Why I Always Bring A Movie On My Travels

 

I’m a movie person. I love watching the same movies over and over again.  There’s something about it that soothes me- I think it has to do with hearing familiar voices and knowing what’s coming next. (Harry Potter does the trick for me. Zero shame.)

I always download a movie or series with familiar sounds to watch or just have on in the background in my hotel room. Especially when traveling solo.

Even if you’re not someone who watches the same movie or tv show a thousand times (but like, what ARE you watching?), travel *especially solo* can be anxiety-inducing.

I find that the sounds and voices of my favorite movie or show can bring a sense of calm and help me wind down in unfamiliar territory. 

This is also helpful in places where all of the TV channels are in another language or you have to pay a surcharge for anything other than talking heads on basic cable.   

IMPORTANT: I always make sure I *download* a movie or show to my iTunes library (or android equivalent) on my phone or laptop.  (rather than relying on streaming)

This way, even if there is no wifi available (or it’s a little shifty) I can easily pop in my headphones or just let it play out loud while I wind down or try to get to sleep. 

Make sure you have a pair of comfy headphones you can sleep in, just in case you have a roommate or there’s ambient noise in the room or outside that you’d like to block out.

I like the headband type for side sleeping/comfort reasons, but I’ve also just used a single soft-type earbud on one side of my head. You do you.

If I do have reliable and reasonably fast wifi (and I’m in the US), the Netflix or Amazon Prime Video app on my phone or laptop can be just as useful.

*One thing to note about Netflix– Not all shows and movies that are available in your home country’s version of Netflix will be available in other countries. As of summer 2016, Netflix has also blocked most VPNs (virtual private networks), because it’s a violation of licensing agreements for members to view some content outside their home country. Just keep that in mind if you’re counting on streaming.

*Amazon Prime Video does work internationally, but with a reduced selection of titles available. Look for the section called “Watch While Abroad” to see what’s available where you are.

Hot Tip: If movies aren’t your thing, Spotify playlists or songs downloaded to your iTunes library are also a great way to create a comfy soundscape in your room.

There are plenty of sleep playlists or any other type of music or sounds you might be into to help you wind down. I do recommend *downloading* any playlists you want to be sure to have access to, just to be sure that wobbly wifi doesn’t thwart your zen.

*Luckily, you can use Spotify’s free version for up to 14 days in ANY country outside of your home country and Spotify Premium as long as you’d like. That said, you will have to go online every 30 days to confirm your subscription status, but that’s no problem. Instructions here.

I also recommend a portable Bluetooth speaker for the best in-room movie or music experience.

I typically bring one along just so I don’t have to suffer the poor quality of my phone or laptop’s speaker (and so I can hear my music or podcast in the shower). It’s also great to have for music at the beach or in a rental car without Bluetooth capabilities.

_{Quick Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Meaning, if you make a purchase using one of the links in this post, I’ll get a tiny cut of Amazon’s profit (at no additional cost to you) to help keep Aurora Bird’s Travels up and running.  Thank you.}