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Rick steves' europe.

S10.E1 ∙ The Heart of England

S10.E2 ∙ Lisbon

S10.E3 ∙ Portugal's Heartland

S10.E4 ∙ Travel Skills: Cruising

S10.E5 ∙ Greek Islands: Santorini, Mykonos, and Rhodes

S10.E6 ∙ European Festivals I

S10.E7 ∙ European Festivals II

S10.E8 ∙ The Best of Sicily

S10.E9 ∙ Sicilian Delights

S10.E10 ∙ Scotland's Highlands

S10.E11 ∙ Scotland's Islands

S10.E12 ∙ Glasgow and Scottish Passions

SUnknown.EUnknown ∙ Würzburg, Germany: Residenz - Rick Steves' Europe Travel Guide - Travel Bite

SUnknown.EUnknown ∙ The Story of Fascism in Europe

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The Best TV Series To Watch If You Love European Travel

May 20, 2021.

Europe TV Series That Will Inspire Wanderlust

We have all had a little more time to watch TV this last year and a little less time to book that trip to explore Europe. And while that might have not been what we had all anticipated for ourselves, I personally coped by watching a ridiculous amount of tv shows about Europe. And the good news is that there are a lot of fantastic European tv series out there. But, if you are anything like me and really made your way through that Netflix queue, you might be struggling to find that next winner. That is why I made this comprehensive list of the best television shows set in Europe. There is sure to be one that you haven’t yet heard of that intrigues you!

The list of Europe tv shows is broken down by country which will hopefully make it easier for you to narrow down the choices. You’ll also find where to stream the series on and how many seasons there are because sometimes we just want something that we can get through in a couple of nights and other times we really want to have a long lasting relationship with our favorite characters. Shows do go on and off streaming sites relatively frequently, so if you see that something has changed, let us know and we will update!

You didn’t ask, but if you want to hear my top 5 Europe tv series (granted I haven’t seen everything on this list), my absolute must watches are: Durrell’s in Corfu, The Crown, Downton Abbey, Anthony Bourdain, and Poldark.

Best Europe TV Shows

Durrell’s in Corfu : Lousia Durrell, a widow and mother to four children, moves her family from England to Corfu, Greece to start fresh. The series spans the mid to late 1930s and is based on the novels written by the youngest Durell, Gerald or Gerry. It’s a phenomenal series and should be at the top of your list have you not yet watched.

Stream it on: Amazon Prime Video

UNITED KINGDOM

The Crown : The historical drama chronicles the life of Queen Elizabeth II and the events that shaped the second half of the 20th century to modern times. We are privy to political rivalries, romance, and a greater understanding of not only what it means to be a monarch, but also the head of the Church of England.

Stream it on: Netflix

Seasons: There will be six total. Four have aired. 

Killing Eve : Sandra Oh plays Eve Polastri, a British intelligence investigator, who is given the task of hunting down a psychopathic assassin named Villanelle (Jodi Comer). Follow the cat and mouse game as these two character’s lives become more and more intertwined. Proceed with caution: I binged two full seasons in one weekend.

Stream it on: Hulu

Seasons: Three have aired, but there will be four in total. 

Bodyguard : David Budd (Richard Madden) is a police sergeant with the Metropolitan Police Service in London, in the Royalty and Specialist Protection branch. The war veteran, whose experiences left him with PTSD, is assigned to protect Julia Montague, the controversial Home Secretary. Torn between his duty to protect and his own beliefs – he loathes Julia’s politics – David must reconcile where exactly his loyalties lie.

Poldark : Based on a series of classic British novels, Poldark is the story of a wealthy and dashing Cornish  gentleman who returns home after fighting in the Revolutionary War only to find his country estate in bad disrepair and the love of his life married to his sworn enemy. The beautifully filmed series depicts life in a small mining town in Cornwall for both the landed gentry and the underprivileged miners who work for them.

Stream it on: Amazon Prime

Call the Midwife : This charming series follows a group of nurse midwives in an impoverished London neighborhood in the 1950s and 60s who are based at a Catholic religious order called Nonatus House. Although it is a historical drama, the show deals with many societal issues that we still face today such as abortion, domestic violence, racial injustice and birth control.

Seasons: Nine have aired.

Broadchurch : Set in the quaint seaside village of Broadchurch, this British crime drama spends three seasons focusing on a single murder case and its aftermath, not only for the victim’s family but for an entire community. The detectives on the case are none other than Queen Elizabeth (Olivia Colman) and Doctor Who (David Tennant) who do a bangup job investigating many twists and turns in their effort to find the killer.

Land Girls : The series is a World War II drama about the Women’s Land Army, a real-life volunteer group of young women from all over England who moved to the countryside to grow food for the war effort. This fictionalized account tells the story of their struggles and adjustments to country living and to each other.

Steam it on: Netflix

Downton Abbey : This critically acclaimed historical drama allows us a look inside the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants throughout the early twentieth century. The series shows the effect that important historical events from 1912 to 1926 like the sinking of the Titanic, World War I, and the Spanish Flu have on all of their lives. It’s a must watch if you have not yet seen the show or the feature film adaptation that followed. 

The Night Manager : The show follows Jonathan Pine (Tom Hiddleston), a hotel night manager who is asked by a well-connected guest and intelligence operative (Olivia Coleman) to help spy on international businessman, Richard Roper (Hugh Laurie). Pine’s assistance with this request thrusts him into Roper’s shady world as he attempts to infiltrate Roper’s inner circle and investigate illegal arms sales. 

  Stream it on: Amazon Prime

  Seasons: 1; the show has been renewed for a second.

Grantchester : Set in the 1950s in a village just outside of Cambridge, a clergyman and a veteran police officer join forces and start an investigation into the suspicious death of the priest’s parishioners. These unlikely partners form a real friendship as they work together to discover why there is such darkness and crime in this small little corner of Cambridgeshire.

Victoria : The historical drama series chronicles the early life of Queen Victoria, her ascension to the throne, and her courtship and marriage to Prince Albert. As the seasons continue, we see how Queen Victoria navigates various historical events like the famine in Ireland and relations with France.

Seasons: Three have aired and a fourth may be in the works. 

The Last Kingdom : After watching his father be killed by Danish invaders, Uhtred, an Anglo-Saxon, is raised by viking warlord Earl Ragnar and taught the ways to become a brave warrior. Uhtred is later put in a position where he must decide his loyalties between his country and the nation that raised him. 

Seasons: Four have aired and a fifth will arrive to Netflix in Fall 2021.

Lark Rise to Candleford : The series, which has been adapted from Flora Thompson’s childhood memoir, is told through the eyes of a young girl, Laura Timmins. Set toward the end of the 19th century, Laura leaves the small Oxfordshire hamlet, Lark Rise, to start a new job with the aide of her mother’s cousin, Dorcas Lane, in the wealthier neighboring town, Candleford. The series chronicles the ups and downs of daily life for these two characters as well as the friends, farmworkers, and neighbors living in these communities.

Last Tango in Halifax : This romantic comedy follows the story of two widowed childhood sweethearts in their 70s who fall for each other all over again after their respective grandsons create profiles for them on a popular social networking site. The two fall for each other all over again, but still have obstacles to overcome with their families.

Bridgerton : Shonda Rhimes has done it again, no surprise here, with this American period drama set during the Regency era in England (1813). The eight children of widow Violet, the matriarch of the powerful Bridgerton family, attempt to find love in London high society; and, as with anything Rhimes writes, scandal ensues. Bridgerton also happens to be the most-watched series on Netflix.

Seasons: One has aired, but seasons two, three, and four have been confirmed.

Vikings : The show follows Ragnar Lothbrok, a farmer and family man, who is tired of the ways set forth by his local chieftain, and strives to explore westward across the ocean to find new civilizations. The action causes issues within his clan and especially with his clean leader, Earl Haraldson, creating two separate factions.

The Trip :  This 2010 British sitcom stars Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon as fictionalized versions of themselves. Coogan invites Brydon on a restaurant tour of Northern England after Coogan’s girlfriend breaks up with him and moves back to America. The antics that these two get up to are enjoyable to watch. Three seasons followed (The Trip to Italy, The Trip to Spain, and the Trip to Greece), and all four were each edited into their own feature film.

Stream it on: You can watch the feature films, which are the episodes of each season edited down into a movie, on Hulu.

Normal People : The series is adapted from the novel, Normal People by Sally Rooney, a millennial author who has won critical acclaim for both this book and her debut novel Conversations With Friends. The series follows Marianne and Connell over several years as they navigate adulthood as well as their complex, on-again, off-again romance. Rooney’s novels examine the human condition and the complexities of relationships. The plot feels incidental. But, I have read both and can tell you that Sally is such a good writer that once you turn the first page, you won’t put the book down until you make it to the last.

The Fall : Maggie Anderson plays Stella Gibson, a London detective called up to Belfast in Northern Ireland to lend her investigatory expertise and catch serial killer Paul Spector (Jamie Dornan). This psychological thriller is a cat and mouse chase between two hunters, and Gibson will stop at nothing to catch Spector before he moves on to the next victim.

Derry Girls : The sitcom centers around five Catholic schoolgirls in the Northern Ireland city of Derry during the 1990s. The Troubles – a bloody period of Irish history that spanned three decades – were nearing their end. And despite the ongoing political turmoil between Irish nationalists and Unionists, we watch as the girls try to navigate their seemingly tumultuous teenage years just as the rest of the world’s teenagers do.

Seasons: Two have aired, but a third season is confirmed.

Outlander :  A medley of romance, science fiction, history and stunning cinematography have generated a global cult following for Outlander. Viewers are mesmerized by this epic love story of a nurse from 1945 who travels back in time to fall in love with a Scottish Highlander from the 1700s.

Seasons: 5 have aired.

Monarch of the Glen : Just as Archie MacDonald plans to open up his very own fish restaurant in London, he learns that he is the recipient of an unexpected inheritance. Archie must return back to the Scottish Highlands to run his decaying family estate. He will need to adapt to the newfound responsibilities that being the owner of such a large property requires.

Stream it on: Amazon Prime (you may need a VPN if you are streaming from the USA)

Reign : It’s an American historical drama – the show originally aired on the CW – telling the story of the rise to power for Mary Queen of Scots. The monarch moves to France to formalize her arranged engagement to Prince Francis. She must spend her time in France readying herself to rule and dealing with complicated matters of the heart, which is all but complicated by the treacherous French court.

Stream it On: Netflix

Shetland : Detective Inspector Jimmy Perez returns to his native Shetland Islands, but doesn’t have much down time with the eight murder cases he needs to solve. Even in the beautiful Shetland Islands, not everything is as it seems. Perez and his team have a lot of work to do as they try to track down the culprits.

Seasons: Five seasons have aired, and season six and seven are confirmed.

Hinterland : This police procedural is set in the town of Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, Wales. Tom Mathias, the Chief Inspector of Police, leaves London for Wales but uncovers that the place has dark secrets just like he does.

Hidden : Police officers investigate after finding a young woman’s body on the banks of a river; and, she might not have been the only woman to have gone missing from that same area.

Stream it on: Acorn TV

Seasons: Two seasons have aired and a third has been confirmed.

Cable Girls : Set in the 1920s, the series follows the stories of four young women who get jobs at the first national telephone company as they manage relationships, romance, and equality.  I absolutely adored the first four seasons of this show. Season 5 time jumps to the Spanish civil war, and while I appreciated learning more about the political atmosphere of the time, I wish I had stopped after season 4 and not watched the final one. This is just something to consider should you choose to watch this phenomenal show. 

La Casa de Papel (Money Heist) : A criminal mastermind known as “The Professor” offers a group of eight thieves the opportunity to rob the Royal Mint of Spain by printing billions of euros. A showdown ensues between the police and the robbers as they attempt to carry out their shrewd plan. 

Gran Hotel : It is 1905 in the fictional Spanish coastal town of Cantaloa, and Julio arrives at the Gran Hotel only to uncover that his sister, a chambermaid at the hotel, has disappeared. Julio is determined to find her so he starts investigating everyone at the hotel. Julio’s investigation does lead him somewhere – right into the arms of Alicia, the married hotel heiress.  The series was adapted for American television in 2019 with the show Grand Hotel, but it was cancelled after one season.

Stream it on: The show was taken off of Netflix in January 2021, so it will be difficult to find somewhere to watch. 

My Brilliant Friend : The series is based on the four books, also known as the Neapolitan Quartet, by Italian novelist Elena Ferrante. After the sudden disappearance of  Lila Cerullo, an old friend of now 60-year Elena Greco, Elena reflects on the early days of the girls lives in 1950s Naples and Ischia, Italy. Each season is adapted from the accompanying novel, season 1 is based on book 1, season 2 is based on book 2, etc.

Stream it on: HBO Max

Seasons: Two have aired, but there will be four in total.

Medici : Set in 15-century Renaissance Florence,  the banking dynasty, House of Medici, rises to power and wields great influence over the arts and politics of medieval Italy.

Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy – The name really says it all. Stanley Tucci travels across Italy to share the highlights of the country’s regional cuisines. Tucci offers us insight into a world that is so much more than pasta and pizza – although we get our fair share of that as well – by showing us how Italy’s history and culture has affected the diversity of Italian cooking.

Stream it on: CNNgo, but you can watch on YouTube TVwith or a Hulu premium subscription.

Seasons: One has aired, but the show has been confirmed for a second.

Emily in Paris : Emily Cooper (Lilly Collins) moves to Paris after a company transfer at her marketing agency. We watch as Emily struggles to succeed in the workplace, searches for love, and adjusts to life in Paris. I’m a huge Darren Star fan, but the show just didn’t cut it for me. The characters weren’t well developed and the writing was very cliché. With that said, a lot of people loved that they could escape to Paris through the show and thought it was a fun watch, so it’s included on this list.

Seasons: 1, but has been renewed for a second season

Versailles : The year is 1667. Louis XIV is in complete control of France and commissioning the Palace of Versailles, the world’s most opulent palace. Eager to share in its grandeur and displaced from their usual surroundings, the nobles do not realize that this palace is actually meant to control and imprison them.

Call My Agent! : Talent agents at a top firm in Paris work tirelessly to make their clients happy and maintain their businesses in show business, a world filled with backstabbing and scheming.

The Bureau : The series, which is based on true accounts, follows the lives of agents of the DGSE (General Directorate of External Security) which is France’s equivalent to the CIA. Officer Malotru has spent the past six years under cover in Damascus, Syria, but has been mysteriously recalled back to Paris. Malotru must re-learn how to connect with his family and move past his time as an undercover agent in Syria. If you’ve finished Homeland and are looking for something in a similar vein, then check out The Bureau.

Stream it on: Amazon Prime, YouTubeTV, Sundance Now

Charité at War : This drama takes place at a prominent Berlin hospital during World War II and the tells the story of physicians and nurses working to save lives and practice ethical medical care during the Nazi regime. While only six episodes, Charité at War manages to delve fairly deeply into its characters and offers up a tale of romance, action, interesting medical dilemmas.

Occupied : It’s a political thriller series based in the fictional near future. The Norwegian government stops all oil and gas production in the North Sea, due to overwhelming environmental concerns, so Russia intervenes on behalf of the European Union and invades the country. The goal? To take control of Norway’s oil supplies and stop the Europe-wide energy crisis.

NETHERLANDS

Baptiste : Detective Julian Baptiste is staying in Amsterdam when he runs into an old girlfriend, Amsterdam’s chief of police. She asks Baptiste to help search for Natalie, a missing sex worker and the investigation draws him into the dark underworld of the red light district. The series is a spin off from The Missing where Tchéky Karyo also plays the role of Detective Baptiste.

Stream it on: Apple TV

The Restaurant : It’s 1945, World War II is over, and Sweden is celebrating. But, the war has enormously impacted Europe. Nina Lowander and her family run a traditional restaurant in Sweden, but the limited number of patrons is worrying. What lengths are the family members willing to go to keep their family-run business afloat?

Broen/Bron/The Bridge : The series was a joint production for Swedish and Danish entertainment. The show opens with the discovery of a dead body on the center of the Oresund Bridge, which exactly marks the Denmark-Sweden border. A joint investigation ensues as a Swedish police detective and her Danish counterpart work together to find the killer.

General Europe Travel TV Shows

Rick Steves’ Europe : The ultimate authority on all things Europe, Rick Steves’ travel show is public television’s most-watched, and longest-running travel series. The show is an educational and entertaining way to learn about the continent and acquaint yourself with the customs and the culture of Europe’s most interesting places.

Seasons: 11

Somebody Feed Phil : Philip Rosenthal, the creator of the hit sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond, travels the globe while taking us on a tour of the cuisine in each episode’s featured city. You’ll fall in love with Phil and his engaging personality in this travel documentary and while I recommend that you watch all of the episodes as he travels around the world, the Europe episodes are as follows: Season 1, Episode 4 (Lisbon); Season 2, Episode 1 (Venice); Season 2, Episode 2 (Dublin); Season 2, Episode 4 (Copenhagen); Season 3, Episode 3 (London).

Anthony Bourdain : It’s hard not to know the legend, best selling author, and Emmy award winner Anthony Bourdain. He was a world traveler, food lover and a master of words who traveled around the globe to find the ultimate dining experience. Bourdain provided his outlook on the daily life and customs of the locales he visited and broke bread with these residents who graciously shared their culture and cuisine. Bourdain has two series, Parts Unknown and No Reservations, and while he travels the whole world in these shows, there are plenty of episodes filmed in Europe. 

Stream it on: Parts Unknown on HBO Max and No Reservations on Hulu

Seasons: 12; 9

While this list is extensive, I know I’ve missed some incredible tv series set in Europe. Leave your favorites in the comments below! And don’t forget to read these other posts on WOAW:

Best Travel Guides for Europe: Top European Guidebooks for 2020

Travel Face Mask: Best Travel-Inspired Cloth Masks w/ Filters

Best Travel Accessories for Europe: The List of Essentials

Best Travel Coffee Table Books to Inspire You Right Now

10 of the Most Walkable Cities in Europe

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The Best Travel Shows to Stream Right Now

Enjoy the thrill of the chase in paris, a stanley tucci tour of italy, and a puppet’s-eye view of global cuisine with these streaming tv shows..

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In “Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy,” the actor lives the dream by exploring the best of Italy’s food and wine.

Courtesy of CNN

While we wait for borders to open , these fuel-your-wanderlust shows will take you off the couch to Italy, England, Norway, France, and Peru (by magic shopping cart). Can you tell we’re excited about Michelle Obama’s fantastical new global food show, Waffles and Mochi ? It debuts next week on Netflix. Until then, explore the world from home by streaming any of these 26 travel shows and TV shows set in foreign countries.

Waffles and Mochi

Watch it : Netflix

A Sesame Street –style kids’ TV show for the budding chef, Waffles and Mochi follows the eponymous puppets—one a sweet little monster with waffles for ears, the other a sentient pink rice ball—around the world as they seek out fresh global ingredients and learn about healthy eating and cooking.

This show will appeal to adults as much as to toddlers. To start: Michelle Obama costars (this is part of the Obamas’ production deal with Netflix) as a grocery store owner who teaches Waffles and Mochi about the wide world beyond the Land of Frozen Food. Off on fabulous journeys they go—to Japan, Peru, Italy, where they have friendly encounters with famous chefs like Samin Nosrat and José Andrés, as well as special guests Rashida Jones, Queer Eye ’s Tan France, Zach Galifianakis, Sia, Common, and more (technically, Mandy Moore). Start streaming it on Netflix March 16. —Laura Dannen Redman

Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy

Watch it : CNN

Actor Stanley Tucci kept spirits afloat with his cocktail and cooking demos on Instagram during lockdown. When travel restrictions lifted in Europe last year, Tucci traveled to Italy—where he has deep roots—to film this six-episode series exploring food and culture through Italy’s people, cities, and regions: Sicily, Tuscany, Milan, Bologna, Rome, and Naples and the Amalfi Coast.

For those desperately missing Italy, Tucci is the perfect knowledgeable yet curious tour guide, introducing his friends—winemakers, chefs, and authors—who he pokes a little fun at, and taking you on tours, such as around Florence’s Renaissance-era wine windows, aka “little doors of paradise.”

If the show leaves you craving more, buy his two Italian cookbooks— The Tucci Table: Cooking with Family and Friends and The Tucci Cookbook— and preorder his memoir, Taste: My Life Through Food . The series has been renewed for season two. — Annie Fitzsimmons

Who is Lupin? He’s a gentleman thief, a master of disguise, a sort of French superhero at the heart of Maurice Leblanc’s short stories, “Arsène Lupin, Gentleman Burglar.” These early 20th-century Sherlockian tales inspire the new Netflix show, Lupin , starring Omar Sy ( The Intouchables ) as a Senegalese immigrant in today’s Paris who follows Arsène’s escapades as a road map for revenge.

In the pilot episode Sy’s Arsène struts through the Louvre disguised as a janitor, plotting a jewelry heist like a cohort of Danny Ocean. Lupin is also full of lust-worthy shots of the city: a room with a view of Sacré-Cœur; the Eiffel Tower from every angle; the Jardin du Luxembourg in the rain; a bustling café. A heist thriller is only as good as its setting, and Lupin —and Paris—deliver. —L.D.R.

“Outlander” stars Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish take you on a spirited journey through Scotland.

Courtesy of Starz

Men in Kilts: A Roadtrip with Sam and Graham

Watch it : Starz

If the popular period drama Outlander didn’t already have you craving a trip to Scotland, this travel show starring Sam Heughan (Jamie Fraser in Outlander ) and Graham McTavish ( Outlander’s Dougal Mackenzie) will seal the deal. Even if you’re not an Outlander devotee, this Scottish duo, who are constantly making jabs at each other and themselves, are ideal guides for this literal campervan road trip through Scotland. Their banter is on point (you can tell they’re good pals IRL), and they transport viewers into the heart and soul of the country without taking themselves too seriously.

Each episode focuses on a different aspect of Scottish culture and history. For the food and drink episode, Heughan and McTavish visit one of Scotland’s oldest whisky distilleries and introduce viewers to Scottish seafood. For the sports episode, they try their hand at archaic Highland Games (aka throwing a massive hammer) and playing golf on Scotland’s most hallowed turf. And for the song and dance episode, viewers learn more about bagpipes and traditional Scottish dancing—Heughan and McTavish are game guinea pigs while also offering insights and knowledge into the theme at hand.

I’m not always big on traditional “travel shows,” but I absolutely love this one and am ready to book my first trip to Scotland ASAP after watching. — Michelle Baran

Watch it : Apple TV

West London’s Richmond upon Thames, with its distinctly British cobblestone shopping alleys, parks, and lively pubs, is the backdrop to the story of very American Ted Lasso, played by Jason Sudeikis.

Lasso is an American football coach hired to reboot a Premier League British football team, AFC Richmond. An eternal optimist, Ted is someone you wish you knew—warm and funny, with leadership skills that win over nearly everyone he meets in this fish-out-of-water story.

The Apple TV show isn’t really about sports, though there are plenty of soaring, heart-pumping soccer—football!—scenes. There are love triangles and mishaps, a delightful cast of characters, and the realization that you can do the impossible if you just “Believe,” Ted’s motto. The show has already been renewed for two more seasons. —A.F.

The head of government rides her bike to work: two clues this series isn’t set in the United States. In Copenhagen, everyone rides a bike. Maybe “Danish political drama” doesn’t sound compelling but this is, with a standout cast of well-developed characters. It follows the path of politician Birgitte Nyborg and how demands of her rise to power clash with her family life. Concerns about media news coverage are among the issues making this drama universal. The show, with an 8.5 IMDb rating, originally aired 2010–2013; Netflix plans a fourth season for 2022. — Pat Tompkins

If you’re one of the few who haven’t seen Bridgerton yet (apparently, it’s Netflix’s most successful series ever ), and you miss the U.K., it’s time to settle into Shonda Rhimes’s soapy, steamy Regency-era drama that reimagines the time as one when equality reigns: Black and white people coexist as equals, and the Queen is Black.

It centers on the romance between debutante Daphne Bridgerton and Simon Basset, reluctant Duke of Hastings. Scenic British locations include the Bridgerton family home, Ranger’s House in Greenwich, London; promenades in Bath’s green parks and Royal Crescent; and parties at Wilton House in Salisbury as the Duke’s country mansion. — A.F.

“Killing Eve” sets the codependent cop-and-killer chase in glamorous sites around Europe.

Courtesy of BBC

Killing Eve

Watch it : YouTube TV

When Eve, a British intelligence investigator, becomes obsessed by an assassin-for-hire, Villanelle, their cat-and-mouse chase leads the characters through Tuscany, Paris, London, and Romania. The glamorous destinations make this a bingeable spy thriller for travel lovers who crave dark humor, cliffhangers, and dreamy settings. —Ciera Velarde

Four Weddings and a Funeral

Watch it : Hulu

This 10-episode series from Mindy Kaling is nothing like the movie it takes its name from, except that there are four weddings and one funeral. London has never looked more magical as friends in their thirties fall in love, break up, and get married across rooftop parties in Trafalgar Square, conversations at the National Gallery and inside dreamy Notting Hill houses, and walks in Kew Gardens.

Like its cast, but unlike so many romantic comedies, it also showcases the diversity of the city through Indian family culture in Hounslow and the multicultural Southall Market. It’s completely addictive, and you might replay the final 10 minutes of the series (a wedding, of course!) over and over again. — A.F.

Un Village Francais/A French Village

Watch it : Amazon Prime

Over seven seasons, this series captures what German occupation of a fictional village, Villeneuve, meant for its inhabitants from 1940 to 1945. Instead of battles, we get the war’s impact on civilian life, an impact that affects everyone. It could have been a soap opera, but it’s not, thanks to complex characters and intriguing stories.

Among those in the first episode are Spanish refugees, a Jewish family, and the town doctor, all coping with the sudden upheaval of life in Occupied France. Travel to a different place and time in these 80+ episodes. — P.T.

Home for Christmas

The first Norwegian series from Netflix, Home for Christmas was filmed in Oslo and the small mining town of Røros, known for its colorful wooden buildings from the 1700s. We see the town and countryside dressed for the holidays, with snow, twinkle lights, and cider at Christmas markets aplenty.

But the festive season is just a vehicle for showcasing the complicated bonds of family. The show follows the up-and-down love life and quirky characters surrounding Johanne, a nurse in her thirties who feels pressure from her large, boisterous family to settle down. But what relationship can compete with her friendships? — A.F.

Call My Agent

Calling all francophiles. For those missing not just France but the language and people as well, this French-language Netflix show is génial . Call My Agent is a witty comedy about a Paris-based talent agency. The central cast of characters brings viewers along as they manage the many moods and demands of their high-maintenance actor clients. (They do everything from intervene when clients refuse to get intimate on a film set to help a client learn to drive for a movie role, plus attend ridiculous soirées to appease these high-strung celebs.)

As the series continues, deeper emotional themes around family, friendship, and love develop. I found myself tearing up (in a good way) by the end of the first season, something I wasn’t expecting at all at the start. The comic relief serves as a wonderful escape and there’s something oddly satisfying about seeing behind the scenes of France’s acting and filming world even if it is a fictional look. — M.B.

Indian Matchmaking

This is a reality show, with all its tropes and gimmicks, inviting us to be voyeurs of the Indian dating world. But Indian Matchmaking is also a fascinating glimpse into the culture of matchmaking and quasi-arranged marriages, for both the singles and families. It follows Mumbai-based matchmaker Sima Taparia as she tries to pair clients both in the U.S. and India; the scenes in India are most vibrant and really make the show worth a watch even if you’re skeptical about the premise.

You feel like you’re sitting right next to the characters in that Mumbai restaurant or Delhi bar as they chat with friends or go out on that first (slightly awkward) date with their match. — M.B.

Watch it : HBO Now , Hulu , YouTube TV

If your family is driving you up the wall, imagine self-quarantining with Succession ’s Roy family. This addictive dramedy centers on who will take over a global media and hospitality empire as the family patriarch faces health issues. Because this dysfunctional family is crazy rich, the series transports us to the most exclusive corners of New York City, a sprawling ranch in New Mexico, and even a castle in England. The juicy Season 2 finale takes place on a private yacht in Croatia, so pour yourself some prosecco and lose yourself in someone else’s family drama. —C.V.

Olivia Colman dazzles as Queen Elizabeth in the third season of “The Crown.”

Courtesy of Netflix

Pour yourself a cuppa and don your finest sweatpants, because we’re headed to Buckingham Palace, folks. Well, no filming was actually done in Buckingham Palace, but Lancaster House, Wilton House, and Waddesdon Manor serve as lavish, convincing stand-ins. Get ready to follow the trials and tribulations of the Windsors and get peeks at country-home castles, private train cars, African tree houses, and passels of corgis romping on the moors. —C.V.

Watch it : Hulu , HBO Now

Every time a local musician appears onscreen during this series (and they appear a lot), hearing the soulful jazz they play will transport you to New Orleans. Shot entirely on location in the city, Treme ’s storyline begins three months after Hurricane Katrina and follows its characters—musicians, bartenders, families—as they try to rebuild their lives. —C.V.

Sam Heughan stars in “Outlander,” a drama heavy on time travel and rolling Scottish countryside.

Watch it : Starz , Netflix , YouTube TV

After just one episode of Outlander, you’ll be eager to traverse the peaks of Scotland’s evergreen Highlands and drink a wee dram of whisky. This time-travel series, shot on location in Scotland, creates a fantasy world that feels rooted in a real place. —C.V.

Broadchurch

Watch it : Amazon

South England’s Jurassic Coast is the real-life setting for this moody crime drama set in a fictional seaside town. Millions of years of coastal erosion have formed striking rock formations along the craggy cliffs and beaches of the region—the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage–recognized area even serves as an important plot device. —C.V.

Ugly Delicious

Watch it: Netflix

In each episode of this docuseries, the James Beard Foundation award–winning chef David Chang focuses on a specific food (one episode is about fried rice, another about barbecue) and then bounces from country to country to taste local iterations of the same dish. After the first episode (which involves pizza: lots and lots of pizza), you’ll learn not to watch on an empty stomach. —C.V.

Top of the Lake

Viewers will be instantly hooked by Elisabeth Moss’s performance as a detective investigating the disappearance of a pregnant 12-year-old girl. The show was filmed on the South Island of New Zealand, and the titular lake provides an eerie and dramatic background for the emotionally heavy show. —C.V.

The action of “The Night Manager” starts in Egypt, but the scenes were actually shot in Marrakesh, Morocco.

Courtesy of Amazon

The Night Manager

Watch it : Amazon Prime Video

Great writing, fast-paced action, and an all-star cast (Tom Hiddleston, Olivia Colman, Hugh Laurie) make this drama unmissable. The story follows a hotel night manager recruited to infiltrate the inner circle of a corrupt businessman. The show is rumored to be the most expensive miniseries ever made by the BBC, and travel-hungry viewers will enjoy the gorgeous locations, like Majorca, Spain; Zermatt, Switzerland; and Marrakesh, Morocco.

Salt Fat Acid Heat

Chef Samin Nosrat visits culinary colleagues in Italy, Japan, Mexico, and Berkeley, California, to explain how—you guessed it—salt, fat, acid, and heat are the essential elements to master when cooking any meal. Samin’s passion for food radiates through the screen, and you’ll be left hungry and inspired to test out some of her cooking tips—with her cookbook by the same name —yourself. —C.V.

If you want to lean into the current news, Fortitude is one way to go. Set in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard (but filmed in Eastern Iceland), this drama is about a deadly virus that turns infected people into murderers. Winter-travel lovers: Get ready for sweeping icy landscapes, snow-capped mountains, and frigid, rocky beaches. —C.V.

“My Brilliant Friend” is a realistic portrayal of the gritty yet beautiful city of Naples.

Photo by Eduardo Castaldo/HBO

My Brilliant Friend

Although this show follows two childhood friends as they grow into women in postwar Italy, the true star is Naples , with its crowded sidewalks, lively piazzas, and ancient architecture. (In the sixth episode, viewers get to travel to the volcanic island of Ischia, to summer with the characters on beaches lapped by turquoise waters). —C.V.

The makers of Our Planet leave no corner of Earth untouched. This breathtaking nature docuseries allows you to swim with whales, swing from tree to tree with orangutans, and explore the Serengeti, all from your couch. The camerawork is remarkable: You’ll ask yourself “how did they even film that?!” at least four times per episode. —C.V.

Big Little Lies

Oh, what we’d give to be social distancing in one of the spacious seaside mansions on this show. The frothy mix of petty neighborhood squabbles, a mysterious death, and the sweeping shots of the Pacific Ocean makes watching Big Little Lies roughly 10 times better than watching the news. And if you’re inspired to plan a trip to Monterey after watching the show (and, of course, after virus concerns are lifted) , we’ve got you covered . —C.V.

>>Next: Around the World in International Films

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50 Best Travel Shows Of All Time (& How To Watch Them)

Most of us can't reasonably travel all of the time. Thankfully, we can live vicariously through our screens when we cannot be globetrotting ourselves. Travel shows are a dime a dozen, mainly because many of us would rather explore than deal with our responsibilities. But how do you know which shows are worth your time? That depends mainly on your tastes and interests, but we can provide some solid starting points.

From celebrities heading their own adventurous docuseries to food-loving vagabonds visiting remote destinations, travel shows can show us scenes and cultures we would otherwise have no concept of. In fact, television often inspires travel, and watching world wanderers eat their way through exotic destinations is a great way to help plan your next trip. These 50 series are some of the best TV has to offer, and even if you don't make it through all of them, you may find a gem that piques your particular interest.

50. Nomad with Carlton McCoy

Classically trained chef and expert sommelier Carlton McCoy seeks out the best in international cuisine, music, and art in the CNN series "Nomad with Carlton McCoy." Premiering in May 2022, McCoy travels everywhere in the travel series, from the overlooked pleasures of Mississippi to the corners of Ghana. For McCoy, the show's focus lies in adventures and delights found away from the well-worn paths frequented by tourists. Instead, he enjoys savoring hometown favorites from local populations. What McCoy may lack in experience and poise, he and "Nomad" make up for with its premise to go behind the scenes of some of the world's most recognizable locales. 

The first "Nomad with Carlton McCoy" season is available to stream on  Prime Video with Discovery+.

49. Down to Earth with Zac Efron

The world is a beautiful place, and it's easy to showcase such on film. This is why a travel show has to be about more than just pretty scenery, and "Down to Earth with Zac Efron" delivers in a big way. The series puts a highly informative spin on the genre by taking viewers on whirlwind journeys worldwide in search of health secrets. We're not talking about avocado toast or juice cleanses, either.

Efron and wellness expert Darin Olien visit destinations to learn about topics like renewable energy, superfoods, and water quality. Have you ever heard of a water sommelier? The experts know a thing or two about what kind of water makes our bodies happy, and a "Down to Earth" episode in France consults one of the few professionals in existence. The series also has episodes on a seed bank stocked for the end of the world, Iceland's Blue Lagoon, and the Amazon rainforest.

Although "Down to Earth" earned Zac Efron a Daytime Emmy, lack of viewership caused the series to be canceled quickly. It had one season at Netflix and was picked up for another at The CW, only to be on the chopping block two episodes later. Lack of quantity does not mean lack of quality, though, and the "High School Musical" star's travel show is a solid viewing.

You can watch "Down to Earth with Zach Efron" on Netflix and The CW .

48. The World's Most Amazing Vacation Rentals

Sometimes, a typical hotel on vacation doesn't cut it, with intrepid travelers opting for more unique and luxurious digs during their stay abroad. The Netflix original series "The World's Most Amazing Vacation Rentals" explores everything from treehouses to alpaca farms to rent worldwide. Hosted by Megan Batoon, Jo Franco, and Luis D. Ortiz, the show reminds viewers that far more than cheap motels and chain hotels are available to make a vacation even more authentic and unique. While some of the rentals visited on the show run on the pricier side, these are balanced out with more cost-effective rentals for travelers not looking to shell out top dollar on accommodations.

"The World's Most Amazing Vacation Rentals" is available to stream on  Netflix .

47. Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy

Academy Award-nominated actor Stanley Tucci reconnects with his ancestral roots in the CNN travel series "Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy." Premiering in 2021, the show has Tucci visit different regions in Italy to learn more about the local cuisine, culture, and history in a sun-soaked tour of the Mediterranean country. Though the major tourist centers of Italy are among the destinations in Tucci's tour, the host takes the time to explore restaurants and locations off the beaten track to reveal a more authentic Italian experience. Buoyed by Tucci's understated yet quietly charismatic presence, "Searching for Italy" has been nominated for multiple Emmy Awards, winning two for its achievement in nonfiction television. 

Available to purchase and rent through most digital retailers, "Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy" is also available to stream on Discovery+ .

46. Mysterious Islands

Accomplished pilot and explorer Kellee Edwards invites viewers to join her on his globe-trotting adventures with the Travel Channel series "Mysterious Islands." Edwards particularly takes an interest in some of the most remote islands on Earth, visiting them with her private seaplane to examine them from above and by foot. A refreshing contrast to the hustle-and-bustle of travel shows revolving around heavily populated locales, "Mysterious Islands" offers a more serene, nature-focused look at isolated getaways. Before hosting "Mysterious Islands," Edwards hosted and published a travel vlog through her website that catapulted her into the public eye.

"Mysterious Islands" is currently available to stream on  fuboTV and Philo .

45. Ride with Norman Reedus

"Cool" is the only way to describe "Ride with Norman Reedus." Cruising on a slew of bikes, "The Boondock Saints" and "The Walking Dead" actor meets up with a different travel partner in each episode to explore the open road of America and international destinations. With six seasons as of 2023, the series has become a lasting one on AMC.

Norman Reedus isn't the first to make a travel show centered on biker culture, so what makes it so unique? His vibe, for one. However, it's also the particular variety that his program offers viewers. Reedus does not stick to just one style or motorcycle manufacturer; he also has many celebrity guests. He has the bikers' seal of approval.

From Dave Chapelle to Keanu Reeves, you'll be surprised that some of your favorite celebrities ride and are just as captivating in an environment you don't usually see them in. Fans of Reedus' work will also be happy to see quite a few familiar faces as his "The Walking Dead" co-stars, including Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Steven Yeun, join in on the fun.

You can watch "Ride with Norman Reedus" on AMC+ .

44. Epic Drives

Car expert Arthur St. Antoine entered the pole position with the automobile travel series "Epic Drives," premiering in 2010. Backed with a whole fleet of cars, often with some of the world's coolest and fastest sports and luxury automobiles, St. Antoine opens the engine up and cuts loose on roads around the globe. From traversing the Pacific Coast Highway to showcasing winter driving tips on the frozen roads of Scandinavia, St. Antoine guides viewers through truly stunning international roadways. Though "Epic Rides" puts its slick automobiles in the forefront, the travel series is also keenly aware of how to capture the natural beauty of the gorgeous destinations visited. 

"Epic Drives" is available to stream on Roku and Prime Video  with a MotorTrend extension.

43. Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern

Prolific chef, author, and television personality Andrew Zimmern delves into the off-kilter local cuisine from around the world that outsiders may view as strange in the Travel Channel series "Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern." Running steadily since 2006, "Bizarre Foods" has become a large television franchise in and of itself, spawning spinoff series and specials, while the main series has undergone several rebrands. Later, carrying the subtitle "Delicious Destinations," Zimmern's unique perspective on local cuisine proved as engaging as ever. Traveling anywhere from remote settlements in the untamed wilderness to local gastronomy usually avoided by tourists, Zimmern doesn't just focus on the cuisine and preparation itself but where the key ingredients come from. 

A Travel Channel staple for over a decade, "Bizarre Foods With Andrew Zimmern" is currently available to stream on Max and Discovery+ .

42. Samantha Brown's Places to Love

Prolific travel television personality Samantha Brown created the acclaimed PBS series "Samantha Brown's Places to Love," which premiered in 2018. Markedly different from her previous programming on the Travel Channel, Brown's PBS show offers ways for prospective travelers to blend in more naturally with places they visit rather than disrupt local scenes. Featuring a more subdued approach, Brown presents a more authentic, understated cultural experience in the destinations she showcases. "Places to Love" was widely praised for its approach to travel programming and won two Daytime Emmy Awards for its outstanding achievement.

"Samantha Brown's Places to Love" is available to watch through local PBS outlets.

41. A Cook's Tour

Chef and author Anthony Bourdain's first foray into travel television was on the Food Network series "A Cook's Tour," which was filmed while Bourdain was simultaneously writing a book about his experiences. Running for two seasons from 2002-2003, the show took Bourdain around the globe to sample local cuisine and culture, with Asia being a prominent recurring destination. In Variety's review of the first season, "A Cook's Tour" was praised for focusing on destinations less well-documented by other travel shows while providing a man-on-the-street perspective. The series offers a fascinating look at Bourdain discovering his voice as a television host while still possessing his acerbic wit.

"A Cook's Tour" is currently available to stream in full on Prime Video and Tubi .

40. America Outdoors with Baratunde Thurston

Notable writer and commentator Baratunde Thurston expanded from his usual political fare to launch the PBS travel series "America Outdoors with Baratunde Thurston." Thurston travels around the United States, from Death Valley to the Appalachian Mountains, to document America's distinct and immersive outdoor destinations. More than simply hiking and camping, Thurston engages in local activities, including trying his hand at collecting wild rice and surfing, to better appreciate local cultures. Thurston takes the premise behind "America Outdoors" more liberally than most travel shows with similar scopes, with an entire episode reframing outdoor culture in Los Angeles. 

An engaging look at the United States' relationship with its outdoor spaces, "America Outdoors with Baratunde Thurston" is available to stream on Prime Video with PBS Living or PBS Documentaries and PBS with WOSU Passport.

39. Travel Man

Popular British actor and comedian Richard Ayoade launched the breakneck travel series "Travel Man," blending comedy with hectic itineraries. Paired with a celebrity guest, Ayoade and his travel companion have 48 hours to take in the sights and cuisine in different international cities. Starting with the show's tenth season, Ayoade was replaced by British comedian Joe Lycett, but the overall formula remains largely the same. Buoyed by Ayoade and Lycett's hilarious personalities and its limited-time premise, "Travel Man" is as freewheeling and fun as travelogs get.

"Travel Man: 48 Hours in..." is available to stream on Prime Video and  Peacock .

38. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Beloved chef and restauranteur David Chang covers all the most important meals of the day around the world in the original series "Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner." Joined by different celebrity guest stars in each episode, including Seth Rogen and Kate McKinnon, Chang learns what constitutes traditional daily meals in major cities from Marrakech to Phnom Penh. Elevated by thoughtful and entertaining discussions between Chang and his guests, the series offers a broader perspective on the meals we take for granted each day. As with Chang's other travel and cooking shows, the international cuisine-driven travel series focuses on authenticity and a society's connection to its defining food. 

"Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner" is available to stream on  Netflix  and  Prime Video with Fuse+.

37. No Passport Required

With a country as richly vast and varied as the United States, there are plenty of interesting travel spots without ever having to go abroad. This underlying truth provides the basic premise to the PBS travel series "No Passport Required," which is focused on exploring the legacy of immigrant traditions and cuisines within the country. Hosted by noted chef Marcus Samuelsson, six major American cities are showcased as Samuelsson examines the immigrant legacy and food that lovingly define each locale. Going beyond the typical fare that colors each city's perception, Samuelsson meets with everyone from the Armenian community in Los Angeles to the Chinese legacy behind Las Vegas, showcasing some of the cultures that help to make each city great.

"No Passport Required" is currently available to stream on Roku ,  Prime Video with PBS Living or PBS Documentaries, and PBS.

36. Big City, Little Budget

The prospect of living in or visiting major American cities isn't cheap, but host Oneika Raymond guides audiences through more cost-effective approaches to modern metropolises in "Big City, Little Budget." Produced by the Travel Channel, the web series has Raymond visiting cities from sea to shining sea while also providing tips on how to navigate each place without having a robust budget at one's disposal. From frugal dining tips to which neighborhoods won't break the bank, "Big City, Little Budget" offers invaluable advice. With its bite-sized episodes, Raymond offers clear and concise guidance through cities from Miami to New York as she leans into approaching each destination on a budget without compromising the fun.

"Big City, Little Budget" is available to stream through the Travel Channel's YouTube channel .

35. I'll Have What Phil's Having

After helming the long-running sitcom "Everybody Loves Raymond," prolific television writer and producer Phil Rosenthal turned to travelog hosting, starting with the 2015 series "I'll Have What Phil Is Having." Running on PBS for six episodes, the show follows Rosenthal as he travels around the world to check out the local food scenes. Joined by celebrity guests like Martin Short and Ray Romano, Rosenthal's comedic perspective helps give the usual travel show proceedings a more engaging approach. Though short-lived, "I'll Have What Phil Is Having" provides an early look at the type of travel programming Rosenthal would host to greater success on Netflix.

"I'll Have What Phil's Having" is currently available to stream on Roku , Prime Video with PBS Living or PBS Documentaries, Pluto TV , and PBS.

34. Basic Versus Baller: Travel at Any Cost

Even the same iconic locales can offer vastly different experiences depending on the visitor's financial situation, and this dichotomy is explored in the travel series "Basic Versus Baller: Travel at Any Cost." Hosted by siblings Alex and Marko Ayling, the two showcase how to navigate major travel destinations on a budget or take advantage of the visit when flush with cash. Whether they're discussing different approaches to visiting Hong Kong or trying the varying cuisines of France, the Ayling brothers provide plenty of information and varying perspectives on the same destinations. One of the things that work in favor of "Basic Versus Baller" is that the show's premise isn't necessarily binary, as tourists can mix the frugal and luxurious options provided as they see fit. 

A dual-perspective on the travelog formula, "Basic Versus Baller: Travel at Any Cost" is currently available to stream on Hulu , Prime Video with Tastemade, and Peacock .

33. Ugly Delicious

Chef and author David Chang looks at the cultural history and deeper meaning behind popular cuisine in the Netflix original series "Ugly Delicious." Premiering in 2018, Chang and a group of celebrity guests explore the origins of different foods through extensive interviews and traveling to informative points from the cuisine's origins. A thoughtful discussion about food and its inextricable links to societal identity, "Ugly Delicious" blends serious insight with Chang's quick wit to great effect. Widely acclaimed for its approach to asking the hard questions about cuisine's impact on culture and cultural perception, the series was nominated for an Emmy Award.

"Ugly Delicious" is currently available to stream on Netflix .

32. United Shades of America

The United States is, like any nation, an incredibly complicated and occasionally contentious place to live, from sea to shining sea, across a variety of communities. Comedian W. Kamau Bell spotlights these communities, their traditions, and their struggles in the CNN documentary series "United Shades of America." From speaking with indigenous communities in South Dakota to the extensive Black populations in the Appalachians, Bell provides an all-encompassing tour of the modern American experience. Bell's thoughtful approach to admittedly somber subject matter paints a more complete look at the country and the many voices that bring it to life as he travels nationwide.

The winner of multiple Emmy Awards for its sweeping work, "United Shades of America" is available to stream on Discovery+  and  Max  and purchase and rent via online retailers.

31. Booze Traveler

A lot can be learned about a culture through its gastronomy, and host Jack Maxwell is determined to get to the bottom of this search for identity – and the bottom of many bottles – in the Travel Channel show "Booze Traveler." Exploring domestic and international destinations, Maxwell reveals how drinking culture informs daily life in places like Seoul and Dublin while partaking in local spirits himself. With Maxwell's easygoing personality at the forefront, "Booze Traveler" looks at how communities bond over their love of drink. As a former South Boston bartender, Maxwell lends an everyday perspective to his global travels. He is more interested in looking for a good time than asking the hard questions as the show breezily chugs along.

A fittingly rambunctious travelog, "Booze Traveler" is available to stream on Discovery+ and rent and purchase through most digital retailers.

30. Street Food

While acclaimed filmmaker and documentarian David Gelb focuses primarily on haute cuisine with his award-winning "Chef's Table" series, his other Netflix original show, "Street Food," takes a different perspective. Rather than spotlight a single cook per episode like his previous work, Gelb examines an entire city's street food scene, exploring the origins of the cuisine that defines it. From the robust marks of Singapore to hole-in-the-wall restaurants in New Orleans, "Street Food" and its rotating set of hosts provide an authentic culinary portrait of the show's destinations. Gelb's everyman approach and broader scope per episode, in contrast to "Chef's Table," is an effective change that "Street Food" takes full advantage of.

The first season of "Street Food" is set in Asia, the second in Latin America, and the third in the United States, with the series currently available to stream on Netflix .

29. The Kindness Diaries

Connecting with your fellow humans and experiencing people of different backgrounds and cultures is one of the enormous benefits of traveling; for some, it's their entire purpose. In a way, "The Kindness Diaries" encapsulates the spirit of travel, as host Leon Logothetis traverses the globe depending on the kindness of strangers.

Equipped only with a bright yellow motorbike swapped for an equally yellow vintage convertible in the second season, Leon Logothetis searches for kind-hearted people to supply his needs on his travels. This includes food, accommodations, and gasoline. You'll be pleasantly surprised how far one can get in the world just by simply asking — though, he does sleep in his motorbike's sidecar when necessary. While the destinations range from all over the United States to Europe, Cambodia, and Vietnam, this feel-good travel doc is more about the people we meet along the way. Even though "The Kindness Diaries" only has two seasons behind it, the beautiful souls depicted stay with viewers for the long haul.

You can stream "The Kindness Diaries" on Discovery+ .

28. Gordon's Great Escape

Famous chef and television personality Gordon Ramsay decided to visit the originating countries of some of his favorite cuisines in the British television series "Gordon's Great Escape." In an interview with The Guardian , Ramsay shared his lifelong love of Indian food and chronicled his first trip to India in the show. Beyond his visit to India, Ramsay filmed the second set of interviews exploring other parts of Southeast Asia and its cuisine, including Thailand and Vietnam. Offering Ramsay a chance to escape the limelight he was experiencing in America and the United Kingdom, the show reveals him rediscovering his love of cooking while learning about overseas culinary traditions.

"Gordon's Great Escape" is available to stream through Prime Video , Tubi , Roku , and Fox.

27. Long Way Down

Actors and longtime motorcycle aficionados Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman reunited for another international motorcycle voyage with the British travel series "Long Way Down." A follow-up to their 2004 series "Long Way Round," the 2007 offering has the two bikers travel from Scotland all the way to Cape Town, South Africa. Along the way, the pair rides through 18 countries by motorcycle as they traverse Europe and the length of Africa. Even for those not particularly enamored by motorcycles, "Long Way Down" is a fascinating look at life on the open road across two continents anchored by two charismatic leads.

"Long Way Down" is currently available to stream on Apple TV+ .

26. Globe Trekker

One of the longest-running travel shows from the United Kingdom is "Globe Trekker," originally broadcast from 1994 to 2016. With a rotating set of hosts for each episode, the British series highlights a different region and provides audiences with a thorough guide to the sights and culture. More than simply presenting the major tourist attractions, the hosts examine local traditions, including interviews with local industries beyond tourism and hospitality. With such an impressive breadth of episodes, "Globe Trekker" set an enduring standard for travel programming in the United Kingdom against which all other travel shows are to be judged. 

Unfortunately, "Globe Trekker" is unavailable to stream or purchase in the United States.

25. Man v. Food

Eating challenges can say a lot about a culture, from the type of cuisine competitors consume to the quantity eaten to succeed. Actor and television personality Adam Richman took it upon himself to travel all over the United States to face all manner of eating challenges in the Travel Channel series "Man v. Food." Heading to a different destination each episode, Richman singlehandedly subjects himself to various regional eating challenges, from consuming massive steaks to an entire platter of chili dogs in a limited time. "Man v. Food" gave the Travel Channel its highest-rated debut upon its premiere in 2008 (per the Los Angeles Times ), with the show revived in 2017 and Richman replaced by current host Casey Webb.

An amusing look at different American regions by the eating challenges that help define it, "Man v. Food" is available to purchase and rent through most online retailers and to stream on Discovery+ and Max .

24. Tales by Light

If a vacation isn't documented and shared on Instagram, did it actually take place? Photography in some of Earth's most jaw-droppingly gorgeous places is the central premise behind the Australian travel series "Tales by Light." Each episode follows different professional photographers who tell an immersive story about exotic destinations through their pictures and videos. The perfect travel series for the social media-oriented generation, "Tales by Light" delivers truly breathtaking photographs and videos from the overlooked corners of the world.

All three beautifully rendered "Tales by Light" seasons are currently available to stream on Netflix .

23. Conan Without Borders

As an extension of his popular talk show on TBS, veteran host Conan O'Brien took his series on the road on multiple occasions to experience different cultures around the world. These special episodes were compiled in the online "Conan Without Borders," as O'Brien eschewed his typical talk show format. Traveling everywhere from Cuba to South Korea, O'Brien explores the societal morays of each of these destinations with his usual comedic antics and insight. A welcome change of pace from his usual formula, O'Brien blends biting political commentary with a genuine appreciation for local cultures, with "Conan Without Borders" winning an Emmy for its efforts.

"Conan Without Borders" is currently available to stream on Max .

22. The Moaning of Life

When British comedian and actor Karl Pilkington faced something of a midlife crisis, he decided to examine the lives and cultures of others around the world to gain a better sense of perspective (per Cinema Blend ). The resulting international tour was filmed for the British travel series "The Moaning of Life," as Pilkington contemplated love, life, and mortality on the road. To expand his view on the human condition, Pilkington visits drive-thru weddings in Las Vegas, professional mourners in Taiwan, and fertility clinics in Japan. The Hollywood Reporter's review of "The Moaning of Life" complimented the show's existential subject matter and Pilkington's hilarious perspective on the world to make its messaging less somber.

A good-natured look at life, death, and everything in between with an international scope, "The Moaning of Life" is available for purchase and rent on most major digital retailers, including Prime Video and Vudu .

21. Long Way Round

The first of a trilogy of documentary series, 2004's "Long Way Round" puts Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman in the driver's seat as they ride motorcycles from London to New York City eastward. The 19,000-mile journey is undertaken to promote the international humanitarian causes spearheaded by UNICEF, while McGregor and Boorman endure pitfalls and injuries in their journies around the globe. Inspired by the experience, McGregor and Boorman wrote a book detailing their journey, including McGregor adopting an orphan encountered along the way. The kind of celebrity road trip that doesn't feel overly pretentious or self-indulgent, McGregor and Boorman provide a unique perspective as they embark on a truly epic journey.

"Long Way Round" is currently available to stream on Apple TV+ .

20. Three Sheets

Not all cuisine is solid, which is why the 2008 travel series "Three Sheets" showcased a decidedly liquid diet as it visited drinking cultures around the world. Hosted by comedian Zane Lamprey, the show highlights local alcoholic beverages at a multitude of destinations, learning about their history and cultural impact. Of course, this examination goes beyond a mere history lesson, with Zamprey partaking in the beverages, usually in impressive quantities. Part travel series and part televised pub crawl, Lamprey is often accompanied on his journeys by a group of guests, including his college friend Steve McKenna.

After starting on MOJO HD, "Three Sheets" was broadcast on various platforms before ending its run on Spike in 2011. Most of the series is currently available to buy on Prime Video .

19. Worth It

The popular Buzzfeed series "Worth It" offers three different and simultaneous perspectives on the worldwide dining scene in each episode. The show has the three hosts, Steven Lim, Andrew Ilnyckyj, and Adam Bianchi, order three different dishes from a range of price points at varying destinations. This can entail a cheap cup of coffee or designer espresso costing hundreds of dollars while visiting Tokyo. The underlying question is whether or not the dishes are worth the price. Winning a Streamy Award, "Worth It" has been credited with changing how people approach food criticism online, actively comparing quality with price points worldwide (per SBS ).

Available to stream on Hulu , "Worth It" helps viewers know how best to check out the food scenes and types of cuisine in several countries.

18. Somebody Feed Phil

After getting his start travel hosting on PBS, Phil Rosenthal went bigger and better for the Netflix original series "Somebody Feed Phil" in 2018. While maintaining the broader premise of his previous show, "I'll Have What Phil Is Having," Rosenthal's Netflix series feels like a more personal experience for its host. Occasionally checking in with his brother, parents, and son while he is on the road, Rosenthal continues to sample local cuisine from around the world. As Rosenthal visits major international cities, he spotlights local charities and nonprofit organizations active in the destinations, providing a more community-based scope.

"Somebody Feed Phil" is currently available to stream on Netflix .

17. Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father

Popular British comedian Jack Whitehall and his longtime television producer father, Michael, take their paternal dynamic on the road for the Netflix original series "Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father." With a decided focus on familial comedy, the Whitehalls find themselves in countless awkward and hilarious situations worldwide as they bond together over their international trips. The two men learn about the cultures they visit, from Cambodia to Turkey, with the final season bringing the father-son duo back to the United Kingdom. Though Jack and Michael Whitehall's antics are played for laughs, the societies they visit are largely treated with the utmost respect as they travel through the jungle and desert together.

All five "Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father" seasons are available to stream on Netflix .

16. Extreme Engagement

Journalists and producers PJ Madam and Tim Noonan decided to put their then-recent engagement to the test around the world for the Netflix original series "Extreme Engagement." The miniseries has the happy couple travel around the globe for over a year to see how their relationship endures. While the premise feels relatively scripted, rather than providing an authentically spontaneous show, "Extreme Engagement" offers a romantic twist on the travelog format. Noonan and Madam visit romantic destinations that keep the focus on love and lasting relationships, from observing ancient fertility rituals to meeting cultural practices promoting romantic love.

A love odyssey that spans the islands of Indonesia to remote villages in Africa, "Extreme Engagement" is currently available to stream on Netflix .

15. Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives

Restauranteur and television host Guy Fieri has become something of a cultural icon himself, and Fieri's flagship series is the enormously popular "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives." Premiering in 2006 on the Food Network, the show has Fieri travel across North America, stopping at diners, hole-in-the-wall restaurants, and dive bars to sample their signature cuisine. Occasionally joined by an impressive set of celebrity guest stars, Fieri has visited hundreds of locations as part of his cross-country odyssey. Due to the sheer popularity of "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives," many of these spots have seen a noticeable increase in business following episode airings.

As the gold standard among Fieri's travel and food reality shows, "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" is available to rent and purchase via most online retailers and to stream on Discovery+ and Max .

14. Survivorman

Travel isn't just luxury hotels and all-inclusive resorts; for some, vacations involve roughing it in the wild and returning to nature through camping and other immersive experiences. The Canadian travel and wilderness survival series "Survivorman" takes these sensibilities to their extreme as host Les Stroud spends over a week alone in remote locations. With only a handful of tools and the clothes on his back, Stroud has to make do with local flora and fauna to survive these conditions for the allotted time. As a much more stripped-down and extreme approach than "Man vs. Wild," Stroud takes audiences everywhere, from the frozen expanse of Alaska to the predator-filled Amazon rainforest.

For those looking for the ultimate survivalist approach to the world's most unforgiving locations, "Survivorman" is available to stream on Discovery+ and Roku and to rent and purchase through most digital retailers.

13. An Idiot Abroad

When comedian Karl Pilkington's friends and frequent collaborators Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant learned he had no interest in world travel, the two created the series "An Idiot Abroad" in response. Capitalizing on Pilkington's often innocently naive worldview, the British travel show is primarily played for laughs as Pilkington makes wry observations about the destinations he visits. Not content to simply let Pilkington take in the picturesque sights, sounds, and cuisine, Gervais and Merchant have Pilkington endure several challenges, including bungee-jumping in New Zealand and swimming with sharks in Australia. MSN's review of "An Idiot Abroad" praised the mishaps for Pilkington's voyages orchestrated by Gervais and Merchant, with Pilkington's odd perspective and observations elevating the entire show.

A humorous look at the most gorgeous international locales, "An Idiot Abroad" is available to purchase and rent on most digital retailers, including Prime Video and Vudu .

12. Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations

After two seasons on the Food Network with "A Cook's Tour," Bourdain made the leap to the Travel Channel to host his popular travel series "Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations." Running for nine seasons from 2005-2012, Bourdain upped the scope considerably from his previous series while still retaining its everyman qualities. Backed by a more ambitious production, Bourdain visits a wider range of locales while incorporating his love of pop culture and inviting celebrity guests, including Bill Murray and Sean Penn. One of the more notable episodes sees Bourdain and his film crew trapped in Beirut during the 2006 Israel-Lebanon War. "No Reservations" went on to win two Emmy Awards and multiple nominations as a testament to the show's captivating perspective on the world. 

"Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations" is available to purchase from most online retailers and to stream on Discovery+ , Max , and through the Travel Channel website with a linked television provider.

11. Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted

After exploring and experiencing culinary traditions in Southeast Asia firsthand in his first travel series, chef Gordon Ramsay expanded the scope of his follow-up show " Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted " to encompass the whole world. Premiering on National Geographic in 2019, "Uncharted" has Ramsay visit different countries to learn about their cuisine and cooking techniques and take advantage of local thrills. From white water rafting through Laos to climbing up Alaskan mountains and glaciers, Ramsay showcases a more outdoorsy side of himself beyond the world of restaurants and kitchens. In Forbes' review of the series, Ramsay's genuine enthusiasm for the subject matter and destinations he visits was praised for elevating the premise and showing a new side to the temperamental chef.

"Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted" is available to stream through Disney+ and Hulu .

10. Chef's Table

After directing the universally acclaimed documentary film "Jiro Dreams of Sushi" in 2011, filmmaker David Gelb teamed up with Netflix for its original documentary series, "Chef's Table." Premiering in 2015, the show focuses on a different cook for each episode, from a Korean monk renowned for her kimchi to Mexican street food in Philadelphia. With its highly detailed and stylized cinematography and in-depth portraits of its subjects, "Chef's Table" is one of the best documentary series currently on the air. "Chef's Table" brings a global scope to cuisine while never losing sight of the very grounded and human story behind each of the cooks that make every dish possible. The show has been nominated for multiple Emmy Awards as it shines a light on everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to hole-in-the-wall dining locations. 

The main "Chef's Table" series and its numerous spinoffs are available to stream on Netflix .

9. The Amazing Race

In contrast to "Survivor," which keeps its contestants in a single remote location for an entire season, CBS' long-running reality series "The Amazing Race" takes full advantage of its global scope. Teams of two speed through different legs around the world, following clues and completing challenges to gain an edge. On the air since 2001, "The Amazing Race" has showcased some of the most stunning locales on the planet while pitting its teams in genuinely thrilling competitions each season. With many seasons of "The Amazing Race" offering a journey with contestants circumnavigating the globe, the travel element to the reality competition series is unmistakably at the forefront.

"The Amazing Race" is available to stream on Hulu , Netflix , and Paramount+ .

8. Expedition Unknown

With so many legends and historical mysteries around the world demanding answers, archaeologist Josh Gates sets out to find the truth in the Discovery Channel series "Expedition Unknown." From cryptozoology searches for mythical creatures like Bigfoot to attempting to discover clues linked to the lost city of Atlantis, Gates positions himself as a real-life Indiana Jones. Part globe-trotting history lesson, part debunking widely known myths, "Expedition Unknown" provides a fun twist on international travel off the beaten path. As an immensely popular show, "Expedition Unknown" has spawned several spinoff specials, miniseries, and after shows as Gates widens his worldwide search for truth.

"Expedition Unknown" is currently available to stream on Discovery+ and  Max and is available to purchase or rent through most online retailers.

7. Dark Tourist

Not every tourist is going to check out conventional art museums or major family-friendly attractions in their voyages around the world. The Netflix original series "Dark Tourist" offers travelers a chance to check out the more off-beat elements of local cultures, sometimes venturing into the outright macabre. Hosted by journalist David Farrier, "Dark Tourist" visits the purportedly haunted areas of major cities and tourism sites capitalizing on local tragedies and notorious figures around the world. From exploring irradiated sites to touring museums dedicated to infamous serial killers, "Dark Tourist" certainly isn't every traveler's cup of tea by the way it provides a morbid twist on the genre.

"Dark Tourist" is currently available to stream on Netflix .

6. The National Parks: America's Best Idea

Celebrated documentarian Ken Burns, who has crafted documentary series chronicling numerous elements of American culture and history, turned his attention to the country's national parks. The 2009 six-episode miniseries "The National Parks: America's Best Idea" recounts the history behind the parks and how they each capture the stirring beauty of the United States. From the enduring legacy of John Muir to the evolution of the National Park Service, "The National Parks" is a must-watch for anyone planning to visit the natural wonders nationwide. Universally acclaimed, "The National Parks" won two Emmy Awards, with critics praising how the documentary series presented the parks as a gorgeous extension of the national identity.

Released with a companion book expanding its story, "The National Parks: America's Best Idea" is currently available to stream on PBS with WOSU Passport and Prime Video with PBS Documentaries.

5. The Grand Tour

After being ousted from hosting "Top Gear," Jeremy Clarkson and his co-hosts Richard Hammond and James May took their globe-trotting automobile expertise to Prime Video for "The Grand Tour" (via Variety ). Retaining much of the format from their previous work together on "Top Gear," "The Grand Tour" has participants travel to different destinations using an impressive array of cars. From Cambodia to Madagascar, "The Grand Tour" showcases thrilling routes and cars, backed by the hosts' irascible wit. The Independent's positive review of "The Grand Tour" praised the show as distilling the best elements from "Top Gear" while boasting a significantly larger production budget.

With jaw-dropping destinations and high-octane action, "The Grand Tour" is currently available to stream on Prime Video .

4. Passport with Samantha Brown

Television personality Samantha Brown has built an impressive empire of travel shows on a number of platforms. One of Brown's most enduring lines of programming to date is "Passport," which sees Brown extensively explore different regions around the world for the ultimate experience. Starting with 2004's "Passport to Europe," Brown launched several different shows, taking her informative style to examine Latin America, China, and eco-friendly tourism. Brown's "Passport to Europe" won a Daytime Emmy Award while the subsequent "Passport to Latin America" was nominated for an Emmy, as a testament to Brown's eye for entertainment and educational quality. 

Brown's "Passport" series are currently available to stream on Discovery+ .

3. Anthony Bourdain: The Layover

As someone who hosted travel shows since 2002, Anthony Bourdain has experienced a lot of extended layovers and quick detours between trips to larger destinations. This premise of enjoying a locale on a tight turnaround time drives the core premise behind his Travel Channel series "The Layover." With only 24-48 hours in each location, Bourdain enjoys as much of the tourist-oriented and locally authentic experiences as he can before departing once more. A more tightly paced approach to Bourdain's usual travel fare, "The Layover" still finds the time to provide an informative look at different city cultures all over the globe. 

Invaluable for those looking to make the most of their time on a tight schedule, "Anthony Bourdain: The Layover" is available to stream on Discovery+ , along with purchase and rent options on most digital platforms.

2. Rick Steves' Europe

Perhaps the gold standard in public broadcasting produced travel shows, "Rick Steves' Europe" follows travel author and television personality Rick Steves as he explores cities in Europe. Running from 2000 to 2021, Steves not only shares the biggest cultural landmarks and defining fare in each destination, but he provides audiences with valuable travel tips along the way. More than simply focusing on the biggest tourist spots, like London and Paris, Steves adds plenty of overlooked getaways, including Slovenia and Oslo. With a steady hand and wealth of knowledge, Steves has provided his even-keeled traveler wisdom to those interested in visiting Europe for decades.

"Rick Steves' Europe" is currently available to stream on the show's website , PBS with WOSU Passport, Prime Video , and Tubi .

1. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown

Television personality Anthony Bourdain's final travel show was "Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown," which ran for 12 seasons on CNN from 2013 to 2018. Though "Parts Unknown" certainly retains the focus on local cuisine prominent in Bourdain's past travel shows, the CNN series weaves in more sociopolitical commentary in examining its locales. The series came to an abrupt end  following Bourdain's tragic death , with the remaining episodes becoming a tribute to the late host and his unique worldview. Led by Bourdain's insightful and incisive perspective on the places he visited around the world, "Parts Unknown” was widely acclaimed and won numerous Emmy Awards across its run. More than just a show about food and culture, "Parts Unknown" examines the overlooked qualities of its destinations and what brings people together on a universal level.

Available to purchase on most digital retailers, "Parts Unknown" is also available to stream on Max and Discovery+ .

Our ranking methodology

Everyone has that one show they're connected to, whether popular or not. "Best" is always subjective, and your all-time favorite series may not even be something someone else knows exists. That doesn't mean it's any less valid, though. We've tried to keep our personal opinions from this list and instead relied on more tangible elements when compiling our rankings. You'll find some of the most beloved, compelling, and critically acclaimed travel shows — and some you may have never heard of.

A travel show's host can be as important as the places traveled. There's a reason why Anthony Bourdain will always appear on lists like this one. His captivating storytelling capabilities and genuinely raw nature make for compelling TV that viewers resonate with. This kind of grab power shows up throughout our list of picks, with the face and voice of a program helping to boost some of the programs in our rankings.

We've considered the likability of the shows chosen here by scouring reviews from multiple sources, like Reddit, Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb. We've also factored in the number of seasons and any accolades a show may have been given. A lack of awards certainly doesn't dull a hidden gem's luster, though, so don't be surprised that many shows featured here have gone under the award committees' radar.

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!

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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

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).

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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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The Best TV Shows To Travel Europe From Your Couch

• February 1, 2021 February 1, 2021

Hi fellow travel enthusiasts! I know it has been a while since you have heard from me. I am trying to keep travel relevant during COVID, but it is very challenging. First, a few words about what I have been up to. Then I want to share some shows I have been watching which have helped make me feel a little like I am traveling from my couch!

Like everyone, I remain stuck at home. While we wait for the world to reopen, I have been using my small business expertise with an earth-friendly lifestyles company called Kimberly House . Our focus is in making and procuring beautiful products using natural botanicals, and natural resources from around the world. We source primarily from the great natural resources of South Africa, so the traveler in me is loving learning about that part of the world. We are also very focused on sustainability, which I love. While I have always tried to practice good sustainable travel habits, I am looking forward to a more sustainably conscious future of travel. More on that coming soon.

Travel to Europe From My Couch

January and February are always the hardest months for me, the dead of winter in the Northeast make it very dreary. I usually chase away the winter doldrums planning travel adventures for both myself and my clients. Obviously, that is not happening this winter so I have been drowning my sorrows in some good TV series set in various places around Europe. Having watched almost everything in English, we moved on to foreign language TV and I was pleasantly surprised at how happy it made me feel.

I love watching shows in their native tongue (with subtitles where necessary). Being a linguiphile, I feel you can learn a lot about a culture by studying the language. Watching these shows, I learned how to curse in Spanish, brushed up on my college level French and pretty much only learned how to say ‘hello’ and ‘thank you’ in Danish (spoiler alert- its hej and tak ). Here’s a little review of where I have been traveling from my couch.

P.S. If TV isn’t your thing, try reading to take you away to foreign places. Here are some of my favorite reading adventures in Europe , South America , and the US .

Couch travel to Spain

• El Desorden Que Dejas . Netflix (an 8 part mini series). Set in a small town in Galicia, this thriller mini series keeps you guessing until the end. It tells the story of a teacher who takes a substitute post in a small town high school. She quickly learns the person she is replacing has died under mysterious circumstances. In Spanish with subtitles.
• Élite . Netflix (3 seasons). A racy teen drama set in a posh private school outside of Madrid makes this series feel a little Gossip Girlesque. However, don’t be fooled, I don’t recommend watching this with the kids as it may get a little uncomfortable. The not-so high school characters engage in some very grown up activity including graphic sex, drugs and murder. I loved every minute of it! In Spanish with subtitles.
• Someone Has to Die . Netflix (3 part mini series). Short but enjoyable, this series is set in conservative 1950’s Spain during the Franco era. The high society Falcon family has it all – even the favorable eye of the Franco government. As they try to arrange the marriage of their first born son, everything falls apart. As the title suggests… someone has to die, but who? In Spanish with subtitles.
• Cable Girls – Netflix (6 seasons). This is on my “up-next” list. A Spanish period piece set in the 1920’s. The series follows the lives of 4 phone operators in Madrid working for the sole telephone company in Spain. Romance, friendship and mysterious pasts combined with the careful attention to details of the period are all a draw for me. I will be bingeing this one very soon. In Spanish with subtitles.

Couch travel to France:

• Emily in Paris . Netflix (one season). The timing for Emily in Paris was perfect. It was incredibly popular at a time where everyone needed to see something that created wanderlust. I love that Paris actually feels like a character in the show. The story is about a young woman who moves to Paris to provide an American point of view to a French marketing firm. The design and the nuances between cultures is not very deep, but highly enjoyable. Mixed French and English.
• Call My Agent or Dix Pour Cent . Netflix (4 seasons). I think of this show as the French version of Entourage except the protagonist is a woman. And the shenanigans are decidedly French comedy. Camille Cottin is human, flawed and likeable. In French with subtitles.
• Spiral or Les Engrenages. Amazon Prime (8 seasons) A French crime thriller series packed with action, strong characters and a fantastic setting. A study in the French justice system not unlike the police dramas of the US like The Wire, or Law & Order. Filled with the police drama of blackmailing cops, corrupt judges, and car chases. And a full 8 seasons! In French with subtitles.

Couch travel to Italy

• My Brilliant Friend . HBO (two seasons). I absolutely loved this coming of age drama about two young women growing up in a tiny, impoverished Neopolitan town. As travelers to small towns in Italy, I romanticize what life would be like to grow up there. The honest grittiness of life in this village is both enlightening and refreshing. The acting is superb. Mixed Italian and Neopolitan with subtitles.
• Made in Italy . Amazon (one season). Set in 1970’s Milan, this is a fun and colorful celebration of fashion. Think the Devil Wears Prada in Milan. It is high on my list of shows to watch in Italian!

Couch travel to Scandinavia

• Borgen . Netflix (3 seasons). Borgen is a Danish drama series that just gets better and better. Birgitte Nyborg is the first female Prime Minister of Denmark. Her strong ideals and self confidence make her a joy to watch. Bonus – it’s a great opportunity to learn about the workings of the parliamentary structure of much of Europe. In Danish with subtitles.
• Love & Anarchy . Netflix (1 season). A married consultant and a young IT tech play an office game of “dare” which, at times, gets out of hand. Light and fun. Set in Stockholm. In Swedish with subtitles.

Couch travel to Ireland/ England

• Fleabag . Amazon (2 seasons). A British black comedy by Phoebe Waller Bridge. At times uncomfortably and heartbreakingly funny. Phoebe Waller Bridge is a complicated woman trying to navigate life in London while dealing with the aftermath of a tragedy. In English.
• Broadchurch . Netflix (3 seasons). The death of an 11year old boy in a small seaside town in Dorset England sets off a series of mysterious events. While this British serial crime drama is officially in English, I recommend watching it with the subtitles on until you get the hang of the accent.
• Normal People . Hulu (1 season). Adapted from the novel by Sally Rooney. About two Irish teenagers and their on again, off again relationship as they enter adulthood. The acting is sublime and the raw emotion of a first love is heartbreaking. Set in Ireland and in English.
• Killing Eve . Hulu (3 seasons). A dark British comedy-drama set all over Europe. The series follows  Eve  Polastri (Sandra Oh), a British intelligence investigator whose job it is to capture psychopathic assassin Villanelle (Jodie Comer). It’s hard not to adore Villanelle and all of her fabulous wardrobe choices. A favorite to watch with the teens! Mostly in English.

Couch travel to Germany

• Dark . Netflix (3 seasons). The German version of Stranger Things, we watched this one with the kids and it had us all on the edge of our seats. Its mysterious and confusing and set deep in the Black Forest of Germany. Here’s how Netflix describes it. A missing child sets four families on a frantic hunt for answers as they unearth a mind-bending mystery that spans three generations.
• Unorthodox . Netflix (a four part mini-series). The true story of a young womans decision to abandon her Orthodox Jewish life in Williamsburg, and escape to Berlin. A fascinating story of rebellion and self-discovery. Also a novel. Mostly in English with a mix of German and Yiddish thrown in.

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11 Travel Movies and Shows About Europe to Inspire Your Next Trip

Shannon McMahon

Editor Shannon McMahon is always planning her next trip and often writing in her travel journal. Follow her on Twitter @shanmcmahon_ and on Instagram @shanmcmahon .

Shannon joined SmarterTravel in 2015. A former news reporter, she's lived in the south of Spain, spotted elephants in Sri Lanka, gone spelunking in the Caribbean, hiked Jordan's Petra Basin, interviewed Sao Paulo's Michelin-Star chefs, and explored China via bullet train. Travel trends, news oddities, and her visits to up-and-coming destinations are some of her favorite things to write about.

Her stories have also appeared online on USA Today, The Sun, Huffington Post, Business Insider, blog.TripAdvisor.com, Boston.com, and more. Her educational background is in journalism, art history, gender studies, Spanish, and film. She's been quoted as an expert travel source by CNBC, People.com, MarketWatch, The Washington Post, USA Today, and more.

The Handy Item I Always Pack : "Plenty of extra thick hair elastics. They tame my frizzy curls and come in handy in a surprising number of packing and hotel dilemmas."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience : "Climbing (yes, climbing, it's steep!) the Great Wall of China before it's gone."

Travel Motto : "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness." - Mark Twain

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat : "Window, of course."

Email Shannon at [email protected] .

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Vacation inspiration can spring up from anywhere—but when it comes to Europe, travel movies might offer the most vivid dose of wanderlust you can get. There are plenty of classics to consider, but some newer travel movies and TV shows make European cities as much of a character in their scenes as the stars.

Inspiring Europe Travel Movies and Shows

Here are some inspiring travel movies (and shows) to spark your next trip to Europe.

The Before Sunrise Trilogy

A trilogy that’s about a life of travel as much as it is about love and time, Before Sunrise and its two follow-up movies — Before Sunset and Before Midnight —will take you on intimate walking-and-talking journeys through three distinct European destinations, starting with Vienna’s alluring streets by night.

First join strangers Celine and Jesse on a fateful train stopover in the 90s, then follow up with them on an afternoon in Paris nine years later, and finally check in at a family’s summer home in Greece another decade later to see where the two end up. Celine and Jesse’s tumultuous relationship plays out in real time against one dreamy backdrop after another. The final installment of the trilogy was nominated for an Oscar for best screenplay, and director Richard Linklater ( Dazed and Confused , Boyhood ) puts the destinations on display with rich scenery that will having you searching for flights to Austria, France, and Greece.

Master of None , Season 2

Ever wanted to quit your job and move to Europe? Italy is itself a love interest in Master of None ‘s second season. The series heads to Italy so Dev, the character based on and played by Aziz Ansari, can take up pasta-making classes and meander through Modena with his best friend. Chef’s Table -worthy food porn, hilarity involving tiny European cars, and a chaotic wedding in the Italian countryside are just a few of the reasons it’s worth watching.

A film about Spain’s capital by its most famous and beloved director, Volver is a twisted portrait of Madrid told through the lives of three women (and in a much more realistic way than Woody Allen’s well-known Vicky Cristina Barcelona ). The movie has been hailed for painting an accurate image of Spain and explaining its complex culture, from mid-century Francoism to today’s boisterous, modern Spaniards in Madrid. If you’re not already familiar with Pedro Almodovar’s work, you’ll want to be before you head to Spain—and you’ll definitely learn some Spanish in addition to the history.

A love story that isn’t really one at all, Once uses Dublin’s quaint streets and cozy music shops to tell the story of a busker who meets a foreigner with as much talent for music as he has. The two form an unlikely bond to try and achieve their dreams as they struggle to make ends meet, and cloudy Irish scenery sets the mood for the film’s realism and dry humor.

If you’re going to watch a foreign film, it should be French. And if you’re going to watch a French film about Paris, it needs to be Amelie . Shot in dozens of spots across the City of Lights in stunningly colorful detail, the whimsical storyline introduces Paris and its quirky locals through their connections to one curious woman: Amelie. She meddles in the lives of others after she uncovers some peculiar hidden items from one man’s childhood, sewing together a story unlike most Parisian tales. Plus, you might pick up some useful French along the way.

Tired of love stories and action movies? You can get to intimately know Istanbul in its natural state through its street cats, instead. Kedi is a documentary that follows a few distinct felines through this city on the border of Europe and Asia. Istanbul considers its strays an age-old part of the community, with personalities as different as the people they encounter.

Call Me By Your Name

A tender novel turned film, Call Me By Your Name is a coming-of-age story that uses stunning spots in Italy’s Lombardy region to bring you on an emotional roller coaster through a summer of youth. It’ll also make you want to rent a spacious villa for an entire summer spent wining, dining, reading, and relaxing in Italy’s sunny outdoors.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

An incarnation of Iceland’s recent tourism boom, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty follows a daydream many of us have probably have: giving up day-to-day responsibilities to escape for a life of adventure in one of the most extreme places on earth. Follow Walter Mitty to Iceland for an extreme dose of adventure travel and Iceland’s stunning natural scenery.

Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown

A hefty library of travel resources (readily available on Netflix, no less), Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown episodes vary greatly depending on the destination. But most of the show’s Europe installments will surprise you with their originality, helping you get off the beaten path and find something newer than the tourist-addled spots you see in most Europe travel movies. Spain, Copenhagen, London, Scotland, and the Greek islands are some of my favorite Parts Unknown episodes of all time for getting a new view of some over-traveled locales.

James Bond Movies

Whether you prefer a modern or classic action film, James Bond movies are the perfect way to gear up for a London trip—and they even work as Europe travel movies thanks to filming locations across France, Italy, and Turkey. From the classic 1960s films to the recent Skyfall and Spectre installments, be on the lookout for famous European and U.K. filming locations, and even scenes in hotels you can stay in across Europe and the U.K.

One last romance story—because travelers do tend to be romantics, after all. Anyone who’s ever met a local on their travels or entertained a foreigner at home will appreciate Copenhagen . The city’s namesake movie was a film-festival darling, and tells a story of two strangers meeting and chaos unraveling amidst vivid local scenery. Filming locations include many of the city’s most popular points of interest, from the Thorvaldsen Museum to Frederik’s Church.

More from SmarterTravel:

• Travel Lessons We Learned from Our Favorite Movies
• 4 Travel-Inspiring Movies and the Tours They’ve Spawned
• Games of Thrones Travel: Where the HBO Hit was Filmed

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SmarterTravel Editor Shannon McMahon writes about all things travel, and loves a good Europe travel movie on the plane or at home. Follow her on  Twitter  and  Instagram .

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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The Best Travel Shows You Can Stream Right Now

Curiosity for new travelers often starts at home. We want to travel because of the books we read , people we talk to, and shows we watch. The best travel shows teach us about the world we live in and get us excited about our next adventures, but still make us feel like we get to experience that destination with each new episode.

Travel shows also lean on a wide range of hosts that really help to guide the audience from one destination to the next, some of our favorite shows are hosted by Shay Mitchell, Eugene Levy, Gordon Ramsay, and of course the late Anthony Bourdain. Most of the best travel shows can be found on Netflix, Hulu, and Max, and features a wide range of excursions, from watching the northern lights in Iceland, trekking through the rainforest in Sumatra, hopping onto fishing boats in Louisiana, and seeing sumo wrestling in Japan.

Below, find some of our favorite travel shows that you should stream now, or at least add to your watchlist to watch at a later time. Maybe on a plane to a new destination.

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy

Eugene Levy is back with season two of The Reluctant Traveler . The first season of the series followed the actor as he steps out of his comfort zone to explore the world’s most popular destinations: Costa Rica , Finland , Japan, the Maldives , and more. In season two, Levy embarks on a grand tour of Europe, traveling from the north of the continent to the very south, with stops off the beaten path in Spain, Sweden, Scotland, Germany, and France. Along the way, he stumbles into local gems, uncovers his family tree, and attempts to broaden his palate while experiencing the continent’s most unique destinations along the way.

Watch now: Free with an Apple TV+ subscription ( sign up for Apple TV+ here )

Thirst With Shay Mitchell

Shay Mitchell , the actor, Béis founder, and a star of our Women Who Travel Power List , travels the world one sip at a time in her new show, Thirst . In the first three episodes, we see Mitchell travel to Peru, Colombia , and Argentina, where she tries the latest drink trends: espresso beer, flaming cocktails, and sour mixtures. In each episode, she also dives into the agricultural history of the location to better understand how the local libations have been perfected over thousands of years.

Watch now: Free with a Max subscription ( sign up for Max here )

Searching For Soul Food

The term soul food means so much to so many people across the globe. Chef Alisa Reynolds starts the series in Mississippi to understand the connection between the slavery and the traditional dishes that are staples in American comfort food. In later episodes, Reynolds visits Jamaica, Italy , South Africa, and Peru. Along the way, she connects the dots between soul food’s African roots to other Indigenous cultures and the way customs traveled across the globe, due in part to the slave trade. Food history is a large part of the show but Reynolds also taps into the cultural, agricultural, and political significance of ingredients and dishes.

Watch now: Free with a Hulu subscription ( sign up for Hulu here )

Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones

Bestselling author and researcher Dan Buettner has spent much of his career conducting research on Blue Zones: communities with large numbers of people that live to be age 100 or more. Throughout the series, Buettner explores Blue Zones in Okinawa, Japan ; Ikaria, Greece; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya, Costa Rica; and Loma Linda, California. Buettner sits down with the centenarians in these communities to discuss their diets, day-to-day lives , relationships, and lessons they’ve learned.

Watch now: Free with a Netflix subscription ( sign up for Netflix here )

Gordon Ramsey: Uncharted

We finally get to see Gordon Ramsay outside the kitchen. On Uncharted , we see Ramsay connect with Indigenous peoples across the world to learn about their culture through—you guessed it—food, teaming up with chefs from the community to make a feast for everyone while using native and endemic ingredients from the area. We also see Ramsey trek through the rainforest of Sumatra, capture rattlesnakes, and hunt for eels with his bare hands. It’s quite a treat to see the renowned chef as a beginner for once.

The World's Most Amazing Vacation Rentals

When planning a trip, sometimes the hardest decision to make is where to stay. So many factors go into picking the right accommodation and the choices are endless. A travel trio composed of hosts Jo Franco, Megan Batoon, and Luis D. Ortiz embark on the task of showcasing their favorite rental properties across the world. Franco has a passion for travel and picks the most unique rentals she can find; Bantoon is an avid DIY-er and finds the best budget options; Ortiz has a background in New York real estate and has an eye for luxury rentals that travelers will want. The three work together to create a curated roster of rentals that travelers can actually book after each episode.

Taste the Nation

It’s always a good idea to explore our own backyard—which is exactly what host Padma Lakshmi does on her Hulu show Taste the Nation . The show's first season follows the host and author as she quite literally tastes the nation , stopping at restaurants around the United States to sample the foods of a variety of Indigenous and immigrant groups. Expect to see some familiar faces, like comedian Ali Wong and spearfisher Kimi Werner , along the way.

Never Say Never With Jeff Jenkins

Travel journalist Jeff Jenkins lives by the philosophy that “life truly happens at the end of your comfort zone.” We see this as he tests his mental and physical limits as he does sumo wrestling in Japan, swims with whale sharks in Mexico, and treks up the more-than-2,000 miles of the Adirondack Mountains. Throughout this global odyssey, Jenkins connects with locals in every destination, from immersing himself in Maori culture to catching king crabs with multi-generational fishermen—learning more about the world around him and himself each step of the way.

Watch now: Free with a Hulu subscription ( sign up for Hulu here ), Disney+ subscription ( sign up for Disney+ here ), and Apple TV+ subscription ( sign up for Apple TV+ here )

Planet Earth and Planet Earth II

We had to wait 10 years between the debut of Planet Earth , a groundbreaking natural history show narrated by Sir David Attenborough, and its sequel Planet Earth II , but it was worth it. The first season, which focus on a specific biome and the flora and fauna that live there in each episode, spotlights smooth coated otters in Southeast Asia, Tibetan foxes, critically endangered Ethiopian ibex, and blue whales, among so many others. Our two favorite episodes, though, come from part II. In the sixth episode, the high-def cameras turn to cities to show how leopards in Mumbai, monkeys in Jodhpur, and catfish in southern France live alongside humans. And in what may be the most heart-racing episode of nature television, the islands episode of Planet Earth II follows a lone iguana racing against time—and a horde of snakes.

Watch now: Free with a Discovery+ subscription ( sign up for Discovery+ here )

Long Way Up

Believe it or not, actor Ewan McGregor has been in the travel show business for some 16 years. It all started with Long Way Round , a 2004 series that followed McGregor and his friend Charley Boorman on a motorcycle journey from London through Europe, Asia—and then after a flight to Alaska—Canada, and the U.S. all the way to New York City. The show was followed by 2007's Long Way Down, which took the duo from Scotland to South Africa, on motorcycles once again. Now, they've turned their bikes (electric this time) towards South and Central America, with the latest iteration following the duo some 13,000 miles from Ushuaia, Argentina, on the continent's southernmost tip, to L.A. As usual, hijinks, pitfalls, and stunning scenery are all on view. Neither of the earlier shows are available to stream in the U.S. currently (though you can find them on Apple TV+ in the U.K.), but Long Way Up is an Apple TV+ original and on view for all.

Somebody Feed Phil

This Netflix original follows host Phil Rosenthal, the creator of Everybody Loves Raymond , as he eats his way through cities like Bangkok , Lisbon, Mexico City , New Orleans , Buenos Aires , Cape Town, and Dublin. The hyper-positive show was called "impossibly optimistic," by former Traveler editor Paul Brady, who spoke with Rosenthal before the first season's premiere in 2018. The seventh season, takes Rosenthal from Mumbai to Kyoto to Iceland to eat even more delicious grub.  Watch now: Free with a Netflix subscription ( sign up for Netflix here )

Parts Unknown

You simply cannot have a list of the best travel shows and not feature the late Anthony Bourdain. In fact, he's on our list more than once. In Parts Unknown , the chef and travel personality circled the world many times over, in search of music, culture, humor, history, and—of course—really good food. Over 12 seasons (the last aired posthumously), Bourdain visited the indigenous Andes with Eric Ripert, the Sochi Winter Olympics, the Mississippi Delta, and, most famously, Hanoi with then-president Barack Obama. (That's season eight, episode two, if you want to jump right to it.)

Watch now: Free with an Apple TV+ subscription ( sign up for Apple TV here )

Street Food

Made by the same folks behind Chef's Table (spoiler: it's also on this list), this show moves away from formal restaurant kitchens and onto the streets, for a guide to some of the world's best curbside meals and snacks . The show's first season is all about Asia, traveling to nine different countries to meet the people behind the food, like Jay Fai from Bangkok's Raan Jay Fai , a Michelin-starred street stall serving up tom yum soup, and Truoc (pictured left), who serves a variety of snail dishes in Ho Chi Minh City . The second season, which hit Netflix in July, zeroes in on Latin America, with stops at Doña Vale's in Oaxaca for memelas and Las Chicas de las Tres food stall in Buenos Aires, run by chef Pato Rodriguez.

Lost Cities With Albert Lin

In this National Geographic –produced show, explorer and scientist Albert Lin tracks down some of the world's most famous lost cities. We're talking buried Knights Templar caves in Israel, El Dorado in the jungles of Colombia, and ancient, forgotten island cities in Micronesia. Along the way, he speaks with archaeologists, historians, and other experts to discover the origins of the legends and, in turn, the reality of those places today.

Watch now: Free with a Disney+ subscription ( sign up for Disney+ here )

Ugly Delicious

The second season of the David Chang –hosted Netflix series debuted in March 2020, taking viewers from Istanbul (pictured), to Tokyo , to Sydney , to… Outback Steakhouse? Along the way, he tackles balancing parenthood with restaurant life, cooks with Top Chef 's Padma Lakshmi , rubs elbows with comedians like Nick Kroll and Aziz Ansari, and gets a lesson in not calling all Indian food curries from Traveler contributor Priya Krishna . (If you want more Chang, try your hand at a recipe from his Momofuku cookbook, or watch Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner , also on Netlfix, where he joins one famous friend on a food tour of a city, like Chrissy Teigen in Marrakech.)

Produced by Vice , this show is about the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. In it, actor Elliot Page and their film director friend Ian Daniel travel to learn about what it's like to be LGBTQ+ around the world. They meet with two-spirit Native Americans, head to ballroom scenes in New York City, and visit the gay bars of Tokyo to dive deep into the vibrant gay and queer culture. But the duo also spends time in Rio de Janeiro, Jamaica, and Ukraine, speaking with LGBTQ+ locals to learn about the discrimination and threats they face just by existing. Expect tears, both happy and sad.

Carmen Sandiego

Many of us got our first lesson in geography from this trench coat–wearing master thief, and today's kids can too, thanks to the Netflix reboot of this animated series. This high-flying, Robin Hood–style caper takes kids (and parents) with Sandiego as she jet sets between Rio de Janeiro , Matsumoto in Japan, Amsterdam, Mumbai, and more. There are three seasons available and plenty of educational value here for mapheads—plus pretty stellar animation. This year, an interactive choose-you-own-adventure style show, called Carmen Sandiego: To Steal or Not to Steal, came to Netflix and provides endless entertainment as Sandiego fights off the Villains International League of Evil (V.I.L.E.), with your (kid's) help. Watch now: Free with a Netflix subscription ( sign up for Netflix here )

If Planet Earth and Planet Earth II weren't enough Attenborough for your liking, get your fix on Netflix, thanks to Our Planet . This docuseries, made by the creators of Planet Earth in collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund and narrated by Attenborough, is almost a mix of the two, taking armchair travelers from the North American grasslands and the Everglades to the Arctic tundra and deepest parts of our oceans. Once you're done with the nine 50-minute episodes, switch over to Our Planet: Behind the Scenes to see how the 600-person crew filmed the series. Watch now: Free with a Netflix subscription ( sign up for Netflix here )

No Reservations

If you want even more Bourdain, Hulu has you covered with No Reservations and The Layover, two of his travel shows that preceded Parts Unknown . In No Reservations, Bourdain takes us to both familiar—Maine, Prague, the Philippines—and unfamiliar—Kurdistan, Mozambique, and deep into the Amazon—corners and kitchens of our world, introducing us to new foods, cultures, and personalities over nine seasons. The Layover takes that same premise, but shortens the time line drastically, knocking down Bourdain's time to explore to just 24 to 48 hours. Both are must-sees—it's Bourdain after all.

Chef's Table: BBQ

While you can watch some of world’s most extraordinary chefs (like Dominque Crenn ; Peruvian Virgilio Martínez , the owner of Lima's Central restaurant; and Swede Magnus Nilsson ) as they create impossibly complicated dishes in the original Chef's Table, we've become partial to its latest iteration, which is all about barbecue. The Netflix original docuseries follows pitmasters like Tootsie Tomanetz—the 85-year-old spitfire pictured above who minds the brisket and sausage at Snow's, outside of Austin—and Rodney Scott, known for his Low Country–style pulled pork and ribs. But the show doesn't stick to the American South. You'll head to Rosalia Chay Chuc's Yucatán home and visit the grills of Lennox Hastie in Sydney, too.  Watch now: Free with a Netflix subscription ( sign up for Netflix here )

Travels with My Father

The first season of this Netflix original, which came out in 2017, follows British stand-up comedian Jack Whitehall and his father, Michael, across Southeast Asia, tracking the duo as they finish the gap year Jack never got to complete, just a few years late (eight, to be exact). It's everything you'd expect: a Thai full moon party and, of course, a trip to Cambodia's Angkor Wat, but the moments in between are what make the show really worth watching. Now, in the three seasons that have followed, the father-son pair have road tripped through Transylvania , visited Chernobyl , and gotten into drag with Sydney queens. Needless to say, it's a romp.  Watch now: Free with a Netflix subscription ( sign up for Netflix here )

Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories

Set in a tiny Tokyo diner that's only open from midnight to 7 a.m., the fictional show follows the Midnight Diner's owner and clientele as they share their trials and joys, all while eating whatever the owner, called Master, dishes up. In the diner, pork miso soup is the go-to, but Master will cook visitors anything they order, as long as he's got the goods to make it. Episodes are a little over 20 minutes long, so it's the most bingeable of the bunch. Watch with subtitles and don't—seriously, don't—watch while hungry. Watch now: Free with a Netflix subscription ( sign up for Netflix here )

Get your international fix by watching Antoni , Karamo , Jonathan , Tan , and Bobby makeover the wardrobes and lives of everyday “heroes” in Yass, Australia , and Tokyo in their Queer Eye specials. That said, we're partial to the U.S.-based seasons, where the Fab Five hits up Atlanta, Kansas City, and, most recently, Philadelphia to give new life to regular folks. Whether they're making over the sisters behind Jones Bar-B-Q in Kansas City or the small town mayor of Clarkston, Georgia, we're on board. Have tissues on hand, as you're all but guaranteed to shed a tear (who are we kidding, you'll sob). Watch now: Free with a Netflix subscription ( sign up for Netflix here )

Places to Love

For many years, Samantha Brown was the only female host on travel TV , period. And while some, albeit small, growth has been made in this regard (Nosrat and Kellee Edwards are among the new faces), Brown is still one of the few women on the go on our screens. While she made her start on the Travel Channel with Passport to Europe, Passport to Latin America, and Passport to China , you should really be checking out her latest show, Places to Love. Now in its third season, the show sees Brown discovering off-the-beaten-path spots in some of the world's most loved destinations as far-flung as Seoul and Auckland, and right in our backyard, like Phoenix and Dallas . 

Watch Places to Love now: Free on PBS

Watch Passport to Europe now: $2 per episode, $35 per season; amazon.com

The World According to Jeff Goldblum

Ok, so this isn't as much of a travel show as it is a “what is Jeff Goldblum curious about” show—but it doesn't mean they don't travel all over the U.S. With each episode focusing on the actor's ceaseless interest in the minutiae of one specific thing (like tattoos, or pools, or RVs, or ice cream—it really runs the gamut). Over the course of the show, Goldblum visits Hawaii , Las Vegas , NASA’s neutral buoyancy lab in Houston , and so much more. If you love Goldblum, you'll probably love this show. 

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Europe From Above

The filmmakers use state-of-the-art technology to showcase an aerial journey across Europe and reveal things that are not easily seen from the ground.

Ukraine war latest: Zelenskyy reveals plan after Kursk invasion; more than 50 killed in double missile strike

Two missiles have killed more than 50 people and injured hundreds in a city in central Ukraine, one of the deadliest attacks by Russia since the invasion of Ukraine. Meanwhile, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has spoken about his intentions after Kyiv launched an incursion into Russia last month.

Wednesday 4 September 2024 06:41, UK

• Three killed in Lviv - as Russia continues heavy bombardment of Ukrainian cities
• More than 50 killed in double strike on Ukrainian city yesterday
• Ukraine planning to hold seized Russian territory indefinitely
• Watch: Zelenskyy discusses Kursk invasion in TV interview
• Big picture: Everything you need to know on the war this week
• Live reporting by Ollie Cooper

Expert view

• Dominic Waghorn: Putin rubbing salt in wounds as Kyiv pleads for long-range attacks
• Sean Bell: Strike proves Putin's priority is on Ukraine, not incursion into Russia

An update on our 6.21am post, which outlined Russian strikes on Lviv and Kyiv overnight. 

According to the Lviv regional governor, Maksym Kozytskyi, at least three people have been confirmed dead so far. 

Among those killed by the drone and missile attack was a 14-year-old girl, early details suggsted, with five children among the injured, he added. 

Andriy Sadovyi, the mayor of Lviv city said the dead included a midwife nurse and a man, while 35 people were receiving medical aid. 

We've no update on casualties from Kyiv, but we'll bring you more as we get it. 

Yesterday, Volodymyr Zelenskyy outlined his plans for the territory his forces have captured inside Russia. 

He said that Ukraine has vowed to hold onto Kursk indefinitely, after the surprise attack launched in early August.

Kyiv claims to now control almost 500 square miles (around 1,300 square km) and it has taken hundreds of prisoners of war.

"We don't need their land. We don't want to bring our Ukrainian way of life there," Mr Zelenskyy told NBC News during his first one-on-one interview since the offensive.

Instead, Ukraine will reportedly "hold" the territory as a key part of Mr Zelenskyy's "victory plan" to end the war.

"For now, we need it," he said of Kursk, adding he will present the proposal to hasten the war's end to international partners like the US - where he is due to visit later this month.

During the interview, Mr Zelenskyy refused to rule out seizing more territory and since the Kursk incursion, Ukraine has had at least one cross-border attack repelled by Russia.

The Ukrainian capital of Kyiv and major city Lviv were again targeted by waves of Russian drones and missiles overnight, authorities report. 

Lviv's governor Maksym Kozytskyi noted "loud" noises as witnesses cited by the Reuters news agency reported what they thought sounded like air defences being engaged near the western city and the capital. 

Mr Kozytskyi also said residential buildings had been damaged in the attacks, but offered no further detail as to any casualties. 

Kyiv's military administration said sirens were sounding because of a threat of missiles "fired from Tu-95MS aircraft". 

Neighbouring Poland activated aircraft this morning - for the third time in eight days - to ensure the safety of its airspace.

"This is another very busy night for the entire air defence system in Poland due to the observed activity of the long-range aviation of the Russian Federation carrying out strikes," its air force command said.

Russia has been pounding Ukraine in the past 10 days in what some bloggers and analysts suggest is Moscow's response to Kyiv's recent invasion of the Kursk region.

Welcome back to our live coverage of the Ukraine war.

Yesterday saw Russia carry out one of the deadliest attacks of the war as it struck a military academy and nearby hospital in the central city of Poltava with two ballistic missiles, killing at least 51 people and injuring 271 more.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy said last night that some people were still under the rubble and everything was being done to save as many lives as possible.

Earlier in the day he said "Russian scum" would be held accountable for the deadly strike.

The region is now in three days of mourning over the attack, which Russia is yet to comment on.

Less than a day after the strike on Poltova, Ukrainian authorities said Russia launched an airstrike on the northeastern Sumy region, hitting a university building. There were no immediate reports of any casualties.

Elsewhere, Vladimir Putin received a red-carpet welcome as he visited Mongolia on his first trip to a member country of the International Criminal Court.

The lavish visit came despite the ICC having a warrant out for Mr Putin's arrest on allegations of war crimes - with member countries bound to detain suspects. Mongolia, however, said this would be too difficult as it is dependent on Russian-sourced energy.

Stay with us as we bring you the latest throughout the day today.

That brings an end to our live coverage of the Ukraine war for this evening.

We'll be back with any major developments overnight and our rolling updates will continue soon.

Before we go, here's a reminder of the day's key events:

• Ukrainian authorities said at least 51 people were killed and more than 200 injured in a Russian ballistic missile attack on the central city of Poltava. The missiles hit a military academy and a nearby hospital, officials said;
• Three days of mourning were declared by Poltava regional head Philip Pronin after one of the deadliest attacks of the war;
• Moldova's government said its energy dependence on Russia made it difficult to heed a requirement by the International Criminal Court  to arrest Vladimir Putin  as he visited the country.
• Meanwhile, several government ministers resigned and the deputy head of the Ukrainian president's office was sacked ahead of an expected government reshuffle;
• And Volodymyr Zelenskyy told NBC News in an exclusive interview that Ukraine planned to indefinitely hold territory seized in its shock invasion of Kursk last month as part of a plan to force Mr Putin to the negotiating table.

Washington plans to send more military aid to Ukraine in the coming weeks, the White House has said.

National security spokesperson John Kirby told a briefing that the US's support for Kyiv remains "unshakeable" and it was focused on strengthening Ukraine's military and defences against Russian attacks.

He noted that the US recently announced another drawdown of military assistance - and said it intends to send another round of aid in the coming weeks.

Mongolia ignored the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin as it rolled out the red carpet to receive him today.

The Russian president should, in theory, have been handcuffed as he arrived - but the Mongolian government said earlier that it was difficult to arrest him due to the country's position of energy dependence on Moscow (see 17.35 post).

Mr Putin was welcomed in the main square of Ulaanbaatar by an honour guard as a crowd of people watched behind temporary barriers.

He and Mongolian leader Ukhnaa Khurelsukh later laid a wreath at a monument to Soviet Marshal Georgy Zhukov, visited a school curated by a Russian economic university and attended a reception ceremony where Mr Putin gave a toast.

Russia has launched another attack on Ukraine, officials have said, less than a day after its deadly ballistic missile strike killed more than 50 people in Poltava.

The regional administration of the northeastern Sumy region said Russian forces launched an airstrike on Sumy city tonight, hitting one of its university buildings.

It said a guided bomb was believed to have been used in the attack. There were no details of any casualties.

"All necessary services are available on site," the administration said in a post to Telegram .

We reported earlier on Voldymyr Zelenskyy's comments that Ukraine plans to indefinitely hold territory it has seized in its Kursk invasion (see 18.17 post).

Asked about the surprise invasion in an interview with our US partner network   NBC News , Mr Zelenskyy said the operation was aimed at restoring Ukraine's "territorial integrity".

He also said Kyiv did not "need" Russian land - but he remained silent on what the next steps would be.

Watch a clip from the interview here...

People are still trapped under the rubble of a building destroyed by a Russian attack in Poltava, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said.

Rescue efforts are ongoing and rubble is still being cleared, he said in his nightly address.

The Ukrainian president confirmed at least 51 people have died and 271 are injured as a result of one of the deadliest attacks of the war so far.

"I am grateful to all the rescuers, doctors, medical nurses and all the Poltava residents who have joined in to help, donated blood, and who provide support," he said.

"We know that there are people under the rubble of the destroyed building. Everything is being done to save as many lives as possible."

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