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The best food and travel shows to watch right now

By James Medd

Joanna Lumley’s Home Sweet Home – Travels In My Own Land

Absolutely Fabulous star Joanna Lumley has retired the infamous Patsy Stone and gone on to make a string of travel documentaries, flitting from the USA to Japan. Her 2021 series is closer to home as she drives around the UK in an Aston Martin DB5 taking in some of the country’s most popular staycation spots. Episodes include stints on Devon ’s epic moors and Cornwall’s pretty island of St Michael’s Mount, as well as in North Wales, the Peak District and her hometown, London. Available to watch on ITV Hub

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

In this offshoot from his Ugly Delicious show, the preposterously busy David Chang hits the road for four hour-long adventures with comedians. He’s in Vancouver with local lad Seth Rogen, fishing and giggling, getting lost in a maze and above all revelling in the city’s Asian food emporia. Then he’s in Marrakech with Chrissy Teigen and in LA with Lena Waithe before the best of the bunch, visiting Phnom Penh with Kate McKinnon. The Saturday Night Live comic and Ghostbusters actor is charming, open and interested in everything around her as they talk Buddhism, ride helicopters and tuk-tuks, and dig surprisingly deep into the issues of a rapidly changing country. Streaming on Netflix

Conan Without Borders

This really is something different. For those outside of the USA, chat-show host Conan O’Brien is very much an unknown quantity, and this show may well be equally baffling: it’s a travel programme but directed primarily for laughs and with the reaction of a studio audience added as if it’s an in-show segment. We get Conan being tall, zany and actually pretty witty in the usual places Americans are interested in: Cuba, Korea, Mexico, Israel, Haiti and Italy. Don’t expect to get all the references but give it a go. Streaming on Netflix

Frankie Boyle’s Tour of Scotland

Well, he’s certainly mellowed. Once the scourge of tabloid and liberal broadsheet alike, the comic has revealed more humanity as his face has been ever more hidden under a beard. He’s still sharp, as the introduction shows – ‘There comes a time in every comedian’s career when they decide to do travelogues,’ he tells us – though this is much richer than the sitcom-character-goes-to-Africa formula we’re used to. Over four episodes, each given a very loose theme, he enjoys Scotland’s camera-friendliness – the coast, moors and monumental architecture – and meets a parade of eccentric locals. His secret weapon is asking unusual questions, ensuring a wide range of subjects: one episode alone covers Mary Queen of Scots, martial arts, protests and funfairs. Be warned: contains adult content and sarcasm. Streaming on BBC iPlayer

Great Railway Journeys

Want to take the train but can’t face Michael Portillo and his range of bright slacks? Now’s the time to dive into iPlayer, then, as the Tory grandee’s monopoly on rail travel falls off the rotation, leaving this multi-presenter series from 1994. Follow the lovely Michael Palin to Ireland and the awkwardly charming Clive Anderson to China, and watch ballerina Natalia Makarova take on her native Russia and the great BBC correspondent Mark Tully head to India. Streaming on BBC iPlayer

Griff’s Great Australian Adventure

Despite an unpromising start – do we need a TV comic to tell us that ‘this is a big place’, or that he’s about to embark on ‘the journey of a lifetime’? – this is well worth your time. Griff Rhys Jones travels around the great southern land by train, packing a great deal into his 30-minute episodes. Along with crocs, sheep-shearing, gold-prospecting and whitewater-rafting, he joins the drag scene in Broken Hill, digs into the poetry of the Outback and hitches a ride with a Flying Doctor. Throughout, he transcends the formula by being well-informed and showing an interest in people. Streaming on ITV Hub

My Greek Odyssey

If you enjoyed the last season of The Trip but felt there was too much competitive banter and not enough Greek scenery, then this is for you. Be warned, however, that host Peter Maneas is a character beyond even the imaginings of Steve Coogan: a full-on Aussie of Hellenic extraction, he’s colourful, exuberant and generally not backward in coming forward, all to the power of 10. If you can handle that, then join him on his mission to visit every one of his homeland’s 227 inhabited islands, starting with Season 1’s tour of the Saronic and Ionian, including Hydra , Spetses , Kefalonia and Zakynthos. Included with Amazon Prime membership

Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father

The comedian is a divisive figure, but less so than the man he insists on calling ‘Daddy’, an old showbiz hand who’s loving his spell in the spotlight. It’ll take five minutes to decide whether you’re up for this show, but if you can take the intergenerational eager-puppy-versus-stuffed-shirt banter you do get a lot of travel for your time. In season one they hit South-east Asia to live out Whitehall’s cancelled gap year, while season two is a cultural tour of eastern Europe led by his father Michael. In both cases, hijinks ensue, locals are baffled and we’re lightly entertained. Streaming on Netflix

Dark Tourist

New Zealand journalist David Farrier looks like a geography teacher and often appears more scared than you’d expect from someone in his line of work, but he’s a curiously engaging host for this tour of unlikely, unsafe and unsavoury destinations. Usually wearing pink patterned shorts, he ventures to nuclear disaster zones, serial-killer hotspots, voodoo rituals and the dreadful, monolithic emptiness of Turkmenistan. His show is genuinely informative and remarkably un-hipster. Streaming on Netflix

Now eight seasons in, this short-haul travelogue is admirably dependable. A lot of that is down to actor-director Richard Ayoade, who can bend his deadpan wit to provide a foil to whichever fellow comedian he has in tow for that week ’s 48-hour city break (including occasional Hollywood stars such as Jon Hamm and Paul Rudd). It’s basically a comedy but, for all the eccentric hotels , drinking and quirky-museum-hunting, this show is still a reliable indicator of whether you’ll enjoy two nights or more in that week’s destination , so bring on season nine. Catch up on All 4

The Mind of a Chef

Chef-profile shows can merge into a blur of hot men in dark rooms talking about sourcing and knives, but this PBS show is in sharp focus – partly because episodes last just 23 minutes. Each of its five seasons are hosted by a different chef, from David Chang, who presents Netflix’s Ugly Delicious , to Prune author Gabrielle Hamilton, who traces a dish to its source, has a good dig and still manages to get in more travel trimmings than most of the hour-long competition. Season five’s resident Ludo Lefebvre is particularly good value – look out for his outraged attempt to reclaim Jersey for France on a lobster-fishing trip. Stream it on Netflix

The Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan

Currently vying for the title of most familiar face on British TV, Ranganathan generally trades on sardonic wit but these tours of ‘the places others avoid’ break through the cynical veneer to show the thoughtful and frequently terrified everyman inside the comedy sports-quiz panellist. In the latest, second season he journeys to Zimbabwe, Mongolia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Colombia. Streaming on BBC iPlayer

Around the World in 80 Gardens

Led by the soothing, earnest tones of Monty Don, this is a different and highly satisfying tour of the globe, first screened in 2008. Naturally each region’s flora and plant-husbandry tell us something about the culture and landscape, and our thoughtful and well-informed host is just the man to tell us how. Starting in Mexico and Cuba with rainforests and colonialism, he passes through the the tomb gardens of India’s Mughal emperors, the floating wonders of the Amazon, the Imperial Summer Palace of Beijing, Emperor Hadrian’s Retreat in Italy and the perfection of the Alhambra in Granada, via Bali, Bangkok and the Arctic Circle. You don’t need green fingers to enjoy this, just a love of beauty. Streaming on BBC iPlayer

Somebody Feed Phil

If you don’t know Everybody Loves Raymond , the American sitcom he created – actually, even if you do – you may find Philip Rosenthal a distracting host: odd, distracted, awkward. Still, he sure loves his food and Netflix sure loves him, bankrolling 12 episodes of this foodie travelogue that takes him all over the world to Bangkok , Tel Aviv , Buenos Aires , Dublin and Mexico City (always Mexico). It’s a pretty easy ride – he walks around a bit, eats some local dishes, gets excited – but it’s fun, and you’ll like Phil. Streaming on Netflix

National Geographic Presents

Dig deep into the travel-related content from the always-reliable NatGeo. For that unique combination of brashness and culinary genius, there’s Gordon Ramsay Uncharted , where the king of the TV cooks heads for Peru, Morocco, Laos and more. The Bear Grylls-narrated Hostile Planet is a fascinating look at how animals have adapted to the most difficult conditions, from icecap to desert to ocean – highlights include a jaguar hunting crocodiles in the Amazon. Adventure fans, meanwhile, should dive into Lost Treasures of the Maya , where explorer Albert Lin hunts down lost civilization with new tech. Streaming on Disney+

Paul Richardson

CNT Editors

Arati Menon

Olivia Morelli

Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon’s semi-improvised wander between scenically sited restaurants is a journey that bears repeating. The original six-part run through the North of England in 2010, where both idea and stars were at their freshest and there was a real edge of melancholy tod the impressions and repartee, remains the best but it’s hard to argue with Season 2’s finale in Capri, where two middle-aged men talk rubbish against one of the world’s most beautiful backdrops, and Season 3’s visit to Spain kept up the quality. This year, of course, the boys were back for a tour of Greece. Find out where Season 4 of The Trip was filmed. Stream on Amazon Prime Pictured: Adatepe Ida Blue Hotel

All Aboard! The Great Reindeer Migration

From BBC4’s ‘Slow Christmas’ series, this 2018 programme follows the Sami reindeer herds of Norway on their 160-mile trek north through Finnmark to the Arctic Circle. With no eager presenters to tell us how amazing/dangerous/unchanged it is (though all those things are true), the result is more like a visual poem or guided meditation – most of it just the jangle of the animals’ bells, traditional singing and barking dogs over aerial views and close-ups. And breathe… Streaming on BBC iPlayer

Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown

Dating from 2013 to 2018, this CNN series may just be the great legacy of the Godfather of the foodie-travel genre. The effortlessly cool and much-missed NY chef really scratches his adventurer’s itch here, starting with the just reopened Myanmar, Libya and the Congo, and throwing in local-knowledge trips to US cities as well. Regardless of the destination, though, the aim is the same: to live a more interested and interesting life. Watch and learn lessons for travel and beyond. Season 1 streaming on My5. Seasons 1-5 included with Amazon Prime membership

Floyd on France

A time capsule from a different age (1987, to be precise), this makes a pretty startling contrast to the current Netflix foodie doc. Bow-tied and boozy, the late Keith Floyd sets off from a land barely out of the boiled-mutton-and-suet dark ages and barges into the kitchens of France, then considered the world leader of haute cuisine. However misguided his confidence, his enthusiasm and astonishing ability to drink and talk are wondrous to behold as he charges through Provence, Périgord, Burgundy, Alsace, the Basque Country and Brittany. Streaming on BBC iPlayer

Ugly Delicious

Momofuku chef and Vice graduate David Chang (see also The Mind of a Chef ) gets down and dirty on this show, sold under the motto ‘Food is a four-letter word’. Each episode looks hard at one home-cooking favourite, with help from guest chefs or foodies, giving American comfort food, from pizza to fried chicken, the kind of attention usually reserved for haute cuisine. Just added is Season 2, where David deals with worries about feeding his forthcoming baby, looks at ways of eating beef, investigates curry with Aziz Ansari and explores the world of kebabs. Streaming on Netflix

World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys – C5/MY5

If you’re drawn to the romance of rail travel but don’t need the usual celebrity guide, fill your boots with this six-parter. There’s a Rocky Mountain ride past lakes, rainforest and wandering bears from Vancouver to Banff, an architecture-heavy tour of northern Spain, volcanoes and sacred hunting grounds in New Zealand, plus trips through Wales, Norway and to the Matterhorn in Switzerland. It’s packed with business and all very thorough, well-researched and beautifully filmed, and the narration is in the capable hands of Bill Nighy. Streaming on My5

Salt Fat Acid Heat

Hosting this adaptation of her own book, chef Samin Nosrat proves an exuberant, natural presenter. The high-concept format – four journeys in pursuit of the four titular pillars of cooking – provides the structure, leaving Nosrat to enthuse and convince with the help of chefs from Japan , Italy , Mexico and California . And though it’s mostly kitchen-based, the show always has a strong sense of place, whether in the olive groves of Liguria, Italy , on the cable car to Japan’s Shōdoshima island or under the corrugated roofs of Oxkutzcab in Mexico. Streaming on Netflix

Huang’s World

Tattooed, perma-vested Eddie Huang is a true one-off. An attorney, restaurateur and author (of televised memoir Fresh Off The Boat ), he’s also a man with a thirst for knowledge and a hunger for food, and the most energetic host in food-travel TV. This series is excellent value; Huang is unafraid to talk to experts and locals alike and always has his nose in the action. Catch up on All4

…with Simon Reeve

While others provide entertainment, the perturbingly youthful but tremendously wise Reeve brings the information part of the BBC’s Reithian values. With his background in investigative reporting, he digs that bit deeper while retaining the Bear Grylls-meets-Brian Cox enthusiasm that ensures you always know this is about travel rather than history or politics. You’ll find a selection of his trips on BBC iPlayer, from the six-part Indian Ocean journey and three-part whistlestop tour round Australia to a one-off in Colombia . Catch up on BBC iPlayer

Rick Stein’s Seafood Odyssey

In this series from 1999, the doyen of British seafood has a quick look at how the rest of the world does it. He cooks shark vindaloo in Goa, tries percebes (goose barnacles) picked from the rocks in Galicia, has seabass and oysters in Chesapeake Bay and generally enthuses about grills, saucepans and fishing nets in Naples, Queensland and Thailand before heading closer to home for a fish supper in Whitby. Streaming on BBC iPlayer

Arabia with Levison Wood

British Army officer Wood is an explorer in the classic mould, and solo walks are a speciality ( the Himalayas , the Nile, Central America , Russia ). This programme finds him, Bedouin-scarved and deeply tanned, touring 13 countries and 5,000 miles of the Arabian peninsula, crossing Oman ’s Empty Quarter by camel, embedding himself with troops fighting Isis in Yemen and exchanging selfies in Saudi Arabia. There’s all the derring-do and endurance you could ask for, but he’s also a sensitive and curious companion. Watch on Amazon Prime

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Follow therecipe.com, something new, travel food tv: 10 interesting travel food tv shows you must watch.

This article features some of the best travel food TV shows that TV has to offer.

Did you have a really long day? problems at work or in your love life? Need a break from reality? Take your mind off these pressing issues and cozy up on your couch with a tasty snack to watch your favorite travel food tv shows or find a new one that is binge-worthy. Dive in with your favorite travel food TV show hosts and explore the nation's culinary culture and history. Ranging from networks like the Food Network to Netflix to the  National Geographic Channel , find interesting travel food TV shows that entertain you. Let your favorite celebrity foodies show you the ropes of how to be a well-rounded, five-star chef in your own kitchen! Here are ten interesting travel food TV series you must see!

10 Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives

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Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives or better known as "Triple D"  is a wildly entertaining travel food TV show. This Food Network show originated in April of 2007 and continues to air episodes on television today. Show host, Guy Fieri brings this travel food series to life with his spunky TV personality. Join him in his cross-country road trip to different hole-in-the-wall diners, drive-ins, and dives that have been doing things right in the kitchen for decades.

9 Ugly Delicious

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The Netflix series  Ugly Delicious starring David Chang should be at the top of your must-watch list. This series was first premiered in February 2018 and has a score of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. This entertaining travel food TV series features a combination of travel, cooking, and history of the different places covered in each episode. Follow Chef Chang around the world on his cross-cultural hunt for the best dishes known to man.

8 Parts Unknown

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If you haven't seen it, then you probably should.  Parts Unknown on CNN  is an interesting travel food TV show starring host, Anthony Bourdain. This food TV series came out in April of 2013. Parts Unknown features episodes that dive deep into the culinary cultures of different groups of people. This show is so good it has won twelve Primetime Emmy Awards. Tune in to CNN and continue traveling with Bourdain to lesser-known places to find some travel food gems!

7 Street Food

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Netflix has been home to the popular travel food TV series Street Food since April of 2019. It is classified as an American Documentary where show creators David Gelb and Brian McGinn take you around the world in search of delicious street food everywhere. This travel food TV series is packed with entertainment!

Related:  22 Street Food Items From All Over The World (No Amount Of Money Would Make Us Try)

6 Bizarre Foods America

If you are looking for a little more entertainment and a little less cooking skills, then Bizarre Foods America is the TV series for you! Join the Food Network and follow culinary explorer, Chef Andrew Zimmerman as he explores the bizarre foods of the culinary world in America and now parts of Canada and South America.

5 Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted

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Tag along with Chef Gordon Ramsay in his hit food travel TV show Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted. There isn't a single show that Chef Ramsay stars in that isn't a huge success! Join in his search for culinary inspiration around the world. This binge-worthy food TV series can be found on the National Geographic Channel .

Related:  20 Amazing Gordon Ramsay Recipes That Foodies Need To Try

4 Taste the Nation with Padma Lakshmi

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Take the time to learn about specific foods and diverse immigrant cultures around the United States with Padma on her popular Hulu docuseries Taste the Nation with Padma Lakshmi . Padma is widely known in the food industry for her stellar TV personality and her great taste in food. This is an interesting travel food TV show that you do not want to miss!

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I'm sure you have heard of the food god, Johnathan Cheban through his association with the Kardashians but have you watched his hit travel food TV show? Foodgod  was first aired in 2018. Tune in to see what travel food topics Cheban covers in his episodes!

2 View and Chew

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Get ready to view and chew with well-known foodie Mike Chen on his travel food series. Join Chen in his culinary exploration in seven major cities from the comfort of your couch.  View and Chew can be found on the streaming platform Peacock . Add it to your must-see list of food travel TV shows.

1 No Reservations

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No Reservations is another popular food travel TV show hosted by Anthony Bourdain. This show premiered in November of 2012 and focuses on Bourdain's travels as he explores wordly cultures and cuisines. Find this entertaining food travel TV series on the Travel Channel .

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14 food and travel shows to watch right now

July 30, 2021 by Nathan Suttie 1 Comment

I’ve been busy exploring my local area of the Gold Coast during Covid, in search of the best tastes from across the globe in my back yard. (check it out https://www.australia.com/en/places/gold-coast-and-surrounds/guide-to-the-gold-coast.html ) . However, there are sometimes when you just want to unwind and this is where these 14 food and travel shows to watch right now come in!

With travel currently limited, there is no better time for food and travel lovers to venture abroad on the screen as you will see in this list of the best travel shows for food lovers. Food-based travel shows allow us escapism as we discover new foods, destinations and the individual’s that bring them to life. This escapism can turn to inspiration as we plan our post-Covid trips and foodie bucket lists. In a time of restrictions, we can be encouraged to cook dishes that we cannot travel abroad to. Or otherwise, to venture out locally in search of a distinctive dish or cuisine we’ve seen on screen.

Whatever your reason for watching, these below shows will all leave you salivating yet educated and planning for your future trip.

After 8 successful seasons of No Reservations, Anthony parted ways with the Travel Channel to have more say in where he travelled. This is where Anthony Bourdain, Parts Unknown comes in. This series focuses on some of the world’s lesser-known foodie spots, along with some spots that Anthony is particularly passionate about. Although a little older here than his past work, there is still a sense of debauchery that Anthony is known for. This comes out in some episodes such as a wild night of bar and food hopping through Thailand. This is contrasted with an insightful look into these less visited locals and the food and people that bring the culture alive. While this series is still based on food, expect to dive deep into the culture and history of the region.

Unfortunately, Anthony left the world by suicide, but he has left a legacy to try different food and explore the world (or your backyard) to the fullest.

Ugly delicious  

Chef and Restaurateur, David Chang is on a mission. To give those “Ugly” foods the recognition they deserve. His mission takes us deep into the world of foods such as fried chicken, fried rice and Tacos, exploring their history with a unique range of characters. David is a likable host. He is funny, knowledgeable and inquisitive. This makes for a refreshing series where David aims to break down cultural barriers and expose the audience to real stories behind the food. 

STREET FOOD ASIA

Perhaps some of the best and most authentic foods can be found on the street in Asia. This series brings us directly onto those streets and the local legends that trade there. The show focuses deeply on these characters, their story and their food. It has a socio-political undercurrent that runs through the stories that compliments the food, much like it did in Anthony Bourdain’s work. Here though, the local characters take charge, drawing you into their life, culture and the importance of food. You’ll come for the food, yet stay for the locals. A must watch!

Bizarre foods with Andrew Zimmern

If you are looking for a show that focuses on unusual foods, then this is it. The host, Chef Andrew Zimmern takes us through different regions of the world, focusing on particular bizarre foods, their preparation and the history behind them. Andrew is knowledgeable, eager and isn’t afraid to have fun on camera. This show has been around for a while now but it is a must-watch for those looking to learn more about the worlds strangest eats. Be prepared for things such as worms, spiders, horse rib and rectum sausages. Not recommended for those that are queasy!

Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations

No Reservations is all in the name. Anthony Bourdain leads us on a journey throughout the world in series in search of the best and strangest foods. No Reservations presents a perfect balance between unusual foods and wild drunken nights with family dinners and thought-provoking discussions over a meal. One of Boudain’s talents is his ability to ask pressing questions with a casual demeanour, allowing an effortless, yet profound dialogue between him and the others he meets.

This combination proved to be a winning formula, with 8 generous series with 142 episodes in total. Anthony is the perfect host. Cool, intelligent, fun and with a passion for food and travel. He brings his insights while taking on board those who he meets. Expect a strong sense of wanderlust.

Rick Stein’s Spain

Although the pacing of this show is perhaps a little slower than some on the list, it absolutely deserves a spot on this list for food lovers. Celebrated chef, author and TV personality, Rick presents the perfect blend between travelogue and cooking show. Rick travels throughout Spain looking for true Spanish food. His knowledge and skills as a chef can be seen as the utilities local produce to create a range of mouth-watering home-style meals. Also well worth watching is his series in India and France!

Salt, fat, acid, heat

Following on from her best selling book of the same name, Samin Nosrat focuses on the four elements that she believes are essential for cooking. Samin’s intense interest in food is evident, giving us a charming look into these elements as she heads across the globe. Although the male presenters on this list are excellent, it’s refreshing to have a feminine perspective. It’s a short series but well worth watching!

Somebody feed Phil

Somebody feed Phil brings a fresh approach to the food/travel genre lead by the enthusiastic host Phil. Phil is perhaps best known as the creator of Everybody Loves Raymond and takes us across the world on his search to eat everything he sees. His optimism and willingness to try new things are contagious. Phil is light-hearted, yet inquisitive as he travels across the globe eating a massive variety of foods. Another one to add to your list!

A cook’s tour

Anthony Bourdain first shot to fame with his book Kitchen Confidential, giving us an insider view of the kitchen. Shortly after, he wrote the best selling “ A Cooks Tou r ”, from with this series is an offshoot. Anthony’s at his youngest here. He’s wild, raw and with a thirst to explore. He also has a thirst to drink as well! Anthony is still learning what it is like to be on Camera and this honesty shines through this series. Expect to see some foods that you would not be game to try, along with some others that will have you researching when the borders will open!

The Taco Chronicles

If you’re somehow not a taco fan, this show will be sure to convert you. This show is primarily based on tacos but that does not at all mean it is one dimensional. You’ll be guided through the various types throughout Mexico, looking at their history, preparation and the locals that make and enjoy them. By looking through the various styles, you will see how important they are to the culture and discover some new styles that you can try and make at home. Watch this if you’re a taco lover, or even if you’re a lover of good food!

The mind of a Chef

The Mind of a Chef takes professional chefs across the world, looking deeply into a particular meal/cuisine or style. These chefs show us how to create their take on this, yet both the audience and the chefs learn as the episode goes on. We discover the origins of the food, how different people and countries have impacted how it is made and how the chefs’ life and perspective influence the final outcome. This show is for those looking at how to create the perfect dish while learning and engaging in the culture behind it.

Breakfast Lunch and dinner

Following on from his Ugly Delicious series, Chef David Chang catches up with a variety of celebrities over four, hour-long episodes. They discuss food and culture while sampling tasty dishes. Expect to see appearances from Seth Rogan, Lena Waithe, Chrissy Tiegen and Kate McKinnon. A particular highlight is a relaxed vibe between David and Seth in Vancouver. After all, who better to lead you around on a stoned food mission than Seth Rogan.

A cook abroad

A cook abroad is the BBCs take on a foodie travelogue series as we follow a variety of celebrity chefs/tv hosts across the globe. Expect to see the likes of the Hairy bikers Dave Myers, legendary Chef and Tv presenter Rick Stein and the multi-talented Rachel Khoo. Each episode follows a different personality, giving a rich range of variation across the six episodes.

If you’re a fan of British cooks and personalities, give this one a watch!

Street food Latin America

Following on from the success of Street Food Asia, Street Food Latin America brings us across the other side of the world. The show keeps its successful character focussed concept which engages us in the lives of various street food purveyors of the region. At a time where travel is not widely possible and many people are going through hardships, this show helps to show the resilience of people. This determination, along with a love of cooking, is shown through their lives and the mouth-watering dishes that they create.

All of these shows will have you dreaming of food. Aside from dreaming, you will find that you will be educated, inspired and will be sure to be planing your future trip. If you’re curious about food, check out our article :  https://atasteofabroad.com/21-of-the-best-cheese-dishes-globally-you-need-to-try/

If for some reason you don’t like cheese (who doesn’t like cheese!) or if you like curries, please have a look here: https://atasteofabroad.com/13-unique-curries-from-around-the-world/

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The Best Food Shows Streaming On Netflix Right Now

Last Updated: November 10th

Netflix has food shows on lock. They helped kick off the modern era of prestige food TV with Chef’s Table , back in 2015. They made the genre funny again with Nailed It . They even found a sort of “Bourdain with more anxieties” in longtime friend-of-Uproxx Phil Rosenthal’s show , Somebody Feed Phil .

Today, there’s a very long list of food shows to choose from on the streaming giant. They range from fast-paced cooking competitions to low-and-slow tales of the world’s greatest chefs . To help you sift through these wide-ranging options, we’re ranking our 20 favorites, below. The food shows featured represent a healthy mix of pure food porn, cooking competitions, and educational food docuseries.

The throughline here is that delicious food is front and center. Hopefully, these shows will inspire you to get in the kitchen and cook a little or travel to whatever corner of the world the food you crave is being cooked. Let’s dive in!

Related: The Best Travel Shows On Netflix Right Now, Ranked

20. Fresh, Fried, & Crispy

1 Season, 8 Episodes | IMDb: 6.5/10

This show should probably come with a complimentary blood pressure cuff. Host Daym Drops — the insanely popular YouTube food reviewer — is traveling America and eating some of the most ridiculous fried foods. While the show leans into deep-fried Oreos and state fair foods, it also trends towards traditional cuisines throughout America.

Plus, Daym Drops’ energy and deep love for these foods are both hard to deny and easy to enjoy.

Can’t Miss Episode:

Each episode is only 25 minutes, making this a super easy weekend binge. It’s also kind of like Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives in that you can have it on in the background while you cook dinner. Otherwise, check out the Birmingham episode . It’s full of deep-fried pork and soul food that’ll leave you starving.

19. Restaurants On The Edge

2 Season, 13 Episodes | IMDb: 6.8/10

Restaurants on the Edge is one part food reality show, one part travel show, and one part fixer-upper show. The main thrust is a crew of restauranteurs hit up a failing restaurant with an amazing location or view in a high-touristed area and try to save it from oblivion.

It’s fun, fascinating, and full of beautiful locations and food.

This is another great “have on in the background” show. Each episode is in a unique location around the world. So maybe just pick somewhere that sounds cool to you and go from there. Though, the season 2 opener in Slovenia is a great intro episode.

18. The American BBQ Showdown

1 Season, 8 Episodes | IMDb: 7.2/10

This cooking competition is a breezy binge. It’s also a mouthwatering watch with piles of smoked meats and sides filling the screen from start to finish on every single episode. Judges Melissa Cookston (Memphis BBQ) and Compton’s own Kevin Bludso judge the smoked meats and sides while offering some serious education along the way. That’s what’s so nice about this show: You’re going to learn about smoking food while also getting into the drama of the cooking competition.

You really need to start with episode one and watch it the whole way through.

17. Cooked With Cannabis

1 Season, 6 Episodes | IMDb: 6.6/10

This is Netflix’s second swing at a cannabis cooking show and it hits more often than not. The conceit is simple, cannabis chefs step into the studio kitchen and make the best THC or CBD-infused plates they can. It’s fairly fast-paced and the food is legitimately repeatable in your own kitchen (for the most part).

Each episode is just over half an hour and there are only six total, so this is a really easy binge if you’re stoned and couch-locked.

With only six episodes, just start at the beginning. Though, episode five, High Holidays , is a particularly fun episode with a “Danksgiving” theme.

16. Million Pound Menu

2 Seasons, 12 Episodes | IMDb: 6.7/10

This British show is equal parts fascinating and entertaining. Burgeoning cooks gather to do a pop-up for the public and a group of judges, who are also restaurant investors. Meaning there’s are some serious stakes at play here. Pop-up chefs, home cooks, and food truck chefs are cooking for their professional futures.

The show doesn’t flinch as it takes you into what it’s really like to create a fully realized concept for a restaurant and then actually make that business function in the real world, in front of people willing to give you sometimes millions of dollars (well, millions of pounds, in this case) to turn your dreams into reality.

Episode five from season one is a great place to start. The episode covers two concepts: A small plate Korean restaurant and a reimagining of the British dish bubble & squeak into a whole menu. While it’s clear early on which of these two will get funded, it’s still a fun and hunger-inducing watch.

15. Best Leftovers Ever

1 Seasons, 8 Episodes | IMDb: 5.7/10

It sort of feels like Netflix is really good at making one season of a cooking show and then it disappears into the abyss. Hopefully, this show isn’t that as it has real potential. The thrust of every episode is a competition between home cooks who have to repurpose leftovers into something new and of higher quality. It’s a deconstructionist cook that also leans into not wasting food. That’s a good message all around. Plus, it’s a pretty easy rainy-day binge since each episode is only 35 minutes.

Since this is an easy binge, we’d recommend just starting with the first episode. There are only eight so far, so you can get through them easily. If you want a taste before you dive in, then try episode 3, The Holidays , for some comfort food and comfort food TV.

14. The Final Table

1 Season, 10 Episodes | IMDb: 7.7/10

This was a huge step up for Netflix when it came to fast-paced cooking competitions. Real-deal chefs gather in-studio to cook food based around a different nation’s food culture each week, creating a truly global feel.

While the show punts on their American episode, the rest of the series moves at a break-neck pace and features some truly inspired cooking.

Start with episode one based around Mexican cuisine. It’s an hour-long episode but will give you a great introduction to the show overall.

13. Ugly Delicious

2 Seasons, 12 Episodes | IMDb: 7.8/10

Chef David Chang’s first Netflix show has a lot to offer. The show follows the chef around as he does his best to fill the shoes of Anthony Bourdain. There’s a clear travel element that’s focused on a food theme for each place. The second season focuses even more, with Chang taking you into his family’s home as he has his first child and ponders food for kids before heading off to India and Australia.

Once you get through Ugly Delicious , check out Chang’s other food and travel show, Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner , especially the episode in Cambodia with Kate McKinnon .

Season one, episode six (about fried chicken) is really when Chang hits a stride. The episode travels from Nashville’s hot chicken scene to a Chinese KFC to a Japanese home kitchen by the end. Plus, it’s all about fried chicken. That’s an easy subject to watch for an hour.

12. Somebody Feed Phil

4 Seasons, 22 Episodes | IMDb: 8.2/10

There’s something very infectious about Phil Rosenthal’s wide-eyed wonder at all the beautiful food in the world. While this show is just as much about travel as it is food, it’s really Rosenthal’s affability that carries the hour-long episodes. You really want to be at the table with him as he dives into amazing-looking dishes found all over the world.

Episode five of season one, New Orleans , is a great place to start. From there, jump around to whatever episode piques your interest. Don’t skip Tel Aviv or Saigon though.

11. High On The Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America

1 Season, 4 Episodes | IMDb: 7.7/10

High on the Hog is based on the seminal work of Dr. Jessica Harris and her breaking down of how African food cultures mingled with Indigenous American foods and European techniques to help define what American food is today. The show is a sort of short-hand for Dr. Harris’ work and book, with chef and writer Stephen Satterfield trekking around America and West Africa looking back at the origins of African American cuisines, where those foods are today, and profiling the people keeping those traditions alive.

Satterfield told us the Texas episode with Black cowboys moving their cattle was the moment that moved him the most. So we’d recommend watching that episode first, which is actually the last episode . Still, there are only four episodes in total, making this an easy binge.

10. Taco Chronicles

2 Seasons, 13 Episodes | IMDb: 7.9/10

Taco Chronicles comes from Netflix’s Latin American division but feels like a spiritual successor to Chef’s Tabl e. The look and feel of the show are outstanding. Each 30-minute episode takes you into a sub-culture of tacos across Mexico.

This is taco culture at every level from the farms to the streets and everywhere in between. Just make sure to have taco plans before you finish your binge. You’re going to want to feed a serious taco fix. Trust us.

This is a really easy six-episode binge from the beginning. Still, if we had to pick just one episode, it’d probably be barbacoa . The episode covers how the ancient traditions of this dish are still used today.

9. MeatEater

4 Seasons, 34 Episodes | IMDb: 7.7/10

Steven Rinella has devoted his life to conservation, the celebration of wild foods, and educating the public on those subjects. MeatEater follows Rinella and other hunters as they travel the Americas to hunt, fish, and cook.

This show is unflinching and deeply informational, especially if you’re looking into sourcing your own foods. Each episode ends with a cook, often in nature, of what the crew has recently hunted.

Start with season seven, episode 16 . This 22-minute episode takes Rinella out of the field and into his kitchen to demonstrate various techniques for cooking game, fish, and foraged foods. It’s a great entry-level episode.

8. The Great British Baking Show

8 Collections, 10 Episodes | IMDb: 8.5/10

There’s probably little left to be said about this massive hit from the U.K. Home bakers assemble to, well, bake the British butts off. The show has it all — from catty judges to ridiculous recipes to all the drama as the ovens heat up and flour flies.

All in all, this is a very easy and fun watch, especially if you have the time to binge.

Collection One is the place to start. Ten episodes ensue as 12 home bakers fight for the championship.

1 Season, 4 Episodes | IMDb: 8.1/10

Journalist and author Michael Pollan’s Cooked takes a look at food from a scientific and often personal POV. Each episode looks at how fire, water, air, and the earth help us create the food and flavors we know and love. This is the sort of show for food lovers who want to have a better understanding of what it is that makes food cultures worldwide/ through history so incredibly unique.

Episode one, Fire , is a great place to start. The episode looks at how cooking the food we eat changed us as a species and what we owe the animals we choose to eat. It’s heady stuff but worthwhile.

6. Street Food

2 Season, 15 Episodes | IMDb: 8/10

Street Food Asia and Street Food Latin America are kind of like Chef’s Table lite. The shows focus on street chefs around Asia and Latin America with short personal stories woven into the dramatic and delicious-looking street food they cook. The look of Chef’s Table is still present but the stories aren’t about inaccessible cuisines. Instead, it’s all about people feeding people literally on the streets.

The beauty of this show is that each chef and food represented is 100 percent accessible to you. You just have to visit.

The Lima, Peru episode in the Latin America season is pretty spectacular. It follows Indigenous cooks grilling meats as they’ve done for millennia next to Japanese migrants making ceviche with their own traditions melding with local ones. After that, check out the Oaxaca episode for some of the best-looking blue corn tortillas ever filmed.

5. Salt Fat Acid Heat

Chef Samin Nosrat travels the world, digging into how salt, fat, acid, and heat change food and all the ways those elements differ across cultures. Nosrat’s infectious love of all things food really draws you in, with the beautiful dishes and locales adding a layer of wanderlust to the whole affair. It’ll be really hard not to binge this series in one sitting, is what we’re saying.

The first episode, Fat , is a great place to start. Again, just binge this one. It’s only four hours of beautiful TV at the end of the day.

4. Nailed It!

6 Seasons, 42 Episodes | IMDb: 7.4/10

Comedian Nicole Byer and star baker Jacques Torres come together to offer home bakers the chance at winning $10,000 for recreating a ridiculous cake or confectionary. Celebrity guest judges drop in for judging (and zinger) duties. The 30-minute format and one-and-out nature of the competition make this a very addictive show that feels new with every episode.

Pop over to the “Holiday” version of the show. Season one, episode six has Jason Mantzoukas guest judging a New Year’s Eve bake-off and it’s an absolute blast.

2 Seasons, 12 Episodes | IMDb: 7.2/10

This is a crucial watch. The series is a journalist-forward documentary series covering our food supply chains. There are some harrowing aspects to how we get the food we eat every day and they’re revealed here in sobering detail. Over two seasons, the show covers everything from chocolate and big chicken to bottled water and French wine.

The season two opener, The Avocado Wars , is an eye-opening look at how Mexican cartels are shifting to avocados to fill in the gap left by losing part of the cannabis market.

2. The Chef Show

4 Volumes, 25 Episodes | IMDb: 8.2/10

Jon Favreau and chef Roy Choi created a great cooking show based on Favreau’s hit movie, Chef . The show takes elements from food and travel TV and stand-and-stir cooking shows and blends them into a micro-talk show format with big-name guests.

This show has it all but still feels small and personal. Plus, the easy back-and-forth between Favreau and Choi as they cook is wonderfully familiar.

The fourth episode of Volume Two where Choi and Favreau head to Hog Island Oysters is a great place to start, especially if you’re looking for a little bit more of a travel element. The episode ends with a massive oyster cook right on the beach that’ll leave you salivating.

1. Chef’s Table

6 Seasons, 30 Episodes | IMDb: 8.5/10

Chef’s Table is the gold standard of the Netflix food series. The show has even spun off into a Street Food series that we’d highly recommend watching after this one.

The thrust of the series is a look at a chef, baker, butcher, or cook who has devoted their lives to food. There’s a travel element at play here, but it’s really the single personality at the center of each story that drives this series. From a visual standpoint, this show is also just amazing to look at.

The Volume Six opener with The Grey’s chef Mashama Bailey is the perfect place to start. The show goes deep into Georgia and Savannah’s food scene with one of the region’s most important chefs. It’s a part history lesson, part culinary education, and 100 percent entertaining.

21 Best Food And Travel Shows On Netflix

By Aaron Pruner on May 5, 2018 at 10:48AM PDT

GameSpot may receive revenue from affiliate and advertising partnerships for sharing this content and from purchases through links.

Eating food and going places: These are things we all do, or wish we could do more of. Netflix knows this, which explains the spike in food/travel programming in recent years. After all, when we're not eating food or going places, there's a good chance we're thinking about eating food or going places. The binge-watch model works wonderfully when indulging in such programming.

Whether an exciting history lesson is revealed or a new recipe is explored, Netflix has something for everyone. From the sardonic sensibilities of Anthony Bourdain to the awkward dad humor of Phil Rosenthal, here are 21 of the best food/travel shows available on Netflix right now.

21. Eat Your Words

Eat Your Words sounds like the perfect Yelp-themed revenge story. Instead of simply leaving the bad reviews untouched, the concept for the series puts contestants in the cook's shoes and challenges them to recreate the dish they didn't enjoy in the first place. What transpires is redemption on both sides--with the chefs sometimes receiving the vindication they seek, while the dissatisfied foodies sometimes prove they've got their own worthy culinary skills. After cooking up the negatively rated meal, the finished product is presented to a panel of judges--and then rated on their own Yelp-like star system.

20. Chef & My Fridge

Chef & My Fridge delivers a familiar cooking competition formula but through a South Korean reality show lens. The concept finds chefs teamed with regular people, with the goal of cooking up high-end dishes using only the ingredients contained in the guest star's fridge. Needless to say, the show's tone is lighthearted and a bit wacky, and gives American viewers insight into the country's reality food programming. Oh, and don't forget the emojis. There are lots of emojis.

19. Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories

Unlike the majority of shows on this list, Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories tackles food-themed voyeurism in a scripted format. The 10-episode series gives a peek into Tokyo's late night scene. It follows an assortment of characters--all of them diner regulars--as they partake in an assortment of Japanese comfort food. That's only the beginning, though, as the dishes in question spark different stories--full of heart, humor, and emotion. For those unfamiliar with Japanese culture, this show offers a lovely introduction to its food and people.

18. Testing the Menu

What's most interesting about Testing the Menu is the fact that it's a New Zealand cooking show focused on Asian fusion cuisine. Chef Nick Watt travels around Auckland and its surrounding area, testing out different recipes on the general public--which may or may not be added to the menu of the various Japanese restaurants he owns. Watt's nerdy presence offers a different dynamic for those needing a break from those shows that may take themselves a bit too seriously. As appetizing as things get, the show succeeds best when it highlights New Zealand culture.

17. A Cook Abroad

If you're looking for an Anthony Bourdain-style show, but without all that Bourdain-iness, A Cook Abroad may quench your proverbial thirst. Each episode follows a different host as they traverse different parts of the world. From Sikh chef Tony Singh's trip to India to motorcycle enthusiast Dave Meyer's jaunt to Egypt to Rachel Khoo's inspiring look at Malaysia, it's easy to see the adventurous appeal of the series. There's only six episodes of the BBC 2 series--but that's surely enough to give viewers a taste of the show's unique worldly aesthetic.

16. The Wild Chef

Martin Picard is an award-winning chef that hails from Montreal. He's appeared as a guest on multiple food shows--the Canada episode of Parts Unknown comes to mind. And with The Wild Chef, he lets his adventurous food spirit free. Each episode finds the man and his sous chef Hugue Lafour hitting the road to brave the elements--hunting moose and trapping muskrats--only to create a delicious dish using what they find in the wilderness. While the show doesn't necessarily give you instructions on making these meals at home, The Wild Chef provides a survivalist angle to the food-travel show construct. And the result is quite entertaining.

15. Avec Eric

Another series that has banked on the success of the Anthony Bourdain food/travel show formula is Avec Eric--which is not surprising since Eric Ripert is one of Bourdain's closest friends. The show follows the French chef as he travels the world, showcasing cultural highlights of whatever destination he's visiting. He may lack the charisma one would expect--there's no witty sarcasm here--but his show doesn't pander either. Staying true to his Buddhist sensibilities, Ripert keeps his focus on foods and locales of an exotic nature--and he does so without any pretension or judgment, which is delightful in its own right.

14. The Big Family Cooking Showdown

What's not to love about The Big Family Cooking Showdown? The host of the show, Nadiya Hussain, used her big win in Season 6 of The Great British Baking Show to launch this new competition series. Hailing from BBC Two, Hussain is joined by co-host Zoë Ball, and the two head to the British countryside to find the area's best home cooks. Rounding out the cast are judges Roseman Shrager and Michelin Star-winning chef Giorgio Locatelli. Cut from that feel-good Mary Berry cloth, the program succeeds at scratching the British Baking Show itch.

13. The Great British Baking Show: Masterclass

For those put off by the overhaul The Great British Baking Show went through, this show may be for you. While Mary Berry hasn't returned for the new season of the food competition series, this quaint spinoff reunites her with judge Paul Hollywood for an up-close-and-personal baking education. Instead of watching contestants struggle to keep up with each culinary challenge, Berry and Hollywood bring viewers into the kitchen to show how to make some of the toughest desserts featured on the popular series. Mary Berry may be gone from The Great British Baking Show, but her presence here is a treat for old and new fans alike.

12. Zumbo's Just Desserts

With a name like Zumbo, you might expect something a bit clown-ish when tuning in to Zumbo's Just Desserts. While it’s not the circus sideshow the name implies,, the Australian series does come packed with plenty of spectacle. Each episode finds pastry chef Adriano Zumbo presenting two dessert-making challenges to a group of amateur bakers. What makes the series stand out from the pack are the out-of-this-world concoctions Zumbo whips up. Giant sugary sculptures and magical layered cakes abound in this series. Willy Wonka would be proud.

11. Jack Whitehall: Travels with my Father

Jack Whitehall is pretty famous in the UK. The comedian and TV personality has earned himself a loyal following. And with his travel series, Jack Whitehall: Travels with my Father, he's connected with a whole new audience. The program follows a Bourdain-like formula as Whitehall travels to South Asia, aiming to fulfill his gap year dreams. But things get interesting when he decides to bring his father and former producer and talent agent, Michael Whitehall, along for the ride. What transpires is a hilarious bonding session that plays out between a hesitant, fancy father and his brash, adventurous son.

Rotten takes an in-depth look at the different aspects of the food business--and the fraud, crimes, and tragedies that come with it. From the "Honey" episode's focus on corruption and contamination plaguing America's honey industry to the "Peanut" episode's investigation into the drastic rise of food allergies, the six-part docuseries pulls no punches. It's not your typical feel-good food show, but the series does help to shine a light on lesser known, but quite critical, aspects of the food industry. Oh, and it's produced by Zero Point Zero--the Emmy-winning company behind a handful of hit food/travel shows, including Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown.

Executive produced by author Michael Pollan, Cooked breaks down the familiar food docuseries format into four parts: "Fire," "Water," "Air," and "Earth." Each episode focuses on each of the planet's powerful elements to explore just how these resources are connected to sustenance, impacting the day-to-day foods we eat. The program peels back the curtain on the cultural history of global food practices, instead of just displaying food porn for food porn's sake. Ultimately, the Alex Gibney-directed (Steve Jobs: The Man in the Machine, The Looming Tower) series is informative without being pretentious--highlighting different perspectives the world over on topics from sustainable crops to food prep to the simple joy of enjoying dinner with family around a table.

8. The Mind of a Chef

Anthony Bourdain put his producer hat on for PBS's Mind of a Chef. Different celebrity chefs take the helm to host the series, with the assistance of Bourdain's familiar voice-over narration style. What audiences should expect here are similar components that make other Bourdain joints a success. You've got beautiful shots of food, travel tips, a peek into a town's history, an a handful of intriguing personalities. David Chang helms the first season--each episode is about 20 minutes long--which gives viewers that lovely Anthony Bourdain feel, without all the Bourdain.

7. Ugly Delicious

Ugly Delicious takes the pretentiousness out of food programming, highlighting the importance of the ugly and delicious world of home cooking. Since David Chang disrupted the food world with his restaurant Momofuku, he's made a reputation of being one of the more vocal food personalities in the industry. As audiences have seen with his work from Vice's Munchies to Mind of a Chef, the man has interesting things to say. Chang isn't the only host of the series, though, giving a collection of unique voices a chance to shine. And that's great, especially for those out there who find his brash sensibilities an acquired taste.

6. Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee

From the man behind Seinfeld--the game-changing "show about nothing"--comes a simple show concept: Each episode follows the comedian as he drives some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry around the city in a classic car. Of course, they end up getting coffee, which is a selling point for any coffee fan, but the crux of the show finds Jerry chopping it up with his famous peers--from Jim Carrey to Barack Obama. It's like taking the best parts of a late night talk show on the road. And with Netflix's acquisition of the series, not only is every episode available to be viewed, it's delightfully bingeable.

5. The Great British Baking Show

In a world where loud judgmental hosts like Gordon Ramsay and Anthony Bourdain focus on the darker aspects of the culinary world, Mary Berry's The Great British Baking Show offers a different, pleasant perspective on things. As charming as it is beautiful, the show focuses on the delightful aspects of baking. And while this is a competition series, the programming formula sheds the expected reality show drama--there's no villain amongst the contestants--and focuses on the struggles and victories of the actual food-making process. It's a breath of fresh air, honestly.

4. Chef's Table

When it comes to food programming, Chef's Table stands out from the pack with its epic production value. While this show provides a very high level of food porn for the senses, each episode adds an emotional component by delving into a famous chef's backstory. Without food, we'd surely die. But watching these stories unfold--exploring just how the culinary business not only saved, but changed lives for the better--shows just how important to the culture chefs are. Making meals may not always be pretty, but this heightened docuseries cuts through the fat, exposing the passion behind the meal.

3. Chef's Table: France

Netflix one-upped itself with Chef's Table: France. Sure, Chef's Table changed the game when it comes to food porn. The cinematography alone in these episodes deserve all the awards. That said, bringing the series to France was a no-brainer. Not only do these episodes appeal to French locals, presenting the subject matter all in the country’s native tongue, the program opens things up to a global audience. Exploring these various dishes and culture is impactful here for the simple reason that French cuisine has--and continues to have--a monumental impact on food around the world. If Chef's Table dug into the stories and struggles behind the food, Chef's Table: France breaks the whole thing down to its basest id. And it'll leave your mouth watering for more.

2. Somebody Feed Phil/I'll Have What Phil's Having

Upon watching Somebody Feed Phil (The Netflix continuation of PBS's short-lived series I'll Have What Phil's Having) you instantly feel a stark difference from the grumpy host stylings that either Bourdain or Chang bring to the table. Phil Rosenthal--he's the guy who created Everybody Loves Raymond--has one goal in mind: To go to new places and try new things. As he travels around the world and puts local delicacies into his mouth, the man's joy becomes quite contagious. After all, he's not here to judge. He's here to encourage everyone to try new food. And if they like what they try, to have a little more!

1. Parts Unknown

Since he brought No Reservations to The Travel Channel over a decade ago, Anthony Bourdain's punk rock panache and sardonic sense of humor cut through the TV fluff and changed the food-travel show game. Now that he's taken his brand to CNN, Parts Unknown has built upon his familiar formula. Through the six seasons available on Netflix, Parts Unknown has brought viewers a plethora of food porn, travel show stories, insight from food personalities around the world, and a multitude of deep history lessons. In other words, this is Anthony Bourdain's world--we're just living in it.

• Leave Blank

Great Food + Travel Shows and Documentaries To feed your wanderlust, hunger, and soul. Pun intended.

Updated March 2024

I haven’t seen all food + travel shows everywhere, but to celebrate World Food Travel Day, I thought I might as well share a roundup of my favorites so far (and why I think you’ll like them):

Keep in mind that not all the shows may be available in your country. A VPN should *usually* do the trick.

The Mind of a Chef

The Mind of a Chef combines travel, cooking, history, science, and humor into an unforgettable journey.

It’s crazy to think this show premiered ten years ago. The first show I ever watched while already having a conscious fondness for all things food and travel, it’s narrated by the late Anthony Bourdain (one more reason to watch), and each season focused on one or two specific chefs, giving you a full look into, well, their mind! Inspiration, personal stories, traveling, and a sprinkle of science for good measure. I like to think of this show as a precursor to Chef’s Table,  albeit a little less artsy and a little more informative. Best of all, it was produced by PBS, and I love public broadcasting and what it stands for. 

Seasons 1 through 5 are available on Amazon Prime via a PBS subscription here .

Chef’s Table 

In this Emmy-nominated series, meet culinary stars around the world who are redefining gourmet food with innovative dishes and tantalizing desserts.

Ah, Chef’s Table. Perhaps Netflix’s best known (and most awarded?) food show, the inspiring instrumentals and detailed 360° shots seen here pair as well as cheese and wine do.

Every episode covers a specific chef, featuring old favorites like Massimo Bottura and Alain Passard. as well as new finds – at least for me – like Musa Dağdeviren and Bo Songvisava. Their life stories, inspiration, projects, and how they run their kitchen are all featured along with their most iconic dishes in a captivating, easily binge-able show.

Chef’s Table is available on Netflix here ,  France is available here ,  BBQ is available here , and Pizza is avaiable here.

Jack Whitehall: Travels with my Father

Jovial comic  Jack Whitehall  and his stuffy  father , Michael, take unusual and amusing trips to foreign lands in an attempt to strengthen their bond.

I only ever knew Jack Whitehall as “the cute guy who does standup”, and had only seen his name around a couple of times, so suffice to say I was quite surprised to see this show pop up on my Netflix home screen as “Recommended for You”. Bloody algorithms. 

What starts as a father-son bonding trip ended up being a truly funny and often heartwarming (yes, really) journey around some amazing locations, complete with food, out-of-the-ordinary activities, and hilariously bizarre hijinks. 

Best watched with family, you can find it on Netflix here .

Street Food

Embark on a global cultural journey into street food and discover the stories of the people who create the flavorful dishes.

Originally named Street Food, but later renamed Street Food: Asia after the release of Street Food: Latin America, this production from the creators of Chef’s Table is focused on the local stars behind a destination’s cuisine, versus the big-name chefs we’ve seen in other shows. Not only are the location and food shots amazing, but seeing the locals’ unique perspectives and hearing their stories (often hardships and tragedies) is truly inspiring.

Hopefully, there’s more on the way, because there is street food for days on every corner of this planet. How does Street Food: Down Under sound?

You can find Street Food: Asia on Netflix here , Street Food: Latin America here, and Street Food USA here . 

Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted

Chef Gordon Ramsay journeys to some of the most incredible and remote locations on Earth in search of culinary inspiration, epic adventures, and cultural experiences he will never forget.

Not gonna lie, I don’t *love* Gordon Ramsay. I know it’s likely just a tv persona thing, and he’s probably lovely in person, but I just find him a little too rude and I didn’t previously like any of the shows he was on.

Well let me tell you, I loved this show. Seeing him so enthusiastic in his learning of new ingredients and techniques, and genuinely wanting to use them properly, as well as trying out new things that he seems truly unprepared for made me like him a little more. It’s a good bit of fun.

You can watch him on Disney+ here .

Restaurants on the Edge

A team of three experts — a restaurateur, a designer, and a chef — tap into a restaurant’s surroundings and community to remodel each business in a way that is uplifting, inspirational, and positive.

Interior design meets jaw-dropping views meets chef show, this is one of my most recent favorites. It has something for everyone and strikes me as a bit more honest than other makeover programs. It emphasizes the importance of showcasing local ingredients on your menus (which is always a great thing in my book), and as with most shows of this nature, seeing the before and after of both the restaurant and the menu is quite stunning. 

The stories that accompany each episode have made me cry more often than I care to admit, as well as the reveals. All in all, a feel-good show that happens to feature my two favorite things.

You can find both seasons on Netflix here . 

Salt Fat Acid Heat

Chef and food writer Samin Nosrat travels the world to explore four basic keys to wonderful cooking, serving up feasts, and helpful tips along the way.

If you’ve read the book, this one is a no-brainer. And if you haven’t read it, go do that and then come back.

This absolute gem is amazing for several reasons: Firstly, Samin Nosrat and her enthusiasm are precious and must be protected at all costs. To see a brown woman have her own food + travel show meant more to me than I can put into words, especially when the travelogue segment is largely filled with men hosting everything. Secondly, the concept of mastering those four elements as a way to improve your cooking is so simple, but nothing short of genius.

See Samin in all of her unabashed glory here .

Flavorful Origins

Embark on a delightful journey through the culinary traditions of China and uncover the stories of the people who create and cherish its dishes.

Each season of this Netflix original focuses on a specific cuisine, and each bite-sized (lol) video shines the spotlight on an ingredient that is of key importance to that specific cuisine.

Be ready to forget everything you thought you knew about Chinese food, with truly interesting glimpses into many aspects of their culture as well. 

Originally narrated in Mandarin, I highly suggest you watch it the way it was intended and turn on the subtitles for whatever your language preference is.

Watch it on Netflix here .

The Chef Show

Writer, director, and food enthusiast Jon Favreau and chef Roy Choi explore food in and out of the kitchen with accomplished chefs and celebrity friends.

A spin-off of the movie Chef, this show hosted by Jon Favreau (who I adore) and Roy Choi might be, in my opinion, the most chill, unpretentious, laid-back show on this list. So much so that it’s my go-to whenever I want to relax, and have seen it start to end more times than I can count. It’s not particularly structured, but that’s what makes it feel like a conversation you’d have with any friend – if your friends were famous Avengers.

For the recipes featured, there’s a cute animation that breaks down a dish into its ingredients, which is just one of the things I love about The Chef Show.

Stream on Netflix here .

Ugly Delicious

All the flavor. None of the BS. Star chef David Chang leads friends on a mouthwatering, cross-cultural hunt for the world’s most satisfying grub.

Each episode of Ugly Delicious focuses on a dish or idea, and how it’s done in different places around the world, which inevitably leads to interesting conversations surrounding cultural appropriation, heritage, immigration, elitism, and more subjects that, in other hands, might be a heavy topic. However, Chang and his guest stars – often comedians –  provide enough humor to keep these discussions light and offer no judgment, leaving you with food for thought long after the episode has ended. 

As the name might indicate, some of these dishes might not be the best plated, most Instagrammable ones, but that doesn’t mean they won’t leave you hungry for more.

Catch the deliciousness here .

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 

Chef David Chang takes his insatiable curiosity about food, culture, and identity on the road, in the convivial company of fun-loving celebrity guests.

If Ugly Delicious was one dish in many places, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner is one place and its many dishes. This follow-up of sorts sees Chang travel to four cities with more of his famous friends (seriously, how does one become friends with Kate McKinnon and Aziz Ansari?), and although still very off-the-cuff, does feel slightly more structured than its predecessor. This in turn makes it different enough to warrant its praise, even though at times it can feel very shenanigan-y (Episode 1 sees him smoking a blunt with Seth Rogen, FFS).

Best not taken too seriously, it’s a show you’ll just have to see for yourself.

Keep up with the mischief here .

Taco Chronicles

Many of the most popular taco styles have long, rich, little-known histories. Explore some of them in this eye-opening, mouth-watering food adventure.

Someone very wise once said, “Mexican culture is knowing that barbacoa and carnitas tacos are eaten in the morning, carne asada and guisado tacos in the afternoon, and pastor tacos at night.” Expand on that, and this show is what you get. A deep dive into what is likely Mexico’s most iconic, well-known dish, the show intertwines culinary history with the stories of those who make them. 

A reminder that there’s always more to things than we imagine, and there’s no right way to do things. Also, gatekeeping is bad and no one ever wins. 

Watch here .

Somebody Feed Phil

“Everybody Loves Raymond” creator  Phil Rosenthal travels the globe to take in the local cuisine and culture of Bangkok, Lisbon, Mexico City, and more.

A show I could watch forever, I couldn’t help but wonder how the guy behind Everybody Love Raymond landed his own food travelogue. But from Episode 1, Phil will get to you with his infectious enthusiasm, infinite optimism, humor, and down-to-earth-ness. And even from the comfort of my couch, it’s hard not to feel welcomed and included in his world.

Once in an interview, he mentioned how he was “exactly like Anthony Bourdain if he was afraid of everything”, which is spot on and very self-aware. It’s what makes him so relatable; he knows he’s afraid and uncomfortable at times, but he really, really wants you to push ahead and try new things, because if he could, so can you.

Watch on, you guessed it, Netflix, here .

Heavenly Bites Mexico

Welcome to a food extravaganza, a visual poem to Mexico’s foodie ingenuity and the quirky and delicious flavors that are worth the stomach aches. 

Snacks and comfort foods are a world of their own, transcending tablecloth-laden restaurants and street food carts, and Mexican antojitos are no exception. May or may not feature a recurring theme of various forms of chile being added to just about everything.

Hopefully, they’ll do other countries because I would love to learn more about the food people keep coming back to; there’s something deeply personal and cultural about it.

Find it here .

Down to Earth with Zac Efron

Actor Zac Efron journeys around the world with wellness expert Darin Olien in a travel show that explores healthy, sustainable ways to live.

Part wellness, part food show, part travelogue, Zac Efron might have been the last person on earth I would have imagined doing something like this, but his genuine curiosity and frankly, good looks, make it very watchable. 

Fair warning though, lots of the facts given out are pseudoscience at best, so take them with a grain of salt and maybe consider reading this article after bingeing all 8 episodes.

Watch on Netflix here .

Designer Genevieve Gorder and real estate expert Peter Lorimer show property owners how to turn their short-term rentals into moneymaking showstoppers.

At the end of the day, this is a makeover show, so consider yourself warned. Nonetheless, the properties are certainly unique and the surroundings gorgeous. And as someone who occasionally deals with short-term rentals, it’s fun to a) give an informed opinion and b) learn a few new things here and there.

See the transformations on Netflix here .

Carmen Sandiego

A master thief who uses her skills for good, Carmen Sandiego travels the world foiling V.I.L.E.’s evil plans — with help from her savvy sidekicks.

Ok, I know what you’re thinking, isn’t that a kid’s show? Strictly speaking, yes, yes it is. But hear me out.

Each episode takes place in a different city, and as part of her brief, Carmen receives interesting facts that resemble a geography lesson more than they do a spy intelligence report. The animation is fantastic, and the storyline is entertaining enough that if this weren’t a cartoon, no one would bat an eyelash.

Nostalgia is also a factor here, as I grew up playing Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?  so make of that what you will.

Indulge your inner curious child here .

Alice in Paris

An energetic young woman’s adventures through the streets of Paris to find the best food and places in a city she knows like the back of her hand, but can still easily get lost in.

Yes, Alice in Paris. Not Emily. This show centers around Alice, who has “absolute taste”, an ability that allows her to identify all the ingredients in a dish, and her day-to-day life in the French capital. The restaurants and shops featured are all real places that you will most certainly want to visit, and include a lot of true hidden gems.

The show has so much personality, heart, and charm, and although still a caricature of Parisian culture, it’s approached with a lot more sensibility and accuracy.

The series was originally made up of tiny, bite-size videos in French that you could watch on YouTube (here) , before being blended and (I think) rearranged into longer episodes with a more cohesive narrative – in English – which you can find on Hulu here .  UPDATE: No longer available on Hulu.

Emily in Paris

After landing her dream job in Paris, Chicago marketing exec Emily Cooper embraces her adventurous new life while juggling work, friends, and romance.

Despite its ridiculous, ignorant, and often rude stereotypes of French (and sometimes American) people, Emily in Paris is a colorful, messy trainwreck that I can’t keep my eyes off of.

Unsurprisingly, the locations (which in addition to the titular Paris also include Champagne – in reality, filmed in Indre-et-Loire – and St. Tropez) are stunning, and with a chef as one of the main character’s love interests, there’s a good dose of delicious food and drink, making it a necessary – albeit reluctant – addition to this list.

You can find it on Netflix here .

The World According to Jeff Goldblum

Jeff pulls the thread on deceptively familiar objects, unraveling a world of astonishing connections, fascinating science and history, amazing people, and a lot of surprising big ideas and insights.

To see everyday objects through Jeff’s eyes is captivating, what with his childlike curiosity and wonder and not taking a single thing for granted. You can almost see how his internal gears turn with every new bit of information he receives, and he’s not afraid to keep asking questions until he’s satisfied with the answers.

It’s also quite endearing to see how much attention and respect he pays to the people he interacts with, something I think we should all aspire to do.

Learn something new on Disney+ here .

UPDATE: This show has been removed from Disney+.

Our Great National Parks

Narrated  by  former President Barack Obama , this  stunning docuseries  shines the spotlight on some of the planet’s most  spectacular  national parks.

Whoever thought of getting Obama to narrate this docuseries is a genius. His deep, soothing voice is perfect for narrating, especially during the more exciting moments where his voice is full of enthusiasm.

Similar to Our Planet, with the more dramatic moments resembling scenes out of Meerkat Manor, it is a generally chill but wonderful look into the conservation efforts of National Parks all around the world.

An Idiot Abroad

Ricky Gervais and longtime friend Stephen Merchant are sending their uncultured colleague, Karl Pilkington on various quests overseas. Not a man known for his taste or wisdom, Pilkington’s journeys are the stuff of legend and have to be seen to be believed. Join the adventure and discover what happens when they send An Idiot Abroad.

A bit unsurprisingly, this is probably the funniest show on here. Pilkington’s discomfort is palpable, and he often says things that most of us wouldn’t even dare to think about. Still, he pushes through the situations his friends keep putting him in.

It’s oddly inspiring at best, and something of a wake-up call for the likes of him at worst.

Watch on YouTube for free here or if you want to give your money over to Amazon for some reason, you can do so here .

Rick Steves’ Europe

Rick Steves, America’s leading authority on European travel, returns to transport viewers to the continent’s bustling cities, quaint villages and picturesque countryside.

Arguably the most comprehensive travel show on public television, Rick Steves’ Europe has been on tv since 2000. His gentle nature and push towards being a “temporary local” reminds me a little of an uncle or a grandpa who shares his insider secrets from years of travel. 

Although he does visit major cities, he also focuses on lesser-known towns and hidden gems, and I personally often refer to his work (he also has a multitude of podcasts and books) whenever I’m properly planning a trip in Europe (not something I’m especially known for).

You can watch all seasons on his website (with the exception of most of Season 1 and Season 2, which have been retired) for free (just scroll to the bottom and pick a season or special).

Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown (+ No Reservations + The Layover + A Cook’s Tour)

Join world-renowned chef, bestselling author and multiple Emmy-winning television personality Anthony Bourdain as he travels across the globe to uncover little-known destinations and diverse cultures.

There is nothing I can say about Anthony Bourdain and his shows that hasn’t been said a million times already, so I won’t attempt much. He truly was a pioneer in the industry, and I personally adored his brand of diplomacy, humor, and straightforwardness.

Each one of his shows can be found on different platforms, which have unfortunately become less easily accessible since his passing. A Cook’s Tour can be found on GoTraveler and YouTube . The Layover is available streaming on Discovery+ , or Discovery+ through Prime . No Reservations can be purchased on Prime , streamed on Discovery+ , and HBO Max . Parts Unknown is up for purchase or rent on Prime and for streaming on HBO Max .

Haven’t watched but on my list

Europe From Above – Europe from Above takes to the air over Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain and the UK to showcase Europe’s finest cultural and geographical landmarks as you’ve never seen them before. We reveal how tradition, engineering and natural wonders have shaped this epic continent – a vibrant portrait of these regions and the people who keep their traditions alive.

Taste the Nation with Padma Lakshmi – In Taste the Nation, award winning cookbook author, host and executive producer Padma Lakshmi, takes audiences on a journey across America, exploring the rich and diverse food culture of various immigrant groups, seeking out the people who have so heavily shaped what American food is today. From indigenous communities to recent immigrant arrivals, Padma breaks bread with Americans across the nation to uncover the roots and relationship between our food, our humanity and our history – ultimately revealing stories that challenge notions of identity, belonging, and what it means to be American.

Conan without Borders – Conan Without Borders takes late night host Conan O’Brien to different parts of the globe, proving O’Brien is television’s perfect traveling everyman, with an uncanny knack for diving into a local culture and infusing it with his trademark humor. 

James May: Our Man in Japan – James May embarks on a remarkable journey across Japan, from its icy north to its balmy south. He’ll see the sights, meet the locals, and eat the noodles in a bid to truly understand the Land of the Rising Sun. Season 2: Our Man in Italy and Season 3: Our Man in India also available.

Gordon’s Great Escape – In this three-part series, celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay embarks on a gastronomic quest, traveling to India for the first time to experience the stunning diversity of its culinary traditions and immersing himself in all aspects of Indian culture – no matter how challenging, unfamiliar or extreme.

High on the Hog – Food, community, culture, resiliency. Based on Jessica B. Harris’ award-winning book, High On The Hog traces the moving story of a people’s survival and triumph via the food that has knit generations together and helped define the American kitchen. From Gumbo to fried chicken, our culinary journey stretches from Africa to enslavement, to the Harlem Renaissance, up to our present-day; we celebrate the courage, artistry, and resourcefulness of the African American people. This is not just an African American story; it’s an American story. A feast for all the senses.

Eater’s Guide to the World – Discover the most surprising culinary destinations in Eater’s Guide to the World. Join narrator Maya Rudolph on a quest to find the most unexpected places to score an epic meal, while drinking and dining with the locals along the way.

Fresh, Fried, and Crispy – Passionate about food and ready for fun, critic Daym Drops drops in on America’s smokin’ hot spots for the best, freshest takes on fried food.

Cooked – Explored through the lenses of the four natural elements – fire, water, air and earth – COOKED is an enlightening and compelling look at the evolution of what food means to us through the history of food preparation and its universal ability to connect us. Highlighting our primal human need to cook, the series urges a return to the kitchen to reclaim our lost traditions and to forge a deeper, more meaningful connection to the ingredients and cooking techniques that we use to nourish ourselves.

Midnight Asia – Night brings out the most playful side of Asia’s metropolises. This docuseries captures the food, drink, music — and night owls who shine in the dark.

Amazing Interiors – Meet eccentric homeowners whose seemingly ordinary spaces are full of surprises, from a backyard roller coaster to an indoor aquarium.

HOME – Discover the groundbreaking ideas and inspiring stories behind the world’s most imaginative dwellings. In this globe-spanning docuseries, meet the visionaries who are challenging conventional concepts of “home” and rethinking how we live.

Midnight Diner – A scarred man operates a midnight diner in the backstreets of Shinjuku. No one knows his name or his story, but his customers each bring him theirs.

Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories – Patrons of an otherwise mundane Japanese diner find simple yet profound connections with one another based on the shared love of a particular dish.

Twourist – This entertaining original production comes to the TNT screen from the hand of content creator, author and actress Victoria Volkova, who will live interesting and exciting experiences in the unpredictable Mexico City. One destination, two trips. Thanks for the suggestion, Luza!

The World’s Most Extraordinary Homes – Award-winning architect Piers Taylor and actress/property enthusiast Caroline Quentin travel the world to tour unconventional homes in extreme places.

Food on the Go – Epicureans and experts trace the migration of Italian cuisine and its evolution in the Americas, delving into the ideas of origin, diaspora and heritage.

Paul Hollywood’s Big Continental Road Trip – Gear up for a fast-paced journey as celebrity chef and avid auto enthusiast Paul Hollywood takes in the cars and culture of France, Italy and Germany.

F*ck, That’s Delicious – Rapper Action Bronson returns to his culinary roots to explore great food in the cities he has performed in while touring.

The Food That Built America – For generations of Americans, food titans like Henry Heinz, Milton Hershey, John and Will Kellogg, C.W. Post and the McDonald brothers have literally been household names, but you don’t know their stories.

Worth It – Food lovers Steven Lim and Andrew, along with their cameraman Adam, embark on the ultimate food adventure in BuzzFeed’s hit series, Worth It, trying delicious foods at three price points: affordable, middle tier, and luxury. At the end of the episode, the gang decides which item is the most “worth it” at its given price.

Big Food Bucket List – In Big Food Bucket List, host and comedian John Catucci (You Gotta Eat Here!) eats his way across North America, checking the most mouth-watering dishes of his bucket list. From hamburgers to high end plates, he’s setting out to try them all – and you’re invited!

Bizarre Foods With Andrew Zimmern – Andrew Zimmern is on a quest to find the world’s most unique tastes on Bizarre Foods. As a chef and foodie, Andrew knows that one man’s poison is another man’s delicacy, but he isn’t afraid to poke a little fun at the local fare or himself. Also available on Max .

Sourced – From foraging in the wild to putting on dinner parties in exotic locales, experience life through Tastemade’s resident renaissance man, Guy Turland. 

The Final Table – Teams of elite chefs vie to impress the world’s toughest palates as they whip up iconic dishes from nine nations in this star-packed competition. Thanks to Jorge for the suggestion.

Basic Versus Baller: Travel at Any Cost – Whether you’re pinching pennies or rolling in dough, there are many ways to travel. Join the Vagabrothers as they cross the globe and experience popular travel destinations, each on vastly different budgets.

Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy – Stanley Tucci travels across Italy to discover the secrets and delights of the country’s regional cuisines.

United Tastes of America – Passionate foodie Jeffrey Saad focuses on one American food staple – donuts, pizza, meatballs, burgers – to explore how some of the hottest chefs are reinterpreting them in amazing and delicious new ways.

City Of Gold – Pulitzer Prize-winning food critic Jonathan Gold reveals a Los Angeles where ethnic cooking is a portal to the soul of America. As he combs through colorful neighborhoods in his green pickup truck, Gold sniffs out his next discovery—whether Oaxacan grasshopper soup or hand-cut tonkotsu ramen. As piping-hot platters are served up, so are stories of immigrants whose secret family recipes are like sacred offerings pledged for the opportunity to build their American Dream.

World’s Most Incredible Hotels – The ultimate guide to the planet’s hottest hotels. This sumptuous series travels to every corner of the globe, taking in 26 destinations across 18 countries, to reveal some of the most extraordinary, iconic, and luxurious hotels ever built.

Europe’s Greatest Train Journeys – The European rail network allows nearly a billion passengers to access the most beautiful regions of the continent every year from the most popular to the most secluded locations- come along on the journey!

Other great recommendations 

• Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street
• Mexico: One Plate at a Time with Rick Bayless
• Rick Stein’s Entire Collection
• No Passport Required
• Chef Driven
• Great Ingredients
• Chuck’s World
• Eat the World with Emeril Lagasse 
• Fluffy’s Food Adventures
• Tales by Light
• Night on Earth
• José Andrés and Family in Spain
• Broken Bread w/ Roy Choi
• The Tale of Kitto Katto
• Eva Longoria: Searching For Mexico
• Magical Andes
• Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby
• Travel Man: 48 Hours in…
• Lost Cities With Albert Lin
• Christiane Amanpour: Sex & Love Around The World
• Places to Love
• Jeremiah Tower: The Last Magnificent
• Waffles + Mochi
• Ainsley Eats the Streets
• Carnival Eats
• No Kitchen Required
• Local Flight
• Food Affairs with Mark Wiens

If you want to take a look at everything that’s available on Netflix, these genres do a good job of rounding up most of these recommendations:

• TV Shows About Food
• Tasting History & Culture
• Stay At Home, See The World

Another gem that I discovered while writing this is GoTraveler , a streaming platform with tons of full (and free!) episodes, all related to food and travel. They also have an app and a YouTube channel that are worth keeping in your favorites.

What’s your favorite food + travel show? Did I miss any? Let me know in the comments!

Andrea Wintergerst

Based mainly in Colorado. Loves cheese, rain, and starry nights. Can usually be spotted in the wild wearing a Spirit Jersey and balancing two cameras. Often laughs and cries at the same time. Barely survived one Master's program, but wants to do another.

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Great selection, most I’ve watched and the rest already added to my list. Maybe, as an addition, I would suggest “The final table”, some episodes are worth watching.

Hope you enjoy, and thanks for the suggestion!✨

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Kirtey Verma | 27 March 2020

14 of the best travel tv shows to watch on demand.

Epic landscapes, interesting characters and cool cultures – we transport you to the best places in the world right from the comfort of your sofa, with these top travel shows on Netflix, iPlayer and others…

While you may be hitting pause on your adventures, you can still be transported somewhere wild – using your TV remote as your passport to exotic climes, instead.

Chances are you’ve seen everything travel legends David Attenborough and Simon Reeve have done, but if you’re looking for inspiration for your next trip, sweeping landscapes and interesting characters to meet, take a look at our round-up of th e best travel documentaries available to stream right now…

Best of all, you can start this journey on the couch.

Here are the best travel TV shows to watch on Netflix or on demand now...

1. the americas with simon reeve (2019).

What you’ll watch: It topped the list for best TV show at our 2020 Reader Travel Awards, but if you haven’t yet seen  The Americas with Simon Reeve , put it straight on top of your must-watch list.

And when you’ve binged on his journeys hiking through the Rocky Mountains, hanging out with the US Border Patrol in Texas and discovering a tropical paradise in Costa Rica, you can turn to his other documentaries: the Caribbean, Australia, the Mediterranean, and Indian Ocean.

If there’s anywhere this man hasn’t been or seen, we challenge you to find it.

Where to watch it: The Americas with Simon Reeve is available to watch in full on BBC iPlayer . Plus see Simon accept his Wanderlust award !

2. Race Across The World (2020)

What you'll watch:  Limited cash, no smartphones and forget about internet access – basically all the ingredients for an epic off-the-grid adventure.

In the latest series of the BBC's  Race Across The World , you can follow five teams as they race the length of Latin America, starting in Mexico City and ending in Ushuaia in Argentina, the most southerly city in the world.

Married couples and familial bonds are put to the test, as they weave friendships in the most unexpected of places on their way to the finish line. And if you can't wait until next week's episode, you can binge on series one as well. What's better than that?

Where to watch it: Catch up on series two of Race Across The World on BBC iPlayer . And read our filming locations guide .

3. Joanna Lumley's Hidden Caribbean: Havana to Haiti (2020)

Joanna Lumley’s Hidden Caribbean: Havana to Haiti is on ITV Player now (ITV)

What you'll watch: She's one of our favourite tour guides, taking us everywhere from India to the mighty Silk Road  – it is, of course, the absolutely fabulous Joanna Lumley.

Let her lead you into a lesser-seen side of the Caribbean in her new two-part documentary, Joanna Lumley’s Hidden Caribbean: Havana to Haiti, which begins in a boxing gym in the lively Cuban capital.

Keep watching as she wanders the streets of Havana, discovers  Hemingway’s favourite beach and explores Fidel Castro’s hometown, before  making her way over the Windward Passage to end her adventure with trips to ancient mountain fortresses and a mystical voodoo ceremony in Haiti.

Where to watch it: Catch up on  Joanna Lumley’s Hidden Caribbean: Havana to Haiti  on ITV Player   now. 

4. Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat (2018)

What to watch:   If delicious food is at the very top of your reasons-to-travel list,  Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat  is the Netflix show to tune into.

Culinary capers abound as loveable chef  Samin Nosrat takes us to Italy, Japan, Mexico and California to show us how the title elements are key to the cuisine of each country.

Where to watch it: See   Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat  on Netflix now. 

5. Ugly Delicious (2020)

What to watch: H ungry for more? Try Netflix's  Ugly Delicious  – there are two series to devour, as chef David Chang takes us to culinary hotspots across the world, showing us why good cooking is universal.

He meets everyone from pizza purists in Brooklyn and Naples to trying Viet-Cajun fusion cuisine in Houston. 

Where to watch it: Catch the new series of  Ugly Delicious  on Netflix . 

6. Night on Earth (2020)

What to watch:  Even when you're travelling, you don't get to see some of the most incredible sights - because some of them happen under the very cover of darkness.

In Netflix's Night on Earth , you can see this world open up before you, witnessing the secret lives of lions, bats and monkeys. Eerie and visually compelling stuff.

Where to watch it:  Night on Earth is on Netflix now. 

7. James May: Our Man In Japan (2020)

What you'll watch:  We know you loved Japan with Sue Perkins , but now that's it not available on iPlayer… how about racing through the island country with James May, instead?

Starting on the chilly northern island of Hokkaido, James embarks on a journey south to the balmy beaches of Shikoku and Kyushu, while meeting samurai in Honshu, sampling street food in Osaka and, of course, tackling the Suzuka Circuit on his way. 

Where to watch it:  Watch  James May: Our Man in Japan  on Amazon Prime now. 

8. Travel Man: 48 Hours in… (2019)

What you'll watch:  Richard Ayoade's droll two-day jaunts through cities across the world has provided us all with laughs since 2015.

While 2019's series was his last as lead presenter, we can still look forward to more Travel Man in the future as Hugo Boss – aka the the comedian formerly known as Joe Lycett – takes over the role.

If you haven't seen 48 Hours in… Amsterdam , it's the perfect episode to get a feel for Hugo's personality and learn more about the city's culture, cuisine and canals. 

Where to watch it: Find the past ten series of Travel Man: 48 Hours in… on All 4 .

9. Great Railway Journeys with Michael Portillo (2019)

What you'll watch:  Thousands of British commuters have  plenty to say about UK train travel, but in the hands of Michael Portillo, the divisive subject matter seems to take on a golden glow of nostalgia.

You know best, after all – you voted for the BBC's  Great Railway Journeys  as one of your top TV programmes in the last year.

Delving into the history of British rail, Michael reveals things we never knew about our local stations, including how an unlikely collaboration between London’s Crossrail railway project and a conservation charity is helping to protect birdlife in Series 11's Limehouse to Rochford episode. 

Where to watch it:  Look out for your local station on  Great British Railway Journeys   on iPlayer. 

10. Around the World in 80 Days (1989)

What to watch:  It's an oldie, but definitely a goodie – what could be better than staying in and getting a glimpse of how the world used to be with TV icon Michael Palin?

In Around the World in 80 Days , Michael follows in the footsteps of its main character Phileas Fogg, setting off on an epic adventure from London's Reform Club across the world.

Close shaves, missed connections and inevitable delays await as he desperately attempts to meet the 80-day deadline in time. A delicious throwback to a simpler time. 

Where to watch it:  Watch  Around the World in 80 Days on iPlayer . 

11. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown (2013)

What to watch:  The late Anthony Bourdain's Emmy-winning travel series is a must-watch for any traveller whose adventures are driven by a passion for excellent food.

Parts Unknown sees the world-renowned chef and documentarian delve into cuisines, cultures and politics in countries across the globe. Essentially, he eats his way around the world. 

With 12 seasons covering countless destinations (Vietnam and New York said to be two of his favourites), the later seasons take viewers on an off-the-beaten-track culinary journey through Armenia, Uruguay, Myanmar and beyond. 

Where to watch it: You can stream the series on Amazon Prime now.

12. Dark Tourist (2018)

What to watch: If you've watched the majority of travel TV already, here's one that may have slipped by you.

TV presenter David Farrier deep dives into so-called 'dark tourism': worldwide interest in visiting sites of nuclear disasters, destinations marred by danger or even death. If you've been to Chernobyl and Pripyat in Ukraine, you'll understand the fascination.

You can expect to see a trip to Turkmenistan, a visit to Pablo Escobar's former playground, Medellin in Colombia, as well as an excursion to Tomioka in Japan, the ghost town left behind after residents were evacuated following the Fukushima nuclear disaster. 

Where to watch it: You can stream one season of  Dark Tourist now on Netflix .

And… anything narrated by Sir David Attenborough

13. our planet (2019).

14. Seven Worlds, One Planet (2019)

What you'll watch: Of course, no list of travel documentaries is complete without an appearance from the legend that is Sir David Attenborough.

Most of his back catalogue is listed on Netflix, including the original  Our Planet and the BBC's iconic   Planet Earth  and  Frozen Planet.  

You can also listen to Sir David's dulcet tones on BBC iPlayer - as he takes us through  Seven Worlds, One Planet , introducing us to some of the globe's most hostile habitats and remote landscapes, while narrating the fascinating behaviour of the local creatures, such as golden snub-nosed monkeys and grey-headed albatross chicks . 

Where to watch it: Find  Our Planet   along with most of Sir David's past shows on Netflix or catch up on  Seven Worlds, One Planet on iPlayer now. 

Simon Reeve on filming BBC's   The Americas

12 epic nature and wildlife documentaries you can watch now, behind the scenes of  our planet with alastair fothergill, related articles, looking for inspiration.

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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

11 Cooking & Travel Shows for Foodies to Stream (PHOTOS)

The Chef Show

When you’re Jon Favreau, director of Iron Man and The Lion King , you have your choice of famous collaborators. So Favreau, inspired by his experience making the 2014 film Chef , called on L.A. superstar chef Roy Choi to teach him what it takes to make it in a restaurant kitchen.

Favreau recruits plenty of familiar faces on the way — not only America’s best chefs, but also actors like Gwyneth Paltrow, Seth Rogen and Tom Holland, bridging the worlds of cooking and entertainment. Expect a mix of food porn, learning, and straight talk from chefs.

Ugly Delicious

Momofuku’s David Chang transformed New York’s restaurant scene in the 2000s, so it’s no surprise he’s now doing the same for the cooking show. The episodes, which each focus on a single food or cuisine, take occasionally bizarre detours into history, pop culture and Chang’s own life. The first episode of the new season, for example, has him taste-testing baby food with an actual baby in preparation for his first child.

But Ugly Delicious isn’t afraid to go deep: past episodes have used food as a window into issues like the racially fraught history of soul food and the experience of Vietnamese immigrants in America.

Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat

Chef and cookbook author Samin Nosrat takes viewers around the world exploring the four elements of flavor, but the ingredient that makes this four-episode docu-series work is Nosrat herself. With a beaming smile and an unselfconscious humility, Nosrat endears herself immediately to viewers and to everyone she talks to, from a pesto-making grandmother in Liguria to a soy sauce expert in Japan.

But she doesn’t just explore; she also cooks, and makes cooking look accessible and human, embracing mistakes in the kitchen. After watching the series, you’ll want to run out and buy Nosrat’s cookbook of the same name immediately.

When and how did humans start cooking food? What will the future of eating look like? And what is gluten, anyway? Mark Bittman, one of America’s most eminent food writers, answers these questions and many more in Cooked . This four-part miniseries weaves together history, culture, science, technology and cooking into a far-reaching philosophical exploration of food and what it means to make it and eat it. Each episode is themed around one of the four classical elements: fire, water, earth and air. Prepare to think about food in an entirely new way.

Somebody Feed Phil

Somebody Feed Phil is comfort food for anyone who’s dreamed of traveling the world and sampling its tastes. Phil Rosenthal isn’t a trained chef or restaurant critic — he’s a television producer, most famous for creating Everybody Loves Raymond . Endlessly curious and amiable, Rosenthal goes from Copenhagen to Cape Town making endearingly dad-jokey remarks and beaming straight at the camera as he gamely tries new foods. And while the food looks enviable enough, the real treat is Rosenthal himself, who makes a perfect vicarious travel companion.

Street Food

If you’ve traveled the world, you probably know that a lot of the best food doesn’t come from pristine restaurant kitchens — it’s cooked right on the street by local vendors. Netflix’s Street Food wants you to know that each of those street vendors, from Delhi to Osaka, has their own story.

Some of the vendors profiled on Street Food work at stalls that have been in their families for generations; some have been able to lift their families out of poverty and send children to college thanks to the popularity of their dishes. Street food, the show tells us, is more than cheap and delicious: it’s the product of social and economic circumstances, defined by each city’s unique history.

Chef’s Table

What does it take to reach the level of the world’s top restaurants? Chef’s Table pairs beautiful shots of the world’s best food with life stories and advice from Michelin-starred chefs. Clearly, the show is doing something right: Netflix has already made six seasons, including one just focusing on pastry chefs. Standout episodes include Jeong Kwan, a practicing Buddhist nun who crafts highly coveted vegetarian cuisine, and Francis Mallman, who reinvents the traditional open-flame cooking style in Argentine Patagonia.

Restaurants on the Edge

One of Netflix’s newest offerings, Restaurants on the Edge is part travel, part design, and part cooking. The show exposes an all-too-common problem: sometimes, restaurants with the best real estate are slacking when it comes to food quality. Restaurants on the Edge brings in a team of experts — a chef, a restaurateur, and a designer — to revitalize failing restaurants in tourist hotspots and bring them and their food in touch with their local communities. Fans of Kitchen Nightmares or HGTV shows like House Hunters International will enjoy this show’s combination of uplifting stories and gorgeous views.

Taco Chronicles

The Spanish-language Taco Chronicles answers a question you might not have thought to ask: what if tacos could speak? Each of the six episodes is narrated by a different type of taco; the al pastor claims to be “the only [taco] that will never let you down,” while barbacoa says, “I spend hours in the center of the earth, pondering life’s depths.” If you can get past the unconventional concept, there are hours of straight-up food porn for the taco enthusiast: the camera pans lovingly on gleaming towers of meat roasting on a spit and steam rising from fresh tortillas on a comal .

Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown

The late chef, traveller and author’s 11 season CNN show is streaming on HBO Max, waiting to be explored. Get a taste of the whole world through the eyes of Anthony Bourdain, all while sitting on your couch. If your vacation plans were disrupted this summer, let him come to the rescue.

If you’ve watched one too many feel-good episode of Somebody Feed Phil or Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat , try a couple episodes of Rotten , a decidedly feel-bad docu-series that exposes the dark sides of global food production. Rotten shows you how your avocado toast might actually be lining the pockets of Mexican drug cartels and how the garlic you buy at the supermarket might have been processed by Chinese prisoners. A couple episodes might make you a more conscientious consumer, but you might want to refrain from talking about it at parties.

The past few years have seen a revolution in food TV, and Netflix is on the vanguard. The streaming service has taken the old models of cooking, travel and competition shows that were formerly the domain of Food Network and Cooking Channel and turned them on their heads, revitalizing the genre with big travel budgets, top-line celebrity chefs, and innovative formats.

The result? A new golden age of cooking and food shows to make viewers not only salivate, but also ponder what’s on their plate. With new seasons of The Chef Show and Ugly Delicious just out, it’s clear Netflix has no intention of slowing down.

'Top Chef': Sample the Competition for Season 17 (PHOTOS)

Click through the gallery to see which shows are essential viewing (and streaming) for gastronomes.

Chef's Table

No reservations, anthony bourdain, david chang, mark bittman, phil rosenthal, samin nosrat.

The Best Travel Shows You Can Stream Right Now

By Meredith Carey

Most of us can't be on the road 365 days a year, but that doesn't mean we have to stop exploring. With some of the best travel shows streaming on Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon, we have the world at our fingertips, with episodes that take us from markets in Mexico to hawker stalls in Singapore to the farthest reaches of the Arctic, back home to BBQ joints in Charleston. Whether you'd rather follow the late Anthony Bourdain, Sir David Attenborough, David Chang, Samin Nosrat , Samantha Brown , Ewan McGregor, or the Fab Five along the way is up to you. Here, find some of our favorite travel shows available to stream right now (fictional and not), involving journeys by land, air, and sea—and lots and lots of eating.

This gallery was last published in March 2020. It has been updated with new information. All products featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Taste the Nation

With international travel largely on hold, there's no better time to explore our own backyard—which is exactly what host Padma Lakshmi did on her new Hulu show Taste the Nation . The show's first season, released in June, follows the Top Chef host and author as she quite literally tastes the nation , stopping at restaurants around the U.S. 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. 

Watch now: Free with a Hulu subscription ( sign up for Hulu 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 Planet Earth now: $3 per episode, $25 per season; amazon.com

Watch Planet Earth II now: $3 per episode, $20 per season; amazon.com

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. 

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

Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat

Be sure to watch this show on a full stomach, or you'll be pausing to bake focaccia or cook tahdig along with affable host and Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat cookbook author Samin Nosrat. In the four-part show, Nosrat travels the world, making stops in Mexico, Japan, Italy, and her home in California, to discover the properties of each of the show's title elements. There's cheese. There's olive oil. There's miso. There are tortillas. There's salsa. And just like that we're hungry again. (FYI, she's as delightful in person as she is on screen—and joined us for a Women Who Travel podcast episode soon after the show premiered.) Watch now: Free with a Netflix subscription ( sign up for Netflix here )

CNT Editors

Blane Bachelor

Kyler Alvord

If you're familiar with Anthony Bourdian's The Layover, then the premise of British comedian Richard Ayoade's Travel Man will seem quite familiar. The goofy show follows the comic and primarily English celebrity friends as they galavant around cities like Helsinki, Miami, and Hong Kong over the course of 48 hours. If you're a Great British Bake Off fan, start with Ayoade's trip to Paris with original GBBO host Mel Giedroyc or the season two episode featuring current host Noel Fielding in Copenhagen . Other familiar faces include Paul Rudd in Helsinki and Bridesmaids' Chris O'Dowd in Vienna.

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 fourth season, out October 30, takes Rosenthal from Rio de Janeiro to the Mississippi Delta and the islands of Hawaii 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: $3 per episode, or $10 per season; amazon.com

Technically, Netflix's original show Connected is a science show, but that doesn't mean it isn't filled with travel. Plus, host Latif Nasser told us earlier this year that the show was built in the footsteps of Bourdain's Parts Unknown and No Reservations (with a dash of Bill Nye thrown inn). The show speaks to how the world is interconnected—like how Delaware's birds can offer clues about the Gulf's hurricane season or how sand from the Sahara impacts the Amazon. Throughout, you'll follow Nasser as he hopscotches around the world to speak with scientists to find out more. 

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

Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted

Gordon Ramsey is involved, so of course this cooking and travel show is extreme. In the National Geographic –produced series, the Hell's Kitchen chef goes out of his element—and out of the kitchen—to learn cooking tips and tricks from locals in unusual locales, culminating in a cook-off of sorts to show off what he's picked up. Here, he heads to Peru's Sacred Valley to learn high altitude cooking, cooks seal with a Tlingit elder in Alaska , and learns about Berber food culture in Morocco. 

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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The 11 best travel shows to stream right now

Travel shows can give you every different kind of envy, but the best travel shows can also offer immersion.

A great travel show can be almost as great as great travel itself. There’s nothing like the real thing, of course, but for those on a budget, or those looking for travel recommendations, travel shows and documentaries can be very helpful. We’ve put together an amazing list of shows to stream about all of the beautiful, strange, and mysterious places in the world, including some you wouldn’t go to even if you could.

Featuring food and cooking , comedy, drama, and some celebrity appearances, you’ll see the world from an entirely new perspective. Travel shows can inspire, captivate, and above all else, remind us of how vast and wonderful the world really is.

Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father (2017)

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Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations (2005)

Down to earth with zac efron (2020), gordon ramsay: uncharted (2019), man vs. wild (2006), street food collection (2020), expedition unknown (2015), dark tourist (2018), travel man: 48 hours in... (2015), you vs. wild (2019), the world's most extraordinary homes (2017), editors' recommendations.

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Starz has proven since its inception that it can hang with larger competitors like Max. Although it's now making television in an incredibly crowded landscape, Starz has managed to regularly launch shows that make an impact, and it speaks to the enduring quality of these shows that they've also stood the test of time. These shows have also spanned a wide array of genres, making viewers laugh and weep, often in equal measure. Through it all, though, these Starz shows have proven that it can reliably make shows that touch viewers, and endure for years after its time on the air has concluded.

Party Down (2009)

Paramount Plus is one of the newer arrivals on the streaming scene, and while its roster is rolling out plenty of exciting streaming original and acquired shows, there are plenty of movies on Paramount Plus that are worth exploring. From the classic to the current and from the vintage to the very new, Paramount Plus offers an excellent movie lineup that rivals any other streaming service. To save you some time from surfing, The Manual has dug out a few of the very best Paramount Plus movies. Here's what's on Paramount Plus that you should watch this month.

Interstellar (2014)

Even though it isn't Halloween movie season, we can still examine the contemporary film landscape and appreciate the few who have influenced (and have been influenced by) horror cinema -- such as Tim Burton (even though he’s never really made a proper horror movie).

Burton rose to prominence in the middle and late 1980s, as his unique Halloween-inflected films took a critical look at America’s middle class and the relentless conventionality it demanded. His eye-catching aesthetic, inspired by German expressionism and the history of haunted cinema, gave a different visual context to stories about loners and those who felt maligned by mainstream society.

Love and Road

The 20 Best Travel Shows on Netflix to Watch in 2024

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Whether you’ve been missing the thrill of traveling or are currently feeling inspired to pick the destination for your next adventure, travel shows can help. Netflix has no shortage of cool travel documentaries and shows, but we’ve decided to pick 20 of the best travel shows on Netflix.

If you’re traveling right now, or if some of these shows are not available in your country, use a VPN to access them without any restrictions. To play the shows, open up your VPN app and select a server located in a different state. If the show is available in your country, but you’re currently traveling internationally, choose the server of your home country to enjoy the show. 

Now let me tell you why these Netflix travel shows are worth watching and don’t blame me if you get hooked on some (or all) of them.

The best travel shows on Netflix

Before we start, let me tell you that this list is in no particular order. It’s up to you to choose the one you want to watch first, but we recommend watching them all. At home, traveling for a holiday, or at a new destination, these Netflix travel shows and documentaries will set you in the mood for discovering new places, tasting exotic food, maybe even cycling, driving, or just staying at home until you finish all the seasons. Lol 

The list is divided into travel shows or documentaries focused on nature, food, dark tourism, cycling and cars, photography, family travels, and specific destinations. Enjoy it!

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The best travel and nature Netflix shows 

Arguably one of the most famous travel documentaries on Netflix, Our Planet takes you on a world tour of earth’s fascinating creatures. Narrated by Sir David Attenborough and filmed in Ultra High Definition, this show takes you to over 50 countries and perfectly captures the wonders of the earth. 

Our Planet is the perfect Netflix travel show to give you some new ideas for your bucket list. Trust us!

Untamed Romania

While most seasoned travelers deeply appreciate Romania’s natural beauty, it is still overlooked in the mainstream media. Untamed Romania is a feature-length film celebrating the country’s immaculate wildlife.

Untamed Romania is one of the best Netflix travel documentaries for those who love nature and want to discover a new destination to travel to.

The best travel and food Netflix shows 

Down to Earth

Down to Earth documentary follows Zac Efron, the actor, and wellness expert Darin Olien as they explore healthy and sustainable practices across different cultures. This documentary showcases the diversity and creativity seen across the globe to make the most of one’s resources.

It’s intriguing and can be inspiring, not only about travel but how we think of sustainability and health. 

Street Food Asia

Sometimes the most accessible way to connect to a different culture is food. Asian food holds a special place in the world regarding street food and is probably one of the most universally beloved cuisines today. Street Food Asia takes you on a food journey across Asia and Southeast Asia’s best food cities, including Bangkok, Delhi, Osaka, and Singapore.

Street Food Asia is one of our fave travel shows on Netflix. We love Asia and Asian delights you can only find from street vendors. If you have never visited this part of the world, watch this show, and it will open your mind to a new world of flavors, aromas, and ways of life. If you are craving an Asia trip, watch it and plan international travel soon. 

Also, read our guides and articles about Asian destinations as they have many travel and food recommendations. Read our guides about Thailand , Vietnam , Indonesia , Malaysia , The Philippines , China , Taiwan, India , and Cambodia .

Ugly Delicious

Ugly Delicious is another food travel show where a star chef David Chang is looking for the world’s most satisfying grub with his buddies. Despite being a professional chef, Chang isn’t pretentious with his picks and takes us on a cross-cultural food trip filled with laughter.

Another great travel and food show on Netflix about food culture.

Somebody Feed Phil

In this series, we follow the creator of Everybody Loves Raymond, Phil Rosenthal, as he explores world cuisines and meets the locals. Phil’s upbeat attitude is probably one of the best parts of the Somebody Feed Phil travel show together with a lot of food scenes that will help your plan your future trip to incredible destinations including Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

On this Netflix travel show, you will visit cities like Bangkok , spend days in Mexico City , see Lisbon , and many more. Well-known travel destinations are pictured with flavors and a local touch.

High on The Hog: Culinary Journey From Africa to America

This show explores African American soul food and its long journey from Africa to North America. It has been dubbed the most engaging history of African American cuisine. It traces the process of cultivating, harvesting, cooking, and serving the food that enslaved Africans brought with them to the States.

This Netflix cultural travel and food show will take you on a true gastronomic journey. 

Restaurants on the Edge

As you might be able to guess from the name of the show, these hour-long episodes take us to restaurants that are located in some of the most stunning locations in the world but are struggling with their menus and dishes. They are located on the edge of the world but are also on the edge of closing down.

This travel show on Netflix pictures unique locations and a bit of drama, as you can expect. 

Netflix shows about travel, cycling and cars

Biking Borders

This one is for lovers of slow traveling and less-known countries. Two friends go on a 15,000 km bicycle journey worldwide, including the Balkans, Central Asia, and other countries, to build a school in Guatemala.

Rob and I love cycling, so this Netflix travel documentary series is tremendously appealing to us. Biking Borders is also an excellent travel inspiration for those who dream of traveling by bike or going on a cycling holiday. And if this is you, read our article about cycling on Taiwan’s East Coast and cycling in Spain .

Pedal the World

This is another Netflix travel documentary that portrays a world tour on wheels, but this time our protagonist visits 22 countries during his year-long journey, searching for the meaning in life and discovering something new in each country.

Pedal the World is an inspiring and realistic epic road trip that might give you ideas of how you want to spend your life and what really matters. 

Paul Hollywood’s Big Continental Road Trip

Paul Hollywood studies the ties between popular cars in Europe and their local culture and identity as an actor and a baker. In this short but educational Netflix documentary , Hollywood will visit France, Germany, and Italy.

This isn’t your Netflix show if you are looking for food and baking goods. But if you like cars, speed, a bit of history and traveling in Europe, you will enjoy the ride. 

Netflix travel shows about a specific destination

Katla  

This travel series focuses on Iceland, specifically the volcano Katla , which began constantly erupting just recently. The show has eight episodes and does a wonderful job portraying Iceland’s breathtaking beauty . Katla serves as a great reminder of all that we still don’t know about the earth. 

This Netflix travel show is a powerful trigger for wanderlust, and it will make you want to book a trip to Iceland as soon as possible. 

Magic Andes

A documentary following five characters from the Andes, South America’s breathtaking mountains. It is a fascinating series that highlights real people living in communities located under the mountains and paints a nuanced picture of the region of Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia .

After watching Magic Andes read our Peru travel guides , and for sure, you will want to visit South América. If you are worried about safety, then read our guide to the safest countries in South America , and you will be surprised. 

Guatemala: Heart of the Mayan World

This documentary focuses on Guatemala’s rich landscape and culture, the territory where 2000 years ago, the fascinating Mayan civilization collapsed. The Mayan influence is still all over Guatemala and Central America, and this documentary does an amazing job of connecting the dots between the past and the present.

Guatemala: Heart of the Mayan World is an inspiring Netflix travel documentary that will add interesting facts to your travel knowledge, and it might make you want to explore more of Latin America. 

Zulu Man in Japan

Starring South African rapper Nasty C, this Netflix travel documentary focuses on Japanese culture. The film takes place in Tokyo, where Nasty C explores the city’s go-to places, culture, sounds, and much more.

Zulu Man in Japan was released in 2019. It’s a 44-minute episode, perfect for those days that you want to have just a little dose of wanderlust knowing that you won’t be addicted to long travel series. 

The best Netflix travel show for unusual tourists

Dark Tourist

Filmed by journalist David Farrier, the author of the 2016 hit documentary Tickled, Dark Tourist takes a different approach to tourism. Farrier travels to places associated with death or tragedies that have turned these destinations into tourist attractions. You can expect anything from haunted places, nuclear lakes, and unusual and weird destinations. Those spots might not be on your travel bucket list, but it is interesting to know that they exist so you can avoid them on your next holiday. 

It’s one of the most-watched travel shows on Netflix, so it’s worth trying.

Netflix show for photography and travel lovers

Tales by Light

Created by Abraham Joffe, this show embraces the art of travel photography and film and the people behind them. This is an Australian documentary/reality travel series on Netflix that follows photographers around the globe as they chase that perfect shot.

This Netflix travel documentary is a good match for those who love photography and travel. It’s perfect for inspiring you to travel and photograph more. 

The best Netflix show about traveling with family

Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father

A comedian Jack Whitehall and his uptight father, Michael Whitehall, travel across the world together. The show starts with Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia, with the second season focusing on Eastern Europe. The third season explores the American West, the fourth features Australia, and the fifth is all about the United Kingdom, their homeland. On this last season expect everything from dining with Gordon Ramsay to searching for the Loch Ness monster.

A great Netflix travel show for those thinking of traveling with family. It also sparkes a reflection of our relationships with parents and how travel can be a good way to get together or break apart.

Netflix show that combines travel and design

Cabins in the Wild

This show takes place in Wales and follows engineer Dick Strawbridge and craftsman Will Hardie as they inspect eight unique cabins built for a pop-up hotel in Wales. Their final goal is to construct a cabin of their own.

If you like the British Tv series, chances are you will love Cabins in the Wild as well. If you like architecture and construction shows too. This type of Netflix show combines different elements, from traveling to design, making you want to have a cabin in the wild just for you. 

We end our list of the 20 best Netflix travel shows here. Drop us a comment if you have watched any of them or if you have any other good travel series to recommend. 

Love these Netflix travel shows and documentary ideas? Pin it for later!

4 thoughts on “The 20 Best Travel Shows on Netflix to Watch in 2024”

I’m so glad you mentioned The Latchkees! I’ve been obsessed with their adventures since I saw their episode on Netflix. It’s amazing how they make travel look so effortless and fun. I’m definitely adding some of the other shows on your list to my queue 😍

Such a great show!

I can’t believe I never knew about some of these shows! The Travel Diaries is definitely going on my watchlist. 😍

Glad you enjoyed it!

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The 15 Best Food Shows Of 2022

In a world where there rarely appear to be enough hours in a day to work, leisure, and, yes, cook, we find ourselves watching television. Food television — shows teaching viewers how to cook a recipe, travel shows that bring awareness to the worldwide variation in cuisines, or cutthroat competitions that present the best of the best chefs  and restauranteurs preparing signature dishes to impress a panel of even more famous judges — are an essential part of a foodie's life and media consumption (or ours at least). Besides the obvious learning and entertaining aspects, we find ourselves immersed in the ability to live vicariously through the plates of others.

This year, we have seen a wide variety of shows both emerge and release new seasons of classic food T.V. favorites . Here are our reviews for the best food shows in 2022 — perfect for viewers who like a balance of competition, culture, and company.

The Great British Baking Show

The " Great British Baking Show " is a 10-week baking showdown between 12 of Britain's best amateur bakers. Each week, bakers are required to produce a signature piece based on a recipe of their choosing, followed by a technical challenge where each baker is given paired-down instructions of the same recipe. The showstopper challenge caps out each week, in which bakers are asked to create dazzling work with both talented baking and design skill. These three challenges are set around a theme chosen by producers (with input from judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood) such as biscuit week, bread week, and caramel week. One baker is eliminated at the end of each week and the rest truck on for another week in the baking tent.

It is hard not to love the premise of the " Great British Baking Show ," as well as the sheer joy of many of the amateurs who are just happy to be baking each week. We've found this show less cutthroat than American cooking shows like "MasterChef" and "Chopped," but still emblematic of a learning opportunity for viewers and competitors alike.

Chef's Table: Pizza

If you're looking for a lighter food show, your best bet is to tune into comedian Nicole Byer's " Nailed It! " This show, judged with some legitimacy from pastry chef Jacques Torres, is made to put an end to cutthroat kitchen shows entirely. Some of the worst (yes, you read that correctly) amateur bakers in America are invited to compete for a $10,000 prize — for creating look-alike pastry masterpieces. However, the results of these challenges are not only laughable, but also reflective of some of the worst times you've probably ever had stress-baking for an important occasion.

This show wouldn't be complete without its hosts and the laughs it delivers. Nicole Byer is not only hysterical, but seems to be genuinely having the time of her life hosting each episode — which makes it all the more funny. The nature of the series is chaotic and not always the most organized (like many of the baker's final presentations), but it is guaranteed to give even the worst bakers hope for success.

Pizza fans, this one is for you. "Best in Dough" appeared for its first season on Hulu and Disney+ in 2022 and has since produced several episodes that challenge the way viewers think about a simple pizza pie. Host Wells Adams (from Bachelor in Paradise) brings in panels of other judges to usher competitors through three rounds of pizza making. Not only do the challenges vary each week, but there is a lot of variation in the competitors battling for the $10,000 prize. The show has featured Nonnas (Italian grandmothers), batches of college students, and deep dish rivals from the American midwest. Producers have honed in on the challenges specific to pizza, which makes this show more unique than other cooking competitions. For example, competitors in one episode have to put a spin on frozen pizza without changing the crust, while in another, pizza traditionalists have to harness techniques from outside the box to upgrade their pizza into something new.

Overall, "Best in Dough" has the benefit of being a novel show with a more specific plot than other cooking competitions. We're hopeful to see what slice the show will dish next.

Best in Dough

You rarely see competitive food shows revolving around beverages. " Drink Masters " is here to fill that gap. Each week, contestants use their mixology experience to craft alcoholic beverages that transcend martinis and Long Island iced teas. The prize of $100,000, as well as the title of "Ultimate Drink Master" is at stake with every passing week. Host Tone Bell is joined by a panel of judges for each round and uses a keen sense of humor and wit to keep viewers engaged — and entertained.

For folks just diving into mixology, "Drink Masters" reveals how culinary ingredients, like the foods we eat rather than drink, have become more ubiquitous for mixologists. The show highlights fruits and botanicals, as well as themed weeks that you would see on other traditional cooking shows. Reality Blurred notes that Drink Masters also obscures the line between just shaking a beverage and pouring it into a glass and transforming mixology into a beautiful art that is worthy of celebration.

Drink Masters

" The Bear " on FX has all of the properties of a good show — great casting, a heartfelt storyline, and connections to the emotions and identity of the audience. Each episode follows the life of Carmen "Carmy" Berzatto, a young professional chef who returned home to Chicago to run his family's sandwich shop following the death of his brother. Carmy has to find a balance between running a small business, figuring out a new family dynamic, and developing himself into the young man he wants to be.

Although food is at the center of this show, it is not the only feature of it. The Bear is a heartfelt, emotional, fast-paced, and raw show that emulates many of the emotions experienced in the back-of-house at a nonfictional restaurant. "The Bear" is also underlined by elements of a family as Carmy builds connections with the rough-edged kitchen crew at the shop — a similar phenomenon that glues folks working in the restaurant industry together. In short, if you've worked in a kitchen before, you'll relate to many of the themes expressed in "The Bear."

The " Tiny Chef Show " is a light, food-infused television show for children. Each episode follows Tiny Chef, a tiny herbivore, who teaches children all about plant-based cooking. Tiny Chef is voiced by RuPaul and includes problem-solving, kitchen safety, and friendship for audiences above the age of four. Besides absorbing knowledge about cooking, viewers are immersed in Tiny Chef's tree stump community with his friends Henry the snail, assistant cook Olly, and pet Ruby the caterpillar.

Each episode of the show follows the same format — a "dish of the day" for what will be prepared, a "what's in the bag" segment discussing ingredients, and a "dish with chef" where Tiny Chef interviews a celebrity guest. This show keeps things lighthearted with Tiny Chef's exit line "Love you so much, bye!" Although the young audience of the show may not remember much about how to make pancakes or snap-pea stir fry, viewers will remember Tiny Chef's commitment to his friends and why having fun (while being safe) is important in the kitchen.

Tiny Chef Show

" Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy " premiered on CNN in 2021. In the most recent season of the show, the American actor and filmmaker traveled to Sardinia, Calabria, Puglia, and Liguria to explore the culinary history and flavors of each region. Although the food is no doubt tantalizing (after all, who wouldn't love learning about the rich history of San Marzano tomatoes), Stanley Tucci provides an undoubtedly sensual flair to the way he talks about the relationship between food and Italian culture.

A review published in The Dartmouth  notes that the show emphasizes a connection to place-based learning, as well as a commitment to representing a wide diversity of guests. You'll find each episode packed with Michelin-star-rated chefs, local purveyors, and food enthusiasts alike. There is something for everyone on this show, and you will walk away learning so much about Italian culture and the food that makes the country's regions so unique from one another.

Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy

A show starring host Michelle Obama? Count us in! Waffles & Mochi is a streaming show for kids on Netflix that focuses on kid-friendly cooking. Puppet hosts Waffle and Mochi travel from the "land of frozen foods" (a stab at the political liberalism experienced with Obama's "Let's Move Campaign"), to an animated neighborhood in New York where Obama helps the two puppets learn about foods like mushrooms, tomatoes, and eggs. Episodes feature food media figures like Samin Nosrat (author of "Salt Fat Acid Heat") and chef José Andrés. Each episode ends with a tidbit and a moral — such as eating foods like salt in moderation or the importance of having patience (in making pickles).

While there are some drawbacks to the information being presented in the show (including and most notably, the assumption that eating certain foods is a choice rather than a major systemic equity issue), there's a lot of positive information about eating with knowledge and working with others presented in the show, which is a premise that makes Waffles & Mochi one of the best cooking shows to watch on Netflix for kids.

Waffles & Mochi

Many of the shows we've selected travel to Europe frequently, but " Take Out with Lisa Ling " is one of the very few shows set entirely around Asian cuisine. The HBO Max original series features journalist Lisa Ling as she travels across America looking for the stories of Asian Americans who have contributed to the institution of takeout food in America — much like Lisa's own family. The show tells the unique stories behind the Asian influence on American culinary industries. One particularly poignant example was Lisa's travel to Louisiana where Asian Americans first settled in 1763. The Filipino decedents from this area contributed indescribably to the shrimp industry in the Gulf, as well as the culinary traditions around seafood in the Southern United States.

"Take Out with Lisa Ling" has all of the elements of an effective cultural docu-series — a charming host, clear historical connection, and a reclaimed narrative that has largely been lost to both time and misinformation.

Take Out with Lisa Ling

"Top Chef," released for season 19 in 2022, is back with new competitors in Houston. Hosts Padma Lakshmi, Tom Colicchio, and Gail Simmons are joined by guest judges to evaluate competitors' performance on varying challenges that make this show seem like a part reality television show and a part cooking show. Over time, audiences grow attached to competitors and have an investment in the competitors' success throughout the season. The subliminal focus on food and cooking through a similar structure to Bravo's other top-performing show "Project Runway" makes "Top Chef" one of the best cooking shows of all time .

There are favorable reviews for this season of "Top Chef" compared to other seasons, as noted by Variety.  The show has calmed down in terms of fits of anger and battery from its contestants. Variety notes that the focus of the show has steadily shifted toward making really great food rather than the raging stress and violence that plagues (and ultimately makes or breaks) other competitive cooking shows.

" Fast Foodies " on truTV is a reality show that first appeared in 2021 and renewed for a second season in 2022. Each episode features cooking show chef alumni Jeremy Ford, Kristen Kish, and Justin Sutherland as the chefs try to re-create a celebrity guest's favorite fast food with a few innovative twists. There are three rounds to each competition, including the "copycat round" in which the chefs make a dish as similar as possible to the guest's favorite, and the "remix round" in which the chefs have to make a remix on the dish — along with a bit of challenge from their competitors. The winner receives the "chompionship" trophy while the losers eat a gnarly slurry of ingredients or face other minor punishments.

From a viewer's perspective, it is cool to see what some of the celebrity guests' favorite fast food indulgences are (like "Community" actor  Joel McHale 's love of the Portillo's Chicago-style hot dog), as well as laugh at the childlike nature of the show. If you want a quick laugh with not much investment in the series, "Fast Foodies" is the way to go.

Fast Foodies

HBO's " The Big Brunch " is trying to reinvent how we think about brunch food. Hosted by "Schitt's Creek" star Dan Levy, competitors are charged to cook their best spins on classic brunch dishes in a two-round showdown for a $300,000 prize. Levy, an avid brunch enthusiast, handpicked the 10 competitors on the show and was the executive producer (via Guilty Eats ) — which is a major draw for folks who adore Levy's sense of humor and wittiness.

Although "The Big Brunch" was released in the middle of November for its first season, it has already seen tremendous praise from folks looking for a more relaxed and earnest cooking show. There is a wide diversity of contestants represented on the show, Guilty Eats notes, as well as an emphasis on the characters as individuals rather than cooking machines. Decider  adds the first episode of the season was rather tame and gave off the same aura as Top Chef, where the competitors are challenged to make dishes that represent themselves and their individual journey through food. It's a feel-good cooking show — with a lot of delicious food shots thrown into it.

The Big Brunch

" Somebody Feed Phil " follows the journey of "Everybody Loves Raymond" producer Phil Rosenthal traveling and eating around the world. Season six of the show was released in 2022 and includes locations in Philadelphia, Croatia, Austin, Santiago, and Nashville — as well as a tribute piece to Phil's parents who inspired him to create the show.

Overall, the show is more lighthearted than other travel cooking shows (like Anthony Bourdain's " Parts Unknown "), and features a lot of Phil's goofy faces along the way. "Somebody Feed Phil's" producers balance the historical context of foods and culinary traditions globally but have the time to insert heartfelt pieces into each episode — including the conversations Phil has with his parents at the end of each episode. One of the draws of this show is that Phil Rosenthal appears to have a very little educational background in cooking — he's just a man excited about traveling and eating around the world. It's the unbridled enthusiasm that many cooking and travel shows neglect to offer.

Somebody Feed Phil

"Chefs vs. Wild" on Hulu was released for its first season in 2022. Each episode features two chefs dropped in the wilderness and are "forced" to forage and cook restaurant-worthy meals for a panel of judges. Each chef is paired with a survivalist who is literate in the area to help them forage for ingredients for two days. For each meal, a protein is provided (in the first episode, it's elk heart and loins — so not the chicken breasts you are familiar with), but the chefs must find the other ingredients for the appetizer, entree, and dessert components.

Fans of "Chefs vs. Wild" are likely more familiar with shows like "Man vs. Wild" and "Naked & Afraid," where wilderness is a major factor in the performance of the competitors. As a result, "Chefs vs. Wild" is less structured than "Chopped" or "Iron Chef." But, you'll still find a bit of cutthroat competitiveness and classic reality television drama out there in the wilderness.

Chefs vs. Wild

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 .

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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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50 of the Best Travel-ish Shows to Watch When You Can't Travel

Abbie Mood Lang

August 8, 2023

We can only travel so much ( no matter how cheap the flights are ). So when you inevitably settle down onto the couch, check out one of these shows to transport you to a different place until you can get there in person.  

Here are 50 of our favorite travel tv shows. 

Traditional Travel Shows

1. Rick Steves’ Europe

Rick Steves might be a bit bookish but that’s one of the things we love about him. The man knows Europe—and the continent’s history—like the back of his hand, and his love for the region is clear. Whether you already love the countries and cities he visits, too, or are dreaming of the day you finally make it there, don’t be surprised if you find yourself geeking out right along with him. Available on: Amazon, Hulu, YouTube

>> Get inspired with our list of 25 ideas for where to go in Europe.

2. passport to europe with samantha brown.

Sam Brown travels with a sense of curiosity and excitement that you can’t help but get caught up in. “Passport to Europe with Samantha Brown” is packed with history, popular landmarks, local restaurants, and shopping spots—literally everything you need to know about both major cities and smaller spots in Europe.  Available on: Amazon 

3. The Layover

This one is made for travelers who love to maximize every. single. second. when they travel, including the time in between flights (looking at you, Type As). In “The Layover,” the late Anthony Bourdain uses every travel trick in the book to do—and eat—as much as he can within 24-48 hours.  Available on: Hulu, YouTube, Sling, Amazon

>> Plan your own short adventure with our layover guides.

4. the national parks: america's best idea.

Most of us have hiked, backpacked, or at the very least, driven through one of the United States’ national parks. From lesser-visited spots like the Gates of the Arctic in Alaska to (maybe a little too) popular ones like Yellowstone, this documentary pays homage to these beautiful places, sharing the history of the national park system from the 1800s to the present time through breathtaking video footage, interviews, and untold stories.  Available on: Amazon, YouTube

5. Globe Trekker

Featuring a rotating cast of hosts, “Globe Trekker” is a real-life version of the Lonely Planet guidebooks. The first few seasons were filmed in the 90s so don’t expect high-def, but over two decades they cover just about everywhere that you could think of, from London to Northern India to the Australian Outback. Available on: Amazon 

Experiential Travel Shows

6. Dark Tourist

If you are fascinated by all things unusual—and maybe even morbid—you’ll definitely get some ideas from this Netflix series. In “Dark Tourist,” journalist David Farrier explores destinations with a grim history, like witnessing an exorcism in Mexico, hiking through a haunted forest in Japan, or swimming in a lake formed by a nuclear blast in Kazakhstan. Just don’t say we didn’t warn you if you have trouble sleeping after! Available on: Netflix

7. Conan Without Borders

Team Coco, this one is for you. See a side of Conan you never knew you needed as your favorite late-night talk show host takes his antics on the road to experience pop culture in other countries firsthand. Always wanted to see Conan star in a telenovela? Check. Wonder if he could hack it as a K-pop star? Done. Curious to see what his, um, dance skills look like? Season 1, Episode 1.  Available on: Netflix

8. Tales by Light

There’s something about an amazing photo that makes the rest of us wonder how it even happened. While there’s a little bit of “right place, right time” to many great shots, the best photographers know exactly what to look for when it comes to lighting, angles, and capturing emotions and feelings. Not just a behind-the-scenes look at how the pictures are taken, “Tales by Light” also show us how powerful images can be when it comes to conservation. Available on: Netflix

9. Expedition Unknown

With a background in archaeology and a “passion for the unexplained,” Josh Gates investigates unsolved mysteries, lost cities, and buried treasure all around the world. He’s got a little bit of an Indiana Jones vibe going on, and actually does get himself in some hairy situations while tackling challenges like searching for Amelia Earhart’s remains in Fiji—but without the Nazis breathing down his neck or giant boulders barreling his way. Available on: Hulu, YouTube TV, Sling

10. The Moaning of Life

After “An Idiot Abroad” concluded and comedian Karl Pilkington turned 40, he had some big life questions, as one does. “The Moaning of Life” documents Pilkington’s mid-life crisis as he travels around the world to see how other cultures tackle big topics like marriage, having children (they’re not for him), the secret to happiness, and even death. Available on: Amazon 

11. Planet Earth

The BBC put some serious funding into the production of “Planet Earth” and it has paid off. The series has been awarded four Emmys and a Peabody Award from the Royal Television Society for its breathtaking episodes featuring a different biome or habitat each time. From the Arctic and Antarctica to the depths of the oceans, if this doesn’t inspire you to see more of our planet, nothing will. Available on: YouTube, Amazon

Road Trips 

12. Long Way Round

Watch actors Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman hop on their BMW R1150GS Adventure motorcycles (hey, some people are interested in those kinds of details) and cruise from London to New York. They take an eastern route through Europe, Asia, and Alaska, then down to the contiguous US, usually off-road. The two have an obvious shared passion for riding, which is a definite requirement if you plan to sit on a bike seat for 19,000 miles! Available on: Amazon

13. Long Way Down

A sequel to their 2004 adventure, Long Way Down follows Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman again as they ride their trusty motorcycles from Scotland through Europe and down Africa to Cape Town, South Africa. This time the duo covers an impressive 15,000 miles—though as the episodes show, it’s not always easy. Available on: Tubi

14. Epic Drives

Come for the cars, stay for the conversations. Created in partnership with Motor Trend magazine, this show highlights fast cars, unique trucks (Ford Falcon XR6 Ute anyone?), and stories from locals in epic locations. Available on: YouTube

15. Top Gear

There’s a reason that there are nine (!) movies in the Fast & Furious franchise—people love watching drivers push their cars to the limit. "Top Gear" is part review, part road trip, and all adrenaline, and the celebrity guest drivers and absurd challenges add to the fun. Now that we think about it, maybe Rocket League® was inspired by the Top Gear Car Sports segment…? Available on: YouTube TV, Amazon 

16. The Grand Tour

Filled with bits of uniquely quirky (and questionable) advice like “looking good is more important than looking where you’re going,” "The Grand Tour" finds Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May (of “Top Gear” fame) driving unique automobiles in interesting places. The friends drive everything from an Aston Martin in South Africa to the Fiat Panda 4x4 in Colombia to beach buggies in Namibia. They talk, they eat, they race. Available on: Amazon 

Food & Drink

17. Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations

“No Reservations” combines two of the best things about traveling: food and adventure. Throw in Anthony Bourdain and you’ve got a truly entertaining TV show. The chef gets down and dirty in each location, giving us a look at not just the food, but the people and a fun way to experience the culture. Available on: Hulu, YouTube TV, Sling, Amazon 

18. Anthony Bourdain's Parts Unknown

Bourdain once said, “You learn a lot about someone when you share a meal together.” “Parts Unknown” brings the table to you, as the chef learns about the history of often-complicated places (Detroit, Iran, Senegal) by sharing a traditional food or drink with the people who live there.  Available on: Hulu, YouTube TV, Amazon 

19. Gordon Ramsay's Uncharted

Chef Gordon Ramsay is probably best known for his strong personality on his reality TV shows, like “Hell’s Kitchen,” but in “Uncharted,” we see a more humble side of the Brit. He frequently finds himself thrown out of his comfort zone while learning about the cuisine or traditional cooking methods from a local and is then thrown into the fire by attempting to make a dish for the community himself. Available on: Hulu, YouTube TV, Sling, Disney+

20. Gordon's Great Escape

Imagine Gordon Ramsay in a white tank top, admitting that he has no idea what he’s doing and traveling around India (often on motorbike) to become versed on what “real” curry is like compared to the dish he loves in the UK. The show embodies the sights and sounds of India and Ramsay even experiences “travel sickness,” just like the rest of us. The last four episodes take place in Southeast Asia and Ramsay continues his role as the student, which isn’t a position we’re used to seeing him in. Available on: Amazon, Disney+

21. Ugly Delicious

Each episode revolves around a type of food and then James Beard Award-winning chef David Chang travels to different countries to explore how those places interpret it or make it. With close-up shots of the food as it’s being made, cooked, and consumed, you can almost smell the warm pizza crust and feel the heat of the hot chicken in your mouth. Available on: Netflix

22. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

If you like “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee,” you’ll love "Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner." David Chang travels the world to meet up with funny, food-loving celebrities like Seth Rogen and Chrissy Teigen as they embark on culinary adventures in various cities around the world. Available on: Netflix

23. Street Food

Street food is almost like a culture within a culture. Wherever you go, travelers can count on carts to have the most authentic food—and people—you’ll ever find. Capturing the vibrant colors and essence of each dish, this show manages to make even the most humble of street food look so beautiful; it's like a love letter to the food and the people who make it. Available on: Netflix

24. Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern

Even if you consider yourself an adventurous eater, this one might make you a little squeamish. But hey, you’ve gotta give Zimmern credit for being up for anything, like lamb brains and duck tongue. Available on: Hulu, YouTube TV, Sling, Amazon 

25. Three Sheets

Comedian Zane Lamprey is living the dream—traveling the world to meet new people and drink alcohol with them. It’s essentially an international pub crawl, including the day-after hangover cures. Available on: Amazon 

26. I’ll Have What Phil’s Having

Phil Rosenthal is hilarious (he did create “Everybody Loves Raymond”) but in a very wholesome way. He had an admittedly bland diet as a child, so Rosenthal wants to experience as much as he can as an adult—even if that means stepping into the unknown. His friendly demeanor and childlike innocence make you feel like you are just tagging along with an uncle and experiencing a place for the first time. Available on: YouTube, Amazon 

27. Somebody Feed Phil

In “Somebody Feed Phil,” Rosenthal actually brings his friends and family along as he visits cities ranging from Tel Aviv to New Orleans. Phil’s excitement is contagious as he tastes the best pizza, egg cream—and even hot dog—of his life. Available on: Netflix

28. BuzzFeed's Worth It

BuzzFeed knows how to tap into popular culture, and “Worth It” offers a unique spin on your typical food review. Instead of just eating a meal somewhere and talking about it, hosts Steven Lim and Andrew Ilnyckyj eat three different dishes at three different price points (affordable, mid, luxury) and then decide if it’s worth it to spend more money. The guys bring an everyman attitude to the whole show, so they rarely pick the most expensive option. Available on: Hulu, BuzzFeed’s website

29. Booze Traveler

Host Jack Maxwell is the real deal. At a young age, he made money by shining shoes in local pubs and gin mills (seriously) and then became a bartender in South Boston. He found that you can learn a lot about a person when you take the time to sit down for a couple of drinks, so naturally, he hit the road to learn about what people are drinking and why they drink it. Available on: Hulu, YouTube TV, Sling

30. Chef's Table

Many cooking shows give you a look into the chef’s personality, but sometimes you want to go a little deeper, learn a little bit more. Enter Emmy-nominated series “Chef’s Table.” Each season dives into the lives and personal stories of six chefs, discussing their discipline and culinary talent while they prepare a dish. It’s the best of both worlds and a must watch for serious foodies. Available on: Netflix

31. Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father

If you’ve ever traveled with a parent, you will be hard-pressed to find a more relatable show. Comedian Jack Whitehall and his father, Michael, hit the road together to “strengthen their bond.” Dad is definitely out of his element in this one, as Jack wants to be in the thick of everything, while Michael would definitely prefer a bit more familiarity. Available on: Netflix

32. The Amazing Race

Featuring 11 teams of two that race around the world to make it to the final leg and take home the $1 million prize, contestants on “The Amazing Race” face everything from grueling heat to freezing temperatures, while having to complete physical and mental challenges on a limited budget. There are many reasons why this show is so popular, but perhaps the biggest is the relationships between the partners. Just traveling with another person on vacation can be stressful enough, but the competition adds another layer of complexity to the relationship as they try to navigate through completely foreign cities and countries. Available on: Hulu, YouTube, Sling, Amazon 

33. Survivorman

Canadian survival expert Les Stroud strands himself in the remote wilderness for 7-10 days with only his clothes, a one-man camera rig, his harmonica, a multi-tool, and often, items relevant to his survival situation or location. While it may not make you want to go off on your own in the middle of nowhere for days on end, it might motivate you to spend a little more time in nature in a place you hadn’t thought of before. Available on: Hulu, Amazon, YouTube

34. An Idiot Abroad

Poor Karl Pilkington is constantly pranked by British comics Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant in “An Idiot Abroad.” To be fair, it’s probably not possible for Pilkington to be that clueless, but he plays the part well and with quite a bit of humor as he’s repeatedly surprised and confused about the cultural customs of people around the world. Available on: YouTube, Amazon

35. Restaurants on the Edge

Love a good makeover show? Check out “Restaurants on the Edge,” a show in which three food and design experts revive restaurants that are on the edge of failing by re-connecting them with the local culture and food. The newly improved eateries offer a redesigned decor and unique menu, but the views throughout the show—filmed at restaurants in places like Malta, St. Lucia, and Hong Kong—give you a real idea of what the locale looks like. Available on: Netflix

36. Extreme Engagement

It’s your typical love story: man and woman meet, fall madly in love, get engaged, and then spend two years apart while man is filming another TV show. Okay, so that last part is not so typical, but when PJ Madam and Tim Noonan came back together, they decided to spend every waking second together and travel the world for an entire year to see if their relationship could cut it. Unlike most travel shows that visit the hotspots, the couple travels to remote villages and experiences life with tribespeople in their quest to “discover the secret to a perfect marriage,” giving viewers a real sense of place and a deep look at places many tourists never see. Available on: Netflix

37. House Hunters International

If you’ve ever dreamt of living abroad, “House Hunters International” is the best way to get a glimpse of life in another country—and where you could potentially live there. The buyers’ often-unrealistic expectations or lavish budgets have become the source for many a meme and with 115 seasons , you’ve got some catching up to do. Available on: Hulu, YouTube TV, Sling

38. Basic Versus Baller: Travel at Any Cost

“Vagabrothers” Marko and Alex Ayling vlog their 24-hour adventures in popular cities across the globe. Each episode starts with a little brotherly competition with a trivia question about the city to determine who will experience the destination on a shoestring budget and who will get to ball out. Whether you’re a penny-pinching backpacker or an all-out baller when you travel, you’ll get to see both sides of the coin. Available on: Hulu, YouTube TV

Scripted Shows Set Abroad

39. Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories

The show takes place in a fictional small Japanese bar called Meshiya in Tokyo that is open from midnight to 7 a.m. While the menu technically only offers four things—sake, beer, shōchū, and tonjiru, a pork soup — the chef (known only as the Master) will create any dish that a customer may want using the ingredients that he has on-hand that night. The camera follows that night’s patrons out of the bar and into their lives to continue their stories, but still manages to capture the true feeling of the show—that food is about coming together but life is boring without a little joy every now and then. Available on: Netflix

Based on the lives of five single men and women in their 30s in Jerusalem, “Srugim” checks all the boxes for a binge-worthy show: controversial issues (in the Religious Zionist society), marriage problems, a character struggling with their sexuality, and a bonus for travel junkies—true cultural immersion. Available on: Amazon Prime, YouTube

Regularly ranked as one of the most popular TV shows of all-time in the US, “Lost” is about the survivors of a commercial jet airliner that crashed on a mysterious island in the South Pacific Ocean en route from Sydney to Los Angeles. The show was filmed at Mokulē'ia Beach, near the northwest tip of Oahu, making it easy to imagine spending a week on your very own deserted island. Available on: Hulu, YouTube, Amazon 

42. Outlander

With elements of romance, history, and science fiction, “Outlander” is filled with sweeping landscapes, historic castles, and elegant gardens. Filmed mostly in the Scottish Highlands, but also in Prague (to capture the spirit of 18th-century France in Season 2) and Cape Town, South Africa, you can visit many of the sites where Clare Randall lived her double lives. Available on: Netflix, Hulu, Sling, YouTube TV 

43. Downton Abbey

This series is set in the fictional Yorkshire country estate of Downton Abbey between 1912 and 1926 and depicts the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants. If the show inspires a trip to the British countryside, be sure to add Highclere Castle to your list—it’s where the TV show was filmed. Available on: Amazon, YouTube

44. Grantchester

Taking place in a picturesque 1950s Cambridgeshire village named Grantchester, this detective drama will have you dreaming of spending your next vacation in a sleepy British town. You can actually visit the actual town of some 540 people and take a walk through the Grantchester Meadows, stop in the pub, and sit down for afternoon tea, just like Sidney Chambers and Geordie Keating. Available on: Amazon, YouTube 

45. Trapped

Though it’s been gaining in popularity as a tourist destination in the past few years, Iceland is still a country that feels quite wild and remote. “Trapped” captures that feeling in this crime drama taking place in as isolated Icelandic town, where the chief of police tries to solve the murder of a former townsperson after his mutilated corpse is found by fishermen. Available on: Amazon 

46. The Kettering Incident

The Australian drama is based on the mysterious disappearance of two young girls, but the dark and enchanting landscapes are a central part of the show. This one might not have a happy premise, but the filming locations in and around the town of Kettering and Bruny Island in Tasmania are sure to kick your wanderlust into overdrive.  Available on: Amazon, YouTube  

47. Top of the Lake

Set in a remote mountain town in New Zealand, "Top of the Lake" is a harrowing series about an inexperienced detective trying to figure out what happened to 12-year-old Tui, who disappeared while five months pregnant. The country’s South Island is home to some of the most stunning scenery in the world and the show gives you enough of a taste that you’ll want to book a trip to Glenorchy and experience its untouched beauty for yourself.  Available on: Hulu, YouTube, Amazon

When a group of eight strangers from around the world realize they are connected telepathically, they have to find a way to keep each other safe from those who find their powers threatening. The second season includes an astonishing 15 cities and 13 countries. From action shots in Seoul to the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, the creators of "The Matrix" and "Babylon 5” outdid themselves with this one. Available on: Netflix

49. Hawaii 5-0

Take a trip to Hawaii with this TV show featuring an elite state police task force set up to fight major crimes in the state. Originally airing from 1968 to 1980, there’s also a remake that premiered in 2010 and will end in 2020. Whether you watch the old school or modern version, the swaying palm trees and ocean views will bring back memories of a tropical vacation. Available on: CBS, YouTube TV

50. Marco Polo

Yes, this TV show is about that Marco Polo. Inspired by the creator’s own legendary trip through Central Asia, “Marco Polo” gives viewers an insight into the life of one of the world’s first explorers. We challenge you to somehow not imagine yourself riding a horse through the grassland of the Mongolian-Manchurian steppe after watching a few episodes of this one. Available on: Netflix, Amazon

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Freelance Writer

Published August 8, 2023

Last updated January 9, 2024

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The 15 Best Netflix Travel Shows To Watch Now

Posted: March 11, 2024 | Last updated: March 11, 2024

Step into the world of armchair adventure, where wanderlust is cured through the expeditions of others. Netflix has become a treasure trove for those bitten by the travel bug, offering a passport to discover the globe’s wonders from the comfort of your living room. Now more than ever, escapism takes center stage, transforming weekends into whirlwind cultural experiences.

From exploring off-the-beaten paths to revisiting the classics with a fresh perspective, here’s a curated list of the 15 best travel shows on Netflix that are sure to whet your appetite for worldly exploration.

Down to Earth with Zac Efron

2 seasons, 16 episodes | IMDb: 8/10 Exceeding all expectations, Zac Efron ditches his musical roots to explore the world’s most stunning and sustainable natural wonders. Combining humor, science, and travel, Down to Earth takes you on an eye-opening journey as Efron teams up with health expert Darin Olien to discover how we can make a difference in our own lives and for the planet.

11 seasons, 120 episodes | IMDb: 7.6/10 For the carnivorous traveler, this Emmy-nominated series follows author and hunter Steven Rinella as he treks through America’s wildest regions in search of game meat. Along with his brother and friend, Rinella hunts, cooks, and eats everything from wild boar to mule deer as he delves into the history, politics, and culture surrounding hunting.

Street Food

3 seasons, 21 episodes | IMDb: 7.9/10 From the creators of Chef’s Table, Street Food highlights the vibrant and diverse street food culture in Asia, Latin America, and the USA. Each episode explores a different city and its signature dishes, showcasing not just the delicious food but also the hardworking individuals who dedicate their lives to perfecting them. Warning: this show may induce extreme cravings.

Somebody Feed Phil

7 seasons, 41 episodes | IMDb: 8.3/10 Join foodie Phil Rosenthal as he travels the world, indulging in local delicacies and seeking authentic dining experiences. From the street food stalls of Ho Chi Minh City to the bustling markets of Tel Aviv, this feel-good series celebrates culture, community, and delicious food.

Dark Tourist

1 season, 8 episodes | IMDb: 7.5/10 Dark Tourist is your perfect travel companion if you’re more interested in the weird and offbeat. Journalist David Farrier visits some of the world’s most bizarre tourist destinations and explores their dark histories and cultural significance. From a nuclear disaster zone to a haunted forest in Japan, this unconventional series will satisfy your curiosity for all things strange and macabre.

Jack Whitehall: Travels With My Father

5 seasons, 17 episodes | IMDb: 7.6/10 Join comedian Jack Whitehall and his unadventurous father, Michael, as they embark on hilarious and often chaotic trips worldwide. With a mix of humor and heart, this unconventional travel show brings a unique dynamic to father-and-son bonding as they navigate different cultures, cuisines, and experiences.

Ugly Delicious

2 seasons, 12 episodes | IMDb: 7.8/10 Renowned chef David Chang takes viewers on a culinary journey, exploring the intersection of food, culture, and identity. From pizza in Italy to tacos in Mexico, Ugly Delicious challenges our perceptions of what makes “good” food while diving into important social and political topics.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

1 season, 4 episodes | IMDb: 6.7/10 Chef David Chang returns with another mouth-watering series, exploring the connection between food and culture through the lens of breakfast, lunch, and dinner. With celebrity guests like Chrissy Teigen and Seth Rogen, this show perfectly blends delicious cuisine and entertaining conversations.

2 seasons, 12 episodes | IMDb: 9.3/10 Narrated by the iconic Sir David Attenborough, Our Planet takes viewers on a stunning visual journey through some of the world’s most extraordinary habitats. However, this series also serves as a powerful reminder that our planet is changing, and its inhabitants face unprecedented challenges. It is a must-watch for anyone who cares about preserving our beautiful home.

Night On Earth

1 season, 6 episodes | IMDb: 8.1/10 Ever wonder what animals get up to when the sun goes down? This visually stunning series uses cutting-edge technology to capture nocturnal creatures in their natural habitats. From lions hunting under the cover of darkness to bioluminescent creatures lighting up the ocean, Night On Earth is a captivating look at the secret lives of animals after dark.

1 season, 8 episodes | IMDb: 7.5/10 If you love home design and travel, this series is for you. Designer Genevieve Gorder and real estate expert Peter Lorimer help homeowners transform their rental properties into profitable short-term rentals through stunning makeovers and strategic marketing techniques. With each episode set in a different city, Stay Here offers valuable insights into the unique cultures and neighborhoods that make these destinations desirable.

Restaurants On The Edge

2 seasons, 13 episodes | IMDb: 6.8/10 Join a team of experts as they travel to struggling restaurants worldwide and help revitalize them with stunning makeovers, menu updates, and cultural insights. From a beachside restaurant in Malta to a historic winery in Canada, this series showcases the power of food to bring people together and create unforgettable dining experiences.

Tales by Light

3 seasons, 12 episodes | IMDb: 8.2/10 Combining stunning photography and heartfelt storytelling, Tales by Light follows renowned photographers as they capture breathtaking images from some of the world’s most remote corners. But it’s not just about the photos – this series also delves into the personal journeys and motivations behind these awe-inspiring artists.

Larry Charles’ Dangerous World Of Comedy

1 season, 4 episodes | IMDb: 7.3/10 Comedy may be universal, but this series proves it can also be dangerous. From war-torn countries to oppressive regimes, Larry Charles travels the globe searching for comedians who use laughter as a form of resistance and rebellion. With poignant insights and plenty of laughs, this thought-provoking series sheds light on the power of humor in even the most dire circumstances.

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14 Food TV Shows Actually Worth Watching

By Allen Salkin

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

With the onslaught of a generation of TV food shows that seem to be vying for an Emmy in the category of Most Thoroughly Robbing Cooking of Dignity, Fun, and Good Health (I declare this season’s winner to be Cutthroat Kitchen: Superstar Sabotage Tournament , by the way), it can be restorative to recall the shows that were actually great.

Ever heard of Justin Wilson ? Well, how about David Rosengarten with his classic Taste ? While I was researching my book on the history of Food Network , I found myself procrastinating with hours of these morsels.

So turn off the shows that are presenting disasters like Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls on a Stick (sorry Food Network, we still love you!) and try these 14 still fun-to-watch food TV landmarks. You can still watch most of them right now!

Watch three minutes and 54 seconds of this and tell me you wouldn’t love to hang out in a kitchen with this dude while he cooks. I know that four minutes is longer than forever these days. But Justin Wilson , host of Home Grown and other shows from the 1970s to the 1990s (some only airing on Southern public TV, some nationally through PBS), is the kind of Cosby-like storyteller who can bring you in and keep you rapt for an hour without you realizing a minute has passed. Famous in his day for his catchphrase “I gar-on-tee,” Wilson was a fount of wit, noting that the reason he wore both a belt and suspenders was, “There are some things you don’t want to leave to chance.” We haven’t even discussed his cooking: gumbo, hush puppies, Louisiana seafood. Unearth these treasures on YouTube , or see if you can find it on VHS , and forget your troubles for a spell. Isn’t that what cooking shows are for?

**For one episode of this show, which ran for the first seven years of the Food Network’s existence, David Rosengarten and director Josh White decided to demonstrate the aphrodisiac potency of oysters by bathing his set in purple light and having a giant amoeba-shaped light pulse as if it were experiencing orgiastic ecstasy. True, the founding president of Food Network, Reese Schonfeld , was not amused. “How did you put a purple f---ing blob on my network?!” he screamed at Rosengarten afterward. But the former theater-studies professor’s spirit and his clever cooking tricks still make for good watching. As with many of its “classic” shows, Food Network continues to resist issuing Taste on DVD or digital download, perhaps because the contracts signed with talent were so amateurish during the startup years. You can taste some Taste here —or sign up for Rosengarten’s newly relaunched newsletter, The Rosengarten Report.

When people complain that Food Network doesn’t offer anything but competition shows and Guy Fieri anymore, they are ignoring the bloc of daytime hours, when the network airs old-fashioned instructional cooking shows. Possibly the network’s greatest practitioner of this art was Mario Batali on the various incarnations of Molto Mario over the years. Right now, the seminal show is not being broadcast in the daytime rotation, nor can I find entire episodes anywhere online, but be assured that it is never off TV for long. Who can resist watching Batali bestow history lessons about the various regions of Italy, relating it all to pasta shapes and flours, while doling out plates of steaming artistry to a rotating cast of guests who might include Anthony Bourdain or a relatively garrulous Ed Levine (the future founder of Serious Eats ). You can watch Batali any day of the week on The Chew , but to see a classic version of The Orange One, find a way to catch *Molto Mario—*even if only in this partial episode on You Tube , where he discusses the relationship between puttanesca and prostitution.

Shot on a set designed to look like the kitchen in Tyler Florence's real-life Lower East Side hipster bachelor pad, the show had an authenticity Florence has not matched since. When I asked him about the pizza episode, where he is taught by a master, Giavanna Raffoni , in her Naples apartment, he got goose pimples on his arms remembering the taste of those smoked tomatoes. The enthusiasm and joy he felt at being paid to travel around and learn how to cook delicious food comes through the screen to this day. Avoid the later seasons, when Food Network kept a tighter rein on Tyler following his $3 million Applebee's endorsement deal, and nixed the travel component. Off the road, it became a ho-hum product.

Food Network is running episodes of Tyler’s Ultimate on Monday mornings. Keep an eye out for the pizza episode—the official Food Network code of this episode is TU1A08, which may help your search.

Yes, Jeff Smith was a mess, possibly of the worst kind. Do read David Kamp’s amazing and essential The United States of Arugula: How We Became a Gourmet Nation for a well-rounded account of the alleged crimes of this troubled man. But let us not forget that Smith was a hugely influential TV star, his cookbooks of the 1980s and 1990s far outselling Julia Child’s. With history lessons about ingredients that were a forerunner to Molto Mario , and recipes nearly as clear to follow as Ina Garten’s , Smith taught me and a lot of other Gen Xers how to cook whenever we tuned into PBS. I haven’t seen his show broadcast anywhere in more than a decade, but Hulu has him.

Bottom line: You might not believe it, but you are probably reading this because of Emeril Lagasse , who melded the worlds of entertainment and cooking like no one had before. Watch an episode of this 1997-2007 series and be amazed at how excited people were that a man used as much garlic as he wanted. Bam! Using music, fire, and his serious chops as a chef, Lagasse mesmerized and energized audiences both in the studio and at home, imperfectly but consistently. The promise that chefs could be the new rock stars, a concept invented by Emeril’s then-agent Shep Gordon (who also represented ghoul-rocker Alice Cooper), was driven home by Emeril Live! (which was not broadcast live but taped in front of a live audience). Cooking Channel puts episodes into the cable rotation now and then. As I’m writing this, you can find some episodes on You Tube on cooking with beer and comfort food , or with celebrity guest Pat Benatar . (It’s not quite the same, but the early episodes of Essence of Emeril —pick the ones with black-and-white tile in the background—make for vintage fun on Hulu even without a studio audience.)

Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution was a landmark show for a major U.S. broadcast network when it ran from 2010 to 2011, helping lead to improvements in school lunch programs nationally. When Oliver burst on the TV scene in the 1990s, he was a new type of chef for mass media. Chef Marco Pierre White , with his beard and his meat-forward cuisine, was the chef’s chef of the era. But for many, the first appearance of the tousled young hipster chef, playing drums in a band, cooking in his little apartment for his hot girlfriend, was the shaggy blond Jamie Oliver with his “naked” cuisine, named for its simplicity by producer Patricia Llewellyn , the same brilliant woman who created and named Two Fat Ladies . Hulu plus subscribers can catch it all. Or try DVD.

Like all of the best TV shows ever, there is no reason on the surface that this show should have worked: Two not-young, not-svelte Englishwomen who prattle about the drafty countryside on a motorcycle and sidecar, cooking breath-destroying traditional cuisine such as deviled kidneys, and adding as much lard, Stilton, and anchovy as possible to everything. They make rude jokes—a reference to the anal-sex scene in Last Tango in Paris while buttering a baking dish is particularly memorable—speak in trills that make Julia Child sound like Barry White, and seem always ready to bite the heads off anything that appears delicious. There is an authenticity and humanness to these characters no marketing department or consultant could ever instill. Its lack of freshness is the freshest thing about it. God bless the British executives who greenlit this show in the 1990s, and God bless Joe Langhan, the Providence, Rhode Island, cable exec who started Food Network and made the deal to bring Jennifer Paterson and Clarissa Dickson Wright to American TV, providing some of the funds that allowed the show to keep filming—yes, it was shot on film. Expensive! YouTube has a a great selection of Fat Ladies videos. Or you can buy an official collection from Amazon .

Many interviewers are surprised when I remind them that Anthony Bourdain’s first TV series was broadcast on Food Network. When the network executives approached him in the wake of the success of his book Kitchen Confidential , Bourdain did not believe it likely that the television home of Emeril, whom he had called “an Ewok” in print, would actually want to do a show with him. But there was still some creative ambition at Food Network and, with Bourdain about to start researching a new book to be called A Cook’s Tour , a deal was made.

It didn’t last. Episodes of the show found Bourdain sampling cobra heart, traveling to the Mekong delta, and pursuing his interest in Apocalypse Now by visiting a reputedly dangerous village in Cambodia. It was wonderful, but new Food Network executives told Bourdain he was getting better ratings when visiting barbecue joints in the American South. When they asked him to focus domestically and refused to fund a visit to Ferran Adria’s legendary laboratory of techno-emotional cuisine, El Bulli, Bourdain, to his everlasting credit, bailed. Thanks to Hulu, you can now visit the two seasons of episodes of A Cook’s Tour , where it all started. Do give Food Network some credit, though, for starting what has become an amazing run of Bourdain television.

You could watch Julia Child’s original, revered, groundbreaking, omelet-slipping, chicken-trussing, world-changing original show The French Chef , as you’ve either done or been told to do countless times. Or you could spend time with the master of French cooking instruction himself, Jacques Pepin , on one of his many PBS endeavors. Instead, slay two legendary birds with one click by treating your brain’s fantasy cortex to the pair doing their thing together. Your visual and taste synapses will engage in a dance that will inexorably cause you to pull out your cooking twine to prepare leg of lamb, or to head to the grocery for cauliflower for Pepin's gratin. This is why food TV first entranced people: They were watching interesting people make things that looked good to eat and were presented with incredible sweetness, gentle music, and nothing but an obvious desire to generously share a little miracle which can be performed at home. Hulu has it.

What’s especially interesting about Martin Yan ’s joke-filled Asian cooking half-hour is that its debut in 1978 signaled the start of an era of cooking programs focused on cuisines other than French and Italian. Yan created a symphony with his cleaver on the cutting board, and, according to Kathleen Collins’s excellent and deeply researched book Watching What We Eat:The Evolution of Television Cooking Shows , available on Amazon , this show was one of the first to truly address “the wealth of cultures in the U.S.,” leading to other landmarks like Nathalie Dupree’s New Southern Cooking and (bringing it to the present) New Scandinavian Cooking . To view Martin’s series, you need to fire up the old VCR and buy a tape.

The popularization of “tablescapes,” and of television that focused on aspects of a meal other than the cooking of it can be traced back to Martha Stewart’s 1986 debut on PBS. She does cook, but more importantly, she presents. Scroll forward to the 2:28 mark for this very short promo for the special, read about the filming of it, or check out a VHS tape from a local library.

The in-production documentary about Beard is called America’s First Foodie . It's fascinating viewing for any professional or amateur scholar of food television to experience some of the first cooking shows ever broadcast, including many shows from the late 1940s and 1950s, like I Love to Eat , that celebrated American cuisine, which had long been looked down upon. Few episodes are known to still exist, so, for now, watch a few snippets of original James Beard in this promising trailer for the documentary .

The one show I wish I had included in my book but did not find room for was Bob Blumer's weird-before-weird-wasn’t-so-weird show, which was a favorite of Food Network’s gutsy marketing chief Heidi Diamond , but never caught on big with viewers. (Possibly because Diamond left the network and the new regime had less of an appetite for weird. See Bourdain above.) Dishwasher Salmon? A lobster pie shaped like a bed? Sample The Surreal Gourmet at this upstart video streaming site . (Previews are free.)

Editor's Note: This show technically hasn't aired yet, but we're pretty sure Best New Restaurant is gonna be just great. Oh, and did we mention we're partnering with Bravo on it?

Now watch some of our own food TV here:

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Phil Rosenthal Has Traveled and Tried New Food All Over the World — Here Are His Best Tips for Experiencing a New Place

The "Somebody Feed Phil" host isn't afraid of anything... anymore. And it's all thanks to travel.

Courtesy of Phil Rosenthal

After creating and writing one of television’s most iconic New York-based sitcoms, Phil Rosenthal has been taking viewers all over the world with his hit Netflix series — and imparting wisdom along the way, whether he knows it or not.

“We all fear the unknown,” Rosenthal, the creator of “Everybody Loves Raymond,” and the face of the beloved Netflix travel show, Somebody Feed Phil , shared with Travel + Leisure over Zoom. As Rosenthal explained it, he sold the concept of his show to Netflix with one line: “I'm exactly like Anthony Bourdain if he was afraid of everything.” 

But it seems Rosenthal has thoroughly put his fears to the side throughout the now 7 seasons of the show. In the latest season alone, he visited Mumbai, Washington, DC, Kyoto, Iceland, Dubai, Orlando, Taipei, and Scotland, all in an effort to dig into delicious foods, explore unique cultures, jump into freezing lakes, drive race cars, and, perhaps most importantly of all, bring a smile to viewers' faces and maybe inspire them to get out and see the world, too. 

“I always tell people, you're never going to be as young as you are right now, so go while your legs still work,” he shared when asked what he’d tell a nervous first-time traveler. “While you still have breath in your lungs, make it up the hill to see the best view of your life. You will certainly regret the things you didn't do in your lifetime. There’s nothing to be afraid of.” 

Emphasizing that sentiment, Rosenthal along with his daughter, Lily, published a new children's book, "Just Try It!" encouraging picky eaters to try something new — something the native New Yorker has learned on a global level.

Rosenthal will also be recapping his adventures in his live tour, "Phil Rosenthal World," around the U.S. and Canada, which kicks off on Thursday. As for where he thinks an American could go for a first-time jaunt overseas, Rosenthal said the perfect spot is London. 

“London is the gateway drug to Europe,” he noted with that effervescent, uptempo tone he’s loved for. “You're going to recognize a lot of things from your childhood stories. And it's just different enough that it’s going to give you the travel bug.” 

With Phil Rosenthal

Window or aisle seat? It used to be window but now it has to be aisle.

Favorite airplane snack? None. I wish the airlines would concentrate on making a good turkey sandwich. Favorite meal from "Somebody Feed Phil"? That's impossible. I love everything, but the first thing that pops into my mind is this bowl of khao soi I had in Chiang Mai.

One thing you can't travel without? Noise canceling headphones. One place from the show you'd return? We covered some big places [on the show] like Tuscany, Paris, [and] Hong Kong. I'd go back to any of those now.

Celeb Check-in

And, no matter where you decide to go for your first, second, or millionth trip, Rosenthal has some sound advice: Do as his production does and don’t pack your itinerary too tightly. 

“You’ve got to leave room in your schedule for serendipity,” he advised. "You never want to overplan.” 

When it comes to planning an episode, he begins by googling just like the rest of us. “I Google ‘best place to eat in Lisbon’ but never go by one thing, you’ve got to cross reference,” he advised, using his Lisbon episode as a reference. “When you see Nannarella start popping up on different people's lists, you think, this might be worth it.” 

But even still, on all their global adventures, he and his production team — who also worked with the late Bourdain — leave room for happenstance.

“Some of the meals of your life can be when you duck into a place because it's raining and you say, ‘let's just eat here,’” he added.   So yes, the show really is just like a real vacation because, to Rosenthal, it is. So much so in fact that he sometimes brings his family — including his wife and "Raymond" star Monica Horan — along for the ride. Throughout their travels, and in the spirit of variety, he'll often splurge on some spots and go to see the free things when he can. Or he’ll pair a Michelin-starred restaurant with a hotdog cart (like in Iceland ) without a care in the world. because he knows he’ll come out of it all with the best gift anyone can get: life experiences.

“Now I'm less afraid,” Rosenthal said. “But only because I've been places and done things.” 

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The Best Food Documentary Series

The best documentaries about food and food science can make you hungry for delicious meals and cool new facts. The best food and cooking documentary series ever shown on television are more than just food travel shows with some extra facts thrown in. If you’ve been looking for the best food documentaries to add some deliciousness to your TV nights, this list of the best food and food science documentary series of all time will help you figure out what needs to go into your queue.

From molecules to the mind, how we create and interact with the stuff that sustains life seems straightforward but can get as complex as you want to make it. If you're curious about the human element, check out interviews with chefs on series such as The Mind of a Chef and Chef's Table . If a broader sense of culture is what you want, look to documentaries that blend recipes and travel while sharing and examining the history of a food or technique, such as Ugly Delicious and Good Eats .

Which shows do the best job sharing the science, culture, and history of food? Vote up the best food documentary shows and add any documentary series about food that are missing.

Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy

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Salt Fat Acid Heat

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• # 6 of 33 on Shows You Can Almost Smell Through The TV
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Ugly Delicious

Is Ugly Delicious Worth Your Time?

• # 9 of 33 on Shows You Can Almost Smell Through The TV
• # 746 of 799 on The 700+ Best Netflix Original Series
• # 68 of 108 on The 100+ Best Cooking Shows Of All Time

Chef's Table

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• # 1 of 44 on The Best Food & Cooking Shows Of 2024, Ranked
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The Food That Built America

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• # 7 of 168 on The Best History TV Shows
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Eater's Guide to the World

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• # 9 of 674 on The Best New Reality TV Shows of the Last Few Years
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Food Detectives

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Nadiya's Time To Eat

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The Mind of a Chef

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Is Rotten Worth Your Time?

Is Cooked Worth Your Time?

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• # 23 of 54 on The Best Netflix Food & Cooking Shows

Taste the Nation With Padma Lakshmi

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Best Food Ever

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Carnival Eats

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Man Finds Food

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Street Food: USA

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Food Factory

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Adam Eats the 80s

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Take Out With Lisa Ling

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Fresh, Fried & Crispy

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Food Safari

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Jimmy's Food Factory

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You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment

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30 Best Travel Documentaries & Series To Watch

• by Jonny Duncan
• October 20, 2023 December 7, 2023

We all need a bit of travel inspiration and these are some of the best travel documentaries that will give you some wanderlust, and understanding, of the regions of the world involved.

These are my favourite travel documentaries and series that have inspired my travels.

Disclaimer: I own none of the images in this post, they are used under fair-usage terms to discuss the travel documentaries.

Himalaya With Michael Palin (2004)

Michael Palin is my all-time favourite travel presenter, writer, and hell, just an awesome person in general and his travel documentaries are some of the best you can watch.

His sense of humour, interest in the places he visits, how he interacts with the local people, and the way he presents himself is what makes this travel journey one of the best.

Add to that epic Himalayan scenery and adventure and you have the perfect combination for the best travel documentary.

You can watch it here as well as some of his other travel documentaries.

The Endless Summer (1966)

Surfs up! And also lots of fun, fun, fun, in the sun.

Set in the mid-sixties it follows two surfers from California as they travel around the world, including countries like South Africa, Australia, and Ghana, in search of the ‘perfect wave’. 

It’s very laid back to watch and entertaining and a good insight into surfer travels in the sixties.

I would love to hit up some of the waves they found! If you want one of the best travel documentaries based around surfing and beaches then watch this.

Watch it online here .

Encounters at the End of the World (2009)

Want some cold weather viewing, beautiful scenery in the vast expanse of Antarctica, and some fun with scientists? This is it.

Filmmaker Werner Herzog tackles this perfectly, exploring the desolate and vast wilderness of Antarctica around the US base of McMurdo Station, and the people who live and work there.

This will make you want to go to a remote and cold place.

Watch it here .

Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown (2013 – 2018)

Anthony Bourdain was one of my travel heroes. He died in 2018. His style of reporting and meeting the people he visits around the world and coming together around a common theme worldwide, food, brought a personal approach to the travel genre.

Parts Unknown is one of the best travel documentaries to watch for food. 

The other series with Anthony Bourdain exploring world cuisine, such as No Reservations is also worth watching.

See it on Netflix here .

Under An Arctic Sky (2017)

This is a short travel documentary coming in at only 40 minutes, but worth the watch for sure.

I had been recommended this by a fellow travel blogger and was glad about it.

It’s beautifully shot in Iceland in winter, following a group of surfers looking for (as usual) the perfect waves. 

But a storm comes through during this time and they have to outrun it.

The first time surfers have been filmed under the Northern Lights.

This has made me want to return to Iceland again to explore more of the country in the Arctic darkness.

See what it’s like surfing under the Northern Lights !

Sahara With Michael Palin (2002)

Yes, another Michael Palin travel documentary. I can’t help it his journeys are just so good.

This time he’s out exploring the Sahara Desert, getting into remote adventures with tribal nomads, and so much more.

This will inspire you for a desert adventure.

Watch the epic Sahara journey here .

180° South (2010)

180° South follows Jeff Johnson, an adventurer who travels across South America to Patagonia to visit the places that Yvon Chouinard and Doug Tompkins had visited in 1968, two people who had inspired him.

Easily one of the best travel documentaries about South America to see.

Chasing Coral (2017)

Chasing Coral is a documentary for anyone interested in the ocean and, given the title, especially coral reefs.

It follows scientists and divers who explore the coral areas to see why they are disappearing and to explain it all to you. A good conservationist documentary as well as one for travel to these beautiful parts of the world.

Billy Connolly’s World Tour of Australia (1996)

Billy Connolly is one of the great all-time stand-up comedians.

He also travels a lot and his ‘world tour’ series has taken him to lots of different countries around the world, with Australia being the best.

It’s a combination of him exploring Australia and what is there, with a great sense of humour for everything, as well as some short clips of his stand-up performances in each area he visits with views and opinions about his experience in Australia.

A must-see travel documentary for anyone interested in Australia with a very amusing outlook on travel there.

It ain’t cheap but if you’re a Billy Connolly fan, or want to give a gift to someone who is, this is the Billy Connolly box set of all his world tours.

Dark Tourist (2018)

For some people (myself included) there’s a strange and weird fascination with some of the ‘darker’ tourist spots to visit and dark tourism has become more popular.

From nuclear disaster zone tours to death-worshipping cults, this travel documentary covers them all.

It can be disturbing given the tragedy behind some of the events, but it is history, and it is part of humanity. 

To escape the ‘normal’ tourist spots this will give you an idea of an alternative travel experience.

Right or wrong it is fascinating.

See it on Netflix .

Given (2016)

This is such a unique and refreshing take on a travel documentary as it’s narrated by a six-year-old boy.

It follows a family from Kauai (part of Hawaii) on a journey through 15 countries around the world.

This a really good insight into family travel and the life-teaching experiences travel can have on young children.

Watch their website for the documentary.

Stephen Fry In America (2009)

Stephen Fry is one of my favourite comedians and in this travel series, he travels across the U.S. in search of what makes America.

Just like Billy Connolly and Michael Palin, there is lots of humour involved.

It gives a great insight into American culture.

This is one of the best travel documentaries to watch if planning a trip to the United States. 

Watch here .

The Eagle Huntress (2016)

One of those interested in Central Asia travel, this documentary is about a 13-year-old Kazakh girl called Aisholopan who wants to be an eagle hunter, the first female in her family for twelve generations to do it.

Beautiful scenery and an inspiring story make this a spellbinding travel documentary to watch.

Jiro Dreams of Sushi (2010)

Have an interest in sushi and Japanese food? Then this is the ultimate travel documentary for you.

It follows an 85-year-old sushi master called Jiro Ono and how he makes some of the best sushi in the world and tries to teach his son the way and the family business.

It’s one of the best documentaries about Japan to watch.

Baraka (1992)

Out of all the travel documentaries, this is one of the older ones but it has aged well. It’s also one of the most beautiful travel documentaries to watch.

The tagline is “A world beyond worlds”, and after watching it you will see why.

There is no narrative, just epic films from all over the world showing natural environments, cities and everything else.

Personally, I remember watching this in the 90s and being inspired to see the places it showed.

Happy People: A Year in the Taiga (2010)

Happy People: A Year in the Taiga is another Werner Herzog travel documentary that is absolutely brilliant if you have an interest in cold places and Siberia in particular.

It follows the people in a remote village in the Siberian Taiga region and shows the repeated way of life in how they deal with living in a harsh cold environment. It includes footage of some of the native Ket people as well.

Tawai: A Voice From The Forest (2017)

Out of all the travel documentaries, this is one of the best ones taking a look at indigenous people around the world.

Adventurer Bruce Parry explores the forests of the Amazon and Borneo, as well as the Isle of Skye in Scotland where he looks at the ways the native people get on with the nature around them.

Nomad: In the Footsteps of Bruce Chatwin (2019)

Nomad is yet again another one with Werner Herzog and this time it’s a much more personal one.

His good friend Bruce Chatwin, who was a well-known travel writer, died of AIDS in 1989 he left Werner his rucksack as a parting gift. Thirty Years after his death Werner heads out to explore places inspired by his friend’s travel life.

Maidentrip (2013)

Maidentrip will make you want to get a yacht and go on an adventure around the world! It’s about a 14-year-old sailor who leaves home for a 2-year journey around the world alone to become the youngest person to ever achieve such a task.

This is one of the best travel documentaries not just about yachting and boats but also about the determination of the human spirit to achieve something great.

Travel Man (2015 Onwards)

Travel Man is a great travel documentary series where each episode host Richard Ayoade visits a new city with a different celebrity to explore what the city has to offer in the way of tourist attractions and other things.

Lots of fun to watch and one of the best recent travel documentaries to see.

Fishpeople (2017)

Fishpeople is a group of stories about various individuals who have dedicated their lives to the sea. It includes a long-distance swimmer, surfers, and many more.

This is one to watch if you have an interest in anything related to life with the ocean.

Grand Tours of the Scottish Islands (2013 – 2016)

If you love Scotland or really want to go there then this is the ultimate Scottish travel series for you. The presenter is Paul Murton and he explores all around the Scottish Isles.

He also has other shows such as the Grand Tour of Scotland and Grand Tour of Scotlands Lochs. He really gets into the culture of Scotland.

Backpackingman note: I am of Scottish ancestry with my great-grandfather being a proper Scotsman from Aberdeen and I have visited Scotland a few times now and can highly recommend this series.

Rick Steves’ Europe (2000 – Onwards)

Rick Steves’ Europe is one of the longest-running travel documentary series out there, if not the longest.

Given the title of the show, it follows Rick as he travels around Europe showing everything the place has to offer. The series from 2018 focuses on Scotland so goes nicely with the Grand Tours of the Scottish Islands mentioned above.

Desert Runners (2013)

Desert Runners is the ultimate documentary about people who run in some of the harshest environments and in this case the desert.

But the twist to this story is that it explores a group of people who join the hardest ultra-marathon race series on the planet and none of them are professional runners.

Watch this one if you have an interest in deserts and running.

Down To Earth (2020)

Down To Earth is a travel documentary series on Netflix that follows actor Zac Efron to different parts of the world where he looks at the sustainability efforts of each destination.

For example, in Iceland, he learns about the efforts to use the natural energy of Earth for power.

Magical Andes (2020 – Onwards)

Magical Andes a travel documentary series is set in South America and takes a look at the Andes Mountain range, from the mountains themselves to the deserts, forests, and everything else that surrounds them

Highly recommended if you’ve ever wanted to visit South America and in particular the Andes region.

Expedition Happiness (2017)

Expedition Happiness follows a couple who get an old school bus and then drive throughout North America with their dog.

The couple is so lovely it’s worth watching just to see them and their life.

Free Solo (2018)

Free Solo follows Alex Honnold, a professional rock climber, as he attempts to be the first person to free solo climb El Capitan’s rock face.

It’s set in Yosemite National Park and is thrilling to watch not just for the action but also for the scenery. Watch this documentary if you are interested in mountain travel and rock climbing as a sport.

The Dawn Wall (2017)

Following on from Free Solo, The Dawn Wall is also set in Yosemite National Park, and this time follows Tommy Caldwell, a free climber, who tried to climb the Dawn Wall of El Capitan.

As with Free Solo, watch this one for mountains.

Mountain (2017)

The Mountain is one of the best travel documentaries about mountains and is breathtaking to watch.

It explores mountains around the world and tells at the same time the history between humans and mountains.

Notable Mention: BBC Planet Earth 1+2 (2006 + 2016)

The BBC Planet Earth series is absolutely beautifully filmed and epic to watch.

In each episode, they explore different parts of the planet, such as deserts, mountains, oceans, forests, etc.

There are also other travel documentaries by the BBC, like The Blue Planet, Frozen Planet, and a lot more. Each one shows a different side of our planet.

These will get you wanting to get out and see the world!

The Best Travel Documentaries

And that’s the list of the best travel documentaries that will hopefully give you some inspiration for your own travels.

Interested in more travel-related movies? Check out 10 movies to watch before travelling to Japan .

You can find some of the older travel documentaries on places like YouTube. In fact, YouTube is a great place to find new and old travel documentaries in general.

And for some travel reading 20 books to read set in the Arctic and Antarctic .

If you liked this article about the best travel documentaries a share would be appreciated :

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Hi Jonny, this is Christian from Germany I pic you up from Zagreb 2008 and we travel to Germany by car. Later I visit you in Amsterdam. My speciality is Africa. Like to contact you again cause I cannot find you anymore on Couchsurfing. May I ask for your PM adress? see you Christian

Dark Tourist is the best part of this post ..

Oh, It’s too good. I like this blog very much I also bookmark this.

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Best Bite in Town: release date, trailer, plot, cast and everything we know about the new Guy Fieri series

• Oops! Something went wrong. Please try again later. More content below

Following fast on the heels of Tournament of Champions season 5 is Guy Fieri's newest Food Network original series, Best Bite in Town .

Fieri has called upon his pal Noah Cappe and their famous foodie friends, known as the Bite Club, who will travel around and sample the best eats and treats in every place they visit as they seek out the best bites each town has to offer.

"For years, I’ve been rollin’ out to towns big and small lookin’ for joints serving up amazing dishes. But no matter how many miles I put on the Camaro, I just can’t fit ‘em all into DDD. So, I’ve called in my buddy Noah Cappe and the Bite Club to help me out and they are hittin’ the road to find some killer small-town dishes on their own," said Fieri in a press release.  "But of course, I’ve gotta mix it up a bit, so we’re throwin’ in a dash of competition!"

Here's everything we know about Best Bite in Town .

Best Bite in Town release date

Best Bite in Town premieres Friday, April 12, at 9 pm ET/PT on Food Network and can be streamed the following day on Max .

As of this writing, we don't have a premiere date for UK viewers.

Food Network is widely available as part of cable packages. If you've cut the cord, you can find the channel through several streaming platforms including Sling , Hulu with Live TV , Fubo , Philo and YouTube TV .

Best Bite in Town premise

Here's the synopsis of Best Bite in Town from Food Network:

"While Executive Producer Guy Fieri’s schedule is packed visiting restaurants across the country on  Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives , he is calling upon his pal Noah Cappe to help find the  Best Bite In Town  on the new Food Network series, premiering on Friday, April 12th at 9pm ET/PT. In each episode, Noah assembles a Bite Club ,  featuring two chefs including, Tiffani Faison, Shota Nakajima, Joe Sasto, Aarti Sequeira and Jet Tila. Together, they explore the local food scene in cities across the country, visiting six of the most popular spots in each one. After scouring the town and tasting a wide variety of cuisines, Noah and the Bite Club nominate three exceptional dishes to present to a panel of esteemed culinary judges to determine the  Best Bite In Town.

"Guy has selected restaurants in each city for Noah and his Bite Club to check out. Once in town, they each choose two spots to visit to see if their dishes are worthy. From indulging in Banh Mi in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to savoring an authentic sushi experience in Davis, California, and enjoying oysters in Placerville, California, they are on the hunt for the most amazing local dish. This culinary journey leaves no stone unturned as they also sample tacos in Joplin, Missouri, relish a mouthwatering vegan meal in Paducah, Kentucky and delight in gourmet pizza in Clarksville, Tennessee. But they can each only nominate one extraordinary dish for the final showdown, where an expert panel of judges evaluate the three nominated dishes and crown one as the  Best Bite In Town ."

Best Bite in Town cast

Noah Cappe will host Best Bite in Town . Cappe, who hails from Canada, is an actor and television personality. He's known for roles in Hallmark's Good Witch franchise and numerous hosting gigs including Food Network's Wall of Chefs and Carnival Eats , as well as The Bachelorette Canada.

Joining Cappe are members of the elite Bite Club including famed celebrity chefs Tiffani Faison, Shota Nakajima, Joe Sasto, Aarti Sequiera and Jet Tila.

Best Bite in Town trailer

Take a look at these posts from Food Network offering a glimpse of what's to come in Best Bite in Town !

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8 time travel anime series that will transport you to different eras

While talking about time travel or going back to the future (pun intended!), we often imagine immersing ourselves in a futuristic world or altering events from the past. The concept of hampering time or taking matters into our own hands by fluctuating situations is a common occurrence in the Western media — be it sci-fi, romance or even comedy genre.

Hit movies and series including The Time Machine , Interstellar , the German series Dark , the Back to the Future franchise, Marvel ‘s Doctor Strange and Loki , 13 Going 30 and About Time are some prime examples across diverse genres experimenting with time travel.

Similarly, time travelling in the anime world, where characters experiment and play with the clock and its consequences, is regarded as one of the best genres alongside psychological thrillers and crime mysteries. Some of these series are best for beginners, with hits like Steins; Gate , Orange and Link Click creating intrigue and interest amongst the audiences.

Here are a few exceptional anime series from the genre that will transport you to different eras without leaving the comfort of your couch.

8 best anime series dealing with time travel

Steins; gate.

Steins; Gate can be categorised into multiple genres, right from psychological thriller to sci-fi. While there are multiple time travel series and movies in the pop culture realm, this anime series has mastered the concept like no one else.

It’s the year 2010, scientist Rintaro Okabe and his friends come across a time machine made using a microwave and a mobile phone, which lets one alter the present by sending texts to the past. As time passes, the group soon realises that disturbing the past comes with its consequences.

IMDb rating: 8.8/10

Link Click is yet another classic time travel anime series that will traverse fans into a new world, with a distinctive plot.

Cheng Xiaoshi and Lu Guang manage Time Photo Studio, where they cater to clients seeking relief from their regrets. The process involves using a photo to transport Cheng back to the moment it was taken. He notes the client’s identity and absorbs their memories and emotions. Meanwhile, Lu possesses the ability to monitor events in time and aids Cheng in reliving the client’s experiences.

However, the duo operates within strict parameters: they have a single opportunity to time travel for up to 12 hours, aiming to fulfil their client’s needs without altering past events.

IMDb rating: 8.6/10

Re: Zero, Starting Life in Another World

Re: Zero, Starting Life in Another World tells the tale of a person trapped in an alternate universe trying to find their way back, but with an interesting twist.

High school student Subaru Natsuki is trapped in a different realm where a girl with silver hair saves him. To repay her kindness, he decides to stick by her side and soon realises that the girl carries a heavy burden of destiny. Both Subaru and the girl meet their demise soon after. It is then that Subaru realises he has an extraordinary ability to rewind death, taking him back to the very beginning of his arrival in this new world.

But here’s the catch: he only retains the memories of what has transpired in his current life.

IMDb rating: 8/10

Orange uses time travel to uncover one of the most heartfelt stories in the anime world, where going back in time is about saving a life and turning it around.

High school student Naho Takamiya receives a letter from her future self, warning her about the regrets that will stay with her if she does not change certain actions. The letter focuses on Naho’s interactions with a new transfer student, Kakeru Naruse. At some point in time, all of Naho’s friends start receiving letters from their future versions and they learn about Kakeru’s struggles with depression and the role they play in his life.

IMDb rating: 7.6/10

Future Diary

Imagine if  Death Note met Squid Game , wherein each episode brings unexpected elements and keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. Well, that’s Future Diary for you.

Yukiteru Amano, a loner student spends most of his time writing in his digital diary and conversing with an imaginary friend, Deus Ex Machina, the god of time and space. His life takes a radical turn when he discovers that his phone diary can predict the future. He soon realises he is a part of a deadly survival game orchestrated by Deus Ex Machina.

Yukitera is pitted against other individuals, each possessing their future diaries with unique abilities, in a battle royale where the last survivor will become the new god of time and space.

IMDb rating:  7.5/10

Noein: To Your Other Self

Noein: To Your Other Self is akin to an introduction to quantum physics, thanks to its scientific accuracy and mindblowing storyline. Like Steins; Gate , the anime series is also a mixture of diverse genres including slice-of-life and sci-fi.

The anime series revolves around a divided universe where the Shangri-La faction seeks to obliterate the fabric of time and space, while the Lacryma faction vehemently opposes it. The only thing that can save everyone is Dragon Torque and a team called the Dragon Knights is sent on a journey across space and time to locate the same.

Meanwhile, in the current timeline, 12-year-old Haruka and her friend Yu are considering the idea of running away from their homes when they encounter Karasu, a member of the Dragon Knights. It seems like Karasu is Yu from fifteen years ahead in the future and believes that Haruka is the Dragon Torque.

IMDb rating: 7.5/10

Thermae Romae Novae

The best type of time travel stories are wherein characters from history or ancient era travel to a futuristic timeline and Thermae Romae Novae ticks off all the boxes.

A renowned architect from ancient Rome, Lucius Modestus faces challenges in generating fresh ideas and is now searching for a new job. As his spirits dampen and his personality becomes gloomy, his friends attempt to help him relax by taking him to a bustling bathhouse. However, amidst the noisy and crowded atmosphere, the architect struggles to unwind.

In an attempt to escape, he submerges his head in the water and to his surprise, discovers a hidden tunnel that transports him to a contemporary Japanese bathhouse. This unexpected journey provides him with the inspiration he has been seeking to create something new and innovative.

IMDb rating: 7/10

Occult Academy

Magic meets time travel in this show where heroes travel back in time to save the pre-apocalyptic world.

Maya is the daughter of the former Headmaster of Waldstein Academy and lives in a world invaded by aliens in 2012. To prevent an apocalypse, time travellers like Fumiaki are sent back to 1999 with the mission of destroying the Nostradamus Key. Maya returns to the academy as headmaster, intending to destroy it in 1999. However, her plans go awry when she crosses paths with Fumiaki and learns about the impending destruction.

Together, they set on a quest to locate the key.

IMDb rating: 6.6/10

Hero and feature image: Courtesy IMDb

This story first appeared here .

Also read: Animes recommended by BTS members that are perfect for a binge-watch session

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– Which is the best time travel anime series? Steins; Gate, Orange, Link Click, Re: Zero and Future Diary are some of the best time travel anime series.

– Which is the highest-rated time travel anime series? Steins; Gate is the highest-rated time travel series with an IMDb rating of 8.8/10.

Sanika Achrekar

Sanika lives for fashion and skincare. She enjoys writing about style, beauty, and lifestyle. She worked as a fashion writer for Man's World India magazine. When not writing about designers and trends, she likes to shop, travel, try new Sushi restaurants, practise pilates and rewatch her comfort shows.

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Vote for your favorite gas station for food!

USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

Gas stations, convenience stores, and truck stops are more than just a place to grab a quick bite when you're on the go. They're serving up delicious food and snacks that make them destinations in and of themselves, from fried chicken and pizza to organic salads and veggie burritos. USA TODAY 10Best editors have teamed up with a panel of seasoned road warriors to highlight their 20 favorite gas station stops for food across the U.S., and we need your help to crown the best of the best. Which gas station is your go-to when you're hungry? Vote once per day until voting ends on Monday, May 6 at noon ET. We'll announce the 10 winners on Wednesday, May 15.  Read the official Readers' Choice rules .

Gas stations, convenience stores, and truck stops are more than just a place to grab a quick bite when you're on the go. They're serving up delicious food and snacks that make them destinations in and of themselves, from...   Read More

Best Gas Station for Food Nominees

Photo courtesy of 7-Eleven, Inc.

Known by many for their Big Gulp and Slurpee beverages, 7-Eleven is a classic convenience store with many locations doubling as gas stations. They offer a variety of candy bars and snack foods, in addition to quick dishes like pizza, taquitos, and burgers, including a black bean veggie burger. Repeat visitors also enjoy their popular rewards program.

Photo courtesy of Buc-ee's

Buc-ee's is known for their nut confections (like butter toffee pecans), barbecue, jerky, and a large menu of comfort foods. The country stores also serve fudge, banana pudding, and trail mixes.

Photo courtesy of Casey's

Casey’s stores are popular for their pizza, in addition to sandwiches, wings, and breakfast items. They also have pre-packaged foods like ice cream, candy bars, potato chips, and protein bars. 

Photo courtesy of bojanstory // Getty Images

Cumberland Farms

Cumberland Farms is a regional chain with locations primarily in New York, Florida, and the New England area. Nicknamed Cumby’s, the stores serve breakfast foods, pizza, and sandwiches, in addition to offering a selection of packaged snacks. They're also known for their fantastic customizable coffee drinks.

Photo courtesy of gilaxia // Getty Images

Dodge's Southern Style

Dodge's Southern Style is a convenience store and restaurant chain that serves Southern-style fast foods like biscuits and fried pies, but they're known for their fried chicken. They also offer beverages like fountain sodas, frozen drinks, and a wide variety of flavored coffees. You can find their locations across nine Southern states.

Photo courtesy of Kum & Go

Kum & Go

Kum & Go is a Midwestern chain with hundreds of locations across 12 states. The stores provide a wide variety of pizzas, burritos, and grab-and-go items at any time of day, while beverages on offer include coffees, sodas, frozen treats, and energy drinks.

Photo courtesy of Kwik Trip

Kwik Trip is known for its bakery which serves bread, muffins, cookies, bagels, and doughnuts. In fact, it bakes approximately 24,000 glazed treats in just one hour. The convenience store also offers burritos, pizza, salads, soups, and fried chicken.

Photo courtesy of Maverik — Adventure's First Stop

Maverik is a chain with hundreds of stores in Western states, known for its adventure-themed murals and logo. BonFire Foods, an eatery within the store that makes fresh food every day, offers items like pizzas, wraps, salads, sandwiches, and burritos.

Photo courtesy of Parker's

Parker's, also known as Parker's Kitchen, serves a wide variety of freshly made hot and cold foods, including breakfast items, sandwiches, and their popular fried chicken and sides. They also offer snacks, like chips, popcorn, candy bars, packaged cakes, and other sweets. Fountain drinks served with Parker's popular chewy ice are a favorite.

Photo courtesy of QuickChek

With a food counter serving soups, salads, sandwiches, wraps, and seasonal dishes, as well as a bakery that sells a variety of baked goods, such as their signature cookies, QuickChek aims to redefine "fresh convenience." They also have bottled and fountain beverages, and energy drink enthusiasts enjoy their Red Bull Infusions.

Photo courtesy of QuikTrip

Through their QT Kitchens counters, QuikTrip serves food that’s made fresh to order each day. The vast menu includes frozen treat concoctions, specialty drinks, breakfast biscuits, macaroni and cheese, sandwiches, pizza, and tacos, among other yummy fare.

Photo courtesy of Royal Farms

Royal Farms

Royal Farms offers a breakfast menu that’s available any time of the day or night. That's in addition to other hot food menu items, including sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, and their popular fried chicken. The stores also sell a wide variety of packaged snacks along with fountain and bottled beverages. Some locations even feature a Blending Bar, where you can craft a milkshake.

Photo courtesy of Rutter's

Rutter's 24-hour shops have a food service counter that’s also open all hours and serves a variety of items, from seafood and burgers to pizza and subs. They also have a full breakfast menu and a children’s menu that includes grilled cheese sandwiches and a hot macaroni and cheese dish.

Photo courtesy of Sheetz

Sheetz offers a consistent and affordable menu of fresh made-to-order items with plenty of options, including sandwiches, burgers, pizza, salads, and breakfast items. Travelers also enjoy a multitude of beverages like hot coffee drinks, cold brews, and milkshakes.

Photo courtesy of Savannah Bockus

With stores across South Carolina, Spinx is known for its cost-saving Spinx Xtras offers. It serves traditional gas station snack foods like packaged snacks, bottled beverages, and fountain sodas, in addition to a menu of fresh breakfast foods, fried chicken, sides, sandwiches, and wraps.

Photo courtesy of TravelCenters of America

TravelCenters of America

TravelCenters of America is a chain of full-service truck stops and travel centers, with stores that serve homestyle food in their full-service restaurants. Additionally, they offer a number of fast food restaurants across their many locations, from Popeyes to Taco Bell, grab-and-go options, packaged snacks, and groceries.

Photo courtesy of Tran Van Quyet / iStock / Getty Images Plus

At TRIO, you can start your day with a freshly baked cinnamon roll, breakfast sandwich, or breakfast burrito coupled with your favorite coffee or latte. For lunch or dinner, pick up one of the right-from-the-oven pizzas or grab one to bake at home. 

Photo courtesy of Brothers91 / E+ Getty Images

At UDF, you'll find quite a selection of eats, from fresh-baked doughnuts to grilled hot dogs to tasty treats like classic chocolate malts and hand-dipped ice cream. You also can stock up on must-have grocery items like milk and bread. 

Photo courtesy of SbytovaMN // Getty Images

Wawa offers traditional gas station food and beverages, but it's beloved for its wide variety of hot foods. That includes breakfast items, hoagies, burgers, pizzas, soups, and salads, among many other dishes. Their kids meals are popular for families on road trips. 

Photo courtesy of Weigel's

Weigel's has dozens of locations in the East Tennessee region, each serving up sweets from the bakery such as doughnuts, cookies, and muffins. They also serve hot foods like pizzas, sandwiches, fried chicken, and breakfast foods.

About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best .

The Experts

Chez chesak.

‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor...   Read More

‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, an adventure travel writer, board member of the Society of American Travel Writers and 22-year veteran of the outdoor and travel industries. While he’s lived all over the U.S. and traveled to more than 30 countries, he has the most fun when he’s exploring with his wife Sally and two daughters. An avid outdoors person, he’s happiest on a trail, on skis, or nestled into a sleeping bag. Learn more about him and his work at www.chezconnects.com .  

Jacky Runice

Born in Bucktown when bulletproof was a home...   Read More

Born in Bucktown when bulletproof was a home safety choice and not a coffee order, Jacky Runice has been knocking around Chicago as a professional print, online and broadcast journalist and editor specializing in separating the riff from the raff in culture, entertainment, food, travel and pure unadulterated fun. Jacky is a member of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA). In her best Chicagoese, Jacky asks, "Who has the time or money to blow on hotels, attractions, restaurants, exhibits and activities that blow?"

Jenny Peters

Jenny Peters – aka Jet Set Jen – is a Los...   Read More

Jenny Peters – aka Jet Set Jen – is a Los Angeles-based freelance journalist, editor and party columnist specializing in travel, entertainment, film, food, wine, fashion and the other good things in life. She is a founding/voting member of the Critics Choice Association, who present the Critics’ Choice Awards every January. Her favorite places to be are on the beach in Southern California playing volleyball, scuba diving with the sharks in warm tropical waters or strolling the streets and soaking in the atmosphere of one of the world's great cities (New Orleans and Florence are her favorites).

Melanie Reffes

Melanie is an island girl at heart . Born in...   Read More

Melanie is an island girl at heart . Born in Manhattan, she now lives on the sunny island of Montreal and covers  the Caribbean for a variety of publications  including  USA TODAY 10Best, CaribbeanTravel.com and MarryCaribbean.com.  A journalist with a boatload of writer awards under her belt, Melanie's affection for the Caribbean started  young when her family vacationed in Puerto Rico.   An avid fan of spicy food,   Melanie enjoys the diversity of Montreal - especially during the warmer months -when she's not en route to the Caribbean. She  holds a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Toronto. 

Molly O'Brien

Molly O'Brien is a Los Angeles-based freelance...   Read More

Molly O'Brien is a Los Angeles-based freelance travel journalist, who writes and edits for a variety of international travel and lifestyle outlets including Fodor’s Travel, Travel + Leisure, and Business Insider among others. She's lived on both coasts from Massachusetts to California and has so far made Greater Boston, the San Francisco Bay Area, San Luis Obispo, Barcelona, and Los Angeles her home.  Molly earned her journalism degree at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo on the Central Coast of California and since then has worked professionally in the fields of hospitality and travel PR and most recently, as a freelance travel writer and editor. Molly especially enjoys covering feature profiles about interesting people doing interesting things such as chocolate making, beekeeping, wing-walking, and interesting destinations like under-the-radar wine spots, the best brewery towns, and lesser-known ski destinations.  She also loves to write about a boutique hotel with a good story. When she's not writing, Molly enjoys spending time outdoors, exploring new coffee shops and breweries, and of course, traveling.  Her favorite city in the world (so far) is Barcelona, Spain, but she loves traveling anywhere that offers sunny weather and ample hiking opportunities. She loves spending time in the mountains, enjoys connecting with nature through camping and glamping adventures, and is always up for learning about the world through fun, immersive experiences (and then sharing those stories!).  You can connect with Molly here:  Instagram: @metropolitanmolly Twitter: @Molly_A_OBrien Facebook: @MetropolitanMolly LinkedIn: @mollyannobrien www.metropolitanmolly.com

Olivia Christine Perez

Olivia Christine Perez is an outdoor + travel...   Read More

Olivia Christine Perez is an outdoor + travel wellness expert, author, and the creator of  O. Christine : a travel and wellness platform inspiring thousands of people to travel more and get outdoors for their wellness. Living with an autoimmune disease herself, Olivia helps people find wellness through the outdoors, self-care adventures, and mindful travel experiences. You can follow her work at  ochristine.com  and  instagram.com/ochristine.

Tamara Gane

Tamara Gane is an expert panel member for 10Best...   Read More

Tamara Gane is an expert panel member for 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. She's based in Reno/Lake Tahoe and in addition to USA Today 10Best, her work has been published in Travel & Leisure, Fodor's Travel, The Washington Post, SF Gate, Houston Chronicle, Lonely Planet, and more.

10Best Editors

USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,...   Read More

USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.