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The 20 Best Travel Shows on Netflix to Watch in 2024

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Whether you’ve been missing the thrill of traveling or are currently feeling inspired to pick the destination for your next adventure, travel shows can help. Netflix has no shortage of cool travel documentaries and shows, but we’ve decided to pick 20 of the best travel shows on Netflix.

Woman choosing a travel show on Netflix to watch at home.

If you’re traveling right now, or if some of these shows are not available in your country, use a VPN to access them without any restrictions. To play the shows, open up your VPN app and select a server located in a different state. If the show is available in your country, but you’re currently traveling internationally, choose the server of your home country to enjoy the show.

Now let me tell you why these Netflix travel shows are worth watching and don’t blame me if you get hooked on some (or all) of them.

The best travel shows on Netflix

Before we start, let me tell you that this list is in no particular order. It’s up to you to choose the one you want to watch first, but we recommend watching them all. At home, traveling for a holiday, or at a new destination, these Netflix travel shows and documentaries will set you in the mood for discovering new places, tasting exotic food, maybe even cycling, driving, or just staying at home until you finish all the seasons. Lol

The list is divided into travel shows or documentaries focused on nature, food, dark tourism, cycling and cars, photography, family travels, and specific destinations. Enjoy it!

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The best travel and nature Netflix shows

Arguably one of the most famous travel documentaries on Netflix, Our Planet takes you on a world tour of earth’s fascinating creatures. Narrated by Sir David Attenborough and filmed in Ultra High Definition, this show takes you to over 50 countries and perfectly captures the wonders of the earth.

Our Planet is the perfect Netflix travel show to give you some new ideas for your bucket list. Trust us!

Untamed Romania

While most seasoned travelers deeply appreciate Romania’s natural beauty, it is still overlooked in the mainstream media. Untamed Romania is a feature-length film celebrating the country’s immaculate wildlife.

Untamed Romania is one of the best Netflix travel documentaries for those who love nature and want to discover a new destination to travel to.

The best travel and food Netflix shows

Down to Earth

Down to Earth documentary follows Zac Efron, the actor, and wellness expert Darin Olien as they explore healthy and sustainable practices across different cultures. This documentary showcases the diversity and creativity seen across the globe to make the most of one’s resources.

It’s intriguing and can be inspiring, not only about travel but how we think of sustainability and health.

Street Food Asia

Sometimes the most accessible way to connect to a different culture is food. Asian food holds a special place in the world regarding street food and is probably one of the most universally beloved cuisines today. Street Food Asia takes you on a food journey across Asia and Southeast Asia’s best food cities, including Bangkok, Delhi, Osaka, and Singapore.

Street Food Asia is one of our fave travel shows on Netflix. We love Asia and Asian delights you can only find from street vendors. If you have never visited this part of the world, watch this show, and it will open your mind to a new world of flavors, aromas, and ways of life. If you are craving an Asia trip, watch it and plan international travel soon.

Also, read our guides and articles about Asian destinations as they have many travel and food recommendations. Read our guides about Thailand , Vietnam , Indonesia , Malaysia , The Philippines , China , Taiwan, India , and Cambodia .

Ugly Delicious

Ugly Delicious is another food travel show where a star chef David Chang is looking for the world’s most satisfying grub with his buddies. Despite being a professional chef, Chang isn’t pretentious with his picks and takes us on a cross-cultural food trip filled with laughter.

Another great travel and food show on Netflix about food culture.

Somebody Feed Phil

In this series, we follow the creator of Everybody Loves Raymond, Phil Rosenthal, as he explores world cuisines and meets the locals. Phil’s upbeat attitude is probably one of the best parts of the Somebody Feed Phil travel show together with a lot of food scenes that will help your plan your future trip to incredible destinations including Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

On this Netflix travel show, you will visit cities like Bangkok , spend days in Mexico City , see Lisbon , and many more. Well-known travel destinations are pictured with flavors and a local touch.

High on The Hog: Culinary Journey From Africa to America

This show explores African American soul food and its long journey from Africa to North America. It has been dubbed the most engaging history of African American cuisine. It traces the process of cultivating, harvesting, cooking, and serving the food that enslaved Africans brought with them to the States.

This Netflix cultural travel and food show will take you on a true gastronomic journey.

Restaurants on the Edge

As you might be able to guess from the name of the show, these hour-long episodes take us to restaurants that are located in some of the most stunning locations in the world but are struggling with their menus and dishes. They are located on the edge of the world but are also on the edge of closing down.

This travel show on Netflix pictures unique locations and a bit of drama, as you can expect.

Netflix shows about travel, cycling and cars

Biking Borders

This one is for lovers of slow traveling and less-known countries. Two friends go on a 15,000 km bicycle journey worldwide, including the Balkans, Central Asia, and other countries, to build a school in Guatemala.

Rob and I love cycling, so this Netflix travel documentary series is tremendously appealing to us. Biking Borders is also an excellent travel inspiration for those who dream of traveling by bike or going on a cycling holiday. And if this is you, read our article about cycling on Taiwan’s East Coast and cycling in Spain .

Pedal the World

This is another Netflix travel documentary that portrays a world tour on wheels, but this time our protagonist visits 22 countries during his year-long journey, searching for the meaning in life and discovering something new in each country.

Pedal the World is an inspiring and realistic epic road trip that might give you ideas of how you want to spend your life and what really matters.

Paul Hollywood’s Big Continental Road Trip

Paul Hollywood studies the ties between popular cars in Europe and their local culture and identity as an actor and a baker. In this short but educational Netflix documentary , Hollywood will visit France, Germany, and Italy.

This isn’t your Netflix show if you are looking for food and baking goods. But if you like cars, speed, a bit of history and traveling in Europe, you will enjoy the ride.

Netflix travel shows about a specific destination

Katla

This travel series focuses on Iceland, specifically the volcano Katla , which began constantly erupting just recently. The show has eight episodes and does a wonderful job portraying Iceland’s breathtaking beauty . Katla serves as a great reminder of all that we still don’t know about the earth.

This Netflix travel show is a powerful trigger for wanderlust, and it will make you want to book a trip to Iceland as soon as possible.

Magic Andes

A documentary following five characters from the Andes, South America’s breathtaking mountains. It is a fascinating series that highlights real people living in communities located under the mountains and paints a nuanced picture of the region of Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia .

After watching Magic Andes read our Peru travel guides , and for sure, you will want to visit South América. If you are worried about safety, then read our guide to the safest countries in South America , and you will be surprised.

Banner for a Netflix travel documentary focused on Guatemala's rich landscape and culture.

Guatemala: Heart of the Mayan World

This documentary focuses on Guatemala’s rich landscape and culture, the territory where 2000 years ago, the fascinating Mayan civilization collapsed. The Mayan influence is still all over Guatemala and Central America, and this documentary does an amazing job of connecting the dots between the past and the present.

Guatemala: Heart of the Mayan World is an inspiring Netflix travel documentary that will add interesting facts to your travel knowledge, and it might make you want to explore more of Latin America.

Zulu Man in Japan

Starring South African rapper Nasty C, this Netflix travel documentary focuses on Japanese culture. The film takes place in Tokyo, where Nasty C explores the city’s go-to places, culture, sounds, and much more.

Zulu Man in Japan was released in 2019. It’s a 44-minute episode, perfect for those days that you want to have just a little dose of wanderlust knowing that you won’t be addicted to long travel series.

The best Netflix travel show for unusual tourists

Dark Tourist

Filmed by journalist David Farrier, the author of the 2016 hit documentary Tickled, Dark Tourist takes a different approach to tourism. Farrier travels to places associated with death or tragedies that have turned these destinations into tourist attractions. You can expect anything from haunted places, nuclear lakes, and unusual and weird destinations. Those spots might not be on your travel bucket list, but it is interesting to know that they exist so you can avoid them on your next holiday.

It’s one of the most-watched travel shows on Netflix, so it’s worth trying.

Netflix show for photography and travel lovers

Tales by Light

Created by Abraham Joffe, this show embraces the art of travel photography and film and the people behind them. This is an Australian documentary/reality travel series on Netflix that follows photographers around the globe as they chase that perfect shot.

This Netflix travel documentary is a good match for those who love photography and travel. It’s perfect for inspiring you to travel and photograph more.

The best Netflix show about traveling with family

Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father

A comedian Jack Whitehall and his uptight father, Michael Whitehall, travel across the world together. The show starts with Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia, with the second season focusing on Eastern Europe. The third season explores the American West, the fourth features Australia, and the fifth is all about the United Kingdom, their homeland. On this last season expect everything from dining with Gordon Ramsay to searching for the Loch Ness monster.

A great Netflix travel show for those thinking of traveling with family. It also sparkes a reflection of our relationships with parents and how travel can be a good way to get together or break apart.

Netflix show that combines travel and design

Cabins in the Wild

This show takes place in Wales and follows engineer Dick Strawbridge and craftsman Will Hardie as they inspect eight unique cabins built for a pop-up hotel in Wales. Their final goal is to construct a cabin of their own.

If you like the British Tv series, chances are you will love Cabins in the Wild as well. If you like architecture and construction shows too. This type of Netflix show combines different elements, from traveling to design, making you want to have a cabin in the wild just for you.

We end our list of the 20 best Netflix travel shows here. Drop us a comment if you have watched any of them or if you have any other good travel series to recommend.

Love these Netflix travel shows and documentary ideas? Pin it for later!

The best travel shows on Netflix streaming now! An inspiring list of travel documentaries and series on Netflix that will make you want to pack your bags and book a holiday. The list is in no particular order and it has travel and food shows, Netflix travel documentaries, dark tourism, wildlife, family travel, design and more. These travelers' Netflix series are perfect for those who want to be inspired, prepare for the next trip, or are already in a destination and want to know more about it.

4 thoughts on “The 20 Best Travel Shows on Netflix to Watch in 2024”

I’m so glad you mentioned The Latchkees! I’ve been obsessed with their adventures since I saw their episode on Netflix. It’s amazing how they make travel look so effortless and fun. I’m definitely adding some of the other shows on your list to my queue 😍

Such a great show!

I can’t believe I never knew about some of these shows! The Travel Diaries is definitely going on my watchlist. 😍

Glad you enjoyed it!

Travel Shows on Netflix

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1- Magical Andes

2- down to earth with zac efron, 3- zulu man in japan, 4- tales by light, 5- dark tourist, 6- jack whitehall: travels with my father, 7- guatemala: heart of the mayan world, 8- untamed romania, 9- street food asia, 10- somebody feed phil, 11- salt fat acid heat, 12- chef’s table, 13- ugly delicious, 14- high on the hog, 15- expedition happiness, 16- paul holywood’s big continental road trip, 17- pedal the world, 18- biking borders, 19- the kindness diaries, 20- magical land of oz, 21- planet earth i and ii, 22- cabins in the wild, 23- the world’s most amazing vacation rentals, 24- instant hotel, 25- travel man, top travel shows on netflix.

the best travel shows on netflix torres del paine national park

If you love exploring the mountains and people living in between them, this Netflix travel documentary will appeal to your sense of adventure.

Travel to Tierra del Fuego in Argentina’s southern tip, a region with abundant wildlife that thrives on its temperate climate because of its isolation from other continents’ animals.

The terrain ranges from diverse forests with giant trees like Patagonian Cypress, Andean Beech tree or Southern Chilean Myrtle to white-sand beaches washed by turquoise waves as seen in Ushuaia where Magellan landed 400 years ago and named it “Great Land.”

Discover Tierra del Fuego, the southernmost point on Earth in Argentin a, and Torres del Paine Park, one of South America’s most beautiful places.

Follow the Andes through Mendoza up into Bolivia, where you’ll find Uyuni – a large salt flat that holds more than 11 billion tons of sediments left by ancient lakes from 15 million years ago.

Nearby La Paz offers an aerial tram ride for views like no other as it takes off over 2,600 meters above sea level with breathtaking panoramas of The Bolivian Plateau stretching out before you below.

If this isn’t enough adventure in South America , there are the mysteries of Machu Picchu to discover.

Released in: 2019

Down to Earth with Zac Efron is a Netflix travel documentary that follows the journeys of American actor, producer and singer-songwriter Zac Efron.

His travels to France, London , Sardinia, Iceland, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica and Peru cover the serious issue of sustainable ways in a light and easily digestible tone.

Together with wellness expert Darin Olien, Zac searches for the secrets to long life and good health.

The series also addresses attaining a higher level of eco-consciousness, with a good dose of thrills.

Zac explores the birthplace of eco-tourism in Costa Rica and learns how a county is obtaining power from 100% renewable sources.

Another interesting activity is exploring London’s clean eating, green walls and urban beekeeping.

From Calais to Paris and Lourdes in France , the theme of water is another fascinating subject to explore through this travel series.

Released: 10 July 2020

two women in kimonos walking through Kyoto's bamboo grove travel shows on netflix about japan

The Zulu Man in Japan is a documentary exploring Japanese culture and is a 48-minute visual experience.

The travel documentary is a collaboration between the award-winning Durbanite and some of Japan’s coolest musicians, including JP The Wavey, Ricky and Yoshi.

Zulu Man explores Japan’s food, culture, life and public transport in this contemporary cultural travel show that fans will love.

Released: 25 September 2020

Tales by Light is an Australian documentary reality television series that originally aired on National Geographic.

It follows several professional photographers worldwide as they capture images that tell a story through their eyes, and behind every powerful image lies a tale worth telling.

The photographers in Tales by Light push the limits of their craft and convey a sense of places and cultures through their art.

Each episode is focused on a different photographer, and the themes focus on protecting beautiful places and cultures around the wider world.

Released: 24 May 2015 and available on Netflix 11 November 2016

From a haunted forest to a nuclear lake and other places where death and tragedy occurred, if quirky and macabre travel spots attract you, make sure you watch Dark Tourist on Netflix.

The series visits Medellin and delves into the legacy of Pablo Escobar and on to Mexico City, where the followers of Santa Muerte spill their secrets.

In Japan, explore Tomioka, which was evacuated during the Fukushima nuclear disaster, a robot hotel, death worshipping cult and a suicide hotspot.

Explore murder locations in Milwaukee, where Jeffrey Dahmer did gruesome deeds, go on tours that investigate the assassination of JFK, meet vampires in New Orleans and take a tour of the Manson murders.

Dark tourism may not be mainstream but it’s an interesting show.

Released: 20 July 2018

Travels with My Father is a series that follows comedian Jack Whitehall and his father across southeast Asia.

Father and son start off by exploring Vietnam , Cambodia and Thailand and move to Eastern Europe in the second series, while the third series is in the American West and the fourth series discovers Australia.

It’s a must-see for Jack Whitehall fams as this travel documentary series is a funny and heartwarming take on life.

Released: 22 September 2017

This documentary explores the rich landscape and culture of Guatemala, featuring the mysteries of ancient Mayan cities.

Guatemala is the heart of the 2000-year-old Mayan civilisation, which mysteriously collapsed.

This Netflix travel series starts in Petén, which has over 50 Mayan archaeological sites.

Maya culture continues to influence contemporary Guatemala, where four million people speak 24 Maya languages and traditions like weaving and counting the days in the Maya calendar still exist.

Watch this show on Netflix, and you’ll be itching to visit Guatemala’s museums, archaeological sites and towns.

Released: 11 December 2019

good travel shows on netflix about nature in Romania

Untamed Romania is a feature-length film that celebrates the natural beauty of Romania , featuring its wildlife.

The show is narrated by Victor Rebengiuc and was produced through 12 months of his travels around the country.

From the Danube Delta to the Făgăraș mountains, this beautiful travel diary showcases the different seasons in Romania and is a must-see for nature lovers.

If you’re interested in exploring Romania, this series is worth watching.

Released: 18 March 2018.

Food Travel Documentaries on Netflix

Some of the best travel shows are to do with food.

Street Food Asia is a relatable show on Netflix that takes viewers into the kitchens in the backstreets of Asia’s best food cities.

From Bangkok to Singapore, Delhi to Osaka , the American Netflix documentary by David Gelb and Brian McGinn will take you on an exciting exploration of popular dishes.

The show splices in archival footage with interviews and follows street cooks and how street food has played a part in the culture of each country.

It’s one of the best travel documentary series to discover Asian delights.

Released: 26 April 2019

This Netflix original follows the creator of Everybody Loves Raymond worldwide, visiting cities like Dublin, Bangkok, Mexico City, New Orleans, Buenos Aires and Cape Town.

The fourth season goes from Rio de Janeiro to the Mississippi Delta to Hawaii.

Experiences include eating street food in Chinatown and exploring Bangkok’s floating market.

From slurping pho in Saigon and drinking Vietnamese coffee to eating shakshuka and visiting a synagogue-themed hummus shop in Tel Aviv, readers go on a fascinating discovery of delicious recipes

Released: 12 January 2018.

food travel shows on netflix cheese in italy

New York Times Magazine columnist Samin Nosrat is the brainchild behind the docuseries, based on the award-winning book.

Salt Fat Acid Heat explores the ingredients at the heart of dishes around the world.

From olive oil and cheese in Italy to soy and miso in Japan, watching this travel show on Netflix is a great way for foodies to experience the world.

Released: 2018

colourful buildings in Stockholm featured on Netflix

Another famous travel show on Netflix is Chef’s Table, which follows the best chefs in the world, an episode at a time.

From the tranquillity of rural Sweden to the mountains of Peru and temples in South Korea , watching this chef show is a fantastic way to explore the world through its food culture.

Each episode follows a different chef and features each chef’s philosophies to cooking.

Released: 26 April 2015

Awards: 2018 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Cinematography for a Nonfiction Program and many other awards since 2015.

Another popular chef show follows award-winning chef David Chang on a culinary journey of the popular hotspots.

Accompanied by a bevy of interesting characters, including artists, writers, activists and famous chefs, they use food to break down cultural barriers.

From top-notch kitchens to local eateries, the show is a showcase of food in some of the globe’s best foodie cities, including Copenhagen, Tokyo and Houston.

Released: 23 February 2018.

African-American soul food is the star of High on the Hog, a travel show on Netflix based on the eponymous book.

A culmination of years of work showcases the history of African American cuisine, tracing the journey from cultivating and harvesting to processing and cooking.

It’s a celebration of food that African slaves brought to America, including blackeyed peas, watermelon and okra.

This is one of the best travel shows to help you delve into this aspect of America’s history.

Released: 26 May 2021.

Road Trip Travel Shows On Netflix

woman in bed watching travel shows on netflix

Expedition Happiness follows a young German couple, Felix and Mogli, who take off on a road journey in a refurbished school bus.

From Alaska to Mexico, this travel show is about the couple’s search for happiness.

They leave city life in Berlin to feed their souls with their mountain dog.

Various setbacks make this show a riveting watch, and the characters are real people who have fears and hopes.

From worrying about whether soldiers have framed them by planting drugs under their bus to drinking tequila with a drug dealer, you’ll want to know whether they do find happiness in their travels.

Released: 4 May 2017.

Baker and actor Paul Hollywood, a fan of sleek sports cars, discovers how popular cars in Europe are connected with culture and identity.

In Paul Hollywood’s Big Continental Road Trip, Paul visits France , Italy and Germany to drive popular cars such as the £2 million Italian Huayra, a 2CV in France and a German VW Kombi Camper Van.

Released: 28 May 2017

Follow a young millennial as he bicycles around the globe through 22 countries, searching for the meaning in life.

The 20,000 km journey is a year-long bicycle tour through multiple countries, visiting some of the most famous landmarks around the world.

From Germany to Turkey to South east Asia to New Zealand and the USA, Felix Starck has an adventure like no other, documenting his personal experience.

It’s a bucket list journey for cycling fans to watch.

Released: 29 October 2015

Some of the best travel shows are about exploring places while doing something good for humanity.

A 15,000 km bicycle tour around the world raising funds to build a school in Guatemala is a worthy cause to follow.

Follow the adventures of Max and Nono from Berlin to Beijing and be inspired by their Beijing to Berlin.

Released: 2019

The Kindness Diaries is a social experiment that puts the spotlight on generosity and selflessness.

Leon Logothetis goes on a road tour to find compassion from strangers.

This unique travel show is one of the best travel documentaries for an uplifting watch that brings hope in a world where greed is rampant.

Released: 21 February 2017

Nature Travel Shows On Netflix

Discover the magic of Australia while watching the Magical Land of Oz.

Australia is a beautiful country with many natural surprises, from the wild ocean to the highest peaks, from tropical savannahs to lush rainforests.

From wild numbats to giant cuttlefish, there is a myriad of wild creatures to meet.

Barry Humphries is the narrator of this popular show that reveals the challenges animals face in this land of extremes.

Released in: 17 February 2019

Sir David Attenborough narrates both Planet Earth and its sequel.

Both are the best travel shows for lovers of nature to devour.

From learning about flora and fauna to South east Asia’s smooth-coated otters, from Tibetan foxes to endangered Ethiopian ibex, leopards in Mumbai, Jaipur’s monkeys and Southern France’s catfish, these two nature travel documentaries on Netflix are sure to delight.

Released in: 2006 and 2016

Two men follow a competition to create a portable hotel in the wilderness consisting of eight cabins, each with its style and décor.

Competition rounds are based on themes, such as the battle of the dragon where a cabin built to look like the eye of the dragon competes against one that looks like a dragon’s claw.

Cabin designs are creative and watching the show will inspire you to pack your bags and head out into the wilderness.

A luxurious cabin inspired by a Welsh coal pit fights it out with a contemporary slate cabin. Other fantastic creations are a cabin inspired by the legend of King Arthur and a double-storey tepee.

Released: 2017

woman in a red bikini on a beach featured in a travel show in netflix

The World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals helps viewers discover unique vacation rentals covering a wide range of budgets.

The show highlights unique options such as a treehouse in Atlanta, a cabin in Hawaii with its own waterfall and a snake-shaped apartment in Mexico City.

There are plenty of luxury escapes to swoon over and some amazing experiences, such as waking up in a bed of marshmallow pillows in a room that costs $15,000 a night and sleeping in a bamboo pod in Bali.

From a private Bahamas island to the Yellow Ferry, which is the oldest surviving wooden ferry on the West Coast, to a cave in the Ozark Mountains, this travel show will wow you with a world of delightful accommodation choices.

Released: 2021

Instant Hotel is a reality show where teams of Australian homeowners stay in one another’s rentals and rate their experiences.

Each team and a judge scores each other based on a set of criteria including the property, location, attractions, value and a good night’s sleep.

The highest-scoring team moves to the Grand Final, and the prizes are impressive, such as $100,000 in cash and a stay at a Californian Instant Hotel.

Released: 7 November 2017

Travel Man follows the comic and his British celebrity guests as they explore cities like Hong Kong, Helsinki and Miami.

Fancy spending 48 hours in Athens with Dawn French or 48 hours in Florence with Rebel Wilson, or 48 hours in Istanbul with Adam Hills?

The programme a 48-hour itinerary in a format that moves fast with plenty of tips and a dash of humour.

The two-times nominated BAFTA show also won Best Factual Programme three years in a row at the RTS Midlands awards.

You can watch Travel Man on Amazon Prime.

Released: 30 March 2015

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The Best Travel Shows On Netflix Right Now, Ranked

Last Updated: November 12th

There’s rarely been a time in recent history in which travel has been more out of reach. That means we all have to live out our travel dreams vicariously for now. Enter the travel TV genre — our most straightforward path to inspirational and aspirational escapism .

No network has changed the game more in recent years than Netflix when it comes to providing a great list of travel shows that’ll motivate you to hit the road one day while scratching that wanderlust itch between trips. But this being Netflix, there’s a dearth of content to sort through. Knowing where to start and which shows are worth your binging time is tough.

We’re here to help. The fifteen travel series below are the best Netflix has to offer right now. We’ve gone ahead and ranked them, though we have to point out that these rankings represent minor quibbles at most. We also tried to cover multiple types of travel shows from the standard food+travel series to nature shows to reality TV travel escapism.

Let’s dive in!

15. Restaurants On The Edge

1 season, 6 episodes | IMDb: 6.8/10

The “fixer-up” aspect of reality TV is a tried and true concept. Gordon Ramsay has umpteen shows doing just that. Where Restaurants on the Edge stands out is the travel and cultural aspect of the show. Restaurateur Nick Liberato, chef Dennis Prescott, and designer Karin Bohn travel the world and find restaurants with amazing views that are on the edge of shutting down (something that’s become even more heightened given recent global events). They team up with the restaurant’s chefs and owners to turn the place around. The ripple here is that the hosts guide the local owners to delve more deeply into the local culture and have their establishments better represent that scene.

14. Stay Here

1 season, 8 episodes | IMDb: 7.5/10

Designer Genevieve Gorder and real estate expert Peter Lorimer join forces in Stay Here to help homeowners turn their spaces into short-term vacation rentals. This is all about Airbnb’ing your digs even though “ Airbnb ” is never mentioned. This is a fun and breezy travel show that goes deep enough to show you how much works goes into the sharing-economy to make it actually work for you. In the end, you’ll have a whole new appreciation for that perfect Airbnb you stayed in.

13. The World’s Most Extraordinary Homes

2 seasons, 12 episodes | IMDb: 7.6/10

This show is addictive. Let’s get this out of the way. This is luxury and lifestyle porn first and foremost. It’s a traveling show, we guess, by proxy. However, it’s intoxicating.

The World’s Most Extraordinary Homes takes us inside architectural wonders around the world. These range from the homes of the elites in places like Greece, Los Angeles, and New Zealand to the homes of a fisherman in Japan and writers in Holland. Hosts Piers Taylor (an architect) and Caroline Quentin (a British actor) offer a great entry point. Taylor offers professional insight, while Quentin is the audience’s awed surrogate.

12. Tales By Light

3 seasons, 18 episodes | IMDb: 8.3/10

Tales By Light isn’t your average travel show per se. The focus here is on great travel photographers and how they operate around the world.

The photographers the show follows just happen to be some of the best in the world who have devoted their life to globetrotting to find the absolute best shot. Every corner of the world is covered over three seasons of breathtaking episodes and crazy escapades.

Seriously, one episode is about swimming with anacondas in the Amazon.

11. Night On Earth

1 season, 6 episodes | IMDb: 8.2/10

Shows like Night On Earth offer a glimpse into the world that beckons you out into the wider world. These are the shows that lay a foundation of wanderlust in our young souls. On top of all of that, this show is visually mesmerizing. It’s a trippy, unique, and captivating look at our world, and it’ll make you want to be someone who seeks these places out.

10. High On The Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America

1 Season, 4 Episodes | IMDb: 7.7/10

High on the Hog is based on the seminal work of Dr. Jessica Harris and her breaking down of how African food cultures mingled with Indigenous American foods and European techniques to help define what American food is today. The show is a sort of short-hand for Dr. Harris’ work and book, with chef and writer Stephen Satterfield trekking around America and West Africa looking back at the origins of African American cuisines, where those foods are today, and profiling the people keeping those traditions alive. This is the sort of travel show that will stick with you while teaching crucial history about Black Americans’ impact on the food we eat today.

9. Our Planet

1 season, 8 episodes | IMDb: 9.3/10

Our Planet is Netflix’s very own Planet Earth . They even got Sir David Attenborough to narrate this beautiful series. Again, yes, this is a nature series. But, we argue that a series this intriguing and beguiling will stoke your wanderlust fires and get you out there enjoying everything nature has to offer. If this series doesn’t get you itching to see new places on our planet, nothing will.

8. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

1 season, 4 episodes | IMDb: 6.8/10

David Chang’s second Netflix travel and food show is a little broader than Ugly Delicious . This four-part series finds Chang hanging out with big-name celebrities and diving into local food scenes around the world. Seth Rogan shows Chang around Vancouver while getting very stoned. Internet star and model Chrissy Teigen wanders around Marrakesh with the chef. Writer and actor Lena Waithe takes Chang through her Los Angeles. Finally, the show’s final ( and best ) episode finds Chang hanging out with SNL superstar Kate McKinnon in Cambodia. Overall, this is an easy, fun watch to breeze through on a shut-in Sunday.

7. Ugly Delicious

2 seasons, 12 episodes | IMDb: 7.8/10

Chef David Chang’s food show, Ugly Delicious , is a travel show at its heart. Chang travels the world eating food and talking to people about culture, life, and what they do while experiencing it all for himself — that’s all travel really is. The beauty of the show lies in the lack of pretension — a child-like curiosity really — that Chang carries with him as he travels, talks, and eats. The way Chang travels becomes aspirational with a crazy good dose of food porn along for the ride.

6. Larry Charles’ Dangerous World Of Comedy

1 season, 4 episodes | IMDb: 7.3/10

Larry Charles’ Dangerous World Of Comedy is a travel show at its heart. Acclaimed TV and film comedy director, Larry Charles, travels the world seeking out how comedy is done in war zones, on Indian reservations, in theocracies, in slums, and beyond.

This is the sort of show that takes you deep inside the harder side of life around the world. It’s a part behind-the-scenes look at TV comedy around and a part subversive travelogue with a keen eye on finding the grey areas of life and comedy in places few dare to travel. Plus, it’s only four one-hour episodes, making this one a very easy binge.

5. Dark Tourist

1 season, 8 episodes | IMDb: 7.6/10

David Farrier’s Dark Tourist isn’t what you think it is . This isn’t about the western gaze, looking down upon the weird or “other.” Farrier’s nuanced approach to travel and diversity shines through as he parses some of the lesser-known parts of varying cultures.

The show shines in its ability to hook you in from the first frames. Episodes about vampires in New Orleans, Pablo Escobar’s hitmen, and haunted forests offer a glimpse into the unknown in our world without judgment.

4. Somebody Feed Phil

4 seasons, 22 episodes | IMDb: 8.2/10

Phil Rosenthal has cut out a pretty great second act after his days running Everybody Loves Raymond . Rosenthal is traveling around the world eating great food, meeting people, and seeing new places he thought he’d never see.

Rosenthal is on a trip of discovery. There’s a clear food focus to the show. But, really, the series ends up being just as much about the journey as a great meal with new friends.

3. Street Food

2 season, 15 episodes | IMDb: 8/10

This series from the creators of Chef’s Table leans more heavily into the travel aspect of great cooking. The series highlights street food vendors across East Asia, Mexico, and Central and South America through two seasons. The series revels in letting those vendors tell their stories and highlighting the food they make with that now iconic Chef’s Table aesthetic . The bonus is that each episode clocks in at around 30 minutes, making this a very easy and enjoyable binge any time.

2. MeatEater

3 seasons, 29 episodes | IMDb: 7.8/10

This is probably the most interesting and unique travel (and food) show on this list. Steve Rinella’s MeatEater might be the best nature-meets-travel-meets-food show, full stop. Rinella and his crew travel around the U.S., Mexico, and even parts of South America to embrace nature in the most visceral way, through hunting and fishing for their own food and then cooking that food, providing us with wild recipes to boot. We’re not kidding when we say that the wild places this show goes are the places you almost never see on the average travel show, which is usually obsessed with hitting the same old spots over and over again (looking at you Rosenthal and Chang).

Yes, hunting or fishing for food is the core of each trip. Still, with sourcing your own wild food being one of the fastest-growing food movements in America (far outpacing veganism with people under 40), MeatEater offers real-world advice as an entry-point to the wild spaces of the world and the food available therein. It’s also about the people around the world who live their lives in harmony with nature. Add in the beautiful cinematography (from the same crew as Bourdain’s shows) and you have a great watch.

1. Down to Earth with Zac Efron

1 season, 8 episodes | IMDb: 8.1/10

This show was the sleeper hit of the travel TV world in 2020. Yes, it premiered during a pandemic when we can’t travel, making it an easy hit. But the show really has some serious heart and insight. Viewing the world through Zac Efron’s always wide-eyes proved really refreshing. His excitement to be seeing the world and trying on new ideas while also making an effort to step out of the most well-worn paths made for solid TV.

There’s a real soul to this show that gets to what’s beautiful about travel. It captures the spirit of wanderlust — learning about the world while learning about yourself.

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Best Netflix Travel Shows

The best Netflix travel shows on the streaming service right now

With a library as vast as Netflix has, it's hard to pick out the best Netflix travel shows, but we're here to help you with that.

Of course, it's ironic that just as the world opens up again post-pandemic, the cost of living has sky-rocketed. We guess that means putting off that week by the beach in Barcelona once again. Sigh.

Still, there’s always armchair travel…no, stay with us! Netflix has a stellar supply of shows to watch for those suffering from a bad case of wanderlust; from food-focused odysseys and challenge-based travels to light-hearted looks at other global cultures with some incredible scenery providing the backdrop.

Whether it’s European mini-breaks or South-East Asian vacations that get you dreaming of far-off places, here’s 10 of the best to inspire your next travels. Just think of them as extra research for that bucket list trip...

Ugly Delicious

A fast-paced travelogue fusing food and travel together - well, why mess with a classic combination? - sees David Chang, boss of noodle giant Momofuku, weigh in on all the most important food items and how different cultures across the globe make them.

Obviously, that means pizza from Italy, but an elevated slice of the pie in Tokyo; tacos from a celebrated food truck in LA, but a twist on the traditional in Mexico from Noma restaurant. Good travel series push the imagination and our world views and this certainly gives us our fill.

Waffles + Mochi

On the face of it, this is cute show for kids, which is executive-produced by and stars Michelle Obama, no less, but it's actually one of the best examples of a series doing the double by being both entertaining for children and adults.

A show based around a moon boot-wearing creature made from frozen waffles and mochi ball made sentient might not make any sense whatsoever, but who cares when it’s this joyous? The two puppet buddies - who work at a supermarket, alongside Ms. Obama - learn about different foods, and travel the world doing it; from whizzing up high in the Andes to try potatoes to searching out the best herbs and spices from a market in Venice, Italy.

The bromance of South Korean singer-actor Lee Seung-gi and Taiwanese favourite Jasper Liu is at the heart of this 2020 series; as the pair are challenged by fans to missions across Asia, despite speaking different languages. Challenge accepted!

Taking in stunning locations across Indonesia, Thailand and Nepal the duo prove they’re more than just handsome faces as they triumph in treasure hunts and games like rock, paper, scissors to end up in the final destination of Seoul. Kind of like Squid Game, on the road, but without all the death.

The World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals

If your thumbs idly end up scrolling the Airbnb app in your down time; then this is the show for you. Three intrepid explorers - okay, hosts with seemingly unlimited expense accounts - travel the world to find the best places to rest your head on holiday. It’s not all luxury cabins on stilts in the Maldives though, as the series prides itself on catering for all budgets and all tastes.

Top of our wishlist is the Area 55 prefab Futuro glamping pod ($225 a night), or the glass-domed eco-lodge - complete with sauna - in the heart of a Finnish winter wonderland (a casual $500 per night). Time to get saving.

Down To Earth With Zac Efron

Zac Efron, you say? Tween heartthrob from High School Musical, Zac Efron? Yep, but he’s now the poster boy for sustainable travel, segueing into an unexpected career choice back in 2020's Down To Earth With Zac Efron.

With big bro-on-a-gap-year energy, Zac travels to places like Iceland, Sardinia, Peru and the Amazon to learn about eco-living and renewable energy, which is much more interesting than it initially sounds, and is arguably the way we should all be thinking about travelling now.

Big Narstie's Big Jamaica

“Man’s off on a mission to the motherland: Jamaica,” the big-selling rapper Big Narstie informs us at the beginning of this 2020 travel doc, and we’re honoured to be able to join him. Both the rapper’s parents hail from Jamaica, and he jets off home again with a candid and witty look into dancehall culture and the food scene.

Cut to some incredible looking munchies: a mix of Jamaican and Chinese food from the Jamaican equivalent of a “motorway caff”. “My belly comes first!” Narstie says. Naturally.

Travels With My Father

Like him or loathe him, there’s something quite enjoyable about Jack Whitehall travelling the world with his cantankerous old dad who “hates being away from home”.

The father-and-son duo take on places like Thailand, Romania and Australia over five series, and even if you fall on the side of ‘loathe’ it’s always amusing watching Jack get cut down to size by his no-nonsense father, sorry, “Daddy”. Very much playing up to the ‘posh Brits on tour’ stereotype, this sometimes definitely scripted series won’t do much for our nation’s reputation around the world, but it does make for a fun watch.

There’s light-entertainment travel japes like the Whitehall family’s adventures above: then there’s death-defying expeditions that could only be described as extreme holidaying. 14 Peaks is definitely the latter, as it follows British-Nepalese high-altitude climber, Nirmal Purja, as he tries to ascend all of the world’s 14 8,000-feet high mountains within seven months.

Hiking up insanely dangerous summits - that require oxygen masks after 7,500 feet - across China, Pakistan and Nepal, this documentary also tracks the heady heights of human endurance. Does he manage what he sets out to achieve? Well, we’ll leave that up to you to find out.

Expedition Happiness

A hipster German couple decide to sack off Berlin and take up #vanlife instead in this self-filmed documentary. Mogli - aka Selima - and her boyfriend Felix (who previously filmed himself cycling around the world for the Netflix doc Pedal The World) buy an old American school bus for $9,500, convert it into the most bijoux of apartments-on-wheels and as they plan to travel from Alaska to Argentina.

After a hairy moment when it looks like US immigration won’t give them a visa, soon they’re on the road, travelling through gorgeous mountain vistas and turquoise lakes and the pretty, colourful small towns of Mexico. There are mishaps along the way - and they have to divert their trip at the last moment - but it’s nice to be along for the ride.

Dark Tourist

Still gutted you can’t hop on a plane to paradise right now? Honestly, watching this show you might well be glad your bum has made a permanent imprint on your sofa.

The host, Kiwi journalist David Farrier, explores the dark underside of tourism; from border crossing re-enactments in Mexico and Manson family murder tours to a visit to the still highly radioactive Fukushima nuclear power plant and - disturbingly - being shown the latest military weapons in Phnom Penh. Perhaps another staycation isn’t so bad after all...

The Best shows on Netflix right now...

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Laura Martin is an entertainment journalist who covers TV, film, and music. She's written for numerous big publications, including TechRadar, Esquire, BBC Culture, The Guardian, and The i newspaper. Her favourite stories usually involve prestige TV drama, reality TV, or true-life documentaries. Basically, the more obscure, the better!

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The 8 Best Travel Shows on Netflix

One of the benefits of the overwhelming amount of television that is now at our fingertips is the ability to travel the globe and learn about different cultures from the comfort of our own homes. It’s obviously not a perfect solution—in many ways it’s a very poor substitute for packing a bag, hopping on a plane, and experiencing the real thing first hand—but during the pandemic, when international travel is more difficult than it once was, travel shows have greatly helped to satisfy our wanderlust.

Most of the shows in question are documentary series—or docuseries—which offer viewers a unique travel experience by highlighting the perspectives of both natives and visitors to foreign countries. Netflix has an abundance of these types of programs. Some are specifically about traveling the world and experiencing different cultures, while others simply make us want to travel because of the lush scenery on display, the mouth-watering food that’s highlighted, and the intriguing stories of the people who are featured. No matter what you’re looking for, though, these are the eight best travel shows on Netflix.

World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals

Watch on Netflix

Netflix has nailed the travel genre with World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals , a new series that takes viewers around the globe and reveals what they can get in the way of vacation homes depending on budget and travel preferences. It’s essentially an eight-episode advertisement for Airbnb, but the properties showcased are worth your time. From an open-air home in Bali and an igloo in Finland to a cattle ranch in Montana and a private island in the Caribbean, the show has a destination and home for everyone. Each episode also finds the hosts partaking in various adventures and activities in the areas they visit. In all, it’s an excellent way to see the world. However, the show does induce a certain amount of FOMO, and the hosts do little to improve the exquisite scenery on display as they explore. But if you want to escape for a bit or plan some future trips, there is no better show purely about the travel experience than this one.

Salt Fat Acid Heat

Culinary-themed programs often make for some of the best travel shows because they take viewers around the world to explore the cuisines of various cultures. Salt Fat Acid Heat , which is hosted by chef and author Samin Nosrat and based on her book of the same name, stands out because of the way it explores the four elements of the series’ title and why they’re the key to great cooking. Although the series is just four episodes, it takes viewers from the olive orchards of Italy to the shores of Japan as Nosrat attempts to learn all she can about the use of salts, fats, acids, and heat in the kitchen. By the end of the show, you’ll have traveled the world and hopefully learned a little bit more about the food you eat—and how to be a better cook as well.

While you can’t properly visit some of the places featured in Our Planet , Netflix’s answer to the BBC’s Emmy-winning documentary series Planet Earth , you’ll learn a lot about the place we call home and its different ecosystems without ever having to leave your couch. Narrated by Sir David Attenborough, the series travels from jungles and grasslands to the tundra and oceans. Each episode highlights the world’s natural beauty through the unifying lens of climate change, and how it’s threatening more than just human life on Earth. This groundbreaking docuseries makes excellent use of awe-inspiring visuals, but it’s also educational, and hopefully you’ll come away from it with a better understanding of what’s at stake when we talk about humanity’s influence on plant life, the animal kingdom, and the marine world.

Somebody Feed Phil

You’d be hard-pressed to find a better or funnier travel documentary series about food and culture than Somebody Feed Phil , which is a successor of sorts to I’ll Have What Phil’s Having,” which aired on PBS. In the show, Everybody Loves Raymond creator Phil Rosenthal travels around the world, tasting and experiencing the local delicacies of various cities and countries. You’ll learn a lot about different cultures, and you’ll laugh a lot along the way, because Rosenthal’s charm and sense of humor are infused in every moment of what might also be one of the most comforting shows on Netflix.

Magical Andes

Both seasons of the docuseries Magical Andes have flown under the radar on Netflix, and that’s a shame, because the show’s breathtaking cinematography reveals the true majesty of this beautiful area. Stretching from Venezuela in the north to Chile and Argentina in the south, the Andes are the longest continental mountain range on the planet, and this series reveals not just how the landscapes and climates change from country to country, but it also give a special focus to the people who call the Andes home, like the beekeepers in Colombia attempting to sustainably preserve the flora of the region. If you’ve always wanted to travel to South America and see the Andes, this series is an up-close-and-personal look you’re not likely to find anywhere else.

Street Food

As you can probably tell from its title, Netflix’s docuseries Street Food takes viewers on a global journey, but it does it with an intimacy rarely seen in travel series. The first season focuses specifically on the Asian continent, digging into the influential dishes of different countries like Thailand, Japan, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Through deeply revealing interviews with well known chefs specializing in street food, many of whom have dedicated their whole lives to the art of cooking, the show is able to tell not just their stories but the stories of their cities and countries as well. The second season does the same thing for the people and cultural dishes of Latin America. You’ll be able to visit places like Mexico, Peru, Argentina, and Bolivia. If you’re looking for a travel series that takes storytelling to the next level, this is it.

Part home renovation series, part travel show, Stay Here offers viewers the best of both worlds. The series features former Trading Spaces star and interior designer Genevieve Gorder and real estate expert Peter Lorimer as they renovate homes across the country to make them not just desirable to short-term renters, but profitable for owners as well. It’s another show about fabulous Airbnbs that cost more than most of us are comfortable spending money on, but what’s wonderful about Stay Here is that it is not just about what’s happening on the inside of the home. The hosts also attempt to highlight things to do in each city as part of the overhaul. It’s meant to show homeowners how they can increase the amount of money they charge by offering unique perks to visitors, but it also acts as something of a free tour guide for viewers as well. If you don’t come away from the show without plans to visit at least one of the cities featured, you watched it wrong.

Jack Whitehall’s Travels with My Father

A travel series that highlights different countries and cultures around the world and delivers plenty of laughs along the way? That’s Jack Whitehall’s Travels with My Father , a travel/road trip docuseries that ran for five seasons. In many ways the show is an excuse for the popular English comedian to spend more time with his father while experiencing what he describes as a delayed gap year. But while Jack thrives in experiencing authenticity in his travels, his father, former producer and talent agent Michael Whitehall, is in his late 70s in the first season and does not like to travel at all. He is very much the straight man to his son, and the result is a memorable addition to the travel show genre that sees the duo visit Southeast Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, the Western United States, and Australia.

Kaitlin Thomas is an entertainment journalist and TV critic. Her work has appeared in TV Guide, Salon, and TV.com , among other places. You can find her tweets about TV, sports, and Walton Goggins @thekaitling or read more of her work at kaitlinthomas.com .

For all the latest TV news, reviews, lists and features, follow @Paste_TV .

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10 Best Travel Shows On Netflix

by Melissa Giroux | Last updated Dec 31, 2023 | Inspiration , Travel Tips

If the worldwide pandemic has halted your travel plans like most of us, you’re probably suffering from travel blues. However, closed borders and travel restrictions don’t mean travel can no longer be a part of your life.

Stay productive by filling your time with travel inspiration and plan your next big adventure for when the time is right. And who can help you do that? Good old Netflix.

That’s right; there is a host of travel shows on Netflix right now awaiting your viewing. So order your favorite takeaway, get comfy, and work your way through our list of the ten best travel documentaries on Netflix.

1. Our Planet

Our Planet is essentially Netflix’s version of ‘Planet Earth.’ It is so similar it even features narration from Sir David Attenborough. The mindblowing way this series showcases the most awe-inspiring nature makes it one of the best travel shows on Netflix in 2021.

Our Planet will reawaken your wanderlust and have you itching to get out into the wilderness. While it’s not possible to go to the far corners of the earth as shown in this series, perhaps you can settle for exploring a new nature reserve in your home state for now.

2. Down To Earth With Zac Efron

In Down To Earth, hunk Zac Efron travels the world in search of more sustainable ways of living. It is an eye-opening and upbeat documentary that looks for solutions to problems, finding ways we can do things better. Therefore, it’s the best travel documentary series for those looking to learn how they can contribute to creating a greener, more sustainable world.

3. The Chef Show

What better combination than food and travel! If you love trying new cuisines or have ever dreamt about building a business on four wheels, this is one Netflix travel documentary you will adore. In The Chef Show, duo Jon Favreau and Roy Choi reunite to travel around the world cooking with celebrities and famous chefs. They celebrate different flavors, cultures, and people and take you through various delicious recipes.

4. Street Food

While we’re on the subject of food, you need to check out Street Food. Season one showcases the street eats found in Asia. They visit Japan, Thailand, Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore, and more, tasting the locals’ go-to bites. This is one of those Netflix travel documentaries that will remind you of your travels. From the vibrancy of the sights and sounds, you’ll almost be able to smell and taste those Asian delights again.

5. Jack Whitehall: Travels With My Father

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to take your parents traveling, this comedy road trip series will give you an idea. In Travels With My Father, comedian Jack Whitehall takes his dad to Southeast Asia to try to strengthen their bond. Jack is very jolly and easy-going whereas, his father couldn’t be any different, making for an interesting duo.

The show is very lighthearted and not the most serious of the travel shows on Netflix. However, you can’t help but laugh at the awkward situations the pair continuously find themselves in.

6. Larry Charles’ Dangerous World Of Comedy

In this Netflix travel documentary, comedy writer-director Larry Charles sets out to find humor in all corners of the world. He travels to some of the most feared places, such as Somalia, Liberia, Saudi Arabia, and Iran.

Here Larry seeks out people who use humor to combat their dire circumstances. He meets some of the most unlikely comics and delves deep into the world of dark, dangerous comedy. This is undoubtedly one of the most daring travel shows on Netflix!

7. Night On Earth

In Night On Earth, nature meets technology to disclose the biggest wonders of the nocturnal world. Using state-of-the-art, low-light cameras, the series shows the hidden lives of some of the world’s most extraordinary creatures, from lions on the hunt to bats on the wing. The footage captured is nothing less than mind-blowing. The narrating is just as beautiful, making it one of the best travel shows on Netflix for nature nerds.

8. Pedal The World

If the day-to-day stresses are getting to you and you’re losing sight of your dreams, Pedal The World will give you the inspiration you need to do something big. In this self-made adventure documentary, Felix Starck documents his 18,000-kilometre bicycle journey across 22 countries in 365 days. Felix gives us a visual diary of him cycling & camping around the world, which is emotional, inspiring, and never dull.

This is a must-watch for anyone that is feeling down due to the current state of the world. It’s one of those Netflix travel documentaries that will prompt you to reflect on the way you live and question the meaning of life.

9. Expedition Happiness

All digital nomads can relate to that desire to escape their hometown and get out into the world. This is precisely what Expedition Happiness is about. In this travel documentary, a young couple transforms an old school bus into a motorhome and travels with their dog across North America in it.

This travelogue is organically beautiful, featuring many relatable problems. Moreover, it’s a representation of the freedom we all crave, which is why we believe it’s one of the best travel documentaries on Netflix.

10. Dark Tourist

Finally, if you want to watch something a bit out of the ordinary, here’s one for you. Dark Tourist with David Farrier is probably the weirdest (and most morbid) of all the travel shows on Netflix. Farrier explores the lesser-known and usually avoided cultures of the world and opts to visit places that are historically associated with death and tragedy. Highlights of this series include when Farrier meets vampires in New Orleans and a death-worshipping cult in Mexico. You’ll need an open mind for this one!

Final Thoughts

Even if you’re unable to have your own big adventure right now, these Netflix travel documentaries will remind you of why you fell in love with travel in the first place.

Utilize these travel shows on Netflix to draw inspiration and reignite your wanderlust, then get planning the best trip of your life.

Need more inspiration? Check out these lists:

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Best movies about nomads

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Best travel shows on netflix.

Looking for some wanderlust-worthy TV shows to fuel your travel urge? Here are 22 Travel Shows on Netflix to inspire, distract, or escape through, depending on what you need!

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Ride Along Travel Shows on Netflix

These shows and documentaries follow their hosts on their travels, bringing you into their lives and experiences around the world.

1. Down to Earth : Zac Efron (do I need to say any more really?) and wellness expert, Darin Olien, search the globe for healthy and sustainable ways of life in different cultures. There’s an episode for everyone: Zac soaks in an Icelandic spa, talks to centenarians in Sardinia, and explores Ayahuasca tourism in Peru.

2. Jack Whitehall: Travels With My Father : comedian Jack Whitehall pushes his decidedly non-comedian father to the brink of his comfort zone as they travel around the world for a fun twist on the buddy comedy. Trust me—you’ll be dying of laughter at every episode!

3. Expedition Happiness: even if you’ve never considered van life, Expedition Happiness will have you checking Craigslist for buses after you watch the couple (and their pup) travel from Alaska to Mexico in their renovated school bus.

Amazing Places to Stay

Whether you end up finding a place to stay on your next trip or just ways to spruce up your own space, these travel shows on Netflix will let you pretend to be in paradise.

4. The World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals: the hosts visit and review three different vacation rentals around the world at three drastically different budgets.

5. The World’s Most Extraordinary Homes: tour some of the most architecturally impressive homes around the world! An architect and property developer, who provide their thoughts on the design and actual livability of the homes.

6. Stay Here: watch as two experts renovate homeowners rental spaces to improve their marketability to potential renters. If you’ve somehow found yourself on the Airbnb side of Tiktok like I have, you’ll race through these episodes.

7. Instant Hotel: homeowners compete to have the best rental property, judged by their fellow contestants after a one-night stay in their place. It’s like Four Weddings without the secondhand embarrassment!

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Adventurous Travel Shows on Netflix

Whether you’re already an adrenaline junkie or not, these films will inspire you to step out of your comfort zone on your next trip.

8. 14 Peaks: the word “impossible” doesn’t seem to exist for Nimsdai Purja as he attempts to climb all 14 of Earth’s 8,000 meter peaks in just seven months! He breaks multiple Guinness World Records for high altitude mountaineering in the process.

9. Pedal the World: you may love your spin class, but I’m going to bet that Felix Starck loves cycling a little bit more. In 365 days, he cycled over 11,000 miles through 22 countries and documented the entire journey with breathtaking shots of his travels.

10. Biking Borders: if you’re looking for another cycling journey, follow two friends as they complete their first ever long bike ride from Berlin to Beijing while raising money for a new school in Guatemala. Personalities and friendships are the focus of this film, so even non-cyclists will enjoy this documentary.

Travel Nature Shows

If you find yourself stuck inside because of the cold, these shows will bring some vibrancy back to your life.

11. Our Planet: narrated by the legendary David Attenborough, this series highlights ongoing conservation efforts and issues. It has some amazing cinematography and beautiful shots in over 50 countries.

12. Life in Color: another series narrated by David Attenborough, this series examines how various animals use color to their advantage. As with any David Attenborough nature documentary, impressive camera work will have you entranced.

13. Night on Earth: Samira Wiley narrates this nature documentary that offers a rare insight into the lives of nocturnal animals. Night On Earth is a great pick for someone who’s seen every episode of Planet Earth and is still left wanting more.

Location Specific Travel Shows

Deciding where to travel next? Check out these films for information on more off-the-beaten-path countries that are worth a visit.

14. Magical Andes: watch this visually stunning series to tour the communities and places within the Andes Mountains through the eyes of both travelers and locals. With Peru in particular becoming quite a hot spot for young travelers, this show will educate you to the unique physical and social atmosphere before you jet off to Machu Picchu.

15. Untamed Romania: if Romania wasn’t on your list before, it will be once you’re finished with this movie. It takes you through some of the most beautiful parts of Romania, including Transylvania, the Carpathian Mountains, and the Danube Delta, featuring the local flora and fauna.

16. Guatemala – Heart of the Mayan World: the natural and cultural wonders of Guatemala and its roots in the Mayan world are on full display in this documentary. If you’ve been eyeing those cheap flights to Mexico , Guatemala- Heart of the Mayan World might just convince you to head a bit more south and explore the rich and vibrant country of Guatemala.

Food Based Travel Shows

They say one of the best ways to get to know a place is through food and these shows prove that. Dig in, but be warned, you’ll walk away even hungrier than before.

17. Street Food Asia & Street Food Latin America: veteran travelers know one of the best parts of going to a new place is checking out the local street food scene. This series celebrates the colors and flavors of the street food experience, so you can indulge without having to leave your living room. There’s one series focused on street food in Asia and one in Latin America, so binge both or pick whichever one you’re craving most.

18. Breakfast Lunch and Dinner: Chef David Chang brings celebrity guests (including Seth Rogen and Kate McKinnon) to a new city to explore the cuisine and culture in depth and in person.

19. Taco Chronicles: who doesn’t love a taco? Now you can be a certified taco connoisseur after watching this series deep dive into the history and culture of everyone’s favorite Tuesday treat.

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Just For Fun Shows

Tune in to these shows and tune out everything else. These shows, some fiction, some reality, are all set in places at the top of most of our “need to visit” lists.

20. Emily in Paris: okay, okay, while the premise isn’t exactly the most realistic, who wouldn’t want to be a twenty-something working a fancy marketing job in Paris with a charming French apartment and an even more charming French love interest? Season two was just added to Netflix, making it the perfect time to binge this series.

21. Singapore Social: a reality series that follows some of the young, rich, and connected in one of the most wealthy social circles in the world. If you liked Crazy Rich Asians, this might just be the reality show for you.

22. Derry Girls: set in Northern Ireland during The Troubles, Derry Girls follows the darkly hilarious Erin and her eccentric cousin, Orla, as they navigate being teenage girls during the conflict. It gets bonus points for featuring Nicola Coughlan (now of Bridgerton fame) and lots of music from The Cranberries.

23. The Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives: if you like any of the real housewives series, this show takes it to another level with the addition of some of Bollywood’s biggest stars and set in Mumbai.

What’s one of your favorite Travel Shows on Netflix? Have you seen any of the picks on this list? Let me know in the comments or send me a DM on Instagram !

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The Best Netflix Travel Shows To Watch Now

Here are the best travel shows streaming now on Netflix. Whether you're looking for exotic food destinations or planning your next vacation, this list of travel documentary series currently on Netflix is regularly updated with new and popular TV series. What are the best travel programs to watch on Netflix?

One of the best Netflix original docuseries, Somebody Feed Phil features Everybody Loves Raymond creator Philip Rosenthal traveling the world and trying local foods. Other good travel shows on Netflix include Ugly Delicious , Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father , Tales By Light , and Taco Chronicles.

Check out these Netflix travel shows and vote up the very best.

Somebody Feed Phil

Is Somebody Feed Phil Worth Your Time?

Street Food

Is Street Food Worth Your Time?

Dark Tourist

Is Dark Tourist Worth Your Time?

Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father

Is Jack Whitehall: Travel... Worth Your Time?

# 353 of 449 on The 440+ Best Binge Worthy Shows Of All Time
# 79 of 79 on The 75+ Best Travel TV Shows Sure To Give You The Travel Bug
# 748 of 799 on The 700+ Best Netflix Original Series

Midnight Asia: Eat. Dance. Dream

Is Midnight Asia: Eat. Da... Worth Your Time?

The World's Most Extraordinary Homes

Is The World's Most Extra... Worth Your Time?

Ugly Delicious

Is Ugly Delicious Worth Your Time?

# 9 of 33 on Shows You Can Almost Smell Through The TV
# 746 of 799 on The 700+ Best Netflix Original Series
# 68 of 108 on The 100+ Best Cooking Shows Of All Time

Down to Earth with Zac Efron

Is Down to Earth with Zac... Worth Your Time?

# 108 of 646 on The 500+ Best Current Shows On Netflix
# 9 of 37 on The Best Guilty Pleasure TV Shows of the Last Few Years
# 52 of 79 on The 75+ Best Travel TV Shows Sure To Give You The Travel Bug

Taco Chronicles

Is Taco Chronicles Worth Your Time?

# 577 of 646 on The 500+ Best Current Shows On Netflix
# 109 of 278 on The 250+ Best Netflix Documentary Series
# 32 of 63 on The Best Food Documentary Series

You vs. Wild

Is You vs. Wild Worth Your Time?

# 46 of 52 on The Best 2019 Original Streaming Platform Shows
# 61 of 62 on The Best New Adventure TV Series of the Last Few Years
# 2 of 21 on The Best Netflix Interactive Content

Street Food: USA

Is Street Food: USA Worth Your Time?

# 275 of 646 on The 500+ Best Current Shows On Netflix
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# 139 of 278 on The 250+ Best Netflix Documentary Series

Heavenly Bites: Mexico

Is Heavenly Bites: Mexico... Worth Your Time?

Tales By Light

Is Tales by Light Worth Your Time?

Is Cooked Worth Your Time?

# 101 of 466 on The 400+ Best Documentary Miniseries, Ranked
# 186 of 278 on The 250+ Best Netflix Documentary Series
# 13 of 63 on The Best Food Documentary Series

Paul Hollywood's Big Continental Road Trip

Is Paul Hollywood's Big C... Worth Your Time?

Instant Hotel

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Down to Earth With Zac Efron: Down Under

Is Down to Earth With Zac... Worth Your Time?

# 73 of 646 on The 500+ Best Current Shows On Netflix
# 35 of 37 on The Best Guilty Pleasure TV Shows of the Last Few Years
# 33 of 79 on The 75+ Best Travel TV Shows Sure To Give You The Travel Bug

The Kindness Diaries

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Ainori Love Wagon: Asian Journey

Is Ainori Love Wagon: Asi... Worth Your Time?

Chuck and Danny's Road Trip

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Extreme Engagement

Is Extreme Engagement Worth Your Time?

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Best Travel Shows on Netflix to Watch Right Now

hand holding a remote while watching travel shows on Netflix

Looking for travel related activities to do at home to feed your wanderlust? These include reading books, browsing Instagram feeds, and — of course — Netflix. More specifically, watching travel shows on Netflix .

Even in normal circumstances, travel TV offers much-needed escapism. In recent years, Netflix got the message and started producing a large number of these shows. This led to a deluge of travel-related content and navigating it became tough.

Looking for suggestions? You’ve come to the right place! Here is a list of the best travel shows on Netflix you have to check out.

Best Travel Shows on Netflix

1. Street Food

From the creators of Chef’s Table, this series swaps the formal setting for the streets. The first season of Street Food takes us to Asia, as we travel through Japan, Taiwan, Singapore , and so on. All episodes clock in at close to 30 minutes.

During our travels, we find out how each country treats its street vendors. The series enjoys taking its time in letting these vendors tell their stories. Each episode notes the personal connection between the food and the people who make it.

2. Ugly Delicious

Ugly Delicious is a lot of things, but it’s a travel show at heart. Now in its second season, the David Chang-hosted series is better than ever. The show consists of Chang traveling the world and discussing life, culture, and anything else he thinks of.

The show’s main drawing point is its complete lack of pretense. Chang meets a lot of celebrities on his travels, but the show remains pleasantly grounded. The second season takes us from Tokyo and Istanbul to Outback Steakhouse.

3. Somebody Feed Phil

Do you enjoy Everybody Loves Raymond? Even if you’re not a fan, check out its hilarious creator Phil Rosenthal in this documentary. Throughout the show, Rosenthal eats his way through Lisbon , Bangkok, Tel Aviv, and other lovely places.

One great thing about Somebody Feed Phil is its optimistic nature. Though there’s a clear focus on food, the show is also about Rosenthal’s trip of discovery. With all the stress around us, the positive vibes this show provides are priceless.

4. Tales by Light

Most great documentaries depend on their photographers. Unfortunately, they often get left out of the spotlight while they’re looking for those perfect shots. Tales by Light aims to rectify that by focusing on the photographers themselves.

In each episode, we follow one photographer taking us along on their journey. Throughout their quest, they cover the most interesting corners of our planet. As luck would have it, the photographers are also among the best in the world.

5. Travels with My Father

Speaking of comedians traveling the world, that list keeps getting bigger. Travels with My Father is one of the more successful entries, featuring Jack Whitehall and his dad, Michael. Imagine traveling with your parents, and you’ll get the show’s appeal.

Throughout its 13 episodes, the pair goes on a series of unlikely adventures. They visit Angkor Wat, Chernobyl, and a Thai full moon party. The moments in-between are even better, as they keep forcing each other out of their comfort zones.

6. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Haven’t had enough of David Chang? If so, this 4-part series will make for a great binge watch on a lazy Sunday afternoon. In each episode, Chang visits one of his celebrity friends and dives into their local food scenes.

The supporting cast of Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner includes Seth Rogen, Chrissy Teigen, Lena Waithe, and Kate McKinnon. The show itself is a little less dialed-in than Ugly Celebrities, but it’s still quite fun. The influence of the late Anthony Bourdain is on full display.

7. Our Planet

If you consider yourself a traditionalist, you likely want more Planet Earth. Well, Our Planet is the closest thing you can find on Netflix. Narrated by Attenborough and produced by BBC, this show breathes new life into a nature series format.

Much like Planet Earth, Our Planet is one of the best-received documentaries out there. It’s easy to see why: the show’s vast scope takes us from the Arctic tundra to the deepest oceans. If this doesn’t scratch your travel itch, nothing will!

8. Emily in Paris

From the creator of Sex and The City, Emily in Paris is a show about a young American woman who moves from Chicago to Paris to work for a Parisian marketing firm. While not an entirely accurate portrayal of French culture, it showcases the beauty of Paris (one of the most beautiful cities in Europe if not the world).

More Travel Shows on Netflix

Yes, watching travel shows on Netflix is no substitute for a real adventure . If you run out of stuff to binge, there are many good shows we haven’t mentioned.

Chances are, watching some of these travel shows on Netflix will inspire you to start preparing for your own trip.

Need more travel inspiration?

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Great article thanks for sharing! They really help with the travel withdrawal during the shelter in place. “Restaurants on the Edge” is also a good one to check out. Restaurants with great views and bad reviews get help from 3 intrepid restauranteurs/designers. Kind of a mash up of Gordon Ramsey, Fixer Upper, and Queer Eye. Glad we found your blog. Stay safe!

Best Travel Shows on Netflix to Stream Now

Disclaimer: This article includes affiliate links to the products we earnestly love and recommend, meaning at no extra cost to you, we might make a teeny-weeny commission if you click on the link and decide to buy something. The money will be used to sustain this little cozy blog we call our virtual home.

We all love to travel. Some of us travel to gather new experiences, some to learn new things, some to try new adventures, and some just to relax and unwind. But, the fact is we can’t travel as much as we want to because of work, family, and other obligations. What do we do then? Well, we look for sources of travel inspiration . We search for inspiring travel quotes, we read travel books, or we watch travel movies, or we watch travel shows…anything that inspires our wanderlust. That’s how we escape to far-off places from the comfort of our homes. We, vicariously live out our travel dreams. Thanks to the digital world we live in today. The real game-changer in the travel TV genre has to be Netflix. It’s home to some amazing travel shows. With hundreds of travel shows to choose from on Netflix, you can see the different parts of the world without ever leaving your couch or bed. However, with so many diverse options, it can be quite overwhelming to pick the perfect travel show or documentary. We’re here to help.

Best Travel Shows on Netflix

Here’s an ultimate list of the best travel shows on Netflix recommended by travel experts for you all travelers out there to binge on. So, what are you waiting for?

Pick the travel show you want to see, and pack your bags…Ummm…grab a bag of popcorn, settle on your couch, and hit the on-button of the remote.

#1 Travels with My Father

3 seasons, 13 episodes | IMDb: 7.7/10

Sean from LivingOutLau says, “My favorite travel series on Netflix has to be Jack Whitehall: Travels With My Father. “ A travel documentary comedy that follows the journey of a twenty-something-year-old son and a close to 80-year-old father, Travels With My Father is both culturally enriching and hilarious. The son, Jack Whitehall, takes his posh father, Michael Whitehall, on a popular backpacking gap-year route across Southeast Asia, where their contrasting personalities create a fun dynamic for the audience. If you ever wanted to see the results of a high-class elderly man from the UK staying in a hostel, then you must not miss the show. The father’s disconnect from many of the latest travel news and trends creates some of the hilarious moments in the show, such as when he chats up with a very nice lady who turns out to be a “ladyboy” in Thailand . Currently, there is a total of 3 seasons of Travels With My Father on Netflix. Season 1 features travel adventures in Southeast Asia, season 2 in Eastern Europe, and season 3 in the United States . Whichever season you pick, just be ready to laugh until your stomach hurts!

#2 Moving Art

3 seasons, 19 episodes | IMDb: 8.7/10

Tanayesh from Shoestring Travel asserts that Moving Art has to be one of the most relaxing shows on Netflix. I watch it to unwind with a glass of wine at the end of the day. Moving Art by Louie Schwartzberg is a documentary exclusively on nature like deserts, forests, oceans, wildlife, and many more with soothing music playing over top. The movie provides a pensive tour of witnessing the world and as it is without narration, you can actually feel the sounds of nature at large. The amazing shots which are tactfully edited with the cinematography are just breathtaking! Once you sit to watch the movie, you will absolutely be glued to it and would definitely love to watch it often. Moving Art is my all-time favorite – whether I can travel or I can’t I satisfy my desire to travel by watching this exotic nature movie. For me, it’s a spiritual experience as I watch nature’s beauty sitting at home experiencing her beauty in different ways. Not to forget this movie also heals my mind and body and gives me the utmost pleasure. This gorgeous series answered an unspoken desire to have a nature film without the spoken word. The desire is so strong that I have to watch it daily. And not one film but four! These films are meant to be enjoyed and in the end, you will have a relaxed body and a peaceful mind, and you will embrace positivity and forget all negativity. There is not an iota of mediocrity in these works. And I will be able to view them over and over. Thank you, Louis Schwartzberg. By following your bliss, you have given it to others. Lovely contribution to the planet.

#3 Our Planet

1 season, 8 episodes | IMDb: 9.3/10

Cassie from Cassie the Hag believes that Our Planet, a documentary series on Netflix, is a travel show hoping to help us connect better with our homes. Narrated by Britain’s favorite national treasure David Attenborough, the show focuses on the conservation issues we – and our planet – now face due to the dire human impact on the environment. Viewers are invited to enjoy stunning nature shots of frozen worlds to deserts, jungles to the high seas, and close-ups of animals in their natural habitats…while being gently reminded of our responsibility as global citizens. It is this perspective that makes me believe Our Planet is a must-see. Travel lovers will be inspired by the beautiful landscapes of Russia, Chile, South Georgia, Madagascar, and many more.

Although I’ve already enjoyed an amazing holiday in Indonesia , it definitely made me long to go back to see the orangutans of Sumatra and the coral reefs of Raja Ampat – known as one of the best diving regions in the world. The beauty of Earth’s natural ecosystem shines while the focus shifts to the rich but fragile biodiversity. We are reminded that South Georgia may look stunning – and the penguins are totally cute – but the melting ice caps could change Earth dramatically and doom the animals who live there. Our Planet is not all doom and gloom, mind. In Serengeti , Tanzania , we see messages of sadness and hope – both hippos crammed into small areas of the Great Ruaha River due to the human water industry – but also witness shots of wild dogs who have back from local extinction. You’ll start watching Our Planet for outdoor inspiration but leave it wanting to take better care of your home.

#4 Dark Tourist

1 season, 8 episodes | IMDb: 7.6/10

Dave from davechant.com recommends his favorite travel show on Netflix – Dark Tourist. Dark tourism is loosely defined as travel to areas where death, disaster, or atrocity is an integral part of the experience. People have for many years been visiting Chernobyl or Auschwitz but there’s a growing desire for the macabre and sinister that coined this travel term in the early twenty-first century. In 2018 comes the Netflix documentary Dark Tourist, starring the journalist David Farrier. He’s been described as the poor man’s Louis Theroux, but there’s something amiable and naïve about his bumbling narrative and efforts to understand dark tourism that makes him watchable in a slightly Karl Pilkington way. To date, there has been 1 season with 8 episodes broadcast. Highlights include David heading to Mexico City and witnessing both an exorcism and learning about a community that worships the “death saint” and visiting the Fukushima Nuclear Disaster site in Japan (Episodes 1 and 2 respectively.) In Episode 6 he has a dilemma involving a bazooka and a cow in Cambodia and goes to a mummified corpse ritual in Indonesia . The most bizarre section has to come in the last episode where he visits a haunted house attraction in Tennessee lasting 8 hours where people are literally tortured physically and psychologically. Suffice it to say no one has made it completely through the 8 hours without issuing their safe word. Sometimes Dark Tourist is a little hit and miss – naturally, you’ll gravitate to certain “experiences” over others. However, easy watching at times this is not, and you may not love it, but you’ll find yourself mesmerized as to what’s going to happen next.

#5 Street Food

1 season, 9 episodes | IMDb: 8.0/10

Emily from Wander-Lush says, “If you’re a fan of the popular TV show Chef’s Table, you’ll be pleased to know the Netflix travel series Street Food is created by the same team.” This time around, they’re not chronicling Michelin-starred celebrity chefs – instead, they’re paying tribute to the often overlooked and unsung heroes of the street food world. Season one takes a deep dive into 9 cities in Asia, including Seoul, Delhi, and Saigon . Food is, of course, the star, but each episode also paints a picture of the location. One thing I love about this show is how succinct it is. Each 30-minute episode follows three or four individual protagonists, humanizing the food from the very beginning. From the daily rituals of a Yogyakarta dessert vendor, as she wakes up at dawn to lovingly prepare her sweet treats, to the trials and tribulations of a busy Bangkok street chef, each episode is a window onto someone’s world and is totally immersive. Beyond the food they cook, the show explores each person’s backstory, narrated by them in their native language through interviews. The women and men who star in Street Food are champions of their communities. At times, the show zooms out to illustrate how critical street food culture is to the fabric of society in their respective countries. Each episode is packed with practical tips for foodie travelers, too. I started watching it when I was planning a trip to Vietnam and ended up pinning all the locations on Google Maps so I could visit them myself! There’s currently only one season of Street Food available on Netflix, but a second one is in the pipeline.

#6 Raja Rasoi Aur Anya Kahaniyan

2 seasons, 35 episodes | IMDb: 8.8/10

Even though it is a culinary show, it travels across India showcasing the history, and tradition related to the cuisine. It is said that the place, its weather, food that grows there have a very important influence in developing the cuisine of that region. The series name literally means ‘King, Kitchens and their stories’ and delves into each state’s history.

Visiting the royal palaces and their royal kitchens, and roaming the streets to understand where and how it originated keeps you engrossed. There are some interesting stories about how some ingredients originally from different countries traveled across continents and now are an integral part of Indian cuisine. India has a history that dates back centuries and it’s evident in food as well. In one of the episodes, they even shared the scripts of recipes written on leaves by the chef of a king.

A culinary trip to India would be incomplete without visiting the places where it originated. Travel is an experience not only about visiting a place but also about knowing the culture, history, and food of the area. And this series for sure will fulfill it completely. The bold voice that weaves stories through beautiful locations and aromatic cuisines is another highlight of the series.

We started watching as a family and our kids even joined us and took an equal interest. The first season had 11 episodes of 1 hour that traversed food of some major states of India like Rajasthan , Tamil Nadu , Punjab, Kashmir, Kerala , Gujarat, and Himachal Pradesh. Season 2 had 24 episodes but the duration was 30 minutes.

#7 Ugly Delicious

2 seasons, 12 episodes | IMDb: 7.8/10

Daisy from Oman Travel Guides thinks, that for those that love to travel, one of the best (and only) things to do during this period of self-isolation is to travel vicariously through others.

One such way to do so is by learning different cultures and customs through a good Netflix series. And what better series is there than a cooking show produced by award-winning chef David Chang? (Hint: Almost none.) Ugly Delicious is a Netflix show that follows David and a few of his colleagues around the world in a quest to better understand various dishes and meals. It explores the local history and culture through dish-specific travels. It is both informative and humorous, which is great for those who are looking for something more light-hearted but educational. Each episode dives into the specifics of a dish and explores its variations in different countries, as well as how it evolved with the cultural specificities of the region. Be it the concept of fried chicken, pizza, or tacos, David Chang is able to capture the intricacy and complexity that is often overlooked by others. He and his team have traveled to Japan, Naples, and more to further research the numerous factors that contribute to a dish that is similar in concept, but different in taste. Ugly Delicious is an excellent show in that it not only looks at the food but also brings to light critical sociocultural issues that are found within each dish. It does a beautiful job of connecting the dots between different cuisines and people and makes us think more carefully about the various elements behind the things we consume each day.

#8 Somebody Feed Phil

2 seasons, 12 episodes | IMDb: 8.1/10

Veronika from Travel Geekery says, “When it comes to traveling at home , or rather just inducing that travel feeling, travel food shows are a great option, even though you cannot eat what the people on your TV screen do. I’ve enjoyed watching both seasons of Somebody Feed Phil and am looking forward to season 3 coming out at the end of May 2020.” Philip Rosenthal , the “Phil” in the show, is a well-known name in the US Entertainment Industry. He produced the popular sitcom ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’ in the ’90s. It went on for 9 seasons! So nowadays in his current show, which he produces and stars in, Phil travels the world in search of the delicious. And man, does he like food! From New Orleans to Bangkok, Phil seeks out local foodie spots from both expats and locals and stuffs himself till full. The most unique feature of the show is how funny, or rather goofy, Phil is. He is a comical character, makes amusing or embarrassing jokes, dances, sings… He really puts himself out there. He also hasn’t hesitated to bring the whole family into the TV Show. He skypes his parents in every episode, updating them on his whereabouts and the local food. His brother is the cameraman and sometimes interacts with Phil. His wife and kids once joined him for a big part of an episode in Copenhagen . The lighthearted travel/food documentary serves as a great inspiration for future trips. We knew what delicious things to expect in Ho Chi Minh City after watching Phil’s show. We even rewatched it once there to make sure we didn’t miss out on any of the local specialties.

#9 Tales by Light

3 seasons, 15 episodes | IMDb: 8.3/10

Jeff from Life Of Y recalls, “When I was growing up, I dreamed of becoming a travel photographer. What could be better than traveling the world and doing what you love the most? Sometimes we forget why we fell in love with a particular passion or hobby. Maybe jobs, bills, and other things get in the way. Then, one day, something comes along from the professionals you had admired as a child…” Tales By Light is a visually stunning documentary series created by National Geographic and Canon Australia . The show follows professional photographers as they explore various lands, pushing the limits of their abilities, in an attempt to show us our world in ways we’ve never seen before. Each episode is a visual journey as the photographers tell us their vision of the perfect image and what the project means to them. From marine photography in Papua New Guinea to photographing religious festivals in the Himalayas, we experience every joy and every challenging moment through their eyes! Nearly everybody thinks they can be a photographer, or an Instagrammer, these days but this show will make you think long and hard about what it really takes to be in the profession. It will also make you want to take your photography, and even your traveling and adventuring, to a whole new level. The great thing about Tales By Light is that it’s not aimed at just photographers. Anyone with an interest in travel, nature, culture, or even just life, in general, will enjoy this. I highly recommend this show, not just for the spectacular cinematography, but as a great source of inspiration as well.

#10 The Kindness Diaries

2 seasons, 26 episodes | IMDb: 8.1/10

Lara from Both Feet On The Road feels The Kindness Diaries is an incredibly inspiring documentary travel show on Netflix. I absolutely love this series and I recommend every travel lover to watch it. But what makes this travel show so inspiring? The series follows a man named Leon Logothetis (former broker) who travels the world with no money. In season one he travels with a vintage motorcycle and completely depends on the kindness of strangers for fuel, a place to sleep, and eat! In season two he starts in Alaska with a vintage Beetle and drives all the way to the tip of Argentina , still solely relying on people’s kindness. Unfortunately, season 1 is no longer available on Netflix, but season 2 still is. In return for people’s kindness, Leon helps them realize their dreams. For example, by paying for education and a home for a homeless man, paying for healthcare, helping stray dogs, or building schools. Each time a stranger offers him a place to sleep or eat, he offers them something in return. Before you watch, I have to give you a heads-up. The first time I watched the show I thought it was scripted and perhaps a bit over the top. But I urge you to keep watching, It’s not fake and the more you watch it, the better it gets. Even if it’s partly scripted, the kindness of strangers is real and from the heart. It’s heartwarming to see how far he gets and how helpful humankind can be. If you have ever lost all trust in our kind, you should watch this show! Leon’s goal is to show the world the power of human connection and that’s exactly the power of this show. And of course, the fact that you get to travel around the world virtually.

#11 Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

1 season, 4 episodes | IMDb: 6.7/10

Lee from The Travel Scribes elucidates, If you like Ugly Delicious, you’ll love David Chang’s later foray into food and travel: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. This four-part limited series is a frothy, definitely, funny take on celebrity interviews as each episode sees Chang hang out with one of his famous buddies in different cities around the world, literally eating his way through the three square meals of the day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The series is interesting in that you don’t only explore the gastronomic culture and best eats of the city in question, but you get under the skin of these famous personalities while taking in the sights and sounds of the country. Almost a fusion of Jerry Seinfeld’s Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee and Anthony Bourdain-esque shows it’s a must-watch for anyone who loves food and famous people, in that order. Take, for example, the first episode. Actor and funnyman Seth Rogen takes Chang through his paces in Vancouver, Canada . It’s Rogen’s hometown so he easily showcases the best it has to offer: everything from Chinese-inspired dim sum to sugary doughnuts as they laugh the day away. Episode two changes pace as model and Twitter royalty, Chrissy Teigen , leads him through the maze-like warren of Marrakesh as they feast on lamb tagines, while the third installment has Chang in Los Angeles as Lena Waithe from Master of None plies him with potatoes, crayfish, and even the food of a retro bowling alley. Topped off with episode four, featuring comedian Kate McKinnon in Phnom Penh, Cambodia , where the two explore the city together as first-time visitors. As diverse as it is dynamic, Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner is an exploration of different cultures and destinations through the universal language of food. Undoubtedly binge-watching (and eating) fodder to whet your travel appetite!

#12 Conan Without Borders

1 season, 6 episodes

Based on the adventures of Conan O’Brien , a late-night talk show, Conan Without Borders is a fresh take on travel, cultures, and people. For this show, Conan traveled to a myriad of locations including Cuba, Israel, Haiti, Korea, Mexico, Japan, Australia, and Germany . The stuff he does in one country has nothing to do with another country, which keeps the content in mint condition. For instance, while in Japan, Conan decided to rent a fake family once he heard about Japan’s crisis of loneliness, and the service to rent families. In Germany, he visited the nude beaches and met up with a dominatrix. In Cuba, he did a rum tour. In South Korea, he joined The Wonder Girls, Korean pop star J.Y. Park, and TWICE for a K-POP music video. For Ghana, Conan joined comedian Sam Richardson and met the locals to observe the Year of Return, a commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the transatlantic slave trade, and learned the local customs and language. In Haiti, he made fun of President Trump with locals. What I love the most about Conan Without Borders is the way he brings in his far-flung humor to make a fool of himself. In all these countries where he doesn’t speak their language, he still manages to make people laugh and keep it fun. But once you start looking beyond the humor, you also see his sensitive side when he is talking to people about turmoil, genocides, and economic issues- without ever making a joke. Deb from The Visa Project has been following the show since it started and she recommends it to anyone. It’s different from most travel shows you have ever seen.

#13 Outlander

6 seasons, 68 episodes | IMDb: 8.4/10

Outlander combines drama, romance, and a sense of wanderlust all in one. From the opening theme song to the stunning images of Scotland , viewers are transported to another land (and another time). The show is based on a multi-part book series by American author Diana Gabaldon, and incredibly, the story-telling and visuals do the novel justice. While the start of the show lands viewers after the end of World War II, much of the action throughout the series takes place in the late 1700s Scotland and, in later seasons, France and the Americas . Outlander has a great mix of adventure and anticipation for what happens next coupled with actual historical events. I learned a ton about Scottish history while watching the show, as I was checking facts about events and people while I watched. The emotion brought forth by the telling of these events brings to life historically significant periods of time, including the Battle of Culloden. Not only this, but the sense of longing, loss, love, anger, and any emotion you can imagine is also portrayed beautifully by its main actors. Outlander even inspired Christa from Expedition Wildlife to travel to the Scottish Highlands to visit some of the featured sites! Incredibly, Scottish family names from the show can be seen on memorial stones placed in the Culloden Battlefield Memorial site, and the hills of Glencoe featured in many scenes can be explored. Now, whenever I hear that opening song, I think of Scotland and its magical lands.

#14 Carmen Sandiego

2 seasons, 19 episodes | IMDb: 7.9/10

Tiffany from Mommy And Me Travels loves finding travel shows to inspire children to get excited about traveling. She says, our family’s absolute favorite on Netflix is Carman Sandiego. The show uses a catchphrase of ‘Where in the World is Carman Sandiego?’. My kids love trying to guess where Carman will end up before it is revealed in each episode. This show is about a strong female lead, Carman, and how she uses her expert-acquired skills of theft to steal back items from her rivals before the items can be used against the world. Carman is not alone in her adventures. An expert team joins her along the way and in her ear is her sidekick ‘Player.’ The player guides Carman through all of the obstacles that she will encounter as she makes her way through cities. Make discovering the world with Carman a weekly activity for you and your family.

#15 Master of None

2 seasons, 20 episodes | IMDb: 8.3/10

Megan from Peter Pan Traveler says, “One of my favorite travel shows on Netflix is Master of None season 2. Not only is it a great travel show by making you want to pack your bag and move to Italy , but it can also help to mend a broken heart.” The main character is faced with an unfortunate break-up. Rather than being sad and depressed about his situation, he decides to fulfill a lifelong dream of learning how to make fresh pasta in Italy. This show is not only great for travelers, foodies, or anyone going through a break-up, but it is also a great encouragement to get out there and follow your dreams. It will make you want to book a one-way ticket to Italy and eat your heart out. It is a great travel show to watch while you plan your next trip. Also great for anyone learning or wanting to learn Italian, as a part of the show is filmed in Italian. Out of all the great travel shows Netflix has to offer this is by far one of my favorites. There is something just so unique and funny about it that makes you want to watch it over and over again.

#16 Roman Empire

3 seasons, 15 episodes | IMDb: 6.9/10

Matt of It’s All in Italy has watched an amazing 3 part documentary series on Netflix called the ‘Roman Empire’ which he absolutely loved. Roman Empire is a historical drama about events in Ancient Rome . The 3 part series centers not just on Rome but takes you to various parts of the Roman Republic, which later became the Roman Empire, including places like Gaul (modern-day France), Greece, and Egypt. Each of the 3 documentary series focuses on an important figure in Ancient Roman History including Emperor Commodus, Julius Caesar, and Emperor Caligula, and offers a fascinating insight into their character and the challenges they faced up to and during their rule as Emperor. It’s an intriguing series for not just history buffs, but for anyone who has traveled to or is planning on traveling to Italy as it puts the city of Rome and the country of Italy in an entirely new light. It will inspire you to visit historical sites in Rome and perhaps further afield to the Island of Capri, which was the home of Emperor Tiberius prior to being succeeded by Emperor Caligula. You’re sure to experience a range of emotions as you watch the series as you’re exposed to the savagery and opulence of the life and times of leaders and Emperors in Ancient Rome. It’s 5 stars from me 🙂

So, how many of these travel shows on Netflix have you watched? Which one would you want to add to your Netflix queue? Is your favorite travel show included in the list? If not, tell us about it in the comments section.

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Anjali Chawla

1 thought on “Best Travel Shows on Netflix to Stream Now”

Such a great list and some on there that I haven’t watched yet.

10 Best Travel Shows on Netflix to Watch Now That Will Inspire Wanderlust

by Aileen Adalid Films & Shows , Lifestyle 3 comments

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Given what’s happening nowadays, I’m sure that your travel plans have been thwarted — BUT, that doesn’t mean that you can’t have some fun right in the comfort of your own home! (Best Travel Shows on Netflix)

For sure, you can start off with the best travel movies ; though if you’re more into TV shows, there are tons for you to enjoy! After all, with platforms like Amazon Prime, Hulu, Netflix, and YouTube among many others, there is an endless number of binge-worthy shows to fill up your time starting today.

So for those of us who are specifically seeking a touch of adventure and wanderlust (until it’s possible) , below are some of the best travel shows that you can find on Netflix!

In no particular order , the following 10 series range from must-do foodie eats, up to exotic escapades all over the world!

Table of Contents

10 Best Travel Shows on Netflix

» Street Food

( Show link / 1 Season – 9 Episodes)

“From the creators of Chef’s Table, comes a new mouth-watering documentary series that celebrates the local heroes of street food in Thailand, India, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, and Vietnam.”

Highlighting street vendors in over 9 different cities in Asia, you’ll be delighted with the sights and sounds as you discover not only the food they specialize in, but also the stories they will be sharing! It also helps that each episode is about 30 minutes, so it is quite an easy watch — and of course, make sure to take note of the places so you can visit and try them in the future.

» Our Planet

( Show link / 1 Season – 8 Episodes)

“Share the wonder of the extraordinary place we call home. Utilizing the latest technology Our Planet was filmed entirely in Ultra High Definition in over 50 countries. From exotic jungles to the deepest seas, open your eyes to the connections we all share. Narrated by Sir David Attenborough.”

This is obviously one of those science or nature series, but with the number of wonderful sights, this is easily one of the best travel shows that you will sit through in (while also learning a lot of interesting facts along the way). In fact, you’ll definitely find yourself charting a bucket list to witness some of the finest places that this Netflix show will feature.

» Dark Tourist

“The definition of “tourism” is redefined as New Zealand filmmaker David Farrier, who journeyed into the darkest corners of the internet in the hit 2016 documentary Tickled, sets his sights on the world of dark tourism.”

If you’re seeking something different from most of the travel shows that you’ve seen so far, Dark Tourist is a great choice for witnessing some of the world’s lesser-known cultures and traditions. So get ready to pick up some great off-the-beaten-path travel ideas for the future!

» Conan Without Borders

( Show link / 1 Season – 6 Episodes)

“Late-night talk show host Conan O’Brien hits the road in this special that brings him and his sense of humor to far-flung destinations.”

For a dose of comedy and humor, this series of Conan O’Brien will be a sound option. This is actually a collection of his travel segments, but I can assure you: they are worth watching, especially if you want some good ol’ entertainment!

» Somebody Feed Phil

( Show link / 2 Seasons – 12 Episodes)

“Travel the globe with Phil Rosenthal, the creator of “Everybody Loves Raymond,” as he explores the world and makes new connections through food. Somebody Feed Phil. Now streaming.”

I’m not gonna lie: Phil can be a pretty awkward guy — BUT that is, in part, the beauty of this show. He brings forth this infectious energy that’s charming and fuzzy. Plus, you’ll be able to see the wonderful connections that he will make as he indulges in such delectables meals all over the world!

» Tales by Light

( Show link / 3 Seasons – 21 Episodes)

“Uniting exploration, photography and the natural world, Tales by Light offers a rare glimpse into the eyes and minds of some of Australia and the world’s best photographic storytellers – Art Wolfe, Darren Jew, Krystle Wright, Richard I’Anson and Peter Eastway.”

If you’re looking for unique travel shows on Netflix with insane imagery, Tales by Light is surely right up your alley as it follows some of the world’s best photographers who have devoted their life to finding the best shots in any corner of the globe.

» Restaurants On The Edge

“Each hour-long episode invites viewers into a new restaurant located in a stunning location—on the edge of an ocean, a mountain, or desert. But despite their outstanding views, these eateries are struggling to create an experience that lives up to their incredible surroundings.”

If there are reality shows about house makeovers then, of course, there are restaurant makeovers too! But before you gloss over this show, it helps to note that apart from improving the menu and assisting the owners with the assistance of a world-class restaurateur, chef, and designer, the show also puts great emphasis on the location in turning things around. With that said, you’ll definitely find a good focus on the location’s culture and specialties.

» Ugly Delicious

“All the flavor. None of the BS. Star chef David Chang leads friends on a mouthwatering, cross-cultural hunt for the world’s most satisfying grub.”

Unlike what the title says, not every dish is actually ugly; but, you will love Chang’s unpretentious take on things as he travels and eats to places that will leave your mouth watering. With that said, this is yet another travel personality that has one of the best travel shows centering around food — if not life in general.

» Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father

( Show link / 3 Seasons – 13 Episodes)

“Comic Jack Whitehall and his father, Michael, are like an odd couple — the son is jovial and the patriarch is stuffy. So traveling together makes for an interesting dynamic, as viewers experience in this travelogue series.”

Watching this show was like watching myself traveling with my parents; but with more comedy and more mishaps. As one of the best travel shows on Netflix, it really makes for a hilarious watch not only with your family but even with your friends!

» The Kindness Diaries

( Show link / 1 Season – 13 Episodes)

“Host Leon Logothetis travels the world with only a vintage motorbike and the kindness of strangers, which he pays back in unexpected, inspiring ways.”

This might seem like a bit of a weird premise at first, but you’ll be surprised at how the show is able to highlight the wonderful connections between people — no matter the difference in culture and background.

» BONUS: Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown

( Show link / 12 Seasons)

“In the hourlong weekend series — similar in premise to Travel’s “No Reservations” — Bourdain explores the world to, he says, “ eat and drink with people without fear and prejudice … they open up to you in ways that somebody visiting who is driven by a story may not get. “

This show actually used to be on Netflix, but not anymore — nonetheless, I still feel the need to mention this because no ‘best travel shows’ list is ever complete without mentioning this legend!

10 Best Travel Shows on Netflix to Watch Now

These are just just some of the many ways that you can hype yourself up until your next big trip! Enjoy!

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This is a great list! Thank you for sharing :D

This is a great list! Thank you, I can now have something to binge watch these days

I’m happy to hear that! Happy watching :D

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11 Best Travel Shows on Netflix (A 2023 List of the best and funniest travel shows around)

By: Author MC Miller

Posted on Last updated: January 10, 2023

Categories Travel Blog Post

Love travel but can’t travel right now?

Netflix can be a great alternative way to see the world while you are stuck inside bored!

Here are 10 of the very best netflix Travel shows on Netflix right now. Looking for romantic movies, you might also like to check out: Romantic Travel Movies

11 Best Netflix Travel Shows Right Now (2022)

Restaurants On The Edge

Take a look at restaurants around the world which are on the brink of being shut down.

Watch as these culinary experts turn the place around!

World’s Most Extraordinary Homes

Take a look at the most extraordinary homes around the world – you will be completely be amazed by how incredible these homes are.

Dark Tourist

Watch as New Zealand filmmaker David Farrier journeys to the darkest tourism areas from nuclear tourism in Japan to Pablo Escobar-inspired tourism in Columbia.

Ainsley Eats the Streets

Chef Ainsley Harriott makes it his mission to discover new street food from around the world and the creates new recipes from his experiences.

Street Food Asia

Discover the very best street food around the world with this netflix show about street food in Asia.

Breakfast Lunch & Dinner

Well known chef David Chang travels the world with A list stars to eat new dishes and share new experiences.

Definitely one of the best netflix travel shows on now!

I don’t know about you but I love wildlife travel. Our planet is the best netflix travel show out there on animals around the world.

Jake Whitehall Travels With My Father

Jake Whitehall Travels With My Father is a hilarious show about Jake traveling with his father. If you are looking for a funny travel netflix show – this is your best bet!

Side note: Mike doesn’t like Jake because he supports Arsenal.

Somebody Feed Phil

Phil Rosenthal is hungry. Watch as he travels the globe and gets his fill. Also a really funny travel show.

Taco Chronicles

For all the Spanish speakers out there,Taco Chronicles is the best Spanish travel show currently on Netflix.

If you don’t speak Spanish feel free to use subtitles!

Down to Earth (with Zac Efron)

In his new travel show, actor Zac Efron journeys around the world with wellness expert Darin Olien in search of healthy, sustainable ways to live.

Explore bucket list destinations like Iceland and France, as-well as learning about farming in Costa Rica and the Amazon.

Not to mention Zac Efron ain’t the hardest person to look at 😉

Save to Pinterest: Best Travel Shows on Netflix

MC Miller is a travel blogger and writer who has travelled America extensively and abroad to over 80 countries. He founded Couple Travel The World in 2017. Since then, he has spent over 6 years on the road as a full time travel couple. When he not traveling he likes to spend quality time with his partner Bett, planning our their next date or romantic getaway!

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The Travel Sisters

Best travel shows to watch right now (on tv, netflix, amazon prime & other streaming services).

by The Travel Sisters | Oct 20, 2020 | Travel Inspiration | 3 comments

And if you are looking for more travel related things to watch, here is a list of the best travel movies of all time .

Related: Best Credit Cards to Use for Streaming Services

Best Travel Shows and Series

Pin Best Travel Shows to Watch on TV, Netflix, Amazon Prime and More Streaming Services

Best Travel Shows on Netflix

The following travel shows and series are available on Netflix only.

Ugly Delicious

Recommended by Stephanie from Explore More Clean Less

Ugly Delicious is a relatively new food focused travel show that follows celebrity chef David Chang, founder of Momofuku, as he explores both across the United States and internationally. The episodes are loose and casual, showing Chang investigating the history of different regional cuisines and food rivalries. His guests range widely including other chefs, writers, actors, and artists, but they tend to share similar air time to the restaurant owners and people off the street. The focus blurs between culture and personal, feeling like you’re the fly on a wall while interesting people who love food hang out and chat about it. There’s no way to watch it and not be itching to travel to a new region and try some of the foods they highlight!

Travels With My Father

Recommended by Lee from The Travel Scribes

From the moment they touchdown in Bangkok, Thailand and make their way to the famous Khao San Road, the Netflix series Travels with my Father will capture your heart, and tickle your funny bone.

Chronicling the experiences of British father and son duo, Jack and Michael Whitehall, this laugh a minute series not only showcases some of the globe’s most famous destinations but features the offbeat, slightly sarcastic relationship between Jack, a 30-something comedian still longing for his backpacker days and Michael, his elderly ever-suffering dad. The drama (and the giggles) are mostly driven by the vastly different travel styles of the two: Jack, the singlet and loud shorts-wearing millennial who is most comfortable in questionable hostels and eating street food and Michael, a slightly uptight luxury traveller who insists on wearing his ‘Sunday best’ on the streets of Southeast Asia and checking into five star hotels.

The show, now in its third season, sees the unlikely pair traverse the globe with jaunts in South East Asia, Europe and, more recently, a tour of the USA. This is must-watch viewing for anyone who loves British comedy and travel, in each measure.

Somebody Feed Phil

Recommended by Amber from Food And Drink Destinations

From the creator of the hit comedy series, Everyone Loves Raymond, comes the Netflix food travel series, Somebody Feed Phil. Following the culinary journeys of Phil Rosenthal, Somebody Feed Phil presents food travel from the “average” travelers perspective. Phil is by no means a food professional like Anthony Bourdain or Andrew Zimmern. Phil is an easy going family man who just happens to LOVE food. Over 2 seasons and 12 episodes, Phil with his mall crew, including his brother, travel to some of the best food destinations around the world. Phil’s childlike enthusiasm for each new destination, cuisine and culinary experience is priceless. His inquisitive nature and ability to connect with people makes Somebody Feed Phil a one of a kind culinary travel show. For those interested in traveling for food, Somebody Feed Phil attempts to alleviate the fear of trying the local food. It’s certainly worth watching. Netflix has also previously announced a season 3 with episodes scheduled to air sometime in 2020.

Dark Tourist

Recommended by Martha from Quirky Globetrotter

Nowadays, travel is often painted as an Instagrammable pastime. Yet, there is a surge of tourists who are looking for quite the opposite and want to see the not-so-glamorous parts of the world. We’re not talking off the beaten path. We’re talking more about what happens behind closed doors and what rumors try to speculate. The trend of traveling and diving into the taboo and unknown comes to life in the Netflix show, “ Dark Tourist .”

Whether it’s visiting radioactive nuclear sites or learning about gruesome assassinations, it’s the sense of forbiddenness or coveted secrets that these tourists ache for. Have you ever wondered why people are so enthralled by serial killer documentaries? The same thrill takes place in these destinations. (Don’t worry, there’s a Jeffrey Dahmer tour for you true crime aficionados.) Dark tourism profits off exposing the occult or veiled history of these locales.

Recommended by Laura from What’s Hot?

Our Planet is one of David Attenborough’s latest documentary series and was made directly for Netflix. Like all his other series, this one is beautifully shot, highly informative and well-loved by all the family. What sets One Planet apart from some of the others however is the focus upon how human life and global warming are destroying these natural havens. Attenborough takes us to some of the most beautiful and peaceful places on Earth before showing us the tragic consequences that have left other, similar areas barren wastelands.

Alternating between land and sea, you’ll go to the desert, the depths of the ocean, the jungles and the coast. This is an important one for avid travellers because it will jointly inspires us to travel more of the world’s secluded locations but also to do so in a way which doesn’t disturb our planet.

Emily in Paris

Recommended by Matilda

Emily in Paris is about a young American woman who lands a job in a Parisian marketing firm. The show was created by the same person as Sex and The City and has a similar vibe only instead of New York heavily features Paris. It is fun, somewhat campy and an easy watch. While I wouldn’t recommend it as an entirely accurate portrayal of French culture, the scenery is absolutely beautiful and reminds me why Paris is one of my all-time favorite cities.

Best Travel Shows on TV, Amazon Prime Video and Other Streaming Services

The following travel shows and series are available on TV, Amazon Prime Video and/or various streaming services (such as Hulu).

Related: Best Credit Cards to Use For Amazon Purchases

An Idiot Abroad

Recommended by Haley Plotkin, Ready Set Jet Set

An Idiot Abroad is a hysterical British travel docu-series following Karl Pilkington, a man that one could call an “idiot savant”. What everyone has to know about Karl is, he really does not like to travel. Knowing this, his friends Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, who one may know as famous British comedic actors, send Karl on epic adventures all across the world, with some twists and pranks along the way. These are the kind of trips that most people would kill for, but to Karl, he’d rather be home with a cup of tea. One of the highlights of the show is the Karl-isms along the way, such as: “The Great Pyramid is overrated. It’s a bad design. The lounge is going to be huge, but the bedroom is going to be tiny.” This is really not your typical travel show, and that’s what makes it a must-watch!

Where to Watch: This show is a few years old, so it is not currently airing anywhere in the US (it was created for Sky TV in the UK). In the US, you can buy it digitally on platforms such as Amazon Prime , Vudu , and iTunes .

The Layover

Recommended by Paula Morgan from Expert Abroad

The Layover was just one of the many travel shows that featured everyone’s favourite food traveller Anthony Bourdain. It aired for three seasons between 2011-2013 and after watching the very first episode on a 48-hour visit to New York it will likely change the way you travel forever.

No longer will you book the fastest trip to your destination. A stopover is not viewed as a hardship it is now something to embrace. The series covered 20 cities and racing against the clock Bourdain showed the audience the best things to eat, see and do, usually with a knowledgeable local as his sidekick.

The pace at times seems a little exhausting and you may not manage to cover as much in your 24 hours as the pro’s do but they make it easy for you to pick a few things for your next visit.

The team covered almost all of the main transit hubs across Asia, Europe and the USA including Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco and NYC. Next time you find a cheap flight because of a long stopover check the series list and start making some plans.

Where to Watch: You can watch The Layover on Amazon Prime or The Travel Channel . Some episodes are also on YouTube .

Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown

Recommended by Arrianne Guzman from Travel Habeat

Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown is a travel and food show featuring an amazing chef exploring destinations less traveled by. As it inspires you to explore off-the-beaten paths, you’ll delve into intricate cultures, rich history, and beautiful people. You’d realize that a dish is more than what goes in a plate, it’s about tradition, heritage, and way of living. Catch Anthony tries a delectable Filipino dish called sisig and a scrumptious dessert fondly named “halo-halo” while grasping how the Philippines spend an extended Christmas season. Unravel with him the complicated past of Koreatown in Los Angeles and see what it was like to grow up Korean American. Or maybe you’d agree with him how a salad of fermented tea leaves can taste good in Myanmar.

Where to Watch: An original CNN series, it is available in digital media platforms including Amazon Prime , iTunes, and Vudu .

Expedition Unknown

Recommended by Albi from Ginger Around the Globe

Expedition Unknown is a TV show that will sparkle the heart of every traveler, who loves history. Josh Gates will take you around the globe and at the same time, you will see him and other archeologists, solving ancient mysteries. You will get to know about Kruger treasure, where is the tomb of last Inka king and more Indiana Jones mysteries like this. So you will see all kinds of places and at the same time, know their history and local culture. It is very informative, fun and wanderlusty.

Where to Watch: You can watch the show on the Discovery Channel or on the Travel Channel . If you prefer streaming services, you can also find the show on Hulu or Amazon Prime Video .

Rick Steves Travel Series

Recommended by Noel Morata from Travel Photo Discovery

One of my favorite travel shows that turned me onto traveling was watching the PBS travel programs with Rick Steve’s. Primarily focused on travels in Europe, Rick Steve’s showcased an amazing series of places to visit around Europe and each lovely country. He initially visits a destination and hops around with a local expert to show the highlights, enjoy some local food and drink and see some cultural treasures along with connecting with locals, merchants and everyday people. It makes it so fascinating to watch his programs and really shows audiences the connection with people, place, culture and food makes traveling to Europe so wonderful and fun. Rick Steve’s has created a lot of guide books about individual countries that you can purchase or just watch his TV series on PBS for inspiration for planning a trip to a specific country in Europe that has always been on your bucklist of places to visit. So if you are looking for inspiration about a particular country with all the bells and whistles of what makes each area so unique and special, check out any of his programs on TV. You’ll be hooked and wanting to binge watch all of his programs in a row.

Where to Watch: On TV at PBS and Amazon Prime Video

Booze Traveler

Recommended by Megan Starr

One of the best shows to watch for those that love combining travel with beverages and food is Booze Traveler, a show by The Travel Channel that showcases a host traveling around the world in search for special alcoholic drinks in countries that he visits. I actually helped with a couple of the episodes back in the day (Lithuania and Armenia ) and it really brought to light how many unique drinks exist in every place that you travel! They travel across the globe from Hawaii to Armenia to Nepal and beyond. It is a really refreshing show!

Where to Watch: The best way to watch Booze Traveler is to catch reruns on-demand from The Travel Channel in the US. You can watch it on Amazon Prime Video .

Recommended by Coni from Experiencing the Globe

Three Canadian friends decide to leave the Great White North behind and explore the world. They pack a bag, say goodbye to friends and family, and off they go. The initial plan is to spend a year traveling, but it quickly transforms into three whole years.

They spend a month in India, another in Japan, another in New Zealand. As they start feeling more comfortable on the road, the push their own boundaries and head to tougher destinations, like Libya and North Korea. They explore Greenland during winter, meet ancient tribes in Papua New Guinea and travel across the different scientific bases of Antarctica .

It’s impossible not to get inspired with the tons of wanderlust Departure sends our way.

Where to Watch: Available on Apple iTunes and Hoopla .

James May: Our Man in Japan

Recommended by Emma from Emma Jane Explores

Top Gear’s James May might seem like a strange choice for a travel show host, but the bumbling Englishman is an endearing host as he takes viewers on a comprehensive trip around Japan from North to South. Always happy to throw himself into any bizarre situation, Our Man in Japan sees May participate in all sorts of activities from dog sledding in Hokkaido to painting Mount Fuji with a renowned Japanese artist. Streaming on Amazon Prime, Our Man in Japan covers a whole lot of unique quirks that make the country a must-travel destination for all kinds of traveller types. Whether you’re a first timer to Japan or a serial visitor, Our Man in Japan will make you all kinds of eager to get back over to the land of the rising sun soon.

Where to Watch: You can watch on Amazon Prime Video only.

Planet Earth

Recommended by Roshni from The Wanderlust Within

The award-winning, BBC documentary series, Planet Earth was first shown in 2006. It took four years to film, using 71 cameramen in 64 different countries. The series was the most expensive nature documentary series ever commissioned by the BBC and the first to be filmed in high definition. The 11 episode series is narrated by David Attenborough and celebrates the natural world in a way you’ve never seen it before. Each episode features a different biome or habitat on Earth and lasts 50 minutes plus an extra 10 minutes of behind the scenes footage showing the challenges of filming the episode.

Ten years after the first series, Planet Earth II was released showing how animals meet the challenges of surviving in the most iconic habitats on earth. A third sequel is planned to air in 2022.

Where to Watch: All 11 episodes of Planet Earth , and all 6 episodes of Planet Earth II are available for streaming on BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video and iTunes.

Samantha Brown: Places to Love

Recommended by Francesca Makana of Homeroomtravel

Samantha Brown has been an icon in the travel world for my entire life. Back in the day, she was best known for her Passport series . Present-day she hosts Samantha Brown: Places to Love. In this show, Brown showcases some lesser-known destinations, like the Texas Hill Country, and covers things to do in that area. Although she does still cover larger, well-known cities, such as Shanghai, she will not just list the main tourist sites. Instead, she interacts with the locals and finds unique things to do in that location.

Where to Watch: Viewers can catch Places to Love on PBS and select episodes on the PBS website .

Joanna Lumley’s Silk Road Adventure

Recommended by Emily from Wander-Lush

There are few parts of the world that inspire wanderlust more than Central Asia. In this 2018 miniseries, British actress and supermodel, Joanna Lumley (you may recognize her from the 1990s comedy sitcom Absolutely Fabulous) retraces parts of the fabled Silk Road trading route from the perspective of a tourist.

Over four episodes, she travels from Venice to Uzbekistan via Iran, Turkey, Georgia and Azerbaijan, visiting caravanserais, fire temples and bazaars along the way. This series brings to life the cross-pollination of ideas and influences that characterizes this part of the world where East intersects with West.

Lumley’s dry British humor and insatiable curiosity make her a terrific host. Even if you’re never considered visiting Central Asia and the Caucasus before, this series will inspire you to follow the footsteps of Marco Polo on one of the most epic overland journeys of all time.

Where to Watch: Joanna Lumley’s Silk Road Adventure is currently available to stream via Amazon Prime UK . Some episodes are also on YouTube .

Recommended by Ruby from A Journey We Love

Travel Man is a 30 minute British TV show hosted by Richard Ayoade shown on Channel 4 (UK). Each week, he travels with someone for a quick getaway (48-72 hours) and breaks down tourist sites, what to eat, facts about the city and banters around with his co-presenter for the week. For people living abroad, you can watch some of the shows on Channel 4’s website, and there are also full episodes available on Travel Man’s official YouTube channel . What makes the show interesting is that the host, Richard Ayoade, is not a big traveler nor is he a big fan of trying new things. It makes for a great perspective on how to plan quick weekend getaways for those who are planning trips with people who don’t like to travel and how to make it interesting for them. It also makes the series very funny because watching the host’s reactions and monologues is absolutely priceless.

Where to Watch: For people living abroad, you can watch some of the shows on Channel 4’s website, and there are also full episodes available on Travel Man’s official YouTube channel . You can also find episodes on Amazon Prime Video .

The Amazing Race

Recommended by us

The Amazing Race is our favorite travel show and we have been watching it from the beginning. The American reality competition show has aired 32 seasons on CBS since its premiere in 2001. If you enjoy the drama of reality competition shows and are also a travel lover then you will love The Amazing Race . Each season takes place in a few different countries and in total The Amazing Race has visited over 90 different countries and six continents. Teams of two people (usually couples, friends, or family members) race around the world, solving clues and completing tasks and challenges along the way. Relationships are tested and there are sometimes arguments between teammates and with other teams. The last team to finish each leg is eliminated until three teams race to the finish line in order to win $1 million. Fun fact: We actually applied to be on the show as a sisters team (more than ten years ago and long before we started this blog) but alas we were not chosen!

Where to Watch: You can stream old seasons of the Amazing Race on CBS All Access , Amazon Prime Video and various streaming services such as Hulu .

Did your favorite travel show or series make the list?

Some good recommendations on this list for sure. James May also has some other travel shows that can be found on Netflix, Youtube, etc. Although it’s a Vlog and not a true TV show I would add Kara and Nate’s Vlog show from Youtube. They have visited over a 100 countries and it’s one of the best. If you’ve never watched them, just start with their first show and binge watch it through to today.

Thanks for the suggestion. Will check them out!

I’ll recommend a few new ones. AppleTV has “Long Way Up” from the “Long Way Down” and “Long Way Around” fame. Actor Ewan McGregor and his friend, Charley Boorman from the tip of South America to Los Angeles on electric Harley Davidson motorcycles. I pretty much hate AppleTV+ but this show is so very good. You might check out Max&Lee on Youtube which has recently continued on with Max&Occy. This is one of many Vanlife travel vlogs but it’s better than most. Start at the beginning with Max & Lee and work your way forward for good binge-watching. I will also add in a bonus travel vlog from YouTube and that is Sergio & Rhoda in Isreal. This couple travels around Isreal and shows details about various historical sites with a local flair. Very interesting for those that enjoy this region.

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17 Best Travel Shows on Netflix Right Now

Why do we travel? To learn, experience, know about new cultures, visit amazing sites, and of course, to taste local cuisines. But for most of us, frequent travel is not an option, thanks to our busy lives. So, what’s the other option? Virtual indulgence, correct? And which platform can offer you a never-ending list of credible travel shows? Netflix, no doubt! So, here’s the list of really good travel shows on Netflix that are available to stream right now:

17. A Cook Abroad (2015)

A cooking-cum-travel show, ‘A Cook Abroad’ is a BBC television program in which each episode features one celebrity chef who explores a particular country to discover its popular local recipes. It debuted in 2015 on BBC and its sole aim is to focus on delicious regional food specialties from different corners of the world. The summary reads as “Six cooks, six countries, six incredible journeys “, which perfectly covers the gist of the docu-series. The countries featured on the program are Egypt, India, Argentina, France, Malaysia, and Australia.

16. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown (2013)

Anthony Bourdain, who is an Emmy-award-winning host, runs this eight-season show, namely ‘ Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown’. Each episode in this series, which has a run time of 60 minutes, features Bourdain travelling to various parts of the globe to “eat and drink with people without fear and prejudice”. The show is rich, informative, and highly unique as it explores cultures rarely shown on American TV, like the remotest parts of Congo, Libya and Myanmar. Other places covered include Colombia, Peru, Morocco and Korea Town, Los Angeles

15. I’ll Have What Phil’s Having (2015)

‘ I’ll Have What Phil’s Having ‘ is a food cum travel documentary series . It features producer Phil Rosenthal as he visits numerous places around the world in search of culinary specialties and unusual cuisines. In order to discover the rarest of regional dishes, he embarks on interesting adventures to visit artisans, markets, vineyards and farmers. Every one hour long episode not only introduces you to indigenous people who are keeping their traditions alive, but also highlights individuals who are creating new cultures . The series even features famous celebrity appearances, which makes it even more engaging.

14. Monty Don’s Italian Gardens (2011)

‘Monty Don’s Italian Gardens’ features garden expert Monty Don, who visits different gardens in Italy. If you didn’t know already, Italian gardens are one of the most mesmerizing treasures in the world. From the Renaissance era, these beautiful plantations have inspired many a landscape designer. And well, this show explores the history and people involved in the creation of these legendary gardens. In his journey, Monty Don uses vivid imagery, detailed descriptions, and outstanding photography to give viewers a virtual tour around Italy. Apart from this, he also gives information about the area’s local food habits, politics, religion and weather conditions. Altogether, this is a highly enriching watch and hence, definitely deserves a mention on our list.

13. Rock the Park (2014)

‘Rock the Park’ gives you a detailed insight into the several natural parks of the US. Hosted by Jack Steward and Colton Smith, whose sole mission is to visit, explore, and learn about every national park in America, this show definitely increases our adrenaline rush. The duo pushes all physical boundaries and limits as they tread across offbeat paths and embark on crazy adventures to travel to some of the most striking destinations on our planet. Watch it and you will be definitely inspired to learn more about your country’s green beauties.

12. The Kindness Diaries (2017)

A Netflix Original , ‘The Kindness Diaries’ is a documentary television series that premiered in 2017 and stars Leon Logothetis as the host. In this rare concept of a show, he travels to various parts of the world and relies only on the kindness of strangers in order to seek food, shelter, and gas. He uses a different vehicle in each season for his journeys, which can be a classic motorcycle with a sidecar or a vintage Volkswagen Beetle convertible. Travelling from Alaska to Argentina, he does not accept money, listens to the stories of strangers, and helps them out in their problems.

11. Somebody Feed Phil (2018)

You must already know Philip Rosenthal as the developer for the popular, long-running sitcom ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’. Now, this same individual features as the host of ‘ Somebody Feed Phil’ , a show wherein Phil takes viewers on a virtual gastronomical tour across the world. He is accompanied by his friends and family and they together visit cities such as Tel Aviv, Mexico City, New Orleans and Bangkok to taste the regional cuisine and experience their native culture.

10. The Moaning of Life (2013)

‘The Moaning of Life’, a British travel documentary comedy television series, chronicles the journeys of Karl Pilkington, as he travels around the globe to explore different cultures. In his visits, he tries to understand how the residents of one particular country handle momentous issues with the help of their cultures and customs. Along the way, he also reassesses his own life as a middle aged man. The regions featured on the show include Ghana, India, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, the Philippines, South Africa, Taiwan, and the United States. In one rare story arc, you can also see Pilkington contemplating death with the locals in the Philippines after Typhoon Haiyan struck in November 2013.

9. Chug (2014)

Starring the comic, witty, and charming Zane Lamprey as the host, ‘Chug’ defines what this particular person loves doing best — travelling and exploring. After running as the show runner for the popular program “Three Sheets,” he began this documentary series which tracks him while he visits watering holes, breweries, distilleries, and wineries in every corner of the world. He does this with an aim to befriend fellow drinkers and try regional spirits and culture. He goes from Australia to Kuala Lumpur, where he realizes that having a drink with local folks is the best way to understand their local culture. In this show, his primary mode of transportation is trains.

8. Stephen Fry in America (2008)

A six part BBC TV series, ‘Stephen Fry in America’ features host Stephen Fry who travels across the US, mainly in a London cab, covering all the 50 states and Washington DC. In his visits, he shows us how each of these states are so different from each other in terms of culture, cuisines, and food habits. It aired in the UK, the United States, and Australia, making it one of the most successful and high rated programs in the genre of travel shows. Some episodes of the series also feature famous personalities as special guests, such as Sting, Jimmy Wales, Morgan Freeman, Buddy Guy, and Ted Turner.

7. Scam City (2012)

A travel + escape show, ‘Scam City’ is yet another travel television series that first aired in June 2012. After that, it also premiered on the National Geographic Channel and on Nat Geo People in Australia. In each episode of this documentary, host Conor Woodman embarks on a quest to explore some of the globe’s most famous cities. However, he takes a rather unique approach in his travels. He tries to expose the darker side of tourism in these destinations. For example, he meets with shady people such as fraudulent cab drivers, pimps, and pocket jewelers. He intentionally plays the victim in front of these scammers, with an aim to unravel there schemes, such as thefts, expensive cab fares, and luring people with the temptation of adult entertainment at a very steep price.

6. Salt Fat Acid Heat (2018)

‘ Salt Fat Acid Heat’ is essentially a cooking show , but it is heavily based on travel. Starring Samin Nosrat, it is adapted from the non-fiction book with the same name and premiered on Netflix on October 11, 2018. As the name suggests, each episode of the four part series focuses on one particular element from the four elements of successful cooking, namely salt, fat, acid, and heat. Nosrat travels to a certain location in every episode and shows how that particular element is used in that region in its local cuisines. You can watch it here .

5. The Mekong River With Sue Perkins (2014)

‘The Mekong River with Sue Perkins’ features Sue Perkins as the show runner, who sets off on a journey up the Mekong River, the largest river in South East Asia. In this entertaining and illuminating series, she explores how this water body, also called ‘Mother of Water’, sustains millions of people residing by the paddy fields of Vietnam to the mountains of the Tibetan Plateau. In her quest, Sue Perkins travels for nearly 3,000 miles upstream, across Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and China, and continues to progress toward the Mekong’s source, which lies high somewhere in the Himalayan glacier.

Read More: Best Paranormal Shows on Netflix

4. Dark Tourist (2018)

Usually, people like to travel to destinations that are popular, hyped, happy, and beautiful. But there are some rare tourists who hold a special interest in spots that have a history of death and tragedy. In ‘Dark Tourist’, journalist David Farrier explores just that. He highlights this particular subset of tourism, which is referred to as dark tourism. Each episode shows Farrier traveling to locations that might not be everyone’s cup of tea. For example, in one episode, he takes part in the activities of a death-worshiping cult in Mexico. In yet another part, he witnesses tourists soaking up radiation left behind in Fukushima. Other episodes show him meeting vampires in New Orleans and visiting the most-nuked place on Earth for atomic swimming and fishing.

3. Jack Whitehall: Travels With My Father (2017)

In this comic and witty travel show, the jovial and funny Jack Whitehall partners with his stuffy father and embark on adventures. What makes this program so interesting is the queer dynamics between the two contrasting individuals. The pair go on a trip through Southeast Asia with an aim to deepen their bonds . Along the way, they participate and experience several adventures together, including attending an elephant polo match in Bangkok and taking a primitive train ride in Cambodia. After the trip is over, both dad and son reflect on their relationship.

2. Larry Charles’ Dangerous World of Comedy (2019)

In ‘Larry Charles’ Dangerous World of Comedy’, host and comedy writer cum director Larry Charles goes to different corners of the world in order to understand the varying definitions of comedy in their cultures. The show covers countries such as Iran, India, Russia and China, where he interacts with some of the unlikeliest comics to gauge the depth of the comedy world.

Read More: Best Survival Shows on Netflix

1. Escape to the Continent (2014)

‘Escape to the Continent’ offers another unique concept to the genre of travel shows. Here, the hosts take the prospective buyers on visits to different houses in the country. These buyers usually wish for more room, cleaner air and less noise in their properties. And our hosts guides the city dwellers through amazing spots in the serene, beautiful countryside, while they choose their dream homes.

12 Travel Shows On Netflix That Allow You To Take A Virtual Tour Of The World

If you're a lover of travel who enjoys watching documentaries, this one's for you. these travel shows on netflix will have you hooked.

By: Anushka Goel Published: Aug 09, 2022 01:59 PM IST

12 Travel Shows On Netflix That Allow You To Take A Virtual Tour Of The World

Ever since OTT platforms such as Netflix have launched, an increasing number of people are turning to their subscriptions to watch documentaries – on nature, travel, food, health, crime and more. And in case you’re a travel buff, these travel shows on Netflix are some you will surely love. By Anushka Goel

Travel is something that soothes the soul and sparks creativity. It helps us visit places and learn about new cultures in ways that we never thought were possible. Apart from this, it also helps us build on a bank of knowledge and deep-rooted respect for cultures from across the world .

What’s also equally interesting and knowledgeable is watching documentaries. Be it on nature, travel, crime, law, or more, documentaries cater to the edutainment segment, offering entertainment and a lot of knowledge, all in a span of an hour or a little more.

If you’re a travel and adventure buff, we’re sure you love watching travel-based content, too. Whether it is shows on TV or films and documentaries on OTT platforms, there’s no dearth of content to keep you hooked for hours. So, in case you are interested, these travel shows on Netflix will keep you on the edge of your seats with the thrill, while they also enrich you and impart knowledge and information like none other.

Travel shows on Netflix to add to your watchlist now

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nirmal Purja MBE – NIMSDAI (@nimsdai)

Based on the story of Nirmal (Nims or Nimsdai) Purja, 14 Peaks is a great documentary for adventure enthusiasts who love mountaineering (or want to try the same). The documentary covers Nims as he aims to climb all 14 of the 8,000 metre + peaks in a record seven months.

Dark Tourist

Dark Tourist takes you to places that are known for their tragic past. Among the popular travel shows on Netflix, this one takes you on a journey with journalist David Farrier, who visits places that you’d not think of travelling to in your wildest dreams! Be it sunbathing in Fukushima or death worshipping in Mexico, he does it all, and documents the entire journey for you.

Expedition Happiness

A road trip across North America, Expedition Happiness is a documentary based on the travels of a filmmaker and his musician girlfriend, along with their pooch. Their caravan travel will make you want to pack your bags and book your own van (or transform a bus into one!) and go road-tripping across the country like nobody’s business!

Jack Whitehall: Travels With My Father

Ace comedian Jack Whitehall, in this unusual show, travels with his father. The series is complete with anecdotes, cute moments, travels and of course, loads of laughter. With silly humour and emotional farewells, Jack Whitehall: Travels With My Father is undoubtedly among the best travel shows that you will watch on Netflix.

Street Food

One of the greatest delights of travel is exploring the culinary delights each new place has to offer. And no, we don’t mean dining at the fanciest of restaurants. In many countries and cultures across the world, a region’s soul can be found in its street food, and the series Street Food explores just that. Its various seasons focus on different countries and regions, and will be sure to have you hooked from the get go!

Tales By Light

Tales By Light is a unique take on a travel show. How? It talks about the story behind some popular photographs of Australia and North America! The series is great for travellers to explore stunning destinations and for photographers to pick up a few tips and understand what goes behind the making of a picture.

Home2Home documents Dennis Kailing, a young German rider, travelling across 41 countries over 761 days on a solo bike journey . Kailing wants to break free from his monotonous life, and goes on a journey to explore the world and make peace with himself. His trip, across 44,000 kilometres, allows him to meet people, make memories and get learnings that will stay with him for a lifetime.

Biking Borders

If slow travelling and biking are what interest you, Biking Borders will be a sureshot visual treat! Two young friends set off on a 15,000-kilometre bicycle tour, with a dream in mind – collecting funds to build a school in Guatemala. The friends cover some stunning destinations, and their journey will surely serve as inspiration – not just for travel, but for all walks of life.

Down To Earth with Zac Efron

Down To Earth With Zac Efron is a web documentary series that seeks to explore lifestyles that are sustainable, eco-friendly and nature-oriented. The docuseries takes its host, actor Zac Efron, across various countries including France, Greece, Costa Rica and Puerto Rico, where he explores sustainability practices adopted by some of these major towns and cities. Though the series has had tepid reviews, it makes for a good watch for a beginner into travel shows as well as sustainability.

72 Dangerous Places To Live

Across the world, there are villages, towns and cities that are located on (or near) sites that are hazardous and dangerous. In 72 Dangerous Places To Live , the hosts explore why people live in places that have poisonous water, frequent earthquakes, live volcanoes and more, and understand their lifestyles and ways of living.

Our Great National Parks

The picturesque docuseries stars former USA president Barack Obama as he explores some of the most stunning national parks across the world. From Kenya to Chile, Australia and more, he covers some of the most stunning destinations, that will paint the most beautiful picture for you. It makes for a fun watch if you’re looking for something informative, but not highly educational.

The eight-part travel show on Netflix, narrated by David Attenborough, combines the spectacular photography of Planet Earth while offering deep insight into some of the most stunning wildlife and natural sites available in the world.

Hero and Featured Image: Courtesy of @nimsdai/Instagram

Related: Meet Suyash Keshari, The 25-Year-Old Award-Winning Wildlife Photographer Who’s Spent A Decade Amid Wildlife And Nature!

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Anushka Goel

Anushka has previously worked with publications such as the Times of India and Being Indian. A graduate from Xavier Institute of Communications, she specialises in entertainment, food and travel. She also likes to write about sustainability and beauty. When not working, you can catch her reading a book, tending to her plants, cooking or playing an instrument. Read Less

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The Best Travel Shows Of All Time (TV, Netflix, Amazon Prime & More)

If you are like me and always yearning to travel, then one of the best ways to do this from home is to watch amazing travel shows on TV.

Over the years I have spent way too much of my spare time consuming every travel show under the sun. And, I thought it was high time I shared some of them with you.

So, without further ado, here are some of the best travel shows on TV – whether it be DVD, Netflix or Amazon.

1. Long Way Round

I remember watching the Long Way Round years ago (2004), which is still clear in my memory. The world-famous Ewan McGregor and one of his best friends Charlie Boorman, pursue their passion for BMW motorbikes and adventure travel and head east from London, as far as possible.

The journey was nearly 19 thousand miles (33,000 kms) and took them through Europe, overland through Asia (Russia, Kazakhstan and Mongolia) to the USA and New York.

Of course, they do take a crew with them, but this is hardcore overland travel at its best. No script, all the hardships are shown. Boy, they had a difficult time in some parts of Asia!

Update: They have the latest episode in this series, Long Way Up, which features the boys riding from Ushuaia in Argentina to Los Angeles. This is more or less the classic Pan-American Highway route that travelers love!

2. Long Way Down

Following on from the 2004 success, Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman set out again in 20017. This time North to South from Scotland to Cape Town in the Long Way Down . This is yet another infamous overland route and also not a simple one.

Many of the roads and countries in Africa are not in the same state as their European counterparts, so they had some challenges with their suspension. They also had quite some adventures and exciting visits, even with presidents!

If you liked the first one of the series, then this is an equally good follow-up.

It’s also available on Amazon.

Below is a quick intro to the show. It’s worth taking a look.

3. Anthony Bourdain (Parts Unknown, No Reservations, A Cook’s Tour & The Layover)

With the sad news of his recent passing, how can I not include one of the food travel show classics from Anthony Bourdain and his team at CNN? This series was still being filmed at the time of this death, and they have since tried to finalise it without being able to use him for voiceovers. However, there is so much material in this series, you won’t be stressed looking for things to watch.

Anthony was actually made famous by his book, Kitchen Confidential , where he revealed how things work in the restaurant business. I actually read this book over 20 years ago, long before I even realised he was on TV.

Parts Unknown is a unique take on travel from Anthony where he visits various countries around the world that interest him and explores all the great food they have on offer. But, he does not go for the classy restaurants and showy food, he looks for the best of what locals enjoy.

And dives right in himself! It’s super-inspiring to see someone so famous get down and dirty and have absolutely zero pretence. He loves food. He loves people. And he loves to travel. What more could you ask for in a TV Show.

Some of the series from Parts Unknown is available on Amazon .

As are some of his older series like No Reservations , A Cook’s Tour , The Layover

And here is a quick preview of season 7 from CNN.

4. Departures – with Scott Wilson and Justin Lukach

Two best friends from Canada decide they need a little excitement in their lives and head off for a year of adventure. They end up exploring vast areas of the world and looking for as many unique experiences as possible.

The series is quite in-depth, covering 43 episodes , and almost as many countries. And by the time you have finished it, I will be surprised if you don’t just get up and go traveling yourself.

You can grab it on Bluray on Amazon.

Here is a quick intro to the series.

5. Simon Reeve Travels

I absolutely love to watch Louis Theroux on TV. His bumbling, almost nerd-like charm somehow disarms all the crazy nut-jobs that he interviews.

Simon Reeve, at least to me, seems like his equal in the BBC travel world. He is not a gung-ho daring, Tom Cruise look-alike. He is a down-to-earth, easy-to-like, bumbling reporter who takes to the most interesting places on earth. And makes you fall in love with them all as much as he does.

We have started watching some of his earlier shows. We have started with his crazy trip around the Equator. But some of the others are available on the BBC (if you live in the UK) including such trips as: the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Australia, Africa, Colombia and many more.

Here is a quick intro to the Caribbean series.

6. Rick Steves Travel Series

Another prolific traveler and creator of travel-related content both on and offline is Rick Steves. If you type in many European-related travel searches in Google, you will often find his website in the top ten.

He seems to have been everywhere worldwide and made a TV show about most of it. He appeals to an older demographic in my opinion, as his commentary is a little stiffer, but you can certainly learn a lot from this guy.

You can check them out on his website.

And below is an intro to Season 9 of his European series.

7. Michael Palins (Various Adventures around the world)

Michael Palin, a former Monty Python member and Jon Cleese, has been producing top-notch travel series for years and is a little more old-school than Rick Steves. His shows focus on longer adventures, similar to A Long Way Round, although perhaps not as challenging.

They are fun to watch, and you certainly get to see some of the lesser-explored regions of the world. Although some of these series will be a little dated by now – I remember watching some decades ago!

And just as I said that I took a look and saw he has since made some new series on Channel 5 in the UK, including a trip into the forbidden land of North Korea !

Michael Palin’s Around the World in 80 Days

8. An Idiot Abroad

Venturing into a little bit of Travel Comedy, An Idiot Abroad is the brainchild of the creator of the British (original) The Office, along with a few co-creators. The idea is to send someone who has almost never left their town, let alone lifestyle and send them to some very foreign destinations.

Along the way, they experience some extremely challenging destinations and situations all in the name of broadening their horizons. Karl Pilkington will never be the same again, and maybe neither will you.

You can grab Season 1 and Season 2 on Amazon.

Here is a quick Best Of from the China episode to give you a taste of the show.

9. Travel Man with Richard Ayoade

Another long-running comedy travel show from the UK, Travel Man is very short episode focused on 48 hours in various cities, mainly in Europe. Of course, now that he is on about his 10th season, he has started to venture a little further afield. Apart from his sarcasm, one of the best things about the show for me is the wacky things he (or his team) finds in every location. Not your run-of-the-mill tourist attractions.

Each episode is extremely sarcastic and accompanied by another usually British comedian, so people outside the UK may have trouble laughing or even understanding what he is saying. His accent is strong and his vocabulary is broad. You might have seen him as one of the wacky IT experts in t he IT Crowd (which you can see on Netflix ), a little like the British version of Silicon Valley, albeit filmed years before.

There are various seasons up for grabs on Amazon .

If you want to see if it’s up to your alley, here is a quick taste of Richard with some of his fellow comedians on the show.

10. Top Gear

Intended as a bit of a petrolhead’s show about cars, Top Gear has also done a significant amount of travel-related shows over the years too. From the drives down the most dangerous roads in the world to almost killing themselves in places like Switzerland. Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May will show you a great time on the road and while traveling.

You can check out Season 1 here on Amazon and other seasons that follow.

11. Joanna Lumley’s Travel Series

Joanna Lumley became famous back in the 70s, but for me, she became even more famous for her role in Absolutely Fabulous. Since then, she has traveled and filmed it all for us. She has also done a “making of” series that I enjoyed. She may seem very posh and British when you first see her shows, but if you love sarcasm and comedy then just wait a bit and she will deliver!

Here is a list of her extensive travel shows you can catch on BBC or other online streaming services:

Joanna Lumley’s Hidden Caribbean
Joanna Lumley in the Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon
Joanna Lumley in the Land of the Northern Lights
Joanna Lumley’s Japan
Joanna Lumley: The Quest For Noah’s Ark
Joanna Lumley’s India
Jennifer & Joanna: Absolutely Champers

The Best Travel Shows On Netflix

Netflix is a bit of a special category in this post because they don’t have many of the more famous shows above at the moment.

12. Dark Tourist

One of the more recent and perhaps more infamous trends in travel right now is called Dark Tourism. With the recent airing of the series about Chornobyl, it seems to have accelerated even more.

One wacky New Zealand traveler, David Farrier heads to some quirky and sometimes dangerous locations in eight episodes of Dark Tourist , which sees him head to most continents. From the recent Japanese nuclear disaster to perhaps shooting a cow in Cambodia, he tries it all.

13. Street Food: Asia

If you like to combine mouth-watering food and travel, a popular past-time, then this is a recent addition to Netflix that I am currently devouring. It shows you some amazing chefs who are almost always out on the street and serving the locals with something of an obsession. From Thailand to India, you get to see it all – no-frills cooking from some of the best street food vendors in the world.

14. Tales By Light

Another show I have been checking out lately is Tales By Light , a travel and photography-based series up to season 3. It follows a famous Australian photographer all around the world, delving into the lives of the people he meets and how he experiences travel through the lens.

15. Jack Whitehall: Travels with my Father

A show I have not had a chance to see, but it certainly looks like a travel comedy worth checking out. It involves a comedian and his stuffy father taking far-flung adventures to foreign lands and trying to teach each other a thing or two.

16. Somebody Feed Phil

A more modern version of a travel & food show, Somebody Feed Phil , is about exploring the places and food no one talks about. Phil is quite the quirky and loveable character, so you will either love him or loathe him. I watched half the first season and did not fall in love with it. However, given that Netflix has commissioned 6 seasons of the show, there must be a lot of people who love it.

17. Conan Without Borders

Following famous TV night show host Conan O’Brien to some adventurous destinations around the world, this is yet another travel and comedy combination you won’t want to miss. From Haiti and Cuba to K-Pop in South Korea this is as wacky as it is travel.

18. Restaurants on the Edge

“Restaurants on the Edge” is a Canadian reality TV series premiered in 2020. It showcases chef Dennis Prescott, designer Karin Bohn, and restaurateur Nick Liberato assisting struggling restaurants in scenic, remote locations like seashores, lakes, and mountains. This is a little like Gordon Ramsay’s old show Kitchen Nightmares, but more travel related.

The goal of the visits on this show is to rejuvenate these places by integrating them with the local culture. Additionally, the show offers a travel experience, with episodes featuring the experts exploring local areas, meeting artisans, and tasting authentic local foods.

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About the author roger timbrook.

Roger is a little obsessed with travel. He has been to over 40 countries, broken 3 suitcases and owned over 10 backpacks in 12 months. What he doesn't know about travel, ain't worth knowing!

The Best Time Travel Shows to Watch on Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon, and More

We've all dreamed of living in another period

Caitriona Balfe and Sam Heughan, Outlander

At this point, there's no shortage of shows that deal with time travel in some capacity. It's a popular subject, and for good reason! Now more than ever you might be looking for an escape from your daily life, or from this era altogether, and no one in their right mind could blame you for that. If you're of the belief that existing in one timeline is overrated, you've arrived at the right list.

Some of the shows here are action-packed dramas, while others take a more whimsical approach to history, but all of them are absolutely binge-worthy masterpieces. Whether you want to travel back hundreds of years or just a couple of decades, you'll find the perfect time travel show recommendation in the list below!

Looking for more recommendations of what to watch next? We have a ton of them! And if you're looking for more hand-picked recommendations based on shows you love, we have those too .

Tom Hiddleston, Loki

Fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU for short) already know that Loki ( Tom Hiddleston ) is a master trickster. He is literally the god of mischief, and for years his role in these movies was relegated to villain, nuisance, and foil to his brother Thor (Chris Hemsworth), but with Loki , he races through time and space in a series that puts him at the forefront of his own story. The series is a crime thriller that follows an alternate version of Loki who stole the Tesseract in Avengers: Endgame , an event that basically broke reality. And, as these things go, it's now his responsibility to fix what he started. He's recruited by Owen Wilson 's Mobius M. Mobius at the mysterious Time Variance Authority (TVA) to travel through history and correct the timeline he messed up. The series is the closest thing to putting an actual comic book on screen, full of madcap twists and turns, and seemingly self-contained, without having to place so much emphasis on setting up for future MCU installments. - Allison Picurro [Watch on Disney+ ]

Jodie Whittaker, Doctor Who

This one is a gimme, but we'd be remiss if we didn't mention Doctor Who , and honestly, if you haven't watched this long-running British sci-fi series already, we're not sure you can even call yourself a fan of time travel. Doctor Who follows a centuries-old alien known as the Doctor who has the ability to regenerate and take on different faces (hence the "long-running" bit). The Doctor, currently portrayed by Jodie Whittaker , takes unsuspecting ladies (and a few dudes) on ridiculous trips through time and space. Yep, this one checks the space travel box too! If you do choose to watch Doctor Who though, be warned -- you will end up in a fight with someone on Tumblr about which Doctor is the best. It's unavoidable. [Watch on HBO Max ]

Eric McCormack, MacKenzie Porter, Nesta Cooper, Jared Abrahamson, and Reilly Dolman, Travelers

Netflix's Travelers , initially a co-production with Canada's Showcase, doesn't get even half the recognition it deserves for constructing impossibly complex time travel mythology that is still understandable and engaging for its audience, so we're recognizing it by putting it on this list. In the series, squads of elite soldiers travel to the present from hundreds of years in the future in order to change history and save the human race. If that doesn't sound cool enough, let us just add that they do so by sending their consciousnesses into the bodies of people about to die and assuming their identities. So. Freaking. Cool. [Watch on Netflix ]

Aaron Stanford and Amanda Schull, 12 Monkeys

Based on the 1995 movie with the same name, 12 Monkeys follows a time traveler who travels from 2043 to 2015 to stop a deadly virus from wiping out most of the planet's population. However, what starts out as a simple mission to the past turns into a mind-boggling journey through some of the biggest historical events of the 20th century and a pretty epic love story. This series really digs into the rules of time travel like causation and paradoxes, so while it may give you one of the aforementioned headaches, it's seriously worth it. [Watch on Hulu ]

DC's Legends of Tomorrow

Caity Lotz, Matt Ryan, Olivia Swan, Dominic Purcell and Nick Zano, DC Legends of Tomorrow

In a sea of series that focus on saving the world with time travel, DC's Legends of Tomorrow easily could have gotten lost in the shuffle. Luckily, this CW series quickly established itself as one part nonsense, two parts pure fun, which set it apart from all the rest. If you're looking for a lighter series to help you while the days away, this one is definitely for you. The Legends team does end up saving the world quite a few times, but most of the time they just wind up turning themselves into singing puppets or fighting giant stuffed animals. [Watch on Netflix ]

Caitriona Balfe and Sam Heughan, Outlander

If you're looking for something a little more romantic to binge-watch, Outlander is your ticket. This series follows Claire Beauchamp ( Caitriona Balfe ), an English WWII nurse who accidentally travels from 1945 back to 1743 while on a trip to Scotland with her husband ( Tobias Menzies ). Thrown into the past and desperate to get home, Claire finds herself embroiled in a Scottish uprising while slowly but surely falling in love with a ruggedly handsome redhead named Jamie Fraser ( Sam Heughan ). [Watch on Netflix , Starz , Hulu with Starz add-on , Amazon Prime with Starz add-on ]

Abigail Spencer, Malcolm Barrett, Matt Lanter; Timeless

Though Timeless was canceled twice , its devoted fanbase, known as Clockblockers, were so passionate that the NBC series ended up getting a two-hour series finale to wrap things up, so you won't have to worry about a cliffhanger ending. The show follows a history professor ( Abigail Spencer ), a soldier ( Matt Lanter ), and an engineer ( Malcolm Barrett ) who use a government-created time machine to track down a mysterious villain who is trying to rewrite American history. This series pairs the whimsy of DC's Legends of Tomorrow with the high stakes of 12 Monkeys , making it the perfect "middle of the road" option for time travel fans. [Watch on Hulu ]

Though it was canceled after just one season, we're still including Terra Nova on this list because DINOSAURS. Set in a dying world where overpopulation has humans on the brink of extinction, scientists have found a way to send people back in time to the Cretaceous Period where the air is breathable, food is plentiful, and the human race can start over. Unfortunately, it's also where dinosaurs are hungry for human flesh, so that's a problem. This show wasn't executed very well (hence its cancellation), but it's worth a watch anyway just to see hot people running away from raptors. [Watch on Amazon ]

Lost in Austen

Jemima Rooper, Elliot Cowan, Alex Kingston, Gemma Arterton, and Hugh Bonneville, Lost in Austen

When you're ready to take a break from all the action and adventure, Lost in Austen is a great time travel alternative. Rather than traveling through time per se, lead character Amanda Price ( Jemima Rooper ) travels into the world of her favorite novel, Pride & Prejudice . Caught up in the Georgian Era -- and the fictional lives of Mr. Darcy ( Elliot Cowan ) and the Bennet family -- Amanda unwittingly ends up as a character in the story she loves so dearly, and falling in love with Darcy herself. [Watch on BritBox ]

The critically acclaimed Netflix series Dark is not only a complicated time travel drama, it's also a German series, so get ready to turn those subtitles on! The series, which just wrapped up its third and final season, follows multiple generations of four interconnected families living in the German town of Winden (once you've finished the show, our family tree will help explain how everyone is connected ), which just so happens to be home to an underground tunnel and wormhole. Time travel and family drama make for an extremely complicated series (we don't recommend just having this one on in the background, folks), but once you get into it, you'll never look back. [Watch on Netflix ]

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On Location: Shot All Over Italy, Netflix's 'Ripley' Takes Us to Capri, Atrani, and More

By Emily Zemler

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Ripley , Steve Zaillian’s eight-episode adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s 1955 novel The Talented Mr. Ripley , takes its protagonist on a jet-setting tour of Italy . After the titular con man (Andrew Scott) is hired by a wealthy New York socialite to bring his son Dickie Greenleaf (Johnny Flynn) back from Europe, Tom finds himself immersed in a precarious game of cat and mouse with the Italian police when he takes on Dickie’s identity to access his money. The story takes Tom from Manhattan to Italy, where he spends time in Atrani , Rome , Naples , San Remo, Palermo, and Venice . The series shot in many of the real places, including the real seaside town that takes over for the novel’s fictional setting of Mongibello.

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Ripley follows the titular Tom (Andrew Scott) as he assumes the identity of a wealthy friend.

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No real train stations were used in the making of the series, with production designer David Gropman building a composite in a hall at the Esposizione Universale Roma.

“The model for the book is Positano,” Ripley production designer David Gropman explains of the popular coastal resort town, which is known for its steep, winding streets and vibrantly colored houses. “Patricia Highsmith used a different name for it, but it’s definitely Positano. The Hotel Miramare is a real hotel in Positano, but we shot it all in Atrani because Steve fell in love with Atrani.”

Due to pandemic delays, Gropman spent nearly two years in Italy between scouting and filming. Ripley was shot largely on location, with some sets built on soundstages. The episodes were filmed entirely in black and white as a reference to the cinema of the time period, and there was an emphasis on showcasing Italy’s impressive architecture. “It’s just all around you,” Gropman notes. “To be able to shoot in these wonderful buildings was an amazing experience.”

In total, Gropman estimates that Ripley was filmed in more than 200 locations in Italy and New York. Here he explains some of the key sets.

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Where the beloved 1999 movie adaptation was filmed largely in Ischia, the series is set in Atrani and films there as well as San Remo, Rome, and more.

Where did you film in New York City?

It gets harder and harder to do a period piece in New York City, so we scouted everywhere from Harlem to the Lower East Side . We ended up in Chinatown on Madison Street, which is just below the Manhattan Bridge, for Tom’s apartment. We used Mechanics Alley, which Tom walks through after he gets off the subway and feels he’s being followed. The antique store was in the West Village. It’s an empty space. The shipyard [where Dickie’s father works] was at the [Brooklyn] Navy Yard in an old warehouse space.

What locations did you use in Atrani?

The piazza [Piazzetta Umberto]. The exterior of Marge’s house. The beautiful beach. One of my favorite locations is the little post office, which was really a garage with strange proportions that just felt so right to me. I love the fact that it’s sitting in a little tunnel that runs through the town square. We also didn’t think we were going to put the bus stop [where Tom gets off] in Atrani. If you know the Amalfi coast at all, there's one two-lane road that runs through all of it, so being able to control traffic for the few scenes we had was not easy. But you get this fantastic view when Tom’s on the road looking back down into the square.

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Positano's Hotel Miramare was used as a model for Ripley's hotel in Atrani, the interior of which was actually a private home. The exterior was an entrance to a convent.

Where was your version of the real-life Hotel Miramare?

The exterior was an entrance to a convent in Atrani and the interior was a private home we stripped out and made into the hotel. It had that beautiful room on the corner, where Tom stays, and it looks out to the sea and to Dickie’s house.

Was Dickie’s house an actual villa?

It was actually a villa in Capri , Villa Torricella. We looked at a lot of possible villas and palazzi. We had seen something in Ischia, where [ The Talented Mr. Ripley ] film was shot. But Steve had been in Capri for the film festival a number of times and noticed this villa and was so taken with it. There are three different factions of a family that live in the house, so the parts of the villa were broken up. We had to negotiate with all the different families to get permission to use the different parts of the house to put together Dickie’s house.

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Where did you shoot the pivotal scene between Tom and Dickie that takes place in San Remo?

We shot the water scenes and the beach of San Remo in Anzio, although most of the boat sequence was shot in a swimming pool that was on the property of our special effects coordinator.

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Water scenes and the beach of Atrani were filmed in Anzio, a fishing port.

When he gets to Rome, Tom checks into the Hotel Excelsior. Did you shoot in the real hotel?

We shot the Hotel Excelsior in three different places and none of them was the Hotel Excelsior . We shot the exterior at the Hassler Roma . We shot the interior at the The Plaza [in New York City.] The scenes with the front desk were in the ballroom where we built the [check-in] counter. And we shot Tom and [Dickie’s rich school friend who becomes Tom’s rival] Freddie’s suites at Palazzo Ruspoli in Rome, which is from the 16th century. There are quite a few hotels on Tom’s journey and none of them was one simple location. His hotel room in Palermo was in Rome, with the exterior in Palermo. In the script the Hotel Bolivar had a different name, but we found a hotel with an amazing flight of stairs up to it with a sign at the top that said Hotel Bolivar, so we used it, although those rooms were shot at a house in Rome.

Caravaggio’s paintings appear throughout the series. Were any of them real?

When Tom is in Palermo he goes to a little chapel, the Oratory of Saint Lawrence and it had a painting by Caravaggio [ Nativity with Saints Lawrence and Francis of Assisi ], which was stolen. It was replaced with a replica, so that’s what you see in the series. The only real Caravaggio we filmed was in Naples.

At the end of the series, Tom goes to live in Venice. How did you find the right palazzo for his house?

A number of years ago, I did a film called Casanova with Heath Ledger and became pretty familiar with all of the palazzi in Venice. I had that particular one, Palazzo Contarini Polignac , earmarked when I read this script, although we looked at a lot.

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Many amazing flights of stairs are featured in the series.

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Ripley was not originally going to stay at a Hotel Bolivar in the script, which was changed once this sign atop a flight of stairs was found.

Were there any challenging locations to find?

We couldn’t shoot in any actual train stations or on any actual train platforms. We never entertained pursuing Rome Termini [in Rome] because logistically it would have been practically impossible. And although the spectacular architecture is intact, everything from modern customs booths and turnstiles to advertising kiosks would have been a big obstacle. We could use the EUR, the Esposizione Universale Roma, which is this kind of city created by the government in hopes of hosting the 1942 World Fair. We turned their big meeting hall into the station. We used another of their buildings as the bank in Rome where Tom goes. The Naples train station didn’t actually open until 1960, so we had to cheat that in an empty, grand hospital from the late ’30s.

Did you spend time anywhere while in Italy that you would recommend?

Hotel Locarno is my favorite hotel in Rome. We moved into an apartment, but we started out and ended up there. To eat: Restaurant L’Arcangelo , Carter Oblio , Marzapane , and Nevi di Latte Gelateria . To see: Museo Nazionale Romano , Musei Capitolini , and Papal Basilica Saint Mary Major .

Ripley is now streaming on Netflix.

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This post was published by Mugdha Songire

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Netflix Just Quietly Dropped The Best Time-Travel Show of 2023

“Know you are loved.”

Netflix has made a name for itself in mind-bending science fiction. Between Stranger Things , Dark , The OA , and Sense8 , the streamer keeps finding new and exciting ways to shape how we think about the world. Usually, these new shows are met with a big fanfare, an even bigger marketing campaign, and, in the case of Stranger Things , a tie-in ice cream.

But recently, Netflix dropped a series that more than deserves to stand next to these tentpoles: a graphic novel adaptation that takes a fresh approach to one of the oldest genres and adds a huge time-travel element that changes everything.

Bodies, based on the graphic novel of the same name by Si Spencer, emerges from a simple concept: four detectives from four different points in time all find a strange body on the ground. It’s naked, missing its left eye, and there’s no trace of any bullets found in it. In 2023, Muslim detective Shahara Hasan (Amaka Okafor) tries to stop what she thinks is a terrorist plot. In 1941, Detective Charles Whiteman (Jacob Fortune-Lloyd) deals with antisemitism while investigating a death that couldn’t have come from a bomb. In 1890, Detective Alfred Hillinghead (Kyle Soller) gets caught up with a journalist and a strange society. Finally, in 2053, Detective Iris Maplewood (Shira Haas) finds the same body... alive.

It’s a complicated premise, but Bodies expertly weaves four different mysteries on top of each other. A strange boy discovered in 2023 informs a strange man in 1941. A message scrawled into a wall in 1890 is still there in 2053. While there are four different investigations, there’s only one big mystery, and every character has a role in it.

The climax of the story happens in 2023, meaning when we first take a peek into 2053, we know what will happen in the “present.” Bodies , though initially a straightforward whodunit, quickly becomes a hard sci-fi story about time loops, quantum physics, and quite literally changing history. It all circles around one phrase told to each detective in their respective times: “Know you are loved.”

Four different detectives find the same body in four different eras.

Apart from its time-travel element, Bodies is simultaneously a period piece, police procedural, dystopia, conspiracy thriller, family drama, and cult story. It’s a lot for any series to attempt, but Bodies is able to incorporate each through its divided plot. When the action jumps from era to era, the tone is effectively reset. One scene may be a gripping chase scene between Hasan and a suspect, but then it will cut immediately to Whiteman in 1941 bonding with a little girl.

Bodies is a stealth time-travel show. The science fiction elements are added so gradually that it’s hard to even notice until the last episode where events are changed and characters even embrace their future selves. It’s a testament to the all-star cast to balance the tones so excellently: it could be tempting to shift from “detective show acting” to “science fiction acting” but everything is played with the utmost seriousness.

Detective Shahara Hasan (Amaka Okafor) appears in the 2023 and 2053 eras.

Maybe this is why this series isn’t getting the same acclaim as its spiritual successors: calling it a time-travel show betrays the shift of the series altogether. But this show should be on the watchlist of every sci-fi fan, whether they’re the kind who misses the grandfather paradoxes of Dark or the political commentary of Stranger Things .

Bodies is now streaming on Netflix.

Science Fiction

If Looks Could Kill: How Ripley Recreated Midcentury Italian Glamour

Secrets from the set of the new series, streaming now on Netflix.

For anyone who’s seen the Steven Zallian-directed series, that’s not likely a surprise. After all, the entire thing is shot in black-and-white and leans into sinister beauty, from unsettling Caravaggio paintings and crumbling churches to grand train stations, rambling seaside villas, and prime palazzos. The locations and sets do more than work as a background to the story of a striver who befriends and brutally betrays an ex-pat shipping heir, they help express the things that the characters themselves can’t ever quite say.” The amazing thing about the script is that a lot of the storytelling is not necessarily verbal,” Gropman explains. “It's about what Tom's thinking and the mood and the details, which for a designer is an incredible roadmap to be able to follow.”

The series begins in a 20 th -century New York City, where Ripley—getting by on quick scams, living in dumps—is tracked down by a private detective working for the Greenleaf family, whose son Dickie has run off to Italy and who, they’re hoping, Tom can convince to come home. Dickie wasn’t the only one stuck in Europe, however. “The interior of Tom’s SRO was built on a stage in Rome,” Gropman explains. “The series begins in New York in 1960, and there’s so much incredible photography from that period, all of which can be transferred into what you’re putting in front of the camera. We looked at a lot of photography by Vivan Mayer, Leonard Freed, Bert Hardy, and David Seymour.” Exteriors that echo the work of those photographers were shot in Manhattan, but the interiors from Ripley ’s New York City scenes were often filmed in Rome; “we looked long and hard to find something that wasn't corrupted,” Gropman says of locating Lower East Side blocks that retained a 1960s feel, “to the point of how are we going to shoot there?”

Those weren’t the only period landmarks that needed a bit of on-screen magic. As the story expands from New York City to Atrani, Rome, Naples, Venice, and beyond, travel—and the anxiety that comes with it—become central to Ripley , and therefore so do modes of transportation. “I'm proud of all of the train stations,” Gropman tells T& C. “We did both the stations themselves as well as the platforms for Roma Termini and Napoli Centrale, which was a real challenge, as well as ferry stops in Palermo and Naples. I'm a strong believer, even though we're telling a fictional story, in being honest to things that are referred to—like the train stations, the ferry stops, the banks, and the American Express office from that period in Italy. But the train stations and the ferry stops are probably the biggest dupes.”

Roma Termini is still in use today, so shooting there was impossible. Instead, the production used Esposizione Universale Roma—a site designed to host a World’s Fair that never occurred—and a convention center there to recreate the station. To stand in for Napoli Centrale, Gropman and his team used a hospital in Rome built for tuberculosis patients, and the exterior of Naples’s existing station stood in for Venice. “For all of the train platforms, which includes those three stations as well as Sanremo, we built 300 feet of platform on a train yard in Rome where they do maintenance,” Gropman explains. “We brought in five lengths of a period train and then had alternating columns depending upon what station we were shooting—the rest is all visual effects.”

Effects would also play a part in building the Atrani homes of Tom, Dickie, and his sometimes girlfriend, Marge Sherwood. “Tom's apartment was built on stage and Marge's interior was also, Gropman says, “but Dickie's villa was actually one that Steve had spotted in Capri. It was built in 1902, and is today broken into three different spaces, so the challenge was to put them together in a way that felt like one.” Another challenge? Decorating the places so that they told the right story about the characters who call them home—especially Tom’s desire to be accepte and Dickie’s money and thoughtlessness about what it does. “The allure of Dickie to Tom is not just his great wealth, but the fact that it apparently means nothing to him,” Gropman says.

preview for Ripley - Official Trailer (Netflix)

Adam Rathe is Town & Country 's Deputy Features Director, covering arts and culture and a range of other subjects.

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Netflix's 'Ripley' makes some key changes from Patricia Highsmith's 'The Talented Mr Ripley.' Here's how the series and novel differ.

Posted: April 13, 2024 | Last updated: April 13, 2024

<ul class="summary-list"><li>"Ripley" is based on Patricia Highsmith's classic crime drama "The Talented Mr Ripley."</li><li>Some details such as the time period and the characters' ages have been changed for the series.</li><li>Warning: Major spoilers ahead for all eight episodes of "Ripley."</li></ul><p>Netflix's "<a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ripley-netflix-reviews-what-critics-are-saying-2024-4">Ripley</a>" is an incredibly faithful adaptation of the novel "The Talented Mr Ripley" by acclaimed US author Patricia Highsmith, arguably hewing closest to the source material out of <a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/every-actor-who-has-played-tom-ripley-2024-3">all the versions of the classic crime drama</a> committed to screen.</p><p>Written and directed by Steven Zaillian, renowned as the screenwriter behind "The Irishman," "Schindler's List," and "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo," the series follows Tom Ripley (<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/andrew-scott-bbc-interview-barry-keoghan-saltburn-2024-2">Andrew Scott</a>), a grifter making a dishonest living for himself in New York. That is until he's hired by wealthy shipping magnate Herbert Greenleaf to travel to Italy to try to convince his wayward son, Dickie (Johnny Flynn), to return to America to pursue a respectable career.</p><p>Tom's acceptance of the job is the first step in a dark, complex journey involving deceit, fraud, and murder, which audiences see unfold in meticulous detail across the eight episodes of the limited series.</p><p>Given its runtime — previous film adaptations have all been around the two-hour mark — Zaillian relishes the opportunity to remain close to the heart of the story.</p><p>However, some changes have inevitably been made to make the story better fit Zaillian's vision.</p><p>Here are the major differences between the book and the show. A word of warning, though: there are major spoilers ahead for "Ripley," and Highsmith's novel on which it is based, below.</p><div class="read-original">Read the original article on <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ripley-netflix-show-vs-talented-mr-ripley-book-differences-2024-4">Business Insider</a></div>

"Ripley" is based on Patricia Highsmith's classic crime drama "The Talented Mr Ripley."
Some details such as the time period and the characters' ages have been changed for the series.
Warning: Major spoilers ahead for all eight episodes of "Ripley."

Netflix's " Ripley " is an incredibly faithful adaptation of the novel "The Talented Mr Ripley" by acclaimed US author Patricia Highsmith, arguably hewing closest to the source material out of all the versions of the classic crime drama committed to screen.

Written and directed by Steven Zaillian, renowned as the screenwriter behind "The Irishman," "Schindler's List," and "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo," the series follows Tom Ripley ( Andrew Scott ), a grifter making a dishonest living for himself in New York. That is until he's hired by wealthy shipping magnate Herbert Greenleaf to travel to Italy to try to convince his wayward son, Dickie (Johnny Flynn), to return to America to pursue a respectable career.

Tom's acceptance of the job is the first step in a dark, complex journey involving deceit, fraud, and murder, which audiences see unfold in meticulous detail across the eight episodes of the limited series.

Given its runtime — previous film adaptations have all been around the two-hour mark — Zaillian relishes the opportunity to remain close to the heart of the story.

However, some changes have inevitably been made to make the story better fit Zaillian's vision.

Here are the major differences between the book and the show. A word of warning, though: there are major spoilers ahead for "Ripley," and Highsmith's novel on which it is based, below.

The show's time setting is changed from the 1950s to the early 1960s.

A title card at the beginning of episode one tells audiences that the series takes place in 1961 — six years after Highsmith's novel was set.

It's likely not been lost on audiences that Zaillian and Oscar-winning cinematographer Robert Elswit takes a lot of cues from the noir cinema of the 1960s, including the work of Alfred Hitchcock and Italian auteur Federico Fellini.

It perhaps explains why the series' timeline has shifted a few years.

<p>In the book, both Tom, Dickie, and Marge (Dakota Fanning) are supposed to be in their early 20s. Tom is 25 years old, while Dickie and Marge's exact ages are not disclosed. </p><p>While the ages of the characters are not overtly referenced in the series, it's clear that we're to believe that the central trio are in their 30s, given the age of the cast: Scott is 47, Flynn is 41, and Fanning is 30.</p>

The characters at the center of the story have been aged up to suit better the actors playing them.

In the book, both Tom, Dickie, and Marge (Dakota Fanning) are supposed to be in their early 20s. Tom is 25 years old, while Dickie and Marge's exact ages are not disclosed.

While the ages of the characters are not overtly referenced in the series, it's clear that we're to believe that the central trio are in their 30s, given the age of the cast: Scott is 47, Flynn is 41, and Fanning is 30.

<p>Highsmith describes Freddie Miles (Eliot Sumner) as an overweight, carrot-red-haired American dressed in a "loud sports shirt" when he is first introduced in the book. Tom instantly dislikes his appearance and soon finds his personality grating.</p><p>While Tom in the series finds Freddie equally odious, in the Netflix adaptation, Freddie has a drastically different characterization; he's English and portrayed as more restrained but showing more contempt toward our titular grafter.</p>

The characterization of Freddie Miles is markedly different in the adaptation.

Highsmith describes Freddie Miles (Eliot Sumner) as an overweight, carrot-red-haired American dressed in a "loud sports shirt" when he is first introduced in the book. Tom instantly dislikes his appearance and soon finds his personality grating.

While Tom in the series finds Freddie equally odious, in the Netflix adaptation, Freddie has a drastically different characterization; he's English and portrayed as more restrained but showing more contempt toward our titular grafter.

<p>When Marge is questioned by the Italian police in "Ripley," she has a very simple definition of her relationship with Dickie. "I'm his girlfriend," she tells Inspector Ravini (Maurizio Lombardi).</p><p>It is a marked change from the book in which Dickie and Marge's relationship hovers somewhere between friendship and romance but isn't clearly defined. If anything, Marge is lovesick over Dickie, while Dickie is blissfully unaware of her feelings.</p><p>The book also has much more overt queer undertones, for readers can understand why Marge sees Tom as a rival for Dickie's affections.</p><p>In the novel, when she suspects that the two men are more than just friends, the deeply religious Marge is disgusted and angry at Dickie for leading her on.</p>

The relationship between Dickie and Marge is more ambiguous in the book.

When Marge is questioned by the Italian police in "Ripley," she has a very simple definition of her relationship with Dickie. "I'm his girlfriend," she tells Inspector Ravini (Maurizio Lombardi).

It is a marked change from the book in which Dickie and Marge's relationship hovers somewhere between friendship and romance but isn't clearly defined. If anything, Marge is lovesick over Dickie, while Dickie is blissfully unaware of her feelings.

The book also has much more overt queer undertones, for readers can understand why Marge sees Tom as a rival for Dickie's affections.

In the novel, when she suspects that the two men are more than just friends, the deeply religious Marge is disgusted and angry at Dickie for leading her on.

<p>The eighth and final episode of "Ripley" features John Malkovich, who previously played Tom Ripley in the 2002 movie "Ripley's Game," making a cameo. He plays Reeves Minot, a con artist with whom Tom forms a friendship.</p><p>However, this scene does not appear in the book, as fans of the Ripley novels — or "Ripliads," as they're often called — will know. Reeves first appears in the second novel, "Ripley Under Ground," which Highsmith published 15 years after "The Talented Mr Ripley."</p><p>In "Ripley," Reeves helps Tom acquire a new identity by providing him with a fake passport. However, in the novel, that's because of an entirely different caper that Tom becomes involved in.</p>

Reeves Minot's character does not appear until the second Ripley novel.

The eighth and final episode of "Ripley" features John Malkovich, who previously played Tom Ripley in the 2002 movie "Ripley's Game," making a cameo. He plays Reeves Minot, a con artist with whom Tom forms a friendship.

However, this scene does not appear in the book, as fans of the Ripley novels — or "Ripliads," as they're often called — will know. Reeves first appears in the second novel, "Ripley Under Ground," which Highsmith published 15 years after "The Talented Mr Ripley."

In "Ripley," Reeves helps Tom acquire a new identity by providing him with a fake passport. However, in the novel, that's because of an entirely different caper that Tom becomes involved in.

<p>Another significant change between the novel and the new Netflix adaptation is how Tom ends up acquiring Dickie's assets and inheritance, allowing him to continue living a life of unbridled luxury in Europe.</p><p>In the book, Tom forges a final, undated will from Dickie that the Greenleafs unquestioningly accept as real, believing that he and Tom had grown to be close, dependable friends in Dickie's' final weeks.</p><p>Perhaps considering this ending too unrealistic, Zaillian's series ends with Tom managing to figure out how to transfer almost all of Dickie's trust fund and possessions in his name without being detected, including a priceless Picasso.</p>

The series ends with Tom getting away with his crimes, but for a different reason.

Another significant change between the novel and the new Netflix adaptation is how Tom ends up acquiring Dickie's assets and inheritance, allowing him to continue living a life of unbridled luxury in Europe.

In the book, Tom forges a final, undated will from Dickie that the Greenleafs unquestioningly accept as real, believing that he and Tom had grown to be close, dependable friends in Dickie's' final weeks.

Perhaps considering this ending too unrealistic, Zaillian's series ends with Tom managing to figure out how to transfer almost all of Dickie's trust fund and possessions in his name without being detected, including a priceless Picasso.

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