TRAVEL TV SHOWS FOR THE WANDERLUSTER
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Before I took the leap into the unknown and set off on my own travels, I was consumed by an unrelenting thirst for adventure. My soul longed for the thrill of new horizons, and I knew I had to feed that fire somehow. So, I dove headfirst into TV shows—anything that promised a taste of far-off lands and untold stories.
Now, as I look back, these are the top 10 TV shows that ignited my wanderlust and will surely set your own travel dreams on fire.
Time to get inspired, pack your bags, and start planning that next big adventure:
1. Race Across the World
Five pairs of travellers. One epic race. No flights, no smartphones—just grit, strategy, and sheer determination.
In “Race Across the World”, competitors must journey thousands of miles across the globe, relying only on their instincts, limited budgets, and the kindness of strangers. Every decision matters—one wrong turn, one bad bargain, and they could lose it all. As they battle exhaustion, culture shock, and the relentless pressure of the race, tensions rise, alliances are tested, and unexpected moments of humanity shine through.
With a life-changing cash prize at stake, this is not just a race—it’s the adventure of a lifetime. Who will conquer the journey, and who will be left behind?
2. Lost
When Oceanic Flight 815 plummeted from the sky, its passengers thought surviving the crash was the hardest challenge they’d face. They were wrong.
Stranded a thousand miles off course, the survivors find themselves on a breathtaking yet menacing island—one that defies explanation. Each of them carries a past they’d rather forget, secrets they never wanted exposed. But the island has secrets of its own. A monstrous presence lurks in the jungle, unseen but ever-threatening. Underground bunkers whisper of past inhabitants and long-buried mysteries. And in the shadows, a ruthless group watches, waiting.
This is no ordinary island. And survival here will take more than just endurance—it will take everything they have.
3. Shipwrecked
Two rival groups—The Sharks and The Tigers—find themselves stranded on a treacherous, unforgiving tropical island. Cut off from the rest of the world, they must battle the elements, their own fears, and each other in a relentless fight for survival. But this is no ordinary struggle—lurking beneath the desperation is a high-stakes competition, where only the strongest, smartest, and most ruthless will claim the ultimate prize. Alliances will be forged, betrayals will cut deep, and every decision could mean the difference between victory and utter defeat. Let the battle for survival begin.
4. An Idiot Abroad
Imagine taking the grumpiest, most reluctant traveler in the world, shoving a passport into his hand, and forcing him to experience the wonders of the globe—whether he likes it or not. That’s “An Idiot Abroad” in a nutshell.
Created by “The Office” masterminds Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, this travel show is less about breathtaking sights and more about watching their friend, the endlessly unimpressed Karl Pilkington, suffer through bizarre cultural experiences. From uncomfortable camel rides to questionable cuisine, Karl’s misery is our entertainment.
Spanning three gloriously awkward seasons, the show is not just hilarious but also a weirdly insightful journey into confronting fears, stepping outside your comfort zone, and maybe—just maybe—finding something meaningful along the way. But mostly, it’s about Karl complaining. And it’s brilliant.
5. Long Way Down
Get ready to hit the open road with Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman as they embark on an epic, once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
In “Long Way Down”, the duo revs up their motorcycles for a breathtaking 15,000-mile journey from Scotland to the southern tip of Africa—all in just 85 days. Through rugged terrain, vast deserts, and lush landscapes, they navigate the unpredictable, encountering everything from towering mountains to wild zebras and gorillas in Kenya and Rwanda.
Created alongside David Alexanian and Russ Malkin, this BBC Two series isn’t just about the ride—it’s about the people, cultures, and challenges they face along the way. Will they conquer the road, or will the journey push them to their limits? Strap in and find out.
6. Planet Earth
This is the documentary that changed everything.
With years of painstaking filming and groundbreaking cinematography, “Planet Earth” redefined what was possible in nature documentaries. From the highest peaks to the deepest oceans, the series takes you on a breathtaking journey across every corner of the globe, capturing the raw beauty and brutal reality of life on Earth like never before.
Each episode is a visual masterpiece—a feast for the senses that immerses you in the untamed soul of the planet. It’s more than just a documentary; it’s an invitation. If this series doesn’t ignite your wanderlust and make you dream of witnessing these wonders for yourself, nothing will. After all, if a film crew can reach these places, why not you?
7. Stephen Fry In America
Stephen Fry—one of Britain’s most beloved and quick-witted minds—embarks on an extraordinary journey across the United States, exploring the heart and soul of a nation that fascinates him. But he’s not doing it the usual way—he’s doing it in a classic black London taxi.
In this insightful and charming series, Fry dives headfirst into the quirks, contradictions, and sheer wonder of America, meeting everyone from everyday citizens to cultural icons. With his signature wit and curiosity, he uncovers what truly makes Americans tick, from big cities to backroads, traditions to revolutions.
More than just a travel show, this is a journey of discovery, conversation, and unexpected friendships—an outsider’s affectionate and deeply personal look at the land of the free.
8. Human Planet
Step into the extraordinary world of “Human Planet”, where survival is an art and adaptation is everything.
Spanning 40 countries, this breathtaking eight-part series explores the incredible ways humans have learned to thrive in every corner of the planet—from the frozen Arctic to scorching deserts, dense jungles to vast oceans, towering mountains to sprawling cities. Each episode is a stunning testament to human resilience, ingenuity, and the deep, often perilous bond we share with nature.
Guided by the iconic narration of John Hurt and brought to life by executive producers Brian Leith and Dale Templar, “Human Planet” is more than a documentary—it’s a journey into the heart of what it means to survive, adapt, and flourish. Are you ready to see the world like never before?
9. The Layover
Fasten your seatbelt—this isn’t your typical travel show. “The Layover” is Anthony Bourdain at his sharpest, funniest, and most brutally honest, blending satire with practical travel hacks in a whirlwind tour of the world’s busiest cities.
Stripping away the luxury and slow-paced sightseeing, Bourdain tackles a traveler’s ultimate challenge: making the most of a layover. With just 45 hours (or less) between flights, he dives headfirst into each city, exploring its food, culture, and hidden gems while offering no-nonsense advice on where to stay, eat, and play. Along the way, he interviews locals, mocks travel clichés, and delivers his signature blend of insight and sarcasm.
Part travel guide, part roast of modern tourism, and 100% Bourdain, “The Layover” is a masterclass in fast-paced adventure—if you can keep up.
10. Around The World In 80 Treasures
Embark on an extraordinary journey through time and across continents with historian Dan Cruickshank as he unveils the world’s most breathtaking man-made wonders.
In this thrilling and immersive series, Cruickshank travels to every corner of the globe, uncovering the awe-inspiring artistry, ingenuity, and ambition behind humanity’s greatest creations. From the towering castles of Japan to the mysterious Nasca Lines of Peru, from the ruins of Persepolis to the opulence of Versailles, each episode is a deep dive into history’s most remarkable feats of architecture and craftsmanship.
Intrepid, insightful, and utterly captivating, this is more than a tour—it’s a celebration of the beauty, resilience, and creative spirit that has shaped civilisations. Prepare to see the world’s treasures like never before.
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