We get it—sometimes you need a little push before hitting “book now” on that one-way ticket. Something that sparks the thought: “I could do that” or “screw it, I should just go.” And sometimes, that push comes in the form of a movie.
Now, let’s be real—Hollywood doesn’t exactly shower us with stories of women traveling solo without throwing in heartbreak, breakdowns, or tragic backstories.
But don’t worry. We’ve rounded up the ones that still capture the magic, the freedom, and of course, the chaotic bits of hitting the road on your own. Stories with messy heroines (and a few heroes, too—why not?), stunning backdrops, and those moments of “am I completely lost, or am I about to find myself?”
These are the films that will light the fire and remind you exactly why you should grab your backpack, book that flight, and just go.
7 Best Solo Female Travel Movies to Inspire Your Next Adventure
1. Eat Pray Love (2010)
Ahhh…the Mother of all solo female travel movies. Yes, this movie is a cliché by now, but clichés are clichés for a reason. And yes—you’re going to love it anyway. Because at its core, this movie is about a woman brave enough to start over. It’s not perfect, but it does remind you that travel can be both an escape and a rebirth. Ps. The only thing we don’t love about this movie is how unrealistic the portrayal of Bali is. Once you read our guide, you’ll see. Pss. The book is x1000 better.
2. Wild (2014)
Reese Witherspoon + hiking boots + the Pacific Crest Trail. This one’s less “cute backpacking trip” and more “holy sh*t, I’m doing this or I’m done for.” It’s raw, it’s messy, and it’s one of the truest depictions of solo travel as a spiritual (and physical) grind. And we love anything Reese does and creates anyway.
3. Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)
A woman impulsively buys a villa in Italy after her divorce. Need I say more? It’s dreamy, it’s romantic, it’s totally impractical—and that’s exactly why it works. Sometimes, you just need to watch someone build a whole new life in the most beautiful place on earth to realize some unimaginable dreams could actually be possible.
4. Letters to Juliet (2010)
Amanda Seyfried in Verona + Tuscany chasing down a love story. It’s dreamy, it’s cheesy, it’s Italy. It’s the perfect Sunday watch and romanticize the idea of setting off on a romantic European adventure. Watch it and tell me you don’t want to book a ticket immediately.
5. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)
Male protagonist, but it’s one of the most visually stunning “travel will change your life” movies out there. And one of Emilia’s favorite movies ever. The landscapes (Iceland, Greenland, Himalayas) will have you reaching for Skyscanner, and the soundtrack is the perfect score for walking down the aisle (not that aisle, the airport aisle!), boarding that plane, and never looking back.
6. Moana (2016)
Yes, Moana counts. Not just because the animation is so beautiful it’ll make you want to book a tropical adventure, but because its themes of stepping outside the confort zone, and challenging the established to find your purpose hit deeply in so many layers. Moana is the perfect solo female travel movie and we wish our generation had grown up with role models like her (instead of princesses whose lives revolved around Prince Charming…).
6. Thelma & Louise (1991)
Okay, so it’s not exactly a travel inspiration story (unless your idea of a road trip ends in chaos). But it’s a classic in the “women on the road” genre, and it still captures that wild freedom of leaving everything behind. Watch this one if you’re planning a trip with your best friend!
7. Wildflower (2022)
This one’s a hidden gem about a girl carving her independence against all odds. Not your typical glossy travel flick, but it captures that raw “I’m figuring this out as I go” energy that every girl who’s ever traveled solo knows.
Did we leave out one of your favorite travel movies? Drop it in the comments—we’re always looking for new stories to add to our must-watch list. And if one of these films lit that little spark inside you…well, maybe it’s time to stop watching other people’s adventures and start booking your own!