Top 5 Movies for Traveling

Going on a trip? These five films or film collections can pump people up for travel or make long road trips much more enjoyable. Use these movies to count down the days until leaving for vacation, or take them along to watch on a portable DVD player:

1. National Treasure films

These two adventure-mystery movies can entertain the whole family. Jon Turtletaub directed these films that star Nicolas Cage as Ben Gates, a man who travels across the U.S. and parts of the world in pursuit of treasure and truth. Jon Voight also stars as Ben's father, Patrick Gates, and Ed Harris appears in the sequel. These PG-rated Disney movies provide fun for both adults and children.

2. National Lampoon's Vacation series

In the mood for a comedy? This classic collection from the '80s and '90s consists of Vacation (directed by Harold Ramis), European Vacation (directed by Amy Heckerling), and Vegas Vacation (directed by Stephen Kessler). They all star Chevy Chase and Beverly D'Angelo as Clark and Ellen Griswold, who repeatedly attempt to take their family on holiday and get into lots of humorous mayhem along the way. While it involves some material inappropriate for young children, teens and adults can still enjoy it.

3. Thelma and Louise

For the sake of variety, try a good drama with a quality story. This Academy Award-winning film, directed by Ridley Scott, portrays the travels of two women making a run for Mexico to avoid the law. Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon play Thelma and Louise in unforgettable performances. They lead an all-star cast, including Harvey Keitel, Michael Madsen, and Brad Pitt. This R-rated movie, however, is more suitable for adults.

4. Indiana Jones series

This action-adventure collection, directed by Steven Spielberg, consists of Raiders of the Lost Ark, Temple of Doom, Last Crusade, and Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Harrison Ford plays Indiana Jones, an archaeologist who journeys around the world to save artifacts, never failing to perform dangerous exploits. The latest installment also stars Cate Blanchett and Shia LaBeouf, along with Karen Allen from the original. The content within this series makes it appropriate and entertaining for teens and adults.

5. Euro Trip

This comedy contains more of a crude type of humor as it relates the story of a group of young American friends traveling throughout Europe. Directed by Jeff Schaffer, it features Michelle Trachtenberg as Jenny. The vulgar humor does not make it family friendly, but young adults will likely find it hilarious.

If there is room in the suitcase or carry-on, then feel welcome to take along some honorable mentions. They include the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy, The Lord of the Rings trilogy, O Brother, Where Art Thou?, the Bill and Ted movies, and Road Trip.

"European Vacation." The Internet Movie Database.

"Euro Trip." The Internet Movie Database.

"Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull." The Internet Movie Database.

"Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade." The Internet Movie Database.

"Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom." The Internet Movie Database.

"National Treasure." The Internet Movie Database.

"National Treasure: Book of Secrets." The Internet Movie Database.

"Raiders of the Lost Ark." The Internet Movie Database.

"Thelma & Louise." The Internet Movie Database.

"Vacation." The Internet Movie Database.

"Vegas Vacation." The Internet Movie Database.