. You might also identify with Fern’s love of redwood trees, said to be one of the tallest living things in the world, as she treks through the lush coastal redwood forests of California. If you’re yearning for the freedom of open spaces, Nomadland presents a haunting portrait of the real wild west.

Voyages for Young Adults

Emily In Paris (2020)

At the start of your career, and dreaming of jobs that can take you across the world or give you the chance to immerse yourself in a foreign country? Indulge in your globe-trotting tantasies with the comedy series Emily in Paris. The titular character Emily, a 20-something marketing executive from Chicago, lands a coveted work transfer to Paris and has to adjust to life in a new city. She’s unable to speak a word of French, feels unprepared for her new work responsibilities, and clueless about the local culture; but Emily tries her best to adapt to the change.

Emily In Paris offers a dreamy look of Paris and gives you a handy tour of many the city’s iconic tourist spots. These include the grand Palais Garnier, a grand 19^th century opera house; the opulent Pont Alexandre III that spans the Siene river; and the Rue de l’Abreuvoir which has the honour being “the prettiest street in Paris” for its trailing vines and one-of-a-kind architecture.

Pont Alexandre III…

…and “the prettiest street in Paris” in Emily in Paris. Source: Popsugar

The show also spotlights the city’s more contemporary sights; in one episode, Emily visits a stunning Van Gogh exhibition at the L’Atelier des Lumières, a digital art museum that turns classical art pieces into immersive multimedia experiences.

The heart of the series however is the way Emily finds her footing in a new environment – something that would be familiar (and inspiring) to any young person trying to find their way in the world.

Whatever type of travel escapade you’re yearning for, be it family-friendly vacation, a soul-searching solo journey, or an inspirational senior citizen adventure, cinema is something you can turn to relive your best travel memories and spark inspiration for new ones.