Through watching TV, you can encounter cultures that challenge your preconceptions, landscapes that defy imagination, and people who will forever alter your perception of the world. And through traveling to the places you see on travel TV, you can learn to navigate the labyrinthine streets of foreign cities, decipher the cryptic codes of unfamiliar languages, and savor the exciting flavors of far-off lands.
The best TV shows inspire you to explore, embrace the unfamiliar, or embark on a journey of self-discovery. For I believe that somewhere out there, waiting to be discovered, lies an adventure that will forever change the course of your existence.
But how do you choose a destination?
I’m about to recommend a bunch of TV shows. I am not paid to recommend them, I just thought you might appreciate me sharing. I’m sure you would do the same.
If you possess even a flicker of curiosity, if you harbor a yearning for the unfamiliar and the fascinating, then I urge you to embrace the challenges that travel presents. For within the depths of the unknown lies a world of wonder and excitement, a tapestry of experiences that will forever alter your perception of the world and your place within it. Even if you don’t leave the comfort of your own couch, you can at least watch other people have adventures on TV.
The Best TV Shows to Leave you Inspired
General Travel TV:
If you like the idea of watching shows to learn about what various destinations have to offer, you may want to check out some of these travel TV shows.
- Rick Steves’ Europe for if you want to be educated by a baby boomer in a backpack
- Departures for if you’re seeking an adventure
- Passport to Europe With Samantha Brown for if you’re just curious about people and places
- Dark Tourist for if you’re curious about the underbelly of cities
- Planet Earth for if you like nature
- The Grand Tour for if you’re into cars
- James May: Our Man in to follow James May’s journey across a country, participating in local activities to fully explore the depth of it’s culture. The first season is Japan, then Italy, then India.
- Paul Hollywood’s Big Continental Road Trip for a road trip around Europe with a focus on automotive history and the art of car manufacturing
- The Amazing Race for adventure inspiration
- An Idiot Abroad for the comedic side of travel
Food Travel TV:
These shows have more of a food focus, while still inspiring you to visit various destinations.
- Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations or Parts Unknown or The Layover or A Cook’s Tour for no holds barred
- Somebody Feed Phil for silly, tasty, fun
- Street Food for if you’re a curious foodie
- Bizarre Foods With Andrew Zimmern for the pursuit of unusual regional delicacies and startling native `delights’ on the menu
- Ugly Delicious for if you’re a serious foodie
- Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy for discovering how diverse Italy is
- Salt Fat Acid Heat to explore the central principles of what makes food delicious by traveling around the world
- Cooked for an exploration of how cooking transforms food and shapes our world with food writer, Michael Pollan
- Chef’s Table for culinary stars from around the world who are redefining gourmet food with innovative dishes and tantalizing desserts
- Flavorful Origins for an exploration of the cuisine of Guangdong province in China
- Taco Chronicles for a deep dive into the history of popular taco styles
- Taste the Nation with Padma Lakshmi for a journey across America, exploring various immigrant groups who have shaped what American food is today
- Eater’s Guide to the World for a Maya Rudolph narrated quest to find the most satisfying culinary destinations around the world
- The Food That Built America for the fascinating stories of the people behind the food that built America. Think Milton Hershey, John and Will Kellogg, Henry Heinz, C.W. Post, the McDonald brothers, and more
Scripted TV:
These are TV shows that do a great job of showcasing the culture and/or scenery of potential travel destinations.
- Emily in Paris for if you’re into fashion
- Bridgerton or Downton Abbey for if you’re feeling fancy
- Yellowstone for if you’re feeling wild
- Squid Game for if you’re feeling ridiculous
- Outlander for if you’re considering time travel
- The White Lotus for rich people behaving badly in beautiful places
- Outer Banks for if you want to be super confused about North Carolina geography
- Portlandia for an accurate depiction of Portland
- Game of Thrones to be reminded that medieval Europe still exists
- Sex in the City or Gossip Girl for everything New York City
- Big Little Lies for all the drama of southern California
- Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and Chicago P.D. for everything Chicago
- Doctor Who for the raw beauty of Wales
- The Sound of Music for the raw beauty of the Alps
- Midsommar for Scandinavian whimsy and murder
- Mouk for an adorable cartoon bear traveling the world on his bike
- Carmen Sandiego to learn about the escapades that lead one to becoming a superthief and follow along on Carmen’s new international capers
Whatever your travel aspirations may be, the world is full of possibilities waiting to be discovered. All you need is the spark of inspiration to set your journey in motion.
If you know of other great TV shows that inspire travel, please share in the comments.
Want more travel inspiration? Check out these posts.
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