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Traveling the world and exploring different cultures is a dream for many of us, but money, work, family, and other things often get in the way. However, there’s still a way to fulfill your wanderlust through the comfort of your own home: travel TV shows.
These shows allow us to escape our daily lives and embark on virtual adventures, exploring new places and experiencing different cultures. It gives us a chance to see parts of the world we have never thought of visiting and inspires some amazing trips to come.
Here are some of the best travel TV shows that you can watch right now:
“Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown”
This is a CNN original series hosted by the late great Anthony Bourdain. In each episode, Bourdain travels to a different part of the world and explores its food, culture, and history. From the markets of Saigon to the streets of Rome, “Parts Unknown” is a captivating journey through some of the most interesting and obscure parts of the world.
It is heavy on the food aspect of travel, but don’t let that keep you from watching. This is not a show about Anthony Bourdain, the chef. It is about how food can connect us in ways language and customs can’t. You will still find lots of history and unique discoveries in Parts Unknown, and you get 12 seasons of a great travel show.
“Long Way Round”
This show follows actors Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman as they travel around the world on motorcycles. Yes, Motorcycles!
The show documents their journey, capturing the beauty and challenges of their adventure, as well as the people and cultures they encounter along the way. It is a fascinating show to watch, and their quest for the unknown makes for an exciting journey.
This is one of the original travelogues and remains one of the best. It’s a great show to watch if you’re looking for inspiration and motivation to get out and travel.
“An Idiot Abroad”
This show follows comedian Karl Pilkington as he travels to various destinations around the world, trying new experiences and visiting some of the world’s most iconic landmarks. Pilkington’s humorous take on travel makes for a hilarious look at the world. As funny as it is, you will also learn a lot about new parts of the world along with Karl.
Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant, and Karl Pilkington all collaborate to deliver a unique mixture of comedy and exploration in each episode. An Idiot Abroad is definitely one of the most entertaining travel shows to watch right now.
This is the author’s very favorite Travel TV Show.
“The Amazing Race”
This Emmy-award-winning show is an adventure reality competition that follows teams of two around the world as they race from one destination to another, completing various tasks along the way. It’s an incredible journey that takes teams to some of the most exotic and beautiful places in the world. The show is filled with amazing sights and experiences, as well as plenty of drama when teams compete for the one million dollar prize.
It’s a great way to explore the world without leaving your couch!
The Amazing Race has been around for more than 20 years, and each season offers a new set of amazing destinations that viewers can explore.
“Departures”
This show follows two friends (and a cameraman friend) as they travel the world, exploring different cultures, cuisines, and landscapes. This is not an overproduced travel show that only shows the highlights of travel. It includes the real-life frustrations of not finding your way around, being tired, and having fun in uncertainty.
Departures manages to be funny and entertaining while also being touching. It’s a great show to watch with your family and dream up your next family vacation.
“Dark Tourist”
Host David Farrier explores some of the world’s most obscure and off-the-beaten-path destinations, uncovering the dark and often bizarre side of tourism. This show is not for the faint of heart but is sure to offer a unique and captivating travel experience. From a remote bunker in Hawaii to an abandoned amusement park in Japan, David takes viewers on a journey of discovery.
“Jack Whitehall: Travels With My Father”
Comedian Jack Whitehall and his father, Michael, set out on a series of misadventures around the world. Whether they’re getting lost in rural Laos or visiting medieval castles in Europe, Jack and Michael make for an entertaining duo as they explore some of the most exciting places on Earth.
This show is great if you are looking for something light-hearted yet still full of adventure and exploration. It’s sure to put a smile on your face while giving you some great ideas for places to visit!
“Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy”
This show follows actor Stanley Tucci as he travels around Italy, exploring the country’s history and culture through its food. Tucci visits local markets, meets with chefs, and cooks traditional dishes to discover what makes Italian cuisine so special.
You may have watched Tucci making a Negroni cocktail on his Instagram account. In the video, Tucci showcased his bartending skills while making the classic Italian cocktail, which quickly gained popularity due to Tucci’s charming and relaxed demeanor. The video was well-received by audiences and garnered a lot of attention on social media, with many people praising Tucci’s mixology skills and his effortless charm.
If you love him in that, you will love his travel show.
This is a great show for anyone who loves food or wants to learn more about Italian culture.
These travel TV shows are the perfect way to escape reality and explore the world from the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re in the mood for a lighthearted adventure or a deep dive into different cultures, these shows have something for everyone. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to embark on a virtual journey around the world!
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