Whether you’re an intrepid explorer or an armchair traveler, these shows will ignite your desire to go, see, and do more. Get ready to add some new adventures to your bucket list as we share our absolute favorite travel TV shows that will leave you dreaming of your next big getaway.
Some of the links below are affiliate links and as such, I earn a small commission from purchases that allow me to continue telling you my stories without costing you anything extra.
An Iconic Host: Samantha Brown’s Places to Love
Kicking off our list is the iconic Samantha Brown and her delightful series Samantha Brown’s Places to Love on PBS. As a trailblazer who was the first-ever female host of a travel show, Samantha brings an infectious enthusiasm and relatable perspective to every destination.
From the quirky local haunts to stunning natural wonders, Samantha immerses herself in the heart of each place she visits. One minute you’re exploring the ancient streets of Jerusalem, and the next you’re road-tripping through the bucolic Texas Hill Country. Her show is a warm invitation to appreciate the unique character of cities and towns across the globe.
The best part? Since Samantha owns all her content, you can stream her adventures for free on the PBS app, YouTube, and your local PBS station. It’s travel inspiration at your fingertips!
Laughing Your Way Around the World with Travel Man
For a hilarious and off-the-beaten-path travel experience, look no further than Travel Man starring the uproariously funny Richard Ayoade. The concept is simple yet brilliant – most episodes follow Richard and a celebrity guest exploring a European city over a long weekend.
From getting lost in the romantic canals of Venice to hunting for the perfect plate of lamb in Wales, Travel Man celebrates the joys and inevitable mishaps of travel with sharp British wit. Richard’s self-deprecating humor and “allergy to everything” shtick provide endless laughs, while still offering an insightful glimpse into each destination’s culture and cuisine.
You can find Travel Man streaming on various platforms like Journy channel, Amazon Prime, and Peacock. Just be prepared to add dozens of new destinations to your bucket list between laughing fits.
An Enthusiastic Everyman: Somebody Feed Phil
If you love mouthwatering food and heartwarming human connections, you’ll be instantly hooked on Somebody Feed Phil on Netflix. Starring Phil Rosenthal, the creator of Everybody Loves Raymond, this travel-food show is an absolute delight from start to finish.
As an enthusiastic everyman who’s afraid of everything yet eager to try anything, Phil explores cities like New Orleans, Mexico City, and Copenhagen through their rich culinary traditions. His childlike wonder and genuine interest in connecting with locals make every episode feel like a warm hug filled with delicious bites.
From savoring flaming cheese dishes in Singapore to taking a Chichetti crawl in Venice, Phil’s adventures are as nourishing for the soul as they are for the stomach. Get ready to feel like you’ve made a new friend in Phil as you travel the world together, one scrumptious meal at a time.
Mysteries and Adventures Await on Expedition Unknown
If you’re seeking thrills, history, and an adrenaline rush, look no further than the wildly entertaining Expedition Unknown with Josh Gates on Discovery+. Part adventure, part mystery-solving, this show takes you to the farthest corners of the globe in search of the unknown.
Whether he’s hunting for lost WWII planes in the South Pacific or searching for Amelia Earhart’s remains, Josh Gates throws himself headfirst into every mind-bending expedition. From trekking through dense jungles to scuba diving in treacherous waters, his passion for unearthing the truth is utterly contagious.
With new mysteries constantly unfolding, Expedition Unknown will ignite your spirit of adventure and curiosity about the incredible world around us. Who knows, you may even be inspired to embark on your own expedition! You can stream
Comedy and Luxury Meet with The Reluctant Traveler
Imagine the hilarity of Eugene Levy, the beloved star and co-creator of “Schitt’s Creek,” reluctantly embarking on globetrotting escapades. That’s the premise of “The Reluctant Traveler” on Apple TV+, where Eugene trades his comfort zone for luxurious accommodations and thrilling experiences around the world. From the deserts of Utah to the lush rainforests of Costa Rica, Eugene’s droll humor and fish-out-of-water antics will have you in stitches while also inspiring you to step out of your own comfort zone and embrace the unknown.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or an armchair explorer, these shows are sure to ignite your sense of wanderlust and provide endless inspiration for your next grand adventure. So, what are you waiting for? Dive in, let your imagination soar, and start planning your next unforgettable journey today!
These are just a few of our favorite travel shows to transport you to extraordinary places near and far. So brew a cup of your favorite tea, get cozy, and let the wanderlust wash over you. The world is a wildly wonderful place, and great travel TV is the perfect reminder to never stop exploring. Be sure to also check out our favorite travel YouTube Channels!
Thanks for stopping by! Check out our Go See Do Explore Podcast, available wherever you listen to podcasts. To read about some of our previous trips, visit my Trips Page. If you like my photos be sure to “like” my Facebook Page and follow me on Instagram! For my list of gadgets to make your travels easier, click here. To see inside my camera bag, check out my Gear Page.
In Grand Teton, the one place I knew I wanted to stop at is the iconic Mormon Row. The old buildings here are what I picture when I think of Grand Teton. At the turn of the 19th century, 27 Mormon homesteaders headed to the area that is now a part of Grand Teton National Park, to live off the land. The land is surprisingly fertile and the homesteaders worked for years, digging ditches and levees to improve the irrigation for their crops. Water still flows in these ditches today. By the 1950’s most of the families sold their land to expand Grand Teton National Park. Mormon Row was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1997.
One place we stopped to stretch our legs was the Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory (left). The Penobscrot Narrows Bridge is a unique structure and there are only a handful of other bridges like it in the country. One of the most notable features of the bridge is the observatory housed with in that was the first of its kind. At 450 feet tall, the observatory offers views of Penobscot Bay, the river, and the nearby Fort Knox History Site (no, not that Ft. Knox). Due to the amount of road we had to cover that day, we were unable to go up into the observatory, but it is definitely on my list for my next Maine trip!