'The Beach', left, 'The Grand Budapest Hotel', centre, and 'Midsommar' all feature dramatic backdrops, as well as gripping plots.
'The Beach', left, 'The Grand Budapest Hotel', centre, and 'Midsommar' all feature dramatic backdrops, as well as gripping plots.
'The Beach', left, 'The Grand Budapest Hotel', centre, and 'Midsommar' all feature dramatic backdrops, as well as gripping plots.
'The Beach', left, 'The Grand Budapest Hotel', centre, and 'Midsommar' all feature dramatic backdrops, as well as gripping plots.

Travel through the TV screen: 21 of the best films to indulge your wanderlust


Emma Day
  • English
  • Arabic

The nooks and crannies of your home are likely to be the only things you've been exploring in detail in the past few weeks.

But even though we're urged to stay indoors amid the coronavirus pandemic, you can still see some of the farthest corners of the globe.

From photo galleries and documentaries to simply scrolling through Instagram, there are myriad ways to scratch that travel itch, even though flights are grounded across the world.

And if you fancy getting a dose of wanderlust from the silver screen, we're happy to help.

Whether it's taking a train across the Himalayan foothills, zipping through 1950s Rome or trekking through some of America's wildest greenery, we've rounded up some of the best travel films to watch.

It's worth noting that, while you could opt for any James Bond, Jason Bourne or Mission: Impossible movie and be transported to numerous glamorous cities across the world – including Dubai – we've focused on stand-alone films rather than series.

With no further ado, here are our picks.

1. 'Eat Pray Love' (2010)

A film that should be included on any round-up of the best travel flicks to watch. Based on Elizabeth Gilbert's memoir of the same name, Julia Roberts plays a woman who decides to leave her life in the US behind to embark on a quest of self-discovery after her divorce. Gilbert's travels took in Italy, India and Bali, and while the film is given a heavy dose of Hollywood sweetening, the backdrops shine brightly enough on their own.

2. 'Roman Holiday' (1953)

For a vintage look at the capital of Italy, this romantic comedy starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck is a classic. In a role that earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress, Hepburn plays a princess who rebels against her strict schedule on a state visit to Rome, escaping the embassy.

Pretending to be a commoner, she soon strikes up a friendship with a reporter who's cracked her ruse, but shows her around town in a bid to secure an interview. Hepburn may be the top-billed star, but the city's sights – including the Spanish Steps and the Colosseum – also enjoy their time in the spotlight.

3. 'The Darjeeling Limited' (2007)

This off-beat comedy is archetypal of director Wes Anderson's approach behind the camera, full of quirky quips, a distinctive colour palette and vibrant cinematography. And the setting of India certainly aids the last two trademarks, with its vivid hues and dramatic landscapes.

The plot focuses on three brothers, played by Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody and Jason Schwartzman, who set out on a train journey across India after the death of their father. While the siblings' strained relationships and subsequent bonding take up most of the emotional plot, the temples of Rajasthan and the foothills of the Himalayas provide a breathtaking backdrop to the action.

4. 'Hunt for the Wilderpeople' (2016)

This New Zealand adventure is emblematic of director Taika Waititi's eccentric use of humour, as most of the world caught on to when he helmed 2017's ThorRagnarok. But the filmmaker is, arguably, at his greatest when crafting tales around his native country, such as this renowned caper set in New Zealand's bushland.

Sam Neill stars as a gruff farmer saddled with fostering a troubled boy, played to perfection by Julian Dennison. The two become the subjects of a manhunt after they are stranded in the Kiwi wilderness, resulting in a mad-hat escapade that's as tender as it is rib-tickling.

5. 'Into The Wild' (2007)

Also set in the great outdoors, though nowhere near as comical, is this drama, adapted from Jon Krakauer's book of the same name. Based on the story of Christopher McCandless, the film follows the hiker, played by Emile Hirsch, as he traipses across North America into the Alaskan wilderness.

On a mission of self-discovery and a bid to live without the trappings of modern life, McCandless uncovers some of America's most spectacular scenery, in a tale tinged with sorrow.

6. 'In Bruges' (2008)

It's not your typical travel film, per se, but this black comedy is entirely set in the Belgian city, which provides a chocolate-box-worthy backdrop to an otherwise dark tale.

Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson play two hitmen exiled to Bruges after a job goes wrong and while Farrell's character isn't initially enamoured with the city's canals and cobbled streets, those who like quaint European haunts will find the landscape more favourable.

7. 'The Grand Budapest Hotel' (2014)

Another Wes Anderson must-see, this artistically shot, surprisingly dark comedy-drama isn't actually set in a real-life country. Rather, it takes place in Zubrowka, a fictional European land that, while make-believe, still looks like many real countries.

Predominantly filmed in Germany, the plot revolves around the concierge of a once-famous hotel that has lost its sheen and his lobby boy protege. Starring Ralph Fiennes, Edward Norton and Saoirse Ronan, among other big names, The Grand Budapest Hotel is likely to leave you dreaming of a European mini break (with a lot less crime in your accommodation).

8. 'Thelma & Louise' (1991)

This quintessential road trip movie stars Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon as two friends who embark on a cross-state adventure after committing a crime. It might make you want to rent a car and traverse the US of A when flight restrictions are lifted ... but under very different circumstances. Mixing both the gritty and the light-hearted, this tale of two strong-willed women truly deserved its Oscar for Best Original Screenplay.

9. 'Lion' (2016)

This heart-rending drama charts the true story of Saroo Brierley, who was adopted by a couple in Australia after becoming accidentally separated from his family in India.

After mistakenly boarding a train that whisks him far across the country, a five-year-old Saroo, who doesn't speak Bengali, cannot return home because he is unable to tell officials where his home town is. Instead, he is adopted by a couple in Tasmania, where he lives until he decides to try to find his family in India. With filming split between the rugged landscape of the Australian island and the South Asian country, this is a tear-jerking film that you'll definitely need to stock up on tissues to watch.

10. 'Amelie' (2001)

This subtitled romantic comedy launched actress Audrey Tautou into the spotlight, thanks to her turn as an optimistic, imaginative waitress, who decides to improve the lives of those around her as she deals with her own issues of loneliness and isolation. It's a whimsical watch, only improved by the charming setting of Paris.

11. 'Wild' (2014)

Reese Witherspoon plays a woman who embarks on a 1,770-kilometre trek across the Pacific Crest Trail, on America’s West Coast, a role that earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Actress.

Based on Cheryl Strayed's 2012 memoir of the same name, Wild charts the highs and the lows of the gruelling endeavour, as Witherspoon's character reflects on her previously hedonistic lifestyle, troubled childhood and recent divorce. You might not want to undertake the taxing trek after watching this, but at the very least you'll appreciate the stunning vistas from the picturesque trail.

12. 'The Sound of Music' (1965)

If the cheery tunes in this Rodgers and Hammerstein favourite can't brighten a day spent indoors, then what can? Based on the memoir of Maria von Trapp, this musical drama follows a postulant governess who is sent to the sprawling Salzburg home of an Austrian widower and his seven children.

Julie Andrews's Maria slowly wins over the affections of the children – and their reticent father – at a time when their homeland falls to German rule. The music is truly more upbeat than that description would have you believe.

13. 'Midsommar' (2019)

A tense, nail-biting thriller doesn't sound like the most likely film to inspire wanderlust and no tourist would want the experience Florence Pugh's character has on a summer holiday to Sweden. In the unsettling horror flick, midsummer celebrations take a turn for the morbid at a rural commune but, creepy rituals aside, you'll still be able to marvel at the unspoiled beauty of the Scandinavian setting.

14. 'Lost in Translation' (2003)

In Sofia Coppola's seminal drama, Bill Murray plays an actor who journeys to Tokyo to film an advertisement and befriends Scarlett Johansson's college graduate, who is staying in the same hotel. The pair, both unsettled in their relationships, forge a bond over a late-night drink, and end up exploring the best of the Japanese city. If this film doesn't make you want to visit an authentic karaoke joint after watching, we don't know what will.

15. 'The Beach' (2000)

This drama had such an effect on people's travel plans, a Thai bay made famous in the film had to close due to over-tourism.

Based on Alex Garland's novel of the same name, this Danny Boyle-directed adventure follows Richard, an American traveller in Bangkok who learns of a pristine, secret island in the Gulf of Thailand. Richard, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, and two backpacking pals make the dangerous journey to the hidden paradise, where it turns out things are not as idyllic as they seem.

The plot may take a dark twist, but the backdrop, the Thai island of Ko Phi Phi Le, is nothing but blissful.

16. 'Lawrence of Arabia' (1962)

This desert epic tells the story of T E Lawrence, the British army officer who joined the Arab uprising against the Ottoman Empire. The film is based on Lawrence's writings about his experiences in the Middle East during the First World War and deals with issues of identity, morality and camaraderie.

It took home seven Oscars in 1963, including Best Picture, and is still cited by many modern filmmakers as an inspiration in terms of cinematography, plot and pacing. Its scenery is an ode to the desert landscapes of the region and was filmed in Jordan, Morocco and Spain.

17. 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall' (2008)

Jason Segel stars as the lead in his own screenplay, which follows a man left devastated when his partner breaks up with him after five years. He ventures to Hawaii to get away from it all, only to be faced with sharing a hotel with his ex and her new partner. It's a laugh-a-minute comedy that not only showcases the acting chops of Russell Brand, but also the beauty of the Hawaiian archipelago.

18. 'Crazy Rich Asians' (2018)

This hit romance resonated with audiences because of its all-Asian ensemble cast and treatment of issues faced by many American-born Chinese. It was predominantly set in Singapore, a cosmopolitan city that hadn't formed the backdrop of many Hollywood blockbusters in the past. And the hubbub of the island country is captured in this tale of a woman who travels to meet her boyfriend's family, only to discover they are among the country's richest – and are not the friendliest to outsiders.

19. 'The English Patient' (1996)

This drama, set amid the Second World War, isn't the most lighthearted of films to watch, but it is worth viewing for its critically acclaimed performances, as well as its evocative shots of Tuscany.

As a nurse tends to an injured Englishman, played by Ralph Fiennes, the patient recounts his past to his carer, which includes an epic love affair that starts during an exploration of the Sahara. The film was partly shot in Tunisia, which provides sweeping vistas that will leave you planning a visit to the North African nation.

20. 'Mamma Mia!' (2008)

A dubious film, but an undeniably beautiful location. This musical comedy, based on the stage musical of the same name that borrows tunes from the back catalogue of Swedish band Abba, is set on the Greek island of Skopelos. Its dreamy coastline and charming architecture provides welcome relief from listening to Colin Firth try to sing, in the tale of a woman attempting to discover her father's true identity before her wedding.

21. 'The Lord of the Rings' (2001-2003)

OK, we lied – we said we wouldn't include series, but the scenery in this trilogy makes it impossible not to highlight. JRR Tolkein's Middle-earth comes to life in New Zealand in this fantasy adventure, which follows Frodo the hobbit on his quest to destroy the One Ring and its evil master, Sauron.

From snowy clifftops to turquoise pools and lush woodland to volcanic mountains, New Zealand provides every backdrop needed for this epic adventure.

BULKWHIZ PROFILE

Date started: February 2017

Founders: Amira Rashad (CEO), Yusuf Saber (CTO), Mahmoud Sayedahmed (adviser), Reda Bouraoui (adviser)

Based: Dubai, UAE

Sector: E-commerce 

Size: 50 employees

Funding: approximately $6m

Investors: Beco Capital, Enabling Future and Wain in the UAE; China's MSA Capital; 500 Startups; Faith Capital and Savour Ventures in Kuwait

The President's Cake

Director: Hasan Hadi

Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem 

Rating: 4/5

Timeline

2012-2015

The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East

May 2017

The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts

September 2021

Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act

October 2021

Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence 

December 2024

Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group

May 2025

The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan

July 2025

The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan

August 2025

Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision

October 2025

Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange

November 2025

180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE

Muslim Council of Elders condemns terrorism on religious sites

The Muslim Council of Elders has strongly condemned the criminal attacks on religious sites in Britain.

It firmly rejected “acts of terrorism, which constitute a flagrant violation of the sanctity of houses of worship”.

“Attacking places of worship is a form of terrorism and extremism that threatens peace and stability within societies,” it said.

The council also warned against the rise of hate speech, racism, extremism and Islamophobia. It urged the international community to join efforts to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

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Getting there

The flights

Flydubai operates up to seven flights a week to Helsinki. Return fares to Helsinki from Dubai start from Dh1,545 in Economy and Dh7,560 in Business Class.

The stay

Golden Crown Igloos in Levi offer stays from Dh1,215 per person per night for a superior igloo; www.leviniglut.net 

Panorama Hotel in Levi is conveniently located at the top of Levi fell, a short walk from the gondola. Stays start from Dh292 per night based on two people sharing; www. golevi.fi/en/accommodation/hotel-levi-panorama

Arctic Treehouse Hotel in Rovaniemi offers stays from Dh1,379 per night based on two people sharing; www.arctictreehousehotel.com

The Settlers

Director: Louis Theroux

Starring: Daniella Weiss, Ari Abramowitz

Rating: 5/5

U19 World Cup in South Africa

Group A: India, Japan, New Zealand, Sri Lanka

Group B: Australia, England, Nigeria, West Indies

Group C: Bangladesh, Pakistan, Scotland, Zimbabwe

Group D: Afghanistan, Canada, South Africa, UAE

UAE fixtures

Saturday, January 18, v Canada

Wednesday, January 22, v Afghanistan

Saturday, January 25, v South Africa

UAE squad

Aryan Lakra (captain), Vriitya Aravind, Deshan Chethyia, Mohammed Farazuddin, Jonathan Figy, Osama Hassan, Karthik Meiyappan, Rishabh Mukherjee, Ali Naseer, Wasi Shah, Alishan Sharafu, Sanchit Sharma, Kai Smith, Akasha Tahir, Ansh Tandon

Living in...

This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.

COMPANY%20PROFILE
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%3Cul%3E%0A%3Cli%3EThe%20loss%20of%20sodium%20chloride%20in%20our%20sweat%20can%20lead%20to%20confusion%20and%20an%20altered%20mental%20status%20and%20slurred%20speech%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EBody%20temperature%20above%2039%C2%B0C%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EHot%2C%20dry%20and%20red%20or%20damp%20skin%20can%20indicate%20heatstroke%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EA%20faster%20pulse%20than%20usual%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EDizziness%2C%20nausea%20and%20headaches%20are%20also%20signs%20of%20overheating%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EIn%20extreme%20cases%2C%20victims%20can%20lose%20consciousness%20and%20require%20immediate%20medical%20attention%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3C%2Ful%3E%0A
Farage on Muslim Brotherhood

Nigel Farage told Reform's annual conference that the party will proscribe the Muslim Brotherhood if he becomes Prime Minister.
"We will stop dangerous organisations with links to terrorism operating in our country," he said. "Quite why we've been so gutless about this – both Labour and Conservative – I don't know.
“All across the Middle East, countries have banned and proscribed the Muslim Brotherhood as a dangerous organisation. We will do the very same.”
It is 10 years since a ground-breaking report into the Muslim Brotherhood by Sir John Jenkins.
Among the former diplomat's findings was an assessment that “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” has “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
The prime minister at the time, David Cameron, who commissioned the report, said membership or association with the Muslim Brotherhood was a "possible indicator of extremism" but it would not be banned.

Who's who in Yemen conflict

Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government

Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council

Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south

Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory

Our legal consultant

Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

THE BIO

Born: Mukalla, Yemen, 1979

Education: UAE University, Al Ain

Family: Married with two daughters: Asayel, 7, and Sara, 6

Favourite piece of music: Horse Dance by Naseer Shamma

Favourite book: Science and geology

Favourite place to travel to: Washington DC

Best advice you’ve ever been given: If you have a dream, you have to believe it, then you will see it.

Everton%20Fixtures
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UAE squad to face Ireland

Ahmed Raza (captain), Chirag Suri (vice-captain), Rohan Mustafa, Mohammed Usman, Mohammed Boota, Zahoor Khan, Junaid Siddique, Waheed Ahmad, Zawar Farid, CP Rizwaan, Aryan Lakra, Karthik Meiyappan, Alishan Sharafu, Basil Hameed, Kashif Daud, Adithya Shetty, Vriitya Aravind

THE%20SPECS
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'Falling%20for%20Christmas'
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Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
MATCH INFO

Euro 2020 qualifier

Norway v Spain, Saturday, 10.45pm, UAE

The specs: 2018 Chevrolet Trailblazer

Price, base / as tested Dh99,000 / Dh132,000

Engine 3.6L V6

Transmission: Six-speed automatic

Power 275hp @ 6,000rpm

Torque 350Nm @ 3,700rpm

Fuel economy combined 12.2L / 100km

HER%20FIRST%20PALESTINIAN
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Mobile phone packages comparison
BLACK%20ADAM
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Singham Again

Director: Rohit Shetty

Stars: Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ranveer Singh, Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff, Deepika Padukone

Rating: 3/5