Top Books and Movies That Inspire Road Trips

America is a land of endless roads that beckon travelers from around the world. From winding mountain switchbacks and desolate highways stretching to the horizon, to busy interstates cutting through bustling cities–there’s a road here for every kind of journey.

Road trips have become a vital part of American culture, a symbol of freedom and the pursuit of new experiences.

Books and movies that capture the magic of the open road do more than tell a story–they immerse you in a sense of adventure and awaken the desire to set out on your own journey.

Classics of the American Road Trip

Jack Kerouac’s «On the Road» is a true manifesto of the Beat Generation. It follows two friends on a wild journey across America in search of freedom, meaning, and emotional intensity. As you read, it feels like you’re right there behind the wheel, cruising past city lights and the vast open landscapes of the American heartland.

The book is steeped in the romance of the road, full of improvisation and a spirit of discovery. It’s inspired generations of travelers, showing that sometimes the best routes are the ones not yet mapped. The novel traces a path from New York through Denver, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, before looping back through New Orleans.

An ideal companion for such a trip is a reliable vehicle with ample trunk space–like the Subaru Forester, with storage designed for long-haul road warriors.

The film «Easy Rider» became an icon of its era. The story follows two bikers on a trip through the American South, savoring freedom and nights under the open sky. The film captures the spirit of the ’60s, an age of transformation and self-discovery through the lens of the road. Key filming locations include the remote highways of Arizona, New Mexico, and Louisiana.

If the idea of traveling without a set itinerary appeals to you, this movie will definitely spark dreams of a spontaneous American road trip. You can even follow in the footsteps of the characters–start in Los Angeles, ride through Arizona’s national parks, and end your adventure in New Orleans.

Modern Stories of the Road and Self-Discovery

«Green Book» is a road movie with heart and perspective. More than a travel story, it’s about friendship, cultural differences, and the search for understanding. The main characters–a driver and his passenger, a renowned pianist–head out on a journey through the American South during the 1960s, confronting a variety of challenges along the way. Their route winds through Alabama, Georgia, and Kentucky–places rich in history and atmosphere.

Comfort and space become essential on such a trip, which is why many road trippers appreciate the Subaru Forester's storage space for its practicality and ease of use.

A compelling modern book is «The Longest Way Home» by actor and traveler Andrew McCarthy. It’s more than just a travel memoir–it’s a story of how journeys can lead to self-discovery. McCarthy shares not only his routes but also deeply personal moments of reflection, making his travels across America and beyond both meaningful and profound.

Films and Books with Repeatable Road Trip Routes

«The Secret Life of Walter Mitty» isn’t just about road trips–it’s about chasing adventure in all forms. Walter Mitty is an ordinary office worker who’s always dreamed of living boldly, but never dared to act. That changes when he embarks on an epic journey.

Though much of the film was shot in Iceland, the spirit of the story easily translates to a real-life route along the U.S. West Coast: from San Francisco to Seattle, winding along the scenic Pacific shoreline.

For a trip like that, smart storage solutions in a Subaru Forester come in handy, helping make the most of your trunk space.

True Road Trip Stories: Seeing America with New Eyes

The film and book «Into the Wild» are based on the true story of Chris McCandless, who gave up a conventional life to explore America–and ultimately ventured deep into the Alaskan wilderness. His journey began in South Dakota, led through California and Arizona, and ended at an abandoned bus in Alaska, which has since become a pilgrimage site for fellow travelers.

On long journeys like this, every detail matters. The Subaru Forester’s storage capacity helps you stay organized and bring along what you truly need–without having to sacrifice essentials for space.

The movie «Interstate 60: Episodes of the Road» isn’t just a road trip–it’s a philosophical journey. The main character sets off along a mysterious highway that doesn’t exist on any map, encountering people who challenge his beliefs and reshape his view of life. Though the I-60 is fictional, the film’s message encourages travel along legendary American roads like Route 66 or the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Cheryl Strayed’s memoir «Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail» recounts her solo hike along the Pacific Crest Trail. It’s a deeply personal story of healing and resilience, spanning thousands of miles through California, Oregon, and Washington.

It’s the kind of story that makes you wonder: what if I dared to take the long road, too?

Travel isn’t just a change of scenery–it’s about new impressions, unexpected encounters, and the chance to see the world with fresh eyes. The books and films featured here are sure to inspire your next journey–whether it’s a weekend getaway along scenic American byways or a life-changing cross-country adventure.

America is full of open roads and possibilities. Let these stories inspire you, grab a map, turn up your favorite music, and hit the road!