Top 50 TV Series to Ignite Your Wanderlust For the modern traveler, television has evolved far beyond mere entertainment; it is now a portal to the world, a source of inspiration, and a way to explore distant cultures from the comfort of home. Whether you are planning a future adventure or simply looking to escape, certain shows capture the essence of travel—the landscapes, the food, the history, and the people—better than others. Here is a curated selection of 50 exceptional television series that will inspire your next journey.
Iconic Travelogues and Culinary JourneysFew individuals have shaped modern travel television like the late Anthony Bourdain, whose work redefined the genre. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown and No Reservations are essential viewing, focusing on culture and connection over typical tourist spots. Following in a similar, yet distinct, vein is Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy, which offers a mouth-watering exploration of Italian regions through food. For those seeking breathtaking visuals paired with culinary insights, Chef’s Table provides intimate portraits of the world’s most renowned chefs. Somebody Feed Phil offers a lighter, joyous take on global dining, while Salt Fat Acid Heat educates viewers on the fundamentals of cooking through international travel.For adventurous food lovers, Ugly Delicious explores the cultural stories behind popular dishes. Street Food (Asia, Latin America, and USA versions) dives deep into local, affordable, and authentic culinary experiences. The Great British Bake Off, while a competition, highlights regional UK charm, and Rick Stein’s Long Weekends offers short, cultural city escapes. For unparalleled, high-octane travel, The Grand Tour showcases incredible driving routes across the globe.
Cultural Immersion and Off-the-Beaten-Path AdventuresTravel is often about discovering the unexpected. Departures follows two friends exploring remote corners of the world, highlighting the personal growth that comes with travel. The Moaning of Life features Karl Pilkington observing different cultural approaches to life’s big questions. An Idiot Abroad provides a humorous, often cynical, yet deeply engaging look at world travel. For a deeper look at specific locations, Joanna Lumley’s Travelogues offer insightful explorations of places like Japan, Russia, and the Silk Road. Travel Man: 48 Hours in… with Richard Ayoade is perfect for city-break inspiration, showcasing how to maximize a short trip.Dark Tourist explores unconventional, often macabre travel destinations, while Tales by Light showcases the stories behind stunning travel photography. Down to Earth with Zac Efron explores sustainable living and eco-travel. Paul Hollywood’s City Bakes combines travel with baking, and Joanna Lumley’s India offers a vibrant look at a complex nation. For historical perspectives, Mediterranean with Simon Reeve explores the coastlines and cultures of the region.
Documentaries and Landscape ExplorationSometimes, the best travel inspiration comes from nature itself. Planet Earth (I and II) offers jaw-dropping visuals of the world’s most incredible landscapes, from deserts to jungles. Human Planet explores how humans adapt to live in these extreme environments. Our Planet focuses on conservation and the beauty of natural habitats. The World’s Most Extraordinary Homes takes viewers inside incredible residential architecture located in remote or stunning settings. Long Way Round and Long Way Down are classic documentary series featuring Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman riding motorcycles across vast, challenging terrains.Mountain Men offers a glimpse into rugged, remote lifestyles, and Alaska: The Last Frontier showcases life in the American wilderness. The Americas with Simon Reeve documents journeys through diverse landscapes. National Parks Adventure highlights the beauty of protected lands. Aerial America provides a unique, bird’s-eye view of US landmarks, and Earth from Above offers similar, stunning global perspectives.
Scripted Series That Transport YouFiction can be just as inspiring as documentary travel. The White Lotus, while a satire, highlights the beauty of high-end, tropical resorts. Game of Thrones famously boosted tourism in countries like Croatia, Iceland, and Northern Ireland. Emily in Paris, for all its lightheartedness, showcases the romantic, picturesque side of the French capital. Poldark brings to life the rugged, dramatic coastline of Cornwall, UK. Outlander does the same for the Scottish Highlands, blending history with stunning scenery.The Durrells in Corfu is a charming, sunny look at life on a Greek island. Narcos showcases the vibrant, complex scenery of Colombia. Mad Men offers a nostalgic look at 1960s travel, including iconic New York and international settings. The Crown travels across the globe, highlighting the grandeur of various locations. La Casa de Papel (Money Heist) offers a fast-paced look at Madrid. Killing Eve features the main characters travelling to glamorous European cities. Broadchurch features the dramatic Jurassic Coast of England. Lupin offers a modern, cinematic tour of Paris. The Queen’s Gambit takes viewers through 1960s Kentucky, Las Vegas, and Moscow. Ozark showcases the beautiful, secluded landscape of the Lake of the Ozarks.
Hidden Gems and Regional FocusThe Kindness Diaries follows a traveler relying on the generosity of strangers around the world. Jiro Dreams of Sushi provides a meticulous look at Tokyo’s culinary scene. Tales by Light explores the dedication of travel photographers. Conan Without Borders showcases the comedian’s adventures in unconventional locations. The World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys takes viewers on slow, picturesque travel adventures. Island Nation explores the culture of various islands. The Naked Chef brings a youthful, energetic perspective to exploring ingredients and food culture. Wine Show offers a sophisticated, yet accessible, look at global wine regions. The Trip features comedians touring and eating their way through beautiful regions, from England to Italy to Spain. Finally, The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy provides a fresh, humorous perspective on luxury travel and visiting new places. These 50 shows, ranging from intense documentaries to lighthearted culinary journeys and immersive dramas, offer a comprehensive, inspiring guide to the world, designed to spark the urge to explore, learn, and experience everything our planet has to offer.
These 50 shows, ranging from intense documentaries to lighthearted culinary journeys and immersive dramas, offer a comprehensive, inspiring guide to the world, designed to spark the urge to explore, learn, and experience everything our planet has to offer.
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