Instagram and TikTok aren’t the only places to find travel inspiration. Movies and series can give you deeper insights into different parts of the world and motivate you to go farther than you have been.
Here are some Black travel films and docuseries that will inspire your next trip.
Girls Trip
Starring Black stars we all love, such as Queen Latifah, Regina Hall, Tiffany Haddish, and Jada Pinkett Smith, this comedy is about good friends getting together for a good time.
Girls Trip reminds us that no matter how old we get, now and then, it’s acceptable to travel where no one knows your name and allow yourself to get a little wild with your best girlfriends. Nothing brings friends together quite like an off-the-charts adventure.
Coming to America
A classic comedy starring Eddie Murphy, Coming to America pays homage to African culture and portrays a different side of Africa. Even though Murphy plays a prince from a fictional country, the movie reminds us that Africa is a diverse country with royalty and richness.
The movie also does a great job of pointing out cultural differences, reminding us that the world is bigger than we know.
The Green Book: Guide to Freedom
You may have heard of The Negro Motorist Green Book, a guide for African American travelers throughout the United States during the Jim Crow area. It listed safe locations where Black travelers could stop and rest with our fear of racism, violence, or worse.
The documentary The Green Book: Guide to Freedom is the story behind the book. Learn how it was put together and be inspired by past Black travelers brave enough to explore the United States during a time of danger and discourse.
High on the Hog
High on the Hog piqued my interest in visiting the Southern States. It is a docuseries about the authentic cuisine of the South and how it’s deeply rooted in the history and culture of the Black people.
If you love food and history, this series will make you curious and proud of Black culture and cuisine.
Black Panther
Even though Black Panther about a fictional African country, it draws on authentic African traditions. One of the most evident ways is through the costumes. Designer Ruth E. Carter was inspired by fashion and garments from South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, and North African cultures.
Additionally, the landscape of Wakanda was inspired by waterfalls in Zimbabwe and Zambia and villages in Africa. So even though you can’t visit Wakanda, you can visit places like it.
Are We There Yet?
Have you ever thought about going on a road trip with your family? Well, Are We There Yet? may motivate you. Starring Ice Cube and Nina Long, the movie is about the antics that can happen when you have a long car ride with a middle-aged man and ambitious kids.
The comedy can inspire you to take a new adventure or stick to plane rides instead.
College Roadtrip
Another movie to inspire you to pile your family into a van is College Road Trip. Raven-Symone plays a high-achieving high school student eager to tour college campuses with her friends. However, her plans get spoiled by her father, played by Martin Lawrence, who decides to tag along on her adventure.
This comedy will remind you how families can bond and make lasting memories while driving along the scenic route.
The Best Man
While The Best Man isn’t centered around travel, it does showcase what happens when friends reunite for a destination wedding. Secrets are revealed, relationships are tested, and past mistakes come back to haunt them. Nonetheless, the movie is a great reminder of the importance of trust, friendships, and forgiveness.
Starring a dynamite cast, including Taye Diggs, Morris Chestnut, Monica Calhoun, Nia Long, Terrence Howard, and others, this movie can inspire you to take a trip with your closest friends.
Side note: If you take a trip, air out all your secrets before getting on the flight.
Vacation Friends
When was your last vacation with your significant other besides your honeymoon? If you need a little motivation to plan your getaway, try watching Vacation Friends. It is a movie that focuses on two couples and their wild adventures. Perhaps you’ll relate more to the couple played by Lil Rel Howery and Yvonne Orji and plan a relaxing vacation. You might relate more to the free-spirited couple played by Meredith Hagner and John Cena and seek a more adventurous vacation.
Never Say Never with Jeff Jenkins
While traveling is often viewed as a space for everyone and anyone, it’s not always inclusive. The fact of the matter is there are different stigmas for people who have certain body types and come from various ethnic or religious backgrounds. If you want to travel but feel intimidated by your appearance or physical capabilities, then Never Say Never with Jeff Jenkins is a must-watch docuseries. You’ll follow Jenkins as he visits diverse locations that challenge him physically and mentally.
If fear has been holding you back from traveling, this is definitely the series for you.
Searching for Soul Food
A docuseries for all the people whose favorite aspect of traveling is trying new foods, Searching for Soul Food follows celebrity chef Alisa Reynolds on her exploration of how soul food is interpreted across different cultures.Â
After watching this series, you’ll have a list of new restaurants to try out.
The World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals
If you want to vacation and step up your travel game, The World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals will help. In a series starring Jo Franco, Megan Batoon, and Luis D. Ortiz, you’ll follow these three hosts as they showcase different rental properties that will leave you impressed and ready to book your next trip.
The series focuses on three types of rentals: budget-friendly rentals that are more than just run-down hostels where you have to share a small room with ten people. There are also luxury spots if you’re looking for something extravagant, as well as unique rentals that are all about creative and unusual amenities that help guests have a memorable yet unconventional experience.
Before you head to Google Flights, try streaming one of these films or series and see where your inspiration leads you.
