If you are a TV aficionado, then you probably know that there are certain travel shows on tv that will make you want to pack your bags and explore! There is something special about the location where a scene is filmed that will cause you to be overcome with a wanderlust to travel there within a heartbeat. Every scene is filmed with the purpose of drawing the viewer into a new world. This list of top tv shows about traveling may also cause you to faint from all of the swooning as you plan your next getaway!
Watching great tv travel programs is one of the best ways to get inspired for future trips. Here are a few key reasons why television inspires our favorite travel plans:
- Breathtaking cinematic scenery that sparks wanderlust
- Cultural immersion through authentic local traditions and food
- Inspiration for planning real-life itinerary destinations
1. California Dreams
As a traveling enthusiast, it is only fitting that I start off this list of tv shows about travel with "California Dreams." Set in sunny West Coast landscapes, the clear shots of the beaches in this show were enough to make me ache for a swim. Check out the official Visit California tourism guide to experience those iconic coastal views for yourself. Suddenly hit with a wave of nostalgia, I remember thinking that the atmosphere always seemed inviting, from the carefree swimmers to the majestic sand castles. I am the type of person who finds the idea of willingly going to the beach only to be greeted with nothing but heat daunting. The fact that my desire to visit California grew after seeing this show proves how convincing this television program was!
2. Pass the Plate
Disney's short series "Pass the Plate" was an excellent way of incorporating cultural diversity into the media. Debuting in 2007, most of the segments focused on different types of food and how the preparation of these ingredients varied by country. I was disappointed to hear this series ended its run in 2010 because I liked that people from different countries and cultures hosted the segments. I thought this was a great way to educate viewers on pursuing a healthy lifestyle while remaining open-minded. As a Disney fanatic, I've never been prouder to see how Disney managed to connect healthy living with cultural acceptance during these engaging travel reality shows.
3. Parade's End
BBC's series "Parade's End" is a period drama adaptation based on the acclaimed novels by Ford Madox Ford. The main bonus of this series is the fact that it stars brilliant actors Benedict Cumberbatch, Rebecca Hall, and Adelaide Clemens. This highly addicting story of a love triangle is mainly set in Rouen, France during World War I. Whenever I watch the scenes featuring Cumberbatch fighting in the trench lines, I always end up feeling deeply moved by what life was like during that era. It's amazing how people have persevered since then. I would love to travel to Europe to see the different ways homage was paid to all of the fallen soldiers and civilians of the wars.
| TV Show | Primary Setting | Travel Vibe | | --- | --- | --- | | California Dreams | Southern California | Sun-Soaked Beach Days | | Pass the Plate | International Cities | Culinary & Cultural Exploration | | Parade's End | Rouen, France | Historic European Drama | | New York | NYC & Upstate New York | Vibrant Urban Energy | | Scandal | Washington, D.C. | Iconic Capital Landmarks | | Once Upon a Time | Storybrooke, Maine | Enchanting Coastal Magic | | Sherlock | London, England | Classic British Architecture |4. New York
Because I live in New York, I always find it intriguing how each city is portrayed in tv shows about vacations and urban adventures. It doesn't matter if you are following the lives of social elitists in "Gossip Girl" or watching the fashionable Emily Thorne (played by Emily VanCamp) take down her enemies in "Revenge," the point is that the location of New York provides a world of endless possibilities. You can explore official recommendations on I Love NY to map out your own Empire State trip. I've always wanted to go on an adventure Upstate to see how rural life compares to the fast-paced energy of New York City. I love the fact that the TV show "Girls" filmed on location in different parts of Brooklyn, my hometown. It's great to live in a city filled with rich cultural diversity.
5. Scandal
"Scandal" is surely one of the most intricate drama series of its era. Olivia Pope is a great representation for women everywhere in the sense that she is independent, confident, and unflinching in her resolve to discover the truth. If you enjoy dramatic tension similar to what is featured in New York settings, this show delivers plenty of excitement. Debuting in 2012, this show placed a fresh twist on the general perception of life in Washington, D.C. Plan a trip to explore iconic monuments via Official Washington DC Tourism. Creator Shonda Rhimes masterfully blended fiction with a dose of real-world politics. Olivia Pope and her crisis management firm always manage to keep life interesting, and you may find yourself wanting to visit Washington, D.C. after taking a peek at this show!
6. Once upon a Time
Although unrealistic, I can't be the only person who imagines what living in a fairytale would be like! Every single scene is infused with a layer of breathtaking beauty; no detail in this show is left unfinished. The cinematography is very effective in both gaining and keeping the interest of the viewer. Storybrooke is portrayed as a town of dreams and hope—there are no two motifs more honest and pure than those. If you've enjoyed coastal destinations like California Dreams, traveling to Maine offers its own quiet, magical charm. Discover local coastal towns at Visit Maine, where traveling to coastal New England might help you find magic of your own!
7. Sherlock
At the risk of sounding redundant, my status as an anglophile was further cemented while watching BBC's Sherlock. As an English major, I've always found myself drawn to English history and literature. That being said, the original "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" book series caused me to fall in love with detective fiction. There is something incredibly intriguing about reading different cases and using cognitive thinking skills to figure out how they will pan out. I love how this same process is displayed in "Sherlock" in a modern manner. Furthermore, England's architectural beauty is unmistakable; one look at Buckingham Palace is all it takes to prove this point! If you loved the historical European atmosphere in Parade's End, exploring London's historic streets will feel like stepping into your favorite story.
The motto of the day is that there is always a good excuse to travel! The best part about watching best shows about travel that take place in a setting different from your own is seeing how the scenery and atmosphere shape the story. You can turn your trip into a fun game by comparing the accuracy of each show's setting to the actual place you are visiting! What are some places that you want to travel to after watching your favorite travel shows on tv?