Looking for your next adventure without leaving the couch? The top travel shows to watch for inspiration can transport you across continents, introduce you to new cultures, and help you discover incredible destinations for your future trips. Whether you love food, nature, history, or luxury travel, these travel shows offer endless inspiration for every type of traveler.
Best Travel Shows for Inspiration
- Somebody Feed Phil – Food and culture adventures
- The Reluctant Traveler – Fun and luxury travel experiences
- Long Way Round – Epic motorcycle journeys
- Planet Earth – Stunning natural destinations
- Street Food – Authentic local food experiences
- Dark Tourist – Unique and unusual travel destinations
- Departures – Backpacking and global adventures
- Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown – Deep cultural exploration
Why Travel Shows Are So Inspiring
Travel shows do much more than showcase beautiful locations. They help viewers:
- Discover hidden destinations
- Learn about local traditions
- Understand different cultures
- Find travel planning ideas
- Experience places before visiting them
Many travelers create their bucket lists after watching a memorable travel documentary or series.
Top Travel Shows to Watch for Inspiration
1. Somebody Feed Phil
If you enjoy food and travel, this show is a must-watch.
Hosted by Phil Rosenthal, the creator of Everybody Loves Raymond, the series follows him as he explores cities around the world through local cuisine and cultural experiences.
Why Watch It?
- Positive and uplifting storytelling
- Amazing food recommendations
- Family-friendly content
- Authentic local interactions
Best Destinations Featured: Tokyo, Rome, Bangkok, Istanbul, and New York.
Pro Tip: Keep a notebook nearby because you’ll likely add several destinations to your travel bucket list after each episode.
Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown
This legendary travel series remains one of the most respected travel shows ever produced.
Anthony Bourdain traveled beyond tourist attractions to uncover the real stories, food, and people that make each destination unique.
Highlights
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Local Culture | Deep cultural understanding |
| Food Exploration | Authentic dining experiences |
| Storytelling | Meaningful travel insights |
| Hidden Gems | Off-the-beaten-path locations |
This show is perfect for travelers seeking genuine cultural immersion.
The Reluctant Traveler
Hosted by actor Eugene Levy, this travel series combines humor with luxury travel experiences.
Levy visits stunning destinations despite being a self-proclaimed reluctant traveler, making the show relatable and entertaining.
What Makes It Unique?
- Beautiful luxury accommodations
- Funny travel moments
- Practical travel insights
- Stunning global locations
Ideal for viewers interested in comfort-focused travel experiences.
Long Way Round
Adventure lovers should not miss this iconic motorcycle travel documentary.
Actors Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman travel thousands of miles by motorcycle across Europe, Asia, and North America.
Key Takeaways
- Adventure travel inspiration
- Road trip planning ideas
- Remote destination exploration
- Real travel challenges and solutions
The series demonstrates how travel can be as much about the journey as the destination.
Planet Earth
Although primarily a nature documentary, Planet Earth showcases some of the most breathtaking places on Earth.
Incredible Locations Featured
| Region | Attraction |
|---|---|
| Antarctica | Ice landscapes |
| Africa | Wildlife safaris |
| Amazon | Rainforests |
| Himalayas | Mountain scenery |
The stunning cinematography inspires travelers to explore the natural wonders of the world.
Expert Insight: Many eco-travel enthusiasts choose destinations after seeing them featured in nature documentaries.
Street Food
Produced by the creators of Chef’s Table, this series explores local street food cultures across Asia, Latin America, and beyond.
Why Travelers Love It
- Authentic food experiences
- Cultural storytelling
- Budget-friendly travel inspiration
- Local perspectives
Food often reflects a destination’s history and culture, making this show both educational and inspiring.
Departures
This travel series follows two friends as they leave behind their everyday lives to travel around the world.
The show captures both the excitement and challenges of long-term travel.
Best For
- Backpackers
- Solo travelers
- Budget travelers
- Gap-year adventurers
Its raw and unscripted style makes viewers feel like they’re part of the journey.
Dark Tourist
For travelers interested in unusual destinations, Dark Tourist offers a different perspective.
The show explores locations connected to historical events, mysteries, and unique cultural phenomena.
What You’ll Discover
- Lesser-known destinations
- Historical sites
- Unique cultural experiences
- Alternative travel ideas
This series proves that travel inspiration can come from unexpected places.
How Travel Shows Can Improve Your Future Trips
Watching quality travel content helps you:
- Research destinations naturally.
- Learn local customs before visiting.
- Discover hidden attractions.
- Build realistic travel expectations.
- Create more meaningful travel itineraries.
In practice, many travelers find unique restaurants, neighborhoods, and activities through travel shows that traditional guidebooks often miss.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best travel show for food lovers?
Somebody Feed Phil and Street Food are excellent choices for food-focused travelers.
2. Which travel show offers the best cultural insights?
Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown is widely considered one of the best for cultural exploration.
3. Are travel shows useful for trip planning?
Yes. They provide destination ideas, travel tips, and local recommendations that can help you plan memorable trips.
4. Which travel show is best for adventure travelers?
Long Way Round is highly recommended for adventure and road-trip enthusiasts.
5. What travel show features the most beautiful scenery?
Planet Earth offers some of the most spectacular landscapes ever captured on film.
Start Exploring the World from Your Screen
The top travel shows to watch for inspiration offer much more than entertainment. They introduce you to fascinating cultures, breathtaking destinations, incredible food, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re planning your next vacation or simply dreaming about future adventures, these shows can spark ideas that lead to your most memorable journeys.
Start with one series today—you may discover the destination for your next great adventure.
