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Passport Not Required: 30 Must-Watch Travel Shows
Vote up the best shows that take you around the world
Travel shows offer a unique window into the world's wonders, bringing distant lands and diverse cultures directly into living rooms. Whether highlighting the thrill of competition in The Amazing Race or the culinary escapades of Anthony Bourdain in Parts Unknown and No Reservations, these series transcend mere sightseeing. They capture the essence of human connection, culinary traditions, and historical insights. From Gordon Ramsay's adventurous quests in Uncharted to Rick Steves' practical guides in Rick Steves' Europe, each show presents its own distinct flavor of exploration. These programs are more than just entertainment; they are invitations to understand and appreciate the global tapestry that binds humanity.
This list of travel shows represents the pinnacle of wanderlust-fueled programming, available for viewing across various networks and streaming platforms. Comedic twists feature prominently in series like Travel Man: 48 Hours in... with Richard Ayoade and Conan O'Brien Must Go, while adventure takes center stage in Expedition Unknown with Josh Gates. Culinary journeys unfold with Padma Lakshmi's Taste the Nation and Andrew Zimmern's Bizarre Foods. For those seeking cultural immersion, Men in Kilts: A Roadtrip with Sam and Graham offers a heartfelt exploration of Scotland's rich heritage. Each show, from Zac Efron's environmentally-minded travels in Down to Earth: Down Under to Jack Whitehall's humorous adventures with his father, provides a unique vantage point on the marvels around us. Dive into this curated collection and start living life as a world traveler from home.Â
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Parts Unknown is Anthony Bourdain's defining series, running from 2013 to 2018 on CNN. The late chef and author brought his raw honesty and cultural respect to destinations often overlooked by traditional travel shows. Each episode weaved together food, politics, and human stories—from drinking beers with President Obama in Vietnam to sharing meals with resistance fighters in Myanmar. The series earned 12 Emmy nominations and changed how television approaches travel storytelling.
- Premiered: April 14, 2013
- Number of Seasons: 12
- Network: CNN
- Genres: Documentary
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Globe Trekker has been bringing the world into homes since 1994, when it first aired on PBS. The series employs multiple hosts, each with their own perspective on far-flung destinations. Episodes cover everything from trekking the Silk Road to exploring the Australian Outback. The show's detailed historical context and focus on local transportation methods set it apart from more luxurious travel programs.
- Premiered: 1994
- Network: Public Broadcasting Service, Channel 4, nyctv, Israel Broadcasting Authority, OLN
- Genres: Documentary
votes needed!NEW TO THE LIST
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Michael Palin: Around the World in 80 Days aired on BBC One in 1989, recreating Phileas Fogg's fictional journey. The Monty Python alumnus followed the novel's route using only transportation available in 1872. Palin's wit and genuine interest in everyone he met created a warm, human portrait of global connectivity. The series sparked several follow-up travel shows featuring Palin's distinctive approach.
- Premiered: October 11, 1989
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Network: BBC One
- Genres: Documentary
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The Layover, which aired on Travel Channel from 2011 to 2013, took a high-energy approach to city guides. Anthony Bourdain challenged himself to experience cities in 24-48 hours, creating rapid-fire tours of essential experiences. The show emphasized local haunts over tourist traps, from late-night izakayas in Tokyo to hidden bars in Dublin. Its fast-paced format provided practical advice for business travelers and weekend warriors alike.
- Premiered: November 21, 2011
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Network: The Travel Channel
- Genres: Travel
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Samantha Brown's Great Weekends premiered on Travel Channel in 2009, focusing on achievable mini-adventures. Brown's background in musical theater brought a performer's energy to each destination. The show specializes in finding unique local characters and hidden gems in familiar places. Episodes provided practical itineraries for working professionals with limited vacation time.
- Premiered: May 9, 2009
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Network: The Travel Channel
- Genres: Travel
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Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations launched Bourdain's television career on Travel Channel in 2005. The show's punk rock attitude and unfiltered approach revolutionized travel television. Episodes ranged from getting stranded in Beirut during the 2006 Lebanon War to sampling street food in Singapore's hawker centers. The series ran for 142 episodes across 9 seasons, establishing Bourdain's signature style of using food as a lens into culture and politics.
- Premiered: July 25, 2005
- Number of Seasons: 8
- Network: The Travel Channel
- Genres: Cooking, Travel
