So, any list of movies is going to be controversial. Some are going to be too chick-lit-y, some are going to be too long, some probably won't hold up to your family's scrutiny. None of that matters because it's two hours of escapism. And, there's popcorn!
My travel escapist list includes:
Roman Holiday: Audrey Hepburn, Italy, romance. No other justification needed.
National Lampoon's Vacation: The endlessly quotable Griswold family's epic "quest for fun" almost made me want to visit Wally World.
The Year of Living Dangerously: Young Mel Gibson as a reporter during the overthrow of Sukarno in Indonesia. Political intrigue, romance and an exotic land? I'm in!
Catch Me If You Can: DiCaprio as a con artist and lots of vintage air travel fashion.
Lost in Translation: Having a drink at the top of the Park Hyatt Tokyo really is that cool.
Under the Tuscan Sun: This would make anyone want to renovate an old house—as long it's on the Amalfi Coast.
The Grand Budapest Hotel: Skiing, Courtesan au Chocolat, and murder stylized by Wes Anderson. Yes, please!
And my new favourite...because as I said earlier, I'm dreaming of New Zealand, but also because it's really great, Hunt for the Wilderpeople. Sam Neill and Julian Dennison are both terrific. But, for me the real star is the New Zealand landscape.