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Are you looking for some amazing travel TV shows to feed your wanderlust?
There is nothing better than watching inspiring travel TV shows when you don’t get to travel. They are entertaining, helpful to plan your travels and open your mind (and heart) to new places.
I absolutely love watching travel shows on TV. While it’s true that I prefer doing the actual travelling, I’m like everybody else and I also enjoy staying at home and dreaming of my next destinations.
I spend a lot of time watching travel shows and find it to be not just entertaining, but enlightening!
Sometimes you will discover underrated places that you would have never thought of going. And that’s the great thing about it, you don’t only get to learn about the places you want to go. You discover new places!
It’s also a very good way to learn more about the culture of these places.
As you may know, I love discovering new cultures. I find all of them so incredibly interesting. Foreign languages, food, history… there is just so much to discover. It’s so interesting and exciting!
Here are some of the best travel TV shows to watch now!
1. Jack Whitehall: Travels with my father
Jack Whitehall is a famous British comedian. He is mainly known to be the posh lad in Fresh Meat (filmed in Manchester by the way 😉 ).
In real life, Jack Whitehall actually is a very posh Londoner. He comes from a wealthy family and never got the chance to go backpacking as many young people do.
On top of that, he always had quite a difficult relationship with his dad, who is 79.
This is why, in 2017, Jack Whitehall invites his dad, Michael, to go backpacking with him in Asia for a Netflix original series.
By that, I mean proper backpacking. Sleeping in hostels, taking cheap transportation, carrying a backpack… and guess what, his dad said yes!
This show is absolutely hilarious and a perfect mix between comedy and travel. If you need something to cheer you up and make you dream of foreign lands, it’s the perfect choice!
In the first season, they travel through countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia.
It’s so funny to watch as the dad is quite a character. He is a very posh person and obviously not quite happy about the lack of comfort.
If you like British humour, Jack and Michael Whitehall will crack you up!
The show had so much success that it was renewed for a second season in Europe. A continent that Michael famously voted to leave! In the third season, they go to America and here again, it takes a whole new dimension.
Give it a try, you will be hooked straight from the first episode! It’s so funny and arguably the best travel reality show on Netflix!
2. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown
You may know Anthony Bourdain as a chef but did you know that he had a few travel shows as well?
My favourite is Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown.
This American food and travel show was produced by CNN and ran from 2013 to 2018. Sadly, Anthony died while working on a show about Strasbourg, France on the 8th of June 2018.
In this show, he travels the world and focuses on the lesser-known and underrated places.
He goes to pretty much any country you can think of and explores the culture and cuisine with locals. Very often he goes around with local guides, sometimes he also gets to meet famous personalities.
In his episode about Lyon in France, he goes for dinner with Paul Bocuse, the famous French chef.
Bourdain has this very unique way to explore the world. He sees the beauty in everything and always makes sure to be in perfect sync with local cultures.
He had this unique ability to see the world as the absolute beauty it really is and through Parts Unknown, shares his vision of the world’s cultures.
It’s not a show that I would categorise as funny, although there are some quirks. But it’s definitely the most interesting and passionate one of this list!
3. Down to Earth
Seasons: 1
This is a fun travel show / documentary to watch. It stars Zac Efron who travels around the world with wellness expert Darin Olien.
The goal of these travels is to discover more sustainable ways to live. They go everywhere around the world including Iceland, Sardinia and South America.
Each destination highlight a specific sustainable lifestyle. For example, Sardinia in Italy is known as a blue zone. A blue zone is an area with more people reaching the age of 100 than the average.
When they get to Sardinia, they meet with locals and experts to try to understand how the way people live and eat has impacted their health.
Darin Olien is known to be big on super foods so you will also learn plenty about that when they go to South America.
All in all, this is a great show to watch as it perfectly mixes together fun and education.
4. BBC Race Across the World
Even though the Amazing Race is a concept available in almost all countries, it doesn’t exist in the UK.
But don’t you worry, the BBC thought that through and created its own program!
The concept of the Race across the world is a bit different though. In this show, you will follow 5 pairs of travellers on an epic race across the world.
In the first season, their mission is to go from London to Singapore without taking a single flight.
They are being given a bit of money, the equivalent of a flight ticket from London to Singapore ie about £1000. With this money, they have to go to Singapore without flying.
This means they have to find transport, accommodation and food for a month within that £500 budget per head. Each pair adopts a different strategy.
They take all sorts of transportation. Some hitchhike, some take the bus…
It’s a very entertaining thing to watch. You will surprise yourself trying to plan that trip as well!
5. Somebody Feed Phil
Seasons: 4
This Netflix Original is an excellent thing to watch if you love both travelling and food.
You will follow Philip Rosenthal on his trips around the world and discover the local delicacies.
There is no better way to understand the local culture than eating local dishes with the locals themselves and that’s what Phil is doing here.
From the floating markets in Thailand to the classic Mexican cantinas, he tries it all!
The best thing about this show is that you will discover so much more than just food and drinks.
He really tries to understand the local culture and why things are the way they are.
It’s also worth noting that Phil is a very happy and funny guy which makes it very pleasant to watch.
6. Instant Hotel
Instant Hotel is an Australian reality show that follows several teams of homeowners.
Each duo owns a holiday rental in Australia and will host the other contestants for a day and a night.
It’s a nice thing to watch if you love Australia or would like to visit one day.
You will get to see several states including Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Northern Territory.
Not only will you see some very famous locations such as Bondi Beach but will also get to discover some hidden gems.
There are 2 seasons available on Netflix.
7. Ugly Delicious
This is another food and travel TV show on Netflix. In this one, you will follow chef David Chang on his journey around the world.
A bit like Anthony Bourdain used to do, Chang is using food to tackle misconceptions and break down cultural barriers.
Food is a powerful way to experience a country and learn more about the local culture. Chef Chang knows that and he shows you exactly how to!
He is also joined by guests including other chefs, artists, activists and plenty more. With him, you’ll discover many different regions including the USA, Asia and Europe.
8. Dark Tourist
In Dark Tourist, the journalist David Farrier focuses on something rarely talked about: Dark Tourism. Dark tourism is the fact of travelling to places associated with death or tragedy.
This type of travel is getting more and more popular and that’s why David Farrier goes to experience it and share with us his journey.
Dark Tourist is a very interesting show to watch as clearly, he is immersing himself into some culture and believes that you probably never even heard of before that.
Secondly, it can get quite funny and that Kiwi accent is always so cute!
Lastly, let’s be honest, it’s bloody weird! And clearly extremely interesting. I had no idea most of these things existed and although it can be creepy at times, it is quite interesting to know more about them.
9. Emily in Paris
Emily in Paris is a Netflix Original TV Show that was released in 2020. It was created by Darren Star (best known for “Sex and the City”).
It’s the story of Emily Cooper, an American girl, who moves to Paris to work in a French marketing agency.
Although it was argued that the show was full of clichés, it is still a very cool thing to watch. As a French person, I loved it!
It may not quite be representative of what a normal french life is but it highlights the most magical aspects of Paris! It will make you dream!
Emily Cooper is played by Lily Collins (British-American actress) but most of the other main characters are French which makes the show even better!
They all speak English (some with a better accent than others).
It’s a feel-good travel show that will make you want to visit Paris straight away!
And if you do, you will be able to visit Emily in Paris filming locations!
10. Griff’s Great Australian Rail Trip
Looking for a travel show about Australia? Here you go!
This 2020 docuseries is one of the best things to watch before going to Australia.
Here you will see Griff Rhys Jones, a Welsh comedian, taking on an amazing train journey from Perth to Sydney and Darwin to Adelaide.
Not only is it a great way to see what the Indian Pacific and The Ghan trains are like but you will also get to learn so much about the Australian outback and culture.
You can tell that Griff is truly fascinated by Australia and he will definitely make you want to jump on a plane straight away!
11. The Kindness Diaries
The Kindness Diaries is one of the best travel programmes if you also love motorbikes (don’t worry if you don’t though, it’s fun either way but if you do like motorbikes, this is the ultimate best travel series for you).
You will follow the adventures of Leon who travels around the world on a vintage motorcycle relying solely on the kindness of strangers for accommodation, food and even petrol.
This is an extraordinary travel tv program. Not only is it interesting and fun but seeing the kindness of people all around the world is simply the most moving thing you can see.
It will leave you quite emotional on a few occasions!
12. James May: Our man in Japan
You may know James May as one of the presenters of Top Gear. But he’s got way more in store than you’d think.
In this Amazon Prime original, James May goes to Japan and experiences many aspects of Japanese Culture.
He goes to all the main cities including Tokyo and Kyoto but also some more remote places in the Japanese countryside.
James May is a typical British guy and definitely knows how to come up with the best comments!
Just picture him, in Japan, not speaking a single word of Japanese, clueless about the culture… and yet going for it!
It’s a very interesting mix of fun and culture.
If you love Japan, you will definitely like it but even if you don’t have any specific interest in this country, you will still enjoy it, I promise!
You can watch this amazing show on Amazon Prime.
13. Gordon, Gino and Fred’s Road Trip
If you are looking for comedy travel shows, look no further! This one will make you laugh out loud!
This 2-season show features 3 famous chefs in the UK: Gordon Ramsay, Gino D’Acampo, and Fred Serieix.
Just picture it for a moment, we are putting together a British man, an Italian man and a French man, in a same place and make them travel the world to discover the best foods.
The result? One of the best celebrity travel shows we can think of!
It is a very cool show and you get to discover their home countries of Italy, France and Scotland but also some other destinations such as Texas or Mexico.
14. By Any Means
Seasons: 1 (6 episodes)
This one is for all the adventurers out there! Unlike some of the shows out there that are quite commercialised, this one is very pure and honest. You will be following Charley Boorman, an Irishman who decides to go from his small hometown in Ireland all the way down to Australia without flying.
Charley is not doing all of that on his own. He is with a team which makes it even more entertaining.
In the first episode, you will see how they went about planning the trip itself which was pretty challenging back in 2008. After that, the good stuff starts and you follow them on this incredible journey.
It’s a great way to learn more about hidden gems and underrated travel destinations.
15. The Grand Tour
The Grand Tour is British motoring show featuring Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May. Although it is known for cars, it’s also an excellent travel TV show to watch.
The famous trio used to present Top Gear for BBC. In 2015, BBC didn’t renew Jeremy Clarkson’s contract.
At this point, his friends decided to follow him and they signed a contract with Amazon Prime. The Grand Tour was born!
On the Grand Tour, Clarkson, Hammond and May embark the most incredible vehicles and set off to explore some of the most beautiful countries in the world!
They visit some famous places but also adventure themselves in very remote, off-the-beaten-path, locations. This includes Madagascar, Morocco, Namibia, Italy and many more!
The Grand Tour is available on Amazon Prime. There are several seasons and some specials!
16. Amazing Race
The Amazing Race is an American reality TV show. I’ve watched every season of the French equivalent, Pekin Express.
As much as I would love to talk about this show, I appreciate that watching a show in french might not be of your liking!
But it’s ok because the Amazing Race is pretty much the same thing. There is an American and Canadian version.
The concept is simple. There are several teams of two racing around the world. In each episode, they have to go to a certain destination with no money.
Therefore their only option is to hitchhike and get locals to accommodate them for free.
Along the way, other missions are given to them. These can be hikes, riding… all sorts of things.
It’s the perfect show to discover many countries in a different way. The Amazing Race has it all: competition, culture, landscapes, fun… A must see!
And there are over 30 seasons available so plenty to binge-watch!
17. Travel Man
If you are looking for another funny British travel show, Travel Man is for you!
In this channel 4 show, the host Richard Ayoade explores all major cities around the world. The goal? Visiting as many tourist spots in the minimum amount of time.
When I say that, don’t get me wrong. He is very well organised and makes sure to go on a guided tour most of the time.
This means he actually embeds himself very well in the culture of the place he is visiting.
But where loads of travel shows focus on hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path destinations, Travel Man does the opposite. He goes for the most famous landmarks!
And it’s a good thing because even though these places are touristy, they are famous for a reason!
Richard Ayoade is a very funny man and will make you laugh out loud quite a few times!
Somehow, he always does his best not to enjoy himself which makes the whole show absolutely hilarious!
This show is perfect if you are planning city breaks or are into architecture.
If you are an adventure and after nature discovery, it won’t be what you are looking for.
Click here to watch Travel Man.
18. Anthony Bourdain: The Layover
The late Anthony Bourdain was famous as a celebrity chef. But he gained an army of new fans with his excellent travel series, Anthony Bourdain: The Layover.
Showcasing Bourdain’s swift visits to various cities around the world, the show aired on the Travel Channel from 2011 to 2013.
It focused on how to make the most of a short layover or brief stopover in a city.
Each episode featured Bourdain spending 24 to 48 hours in a featured city, providing viewers with a fast-paced, no-nonsense guide to experiencing the best food, culture and attractions a place had to offer.
He often sought the help of local experts and friends, including chefs and celebrities, to uncover hidden gems and popular hotspots.
Visiting everywhere from New York City to Istanbul, the show is renowned for Bourdain’s candid and unfiltered commentary, his willingness to try exotic and unconventional dishes and his deep appreciation for the diverse cultures he encountered.
19. All Joanna Lumley’s Shows
Joanna Lumley is a famous British actress. You may know her from The New Avengers or more recently The Wolf of Wall Street.
She is also well known for her travel documentaries.
She has done quite a few of them over the years and they are all fantastic things to watch. The most recent one was released in 2020 and is called Joanna Lumley’s Hidden Caribbean: Havana to Haiti.
If you love the Caribbean and want to learn more about this part of the world, watching Joanna Lumley’s TV show will be the perfect thing to do.
It is considered a documentary but like most travel shows, it’s quite funny on top of being interesting.
In this one, she goes to Cuban and Haiti. Local culture, quirky situations, funny humour… it has it all!
You should also consider watching the other ones as they are all fantastic:
- Joanna Lumley’s Nile
- Joanna Lumley’s Japan
- Joanna Lumley’s Trans-Siberian Adventure
- Joanna Lumley’s Unseen Adventures
- Joanna Lumley’s Greek Odyssey
- Joanna Lumley’s India
- Joanna Lumley’s Home Sweet Home: Travels in My Own Land
- Joanna Lumley’s Silk Road Adventure
- Joanna Lumley’s Postcards
Most of them are available on Amazon Prime as well as ITV Hub and BBC Select.
20. Bradley Walsh & Son: Breaking Dad
This one is very similar to Jack Whitehall Travels with my father. On paper at least.
In this case, the dad is the celebrity. Bradley Walsh is a famous British comedian and presenter. If he never particularly wanted to travel, his 21-year old son, Barney, decided otherwise!
Together they go on a road trip in America in an RV. The series started in 2019 and can be watched on Amazon. There are 2 seasons, 10 episodes in total.
In this case, they don’t go for a budget-travel version. They keep their comfort but try very unexpected activities in the States.
It’s more about the contact with the locals which is quite interesting.
As you would expect from the Walsh’s, it’s also very funny!
They go from the Florida Keys up to Georgia. So if you are interested in knowing more about Florida and the east coast states, this one’s for you!
You can watch this amazing show on ITV (eligible for a free trial as well!).
21. An Idiot Abroad
An Idiot Abroad is one the quirkiest travel show that you can find.
Here is the plot: the main person, Karl Pilkington has never wanted to travel and will be forced to.
Basically, at the beginning of the episode, Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant (who created the show) send Karl abroad with instructions. They put together a bucket list and he has to do everything.
It’s so funny! I promise, this British show will crack you up!
The thing that makes it so entertaining is the fact that Karl Pilkington has no interest in travelling and ends up doing all these things while the other two stay in the UK!
If you want to have a good laugh, An Idiot Abroad is the way to go!
22. The Americas with Simon Reeve
If you are looking for the best travel shows on BBC iplayer, this one is for you!
It features Simon Reeve, a famous British adventurer, exploring the Americas.
The first season includes 5 episodes during which you discover some of the most famous places in the Americas such as Machu Picchu in Peru but also some very remote places in the Amazon rainforest.
If you’d like to learn more about Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Paraguay, this is the travel show for you.
There is a lot to love about the Americas. Between the ancient Maya heritage and the beautiful national parks in the USA, there is so much to discover.
That’s exactly what you will do if you want “The Americas with Simon Reeve”.
You will follow him on his incredible journey and learn more about the local culture as well as sustainable ways to live. From planting trees in Costa Rica to hiking the Rocky Mountains, this is the perfect mix between adventure, culture and sustainability.
This TV show was produced by BBC and available on BBC iPlayer.
23. Men in Kilts
If you’d love to learn more about Scotland, then Men in Kilts is the perfect travel show for you!
Here you will follow Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish, the stars of Outlander, around Scotland and discover plenty about the local culture.
This includes whisky, bagpipes and of course, stunning landscapes.
Not only is it a very interesting show to watch but the hosts are so funny and it’s so great to see them in another context than Outlander.
24. Long Way Up
Premiering in 2020, Long Way Up is part of the Long Way series of documentary travel TV shows, which follows motorcycle journeys led by longtime actors and friends Charley Boorman and Ewan McGregor.
In Long Way Up, Charley and Ewan embark on an epic adventure, riding electric Harley Davidson LiveWire motorbikes from the southern tip of South America in Argentina to Los Angeles in the USA.
The journey covers over 13,000 miles and 13 countries, taking them through Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Central America and Mexico between their start and finish points.
Some of the most memorable moments include navigating challenging terrains like the Atacama Desert and the Andes Mountains, dealing with extreme weather conditions, and experiencing the cultural diversity of the countries they visit.
The duo also encounter unexpected obstacles, like charging their electric motorcycles in remote locations with limited infrastructure, which adds an extra layer of adventure to their trip.
25. Booze Traveler
Booze Traveler was a popular Travel Channel television series from 2014 to 2018. Its host was the effervescent Jack Maxwell – a well-known Boston-born actor and television personality.
Each episode featured Maxwell embarking on a worldwide adventure to learn about different cultures through their alcoholic beverages and drinking customs.
The series took viewers to various destinations, including Mexico, India, Japan, Italy, and South Africa.
In each place, Maxwell immersed himself in local customs, tried traditional drinks and interacted with the locals to understand the importance of alcohol in their culture better.
In doing this, he often tried unique and sometimes unusual alcoholic drinks, such as snake wine in Vietnam and fermented mare’s milk in Mongolia.
Overall, the show explored the cultural and historical significance of alcohol, revealing how it has shaped societies and brought people together.
Sadly, the show was not renewed for a fifth series because Maxwell was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma while filming the last few episodes of this travel series.
26. Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby
Considered one of the best travel TV series out of the UK, Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby debuted in 2017 and quickly became popular amongst those who aspire to the finer things in life.
Giles Coren, a British food and travel writer and Monica Galetti, a renowned chef and restaurant critic, host the show.
The series explores some of the world’s most unique and luxurious hotels, delving beyond their opulent lobbies to uncover the behind-the-scenes operations and extraordinary experiences they offer.
In each episode, Coren and Galetti visit a different exceptional hotel, often located in stunning and remote locations.
They meet with the staff, from chefs to concierges, to understand the craftsmanship, innovation and dedication required to maintain these extraordinary establishments.
The show highlights the environmental and sustainability efforts of these hotels where possible.
Over the years, Amazing Hotels has featured various destinations, including the Fogo Island Inn in Canada, the Burj Al Arab in Dubai, the Giraffe Manor in Kenya and the Treehotel in Sweden.
27. Iain Robertson Rambles
If you watch Iain Robertson Rambles, you’ll see one of the most fascinating documentary travel TV shows ever.
As its name suggests, this captivating series is hosted by Iain Robertson, a Scottish presenter and broadcaster widely recognised for his love for nature and the outdoors.
The show focuses on Robertson’s expeditions through some of Scotland’s most picturesque and remote terrains and the UK.
During each episode, viewers accompany Robertson on his long walks and hikes across breathtaking landscapes.
The show offers a unique blend of travelogue, natural history, and personal storytelling.
Robertson’s passion for the outdoors and his knowledge of wildlife and environmental conservation are central to the series.
Throughout the series, Iain Robertson explores various destinations in Scotland and the UK, including the rugged Highlands, the serene islands of the Hebrides, and the lush woodlands of Wales.
Whilst watching him do this, viewers feel like they are alongside him – trekking through the picturesque landscapes he explores.
28. The Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan
If you are looking for funny travel shows, look no further than The Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan.
The show, a travel documentary series starring the British comedian, first aired in 2018.
It follows Romesh as he embarks on journeys to various destinations worldwide, often focusing on places considered off the beaten path or challenging for tourists.
Throughout the series, Romesh immerses himself in the local cultures and traditions of the places he visits.
He often seeks unique and authentic experiences, interacting with locals and trying his hand at their customs and activities.
Some places he visits include Ethiopia, Haiti, Albania, Zimbabwe, Mongolia, and Bosnia – locations known for their rich history, distinctive cultures, and, in some cases, reputations for being less frequented by mainstream travellers.
As Romesh offers humorous and self-deprecating commentary while navigating unfamiliar and sometimes challenging situations, the show provides a fresh perspective on travel.
His witty observations and genuine reactions to the places he goes to make for entertaining viewing.
29. Passport to Europe with Samantha Brown
Passport to Europe with Samantha Brown is one of several TV travel shows that hit our screens from the Travel Channel.
The show ran from 2004 to 2006 and was hosted by the American television personality and travel expert known for her engaging and relatable approach to travel.
In the series, Samantha Brown explores various European destinations, providing viewers with insider tips, cultural insights and travel recommendations.
She regularly immersed herself in the local culture, trying regional foods, experiencing traditions, and interacting with locals.
Some of the destinations she went to included Paris, Rome, Venice, London, Vienna and Barcelona.
The show captures each location’s iconic landmarks, historical sites and vibrant neighbourhoods while highlighting their unique charms during her visits.
It was known for dishing out practical travel advice and inspirational exploration of European cities and cultures.
It encouraged viewers to embrace the adventure of travel and discover the beauty and diversity of Europe’s many destinations.
30. Globe Trekker
One of the longest-running TV travel shows was the incomparable Globe Trekker, which aired for 17 seasons and well over 200 episodes from 1994 to 2010.
The show features trekkers who embark on journeys to destinations worldwide, providing viewers with insights into different cultures, traditions and experiences.
Over the years, it has had a rotating cast of hosts, including Ian Wright, Megan McCormick, Zay Harding and one Bradley Cooper – who went on to achieve international fame as a Hollywood superstar.
These hosts have travelled to various destinations around the globe from the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru and the vibrant markets of Marrakech in Morocco to the serene landscapes of New Zealand and the untouched beauty of Bora Bora.
The show’s format combines travelogue-style storytelling with practical travel tips, making it entertaining and informative for viewers interested in exploring the world.
31. Conan Without Borders
For those wanting the best travel shows streaming right now, it’s hard to go past Conan Without Borders.
Hosted by the famous comedian and talk show, the show debuted in 2015.
It featured Conan travelling to various international destinations, often to engage with local cultures, traditions and humour.
Celebrity guests, friends, and local personalities join Conan O’Brien in exploring the destinations throughout the series – including former First Lady Michelle Obama, actor Jack Black and comedian Jordan Schlansky.
The show has taken viewers on hilarious and insightful journeys to destinations like Cuba, Mexico, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Italy and Ghana.
It typically blends travelogue-style segments with Conan’s trademark comedic sketches and interviews.
While watching his attempts to immerse himself in cultural practices (such as learning traditional dances or trying regional cuisine), Conan presents us with his comedic take on each destination’s unique quirks and idiosyncrasies.
In doing so, the show entertains and fosters a sense of global connection and curiosity.
32. Tales by Light
Combining breathtaking imagery, storytelling, and a profound appreciation for the planet’s wonders, Tales by Light is a must-watch travel TV series for photography enthusiasts and anyone interested in the world’s most extraordinary and untamed places.
The show is a documentary television series that delves into the world of photography and the experiences of renowned photographers as they capture compelling images from around the globe.
It explores the stories behind these captivating photographs and the photographers’ journeys to catch them.
The series has featured various acclaimed photographers, including Art Wolfe, Darren Jew and Krystle Wright, who each provide insights into their unique approach to photography.
They usually travel to remote and exotic destinations – including the Amazon Rainforest, Antarctica, Papua New Guinea, India and the Arctic Circle – often pursuing wildlife, nature and indigenous cultures.
Overall, the show provides viewers with a visually stunning and educational experience, showcasing the photographers’ dedication to their craft and deep respect for the natural world.
33. Ed Stafford: Into the Unknown
If you have yet to see it, Ed Stafford: Into the Unknown is one of the most compelling travel-related shows you can watch.
Hosted by British adventurer and explorer Ed Stafford – known for being the first person to walk the entire length of the Amazon River – the show illustrates the spirit of human exploration and resilience.
It highlights the former British army captain’s quest for adventure by journeying to some of the world’s most remote and challenging locations.
Throughout the series, Ed Stafford travels solo to destinations like Venezuela, Mongolia, Ethiopia and Peru. He has close encounters with grizzly bears in Alaska and tracking elusive snow leopards in Mongolia.
In every episode, Stafford immerses himself in the local culture and landscapes, often relying on his survival skills to navigate the wild and unfamiliar terrains.
The show combines elements of exploration, adventure and survival as Stafford pushes himself to his physical and mental limits.
34. Expedition Unknown
Expedition Unknown, a popular adventure and travel documentary television series, premiered on the Travel Channel in 2015.
The show’s presenter is Josh Gates, an explorer and adventurer who takes viewers on a quest to uncover mysteries, legends, and secrets from around the world.
During the series, Gates travels to a wide range of famous and obscure destinations to investigate historical enigmas, treasure hunts, and unsolved mysteries.
He often collaborates with experts, historians, and local guides to gather clues and solve puzzles related to each episode’s theme.
Some places he visits include Egypt, South America, and the Caribbean, where he seeks hidden treasures and solves perplexing mysteries.
His adventures involve investigating Amelia Earhart’s disappearance, searching for Atlantis, and pursuing the elusive Yeti in the Himalayas.
Ultimately, the show is known for its blend of adventure, history and exploration, making it entertaining for viewers interested in the thrill of discovery and the fascination of uncovering the world’s hidden secrets.
How to watch travel TV shows?
There are many places where you can find travel TV shows, but these would be the best places to start! I use all of them and love them! They are very complementary!
Netflix
You can create an account and start watching Netflix here. This is where you will find most of the shows about travel.
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video comes with your prime subscription. There are many things to watch on Prime and it’s very good value. You can get a free trial for Amazon Prime Video here.
BBC iplayer
BBC offers some of the best UK travel shows including Race Across the World and The Americas with Simon Reeve.
ITV channel
ITV Channel offers some amazing TV shows such as the Bradley Walsh one or Gordon, Gino and Fred Road Trip. You can get a free trial for ITV here.
Disney + / Hulu
Although these are no TV shows, I’d recommend you to watch some Disney movies. Loads of them are perfect to discover new places.
We don’t always realise it but they are very good to embed yourself into a foreign culture.
For example:
- France: Aristocats
- UK: Mary Poppins
- China: Mulan
- USA: Togo
I thought I’d put it in there as clearly, Disney is always a good idea!
Channel 4
Channel 4 is a free-to-air television channel in the UK. You can go to their websites and watch everything for free.
There are some ads but they are pretty short.
I hope you will enjoy these amazing travel shows! If you have any recommendations, please share them in the comments as I would love to discover more myself!
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