Summer means tan lines, sunshine, warm weather, and most of all, vacation. As you contemplate your summer travels, here are some of our favorite travel documentaries for inspiration.
180 Degrees South
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This documentary follows the quest of storyteller Jeff Johnson in tracing the trail laid out by adventure pioneers Doug Tompkins and Yvon Chouinard. Their original Patagonian expedition back in the 1960s led them to create travel brands North Face and Patagonia, respectively, and later prompted them to pursue conservation efforts in this breathtaking region of Chile. For his trek to Patagonia, Jeff opts for an ocean route, hopping aboard a small vessel bound for Chile. Along the way, the boat must seek refuge on Easter Island for repairs to the mast, but ultimately arrives at its finally destination at a port town in Chile. When he finally arrives in Patagonia, Jeff gets to meet with Doug and Yvon face-to-face at their home in the middle of the rugged Patagonian wilderness. With his heroes in tow, Jeff sets out to hike Cerro Corcovado, a 7500-foot ascent that is halted just 200 feet from the summit due to impassable conditions. This documentary inspires a love of nature, fosters the need to protect it, and stirs the desire to get out and explore this beautiful world. Sadly, Doug Tompkins passed away in December 2015 while kayaking in the pristine, but icy waters of General Carrera Lake near his home in Patagonia. His legacy of conservation and respect for nature continues to be an inspiration to many.
Building Dreams is Our Business
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Nothing says American summer quite like iconic Airstream trailers. Originally inspired by aerodynamic aircraft design, these riveted, aluminum trailers are sleek and sophisticated. With the first Airstream dating all the way back in the 1930s, this burgeoning brand rapidly gained popularity and today remains synonymous with refined luxury travel. For decades, Americans have traveled the highways and byways of this country, their Airstreams in-tow offering the familiarity and amenities of home on the road. In this short, throwback documentary, you’ll see the craftsmanship that goes into every Airstream that rolls off the line. Besides the introduction of new styles and models, not much has changed in the way these trailers are produced. These high-quality RVs are still made by hand at Airstream’s factory in Ohio. Perhaps this documentary will inspire you to find an Airstream for sale, so you too can hitch up and hit the road for a great, all-American summer adventure.
Maidentrip
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Forget a week-long Caribbean cruise, how about a solo-sail around the world for your next vacation? Attempting a circumnavigation of the globe is not for the faint of heart, so 14-year-old Laura Dekker‘s plans to sail around the world alone came as a surprise to many. When Dutch authorities caught wind of her plans, they stepped in to take custody of Laura away from her parents, whom many regarded as careless and irresponsible. After a bitter legal battle, Laura won back custody from the authorities, and finally set out on her journey in August of 2010. Just over a year later, at the age of 16, she became the youngest person to successfully complete a solo circumnavigation of the globe on her 40-foot two-masted ketch named Guppy. While you may not be going solo on a sail anytime soon, this documentary will certainly have you itching to get out and travel this summer. Though, maybe dipping your toes in the water at an all-inclusive resort is more your speed.
