Hello Internet!
As of this writing, I am sitting in front of my double monitor (as if one isn’t enough for me), browsing the Pinterest for my next DIY project then I came across some images of gorgeous travel destinations, promise getaway, etc.
My inner travel bug is crying deep inside. I sight of my favorite travel luggage and Qantas airplane is giving me so much sigh.
And all I could do now is to hope for the best and dream (and send my strongest novena) that one day this pandemic will be over and all of us will get back on our original (or much improved) track.
However, I realized that there is no point in being a drama queen.
For now, Netflix is here to babysit my inner travel bug and gives some selection of good movies and tv series that I enjoyed recently.
Here are my top Netflix movies that you should watch now that will bring you many places just in the comfort of your (old) couch. Bring your best popcorn now, baby!
1. TOP END WEDDING
To tell you frankly, I’ve been skipping this for few days because Netflix chooses a bad thumbnail for this one but wait until you hit the play button. Top End is the colloquial name for the Northern Territory, Australia, and the homes of many indigenous communities and countries. One specific community is located in Tiwi Island and features its beautiful and breathtaking nature. Get ready for an exciting road trip from Adelaide to Darwin, and to Tiwi Island!
You’ll laugh, cry, fall in love, and learn from one of the indigenous cultures of Australia. Trust me after watching this, you will love to visit NT.
•Marriage is a lifelong commitment and you better be sure you will be holding hand-in-hand with someone you want to spend the rest of your life adventures.
•Home is where you will find peace and love.
•As you travel and meet different people, be openminded and learn from these people and their culture and listen to their stories.
•Without mutual communication, you will only be building a huge gap that will lead to misunderstanding or heartaches.
•When I get married, definitely I will bring my partner and his children to the Philippines and meet my family because I don’t want to have any regrets.
•Also do not miss the beautiful aboriginal fabric prints of their dresses during the wedding. It was very eye candy pieces.
2. FALLIN INN LOVE
From Northern Territory, it’s time to have a little stretched coz you will be heading to Aussies' closest neighbor, New Zealand!
What will you do when you almost perfect life (perfect job, perfect lifestyle, etc.) suddenly shrunk overnight, and the next day you’ve got one (almost crazy) opportunity to change your life. Would you take it? Or leave it? From Silicon Valley to the Land of the Hobbits, some might think it is a crazy idea, right?! Watch the movie and you will see that moving overseas sometimes an exciting idea that will give you the opportunity to widen your perspective in life. And having a hot summer love would not hurt.
•When you live in a small rural community, people tend to look after each other which is very unlikely when you are living in the urban jungle.
•New Zealand is one of the top countries in the sustainable lifestyle and it is something that you can consider.
•NZ just like Australia also has its own local indigenous community called the Maoris. They are the Polynesian people who originated from eastern Polynesia, who arrived in New Zealand in several canoe voyages between roughly 1320 and 1350. Don’t miss the amazing Maori traditional culture that gives impact to the Kiwis society.
•And wouldn’t fall in love with NZ many beaches and gorgeous environment.
3. WINE COUNTRY
Every one of us would be lucky enough to have at least one bestie in life, but a squad of 5 is a goal! If you’ve watched Queen Latifah’s 2017 Girl Trip, then this movie is for your inner Auntie-side. I think this is one of the best girl-squad movie that you must watch with your bestie even they are on the other side of the globe and hope that you can make a similar promise that you will always keep in touch.
And of course, a girls-only road trip would not be complete without booze and gossips (just don’t drink and drive!). After all, Napa Valley is one of the best destinations for a weekend getaway especially when your squad is all wine enthusiasts.
If these are my Aunties’, I would definitely join this weekend trip.
•Always keep a friend who has a great planner skill. Definitely always comes in handy and very reliable.
•Great wine always a great idea.. with a view.
•50 is definitely not just a number. It is an effin big and deserves a celebration with your girlfriends.
•A getaway weekend with your longtime friends will help you be closer and more connected. Trust me, it is all worth it.
•And geez, it is Napa Valley! Mark that in your calendar.
4. EUROVISION SONG CONTEST: The Story of Fire Saga
This parody movie of Will Ferrel and Rachel Adams gives us a great reminder that dreams do come true when you have a true passion, focus, and determination to achieve your goal at any cost. But what made me more interesting is how this movie features several travel destinations that most of you might put on hold due to pandemic. From Edinburg, Glasgow, that home castle at Knebworth England, and a promising view of whales along the harbor of Husavik, who would say no for that?
•Visit the smallest town because they usually give you amazing stories and amazing people.
•Dream. And make sure it is big. Or make it tremendously big!
•Never quit just because people around you say so. Don’t listen to what other people are saying, listen to your heart, and give them a middle finger (if necessary).
•Yes for visiting Husavik! I want to see whales dancing!
5. HOLIDAY IN THE WILD
If you love to explore the other side of the continent and be more connected with the wildlife species, then perhaps this movie will give you a few ideas. Located in the beautiful place of Zambia, where it features the animal sanctuary for elephants. If you have a compassionate agenda and loves to travel this movie if for you.
•Safari travel is not only for amazing Instagram photos. Most of the travelers go to safari for a good cause, because not people can.
•Sometimes you need to travel a hundred miles before you will meet your true happiness that money can’t buy.
•Support conservation initiative that is available near you. So that the next generation will also see and enjoy what you did today.
•I hate animal poachers. Period.
6. THE HOLIDAY
This might be considered a classic but still one of my all-time favorite romantic movies that encourage me to travel and get out of my comfort zone. This is also the movie that got me interested in another niche travel lifestyle called house exchange. Unlike Airbnb, house exchange is swapping houses for a specific time and spend the holiday. Saves you for renting a hotel, and the opportunity to travel more locally is very likely. Don’t miss the opportunity to stay in a small little cottage in a small English town. You will be surprised by a different experience out of your comfort zone. Here in Australia, there are tons of home exchange opportunities and you can check it here.
•Travel can heal a broken heart. This comes also from my personal experience when I decided to drastically move to a very different city after I found out that my then ex-boyfriend cheated on me. Well, it was the best decision I made in my life.
•When planning for your next trip, look for other options that would give you a more enjoyable experience. Staying in the hotel is overrated and sometimes boring, plus will only hurt your pocket. Why not consider home exchange? Or volunteering to an orchard in France?
•Work will always be there. And don’t forget to give quality time for yourself.
•Meeting your new bestie or soulmate thru online, across the other continent does exist. Nothing is impossible with the Internet.
•Maybe I would sign-up for home exchange and include my apartment in BGC?!
•Enjoy your vacation. Who knows? Maybe your next-door neighbor is your favorite Hollywood actor.
7. EAT, PRAY, LOVE
When you finally realized that you are like a candle that losing the light, do not lose hope coz you just need to reboot. Travel heals the hurting soul, leading you to the right path where you truly belong, just like Liz who decided to search for herself. From New York, Italy, India, or in Bali one thing that you should never forget is to learn the true meaning of life, and Attraversiamo!
Lessons I’ve learned from this movie:
•Don’t think about dieting when you travel. Travel and food go hand and hand, and it doesn’t mean going obese.
•Learn the language. You don’t have to be fluent in it. At least you tried.
•Don’t rush things. Learn the art of doing nothing. Just like many Italian says, “Dolce far Niente”.
•Wherever you go, be humble and kind.
8. RESTAURANT ON THE EDGE
One of the best Netflix series that I’ve followed, Restaurant On the Edge follows the story of selected restaurant owners all over the world, situated in one of the best and dreamy locations, but on the edge of losing the business. With the help of three musketeers who got expertise in interior design and restaurant business, they are traveling to these gorgeous places to give the restaurant’s makeover and make the place the best destination on the map.
•Don’t think about dieting when you travel. Travel and food go hand and hand, and it doesn’t mean going obese.
•Learn the language. You don’t have to be fluent in it. At least you tried.
•Don’t rush things. Learn the art of doing nothing. Just like many Italian says, “Dolce far Niente”.
•Wherever you go, be humble and kind.
8. RESTAURANT ON THE EDGE
One of the best Netflix series that I’ve followed, Restaurant On the Edge follows the story of selected restaurant owners all over the world, situated in one of the best and dreamy locations, but on the edge of losing the business. With the help of three musketeers who got expertise in interior design and restaurant business, they are traveling to these gorgeous places to give the restaurant’s makeover and make the place the best destination on the map.
•You can visit my separate blog here.
Never think that your passport is the useless accessory you have in your bag this year. Be kind to yourself and don’t worry too much. Your adventurous life will be back on track soon.
Stay safe and enjoy the art of doing nothing.
I loved that movie "Falling in Love." It's such a sweet movie. I haven't seen the other ones that you shared but I will now. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteYes that couple is so cute! I learned a lot about NZ country living.
DeleteNetflix always has an amazing selection of movies. I need to get Netflix.
ReplyDeleteYes you should! Maybe they have better promotion now.
DeleteOh my, I haven't watched a chick flick in so many years and I don't want to get started right now because it might distract me from my projects. Lol!! I would love to watch the first two movies.
ReplyDeleteAwww you can multi-task!
DeleteI absolutely loved EUROVISION SONG CONTEST, but that's also because I am a huge Eurovision fan. I did miss it dearly this year. Restaurants on the edge is a fantastic show, I've watched both seasons.
ReplyDeleteHope Eurovision competition will resume next year :)
DeleteI have seen some of these. I will have to check out the others. I love watching stuff on Netflix.
ReplyDeleteThat is awesome!
DeleteI've heard Eurovision Song Contest, The Story of Fire Saga is rally good. I haven't seen it yet though. I agree, never quit - a good underlying moral to the story.
ReplyDeleteIt is funny also a good story and I am now dreaming of visiting Iceland, and Edinburg.
DeleteI love to travel, but probably won't get on a plane for a long time. I have only seen 2 of your selections so I'm looking forward to hours to alternative! travel
ReplyDeleteMake Netflix be our travel bestie for the next months or until next year :)
DeleteNice movies! Bookmarking for nice evenings with chill
ReplyDeleteWonderful Lyosha! Don't forget your snacks and champagne :)
DeleteThere are some I’ve yet to see on this list. Wine Country looks like something I’d really enjoy.
ReplyDeleteOh yes! Their group is my dream Aunties!
DeleteEat pray love is My favorite, i watch it every time i need to mentally travel! Great suggestions! I ll have them in mind!
ReplyDeleteAmazing story! Though I heard it was very different when you read the book.
DeleteThese all seem so cute! I have been wanting to watch Wine Country! It seems so funny and a few friends of mine have told me it is really good
ReplyDeleteYup, nothing more fun with lots of good wine.
DeleteI am going to have to add these to my Netflix list of things to watch! Thanks for the reviews!!!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome Kelly!
DeleteI've seen several of these Restaurants on the Edge being my favorite. What stunning places they visited!
ReplyDeleteI agree! And I learned so much from their recommendations I feel like I want to start my own restaurant.
DeleteI love Eat Pray Love! It makes me want to move to Italy.
ReplyDeleteTrue! And learn the traditional pasta!
DeleteOh, I miss my Netflix series. I am a little occupied with the pups right now.
ReplyDeleteMy cat is learning to appreciate watching Netflix!
DeleteI have become lazy and I miss travelling like anything so yes I will check them out soon!
ReplyDeleteAt least our mind travels virtually.
DeleteParang bet ko yung story nung Fallin Inn Love, The Holiday at Eat, Pray, Love. I'll check this on Netflix kapag nakapagdecide na ako na manuod ng hindi k-drama at k-movie.
ReplyDeleteHay naku sis, kulang ang selection ng K-drama dito sa Netflix Australia!
DeleteI have only seen a couple of these, and I could use a Netflix break from life. I will for sure start following Restaurant On the Edge. I love shows that come into a struggling business and turn it around, bonus that travel is involved. I want to check out Eurovision Song Contest too, I hadn’t heard of that one but love the setting
ReplyDeleteNetflix gives awesome movies too, but do check if it is available in your country locaton.
DeleteI love this list - it includes one of my all time faves, The Holiday! 😀 I’ve also seen some of the movies in your list too. I’ll check Wine Country next. ❤️ Haay, nakaka miss talaga mag travel. ðŸ˜
ReplyDeleteKapit lang sis!
DeleteI'm the same as you who's just so thirsty for travel!! I like the idea of watching movies that feature lots of travel because you'll gets serious eyegasm!! I mean, i might not even travel to those places in my life you know? Hahahaha
ReplyDeleteTrue! But hey, maybe one day you will realized that you will be visiting these places, or perhaps moving in there!
DeleteIt is an excellent article with great recommendations! I miss travel so much. I haven't seen RESTAURANT ON THE EDGE, HOLIDAY IN THE WILD, and The Story of Fire Saga yet. So, I add them to my list. I love THE HOLIDAY and EAT, PRAY, LOVE! :)
ReplyDeleteCheck the Top End! You will learn so much with that movie.
DeleteI must admit that we are watching far too much tv these days. But always good to get new recommendations. So many of the movies you chose are feel good movies. Just the kind I need these days. You also reminded me that I need to go back and watch a few like Eat Pray Love for that travel spark.
ReplyDeleteI tend to multi-task. watching Netflix while during my sewing project which keeps me very occupied, and I love it.
DeleteI wish we have Netflix at home so I can watch your recommendations. Fallin Inn Love sounds interesting with a setup in the beautiful New Zealand. Next one in my list is Restaurant On The Edge. What's better than foodie traveling, right?
ReplyDeleteExactly! Travel and food goes hand-and-hand.
DeleteI wish we have Netflix so I can watch your recommendations. Fallin Inn Love looks interesting with a setting in the beautiful New Zealand. The next one I want to watch is the Restaurant On The Edge. What's better than foodie traveling, right?
ReplyDeleteI guess my first comment didn't stick. Anyway, I watched both The Holiday and Eat Pray Love. But I love the latter better because it empowers women and their choices in career and life. But for some, the movie was quite boring as compared with the book itself. the book was inspiring, really. :)
ReplyDeleteGlad you like The Holiday!
DeleteThat's a cool list. Eat, Pray, Love and Holiday are indeed classics. I could watch those very many times. I need to have a look at the other ones you've mentioned. I think I'll love Fallin Inn Love. As someone who comes from a small town and know all my neighbours who always take care of me and spent my childhood taking turns to spend the night in each others homes, and currently living in a urban jungle, that would be something I'd relate to, very much.
ReplyDeleteThat movie Fallin Inn Love is quite relatable now to me now that I moved in the suburb of Melbourne where there is a strong sense of community.
DeleteMy heart is aching for travel too! I have only seen Fallin Inn Love and Eat, Pray, Love as of today and will look into the rest of your recommendations. This is not a movie but have you seen Twogether on Netflix? :)
ReplyDeleteI haven't! And I will!
DeleteI do not watch much Netflix and more on Amazon Prime but now reading your wonderful list, I must now switch to Netflix. All movies really look amazing and shot too at wonderful places. Holiday in the wind really looks exotic with those wildlife and forest scenes. Thanks for sharing great list.
ReplyDeleteAm so glad you included Restaurant on the Edge in this list - It kept me glued to the screen. Without a doubt one of the best travel themed shows on Netflix. Have only seen Eurovision and Eat Pray Love from the list. Looks like i've got to catch up now.
ReplyDeleteYeah you should watch the rest, they are all fun!
DeleteLove how you have detailed out your own learnings from each of these shows. I have watched Eat Pray Love and the Holiday. I'd love to binge on Top End Wedding from the land of indigenous communities, plus my hubby lives in Perth! Wine country would be a great watch with my girlfriends, also the Eurovision Song contest would be a great way to recap the Euro travels, and indulge in some visual treats along the way :)
ReplyDeleteI got hooked with Top End that's why I mentioned it first :)
DeleteThank you for this list! It's always difficult for me to choose which to watch. I'll probably watch these thanks
ReplyDeleteWonderful!
Delete