Missing the thrill of traveling? We’ve got the perfect solution: streaming! From classic films to travel documentaries to hidden gems, we’ve rounded up the best shows to watch when you can’t jet-set around the world. So get comfy, grab your popcorn, and let’s explore these amazing streaming options.
1. Parts Unknown
Parts Unknown is one of the most beloved travel shows of all time. Hosted by Anthony Bourdain, the show takes viewers on a journey around the world to explore culture, cuisine, and history. Bourdain and his crew visited 12 different seasons worth of locations, from the United States and Western Europe to Libya and the Congo. Each episode is beautifully shot and produced, with a unique format that changes between episodes. Bourdain’s passion for exploring different cultures shines through in each episode. Parts Unknown is a great place to start if you’re looking for an excellent travel show to binge-watch. Seasons and episodes are available for purchase on YouTube, or you can watch them on HBO Max or Amazon Prime Video.
2. Departures
Departures is a travel show that follows two friends, Scott and Justin, as they explore the world with their backpacks. It offers an interesting look at low-budget travel, showing the fun and unexpected adventures that can come from it. The show is unscripted and unplanned, giving viewers a realistic view of what traveling around the world is like. It also shows the process of getting to a destination, which often involves some serendipitous events that can lead to unexpected discoveries. It’s available on Amazon Prime in some countries, on channels like NatGeo or Travel Channel, and all seasons are also on YouTube.
3. Long Way Round
Long Way Round is an iconic travel show from 2004, starring Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman riding their motorbikes from London all around the world. The show is a timeless classic, featuring the two bikers in some crazy situations as they make their way through Europe, Russia, Mongolia, across the Bering strait, and through Canada and the US. It is also known for inspiring many bikers to take up the journey themselves. In 2019, the duo made a third journey, driving on electric motorbikes from Patagonia in Argentina to California in the United States. Titled The Long Way Up, it was released on Apple TV. The first two seasons can be watched through Amazon as DVD or digitally for an instant watch, while season three is exclusively on Apple TV.
4. Joanna Lumley’s travel shows
British actor Joanna Lumley, known for starring in numerous films as well as the show Absolutely Fabulous, is also a prolific presenter of travel shows. I didn’t know about her work until I saw Joanna Lumley’s Silk Road Adventure from 2018, which introduced me to her witty presenting style and her wonderful curiosity about each travel destination. Having grown up in India and having traveled often throughout her acting career, she brings an interesting perspective to her shows, which take the form of limited series documentaries focusing on a single destination or trip. Her titles include Joanna Lumley’s Trans-Siberian Adventure, Joanna Lumley’s India, and Joanna Lumley’s Hidden Caribbean: Havana to Haiti. Her shows are available on iTV in the UK, as well as some series on Netflix.
5. The Kindness Diaries
The Kindness Diaries is a travel show that follows former broker Leon Logothetis as he embarks on a journey around the world on a vintage motorcycle. His mission is to rely solely on the kindness of strangers for food, shelter, and fuel. Throughout the show, Leon barters and connects with everyone he meets, showing that there is much goodness and kindness in the world. The show is available worldwide on Netflix and is sure to inspire viewers to be kind and generous to others.
6. Bourdain’s other shows
If you’re looking for more travel content to consume, Anthony Bourdain’s other shows are a great place to start. Bourdain produced several shows before his iconic Parts Unknown, such as No Reservations, The Layover, and A Cook’s Tour. These shows are more focused on food and drink than Parts Unknown, and Bourdain’s personality during this time can be a bit more macho and abrasive. Nevertheless, these shows will transport you to places all around the world in a way only a few shows can match. Bourdain’s unpretentiousness, eating street food in Asia one moment before white-cloth dining in France the next, is something to be admired. No Reservations is available on Amazon Prime.
7. Ugly Delicious
Ugly Delicious is a travel TV show hosted by celebrity chef David Chang. The show takes viewers around the world, exploring different cuisines and the cultures behind them. The show looks to find the purest and most mutated forms of typical cuisines, allowing viewers to gain a better understanding of the cultures that created them. Ugly Delicious has aired two seasons and is available on Netflix worldwide. In addition to exploring different cultures through food, the show also looks at how cultures can intermingle and mix. Through this, viewers can gain an appreciation for cultural diversity and how it can affect the world.
8. Simon Reeves’ BBC Shows
Adventurer Simon Reeves has produced a long list of documentaries for the BBC, usually released in the form of a miniseries covering a specific destination. His most recent documentary, ‘The Americas with Simon Reeve’, follows him on a journey from Alaska to Costa Rica, where he takes a low-key approach to explore various cultures, landscapes, and people. His shows are an entertaining and educational way to travel vicariously and experience the world, without ever leaving the comfort of your couch. ‘The Americas with Simon Reeve’ is available to watch on BBC iPlayer if you’re in the UK.
9. Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy
Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy is an award-winning travel and food show that will make you fall in love with the warm embrace of Italy. Each episode focuses on a particular region of the country, taking viewers on a culinary journey. From Sardinia and Umbria to Tuscany and Naples, viewers will learn more about the culture and engage with the locals while taking in the gorgeous panoramic views and vibrant neighborhoods. Additionally, viewers will get to see the different regional Italian cuisines and delicacies, making their mouths water and appreciating the time and effort put into every meal. Unfortunately, the show only lasted two seasons, but this is enough to inspire a vacation to Italy.
10. Master of None
Master of None is an excellent comedy show that follows comedian Aziz Ansari’s character in Italy as he attempts to become a pasta maker. The show takes place in the vibrant city of Modena, just north of Florence, and highlights part of the Tuscan countryside with rolling hills and lush greenery. The series also showcases Vespa rides, a highly recommended activity for tourists, and plenty of delicious Italian food. The show has earned multiple awards and is worth watching for anyone looking for a fun and entertaining show.
11. Jack Whitehall: Travels With My Father
Jack Whitehall: Travels With My Father is a documentary series that follows comedian Jack Whitehall and his father on their travels around the world. The series takes place in different countries each season, allowing viewers to explore the culture and beauty of each location. From Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe to America and Australia, viewers get to experience the sights and sounds of each country. Jack and his father’s unique dynamic makes the show engaging to watch, providing plenty of laughs. They partake in activities that will make viewers want to plan their trips to some of their destinations. It is a great show for anyone who enjoys a good laugh and is interested in exploring the world.
12. Family Style
Family Style is a great streaming show for foodies and those interested in Asian culture. This show combines Asian food with foodie influencers, chefs, and celebrity guests to explore the differences and similarities of what makes these various cuisines great. Through the storytelling of family history and recipes, viewers gain insight into each culture and how food plays a crucial role in the community. Filming locations primarily center around Los Angeles and greater California, so viewers can find plenty of quality restaurants to feed their foodie needs. The show also mixes in some time in the Philippines, Vietnam, and China to highlight culinary highlights in these countries. With each episode being just 15-20 minutes long, viewers can finish both seasons on a cozy weekend afternoon.
13. Secrets of Great British Castles
The Secrets of Great British Castles is a docuseries that provides viewers with an in-depth look at iconic castles throughout the United Kingdom. From the Tower of London and Edinburgh Castle to lesser-known ones such as Warwick and Arundel Castles, viewers can learn about each castle’s construction, history, and how it has impacted the British government, politics, religion, and everyday life. The show’s beautiful visuals help to capture the grandeur of these ancient structures and bring them to life. With guided tours or the option to explore independently, viewers can easily plan a trip around some of these iconic locations.
14. Men in Kilts
Men in Kilts is a show that capitalizes on the popularity of the TV series Outlander. The show follows two buddies, Sam and Graham, as they explore Scotland. Through the series, viewers learn about the vibrant Scottish culture and get to take in the gorgeous landscapes of the countryside. Each episode focuses on what makes Scotland worth visiting, such as learning about traditional sports and the tartan culture. It is an entertaining way to learn more about Scotland and pick up some of the languages. With plenty of activities to partake in, Scotland is a beautiful country to visit.
15. Lilyhammer
Lilyhammer is a Netflix series set in the beautiful town of Lillehammer, Norway. This series follows the story of a former American mobster who takes on a new identity in Norway. Through subtle humor, this show highlights the unique cultural differences between the locals and the main character. It also showcases the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of the countryside. Moreover, with dialogue containing both English and Norwegian, watching Lilyhammer is a great way to pick up some of the languages for your next visit. Most of the filming was done on location, so you can visit some of the same streets and areas featured in the show.
16. Long Way Trilogy
The Long Way Trilogy is an adventure show starring Scottish actor Ewan McGregor and travel writer/actor Charley Boorman. This buddy travel series follows them on their journeys across Europe, Africa, Asia, North America, and South America. It is a great show for anyone who has ever dreamed of taking a long-distance road trip on a motorcycle. The show highlights the vibrant culture of each country they visit as well as the stunning landscapes. It is a great way to pick up some travel tips for when you’re ready to hit the open road.
17. Midnight Asia: Eat. Dance. Dream
Midnight Asia is a great show to watch if you’re looking for a glimpse into the hustle and bustle of metropolitan cities throughout Asia. It follows the mold of travel shows and foodie delights, showing off vibrant nightclubs, indie music performances, street food stalls, and many other activities that come to life at night. The show’s photography is beautiful and makes viewers appreciate the sights and sounds of the cities featured. It’s a great way to get a taste of what you can experience when you visit Asia and explore the nightlife.
18. Dark Tourist
Dark Tourist is a New Zealand documentary series that explores some of the darker parts of history and events throughout several countries. The show is hosted by a journalist who visits sites associated with death, disaster, and tragedy to explore the hidden side of tourism. Along the way, he meets locals who provide insight into the history of the places he visits, as well as the culture and people of each country. While the show may be focused on dark topics, it also provides education on history, culture, and people. It may not be for everyone, but those who are brave enough to watch it will gain a unique perspective on travel and its history.
19. An Idiot Abroad
An Idiot Abroad is a hilarious documentary series that follows the adventures of average person Karl Pilkington as he is coerced into traveling around the world by creators Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant. The show features Karl’s natural reactions as he finds himself in strange cultural situations and places he would never have gone to otherwise. Each episode showcases a different country, giving viewers plenty of inspiring locations to add to their travel bucket lists. With its British humor and Karl’s offbeat demeanor, An Idiot Abroad is sure to bring plenty of laughs and entertainment.
Final Thoughts
I hope this list of shows to stream was helpful for you in getting through those times when you can’t travel. Did we miss any of your favorites? Let us know in the comments below!
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