The best travel TV shows to watch right now

The world is still your oyster… on a TV screen

Over here at loveEXPLORING we’re all about inspiring your travels and offering advice on how to see the world, but sometimes – like now – the best thing to do is put your travels on hold and stay at home. There’s no harm in turning into an armchair traveller during this time of uncertainty and enjoying a virtual escape to tropical islands, luxurious cruise ships or stunning train journeys. These are our favourite travel TV shows to stream right now.

National Parks Adventure

Released in 2016 to mark the 100th anniversary of the US National Parks Service, this documentary explores the history and the jaw-dropping landscapes of America’s most beautiful natural assets, from Yellowstone and Yosemite to glaciers in Montana and Utah’s natural arches. Lead by artist Rachel Pohl, mountaineer Conrad Anker and photographer Max Lowe, and narrated by Robert Redford, this is a taste of the Great Outdoors delivered straight to your living room.

Available on Netflix

National Parks Adventure/Facebook

World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys

An epic six-part series, the show brings the romance of train travel to your living room. Narrated by Bill Nighy, there’s Rocky Mountaineer whizzing past lakes and rainforests on an epic journey from Vancouver to Banff in Canada, as well as incredible journeys in New Zealand, Norway and much closer to home in Wales. If a rail holiday wasn’t on your list yet, it will be after watching this.

Available on My5

READ MORE: The world's most scenic train journeys

Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown

One of the pioneers of the foodie travel genre, Anthony Bourdain and his Parts Unknown (among his other shows like No Reservations) have had a great impact on how people travel today. Filmed between 2013 and 2018, the programme encourages travellers to seek out the undiscovered, whether it’s an experience, a dish or a destination in itself. Focusing on unknown corners of well-known destinations in Europe and the US as well as shining a spotlight on troubled destinations like Myanmar and Libya the aim is always the same – find the true heart and soul of a destination.

Seasons 1-7 available on Amazon Prime Video

Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown/Facebook

Cruising with Jane McDonald

The queen of cruising, Jane McDonald and her shows are the go-to for any cruising fan. Raging from river cruises on the Mississippi or the Mekong to cruise classics like the Mediterranean Riviera or the Caribbean, the episodes focus on both popular and lesser known cruising destinations as well as give a comprehensive review of the ship featured in the episode – useful advice for when things go back to normal and you’re planning your next cruising holiday.

Available on My5

…with Simon Reeve

There’s lot to love about Simon Reeve’s take on a variety of destinations as he explores them in greater depth, often focusing on social, cultural or economic challenges the countries are facing as much as showing off the best they have to offer. From his latest trip through the Americas to journeys in the Caribbean, along sacred rivers and through the Mediterranean, the box sets and documentary specials are sure to both inspire and inform.

Available on BBC iPlayer

Simon Reeve/Facebook

Heathrow: Britain’s Busiest Airport

A six-part documentary, this series goes behind the scenes at Britain’s busiest and biggest international airport and gives access to areas normally closed off to travellers. From medical emergencies and the daily work of Border Force officers to drugs and unexpected delays, the series is a real treat for anyone who’s interested in aviation and is fascinated by airports. There’s even a mystery to solve as a wanted man goes missing on a plane…

Series 5 available on ITV Hub

Great Canal Journeys

A British TV classic, Great Canal Journeys and hosts Timothy West and Prunella Scales take viewers on fascinating trips across canals in Britain and abroad. The ‘best of’ episodes are particularly interesting, covering Scotland, North of England and plenty of global adventures in Venice, old Amsterdam and even Argentina. It’s an incredibly soothing programme with plenty of beautiful scenery and some of the world’s most beautiful sights.

Available on All 4

READ MORE: Museums and galleries you can visit from home

Lead image: SH/visitflam.com