16 Travel Shows That Are Actually Worth Watching
There’s nothing quite like curling up on the couch with some popcorn and watching a travel show where I can escape the workday and live vicariously through the hosts going on amazing adventures. I’ve been learning about new vacation destinations from travel shows since I was a kid watching Rick Steves on PBS.
Good travel shows are like having a close friend show you all the world’s remarkable sights and hidden gems. You get insider tips, local eats you wouldn’t find in a guidebook, and fun hosts—whether they’re wild daredevils scaling mountains, chill history buffs exploring forgotten towns, or wacky foodies hunting down the craziest deep-fried creations. Even if you’re stuck on the couch, these must-watch travel shows will keep you entertained and actually give you some good travel tips.
1. Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations
There’s a reason the late-great Anthony Bourdain has a cult following among his fans– he’s like the cool punk rock godfather of travel and food. Some say No Reservations, which aired from 2005-2012 on the Travel Channel, is the best travel show of all time, and I wouldn’t argue against that. Who could resist Anthony Bourdain’s charm?
This show wasn’t just about fancy restaurants—Bourdain got down and dirty, challenged preconceptions, and showcased the world’s beauty, grit, and weirdness as it is. Let’s be honest: we all love good food, and Bourdain always delivers.
2. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown
As an Anthony Bourdain fan, I have to mention his follow-up travel show that premiered after the end of No Reservations. Premiering on CNN in 2013 and running until 2018, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown took you off the beaten path and shed light on exciting food–both traditional and innovative.
The show featured Bourdain’s gruff charm as he enjoyed phở in Hanoi, Vietnam, barbecues with Texas cowboys, and Moroccan mint tea. It’s food, culture, and sometimes hilarious (and occasionally terrifying) adventures all rolled into one.
Read more about Hanoi, Vietnam, one of the Tourist Spots That Are a Nightmare to Drive In
3. The Amazing Race
Forget the same old landmarks and passive sightseeing! The Amazing Race takes teams of two on a fast-paced adventure around the globe, racing on foot, by car, plane, and train through each city.
Teams decipher clues, navigate unfamiliar cities, and tackle crazy tasks tied to local traditions—all for a shot at the $1 million grand prize. On air since 2001, with over 36 seasons, you can catch this globetrotting adventure on CBS and Hulu.
4. Expedition Unknown
Josh Gates is a real-life explorer who chases legendary mysteries like lost cities, hidden temples, and the abominable snowman. On Expedition Unknown, he goes where others wouldn’t dare, from rickety wicker sledding in Portugal to hunting Yetis in Nepal and sipping canelazo in Ecuador. On the air since 2015, it’s packed with episodes to binge on Max or Discovery+.
5. Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy
If you love the heart, humor, and charm of actor Stanley Tucci, then you’ll love watching Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy as much as I did. With beautifully shot scenes of Italian landscapes and sensory enticing cooking sequences, the show takes you on a flavorful journey through Italy in this American-made, Italian-flavored show.
Each episode explores a different region, uncovering unique dishes and traditions beyond pizza and pasta. Join Tucci for a culinary adventure that’s a true choose-your-own-adventure through Italy’s food scene.
6. Basic Versus Baller: Travel at Any Cost
Watching this show is a great way to get some cheap travel tips or find the most upscale experiences to add to your high-end travel list. In Basic Versus Baller, two brothers hit the same amazing destinations. But Alex, the “Basic” brother, tackles it on a shoestring budget, while Marko, the “Baller” brother, lives it up in luxury.
Each episode is like a split-screen adventure, showing you the best (and maybe not-so-best) of budget travel and high-end experiences. You can watch it all go down on Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+.
7. Conan O’Brien Must Go
I’ve been a huge fan of Conan O’Brien’s silly comedy antics since I was a teen watching Late Night with Conan O’Brien. Conan is no stranger to travel. From 2015 to 2019, he filmed Conan Without Borders, where he explored a new country in each episode.
Now Conan is back with new episodes of Conan O’Brien Must Go on Max, more international trips, and his patented goofy self-deprecating charm. Expect laugh-out-loud cultural clashes, awkward celebrity moments (like Steven Yeun teaching Conan bad Korean), and bizarre adventures (like eating a slaughter plate at a beer hall in Berlin).
8. The World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals
In this Netflix original series, three travelers explore vacation rentals around the globe, sharing tips for every budget. Forget tourist traps—discover a treehouse in Atlanta with alpaca neighbors or a Hawaiian cabin with a private waterfall.
These off-the-beaten-path stays will spice up your travel bucket list. Megan, the budget queen, even shares tips for finding affordable rentals, so get ready to be inspired for your next trip!
9. Three Sheets
Love a good drink? Check out Three Sheets, a boozy travel show originally on Mojo and later on Spike TV. Host Zane Lamprey explores the world through its drinks, from dive bars to fancy cocktails, blending local customs with loads of fun. His witty banter and outrageous antics will have you cracking up as he explores the world, one beer (or something stronger) at a time.
10. House Hunters International
For me, House Hunters International is like wish fulfillment since I regularly fantasize about selling everything and moving abroad. Whenever I watch it, I think, “Hey, could I do that too?”
If you dream of trading suburbs for a Tuscan vineyard or a city commute for a Venetian gondola, this show is for you. With over 190 seasons, it’s packed with unique homes and the drama of navigating foreign real estate markets. Watch it on HGTV or stream on Discovery+!
Read more about Best Venice Shore Excursions
11. Somebody Feed Phil
Maybe it’s just me, but there’s something comforting about seeing Phil Rosenthal, the creator of Everybody Loves Raymond, travel the world indulging in amazing local eats. Somebody Feed Phil is not just about the food—Phil meets friends, explores cultures, and adds plenty of humor. Since 2018, his show has been going strong, with new seasons on Netflix, including season 7 premiering in March 2024.
12. Street Food
Besides the amazing food (isn’t that half the fun of travel?), Street Food from Netflix hits all the high notes for travel show fanatics. It’s packed with adventure and uncovering far-off delicacies.
But it’s all about the stories and meaning behind the food as you meet passionate vendors who’ve perfected their culinary craft for a lifetime. Get ready for serious food envy as you watch people prepare dishes like Nilarang Bakasi in Cebu City, Philippines, or Nihari in Delhi, India.
Read more about Dreamy Locations in the Philippines
13. The Kindness Diaries
The Kindness Diaries is not your typical travel show. Created by Leon Logothetis, a former stockbroker turned road-tripper, it’s all about human connection over luxury hotels and fancy meals.
Picture a backpacking adventure where you trust in the kindness of strangers instead of relying on your credit card—that’s Leon’s inspiring motto. Leon shows that kindness is a universal language, from bustling cities to remote villages, no matter where you travel.
14. The National Parks: America’s Best Idea
If you love the great outdoors and stunning landscapes, don’t miss The National Parks: America’s Best Idea (2009) by Ken Burns. This epic documentary takes you on a virtual tour of iconic spots like Yosemite, Yellowstone, and the Grand Canyon, revealing the natural beauty and the passionate people behind these national treasures.
Read more about Yellowstone National Park Lakes
15. Roadtrip Nation
Roadtrip Nation is about self-discovery as people travel across the country in a bright green R.V., meeting inspiring people who turned passions into careers. On the air since 2001, this show has spent over two decades sharing stories and wisdom. Watch it on PBS or visit the Roadtrip Nation website.
16. Rick Steves’ Europe
Rick Steves is an icon for travel shows, and I admit I used his travel guides more than once when I was traveling in Europe. As America’s go-to expert on European travel, Rick Steves shows you how to experience the continent like a local without breaking the bank.
From famous landmarks to undiscovered areas, Rick’s got you covered. Plus, he’ll teach you basic phrases and cultural etiquette to navigate Europe like a pro. Catch Rick Steves’ Europe on PBS or stream it online for your next European trip!
Read more about Traveling to Europe
Source: Going
