Travel Television Top 4

What to Watch to Inspire Your Next Journey

When I am not traveling, I dream and plan for my next journey.  Travel television takes me around the world in my home.  As with anything, some shows are good and some are not.  My wife claims that I will watch anything.  It is not true.  Not really.  Travel television needs to inspire, educate, and entertain me if I am going to keep watching.

These 4 travel television shows are my favorites.

Globe Trekker

Globe Trekker has aired for seemingly ever (actually since 1994).  Over the years, it has taken us all over the world.  There are a number of hosts.  The tone and energy remains the same, though.  It meets all three of my requirements.  I am inspired, educated, and entertained with each episode.  The variety is impressive, too.  One week, the host rides a public train across India.  The next, we are treated to the Impressionistic Art Trail of the Cote d’Azur in France.  Later, we experience a drive through beautiful Patagonia.  I can’t wait to see where they will transport me next.

Globe Trekker can be found on PBS.  Link

Better Late than Never

In contrast to Globe Trekker, Better Late than Never has so far only aired four episodes.  Better Late than Never meets my three travel show requirements, too.  The emphasis is on entertainment, though.  Terry Bradshaw, George Foreman, Henry Winkler, and William Shatner toured East Asia in season 1.  I laughed out loud as much with this show as with any comedy in recent memory.  These men are nuts and have a great rapport.  My interest in visiting Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Thailand has been sparked, too.  I cannot wait to see where they go for season 2

Watch for Season 2 on NBC this autumn.  Catch Season 1 on NBC.com.

Rick Steves’ Europe

Rick Steves has filmed travel shows for PBS since 1991.  While his presentation is somewhat dry, he delivers some of the best European travel advice that I have found.  He does a great job of picking out the sites and places that hold the most interest for travelers.  History and culture are worked seamlessly into his presentation.  His travel guides complement the series.  I find them very useful and have taken them with me on my European travels.

Rick Steves’ Europe can also be found on PBS.  Link

Travels with Michael Palin

Michael Palin is our family’s favorite member of the British comedy group Monty Python.  When we visited the United Kingdom, we were surprised to find that there, he is better known for his travel series.  We had to check them out.

Between 1989 and 2012, Mr. Palin filmed several travel documentaries for the BBC.  He quickly caught the travel bug.  In the book, “Monty Python Speaks,” fellow Monty Python member John Cleese said, “I suppose if the world were not round, he would never return home.”

From “Around the World in 80 Days” to “Brazil,” and in all eight of his travel series, his enthusiasm is palpable and contagious.  While much is now outdated, the entertainment and educational value are still superb.   In “Pole to Pole,” he was in current day Belarus when the Soviet Union dissolved.  What timing!

His amiable demeanor and his zeal for travel make this one of my favorite travel television shows.  Unfortunately, I do not know where you can find his travel series on television.  You can purchase them, though, as we have done.  Palin’s Travels

With these four travel television shows, you can get a taste of the world.  Globe Trekkers and Michael Palin have covered the entire globe.  Rick Steves has blanketed Europe and touched on the Middle East, including Iran.  Better Late Than Never has explored East Asia.  I can’t wait to see where each is going next.  Give each of these shows a look

.  Where do you want to explore?

Bonus:  The Best Michael Palin Skits

The Man who is alternately rude and polite

The Spanish Inquisition 

Dead Parrot

What are your favorite travel shows?