best spain travel shows

13 Best Travel Shows on Netflix in Spain to Watch Right Now in 2023

• Last updated: 26 Jul, 2023

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Are you a travel junkie who also loves watching Travel shows? You’ll probably be looking for the best travel shows on Netflix in  Spain  to watch right now. There are many great travel shows, but picking the best ones isn’t always easy. However, this article has some of the best!

So what are travel shows? A travel show is a tv program that follows one or more hosts as they explore different travel destinations. They offer tips and information about the places they visit. Travel shows usually have a theme or focus on a particular type of travel, such as budget or luxury.

Netflix is the largest online movie and TV show streaming service, with over 220 million subscribers in over 190 countries . It has a wide variety of content, including many Netflix travel series, grouped into different regions.

For instance, you can watch Japanese Netflix in Spain  using the best VPN for Netflix in Spain . However, sadly there is no Netflix free trial because it was discontinued. Though, you can still buy a subscription and  Netflix costs in Spain as low as US$9.99 for the basic package.

Some of these shows are classic, while others are new releases that will give you a hint on what to do on your next vacation.

What Are the Best Travel Shows on Netflix in Spain in 2023?

Whether you are looking for romantic getaways or lost civilizations, there is something for everyone on this list. This article will discuss 13 of the best travel shows on Netflix in Spain for anyone who loves to travel. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to travel the world from your living room.

Here are the best travel series on Netflix for you to binge watch right now;

Magical Andes (2019 – )

Genre: Documentary

Director: Luis Ara, Alexandra Hardor

Writer: Luis Ara, Alexandra Hardorf

Cast: Sascha Rotermund

IMDb Rating: 7.8/10

Magical Andes is a 2019 6-part documentary that showcases the landscape and people living in Andes mountain in Southern America.

It features countries including Chile, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Colombia. It is one of the best documentaries on Netflix in Spain .

The show is directed by Luis Ara and Alexandra Hardorf and features many interviews with locals as they go about their everyday lives. It has beautiful cinematography that captures the stunning scenery and will make you want to book a trip to see it for yourself.

Restaurants On The Edge (2019 – )

Genre: Reality TV

Director: Martin Buzora, Justin Harding, Rob Brunner

Writer: Courtney Hazlett

Cast: Elias, Nick Liberato, Karin Bohn, Micah Kamohoalii, Dennis Prescott

IMDb Rating: 6.8/10

Restaurants On The Edge is a 2019 Canadian reality TV show that follows three professional chefs as they travel to remote locations to help struggling restaurants.

They do this by connecting the restaurants with the local culture behind some gorgeous views. It involves a lot of cooking and drama as the chef’s butt heads with each other.

The show is in its second season and has started gaining a lot of popularity. It is a great show for anyone who loves food and travel.

Street Food Collection (2019 – )

Director: Various

Writer: David Gelb, Brian McGinn

Cast: Philip Hersh, Chawadee Nualkhair, Caitlyn Elizabeth

IMDb Rating: 7.0/10

Street Food is a 2019 collection of 9 documentary-style short Netflix travel series from around the world that focus on popular street food and the vendors who make it.

It features vendors from countries such as Thailand, Taiwan, India, Japan, South Korea, and Indonesia. The show is directed by various directors and features many interviews with vendors and locals.

It has beautiful cinematography that captures street food’s vibrant colors and flavors. It is one of the best travel shows on Netflix for foodies in Spain who want to learn about global cuisine.

Street Food: USA (2022)

Director: Daniel Milder, Suzy Beck, Tamara Rosenfeld

Cast: Bill Esparza, J.J. Johnson, Lanai Tabura, Carlos Frias, Karen Brooks

IMDb Rating: 6.9/10

Street Food: USA is among the Netflix travel documentaries 2023 exploring the street food scene in America. It will be directed by Daniel Milder and Suzy Beck and will feature interviews with some of the country’s most popular street food vendors.

The series will also explore the history and culture of street food and how it has evolved over time.

It is one of the best travel shows on Netflix because it will show you a side of America that you may not have known existed. Street Food: USA is among the new travel shows on Netflix you can watch right now.

Accomplice (2021)

Director: Jeremy Grant

Writer: Jeremy Grant

Cast: Graham Agassiz, Garett Buehler , Paul Basagoitia, Jason Hanold, Paul Genovese

IMDb Rating: 7.2/10

Another one in the list of the best travel shows on Netflix library, Accomplice (2021) is a traveling documentary featuring the world’s top riders as they explore some of the most iconic and challenging terrains.

The film follows their journey as they attempt to ride lines that have never been ridden. Accomplice is among the best Netflix travel shows.

It is directed by Jeremy Grant and features stunning cinematography that will leave you in awe. The film is sure to inspire anyone who loves adventure and travel.

Instant Hotel (2017 – )

Genre: Reality-TV

Director: N/A

Writer: N/A

Cast: Juliet Ashworth, Terry Brouwers, Luke Jacobz, Serena Dc, Anita Bocquee

IMDb Rating: 7.3/10

Instant Hotel is an Australian reality TV show aired on Seven Network in 2017. The show follows couples who own and operate hotels around Australia as they compete to be crowned the best Instant Hotel.

The show is hosted by Luke Jacobz and features a panel of judges who visit each hotel and rate them on various criteria.

The show is a great way to see some of Australia’s most unique hotels and get an insight into running a successful business. Don’t miss this if you are in search of the best travel shows on Netflix.

Stay Here (2018 – )

Cast: Genevieve Gorder, Michelle Young, Peter Lorimer

IMDb Rating: 7.5/10

Stay Here is one of the travel programs on Netflix you can watch in 2023. The show follows interior designer Genevieve Gorder and real estate expert Peter Lorimer as they help homeowners turn their rental properties into money-making vacation rentals.

The show is full of tips and tricks on making your rental stand out and attract guests, as well as advice on what to do and what not to do to be a successful vacation rental owner.

If you’re thinking of renting out your home or are just interested in learning more about the money making business, check out the best business shows on Netflix in Spain  to get inspiration.

Somebody Feed Phil (2018)

Director: John Bedolis

Writer: John Bedolis, Rich Rosenthal, Phil Rosenthal

Cast: Philip Rosenthal, Judy Gold, Monica Horan, Julia Reed, Lily Rosenthal

IMDb Rating: 8.2/10

Somebody Feed Phil is among the food travel shows on Netflix hosted by comedian Philip Rosenthal. In each episode, Rosenthal goes to a different city and explores the local food scene with the help of a guide.

He also visits various landmarks and attractions and interviews locals to get their insights into the city.

The show is shot in a light-hearted and comedic style, making it an enjoyable watch for all. It is one of the best TV shows on Netflix for foodies and travel lovers.

Tales by Light (2015 – )

Director: Abraham Joffe

Writer: Abraham Joffe

Cast: Art Wolfe, Jonathan Scott, Angela Scott, Stephen Dupont, Eric Cheng, Eric Cheng

IMDb Rating: 8.3/10

Tales by Light is a documentary series that follows photographers worldwide as they capture stories through their lenses.

Each episode features a different photographer with a unique style and takes viewers on a visual journey to some of the most remote and beautiful locations on earth.

The show is narrated by Australian actor Joel Edgerton and features stunning photography and incredible stories. This is one of the best shows if you’re interested in photography or travel and adventure.

Dark Tourist (2018)

Director: David Farrier, Dylan Reeve

Writer: David Farrier, Dylan Reeve

Cast: David Farrier, Scott Michaels, Christian Wolf

Dark Tourist is a 2018 documentary series that explores some of the world’s most unusual tourist destinations.

From a nuclear disaster site in Japan to a voodoo festival in Haiti, the show looks at the dark side of tourism and what draws people to these places.

The series is directed by David Farrier and Dylan Reeve and features interviews with locals, tourists, and experts on the subject. It’s an exciting look at the phenomenon of “dark tourism” and why some people are drawn to these places. It is one of the best shows on Netflix in Spain .

The above are some of the best travel shows on Netflix in Spain you can watch right now. As you can see from the list, there is a little something for everyone when it comes to travel shows.

Whether you are looking for something to make you laugh, or something to inspire your next trip, there is definitely a show on this list that will do the trick.

The good thing is that you can stream all these Netflix travel documentaries 2023 in the comfort of your home, on Netflix. So what are you waiting for? Start watching one of these shows today and get inspired for your next great adventure.

You can get American Netflix in Spain  to enjoy all the titles. Ensure that you have a reliable internet connection so you can enjoy your travel shows to the fullest.

Joshua calls himself nerd+geek who is also passionate about rugby. He enjoys comics, animes, and science fiction. He finds his comfort in writing about suspense, thrillers and science fiction shows and movies.

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Watch These Spain Documentaries During Confinement

Great documentaries on spain to prepare your next trip​.

Now that everyone is in lockdown and people can’t travel, it’s a great time to… lay on the sofa and watch TV! I’m sure that’s no news, unfortunately, right?

Anyway let me give you some suggestions to do something different from watching Netflix episode after episode. What about dreaming about your next trip to Spain? 

Today we’ve selected for you our favorite Spain documentaries, all easily accessible and super cheap from Amazon Prime. Enjoy!

These are our favorite documentaries about Spain:

The gaudi code.

Dive into the amazing math and geometry created by the architecture master Antoni Gaudi for the construction of the most amazing building ever: the Sagrada Familia Church .

Unlike this other 10-minute documentary shot in 2007, The Gaudi Code was released after the interior of the church was finished – what means the images are quite up to date.

Although take into account that it’s a building still under construction and scheduled to be completed by 2026 – to celebrate the 100 anniversary of Antoni Gaudi’s death. So any documentary about it gets dated as the 10 still missing tours get higher and higher…

Rick Steves Episodes on Spain

Rick Steves is the world’s travel guru. His guidebooks are a must-read for anyone planning to travel. And he has a wonderful TV series about travel in Europe. On 2004, season 3 took you to Madrid on their 1st episode, Toledo and Salamanca in their 2nd episode and Sevilla on their last show (13th episode).

Season 5 heads to Barcelona and Catalunya (episode 3), and Season 6 focusses on the South Spain with episode 4 about Granada, Cordoba and Costa del Sol , and episode 5 on more Andalucia (with added Gibraltar and Tangier), then episode 10 is about Northern Spain and the Camino de Santiago , and finally episode 11 shows you around the Basque Country .

BTW, I also found he has a special about Southern Spain .

Spanish food documentaries

If you are a foodie, you won’t lack of options either. Start with episodes 6 and 7 of The Everyday Gourmet , on paella, tapas and sherry. Continue with episode 8 of chef Anthony Bourdains about food in the Basque Country, then French actor and foodie Gerard Depardieu’s tour of Europe that stops in Catalonia (episode 6) and the Basque Country (episode 3).

For some more excitement, try Bizarre Foods , that after a general episode 2 about Spain on their first season, takes you visiting Madrid on episode 5 of season 6 , and again on episode 8 of season 9 , then follows the Camino de Santiago on episode 5 of their last season.

Finally, for some good laughs, check out comedian  Zane Lamprey trip to discover the Barcelona spirits (episode 10, season 3).

Aerial Spain

Do you love documentaries that show you landscapes from a bird eye’s view? If you already have Prime, you’ll get free access to this series of 3 chapters flying over the Spanish coasts, inland and famous cities.

It’s too bad you can only access it if you have Prime, the good news is that they give you 30 days trial for free . So as long as you remember to cancel it some days earlier, you are good to go… and will have access to much more content!

The History of Spain: Land on a crossroad

For all of you, history lovers, this is the series you need. 24 half-hour episodes (that can be purchased independently) covering all the aspects of the Spanish history. Get to learn about the Prehistorical times, the Roman Empire (did you know Tarraco, now Tarragona near Barcelona , was once home to several Roman emperors?), the Middle Ages, Christopher Columbus trips, Jewish, Moor and Gipsy communities, the different dinasties that ruled the Kingdom… all the way to the industrial revolution, the Spanish Civil war and the come-back of democracy.

Enough time to learn the language?

Learning Spanish

Being able to communicate, understanding and getting understood makes a whole difference when visiting a country. Locals will be nicer to you if they see you make the effort to communicate in the local tongue rather than expecting to be addressed in your own “foreign” language.

And while being fluent can take years, getting the basics is just a matter of spending some time on it. This 30-episode Spanish course will get you through the basics of grammar and give you key vocabulary that will be undoubtedly helpful when you are abroad visiting not just Spain but also most Central and South American countries (well, and Florida too now that I think about it…)

What documentaries about Spain will you watch first?

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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

Part Travel, Part Misadventures, Part Documentary

Inspiration & Tips

Travel inspiration, tips and plans all in one place: from conquering high mountain peaks, or even cycling through remote places.

26 Best Underrated Travel Shows & Documentaries On Netflix

The world is opening up and there’s nothing better to do than to revisit some Netflix travel shows and binge!

Shows on Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu and YouTube inspire us to dream a little longer and be knee-deep in narratives to remind us that is a world out there waiting to be explored.

For those who long for learning via documentaries series or prefer a travel show, Netflix has some of the best content to keep us going from food to travel and nature.

Here are the 26 best and most underrated travel shows and documentaries on Netflix.

Best Travel Shows and Documentaries on Netflix

1. the dawn wall.

I have read Tommy Caldwell’s The Push and for this reasons the Dawn Wall is such a gripping tale as they take on a staggering challenge of free-climbing Yosemite’s most formidable rock formation. The documentary even highlights Tommy’s story of being taken hostage by rebels in Kyrgyzstan. This film spoke to me in many ways as I spent one month in Kyrgyzstan and it was frightening to know what had happened to them in 2,000 and how they came out of it stronger.

The movie goes beyond pure climbing action, paints intimate portraits of Caldwell and Jorgeson, and celebrates the universal spirit of dreaming big, and never giving up.

2. Pedal The World

As someone who accidentally fell in love with bicycle touring (the idea of using your bicycle to travel the world), this documentary of a young millennial German, Felix Starck who pedaled across 22 countries and over 20,000 kms to find meaning in life really resonated with me.

Felix Starck’s new documentary film about his bicycle tour “around the world” is, in my opinion, a great attempt at trying to show an outsider what it’s like to pedal a bicycle thousands of kilometers through multiple countries in just a single year. He leverages on the power of social media and parental support to overcome obstacles.

When times get tough, and they most certainly will, you’ll be forced to ask yourself, “Why exactly am I doing this?” And then, this movie will show you what it takes to find the strength of jump back on your bike and keep going.

3. The Kindness Diaries

In The Kindness Diaries, Leon Logothetis  hits the road again in search of more compassion from strangers.  This is an uplifting social experiment that examines the nature of generosity and gives glimpses into the hearts of some truly selfless people. It gives one real hope in a world where too often greed is revered as a virtue and caring as a liability.

This also demonstrates why travelling puts you in a situation where you’re more likely to receive care and kindness compared to violence as you travel to the deep ends of the world.

4. Magical Andes

From Argentina to Colombia, this stunning documentary follows five characters who share their deep connection to South America's majestic mountains.

The series gives you a real overview of the people who live in these remote communities and under the shadow of the Peruvian mountains. If you have always been enamoured by the mountains in this part of the world, this a great introduction to nature and fragility of life.

5. Jack Whitehall: Travels With My Father

The show follows the Brit comedian as he finishes the gap year he began in 2009 and had to cut short. Only this time, his travel companion is his unadventurous father Michael. They travel to odd locations and events in an attempt to strengthen their bond.

The two set off on a journey across South East Asia to partake in a series of adventures, mishaps and escapades with two very different perspectives. This calls for a fun, non-serious take on travels with a parent especially who is flexible but moody at times. We probably can relate to every bit that Jack goes through as he criss-crosses traffic in some of the world’s most populated countries.

6. Expedition Happiness

A filmmaker and his musician girlfriend attempt an epic road trip with their dog, travelling across North America in a refurbished school bus. Together with her boyfriend filmmaker Felix Starck and their Bernese mountain dog, she crossed Canada, travelled through Alaska and drove down the Pacific Highway all the way to the southern tip of Mexico. The couple captured their whole trip on camera and shared their experience with their many followers along the way through YouTube and social media.

7. Tales By Light

 Behind every powerful image is a powerful story. Uniting exploration, photography and the natural world, Tales By Light follows photographers from Australia and around the world as they push the limits of their craft.

Tales by Light is an insight into what it takes to capture images that tell powerful stories. I have always been moved by pictures and stories and if anything, this documentary inspires me to find that power to use my camera in a way to capture disappearing words.

8. Our Planet

 Our Planet is an eight-part series that combines the spectacular photography of Planet Earth with an unprecedented look at the planet's remaining wilderness areas and their animal inhabitants. The show is beautiful but also uncomfortable to watch — it takes a look at what’s happening to wildlife and nature. It forces viewers to acknowledge their own complicity in the decline of nature.

You will see Borneo’s jungle transforming into oil-palm monocultures in a time-lapse shot that is almost painful to watch. We’re told that Louie and Eden’s generation could be the last for wild orangutans.

9. Chasing Coral

Coral reefs around the world are vanishing at an unprecedented rate. Divers, photographers and scientists set out on an ocean adventure to discover why the reefs are disappearing and to reveal the underwater mystery to the world in “Chasing Coral”

What was great about this show was that they showed how a jaded man who was formerly an advertising specialist and how he quit to become a diver and produce this documentary! Shows that if you have the wisdom to pursue meaningful adventures, anything can happen to ensure you’re putting your message out there.

10. Jago: A Life Underwater

In an award-winning documentary about Rohani, an 80-year-old hunter who dives on a single breath descending to great depths for several minutes. Set against the spectacular backdrop of the Togian Islands of Indonesia.

He is a Bajau hunter who lives in a stilted bamboo hut in Sulawesi. The events of his life are voiced entirely by the yoda-like Rohani and recreated with existing Bajau people from local communities

“When I sleep at sea,” he says, “I dream only of an underwater world.” It is a beautifully shot tale of a mans life struggle amongst adversity combined with stunning cinematography.

11. Untamed Romania

Untamed Romania is a feature-length film celebrating Romania's astounding natural beauty and sheer diversity of wild animals. Narrated by the charismatic Victor Rebengiuc, the film is the product of almost a year of travelling the country and observing its wildlife, from the peaks of Făgăraș mountains to the Danube Delta. It is basically a diary of a year and how the seasons, and the passing of seasons, affects the fauna of the respective area.

12. Dark Tourist

There is a subset of tourism, however, that involves visiting places that are historically associated with death and tragedy. Journalist David Farrier focuses on that area of travel, known as dark tourism, in this docuseries. In each episode, Farrier travels to a different locale to visit destinations and have experiences that wouldn't be on most vacationers' bucket lists.

He embeds himself in a death-worshipping cult in Mexico, sees tourists soaking up radiation left behind in Fukushima, meets vampires in New Orleans, and travels to the most-nuked place on Earth for atomic swimming and fishing.

With the rise of this documentary and number of museums that highlight the length and breadth of human suffering in different ways, Dark Tourism has become a popular term and a tourist attraction and for that reason it is worth a watch.

13. Seven Years In Tibet

Heinrich Harrer, an Austrian climber, breaks out of prison and travels to the holy city of Lhasa. He is employed as an instructor to the 14th Dalai Lama and soon becomes his close confidante.

If you are intrigued about many aspects of Tibetan culture or the Himalayas, this would be a good movie to binge on. There’s tales of adventure, the mountains and philosophy embedded throughout the movie. The movie gives a good feel of the tension in the area during this time period between the Chinese and Tibetans, and the chaos that broke out when the Chinese came to Tibet to gain power over the region. 

14. The Trader

“One man’s french fry is another man’s treasure.”  The film follows Gela, a traveling merchant, as he searches for potatoes in Georgia’s small towns. He trades clothes and household items for whatever potatoes he can get in return. He does this because he has to: Money is often useless in rural Georgia, but potatoes are life-sustaining currency.

Having travelled to Georgia and visiting parts of the rural life during Winter, I know how hard it is for Georgians to survive in the cold where all they have are a few items to trade and live-by. This film showcases the harsh reality of Georgians in a post-Soviet life.

15. Julie & Julia

In this heartwarming tale, Julie Powell decides to spice up her uneventful life by cooking all 524 recipes outlined in Julia’s classic cookbooks. Julie is a young blogger who is determined to emulate Julia Child's cooking techniques. Though separated by time, the two women share a common passion for food that intertwines their lives.

If you love France and all things French cooking, this is a sweet story of the two who lead different lives and their passion for food and cooking.

16. Street Food

 From the creators of Chef's Table, comes a new mouth-watering documentary series that celebrates the local heroes of street food in Thailand, India, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, and Vietnam.

It will make you hungry for more as you imagine yourself travelling through all these countries savouring the best Asian delights.

17. Ugly Delicious

James Beard Award-winning chef David Chang stars in this travelogue that sends him on a journey to culinary hot spots around the world. He is joined by writers, activists, artists and other chefs who use food as a vehicle to break down cultural barriers and tackle misconceptions.

Chang and his guests -- a list that includes the likes of TV host Jimmy Kimmel, comic Nick Kroll and writer Peter Meehan -- venture out of polished kitchens into the wider world to explore locales including Mexico City , Houston, Tokyo and Copenhagen.

18. Salt Fat Acid Heat

Based on Samin Nosrat’s best-selling book, Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat is the essential guide to the basic elements of good cooking.

Across the four part experience, the spirited guide Samin travels to home kitchens of Italy, the southern islands of Japan, the heat of the Yucatán and back to Berkeley's Chez Panisse—where she started her culinary career—to demystify and explore the central principles of what makes food delicious and how each of us can easily incorporate those elements into every dish.

“At some point, I realized food was a tool for bringing people together, for telling stories about people, for telling stories about culture,” she said. “And that’s what I really care about. So it’s only natural that they would go together.”

19. My Octopus Teacher

 I just watched a documentary on My Octopus Teacher and it is the kind of story that each one of us will be longing for it now. It is about a South African filmmaker who’s adrift in life and looking for a way to reconnect with nature. He grew up spending a lot of time in the ocean, so he decides to start swimming in the cold waters off the coast of South Africa.

It’s a feel good movie about our connection with nature, about the ecosystem of the kelp forest, the intelligence of the octopus, and a man’s deeply meaningful relationship with a wild creature that we know so little about.

20. David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet 

You got to wonder why David is making these documentaries at 94 years old, maybe as a fair warning about saving humanity and the ecosystems around us. This is a great travel and eye-opening documentary banked on Sir David Attenborough's memories of 94 years on this planet, with profound reflections on the wilderness and the absolute urgency to save humankind from an impending climate-change disaster.

Tracing some of the most important moments of his career  - from making contact with a remote New Guinea tribe living in a completely sustainable fashion to his famous encounter with Silverback gorillas - the film carefully threads between the themes of despair and hope.

21. Joanna Lumley Silk Road Adventure

Silk road adventures have always enthralled me and its great Netflix has decided to showcase Joanna’s Lumley 7,000 mile journey. This epic four-part series is Joanna Lumley's grandest and most challenging journey yet, a breath-taking odyssey from Venice to the Chinese border along the veins of the ancient Silk Road. She covers Venice, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Iran and Central Asia.

Having travelled and backpacked in Iran overland and Central Asia , this journey brought back tons of memories!

A perilous network of paths, the Silk Road shaped the modern world, bringing silk, printing, spices, gunpowder, and many other things, to the West. Joanna's adventure will see her travel through a breath-taking array of fabulous landscapes as she crosses continents, deserts, mountains and steppe, boldly following in the footsteps of the merchants, conquerors, kings and pilgrims who once lived and died along this route.

22. Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara

Slightly unconventional from the list of travel shows, but this is one Hindi/Bollywood film that has a universal storyline that may be catered to an international audience. Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara  is a perfect salute to friendship. It is a journey of three friends who go on a road trip through Spain instead of throwing a traditional bachelor party and the lifelong lessons they learn about work, life and love.

If you miss the scenes of Spain and want to watch a feel-good show that reminds you of the time you took a road trip with your friends then this is probably the film for you!

23. Accomplice

If you’re like me who loves cycling and are obsessed with cycling routes or people’s journey of a two-wheeler, you’ll love Accomplice. In this documentary, traverse the globe with the world's top riders as they pedal through rugged terrain and majestic locations in this visual homage to the bicycle.

24. High On The Hog: A Culinary Journey From Africa To America

Netflix has just released a new docuseries exploring African American soul food. Based on the book, High on the Hog is the culmination of years of her work is the most engaging history of African American cuisine.

The culinary journey traces the arts of cultivating, harvesting, processing, cooking, and serving food that enslaved Africans brought to American shores, along with foods such as watermelon, okra, and blackeyed peas.

If you love both history and food, this is so vibrantly documented as they travel to places and unveil the delicious and restorative foods of the African American experience.

 This Icelandic series in a eight part episode, Katla, follows the events and journey of the subglacial volcano Katla which began erupting constantly a year ago.

The scenes shot in Iceland are breathtakingly beautiful and makes you wonder about the dark landscapes of Iceland and how the mysterious elements take shape, deeply frozen in the glacier from prehistoric times. Perhaps after watching this you might want to catch your next flight to Iceland and see the largest volcano Katla situated to the north of Vik.

26. Biking Borders

For those who love the adventure of a two-wheeler or slow travelling and visiting offbeat countries, Biking Borders is a real treat to watch! Two young friends set off on a 15,000 km bicycle tour around the world for a unique fund-raising campaign - barely knowing what to expect, but with the dream of building a school in Guatemala.

It is a great way to switch off and do some armchair travelling if you’ve not seen the Balkans, Central Asia and other countries that are almost forgotten!

Also Read: Best Travel Vloggers & YouTubers That Are Uniquely Different

Have you watched any of these Netflix travel documentary or show? I would love to hear from you in the comments below on which ones you’re skipping or streaming.

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José Andrés Will Take You on a Tour of Spain in New Travel Series

The chef and humanitarian is returning to television — and he's bringing his entire family with him.

Courtesy of Discovery+

José Andrés is heading out for an adventure through his homeland with his daughters, and he’s inviting you to come watch. 

On Thursday, Discovery+ announced the premiere date for the upcoming documentary series “José Andrés and Family in Spain.” The series, which debuts on December 27, will follow the celebrated chef and humanitarian as he travels through Spain on a gastronomic adventure with his three American-raised daughters, Carlota, Inés, and Lucia Andrés. 

“Come with me and my family on an amazing journey across Spain where we will eat our way through every region and see what makes Spanish food the best in the world,” Andrés shared in a statement provided to Food & Wine . 

RELATED : José Andrés Isn't Slowing Down

Viewers can expect plenty of fun, a few food-filled lessons, and plenty of heart along the way. For example, in the city of Barcelona, close to where Andrés’ career began at the famed el Bulli, he proudly shares with his daughters some of the best, most creative cuisine in the world. 

In Madrid, viewers can follow the family as they soak up delicious classic dishes like slow-cooked lamb, churros, and local sweets originally baked for the monarchy. 

The show continues with the family’s travel through Andalusia, where they indulge in coveted Bluefin tuna fresh from the sea, and on to Valencia, where they immerse themselves in the secrets of making the perfect paella. 

RELATED : How to Find the Best Wines from Spain

In addition to learning about local delicacies, viewers can also travel vicariously through the family’s outdoor adventures, including paragliding across the volcanic landscape of Lanzarote in the Canary Islands and milking goats to make specialty cheese in Asturias. Of course, the show will introduce viewers to plenty of local experts, celebrated chefs, and old friends of the family with each episode too. 

“My daughters have heard endless stories about the people, places, and food that shaped me as a young man, but we got the chance to go visit, meet and taste everything together,” Andrés adds. “There is no better way to learn about Spanish culture than with a fork and spoon in hand.” 

Tune in on December 27 for the premiere episode, and stay tuned for further information on the show here .

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Spanish Mama

Teaching Spanish & Spanglish Living

The Best Spanish Series on Netflix in 2023

Inside:  A guide to the top Spanish series on Netflix, organized by genres. 

As Netflix’s popularity has skyrocketed in recent years, they’ve been busy expanding their selection of Spanish-language TV shows.

And these aren’t limited to your  abuela’s   telenovelas,  either:  you can find a Netflix series for everyone . With shows set in Spain and across Latin America, you can find everything from BBC-type dramas to reality TV.

I’m a Spanish-speaking mom and teacher, but not a native speaker. I still need lots of Spanish input.  And lucky for me, improving my language skills can be as easy as  setting the audio and subtitles to Spanish , and getting into a good Spanish Netlflix series.

One more note: this list was NOT created for teachers wanting Spanish series to watch in class, with learners.   If that’s you, don’t worry! I have a whole post on  Spanish-language shows to use in class and for learners .

SPANISH SERies ON NETFLIX: WHAT TO WATCH

This list of Spanish Netflix shows is LONG! So I divided it into sections.

You can scroll the entire list, or click on the genre most interesting to you:

Contents: 1. Modern Series in Spanish 2. Period Dramas in Spanish 3. Spanish Comedies on Netflix 4. Spanish Drama/Mystery/Thrillers 5. Action TV Series in Spanish 6. Biographical Shows in Spanish 7. Musical Spanish Shows 8. Reality/Documentary Spanish Shows

Ready? Let’s get started.

Modern Spanish SEries on Netflix

These TV shows were created since 2015 and are set in the present. They reflect current themes and life now, and have that “modern Netflix| feel.

1. La Casa de Papel (Money Heist)

The massively popular show Money  Heist , as it’s known in English,  is now the #1 Original Foreign Show on Netflix . A group of burglars joins together to pull off the most daring robbery in the history of Spain, guided by a mastermind called “The Professor.” The original plan was to pull of the perfect crime: an infiltration of the Royal Mint of Spain, that would leave them rich and leave no victims. As plans go awry, relationships and loyalty are tested in this psychological thriller.

Set in Spain. Watch if you liked Breaking Bad, Ocean’s Eleven, or Inception.  (2017-)

2. Club de Cuervos (Club of Crows)

A dysfunctional brother-sister siblings combo are left in charge of a soccer team in this dramady, and a power struggle ensues.  Club de Cuervos  is one of the few Spanish-language TV series that taps into more ironic and dry modern humor. Irreverent, but also complex, funny, and memorable. (This was one of those shows I initially wrote off, then totally got into. The first episode is fairly explicit but gets a tamer as the series goes on.)

Set in Mexico. Watch if you’d like a combo of Orange is the New Black, La Casa de las Flores, and a touch of House of Cards.  (2015-2019)

Ana María left her family’s billion-dollar tequila empire in Mexico years ago, along with the violence and compromise involved with it. When her aging father unexpectedly calls to say he wants to leave the family business in her hands, she must decide to stay in the US or re-enter her old life– to either fight against the corruption or be sucked into it herself.

Set in Mexico. Watch if you liked Ingobernable, La Reina del Sur, The Good Wife, or Breaking Bad.   (2019-)

4. Ingobernable

Starring the iconic Kate del Castillo as the first lady of Mexico,  Ingobernable  begins as her world is turned upside down and she finds herself running for her life. Accused of assassinating her husband, she must find her way outside her life of wealth and power, prove her innocence, and untangle the web of corruption gripping the Mexican presidency.

Set in Mexico. Watch if you liked House of Cards, The Good Wife, Narcos or Breaking Bad.  (2017- )

5. La Casa de las Flores (The House of Flowers)

La Casa de Flores is an interesting mix of traditional soap elements (a wealthy, socialite family plagued by past misdeeds and secrets) and modern comedy. It’s quickly become one of the most-watched Spanish shows on Netflix. The series begins as the wealthy de la Mora family is celebrating their renowned Flower Shop’s anniversary– when their father’s secret mistress ends her life, leaving behind letters that expose his double life.

Set in Mexico. Watch if you liked Transparent, Arrested Development, and Modern Family.   (2018-)

Three scholarship students begin their first year at an elite school in Spain, attended by students from the wealthiest families in Spain. We quickly find out that one of the police are investigating a student murder, and each episode is presented as a flashback. (Although this series has so much potential as it explores race, class, and religion, I was a little put off by the depiction of explicit situations these supposed teens are in. Definitely TV-MA.)

Set in Spain. Watch if you liked 13 Reasons Why, Orange is the New Black, or Dynasty.   (2018-)

7.  Valeria

Valeria’s writing career is not going well, nor is her marriage, but she does have a tight-knit group of friends who navigate modern relationships in Madrid together. (Does this sound like Sex in the City? Yep– replace NYC with Madrid and you’ve got it!)

Set in Spain. Watch if you liked Girls, Chicas del Cable, or Sex in the City.   (2020-)

8. Madre solo Hay Dos (Daughter from Another Mother)

Two babies, switched at birth. We’ve heard of this plot before– except  this  time, their mothers decide to create a family unit together, resulting in a touching, hilarious, and unexpected story together.

Set in Mexico. Watch if you liked One Day at a Time or 100 días para enamorarnos.  (2021-)

9.  Desenfrenadas  (Unstoppable)

Four young women set out on a weekend road trip Oaxaca, Mexico, and the trip takes a turn when they are surprised by a fourth passenger. This empowering dramedy portrays a different side to the lives of Mexican women than what’s typically shown in Latin films and series.

Set in Mexico. Watch if you like House of Flowers, Girls, or Chicas del Cable.  (2020-)

Spanish Period Dramas on netflix

These are some of my favorite Spanish TV shows on Netflix — dramas set across different places and historical contexts. Just a note: I put El ministerio del tiempo under the drama/mystery/thriller section, but those of you who love history mixed in with Sci-Fi will want to check it out! You can also jump to the  Spanish biographical shows  section if that interests you.

This is a gorgeous series if you like period pieces and don’t mind a little soapy drama. Set in a top fashion gallery in 1950s Spain, the son of the owner falls in love with one of the seamstresses downstairs. The aesthetics, clever dialogue, and lively personalities, make this one of my personal favorite Spanish shows on Netflix. (Velvet Colección, a spin-off series, is now available as well!)

Set in Spain. Watch if you liked Mad Men and Downton Abbey.   (2013 – 2016)

2.  La Cocinera de Castamar (The Cook of Castamar)

This series takes place in 18th-century Madrid. It centers on the love story between Clara Belmonte, an agoraphobic cook, and the Duke of Castamar, a widowed nobleman who’s dealing with the loss of his pregnant wife.

Set in Spain. Watch if you liked Bridgerton and Downton Abbey.   (2021-)

3. Alta Mar (High Seas)

Smuggled passengers. Buried family secrets. Romance, intrigue, stormy seas, an 600 passengers on luxury shop bound for Brazil would make for an interesting enough voyage– until the murders begin. This murder mystery set in the 1940’s will remind you of the show Velvet, with gorgeous scenery and plenty of drama to go around, though with faster-paced storytelling and more suspense.

Spanish cast, set on the Atlantic Ocean. Watch if you liked Downton Abbey, Sherlock, and Agathie Christie.   (2019-)

4. Siempre Bruja (Always a Witch)

Starring an Afro-Colombian time-traveling witch,  Siempre Bruja  mixes the feel of a historical telenovela with modern supernatural twists. Carmen, a slave living in the 17th century, is condemned to be burned at the stake after her owners discover she and their son are in love. Carmen makes a deal to with a wizard and finds herself in modern-day Cartagena, where she must navigate her new surroundings on the condition that she not use her powers.  Pros : the series features a black women as the lead, with a strong cast and gorgeous scenery. It’s much cleaner than most shows and could work to show in high school classes.  Cons : there is so much potential with the story, but the show delivers a shallow treatment of serious themes, depending on more than one racial cliché along the way.

Set in Colombia. Watch if you liked Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Arrow, or Alias Grace.  (2019-)

5. Gran Hotel (Grand Hotel)

Here’s your really well-done telenovela that even my action-loving husband couldn’t stop watching. Full of intrigue and mystery, it’s got plenty of the  novela  qualities– but with a solid story and characters to back it up. Like Velvet, the supporting characters are the best part of the story in this turn-of-the-century drama.

Set in Spain. Watch if you liked Downton Abbey and Poldark.  (2011-2013)

6. Las Chicas del Cable (Cable Girls)

From the creators of  Gran Hotel  and  Velvet , this Spanish show is packed with favorite actors from both shows, as well as  El Barco  and  El Internado.  It follows four women who work for the National Telephone Company in the 1920’s Madrid, a turbulent time of old traditions vs. progressivism.I have a love-hate relationship with this one, but check it out if you like gorgeous period dramas, with lots of drama.

Set in Spain. Watch if you liked Peaky Blinders, Mad Men, or Downton Abbey.

7. Alguien Tiene Que Morir (Someone Has to Die)

A limited-series thriller produced by Netflix, this show features an all-star caste and is set in 1950s Spain, under the Franco regime. Gabino Falcón returns to Spain after living in Mexico for 10 years, under the expectation that he will find someone to marry. However, he shocks his family and community when he shows up accompanied by a famous male ballet dancer.

Set in Mexico and Spain. Watch if you liked House of Flowers, The Mess You Leave Behind.  (2020)

8. Morocoo: Tiempos de Guerra  (Morroco: Love in the Times of War)

Set in the 1920’s, a group of wealthy nurses is sent to the Moroccan front during the Rif War and must adapt to the harsh conditions and reality of wartime. If you weren’t ready to let  Gran Hotel  go, Cristina is back as the star of this romantic drama.

Set in Morocco and Spain. Watch if you liked Call the Midwife, Downton Abbey, or Land Girls.

In a desperate attempt to find a lawyer and help her husband get out of jail in 1960s Barcelona, Helena becomes involved with the heroin trade as is forced to seek help from an aberrant, violent gangster– and begins a cat and mouse game with police herself. Beware that while this well-produced with an incredible main actor, it is definitely gritty with more than one disturbing scene.

Set in Spain. Watch if you liked Beaking Bad and Narcos. (2019-)

Comedies in Spanish on Netflix

1. cien días para enamorarnos (100 days to fall in love).

Thing begin to unravel in a tight-knit group of friends when one of the couples in the group announces the are separating for 100 days, and create a contract to establish the boundaries. This shows feels like a telenovela with a  lot  of drama, but it’s also modern and funny, and slightly addicting with with dozens of episodes to watch.

Set in Houston, Texas. Watch if you liked How I Met Your Mother, La Casa de las Flores, or Friends.   (2020- )

2. Paquita Salas

In the 90s, Paquita Salas a top talent agent from the 90s. But now their agency is struggling to find new clients. After losing her most famous client, Paquita must reinvent herself to keep the agency alive. 

Set in Spain. (2016-2018)

3. Silvana Sin Lana

A wealthy family’s life comes crashing down when the dad leaves and their fortune is lost. The mother must get a real job and the kids have to adjust to a “normal” life in this lighthearted dramedy.

Set in the U.S.   Watch if you liked100 Días para Enamorarnos.  (2016-)

Spanish Drama/Mystery/Thriller TV Series

1. el ministerio del tiempo (the ministry of time).

El Ministerio del Tiempo  is a top-secret time-travel agency that functions loosely under the government of Spain. As the series opens, three new agents join forces to guard the doors of time: a 16th-century soldier, a 21st-century paramedic, and a 19th-century student. This one is packed with history and art as the trio defends time itself, preventing intruders from using time travel for their own gain.

Set in Spain, mostly. Watch if you liked Dr. Who, The Last Kingdom, or Orphan Black.  (2015-2020)

2. El Desorden Que Dejas (The Mess You Leave Behind)

Based on the 2016 award winning novel (El desorden que dejas), this limited-series psychological thriller follows a woman who takes a mid-year teaching position in her husband’s small hometown, in the midst of a failing marriage and the recent grief of losing her mother. She soon discovers she’s entered a dangerous web of painful secrets in both the town and the school. This one is good but fairly dark, so check out the preview to see if it fits for you.

Set in Spain. Watch if you liked Homeland, Gypsy, or El reemplezante.  (2020)

3. Who Killed Sara?

Alex has been wrongfully imprisoned for eighteen years, for the murder of his sister Sara. After being released, he sets out to clear his name and find out who was responsible for his sister’s death. Along the way, he discovers dark secrets about his wealthy and powerful in-laws, the Lazcano family, and becomes embroiled in a complex web of betrayal, revenge, and deceit. Set in Mexico. Watch if you liked Money Heist, The Mess You Leave Behind, or Gone Girl. (2021-)

4. Pérdida (Stolen Away)

13 years after his young daughter disappears, her father purposely gets arrested in a Colombian airport to continue his search for her, this time leading his investigation into the prison system.

Set in Spain and Colombia. Watch if you like Narcos and The Mess You Leave Behind. (2020-)

In this political thriller, a group of journalists join together to fight corruption in post-Pinochet Chile, led by veteran journalist Mauro Murillo (who has suffered an accident and is now confined to a wheelchair). As they form their online newspaper, one journalist is murdered. Mauro’s investigation into her death reveals a dark web of corruption between government, businesses and people.

Set in Chile Watch if you liked The Blacklist,   El Reemplazante, or House of Cards.  (2016-)

Based on real-life events,  La niña  tells the incredible story of a girl forcibly recruited by the  guerillas  in Colombia, who then escapes and tries to reintegrate into society. Although she manages to reunite with her family and even gets into medical school, her past haunts her. Unlike many of the other series in this list, it gives a in-depth look into everyday life for working-class families in Latin America.

Set in Colombia. Watch if you’d like Grey’s Anatomy, Jessica Jones, and a bit of telenovela drama mixed together.   (2016)

7. Mar de Plástico (Plastic Ocean)

A detective searches for answers after the murder of a girl in southern Spain. The region is called the “plastic sea,” from so many greenhouses in the area. The drama unfolds against the backdrop of interracial conflicts between the workers in the greenhouses.

Set in Spain. Watch if you liked Law and Order and Unauthorized Living.  (2015-2016)

8. El Reemplezante (The Substitute)

Just out of prison, a former executive becomes a math teacher on parole.

Set in Chile.  Watch if you like Bala loca. (2012-2014)

9. Vivir Sin Permiso (Unauthorized living)

On the surface, Nemo Bandeira is a successful businessman. What no one knows is that he’s a drug dealer diagnozed with Alzheimer’s and is looking for a successor without his family finding out.

Set in Spain. Watch if you liked Monarca and Mar de Plástico.  (2018-2020)

10. La Valla (The Barrier)

In 2045, the whole world is controlled by a dictator and natural resources are scarce, and a family struggles to survive together.

Set in Spain. Watch if you liked Perdida and Equinox.  (2020-)

11. La Venganza de Analía (Her Mother’s Killer)

30 years ago, Analía’s mohter was murdered. Now, Analía sets in motion a complex plan to kill the presidential candidate who was responsible for her mother’s death.

Set in Colombia. Watch if you liked the Queen of Flow and La Niña. (2020-)

Spanish Action Series on Netflix

1. costa del sol.

In a newly post-Franco Spain, drug-trafficking is on the rise in the 1970s. Four very different police detectives come together to form an elite squad to fight crime and the drug trade together.

Set in Spain. Watch if you liked Sweeney and the Professionals, Fugitiva, or Narcos.

Based on true events, this series explores the growth of drug cartels, beginning with the rise of Pablo Escobar in Colombia. There’s a mix of English and Spanish as the story is told through the eyes of DEA agent Steve Murphy and his team. This is obviously a violent show about a difficult part of history, but also a very high-quality and nuanced look into the relations between the DEA, Latin American governments, and cartels.

Set in Colombia, Mexico, and other parts of the Americas. Watch if you liked Black Mirror, House of Cards, or Breaking Bad.  (2015 – 2017)

3. Vis a vis

In a attempt to please the boss she’s in love with, Macarena Ferreiro commits several tax crimes and ends up in jail. Faced with the shock of seven years of imprisonment, she must reinvent herself in order to survive– and possibly return home.

Set in Spain. Watch if you liked Orange is the New Black or La casa de papel.  (2015 – 2019)

4. El Dragón: Return of a Warrior

Miguel Garze returns to Mexico after growing up in Japan, following the murder of his parents as a young boy. Unbeknownst to him, his education in martial arts and discipline is part of a secret plot to install him as the head of his family’s cartel.

Set in Mexico. Watch if you liked La Reina del Sur, Ingobernable, or Wu Assassins.  (2019-)

5. El Chapo

It’s a reasonable criticism that too many shows/movies paint Latin America as full of drugs, violence, etc. And this show was hard to watch for the violence, same as  Pablo Escobar.  This one is well-done, in my opinion, and provides the history of El Chapo’s rise to power. (It’s interesting to watch alongside Kate del Castillo’s documentary “The Day I Met Chapo,” also available on Netflix).

Set in Mexico. Watch if you liked Narcos and Ozark.  (2017)

6. No te Puedes Esconder (You Cannot Hide)

A mother flees Mexico with here daughter and tries to create a new life in Spain, while hiding from her husband’s drug-trafficking past. A mix of fast-paced action and soapy  telenovela  feel.

Set in Mexico and Spain. Watch if you liked Monarca, Unauthorized Living, or Ingobernable.   (2019-)

7. La Reina del Sur

Queen of the South is based on a novel of the same name, and tells the story of Teresa Mendoza’s return to Mexico after 8 years, when she was part of a small-time drug cartel and her boyfriend was murdered. This time, she returns and decides to take control of her own destiny, including rising in power to the top position in the cartel.

Set in Mexico. Watch if you liked Pablo Escobar, Narcos, or Ingobernable.   (2011 – 2019)

8. Sobreviviendo a Escobar (Alias J.J.)

If you haven’t gotten your fill of narco-theme shows,  Sobreviviendo Pablo Escobar  was a fascinating follow-up to  Pablo Escobar  (and  Narcos ). It details what happened the Escobar’s people and rival cartels after his death.

Set in Colombia. Watch if you like Narcos.   (2017)

9. Fugitiva

A fast-paced (though perhaps B-quality) story of a wealthy woman who stages the kidnapping of herself and her children, in order to escape the dangerous community her husband is involved with.

Set in Mexico. Watch if you liked Ingobernable, No te puedes esconder, or Hachie.  (2018-)

Biographical Spanish Shows

Explore the lives and histories of famous Spanish-speaking artists, leaders, musicians, and more in these true-story Netflix shows.

1. Luis Miguel: La Serie (Luis Miguel: The Series)

A dramatized telling of Luis Miguel’s life and rise to fame as the  Sol de México . The story moves between his early years of stardom and childhood, exploring the disappearance of his mother and tortured relationship with his father. Not an easy watch in terms of the family dynamics, but  Luis Miguel  just might be a breath of fresh air for viewers looking for a violence-free Latin American show.

Set mainly in Mexico. Watch if you liked Nashville or Empire.  (2018-)

Learn the story behind the Queen of Salsa: how she began her career in the tumultuous years of Cuba in the 50’s, and eventually rose to be one of the top salsa performers of all time. Gorgeous filming and music in this series.

Set mostly in Cuba. Watch if you liked Luis Miguel.

Simon Bolívar was one of the leaders of the Latin American revolution against Spain in the 19th century, and the liberator of Venezuela. This series is a dramatization based on his life, starting from childhood.

Set mostly in Venezuela. Watch if you liked Napoleon.

4. Pablo Escober: El Patrón del Mal

If you binged your way through  Narcos , you really should give this one a watch. While Narcos narrates from a American perspective,  Pablo Escobar  is told directly from the Colombian side and provides an extensive, gripping look into the life of  Colombian drug lord Escobar and his effect on different communities in Colombia. Though not a historical documentary, it is very well done.

Set in Colombia. Watch if you liked Narcos and Breaking Bad.  (2012)

5. José José: El Principe de la Canción

A loosely autobiographical look at the life and music of José José, who rose from humble beginnings to enormous fame as a singer, and whose battles with alcohol affected his life and relationships.

Set in Mexico. Watch is you liked Luis Miguel.  (2018)

6. Selena: The Series

Another look at the life of Selena Quintanilla, exploring her beginning with the rocky start of the family band Selena y Los Dinos, along with her eventual rise to fame, marriage, and tragic death.

Set in the U.S. and Mexico. Watch if you liked Luis Miguel.  (2020)

7. Sor Juana Ínes de la Cruz

A look at the life of Juana Ines, an outspoken nun in the 17th century who was a self-taught scholar, philosopher, and poet.

Set in Mexico. Watch if you liked The Crown and Alias Grace.  (2015)

8. Apache – La vida de Carlos Tevez

An introduction to the childhood and life of Argentinian soccer player Carlos Tevez.

9. Jenni Rivera Mariposa de Barrio: La Serie

This is an autobiographical look at the life and musical career of Jenni Rivera, based on her own book.

Musical Spanish Shows on Netflix

Many of the biographies fit here too, so be sure to check them out!

1. GO! Vive a tu Manera

Thought there weren’t any G-rated shows in Spanish on Netflix? Think again! A new Argentinian show,  Go!  is a musical series from the same producers of  Violetta  and  Soy Luna  created for a young audience. Mía Cáceres is a talented young singer who gets a scholarship to Saint Mary, an elite prep school with a prestigious music program. There she meets both friends and arch-enemies (namely, the daughter of the school’s owners who is determined to sabotage her musical dreams).

Set in Argentina. Watch if you liked Glee.

2. La Reina del Flow

Yeimy is a talented 17-year-old from a working-class neighborhood, with big dreams of a life dedicated to music. After her parents are killed by a narco, she is betrayed by a close friend and loses 17 years of her life to prison under false accusation. When she finally leaves, she can think of nothing but revenge– and must alter her life completely in order to get it.

Set in Colombia. Watch if you liked Empire and/or Revenge.

Reality Shows/Documentaries in Spanish on Netflix

1. nailed mexico.

Contestants who don’t really know how to bake have to recreate masterpieces in the kitchen, in competition for $10,000. Light and funny.

Set in Mexico.

2. Made in Mexico

Can’t get enough of reality TV in English?  Made in Mexico  follows 9 Mexican “socialites” whose lives connect in some way, and who move within the wealthy circles of Mexico City. The camera shifts between their public interactions (brunches, dates, chats in nightclubs, family get-togethers), the drama that ensues, and subsequent interviews off-stage.  Made in Mexico  represents an interesting expansion of Spanish shows on Netflix beyond dramas.

Set in Mexico. Watch if you liked Real Housewives or following the Kardashians.

3. Street Food: Latin America

Explore typical dishes from countries all across Latin America (season 1 includes Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Colombia, and Bolivia).

4. Las Crónicas del Taco

5. rompan todo (break it all: the history of rock in latin america).

An overview of the history of rock in Spanish-speaking Latin America and its historical contexts, featuring bands like Soda Stereo and Café Tacvba (although, according to my rock-loving husband, several key bands were left out).

Did I miss any of your favorite Spanish shows on Netflix? Leave your favorites in the comments!

Like it? Pin it!

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36 comments.

La Niña was an amazing show (you’re the only blog so far I have run across that has it). Yago is another well done telenovela set in Mexico City. Iván Sánchez stars in it and seeks revenge on all who had wronged Omar. It has great characters, acting and I actually got used to the Mexican dialect as opposed to Colombian (which is more familiar to me). I’ve been studying Spanish for a little over 2 years and now I’m trying to develop an ear for it. I notice some of the same key phases are used over and over, like ‘no se preocupe’, ’tranquilo’, ‘espera’, y ‘vamos’. I have found these shows to be much better than American tv shows. The plots are more intricate and the acting and characters are top notch.

I will look into Yago! Thanks for letting me know. You’re so smart to look up authentic shows as you learn– best of luck on your Spanish journey!

Tienes que ver lady la vendedora de rosas! Me encantó

Sin senos yo hoy pariso…….and la reina del sur…..lady…..I agree Spainish shows are much better than american shows…I only know a little Spainish….so I rely on subtithles…but these are fantastic……

I am from Spain and I never got too much into Spanish shows.. until I started with velvet……. Is when everything started. My husband (American) and I are crazy about Spanish shows. I loved El tiempo entre costuras, Las chicas del cable, Gran Hotel and Morocco en tiempos de guerra. I am also a Spanish teacher 🙂

Here is a little bit of the movie A family with a daughter catalina mother lost 2 other kids to the streets a doese what ever she has to. To protect her new daughter

I’m hoping to find a show that’s not from Spain that’s also not about drugs or corruption. I don’t think I saw one on the list.

I’ve watched El Barco (I agree with your take on that one) and El Internado (it was good!), but I want to practice my Latin American Spanish now. 🙂

Maybe try Luis Miguel? You are right… so many shows about drugs.

EL BARCO is a winner sometimes you just need to sit back relax and stop whining… they are movies and EL BARCO has us feeling every emotion wether you think it was too much or too little… it was really just perfect… I will watch it again and again every 46 episode especially Ulises and Ainhoa at the bar scene… with that beautiful JOVENES ENTERNAMENTE POL 314 spanish song wow….

It had me in a different world the time I watched that series… it even warmed my heart and thought me how to love again… after losing the mother of my son I swore to never love again…

Thanks to the creators and actors of that series for making me human again.

The author merely shared her personal review about this show; she didn’t “whine.” This show was perfect for you, great, but don’t expect it to be the same for others.

I am teaching an Hispanic Studies course for native/upper-level/heritage speakers. Juniors and Seniors. Could any of these be appropriate to recommend for them?

Thanks so much!

None would be appropriate without some editing, but the safest ones seem to be Celia, Siempre Bruja (haven’t finished it), and Gran Hotel (definitely needs editing)!

You didn’t mention Celia Cruz which I thoroughly enjoyed…Spanish from Cuba and the music…to die for. Did you mention La Piloto? El Hotel de los Secretos? My favorites so far have been: Juana Inés, La Niña, La Esclava Blanca, El Barco, Celiz Cruz, La Piloto, El Internado. I’m going to start on your list now. Mil gracias!

Somehow I missed that one! Sometimes the series don’t show up the same here in Peru. I am adding it to my to-watch list right now!

Hi, would you recommend these titles for IB students (16-18 years old)? I am looking for shows to help them improve their language learning whilst engaging in something entertaining.

You would need to check the ratings and consider your school for sure. :/ Most of these have at least some level of “inappropriate” for school settings. I sooo wish there were some clean, interesting options I could recommend without any reservations!

I absolutely *loved* El Tiempo Entre Costuras and thoroughly enjoy El Internado. I’m watching it again in Spanish with Spanish subtitles (the first time through was with English subtitles). At the top of the page, it does say 2019, though the post and comments were last year or earlier, but as an update, El Tiempo Entre Costuras is sadly no longer on Netflix. I will definitely have to check some of these others out. Do you find that ratings for Spanish TV are milder than we would rate them here? Similar to movie ratings in the US in the ’80s and early ’90s, El Internado, for instance, is rated as TV-PG. The language alone would possibly make it an R as a movie. (Kids in peril do tend to throw the F word around a lot, as well as its variations.)

Hi everyone I teach Spanish in New Jersey. Please watch EVA, NO NEED TO EDIT it, and students love it Sandra

What is the show thats on the cover, or background behind the title?

La Casa de las Flores 🙂

Go Vive a tu manera!! 1st totally appropriate for students even elementary. 2nd season starting in June. Like a Spanish version of glee. No sex. No swearing even their clothes are appropriate

Las chicas de la mafia/ Celia location wasn’t Cuba was Cartagena Colombia and the actors are Colombians as well. My kids love El chavo!!

La Niña is amazing. La Ley Secreta is my new obsession. I watch sin Senos si hay paraiso but that show was way too crazy for me.

Do you know how to slow down the speed so the speech is a little bit slower? It would help me a lot. On YouTube I change the speed in settings from Normal to .75 and it makes such a big difference for me. Thank you!

Not that I know of! I wish there were, as I use that feature in YouTube. I just put on subtitles in Spanish when I can.

Thanks for the lighter & funny ones!! I watch Nailed it México with my middle schoolers. They love it! I hope they do another season!!

Dont forget Vis a Vis. One of my favorite spaniard tv shows.

Just finished watching All for Love (Amar Y Vivir) Colombian,69 episodes series. Loved it!!! The songs are phenomenal. The lead actress is the same one as the one in La Nina. I’m fluent in Italian wanting to improve my high school Spanish and by watching so many Spanish speaking shows, I can honestly say that I don’t need the subtitles any more. I’ve binged on Luis Miguel, Velvet, La chicas del Cable, Morocco in the times of War and Silvana sin Lana which has hardly any nudity nor violence.

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The best love story is Velvet I’ve never seen a better movie watched it 4 times . Miquel and Paula are the best please make more movies with them.

I absolutely LOVED “La Venganza de Analia” or Her Mother’s Killer. 50+ episodes. I cried, laughed, and was always waiting for what was next. My mom still talks about it. We stayed up until 3am to finish it..lol.. It’s not full of violence as the title implies so it’s a winner for me.

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This is a great guide! I’ve been trying to find some Spanish-language shows to watch on Netflix, and this guide has been really helpful. It’s nice to see a comprehensive list of options, so I can find something to watch no matter what my mood is. Thanks for putting this together!

I would also include “El Rey: Vicente Fernandez.” Es buenísimo. It would also be appropriate for High School.

Me encanta “La flor más bella.” Very similar to “Never Have I Ever” and other teen rom-com series, only less constant talk about sex. Lots of interesting slang, and, bonus, turns out the lead can sing like an angel! Seems suitable for HS, but preview to be sure.

Definitely not suitable for HS, but hilarious, is “La guerra de los vecinos.” A “Trading Places” Mexican class-conflict comedy. I loved the first season. Didn’t love the changes made in the second season quite as much 🙁

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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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The 21 Best Spanish Shows on Netflix

Stop everything and binge one of these Spanish-language hits.

If you haven't checked out any of Netflix's international offerings, you haven't been getting your subscription's worth. The streaming giant has built an impressive catalog of TV series from all over the globe, with several Spanish, French , and Korean hits entering the U.S. Top 10 over the past few years. 

Netflix's Spanish shows are must-tries for any telenovela fan, and include both classics of the genre and new additions that subvert some beloved tropes. For anyone who wasn't introduced their first Spanish-language show in a high school classroom, there are several Spanish shows on Netflix that will remind you of your all-time favorites, from Gossip Girl to Sex and the City to Ted Lasso . Ahead, the Spanish-language shows on Netflix to check out immediately.

'Money Heist'

One of Netflix's most popular international titles, this story of masked robbers who set out to steal €2.4 billion from the Royal Mint of Spain won fans over with its high-octane thrills and the compelling backstories behind the code-named characters.

Told mostly in English with Spanish dialogue, this popular crime drama chronicles the rise of the cocaine trade in late-'80s Colombia, following both the kingpins leading the industry, including Pablo Escobar, and law enforcement trying to take them down. It also spawned a companion series centered on the Mexican war on drugs.

In this haves-and-have-nots teen drama reminiscent of Gossip Girl , three working class students receive scholarships to an elite Spanish private school, Las Encinas. Unlike Gossip Girl , the clashes between the wealthy and working class leads to murder, with the first season framing all of the students as possible suspects.

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'Cable Girls'

This historical drama, which is also the first Spanish show produced by Netflix, follows four female employees of a telecommunications company in 1920s Madrid. Over five seasons, Alba, Ángeles, Carlota, and Marga deal with the challenges facing working women, as well as political issues of the period.

Netflix has remade the beloved '00s telenovela, set at the prestigious Elite Way School on the outskirts of Mexico City. In this series, a new group of six young musicians have to deal with a secret organization called The Lodge, who do whatever they can to run their dreams off track.

'The House of Flowers'

This Mexican dark comedy follows the wealthy and dysfunctional de la Mora family, who owns a prestigious flower shop and a struggling cabaret, both called the House of Flowers. Known as the "millennial telenovela," the show explores many of the hypocrisies within modern Mexican society, while also featuring several LGBTQ+ characters and storylines.

'Who Killed Sara?'

Last year's surprise hit follows Alex, who lived happily as a young man until his sister Sara was killed and a rich family manipulated him into taking the fall. When he's released after 18 years in prison, Alex is hell-bent on using his tech and explosives expertise to find out who killed Sara and take down his rich former friends.

'High Seas'

This Agatha Christie-style post-WWII mystery sees a group of Spanish aristocrats and crew members on a luxury cruise get entangled in a murder mystery.

This Spanish dramedy is a must-watch for Sex and the City fans. The titular Valeria, a writer working on her first novel, and her friends Lola, who's dating a married man, Carmen, who has an office crush, and Nerea (Teresa Riott), who's closeted and living with her parents, have the type of enduring friendship and sexual entanglements that SATC fans would love.

Ana María has lived away from her family and its shady tequila and hotel empire for twenty years. When her father is murdered soon after she returns to Mexico, the estranged daughter decides to stay, enraging her brothers Joaquín and Andrés. All three fall on different sides of several conflicts—whether or not to clean up the business, whether to share ownership—while also trying to keep their family lives together among the chaos.

'Dark Desire'

This erotic thriller follows a married college professor who has a one-night stand with a younger man, while thinking her husband is cheating on her. Eventually the young man starts involving himself in her life, as she discovers their night together may not have been as coincidental as it seemed.

'The Cook of Castamar'

This period drama goes all the way back to 1720s Madrid, adapting the novel of the same name by Fernando J. Muñez. After developing agoraphobia following the death of her father, Clara becomes a cook for the widowed Duke of Castamar, who has just returned to society after his pregnant wife's death. The two eventually begin a swoon-worthy love story.

'I Am Georgina'

This reality docuseries follows the glamorous life of businesswoman Georgina Rodriguez, who's also the longtime partner of soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

This period romance set in the fashion world of 1950s Spain sees a working seamstress fall in love with the heir to a fashion empire.

'La Reina del Sur'

Longtime telenovela queen Kate del Castillo stars as Teresa, a young woman who goes on to become a ruthless drug trafficker known as "La Mexicana." The original 2011 season was so popular it spawned both a U.S. remake (USA Network's Queen of the South ), and a 2019 renewal, where Teresa is dragged back into the world she thought she left.

'Club de Cuervos'

Before Ted Lasso , there was this Mexican dramedy about billionaire Mexican siblings feuding over their family-owned soccer team after their father's death. While a bit edgier than the other beloved soccer show, Club de Cuervos also has a balance of laugh-out-loud comedy and heart-wrenching drama, as well as a passionate fanbase.

'The Queen of Flow'

This drama, set in the reggaeton music industry in Medellin, Colombia, follows Yeimy, a talented singer-songwriter whose youthful dreams are dashed when she's set up and jailed for for attempting to smuggle drugs into the U.S. Two decades later, she returns to Medellin for revenge and a new chance at stardom.

This Spanish thriller follows three exotic dancers from different walks of life who are forced into prostitution. After trying and failing to kill their club-owner-turned pimp, the women go on the run, evading their oppressors before eventually hunting them down.

'Control Z'

This high school mystery centers on Sofía, a loner who lost her father at a very young age. When a hacker starts spilling the dirty secrets of everyone at her school, Sofía sets out to stop the hacker before something catastrophic happens.

'Ingobernable'

This drama starts with Mexico's First Lady Emilia Urquiza (another role perfected by Kate Del Castillo) leaving her husband, the President. When he's murdered soon after, Emilia is framed and has to work with new allies to save herself and the country.

Male stripper Hugo has served seven years in prison for a crime he didn't commit. He's up against a rich and powerful family, trying to prove that Hugo's ex was the one who killed her husband and framed him. With even his rising star lawyer doubting him, Hugo has only his best friends and fellow strippers on his side (and yes, there are some flashbacks of their shows).

'Taco Chronicles'

This mouth-watering docuseries goes deep on the taco, showing the history and different preparation methods of six styles of tacos, from al pastor to guisado (stews). Helping Taco Chronicles stand out from other food shows is its narration, where different actors personify the type of taco featured in each episode.

Quinci LeGardye is a Contributing Culture Editor who covers TV, movies, Korean entertainment, books, and pop culture. When she isn’t writing or checking Twitter, she’s probably watching the latest K-drama or giving a concert performance in her car.

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ONE CHEL OF AN ADVENTURE

Best Travel Shows on Netflix

Looking for some wanderlust-worthy TV shows to fuel your travel urge?  Here are 22 Travel Shows on Netflix to inspire, distract, or escape through, depending on what you need! 

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Ride Along Travel Shows on Netflix

These shows and documentaries follow their hosts on their travels, bringing you into their lives and experiences around the world.

1. Down to Earth : Zac Efron (do I need to say any more really?) and wellness expert, Darin Olien, search the globe for healthy and sustainable ways of life in different cultures. There’s an episode for everyone: Zac soaks in an Icelandic spa, talks to centenarians in Sardinia, and explores Ayahuasca tourism in Peru. 

2. Jack Whitehall: Travels With My Father : comedian Jack Whitehall pushes his decidedly non-comedian father to the brink of his comfort zone as they travel around the world for a fun twist on the buddy comedy. Trust me—you’ll be dying of laughter at every episode!

3. Expedition Happiness: even if you’ve never considered van life, Expedition Happiness will have you checking Craigslist for buses after you watch the couple (and their pup) travel from Alaska to Mexico in their renovated school bus.

Amazing Places to Stay

Whether you end up finding a place to stay on your next trip or just ways to spruce up your own space, these travel shows on Netflix will let you pretend to be in paradise.

4. The World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals:  the hosts visit and review three different vacation rentals around the world at three drastically different budgets.

5. The World’s Most Extraordinary Homes: tour some of the most architecturally impressive homes around the world! An architect and property developer, who provide their thoughts on the design and actual livability of the homes. 

6. Stay Here: watch as two experts renovate homeowners rental spaces to improve their marketability to potential renters. If you’ve somehow found yourself on the Airbnb side of Tiktok like I have, you’ll race through these episodes.

7. Instant Hotel: homeowners compete to have the best rental property, judged by their fellow contestants after a one-night stay in their place. It’s like Four Weddings without the secondhand embarrassment!

You May Also Like: How to Make Your Home Feel Like a 5-Star Hotel

Adventurous Travel Shows on Netflix

Whether you’re already an adrenaline junkie or not, these films will inspire you to step out of your comfort zone on your next trip.

8. 14 Peaks: the word “impossible” doesn’t seem to exist for Nimsdai Purja as he attempts to climb all 14 of Earth’s 8,000 meter peaks in just seven months! He breaks multiple Guinness World Records for high altitude mountaineering in the process.

9. Pedal the World: you may love your spin class, but I’m going to bet that Felix Starck loves cycling a little bit more. In 365 days, he cycled over 11,000 miles through 22 countries and documented the entire journey with breathtaking shots of his travels.

10. Biking Borders: if you’re looking for another cycling journey, follow two friends as they complete their first ever long bike ride from Berlin to Beijing while raising money for a new school in Guatemala. Personalities and friendships are the focus of this film, so even non-cyclists will enjoy this documentary.

Travel Nature Shows

If you find yourself stuck inside because of the cold, these shows will bring some vibrancy back to your life. 

11. Our Planet: narrated by the legendary David Attenborough, this series highlights ongoing conservation efforts and issues. It has some amazing cinematography and beautiful shots in over 50 countries.

12. Life in Color: another series narrated by David Attenborough, this series examines how various animals use color to their advantage. As with any David Attenborough nature documentary, impressive camera work will have you entranced.

13. Night on Earth: Samira Wiley narrates this nature documentary that offers a rare insight into the lives of nocturnal animals. Night On Earth is a great pick for someone who’s seen every episode of Planet Earth and is still left wanting more.

Location Specific Travel Shows

Deciding where to travel next? Check out these films for information on more off-the-beaten-path countries that are worth a visit.

14. Magical Andes: watch this visually stunning series to tour the communities and places within the Andes Mountains through the eyes of both travelers and locals. With Peru in particular becoming quite a hot spot for young travelers, this show will educate you to the unique physical and social atmosphere before you jet off to Machu Picchu.

15. Untamed Romania: if Romania wasn’t on your list before, it will be once you’re finished with this movie. It takes you through some of the most beautiful parts of Romania, including Transylvania, the Carpathian Mountains, and the Danube Delta, featuring the local flora and fauna. 

16. Guatemala – Heart of the Mayan World: the natural and cultural wonders of Guatemala and its roots in the Mayan world are on full display in this documentary. If you’ve been eyeing those cheap flights to Mexico , Guatemala- Heart of the Mayan World might just convince you to head a bit more south and explore the rich and vibrant country of Guatemala. 

Food Based Travel Shows

They say one of the best ways to get to know a place is through food and these shows prove that. Dig in, but be warned, you’ll walk away even hungrier than before.

17. Street Food Asia & Street Food Latin America: veteran travelers know one of the best parts of going to a new place is checking out the local street food scene. This series celebrates the colors and flavors of the street food experience, so you can indulge without having to leave your living room. There’s one series focused on street food in Asia and one in Latin America, so binge both or pick whichever one you’re craving most. 

18. Breakfast Lunch and Dinner: Chef David Chang brings celebrity guests (including Seth Rogen and Kate McKinnon) to a new city to explore the cuisine and culture in depth and in person.

19. Taco Chronicles: who doesn’t love a taco? Now you can be a certified taco connoisseur after watching this series deep dive into the history and culture of everyone’s favorite Tuesday treat.

You May Also Like: 20 Cocktails From Around the World

Just For Fun Shows

Tune in to these shows and tune out everything else. These shows, some fiction, some reality, are all set in places at the top of most of our “need to visit” lists.

20. Emily in Paris: okay, okay, while the premise isn’t exactly the most realistic, who wouldn’t want to be a twenty-something working a fancy marketing job in Paris with a charming French apartment and an even more charming French love interest? Season two was just added to Netflix, making it the perfect time to binge this series.

21. Singapore Social: a reality series that follows some of the young, rich, and connected in one of the most wealthy social circles in the world. If you liked Crazy Rich Asians, this might just be the reality show for you.

22. Derry Girls: set in Northern Ireland during The Troubles, Derry Girls follows the darkly hilarious Erin and her eccentric cousin, Orla, as they navigate being teenage girls during the conflict. It gets bonus points for featuring Nicola Coughlan (now of Bridgerton fame) and lots of music from The Cranberries.

23. The Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives: if you like any of the real housewives series, this show takes it to another level with the addition of some of Bollywood’s biggest stars and set in Mumbai. 

What’s one of your favorite Travel Shows on Netflix? Have you seen any of the picks on this list? Let me know in the comments or send me a DM on Instagram ! 

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The Best Travel Shows Of All Time (TV, Netflix, Amazon Prime & More)

If you are like me and always yearning to travel, then one of the best ways to do this from home is to watch amazing travel shows on TV.

Over the years I have spent way too much of my spare time consuming every travel show under the sun. And, I thought it was high time I shared some of them with you.

So, without further ado, here are some of the best travel shows on TV – whether it be DVD, Netflix or Amazon.

1. Long Way Round

I remember watching the Long Way Round years ago (2004), which is still clear in my memory. The world-famous Ewan McGregor and one of his best friends Charlie Boorman, pursue their passion for BMW motorbikes and adventure travel and head east from London, as far as possible.

The journey was nearly 19 thousand miles (33,000 kms) and took them through Europe, overland through Asia (Russia, Kazakhstan and Mongolia) to the USA and New York.

Of course, they do take a crew with them, but this is hardcore overland travel at its best. No script, all the hardships are shown. Boy, they had a difficult time in some parts of Asia!

Update: They have the latest episode in this series, Long Way Up, which features the boys riding from Ushuaia in Argentina to Los Angeles. This is more or less the classic Pan-American Highway route that travelers love!

2. Long Way Down

Following on from the 2004 success, Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman set out again in 20017. This time North to South from Scotland to Cape Town in the Long Way Down . This is yet another infamous overland route and also not a simple one.

Many of the roads and countries in Africa are not in the same state as their European counterparts, so they had some challenges with their suspension. They also had quite some adventures and exciting visits, even with presidents!

If you liked the first one of the series, then this is an equally good follow-up.

It’s also available on Amazon.

Below is a quick intro to the show. It’s worth taking a look.

3. Anthony Bourdain (Parts Unknown, No Reservations, A Cook’s Tour & The Layover)

With the sad news of his recent passing, how can I not include one of the food travel show classics from Anthony Bourdain and his team at CNN? This series was still being filmed at the time of this death, and they have since tried to finalise it without being able to use him for voiceovers. However, there is so much material in this series, you won’t be stressed looking for things to watch.

Anthony was actually made famous by his book, Kitchen Confidential , where he revealed how things work in the restaurant business. I actually read this book over 20 years ago, long before I even realised he was on TV.

Parts Unknown is a unique take on travel from Anthony where he visits various countries around the world that interest him and explores all the great food they have on offer. But, he does not go for the classy restaurants and showy food, he looks for the best of what locals enjoy.

And dives right in himself! It’s super-inspiring to see someone so famous get down and dirty and have absolutely zero pretence. He loves food. He loves people. And he loves to travel. What more could you ask for in a TV Show.

Some of the series from Parts Unknown is available on Amazon .

As are some of his older series like No Reservations , A Cook’s Tour , The Layover

And here is a quick preview of season 7 from CNN.

4. Departures – with Scott Wilson and Justin Lukach

Two best friends from Canada decide they need a little excitement in their lives and head off for a year of adventure.  They end up exploring vast areas of the world and looking for as many unique experiences as possible.

The series is quite in-depth, covering 43 episodes , and almost as many countries. And by the time you have finished it, I will be surprised if you don’t just get up and go traveling yourself.

You can grab it on Bluray on Amazon.

Here is a quick intro to the series.

5. Simon Reeve Travels

I absolutely love to watch Louis Theroux on TV. His bumbling, almost nerd-like charm somehow disarms all the crazy nut-jobs that he interviews.

Simon Reeve, at least to me, seems like his equal in the BBC travel world. He is not a gung-ho daring, Tom Cruise look-alike. He is a down-to-earth, easy-to-like, bumbling reporter who takes to the most interesting places on earth. And makes you fall in love with them all as much as he does.

We have started watching some of his earlier shows. We have started with his crazy trip around the Equator. But some of the others are available on the BBC (if you live in the UK) including such trips as: the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Australia, Africa, Colombia and many more.

Here is a quick intro to the Caribbean series.

6. Rick Steves Travel Series

Another prolific traveler and creator of travel-related content both on and offline is Rick Steves. If you type in many European-related travel searches in Google, you will often find his website in the top ten.

He seems to have been everywhere worldwide and made a TV show about most of it. He appeals to an older demographic in my opinion, as his commentary is a little stiffer, but you can certainly learn a lot from this guy.

You can check them out on his website.

And below is an intro to Season 9 of his European series.

7. Michael Palins (Various Adventures around the world)

Michael Palin, a former Monty Python member and Jon Cleese, has been producing top-notch travel series for years and is a little more old-school than Rick Steves. His shows focus on longer adventures, similar to A Long Way Round, although perhaps not as challenging.

They are fun to watch, and you certainly get to see some of the lesser-explored regions of the world. Although some of these series will be a little dated by now – I remember watching some decades ago!

And just as I said that I took a look and saw he has since made some new series on Channel 5 in the UK, including a trip into the forbidden land of North Korea !

Michael Palin’s Around the World in 80 Days

8. An Idiot Abroad

Venturing into a little bit of Travel Comedy, An Idiot Abroad is the brainchild of the creator of the British (original) The Office, along with a few co-creators. The idea is to send someone who has almost never left their town, let alone lifestyle and send them to some very foreign destinations.

Along the way, they experience some extremely challenging destinations and situations all in the name of broadening their horizons. Karl Pilkington will never be the same again, and maybe neither will you.

You can grab Season 1 and Season 2 on Amazon.

Here is a quick Best Of from the China episode to give you a taste of the show.

9. Travel Man with Richard Ayoade

Another long-running comedy travel show from the UK, Travel Man is very short episode focused on 48 hours in various cities, mainly in Europe. Of course, now that he is on about his 10th season, he has started to venture a little further afield. Apart from his sarcasm, one of the best things about the show for me is the wacky things he (or his team) finds in every location. Not your run-of-the-mill tourist attractions.

Each episode is extremely sarcastic and accompanied by another usually British comedian, so people outside the UK may have trouble laughing or even understanding what he is saying. His accent is strong and his vocabulary is broad. You might have seen him as one of the wacky IT experts in t he IT Crowd (which you can see on Netflix ), a little like the British version of Silicon Valley, albeit filmed years before.

There are various seasons up for grabs on Amazon .

If you want to see if it’s up to your alley, here is a quick taste of Richard with some of his fellow comedians on the show.

10. Top Gear

Intended as a bit of a petrolhead’s show about cars, Top Gear has also done a significant amount of travel-related shows over the years too. From the drives down the most dangerous roads in the world to almost killing themselves in places like Switzerland. Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May will show you a great time on the road and while traveling.

You can check out Season 1 here on Amazon and other seasons that follow.

11. Joanna Lumley’s Travel Series

Joanna Lumley became famous back in the 70s, but for me, she became even more famous for her role in Absolutely Fabulous. Since then, she has traveled and filmed it all for us. She has also done a “making of” series that I enjoyed. She may seem very posh and British when you first see her shows, but if you love sarcasm and comedy then just wait a bit and she will deliver!

Here is a list of her extensive travel shows you can catch on BBC or other online streaming services:

• Joanna Lumley’s Hidden Caribbean
• Joanna Lumley in the Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon
• Joanna Lumley in the Land of the Northern Lights
• Joanna Lumley’s Japan
• Joanna Lumley: The Quest For Noah’s Ark
• Joanna Lumley’s India
• Jennifer & Joanna: Absolutely Champers

The Best Travel Shows On Netflix

Netflix is a bit of a special category in this post because they don’t have many of the more famous shows above at the moment.

12. Dark Tourist

One of the more recent and perhaps more infamous trends in travel right now is called Dark Tourism. With the recent airing of the series about Chornobyl, it seems to have accelerated even more.

One wacky New Zealand traveler, David Farrier heads to some quirky and sometimes dangerous locations in eight episodes of Dark Tourist , which sees him head to most continents. From the recent Japanese nuclear disaster to perhaps shooting a cow in Cambodia, he tries it all.

13. Street Food: Asia

If you like to combine mouth-watering food and travel, a popular past-time, then this is a recent addition to Netflix that I am currently devouring. It shows you some amazing chefs who are almost always out on the street and serving the locals with something of an obsession. From Thailand to India, you get to see it all – no-frills cooking from some of the best street food vendors in the world.

14. Tales By Light

Another show I have been checking out lately is Tales By Light , a travel and photography-based series up to season 3. It follows a famous Australian photographer all around the world, delving into the lives of the people he meets and how he experiences travel through the lens.

15. Jack Whitehall: Travels with my Father

A show I have not had a chance to see, but it certainly looks like a travel comedy worth checking out. It involves a comedian and his stuffy father taking far-flung adventures to foreign lands and trying to teach each other a thing or two.

16. Somebody Feed Phil

A more modern version of a travel & food show, Somebody Feed Phil , is about exploring the places and food no one talks about. Phil is quite the quirky and loveable character, so you will either love him or loathe him. I watched half the first season and did not fall in love with it. However, given that Netflix has commissioned 6 seasons of the show, there must be a lot of people who love it.

17. Conan Without Borders

Following famous TV night show host Conan O’Brien to some adventurous destinations around the world, this is yet another travel and comedy combination you won’t want to miss. From Haiti and Cuba to K-Pop in South Korea this is as wacky as it is travel.

18. Restaurants on the Edge

“Restaurants on the Edge” is a Canadian reality TV series premiered in 2020. It showcases chef Dennis Prescott, designer Karin Bohn, and restaurateur Nick Liberato assisting struggling restaurants in scenic, remote locations like seashores, lakes, and mountains. This is a little like Gordon Ramsay’s old show Kitchen Nightmares, but more travel related.

The goal of the visits on this show is to rejuvenate these places by integrating them with the local culture. Additionally, the show offers a travel experience, with episodes featuring the experts exploring local areas, meeting artisans, and tasting authentic local foods.

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About the author roger timbrook.

Roger is a little obsessed with travel. He has been to over 40 countries, broken 3 suitcases and owned over 10 backpacks in 12 months. What he doesn't know about travel, ain't worth knowing!

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Second-Half Travels

Adventures of a Fifty-Something Cubicle Escapee

26 Best Spanish Series on Amazon Prime (2023)

Watching Spanish shows on Amazon Prime is a great way to practice vocabulary and listening skills. All the Amazon Spanish series on this list are available to stream free for Prime members.

Amazon Prime Video search by language is pretty terrible, so I’ve done the hard work for you. 😉

If you are an intermediate or advanced learner, I recommend watching these Amazon Prime Spanish series with Spanish subtitles when available as studies show it enhances language learning . I also jot down any interesting new vocabulary and add it to my Anki flashcards  later.

These Spanish TV shows on Amazon Prime are available in the US as of May 4, 2023. Many may also be available in other countries. Watch them while you can, because content disappears as licensing agreements expire.

Also don’t miss my list of Spanish-language movies on Amazon Prime .

How to get English subtitles: English subtitles are not available for some of these shows in Spanish on Amazon Prime, only Spanish. However, one of my intrepid readers has suggested a workaround to get English subtitles by watching using Google’s Chrome browser and turning on auto-translate of Spanish.

To do so, click the little Google translation icon with the letter G in Chrome’s address bar to start translation. The Spanish subtitles will appear briefly and then be converted to English.  The only downside is that occasionally they are not on screen long enough to read. Thanks, Jim, for this tip! 🙂

Amazon Prime TV Shows in Spanish

This medieval epic reminiscent of Game Of Thrones is Spain’s biggest-budget series ever. It has mixed reviews despite the star power of Spanish actor Jaime Lorente (“Denver” from La Casa de Papel and “Nano” in Élite ) .

Lorente plays Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, a Castilian knight and war hero in medieval Spain in this retelling of the legend of El Cid.

Be sure to switch the audio to Spanish.

Accent:  European Spanish

Hilarious Mexican comedy based on a popular video from the comedy sketch series Backdoor.

Lieutenant Harina and his partner Officer Ramírez face a serial killer whose aim is to finish all social media influencers. They try to catch the criminal, battling the Mexican judicial system at the same time.

Accent: Mexican

3. Un asunto privado (A Private Affair)

Spanish murder mystery set in Galicia. Marina Quiroga, a daring upper-class girl with a detective’s soul, sets off to catch the serial killer that has been terrorizing her town with her faithful butler Hector’s help.

Accent: European Spanish

4. Estoy Vivo

All four seasons available free on Amazon.

Muchas gracias to my reader Mike for the suggestion. He recommends, “The series description and first episode description give away the premise, so skip those if you’d rather be surprised.”

5. Corazón Contento

Note: No English subtitles available for trailer

Cute Mexican comedy that follows three different families from Mérida, Mexico City, and Monterrey as they deal with the topic of bad eating habits and obesity in a humorous way.

6. Iosi, el espía arrepentido (Yosi, the Regretful Spy)

Critically praised Argentinian espionage thriller . An intelligence agent infiltrates the Jewish community to gather information that is then allegedly used to perpetrate two of the worst terrorist attacks in Latin American history.

Filmed in Uruguay.

Accent: Argentinian

7. Sin límites (Boundless)

Spanish historical adventure drama created on the 500th anniversary of the first circumnavigation of the world. The series fictionalizes the 1519-22 voyage started by Ferdinand Magellan and completed by Juan Sebastián Elcano.

237 men leave Spain with Magellan as their captain seeking riches and fame. Only 18 of them make it back alive, led by Elcano.

Shot in Spain and the Dominican Republic.

8. A grito herido (Out Loud)

Enjoyable Colombian romantic comedy . Five childhood friends try to leave behind the problems that separated them for 7 years and pursue an old musical dream.

Accent: Colombian

9. El Presidente

Chilean drama based on “FIFA Gate,” the 2015 FIFA corruption case.

Sergio Jadue, played by great Colombian actor Andrés Parra, is the unknown director of a small-town soccer club in Chile. He unexpectedly finds himself at the head of the Chilean soccer association.

Drunk with power, he becomes the protégée of soccer godfather Julio Grondona, as well as the FBI’s key to undoing the largest corruption scheme in the world of soccer.

The series was filmed around Santiago and Valparaíso, Chile; Luque, Paraguay; Buenos Aires; and New York, among other locations.

Accent: Chilean (the three main characters are played by Mexican and Colombian actors who had to learn the Chilean accent)

10. Noticia de un secuestro (News Of A Kidnapping)

Based on the book by the same time by Colombian author Gabriel García Márquez.

11. Cómo Sobrevivir Soltero (How To Survive Being Single)

Cute millennial comedy set in Mexico City . Sebastian, a one-time heartthrob actor, and his group of thirty-something friends try to find love and happiness in the age of Tinder.

On the night he plans to propose, Sebastian’s world is turned upside down when he finds out that his girlfriend of 10 years cheated on him. Newly single, Sebastian is thrust into the world of dating and into the arms of his misfit crew of friends who all seem to be just as unlucky in love as he is.

Note that as is unfortunately typical in Mexican media, the show’s light-skinned actors don’t represent the majority of the Mexican population.

12. El Internado: Las Cumbres

New eight-episode reboot of the 2007 Spanish hit series “El Internado.”

Las Cumbres boarding school is an impenetrable fortress in northern Spain where students are subjected to strict discipline. It seems impossible to escape. However, two teens manage to run into the woods one night, but things take a turn for the worse because surviving outside the school is even more dangerous than inside.

Fans will enjoy the cameos by original series actors, but this reboot is darker and more violent than the original.

13. La Templanza (The Vineyard)

Sweeping romantic period drama set in Spain and Mexico. Based on the novel of the same name by María Dueñas, bestselling author of El tiempo entre costuras ( The Time In Between ).

Be sure to switch to Spanish audio.

Accents: European Spanish, Mexican, Cuban

14. Diablo Guardián

Based on Mexican writer Xavier Velasco’s award-winning novel, this Prime Original series tells the story of Violetta, a young woman who flees Mexico to start anew in New York City. But instead of living a dream, Violetta is awoken to a harsh reality when she runs out of money, sending her into the arms of the villainous Nefastófeles.

Thanks to my amazing online Spanish teacher in Mexico for the recommendation.

Accents:  Mexican, European Spanish

15. El Candidato

Note: No English subtitles available for YouTube trailer. Watch trailer on Amazon instead .

Fast-paced, gritty political thriller set in Mexico City. Rookie CIA field operative Isabel Alfaro works with CIA legend Wayne Addison to bring down Rafael Bautista, Mexico’s most vicious and brilliant narco.

16. Un Extraño Enemigo (An Unknown Enemy)

This Mexican series was released to mark the 50th anniversary of the Tlatelolco massacre, the killing of students and civilians by military and police on October 2, 1968 in Mexico City.

It tells the story of one of the darkest moments in Mexico’s history from the perspective of Fernando Barrientos, the head of Mexico’s secret police, who is trying to reach the presidency. He’s prepared to manipulate, betray, and kill in his quest to brutally repress the students and achieve total power.

17. Pequeñas Coincidencias

Charming Prime Exclusive family comedy from Spain about Marta and Javier, who both see no reason to find a mate and settle down until their biological clocks start ticking.

Fun fact: Stars Marta Hazas and Javier Veiga are married in real life.

18. Latin Flow

A co-production of Amazon and MTV Latin America, Latin Flow is an entertaining mix of documentary and reality show about the music scene in Medellín, Colombia, the world capital of reggaeton. It follows nine Colombian women trying to make it in the cut-throat urban music industry.

19. Cuna de lobos (Cradle of Wolves)

No English subtitles available for YouTube trailer

2019 reboot of the enormously popular ’80s Mexican telenovela by the same name.

The story follows cruel and beautiful Catalina Creel, matriarch of the Larios family, played by Spanish actress Paz Vega. Catalina will go to any lengths to secure her fortune and bloodline.

20. De la vida al plato (From Life to the Plate)

Popular Spanish actor Juan Echanove takes us on a tour of Spain’s best restaurants in this Amazon documentary food series .

21. Pan y Circo

Diego Luna hosts dinner-table discussions of controversial issues with experts and celebrities. Each episode features a gourmet meal prepared by a famous Mexican chef.

If you’re tired of videoconferences these days, I recommend not starting with the first episode, since the discussion takes place on Zoom. The later episodes on femicide and abortion are especially interesting.

22. Caronte

Prime series from Spain about an ex-cop framed for a crime he didn’t commit. Caronte decides to become a lawyer to prevent other innocent people from meeting his fate.

23. Six Dreams

This football (soccer) docuseries offers an insider look into top Spanish league La Liga.

It follows the stories of six individuals: a club president, two rising stars, a sports director, a Mexican veteran, and a coach. Shot in verité style that reveals the racist attitudes still common in this sport.

Accents: European Spanish, Mexican, Argentinian

24. El Corazón de Sergio Ramos

This Amazon Original docuseries offers fly-on-the-wall access to controversial Real Madrid and Spanish national team captain Sergio Ramos.

Both teams’ emotional rollercoaster of a season is viewed through the lens of the press, fans, and Sergio himself. Off the field, the show goes behind the scenes of Ramos’s life with his glamorous wife, TV presenter Pilar Rubio, and their three young sons.

25. La usurpadora

Modern reboot of the hugely popular 1998 Mexican telenovela La usurpadora .

In the series, Paola Miranda, the First Lady of Mexico, discovers she has a twin sister and tries to swap lives with her. The story has been shortened to just 25 episodes.

Subtitles:  Spanish only

Accent: Mexican, Colombian

26. Tiempo Entre Costuras (The Time in Between)

Available free on Amazon with a PBS Masterpiece channel subscription trial. 

Charming period drama set during the Spanish Civil War. The story follows young Spanish dressmaker-turned-spy Sira Quiroga from Madrid to many gorgeous locations in Morocco and Portugal.

The pace is a little slow, but it’s a visual feast. It inspired me afterwards to practice my Spanish reading with the bestselling novel it’s based on of the same name.

Subtitles: English Accent: European Spanish

More Amazon Prime Spanish TV Series

This Sex and the City -like dramedy follows the lives, friendships, and loves of five young women in Barcelona. The show’s theme is infidelity, but most importantly, it’s about being true to one’s own self.

Not included in my list above since it’s dubbed into Spanish from Catalan, but if dubbing doesn’t bother you, it’s worth checking out.

You may also like:

• Best Spanish-Language TV on Netflix
• Top Spanish Movies on Amazon Prime
• Best Spanish-Language Movies on Netflix
• Great Mexican Movies on Netflix

Have more Amazon Prime Spanish shows to recommend? My best suggestions come from you, my readers! Please share your favorite Spanish shows on Prime in the comments.

About Ingrid

Ingrid left software engineering at age 43 to devote herself to language learning and travel. Her goal is to speak seven languages fluently. Currently, she speaks English, German, Spanish, Portuguese, and French, and is studying Italian.

Reader Interactions

October 20, 2018 at 10:07 pm

Wild District. Colombian. The rock star of them all.

October 21, 2018 at 9:17 am

¡Gracias por la sugerencia, Francesca! Looks like that’s an Netflix Original, but I’ll check it out for my Netflix list. 🙂

January 6, 2019 at 3:46 pm

Thanks so much for this list! I’m learning as much Spanish as I can before I take a sabbatical from teaching elementary school this time next year to spend 4 months doing a Spanish immersion program. Tops on my list are both Livit and SIPuebla. Maybe I will do 2 months at each!

January 7, 2019 at 8:58 am

Hi Mary, so glad you’re finding it helpful! Learning as much as you can before you go is a great idea… you’ll get so much more out of your experience. Four months is a great amount of time, and I’m sure you will reach fluency. Both Livit and SI Puebla are excellent schools and their teaching philosophies are extremely similar. Would love to hear your reviews of the school(s) you attend when you get back!

January 18, 2019 at 7:54 am

You must see Vis a Vis and you may also like La Casa de Papel. Son geniales <3

January 18, 2019 at 10:26 am

Gracias, Andrea… So glad we’re getting more access to high-quality content from Spain here in the US!

January 27, 2019 at 11:22 am

Sadly none of these available on Prime UK…

January 27, 2019 at 5:57 pm

Oh no! It seems like the Amazon catalog differs even more than the Netflix one by country. 🙁

January 31, 2019 at 5:02 pm

Just to let any Uk user know, you can watch vis a vis (locked up) on all4 demand!! Just search locked up on All4 🙂

January 31, 2019 at 9:12 pm

Thanks! This is great to know, as I noticed it’s not available on Netflix in the UK either.

February 1, 2019 at 5:13 am

Many thanks! Since my last post I managed to find some shows on Prime but their collection isn’t as great as Netflix’s. And I find it easier to search for non-English programmes on Netflix.

February 2, 2019 at 2:37 pm

Agree, search is terrible. Amazon is slowly starting to add original programs in Spanish, but has a long way to go to catch up to Netflix.

August 17, 2019 at 11:44 am

Desaparecida, se quien eres, presunto culpable

August 18, 2019 at 8:54 am

Mil gracias, Rosalia! It looks like first two of these series from Spain aren’t available on Amazon in the US yet, but Presunto Culpable is. I’ve added it to the list.

Update October 2019: Presunto Culpable has been removed from Amazon again… will add it back if it returns.

January 13, 2020 at 12:23 pm

Wow, this is great! I am finally trying to learn Spanish! Thank you so very much!

January 13, 2020 at 6:43 pm

Glad it’s been helpful, Jeanne.

January 16, 2020 at 11:05 am

Here’s the availability of those programmes as of 16-01-2020 for Prime UK viewers:

Vis a vis (Locked up) – not available on Prime but it’s available on 4OD Isabel – not available Diablo Guardián – available Capadocia – not available Un Extraño Enemigo – available Pequeñas Coincidencias – not available Las Aventuras del Capitán Alatriste – not available Six Dreams – available Lo Que Escondían sus Ojos – not available Corazón Contento – not available La usurpadora – not available Hermanos – not available Infieles – available

El Corazón de Sergio Ramos – I seriously don’t believe Sergio Ramos has a heart so I didn’t even bother checking if it is available… As it’s about a football player, I am pretty sure it is, if anyone wants to find out if the pig has a heart or not 😀

January 16, 2020 at 12:02 pm

Wow, thank you for this amazing summary! Looks like the main ones available are the Prime Originals, which makes sense.

I wish there were an automatic way to check availability based on country. It’s all I can do to keep up with the US content on Prime and Netflix!

Not a football fan either! I try to include content for a variety of tastes. 😉

January 17, 2020 at 3:34 am

@Ingrid I am a football fan. I just can’t stand Sergio Ramos 😀

January 17, 2020 at 12:15 pm

Ha… he does seem obnoxious!

March 9, 2020 at 4:18 pm

Isabel is no longer available on Prime in the U.S. Does anyone know where it may be available? Thanks.

March 11, 2020 at 8:45 am

Hi Elena, thanks for letting me know. I’ve been traveling in Brazil and haven’t been able to update my listings as usual. I see Amazon’s also removed Vis a Vis… that’s too bad… a couple of the best shows.

Looks like Isabel’s available on the RTVE website (they are the creators of the show), but you would probably need a VPN since it’s not available to viewers in the US: https://www.rtve.es/television/isabel-la-catolica/capitulos-completos/ .

Also don’t forget to try your local library… mine doesn’t have the series on DVD or Hoopla, but it is available through interlibrary loan.

February 14, 2021 at 3:43 pm

Hello, I just read that you were considering Livit in Puebla. I have studied there several times over the years, as well as online. I highly recommend it! The world has surely changed since your post, but I know that the school is open to a limited number of students, taking a necessary precautions to maintain safety. The directors of the school, Scott and Maru are excellent and take a special interest in their students. I really can’t say enough about them! I lived in Brooklyn for almost 30 years and now live in Xalapa, Veracruz. I’m still friends with Scott and Maru. Best of luck.

February 15, 2021 at 9:59 am

Hi Carlos, thanks for the recommendation! Good to hear Livit is open for in-person classes. I studied there in 2017 and loved it. If you’re interested, you can read my post here: https://www.secondhalftravels.com/livit-spanish-school-puebla-mexico/ .

February 10, 2022 at 10:19 pm

Do you know of a show about a married couple, they have a son. The husband is sick or gets sick and wife begins to have an affair with a women, who is an actress or artist. I watched it on daily motion. They spoke in Spanish I believe, as it had English cc. It was like middle 2000s. That’s all I can remember.

May 4, 2023 at 8:16 am

I am enjoying the first of four seasons of Estoy Vivo, which is free on Amazon. From Spain, sci-fi, fantasy, light touch. Easy to switch between Spanish and English subtitles if something’s not clear. Rated TV-MA, which seems right to me. The series description and first episode description give away the premise, so skip those if you’d rather be surprised (and I admit that the premise needs to be taken with a grain of salt).

May 4, 2023 at 10:14 am

Mil gracias, Mike, I’ve added it.

May 4, 2023 at 1:12 pm

May 5, 2023 at 6:23 am

Thanks for the recommendation! Sadly it’s not available on Amazon Prime in the UK. I did find it on RTVE player but without English subtitles https://www.rtve.es/play/videos/estoy-vivo/

May 5, 2023 at 11:08 am

Oh, bummer, but thanks for the link, Pradeep. It’s hard to see all the content we want without a VPN.

May 5, 2023 at 3:08 pm

Welcome. I did a search on – rtve subtitles – and it looks like there might be some fixes available.

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• Travel to Spain Landmarks

10 Top Flamenco Shows to See in Spain. With Videos!

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If you visit Spain, you already owe it to yourself to catch an authentic flamenco show.

This musical genre expresses identity, tradition, and fusion of cultures. The spectacles are full of passion, love, energetic vibes, and an incredible atmosphere.

And here comes the question:  “Where can I see REAL Flamenco in Spain?”

Although this cultural tradition is widespread throughout Spain, there are some specific locations where Flamenco of the highest quality has an absolute presence. 

So, this article will provide you with the best places to enjoy authentic Flamenco in Spain; some even come with an incredible Gastronomic Experience!

First, it might be helpful to soak up some Flamenco info before deciding on the show you want to attend. Here’s a 101 Guide — What is Flamenco Dance? Join One of The Spanish “Tablaos”!

Now, get ready for the experience of a lifetime!

Table of Contents ▼ ▶

Best Flamenco Shows By Region in Spain

Where should I begin? Andalucía is the mother of an ancestral culture that is a symbol of international identity.

This beautiful and vibrant region attracts more and more tourists worldwide in search of joy, rhythm, music, and dance.

Moreover, the cradle of Flamenco is considered to be Jeréz de la Frontera, located in the interior of the province of Cádiz.

This means that people can enjoy Spain’s most authentic Flamenco to the fullest in this region.

Millions of artists and professionals of this art have been maintaining for generations this beautiful tradition that has been part of the Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO since 2010.

Although different areas of Andalucía have their own aires or regional styles, here are the best places to enjoy the best Flamenco Shows in the world!

1. Tablao Flamenco El Arenal - Sevilla

Chosen by the New York Times newspaper as the best flamenco show in Seville. The Tablao Flamenco El Arenal is the most symbolic place to enjoy Flamenco in Seville, founded more than 25 years ago.

The show is an absolute blast. It is a genuine Andalusian show with much passion and deep feelings.

The quality of the dancers is impressive. All with a lot of experience and excellent artistic quality in an intimate atmosphere, they perform the best interpretations of flamenco dancing and singing you will ever see!

If you choose the dinner option, I recommend arriving 30 minutes early to start dinner quietly and then watching the show.

📍 Address:   C. Rodo, 7, 41001 Sevilla

🎫  Tickets:  38 € - 72 €

• Show + 1 Drink: 38 €
• Show + Seasonal Offer Menu: 58 €
• Show + Tapas Menu: 60 €
• Show + Dinner Menu (optional: vegetarian menu): 72 €
• Show with free entrance (up to 6 years old)
• Show + drink (4-10 years): 26 €
• Show + children’s menu (4-10 years): 45 €

💻  Website:   Tablao Flamenco El Arenal

2. El Patio Sevillano - Sevilla

The Tablao Flamenco El Patio Sevillano is by far the oldest  Tablao  in Seville, founded in 1952!

This place has been home to many of the most important Flamenco shows in the world. The spectacle is a beautiful and authentic Spanish experience as the atmosphere is cozy and familiar, and the audience is warm and energetic. 

The food quality is just right, as you can taste the atmosphere of Andalucia. The show lasts 90 minutes, and some people argue that the price is a bit expensive, but it is worth it, as many artists are on stage, compared to other flamenco shows. 

What I liked the most about the show at El Patio Sevillano, compared to other places in Seville, was that, to end the performance, they finished strong with the famous Andalusian regional dance called the sevillanas, with more than 20 artists on stage. - Lucia, 26 years old, lives in Boston.  

📍 Address:   P.º de Cristóbal Colón, 11, 41001 Sevilla

🎫  Tickets:  40 € - 80 €

💻  Website:   El Patio Sevillano

3. Cueva de La Rocío - Granada

Cueva de La Rocío is an excellent place to see flamenco in Granada. It’s a cave flamenco performance for 30€! It’s excellent value for money. And the whole show is up close and personal. The performers are very talented, and the cave setting enhances the experience x10 times! 

The show includes a drink. You can also have dinner in the restaurant, with a menu of traditional dishes from Granada: two dishes, dessert, and a drink. 

At the end of the spectacle, they bring people from the audience to dance with them, which makes a great ending!

📍 Address:   Camino de Sacromonte 70, Granada

🎫  Tickets:  30 € - 65 €

💻  Website:   La Cueva de La Rocío

4. Tablao Flamenco Cardenal - Córdoba

The Tablao El Cardenal is an obligatory reference point in the Cordovan flamenco. 

You get a great seat for an affordable price since all seats have a good view of the stage. Plus, guests are welcomed with a drink, with options to order little dishes. And you can also sit in a courtyard of a large old house, which enhances the experience and makes it more familiar. 

This place has a long tradition of more than 25 years of experience with the best artists, the best show, and giving the best vibes to the spectators that every year fill the place in search of authentic Flamenco from Andalucía. 

📍 Address:   C. Buen Pastor, 2, 14003 Córdoba

🎫  Tickets:  From 23 €

💻  Website:   Tablao Flamenco Cardenal

5. La Cava - Cádiz

Cádiz is an essential epicenter of Flamenco that attracts travelers from all over the world. One of the best-known  Tablaos  is in La Cava, an old theater from the 12th century. 

There are more than 150 original photographs of the most outstanding figures in the history of Flamenco in the last 50 years.

And the performance is outstanding. These are very talented artists that live and breathe Flamenco. I’m sure you’ll set your big high after visiting La Cava. 

Tip:  Arrive at least 30 minutes earlier if you are getting Dinner to enjoy the gastronomic experience in a relaxed atmosphere.

I encourage you to go to Cádiz since this region is known for its bustling peñas in the neighborhoods, the tables, spontaneous street performances, and fairs and festivals throughout the year. 

📍 Address:   Antonio López 16, 11004 Cádiz

🎫  Tickets:  

• Flamenco Show + 1 drink: 25 €
• Flamenco Show + Dinner: 42 €
• Show and Dinner (from la Sierra, Cádiz): 48 €

💻  Website:   La Cava

6. Tablao Flamenco Alegría - Málaga

Keeping up with Andalucía, you can live a unique and authentic experience in Tablao Flamenco Alegría, in Málaga. Another place you should have on your bucket list to enjoy great Flamenco. 

This place has daily shows that are different every week. Also, they offer you a delicious optional dinner to complement your night, either on the terrace or in the restaurant.

Also, it is a lovely place, organized, familiar with kind staff, and it is very close to the city center! So there are no excuses to come and live this magical experience I’m sure you will remember. 

📍 Address:   C. Vélez Málaga, 6, 29016 Málaga

🎫  Tickets:  From 25 € 

💻  Website:   Tablao Flamenco Alegría

7. Tabanco El Pasaje - Jeréz de la Frontera

This is a must-visit place to pop by when you are in Jérez.

Far from a touristy spot, this place is a small bar/taverna where you can enjoy daily flamenco shows. I recommend that you book a table because it fills up.

Here you can dine while you watch the show and have a few drinks while enjoying with friends or family. 

The menu is a typical traditional food that perfectly accompanies the flamenco show, and the atmosphere is tangible! Plus, the performance is very high-quality, and you can really tell it is authentic from the moment you step in. 

📍 Address:   C. Sta. María, 8, 11402 Jeréz de la Frontera, Cádiz

🎫  Tickets:  Menu starts from 30 € 

💻  Website:   Tabanco El Pasaje

The country’s capital, Madrid, is responsible for representing with honor this tradition that marks Spain so much and that so many tourists travel and look for.

Therefore, here you can enjoy magnificent Flamenco shows of high quality, with excellent artists, venues, and phenomenal service to the maximum.

8. El Corral de la Morería - Madrid

This emblematic place was awarded “ Best flamenco tablao in the World. ”

If you are looking for an authentic flamenco show experience in one of the most prestigious places in Spain, this is the place for you. 

The Corral de la Morería, since 1956, has been a representative spot in Madrid. The show is so worth it, lasting 1 hour and 10 minutes. You can choose if you want dinner with a show, drinks, or just the spectacle. 

However, we recommend booking tickets for dinner, as it is one of the most awarded places to dine. The food is delicious and well-presented, as it has a Michelin-star!

If you enjoy experiencing culture, this is a must-visit. You should expect professional performers, talented people, a lively atmosphere, and top food. I recommend it very much, especially the dinner and show option.

📍 Address:   C. de la Moreria, 17, 28005 Madrid

🎫  Tickets:  48 € - 150 €

💻  Website:   El Corral de la Morería

Barcelona is one of the best places in the world to enjoy Flamenco.

Historically, there was a massive immigration of Andalusians to Catalonia in the early twentieth century. They brought their traditions, singing, and dancing, which gradually became established in Catalan society.

Currently, you can enjoy all kinds of high-quality flamenco shows in Barcelona. Here’s my top pick!

9. Tablao Flamenco Cordobés - Barcelona

Another great place to experience Flamenco in Spain is Tablao Cordobés in Barcelona.

You’ll get involved in the passion, music, talent, culture, and history atmosphere as soon as you get in. For years, this place has been under the direction of a family of artists, and it has attracted all the flamenco legends to Barcelona. 

The whole show is magical, and you’ll get excellent value for money. 

Here, Flamenco is more than a performance. You can choose to have an evening meal food menu, plus there’s an unlimited buffet and drinks all night before you are taken into the showroom.

The show lasts 1 hour and 10 minutes, with an additional 1.5 hours if you choose the evening meal option. 

📍 Address:   La Rambla, 35, 08002 Barcelona

🎫  Tickets:  45 € - 80 €

💻  Website:   Tablao Cordobés

Valencia is one of the most important cities in Spain that receives an enormous amount of tourists every year who want to know Spanish culture and traditions.

And this does not disappoint in terms of Flamenco! There is an excellent offer of quality and authenticity, so if you can not go to Andalucia, do not worry because this city has it all.

But, it should be noted that this art of deep Andalusian roots subsists in Valencia thanks to the persistence of managers and artists who have followed the tradition, as is this place that I will show you below.

10. La Bulería - Valencia

📍 Address:   Carrer del Bisbe Jaume Pérez, 24, 46006 València, Valencia

🎫  Tickets:  50 € - 90 €

💻  Website:   La Bulería

Spain is a reference destination worldwide for top-quality Flamenco shows, so I’m sure you’ll have a blast wherever you go.

I hope this list guide was helpful, now go out there and look out for a taste of the best Spanish music and dance!

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The Best Netflix Travel Shows To Watch Now

Here are the best travel shows streaming now on Netflix. Whether you're looking for exotic food destinations or planning your next vacation, this list of travel documentary series currently on Netflix is regularly updated with new and popular TV series. What are the best travel programs to watch on Netflix? 

One of the best Netflix original docuseries, Somebody Feed Phil  features Everybody Loves Raymond creator Philip Rosenthal traveling the world and trying local foods. Other good travel shows on Netflix include Ugly Delicious , Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father , Tales By Light , and Taco Chronicles.

Check out these Netflix travel shows and vote up the very best.

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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. 

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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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34 Best travel TV Shows to Binge watch this year!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost for you!

Are you looking for some amazing travel TV shows to feed your wanderlust?

There is nothing better than watching inspiring travel TV shows when you don’t get to travel. They are entertaining, helpful to plan your travels and open your mind (and heart) to new places.

I absolutely love watching travel shows on TV. While it’s true that I prefer doing the actual travelling, I’m like everybody else and I also enjoy staying at home and dreaming of my next destinations.

I spend a lot of time watching travel shows and find it to be not just entertaining, but enlightening!

Sometimes you will discover underrated places that you would have never thought of going. And that’s the great thing about it, you don’t only get to learn about the places you want to go. You discover new places!

It’s also a very good way to learn more about the culture of these places.

As you may know, I love discovering new cultures. I find all of them so incredibly interesting. Foreign languages, food, history… there is just so much to discover. It’s so interesting and exciting!

Here are some of the best travel TV shows to watch now!

🔎 Table of Contents

1. Jack Whitehall: Travels with my father

Jack Whitehall is a famous British comedian. He is mainly known to be the posh lad in Fresh Meat (filmed in Manchester by the way 😉 ).

In real life, Jack Whitehall actually is a very posh Londoner. He comes from a wealthy family and never got the chance to go backpacking as many young people do.

On top of that, he always had quite a difficult relationship with his dad, who is 79.

This is why, in 2017, Jack Whitehall invites his dad, Michael, to go backpacking with him in Asia for a Netflix original series .

By that, I mean proper backpacking. Sleeping in hostels, taking cheap transportation, carrying a backpack… and guess what, his dad said yes!

This show is absolutely hilarious and a perfect mix between comedy and travel. If you need something to cheer you up and make you dream of foreign lands, it’s the perfect choice!

In the first season, they travel through countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

It’s so funny to watch as the dad is quite a character. He is a very posh person and obviously not quite happy about the lack of comfort.

If you like British humour, Jack and Michael Whitehall will crack you up!

The show had so much success that it was renewed for a second season in Europe . A continent that Michael famously voted to leave! In the third season, they go to America and here again, it takes a whole new dimension.

Give it a try, you will be hooked straight from the first episode! It’s so funny and arguably the best travel reality show on Netflix!

2. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown

You may know Anthony Bourdain as a chef but did you know that he had a few travel shows as well?

My favourite is Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown .

This American food and travel show was produced by CNN and ran from 2013 to 2018. Sadly, Anthony died while working on a show about Strasbourg, France on the 8th of June 2018.

In this show, he travels the world and focuses on the lesser-known and underrated places.

He goes to pretty much any country you can think of and explores the culture and cuisine with locals. Very often he goes around with local guides, sometimes he also gets to meet famous personalities.

In his episode about Lyon in France, he goes for dinner with Paul Bocuse, the famous French chef.

Bourdain has this very unique way to explore the world. He sees the beauty in everything and always makes sure to be in perfect sync with local cultures.

He had this unique ability to see the world as the absolute beauty it really is and through Parts Unknown, shares his vision of the world’s cultures.

It’s not a show that I would categorise as funny, although there are some quirks. But it’s definitely the most interesting and passionate one of this list!

3. Down to Earth

Seasons:  1

This is a fun travel show / documentary to watch. It stars Zac Efron who travels around the world with wellness expert Darin Olien.

The goal of these travels is to discover more sustainable ways to live. They go everywhere around the world including Iceland, Sardinia and South America. 

Each destination highlight a specific sustainable lifestyle. For example, Sardinia in Italy is known as a blue zone. A blue zone is an area with more people reaching the age of 100 than the average.

When they get to Sardinia, they meet with locals and experts to try to understand how the way people live and eat has impacted their health.

Darin Olien is known to be big on super foods so you will also learn plenty about that when they go to South America.

All in all, this is a great show to watch as it perfectly mixes together fun and education.

4. BBC Race Across the World

Even though the Amazing Race is a concept available in almost all countries, it doesn’t exist in the UK.

But don’t you worry, the BBC thought that through and created its own program!

The concept of the Race across the world is a bit different though. In this show, you will follow 5 pairs of travellers on an epic race across the world.

In the first season, their mission is to go from London to Singapore without taking a single flight.

They are being given a bit of money, the equivalent of a flight ticket from London to Singapore ie about £1000. With this money, they have to go to Singapore without flying.

This means they have to find transport, accommodation and food for a month within that £500 budget per head. Each pair adopts a different strategy.

They take all sorts of transportation. Some hitchhike, some take the bus…

It’s a very entertaining thing to watch. You will surprise yourself trying to plan that trip as well!

5. Somebody Feed Phil

Seasons:  4

This Netflix Original is an excellent thing to watch if you love both travelling and food.

You will follow Philip Rosenthal on his trips around the world and discover the local delicacies.

There is no better way to understand the local culture than eating local dishes with the locals themselves and that’s what Phil is doing here.

From the floating markets in Thailand to the classic Mexican cantinas, he tries it all!

The best thing about this show is that you will discover so much more than just food and drinks.

He really tries to understand the local culture and why things are the way they are.

It’s also worth noting that Phil is a very happy and funny guy which makes it very pleasant to watch.

6. Instant Hotel

Instant Hotel is an Australian reality show that follows several teams of homeowners.

Each duo owns a holiday rental in Australia and will host the other contestants for a day and a night.

It’s a nice thing to watch if you love Australia or would like to visit one day.

You will get to see several states including Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Northern Territory.

Not only will you see some very famous locations such as Bondi Beach but will also get to discover some hidden gems.

There are 2 seasons available on Netflix.

7. Ugly Delicious

This is another food and travel TV show on Netflix. In this one, you will follow chef David Chang on his journey around the world.

A bit like Anthony Bourdain used to do, Chang is using food to tackle misconceptions and break down cultural barriers. 

Food is a powerful way to experience a country and learn more about the local culture. Chef Chang knows that and he shows you exactly how to!

He is also joined by guests including other chefs, artists, activists and plenty more. With him, you’ll discover many different regions including the USA, Asia and Europe.

8. Dark Tourist

In Dark Tourist, the journalist David Farrier focuses on something rarely talked about: Dark Tourism. Dark tourism is the fact of travelling to places associated with death or tragedy.

This type of travel is getting more and more popular and that’s why David Farrier goes to experience it and share with us his journey.

Dark Tourist is a very interesting show to watch as clearly, he is immersing himself into some culture and believes that you probably never even heard of before that.

Secondly, it can get quite funny and that Kiwi accent is always so cute!

Lastly, let’s be honest, it’s bloody weird! And clearly extremely interesting. I had no idea most of these things existed and although it can be creepy at times, it is quite interesting to know more about them.

9. Emily in Paris

Emily in Paris is a Netflix Original TV Show that was released in 2020. It was created by Darren Star (best known for “Sex and the City”).

It’s the story of Emily Cooper, an American girl, who moves to Paris to work in a French marketing agency.

Although it was argued that the show was full of clichés, it is still a very cool thing to watch. As a French person, I loved it!

It may not quite be representative of what a normal french life is but it highlights the most magical aspects of Paris! It will make you dream!

Emily Cooper is played by Lily Collins (British-American actress) but most of the other main characters are French which makes the show even better!

They all speak English (some with a better accent than others).

It’s a feel-good travel show that will make you want to visit Paris straight away!

And if you do, you will be able to visit Emily in Paris filming locations!

10. Griff’s Great Australian Rail Trip

Looking for a travel show about Australia? Here you go!

This 2020 docuseries is one of the best things to watch before going to Australia.

Here you will see Griff Rhys Jones, a Welsh comedian, taking on an amazing train journey from Perth to Sydney and Darwin to Adelaide.

Not only is it a great way to see what the Indian Pacific and The Ghan trains are like but you will also get to learn so much about the Australian outback and culture.

You can tell that Griff is truly fascinated by Australia and he will definitely make you want to jump on a plane straight away!

11. The Kindness Diaries

The Kindness Diaries is one of the best travel programmes if you also love motorbikes (don’t worry if you don’t though, it’s fun either way but if you do like motorbikes, this is the ultimate best travel series for you).

You will follow the adventures of Leon who travels around the world on a vintage motorcycle relying solely on the kindness of strangers for accommodation, food and even petrol.

This is an extraordinary travel tv program. Not only is it interesting and fun but seeing the kindness of people all around the world is simply the most moving thing you can see.

It will leave you quite emotional on a few occasions!

12. James May: Our man in Japan

You may know James May as one of the presenters of Top Gear. But he’s got way more in store than you’d think.

In this Amazon Prime original , James May goes to Japan and experiences many aspects of Japanese Culture.

He goes to all the main cities including Tokyo and Kyoto but also some more remote places in the Japanese countryside.

James May is a typical British guy and definitely knows how to come up with the best comments!

Just picture him, in Japan, not speaking a single word of Japanese, clueless about the culture… and yet going for it!

It’s a very interesting mix of fun and culture.

If you love Japan, you will definitely like it but even if you don’t have any specific interest in this country, you will still enjoy it, I promise!

You can watch this amazing show on Amazon Prime.

Click here to check it out and get a free trial!

13. Gordon, Gino and Fred’s Road Trip

If you are looking for comedy travel shows, look no further! This one will make you laugh out loud!

This 2-season show features 3 famous chefs in the UK: Gordon Ramsay, Gino D’Acampo, and Fred Serieix.

Just picture it for a moment, we are putting together a British man, an Italian man and a French man, in a same place and make them travel the world to discover the best foods.

The result? One of the best celebrity travel shows we can think of!

It is a very cool show and you get to discover their home countries of Italy , France and Scotland but also some other destinations such as Texas or Mexico.

14. By Any Means

Seasons:  1 (6 episodes)

This one is for all the adventurers out there! Unlike some of the shows out there that are quite commercialised, this one is very pure and honest. You will be following Charley Boorman, an Irishman who decides to go from his small hometown in Ireland all the way down to Australia without flying.

Charley is not doing all of that on his own. He is with a team which makes it even more entertaining.

In the first episode, you will see how they went about planning the trip itself which was pretty challenging back in 2008. After that, the good stuff starts and you follow them on this incredible journey.

It’s a great way to learn more about hidden gems and underrated travel destinations.

Click here to watch on Amazon Prime.

15. The Grand Tour

The Grand Tour is British motoring show featuring Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May. Although it is known for cars, it’s also an excellent travel TV show to watch.

The famous trio used to present Top Gear for BBC. In 2015, BBC didn’t renew Jeremy Clarkson’s contract.

At this point, his friends decided to follow him and they signed a contract with Amazon Prime . The Grand Tour was born!

On the Grand Tour, Clarkson, Hammond and May embark the most incredible vehicles and set off to explore some of the most beautiful countries in the world!

They visit some famous places but also adventure themselves in very remote, off-the-beaten-path, locations. This includes Madagascar, Morocco, Namibia, Italy and many more!

The Grand Tour is available on Amazon Prime . There are several seasons and some specials!

Click here to watch The Grand Tour.

16. Amazing Race

The Amazing Race is an American reality TV show. I’ve watched every season of the French equivalent, Pekin Express.

As much as I would love to talk about this show, I appreciate that watching a show in french might not be of your liking!

But it’s ok because the Amazing Race is pretty much the same thing. There is an American and Canadian version.

The concept is simple. There are several teams of two racing around the world. In each episode, they have to go to a certain destination with no money.

Therefore their only option is to hitchhike and get locals to accommodate them for free.

Along the way, other missions are given to them. These can be hikes, riding… all sorts of things.

It’s the perfect show to discover many countries in a different way. The Amazing Race has it all: competition, culture, landscapes, fun… A must see!

And there are over 30 seasons available so plenty to binge-watch!

Click here to watch the Amazing Race.

17. Travel Man

If you are looking for another funny British travel show, Travel Man is for you!

In this channel 4 show, the host Richard Ayoade explores all major cities around the world. The goal? Visiting as many tourist spots in the minimum amount of time.

When I say that, don’t get me wrong. He is very well organised and makes sure to go on a guided tour most of the time.

This means he actually embeds himself very well in the culture of the place he is visiting.

But where loads of travel shows focus on hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path destinations, Travel Man does the opposite. He goes for the most famous landmarks!

And it’s a good thing because even though these places are touristy, they are famous for a reason!

Richard Ayoade is a very funny man and will make you laugh out loud quite a few times!

Somehow, he always does his best not to enjoy himself which makes the whole show absolutely hilarious!

This show is perfect if you are planning city breaks or are into architecture.

If you are an adventure and after nature discovery, it won’t be what you are looking for.

Click here to watch Travel Man.

18. Anthony Bourdain: The Layover

The late Anthony Bourdain was famous as a celebrity chef. But he gained an army of new fans with his excellent travel series, Anthony Bourdain: The Layover .

Showcasing Bourdain’s swift visits to various cities around the world, the show aired on the Travel Channel from 2011 to 2013.

It focused on how to make the most of a short layover or brief stopover in a city.

Each episode featured Bourdain spending 24 to 48 hours in a featured city, providing viewers with a fast-paced, no-nonsense guide to experiencing the best food, culture and attractions a place had to offer.

He often sought the help of local experts and friends, including chefs and celebrities, to uncover hidden gems and popular hotspots.

Visiting everywhere from New York City to Istanbul, the show is renowned for Bourdain’s candid and unfiltered commentary, his willingness to try exotic and unconventional dishes and his deep appreciation for the diverse cultures he encountered.

19. All Joanna Lumley’s Shows

Joanna Lumley is a famous British actress. You may know her from  The New Avengers  or more recently  The Wolf of Wall Street.

She is also well known for her travel documentaries.

She has done quite a few of them over the years and they are all fantastic things to watch. The most recent one was released in 2020 and is called Joanna Lumley’s Hidden Caribbean: Havana to Haiti.

If you love the Caribbean and want to learn more about this part of the world, watching Joanna Lumley’s TV show will be the perfect thing to do.

It is considered a documentary but like most travel shows, it’s quite funny on top of being interesting.

In this one, she goes to Cuban and Haiti. Local culture, quirky situations, funny humour… it has it all!

You should also consider watching the other ones as they are all fantastic:

• Joanna Lumley’s Nile
• Joanna Lumley’s Japan
• Joanna Lumley’s Trans-Siberian Adventure
• Joanna Lumley’s Unseen Adventures
• Joanna Lumley’s Greek Odyssey
• Joanna Lumley’s India
• Joanna Lumley’s Home Sweet Home: Travels in My Own Land
• Joanna Lumley’s Silk Road Adventure
• Joanna Lumley’s Postcards

Most of them are available on Amazon Prime as well as ITV Hub and BBC Select.

20. Bradley Walsh & Son: Breaking Dad

This one is very similar to Jack Whitehall Travels with my father. On paper at least.

In this case, the dad is the celebrity. Bradley Walsh is a famous British comedian and presenter. If he never particularly wanted to travel, his 21-year old son, Barney, decided otherwise!

Together they go on a road trip in America in an RV. The series started in 2019 and can be watched on Amazon . There are 2 seasons, 10 episodes in total.

In this case, they don’t go for a budget-travel version. They keep their comfort but try very unexpected activities in the States.

It’s more about the contact with the locals which is quite interesting.

As you would expect from the Walsh’s, it’s also very funny!

They go from the Florida Keys up to Georgia. So if you are interested in knowing more about Florida and the east coast states, this one’s for you!

You can watch this amazing show on  ITV (eligible for a free trial as well!).

21. An Idiot Abroad

An Idiot Abroad is one the quirkiest travel show that you can find.

Here is the plot: the main person, Karl Pilkington has never wanted to travel and will be forced to.

Basically, at the beginning of the episode, Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant (who created the show) send Karl abroad with instructions. They put together a bucket list and he has to do everything.

It’s so funny! I promise, this British show will crack you up!

The thing that makes it so entertaining is the fact that Karl Pilkington has no interest in travelling and ends up doing all these things while the other two stay in the UK!

If you want to have a good laugh, An Idiot Abroad is the way to go!

22. The Americas with Simon Reeve

If you are looking for the best travel shows on BBC iplayer, this one is for you!

It features Simon Reeve, a famous British adventurer, exploring the Americas.

The first season includes 5 episodes during which you discover some of the most famous places in the Americas such as Machu Picchu in Peru but also some very remote places in the Amazon rainforest.

If you’d like to learn more about Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Paraguay, this is the travel show for you.

There is a lot to love about the Americas. Between the ancient Maya heritage and the beautiful national parks in the USA, there is so much to discover.

That’s exactly what you will do if you want “The Americas with Simon Reeve”.

You will follow him on his incredible journey and learn more about the local culture as well as sustainable ways to live. From planting trees in Costa Rica to hiking the Rocky Mountains, this is the perfect mix between adventure, culture and sustainability.

This TV show was produced by BBC and available on BBC iPlayer. 

23. Men in Kilts

If you’d love to learn more about Scotland , then Men in Kilts is the perfect travel show for you!

Here you will follow Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish, the stars of Outlander, around Scotland and discover plenty about the local culture.

This includes whisky, bagpipes and of course, stunning landscapes.

Not only is it a very interesting show to watch but the hosts are so funny and it’s so great to see them in another context than Outlander.

24. Long Way Up

Premiering in 2020, Long Way Up is part of the Long Way series of documentary travel TV shows, which follows motorcycle journeys led by longtime actors and friends Charley Boorman and Ewan McGregor.

In Long Way Up , Charley and Ewan embark on an epic adventure, riding electric Harley Davidson LiveWire motorbikes from the southern tip of South America in Argentina to Los Angeles in the USA.

The journey covers over 13,000 miles and 13 countries, taking them through Chile, Bolivia, Peru , Ecuador, Colombia, Central America and Mexico between their start and finish points.

Some of the most memorable moments include navigating challenging terrains like the Atacama Desert and the Andes Mountains, dealing with extreme weather conditions, and experiencing the cultural diversity of the countries they visit.

The duo also encounter unexpected obstacles, like charging their electric motorcycles in remote locations with limited infrastructure, which adds an extra layer of adventure to their trip.

25. Booze Traveler

Booze Traveler was a popular Travel Channel television series from 2014 to 2018. Its host was the effervescent Jack Maxwell – a well-known Boston-born actor and television personality.

Each episode featured Maxwell embarking on a worldwide adventure to learn about different cultures through their alcoholic beverages and drinking customs.

The series took viewers to various destinations, including Mexico, India, Japan, Italy, and South Africa.

In each place, Maxwell immersed himself in local customs, tried traditional drinks and interacted with the locals to understand the importance of alcohol in their culture better.

In doing this, he often tried unique and sometimes unusual alcoholic drinks, such as snake wine in Vietnam and fermented mare’s milk in Mongolia.

Overall, the show explored the cultural and historical significance of alcohol, revealing how it has shaped societies and brought people together.

Sadly, the show was not renewed for a fifth series because Maxwell was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma while filming the last few episodes of this travel series.

26. Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby

Considered one of the best travel TV series out of the UK, Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby debuted in 2017 and quickly became popular amongst those who aspire to the finer things in life.

Giles Coren, a British food and travel writer and Monica Galetti, a renowned chef and restaurant critic, host the show.

The series explores some of the world’s most unique and luxurious hotels, delving beyond their opulent lobbies to uncover the behind-the-scenes operations and extraordinary experiences they offer.

In each episode, Coren and Galetti visit a different exceptional hotel, often located in stunning and remote locations.

They meet with the staff, from chefs to concierges, to understand the craftsmanship, innovation and dedication required to maintain these extraordinary establishments.

The show highlights the environmental and sustainability efforts of these hotels where possible.

Over the years, Amazing Hotels has featured various destinations, including the Fogo Island Inn in Canada, the Burj Al Arab in Dubai, the Giraffe Manor in Kenya and the Treehotel in Sweden.

27. Iain Robertson Rambles

If you watch Iain Robertson Rambles , you’ll see one of the most fascinating documentary travel TV shows ever.

As its name suggests, this captivating series is hosted by Iain Robertson, a Scottish presenter and broadcaster widely recognised for his love for nature and the outdoors.

The show focuses on Robertson’s expeditions through some of Scotland’s most picturesque and remote terrains and the UK.

During each episode, viewers accompany Robertson on his long walks and hikes across breathtaking landscapes.

The show offers a unique blend of travelogue, natural history, and personal storytelling.

Robertson’s passion for the outdoors and his knowledge of wildlife and environmental conservation are central to the series.

Throughout the series, Iain Robertson explores various destinations in Scotland and the UK, including the rugged Highlands , the serene islands of the Hebrides, and the lush woodlands of Wales.

Whilst watching him do this, viewers feel like they are alongside him – trekking through the picturesque landscapes he explores.

28. The Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan

If you are looking for funny travel shows, look no further than The Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan .

The show, a travel documentary series starring the British comedian, first aired in 2018.

It follows Romesh as he embarks on journeys to various destinations worldwide, often focusing on places considered off the beaten path or challenging for tourists.

Throughout the series, Romesh immerses himself in the local cultures and traditions of the places he visits.

He often seeks unique and authentic experiences, interacting with locals and trying his hand at their customs and activities.

Some places he visits include Ethiopia, Haiti, Albania, Zimbabwe, Mongolia, and Bosnia – locations known for their rich history, distinctive cultures, and, in some cases, reputations for being less frequented by mainstream travellers.

As Romesh offers humorous and self-deprecating commentary while navigating unfamiliar and sometimes challenging situations, the show provides a fresh perspective on travel.

His witty observations and genuine reactions to the places he goes to make for entertaining viewing. 

29. Passport to Europe with Samantha Brown

Passport to Europe with Samantha Brown is one of several TV travel shows that hit our screens from the Travel Channel.

The show ran from 2004 to 2006 and was hosted by the American television personality and travel expert known for her engaging and relatable approach to travel.

In the series, Samantha Brown explores various European destinations, providing viewers with insider tips, cultural insights and travel recommendations.

She regularly immersed herself in the local culture, trying regional foods, experiencing traditions, and interacting with locals.

Some of the destinations she went to included Paris, Rome, Venice, London, Vienna and Barcelona.

The show captures each location’s iconic landmarks, historical sites and vibrant neighbourhoods while highlighting their unique charms during her visits.

It was known for dishing out practical travel advice and inspirational exploration of European cities and cultures.

It encouraged viewers to embrace the adventure of travel and discover the beauty and diversity of Europe’s many destinations.

30. Globe Trekker

One of the longest-running TV travel shows was the incomparable Globe Trekker , which aired for 17 seasons and well over 200 episodes from 1994 to 2010.

The show features trekkers who embark on journeys to destinations worldwide, providing viewers with insights into different cultures, traditions and experiences.

Over the years, it has had a rotating cast of hosts, including Ian Wright, Megan McCormick, Zay Harding and one Bradley Cooper – who went on to achieve international fame as a Hollywood superstar.

These hosts have travelled to various destinations around the globe from the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru and the vibrant markets of Marrakech in Morocco to the serene landscapes of New Zealand and the untouched beauty of Bora Bora.

The show’s format combines travelogue-style storytelling with practical travel tips, making it entertaining and informative for viewers interested in exploring the world.

31. Conan Without Borders

For those wanting the best travel shows streaming right now, it’s hard to go past Conan Without Borders.

Hosted by the famous comedian and talk show, the show debuted in 2015.

It featured Conan travelling to various international destinations, often to engage with local cultures, traditions and humour.

Celebrity guests, friends, and local personalities join Conan O’Brien in exploring the destinations throughout the series – including former First Lady Michelle Obama, actor Jack Black and comedian Jordan Schlansky.

The show has taken viewers on hilarious and insightful journeys to destinations like Cuba, Mexico, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Italy and Ghana.

It typically blends travelogue-style segments with Conan’s trademark comedic sketches and interviews.

While watching his attempts to immerse himself in cultural practices (such as learning traditional dances or trying regional cuisine), Conan presents us with his comedic take on each destination’s unique quirks and idiosyncrasies.

In doing so, the show entertains and fosters a sense of global connection and curiosity.

32. Tales by Light

Combining breathtaking imagery, storytelling, and a profound appreciation for the planet’s wonders, Tales by Light is a must-watch travel TV series for photography enthusiasts and anyone interested in the world’s most extraordinary and untamed places.

The show is a documentary television series that delves into the world of photography and the experiences of renowned photographers as they capture compelling images from around the globe.

It explores the stories behind these captivating photographs and the photographers’ journeys to catch them.

The series has featured various acclaimed photographers, including Art Wolfe, Darren Jew and Krystle Wright, who each provide insights into their unique approach to photography. 

They usually travel to remote and exotic destinations – including the Amazon Rainforest, Antarctica, Papua New Guinea, India and the Arctic Circle – often pursuing wildlife, nature and indigenous cultures.

Overall, the show provides viewers with a visually stunning and educational experience, showcasing the photographers’ dedication to their craft and deep respect for the natural world.

33. Ed Stafford: Into the Unknown

If you have yet to see it, Ed Stafford: Into the Unknown is one of the most compelling travel-related shows you can watch.

Hosted by British adventurer and explorer Ed Stafford – known for being the first person to walk the entire length of the Amazon River – the show illustrates the spirit of human exploration and resilience.

It highlights the former British army captain’s quest for adventure by journeying to some of the world’s most remote and challenging locations.

Throughout the series, Ed Stafford travels solo to destinations like Venezuela, Mongolia, Ethiopia and Peru. He has close encounters with grizzly bears in Alaska and tracking elusive snow leopards in Mongolia.

In every episode, Stafford immerses himself in the local culture and landscapes, often relying on his survival skills to navigate the wild and unfamiliar terrains.

The show combines elements of exploration, adventure and survival as Stafford pushes himself to his physical and mental limits.

34. Expedition Unknown

Expedition Unknown, a popular adventure and travel documentary television series, premiered on the Travel Channel in 2015.

The show’s presenter is Josh Gates, an explorer and adventurer who takes viewers on a quest to uncover mysteries, legends, and secrets from around the world.

During the series, Gates travels to a wide range of famous and obscure destinations to investigate historical enigmas, treasure hunts, and unsolved mysteries.

He often collaborates with experts, historians, and local guides to gather clues and solve puzzles related to each episode’s theme.

Some places he visits include Egypt, South America, and the Caribbean, where he seeks hidden treasures and solves perplexing mysteries.

His adventures involve investigating Amelia Earhart’s disappearance, searching for Atlantis, and pursuing the elusive Yeti in the Himalayas.

Ultimately, the show is known for its blend of adventure, history and exploration, making it entertaining for viewers interested in the thrill of discovery and the fascination of uncovering the world’s hidden secrets.

How to watch travel TV shows?

There are many places where you can find travel TV shows, but these would be the best places to start! I use all of them and love them! They are very complementary!

You can create an account and start watching Netflix here. This is where you will find most of the shows about travel.

Amazon Prime Video

Amazon Prime Video comes with your prime subscription. There are many things to watch on Prime and it’s very good value. You can get a free trial for Amazon Prime Video here.

BBC iplayer

BBC offers some of the best UK travel shows including Race Across the World and The Americas with Simon Reeve.

ITV channel

ITV Channel offers some amazing TV shows such as the Bradley Walsh one or Gordon, Gino and Fred Road Trip. You can get a free trial for ITV here.

Disney + / Hulu

Although these are no TV shows, I’d recommend you to watch some Disney movies . Loads of them are perfect to discover new places.

We don’t always realise it but they are very good to embed yourself into a foreign culture.

For example:

• France: Aristocats
• UK: Mary Poppins
• China: Mulan

I thought I’d put it in there as clearly, Disney is always a good idea !

Channel 4 is a free-to-air television channel in the UK. You can go to their websites and watch everything for free.

There are some ads but they are pretty short.

I hope you will enjoy these amazing travel shows! If you have any recommendations, please share them in the comments as I would love to discover more myself!

You may also be interested in:

• Best books about France and the French
• Harry Potter Things to do in NYC
• Guide to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in the USA
• Magical Emily In Paris Filming Locations you can actually visit in France

Founder of Beeloved City, I am originally from France and have been living in the UK since 2016. I've travelled to 25 countries as a backpacker, travel coordinator and for holidays. I spent a year in Australia before eventually settling down in Manchester, England

Family travel with a toddler

Six Best Travel Shows on Amazon Prime (2021)

Since our family is spending a lot of time not traveling and spending more time indoors , we are getting more of our travel fix by watching travel shows. It seems like there are a lot more travel-related shows on Amazon Prime than there are on Netflix. Here’s a list of our favorites, and why you should watch them too.

Note : As of publishing (updated Jan 2021), these shows are still available with an Amazon Prime membership. However, things quickly change when it comes to streaming services. Sometimes shows get dropped and new ones get added. We’ll try to update this post whenever possible.

Word Travels

Globe trekker, rick steves europe, the curious traveler, the amazing race, james may: our man in japan, suggestions and recommendations, share this:.

First aired in the early 2000s in Nat Geo Adventure, Word Travels follows Robin Esrock and Julia Dimon as they go from country to country, looking for an angle for their stories in the hopes of getting them (selling them) in publications that they write and pitch for.

Julia has a weekly travel column in a Canadian newspaper, while Robin was a freelance travel writer. It shows how raw the world of travel writing is, and how real it is. They struggle to find angles that have not been covered yet, while also making it engaging so publications can buy their stories.

While some of their trips in the show are press trips, most of the time, you’ll see Julia and Robin paying for their trips and saving money by staying in hostels. The show also shows how you would spend hours just trying to chase marketing people and story leads and end up with no story at all.

Really interesting and quite different from other travel shows out there. Each episode is around 25 minutes long, so good for a quick watch.

Originally called Lonely Planet , this TV series was originally aired in the 1990s! It was in fact a part of me growing up as I awaited every single episode – it is a means to travel the world without any money (as I was when I was 7).

Bradley Cooper hosted a few shows, but my favorite hosts were Ian Wright and Justine Shapiro. Ian Wright went on to host a few more shows on the Discovery Channel. These hosts provided information about every destination, and their love of traveling is very contagious.

Every episode is between 45 minutes to an hour long and features multiple cities and/or themes per episode.

Rick Steves is known as a subject matter expert in Europe , which stemmed from his vacations to the continent, his PBS shows, and his guidebooks. While you can stream full episodes of his show on free TV and YouTube, Prime also has a few seasons available for free.

I love the cities that he visits, mainly because I do love Europe as well. Every episode is 20-30 minutes long, which also makes it a quick show to binge-watch.

This is an Indie show that I’ve only managed to see on Amazon Prime. The host gives facts about a specific city and connects the history and the sites that she visits. It’s not at all dry and I find that I learn something new whenever I watch an episode.

Every episode is around 25-30 minutes long, and only features a city (or more cities, but within the same country). The host does not really travel to really exotic destinations, but it is a good show nonetheless. Currently only has 3 seasons available on Prime.

Want adrenaline mixed with adventure and travel? Enter the Amazing Race . This show has been going on for 30+ seasons and is also available on CBS.

Honestly, watching this TV series makes me stressed. The contestants bicker a lot, are consistently on the go, and have to do challenges along the way. Add that to constantly traveling by train, plane, boat, and car, and have to race to not be the last!

Every episode is close to an hour, with specials running up to 90 minutes. Each season has new sets of teams, new dynamics, and new destinations.

My husband and I have actually talked about trying to get on to the show, so you’ll never know if you finally do see us on the show!

Japan – a bucket list country for most people. It’s so different and traditional, modern yet steeped in history. From one of the original presenters of Top Gear, James May travels throughout Japan and shows us, the viewers, what’s cool about the place and his quirky thoughts.

Every episode is around an hour-long, with new cities covered per episode. There’s only one season available, but it’s filmed in 4K and the detail is beautiful!

Our favorite travel show (after Departures), the host Richard Ayoade takes a guest for a 48-hour romp around various cities across the globe. He has some A-listers on his show like Paul Rudd, Jon Hamm, and even his old IT Crowd colleagues.

Note that not all the seasons are available on Prime, but you can still binge-watch all 3 seasons that are available as of this blog’s publish date. Every episode is around 30 minutes long, so not a lot of time investment is required.

Did we mention that Ayoade is so funny as a host? He is such an unexpected traveler – he does not like trying new foods, does not like really cold weather, and does not like doing crazy, adventurous things. These all add to the quirkiness of the show.

If you have any other suggestions or recommendations for travel shows to watch on Amazon Prime, feel free to comment below. We’d love to hear your thoughts and we’re always open to watching new travel and history-related shows!

Alternatively, you can contact us as well for your suggestions and comments!

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7 Best New Travel Shows You Can Stream Right Now

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Most avid travelers experienced a decline in their favorite hobby last year. But exciting adventures, new cuisine, and beautiful landscapes are still accessible to us all via our favorite travel shows. Explore the world from the comfort of your couch with these travel shows you can stream right now.

1. Stanley Tucci: Searching For Italy

Hulu, cnn on demand.

Take a guided tour of Italy with host Stanley Tucci as he travels from Naples to Rome, sampling cuisine and learning about Italian history and culture along the way. The Devil Wears Prada and Hunger Games actor takes on a new role as host, telling personal stories as he is joined by his wife and friends. Inspired by his own Italian heritage, Tucci is so passionate about his journey through the country and the food that he’s tasting, viewers will feel like they’re on the Amalfi Coast themselves. Season one is currently airing on CNN and available on Hulu . A second season has already been planned for 2022.

2. Down To Earth With Zac Efron

While Zac Efron’s adventure show may not be the ultimate in high-brow entertainment, the High School Musical star’s charisma and enthusiasm make Down to Earth an incredibly fun watch. The actor, joined by wellness guru Darin Olien, travels the globe, attempting to learn about sustainability and the environment. He also samples local cuisines and shamelessly indulges in the local tourist activities. All of season one is available now on Netflix, and filming for a second season has already begun.

3. Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted

Watch Gordon Ramsay travel the world, learning old-world methods of cooking from locals, in his new food-based travel show on Disney + . In Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted , viewers experience the chef abandoning his reputation as a loud, hyper-critical judge. Instead, he spends his time learning new techniques and trying new food, incredibly excited to be there and impressed by every meal he tries. Each episode features a new location and new group of welcoming locals excited to share the history of their food. There are two seasons available already, with season three set to air in mid-2021.

4. Our Planet

Narrated by David Attenborough, Netflix’s Our Planet offers an in-depth exploration of the world’s habitats, focusing on the effects of climate change and global warming. While the thesis of the documentary is science-based, the creators’ clear passion for nature shines through. The visuals are absolutely breathtaking, and the show itself is self-reflective and inspirational. With footage from 50 countries, episodes cover jungles, deserts, forests, and virtually every landscape imaginable, virtually guaranteeing a deep dive into any viewer’s favorite destination.

5. Taste The Nation With Padma Lakshmi

Explore the United States with Food Network personality Padma Lakshmi as she seeks to understand the connection between U.S. food and U.S. culture. Every episode features a different American city, where Lakshmi meets with immigrants from around the world, seeking to understand how the diversity of the country’s chefs has shaped what we define as American cuisine. This one-season series is a moving, emotional exploration of culture, heritage, and identity, available for streaming on Hulu .

6. Long Way Up

Reunited for their third joint travel adventure show, Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman go on an ambitious motorcycle ride in Apple TV’s Long Way Up . Starting in Ushuaia, a city at the tip of South America, the two friends ride for more than 100 days and 13,000 miles, crossing borders and country lines, making their way into Argentina, Chile, and Peru, all the way up to Central America and Mexico. Fans of Long Way Round and Long Way Down will love this third installment, all of which is available for streaming.

7. Street Food

For another food-based travel show, try Netflix’s Street Food , and its two available seasons, Street Food: Asia and Street Food: Latin America . Each episode takes place in a different city, with interviews of three to four street food chefs and their featured dishes. This show takes a deep dive not only into the cuisine, but primarily into the people who make it, emphasizing the journey of the individual cooks. The featured dishes are often region-specific and emblematic of the conditions and circumstances of both the city and the chef. The show focuses on the vendors’ backstories, teaching viewers about local poverty, history, culture, and identity.

These are just a starting point; there are a lot more shows out there worth a look. All you have to do is go on a surf vacation from the comfort of your couch.

Editor’s Note: Can’t get enough virtual travel? Jordan Palmer has more on Beeyonder , the new travel company created so anyone can travel the world.

Greg Robertson has worked as an editor and writer for some of the top newspapers and websites in the country, leading him to live all across the country. He now calls Las Vegas home, but has journeyed from the sunshine of California and the rain in Seattle, to the humidity of Arkansas and the snow of Minnesota. His travels have taken him to Puerto Vallarta, Costa Rica, Spain, and the Dominican Republic, but he's happiest at home with his wife, two daughters, and dog.

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

Ready to get off the couch and back into the world? Join Going and get amazing cheap flights —up to 90% off—delivered right to your inbox.  

Freelance Writer

Published August 8, 2023

Last updated January 9, 2024

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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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 A Guide to Madrid’s Best Flamenco Shows

January 25, 2024

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If you’re planning a trip to Madrid and want to experience the soul-stirring beauty of flamenco, then I’ve got two incredible shows for you. Don’t worry if you’re short on time and can’t read the whole article, I’ve got you with this handy summary.

These performances are an absolute must-see, so if you’re short on time, here are my top recommendations:

Madrid: “Emociones” Live Flamenco Performance: Book your tickets for this mesmerizing show that will leave you breathless. Immerse yourself in the passionate world of flamenco with talented dancers and musicians who will ignite your emotions.

Madrid: Flamenco Show at Tablao Las Carboneras: Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the artistry of flamenco at this renowned venue. Get ready for the powerful footwork, heartfelt melodies, and raw energy of the performers.

These shows are an enchanting way to delve into the rich cultural heritage of Spain. So, grab your tickets and transport into a world of fiery passion and mesmerizing rhythms. Let the magic of flamenco ignite your soul in the heart of Madrid. Ole!

*Note some of the links feature affiliate links. I only recommend items that I 100% love and think you will too!

Introduction to Flamenco

Flamenco is a traditional Spanish artform that originated in the south of Spain, particularly Andalusia. It has existed for centuries but became widespread and recognized in the late 18th and early 19th century.

Flamenco encompasses three main elements – song (cante), dance (baile), and guitar playing (toque). It emerged from the Roma people in Andalusia, who mixed their music and dance styles with those of the region’s native Andalusians and later input from Moorish, Sephardic, and Gitano influences.

Over the centuries, flamenco transformed from an informal folk tradition to a professional artform. It became a symbol of Spanish culture and particularly the Gypsy artists who were some of flamenco’s most important innovators. Flamenco expresses the emotions of joy, pain, sorrow, and struggle.

UNESCO recognized flamenco as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010. This was in recognition of flamenco’s significance as a meaningful expression of culture, heritage, and community. Flamenco continues to thrive in Spain and influence performers worldwide today.

Flamenco in Madrid

Madrid is one of the most vibrant cities for flamenco in Spain, with a rich history and culture around this expressive art form. As the capital, Madrid attracts some of the best flamenco performers from across the country. You can experience authentic flamenco shows almost any night of the week at one of Madrid’s many flamenco venues.

The flamenco scene in Madrid centers around a few neighborhoods like Las Letras, where many of the top flamenco bars and clubs are. Some venues have shows every night, while others host weekly or monthly performances. Madrid has many fantastic tablaos , intimate venues where you can dine or drink while watching flamenco dancers, singers and guitarists perform right in front of you. It creates an electrifying atmosphere.

Top flamenco venues in Madrid include the Teatro Flamenco Madrid. Café Ziryab is an intimate venue which is a favorite for locals. Other top spots are Las Carboneras , and Cardamomo Tablao . These venues attract seasoned performers as well as the next generation of flamenco stars. Most shows feature a variety of dance styles, footwork, costumes, and musical forms that comprise flamenco. It’s an authentic way to experience this unique art as the locals do.

Madrid offers flamenco shows to suit all interests and budgets. There are free shows at venues like Las Tablas, intimate clubs with affordable ticket prices, and lavish productions at hotels geared towards tourists. Wherever you choose, an evening enjoying flamenco in Madrid offers a memorable experience as well as an orientation to Spain’s most iconic cultural phenomenon.

Major Flamenco Venues

The two most famous flamenco venues in Madrid are Teatro Flamenco Madrid and Las Carboneras .

The theater is in the heart of the city, and as soon as you walk in, you’re in a world of vibrant energy, graceful rhythm, and passionate music. The performance is truly magical; the dancers move with an otherworldly grace, while the musicians’ fingers move at an incredible pace over their instruments. The ambiance is warm and intimate, and you’ll find yourself swept away by the emotion of the dancers and the music.

If you’re planning a trip to Madrid, make sure you book yourself an evening at Teatro Flamenco Madrid. Believe me, there’s nothing like experiencing the magic of flamenco in person. Book the Madrid: “Emociones” Live Flamenco Performance here.

Las Carboneras is located right in the heart of Madrid’s flamenco district. This large venue features two nightly flamenco shows, often with multiple dancers accompanied by guitarists and singers. With seating for over 100 people, Las Carboneras draws big crowds of locals and tourists alike. The shows incorporate traditional flamenco choreography as well as innovative modern interpretations. After the show, visitors can mingle with the performers while enjoying a drink at the bar. Las Carboneras is an excellent option for those looking for an energetic, lively flamenco experience. Book your show here.

Seeing a Flamenco Show

Attending a flamenco show in Madrid can be an exhilarating experience, but there are some tips to keep in mind to make the most of it.

Buy tickets in advance

Flamenco shows often sell out quickly. Buying tickets online ahead of time ensures you get seats and avoid long lines at the venue. It’s recommended to book at least 2-3 weeks in advance if possible.

Book the Madrid: “Emociones” Live Flamenco Performance here.

Book the Madrid: Flamenco Show at Tablao Las Carboneras here.

Arrive early

While the show may not start right on time, you’ll want to arrive at least 30 minutes early to find your seats and get settled. Some venues sell drinks and snacks that you can enjoy before the show.

Observe etiquette

Flamenco is an expressive art form. Shouting or loud talking during the performance is considered rude. Silence your phones and avoid taking flash photography. Applaud at the end of each number or dance. If you need to exit early, do so between sets.

Dress appropriately

While most shows don’t have formal dress codes, avoid wearing shorts, flip flops, or casual attire. Opt for dress pants or a skirt to blend in with the local crowd.

Learn some Spanish terms

Knowing some basic Spanish vocabulary around flamenco will help you better appreciate the songs and follow along. Key words include palmas (hand clapping), zapateado (footwork), floreo (flourishes with the hands and arms) and more.

Immerse yourself in the experience

Flamenco is meant to be felt emotionally as well as seen and heard. Lose yourself in the passion of the music, song, and dance. Expect an intense, lively atmosphere and rousing finale at the end.

Seeing an authentic flamenco show in Madrid offers a one-of-a-kind cultural experience. Following these tips will ensure you make the most of this unforgettable night out.

Elements of Flamenco

Flamenco is comprised of three main elements – dance, music, and song. These three parts come together in a passionate, rhythmic performance.

Flamenco Dance

The style of flamenco dance is a highly-expressive solo dance full of emotion and flair. The dance has a number of key features:

• Rapid footwork called zapateado
• Clicking of heels and toes
• Fast rhythmic turns and spins
• Expressive use of the arms and hands
• Impassioned facial expressions

There are many recognized dance forms within the broader style of flamenco, including the Alegrias , Bulerias , Farruca , Seguiriyas , Tango and more. Professional flamenco dancers train for years to master the intricate footwork and stylized body movements.

Flamenco Music

Flamenco music provides the accompaniment and rhythm for the dance. Guitars are central to flamenco, especially the Spanish guitar. Other instruments used include the cajon box drum, castanets, and hand clapping called palmas .

Flamenco uses a complex 12 count rhythm. This provides the driving force and pulse for the music and dance. The music of flamenco has a number of recognized palos or styles such as the Alegrias, Bulerias, Fandango, Rumba, Sevillanas, Solea and more.

Flamenco Song

Flamenco singing is an integral part of the overall performance. Singing is done in tune with the guitar music, providing a melodic vocal line.

There are many traditional song forms or palos which make up the flamenco repertoire. Lyrical themes often focus on tragedy, heartbreak, love, sadness and despair. Singing is highly emotional and expressive. Well-known flamenco singers are revered artists in Spain.

The interplay between the dance, guitar music, and emotional singing is what defines flamenco as an artform. Audiences are drawn in by the passion and intensity of the performance.

The dance of flamenco is an essential element of the artform, known for its emotional intensity and rhythmic footwork. Flamenco dancers use their feet to create percussive sounds and express complex emotions through their body movements.

The origins of flamenco dance can be traced back to 18th century Andalusia. It likely emerged from the fusion of cultures between native Andalusians, Roma people, Moors, Castilians, and other groups that inhabited southern Spain. Over the centuries, distinct flamenco dance styles developed in different regions.

Some key flamenco dance styles include:

• Fandango de Huelva : One of the oldest styles, originating in Huelva. Danced in two lines accompanied by guitars and castanets.
• Farruca: An energetic male dance full of stomping and leaps. Danced solo or in pairs.
• Soleá: An introspective dance full of emotion and drama. Includes lifts, drops to the knees, and improvisation.
• Seguiriya: A solemn solo dance punctuated by heelwork and hands clapping.
• Bulería: A fast, lively dance with quick footwork and hip movements. Danced solo or in a group.
• Tanguillos de Cádiz: Elegant and romantic partner dance from Cádiz.
• Alegrías: Joyful and upbeat dance in triple meter. Includes jumps, turns, and playful courting.

Flamenco dancers train for years to master posture, footwork, arm movements, and facial expressions. Their powerful yet graceful dancing is considered integral to projecting the emotion (duende) of flamenco.

Flamenco music is an essential part of the art form, providing the rhythm and mood for the dance. The key instruments used in flamenco are the guitar, cajón box drum, palmas (handclaps), and sometimes castanets.

The guitar is the central instrument in flamenco. It provides the melodic foundation and rhythmic accents for the singer and dancer. Flamenco guitar playing involves special techniques like rasgueado (rapid finger strumming) and picado (single plucked notes).

The cajón is a wooden percussion box that is sat on by the player. It offers a deep resonant beat to complement the guitar. Handclaps or palmas are also integral to flamenco rhythm, often played in complex counterpoint to the guitar.

Castanets are less common but provide a sharper percussive sound when called for. Other instruments like the bandoneón (concertina) or violin may sometimes be incorporated for a more orchestral sound.

Rhythmically, flamenco uses unusual counts like 12 count cycles instead of 4/4 time. Accents fall in unexpected places syncopated against the underlying beat, which gives flamenco its tension and intensity. The footwork of the dance mirrors these rhythmic patterns.

Melodically, flamenco scales contain microtonal inflections and emotional slides between notes. The guitar plucking techniques combined with the vocal style of the cantaor create the uniquely haunting and expressive sound of flamenco music.

Flamenco songs ( cante flamenco ) are a vital component of the art form, conveying the raw passion and profound emotion of this musical tradition. While the guitar and dance often take center stage, the songs give voice to the suffering, longing, pride, and cultural identity that are at the heart of flamenco.

The themes expressed in flamenco lyrics are deeply personal yet universal. Heartbreak, unrequited love, loneliness, death, despair – these somber topics reflect the hardships faced by generations of marginalized Andalusian Gypsies. Yet flamenco also exudes strength and pride, with songs of love, freedom, and cultural identity.

Stylistically, flamenco singing is characterized by its stark raw emotionality. Cantes (songs) are performed in an a cappella style or accompanied only by guitar. The voice is pushed to the limits, employing extensive vocal ornamentations, sliding between notes, and raw gritty timbres.

Some common palos or song forms include:

• Soleá – One of the oldest and most fundamental palos, soleá has a 12-beat structure and melancholic mood. The solo singer expresses deepest sorrow and pain.
• Siguiriyas – With a slower tempo and very spare melodic structure, siguiriyas are intensely mournful and hypnotic. The lyrics poetically evoke metaphysical anguish and tragedy.
• Fandangos – Often played at a faster tempo, fandangos have lively melodies in 3/4 or 6/8 time. The themes deal with love, nature or folklore.
• Tangos – Not to be confused with the Argentine dance, flamenco tangos have a fast 2/4 or 4/4 rhythm and humorous, satirical lyrics.

Some renowned flamenco singers to check out include La Niña de los Peines, Camarón de la Isla, Enrique Morente, and Estrella Morente. Through their emotional, spine-tingling performances, these artists exemplify the enthralling power of flamenco song.

Flamenco Costumes

The clothing that flamenco dancers wear are an integral part of the art form, with intricate and eye-catching designs that complement the movements of the dancers. Traditional flamenco dresses are known as “trajes de flamenca” and have some distinctive features:

• Long, ruffled skirts – Usually made of many layers of fabric such as polka dot tulle or lace. The ruffles accentuate the footwork and allow freedom of movement. Dark colors like black, deep reds and blues are common colors.
• Off-the-shoulder tops – These may have puffy sleeves, frills or ruffles. They are typically high-necked and fitted at the waist.
• Shawls – Decorative fringed or polka dot shawls are usually worn over one shoulder or draped across the arms. Their flowing nature enhances the arm movements.
• Flowers and ornaments – Fresh flowers like carnations or roses are often worn in the hair along with decorative combs. Bright hair ornaments accentuate head movements.
• Fans – Hand-held folding fans are used as props during dance numbers. When opened, they complement arm and wrist actions. Intricate designs painted on them reflect the overall visual flair.
• Shoes – Flamenco heels produce the characteristic percussive taps. Women may wear black slippers, boots or tie-up shoes with a small heel.

The striking costumes of flamenco dancers contribute to the rhythmic spectacle and draw attention to specific body movements. Their vibrancy and craftmanship are an integral part of the performance.

Experiencing an authentic flamenco show is one of the highlights of visiting Madrid. As the art form has deep roots in the city, the shows exude passion and artistry that cannot be replicated elsewhere. The footwork, music, and emotional singing leave audiences mesmerized.

While there are many venues to take in a performance, some key spots include Las Carboneras , Café Ziryab , and Cardomomo . These venues allow you to fully immerse yourself in the drama and excitement of flamenco. Seeing the swirling, stomping dancers accompanied by wailing guitars and clapping is unforgettable.

Flamenco is an integral part of Madrid’s culture and identity. By attending a show, you gain insight into the city’s history as well as exciting entertainment. The shows demonstrate the deep emotions conveyed through this artform. From the intricate hand movements to the heartfelt singing, flamenco communicates sentiments wordlessly.

Visiting Madrid and experiencing authentic flamenco allows you to connect with the passion of the city. The shows are vibrant, lively, and moving. Flamenco stirs the soul, so be sure to take in a spectacular show during your time in Madrid.

Further Reading

If you want more Madrid travel information, make sure to check out these posts: 

• 2024 Madrid Travel Guide
• The Best Tapas in Madrid
• Top 5 Spain Paradores you Must See
• Book with Ease: Madrid’s Top 3 Airport Hotels Made Simple
• T he 15 Best Hotels in Madrid You Need to Know About
• Book With Ease: Madrid’s Top 3 Airport Hotels Made Simple
• Madrid Tapas Scene: Jamón, Queso, and Olives Have My Heart
• Christmas In Madrid
• New Year’s Eve in Spain
• Discover the Best Christmas Markets in Madrid: A Festive Guide

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Best Places to Travel Solo | Money

Traveling exposes us to new places, cultures and people. For many, it’s one of the great joys of life. If you’re an independent spirit looking for safe places to travel by yourself, our guide can be an excellent place to start your research.

Keep reading to learn about our top picks for the best places to travel alone and how to make the most of your trip.

Our Top Picks for Best Places to Travel Solo

• Barcelona, Spain: Best for first-time solo travelers
• Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: Best for solo backpacking
• Montreal, Canada: Best for solo female travelers
• Chicago, Illinois: Best for going on solo travel tours
• Ljubljana, Slovenia: Best budget solo travel destination

Best Places to Travel Solo Reviews

Best for first-time solo travelers: barcelona, spain.

• Offers many travel experiences in a single city
• Easy to get around town without a car
• Year-round good weather means you can visit in any season
• More expensive than other options on our list
• Can get very busy during popular travel times

Why we chose it : Barcelona is a beautiful and historic European city with something for everyone to enjoy. It boasts stunning gothic architecture, sandy beaches, a bustling nightlife and prices that will help you stretch your budget.

Spain is considerably affordable compared to other European countries, and Barcelona is its crown jewel. The city has roots tracing back to the end of the 1st century BCE and beautiful architecture throughout its winding streets, such as Gaudí’s Casa Batlló and his world-famous unfinished church, La Sagrada Familia.

If you tire of exploring Barcelona’s impressive history, gorgeous Barceloneta Beach is just a few minutes away from the city center. And at night, you’ll find plenty of entertainment options, from rooftop bars and clubs to concert venues and flamenco shows.

Barcelona is excellent for first-time solo travelers because its compact layout, wide sidewalks and excellent public transportation makes getting around town without a car a breeze. U.S. travelers can also visit for up to 90 days without a visa . However, Barcelona is more expensive than other options on our list and can be very busy during popular travel times.

Best for solo backpacking: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

• Very affordable accommodations, food and attractions
• Is easy to navigate, with a developed transportation system
• Has a vibrant expat community
• U.S. citizens need a tourist visa to visit Vietnam

Why we chose it : Ho Chi Minh City is a bustling and affordable city that offers a wide range of attractions for solo travelers, from inexpensive food and accommodations to an abundance of cultural and historical sites.

Visiting Ho Chi Minh City has become something of a bucket-list item for many backpackers. Its vibrant culture, friendly people and amazing food attract millions of tourists annually. And it’s also one of Vietnam’s safest cities .

Try some of the mouth-watering street food available in pretty much every corner of the city (especially Districts 1, 3 and 5), do some shopping at the Ben Thanh Market, visit the Notre Dame Cathedral or book a tour of the Mekong Delta to learn more about the local flora and fauna.

Getting around is also pretty easy, with many transportation options, from the new metro to buses, taxis and motorbikes. However, one thing to keep in mind is that U.S. citizens need to apply for a Visa before they can be granted entry into Vietnam.

Best for solo female travelers: Montreal, Canada

• Very safe and walkable city
• Visitors can stay for up to six months without a Visa
• Toronto is only five hours away by direct train
• Not a great option for budget travelers
• The winter weather can be harsh

Why we chose it : Montreal is one of the safest cities in Canada, and it is only a short flight away for travelers from the U.S. The city has a vibrant art scene, a diverse population and plenty of old-world charm with its mix of classic and modern architecture.

Traveling solo as a woman might cause your loved ones some anxiety. But Montreal is a great place for women to travel alone. The city is safe and offers much to do, from beautiful architecture, such as Notre-Dame Basilica, to artisanal shopping in Old Montreal. And while the population is predominantly French-speaking, many residents also speak English, so you should have no problem communicating.

Visitors from the United States can stay in Montreal for up to six months without a visa. It’s also a good point of departure for exploring the rest of Canada. Trains depart for Toronto several times a day, and the trip is about five hours.

Accommodations in Montreal can be more expensive than in other international destinations, but enrolling in the best hotel rewards programs may help.

Best for going on solo travel tours: Chicago, Illinois

• You can find many different types of guided tours
• Has an excellent public transportation system
• One of the best culinary destinations in the U.S.
• Weather can be unpleasant if you visit at the wrong time

Why we chose it : Chicago is home to some of the best travel tours in the country. From river cruises to walking food and drink excursions, you’ll have no problem filling your time in the Windy City.

Chicago is one of the best places to travel in the U.S. It’s home to a wide variety of guided tours, covering everything from the city’s mob history to its architecture and natural landmarks. And if you love Chicago dogs or deep-dish pizza, you can take a walking food tour to enjoy some of the city’s best restaurants in a single day.

Chicago is also home to inspiring architecture, such as Willis Tower and Cloud Gate in Millennium Park. The city is a more affordable place to visit than other U.S. cities of its size, including San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York. And if you visit in summer, you’ll have perfect weather for relaxing on the beaches of Lake Michigan, located in the heart of the city.

Depending on what you’re looking for, visiting the city between May and October could be your best bet, as winters can be very cold, with average temperatures ranging between 22 F and 37 F.

Best budget solo travel destination: Ljubljana, Slovenia

• A highly affordable travel destination
• Easy entrance requirements for U.S. citizens
• Classic European architecture and dining options
• Plenty of green spaces to lounge and relax
• Doesn't have a strong nightlife culture
• Crowds can be overwhelming during peak travel seasons

Why we chose it : Slovenia is one of the most affordable European countries, and Ljubljana is one of the country’s most beautiful destinations. It’s home to classic European cobblestone streets and its stunning architecture and exhibits can keep you busy for weeks without breaking your budget.

Ljubljana is an affordable European destination with beautiful green spaces and incredible architecture, including the Ljubljana Castle and the Robba Fountain. It’s also highly walkable and pedestrian-friendly, as car traffic is banned in the city center.

Hotels are cheaper here than in more popular destinations such as France or Italy, which is a big reason why Ljubljana is one of the best international places to travel . There are also many great affordable restaurants and open-air cafes.

U.S. citizens can remain in Slovenia for up to 90 days without a visa, making it easy to extend their stay with the money they save.

However, Ljubljana is not known for its nightlife, as many bars close earlier than elsewhere in Europe. Plus, it has become more popular in recent years, and crowds are abundant during peak seasons, especially the summer.

Other places to travel solo we considered

We compiled our list of the best places to travel alone by evaluating global destinations based on safety, affordability, cultural and historical sites and convenience, among other factors.

Although the following destinations didn’t make it into our top list, they’re still worth considering as you plan your travels.

Reykjavik, Iceland

• Close to beautiful natural landmarks
• It's possible to see the Northern Lights when conditions allow
• Home to many museums and several Michelin-starred restaurants
• More expensive than other popular travel destinations
• The region's weather can be bleak
• Long periods of darkness and sunlight can interfere with your sleep schedule

Reykjavik is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, with stunning mountains and beaches everywhere you look. However, it’s an expensive destination and experiences prolonged periods of darkness and sunlight that may be difficult to adjust to.

• Some of the best food in South America
• Miles of beautiful coastline to explore
• Friendly locals - many of whom speak at least some English
• Travelers can suffer from altitude sickness in some popular attractions
• The city is sprawling, which can increase travel times and make traffic worse

Lima is a beautiful South American destination with picturesque beaches and affordable accommodations. It’s also a foodie’s dream, with a wide variety of tasty local and international restaurants available at budget-friendly prices.

Just remember that traffic congestions are common and can make it hard to get around. Additionally, some travelers may experience altitude sickness in high-altitude locations like Cusco and Machu Picchu.

Knoxville, Tennessee

• Has beautiful outdoor settings
• Minimal traffic
• Moderate prices for accommodations
• There isn't as much to do in Knoxville as in other travel destinations
• Public transportation options are limited

Knoxville is the third-largest city in Tennessee, but it maintains a small-town feel. It’s home to beautiful attractions, such as the Great Smoky Mountains and the World’s Fair Park, and has enough cultural exhibits and museums to keep you busy.

Nevertheless, there isn’t quite as much to do here as in other cities, and public transportation is comparatively limited.

Places to Travel Solo Guide

Traveling alone can be intimidating, but a little preparation can go a long way. This guide covers some of the best travel tips to help you plan your next solo trip.

Why travel solo?

As with everything, there are pros and cons to traveling alone.

Some of the benefits of solo travel include:

• The ability to plan trips according to your schedule
• Paying less for dining and experiences
• Stepping out of your comfort zone and getting to know yourself better
• Having more time to reflect and relax in peace

Of course, to enjoy your solo vacation to the fullest, practice general safety precautions. Be aware of your surroundings at all times, do some proper research before visiting new places and consider hiring a guide if you’re doing outdoor activities in remote locations.

How to travel alone

Traveling alone can be a wonderful experience. But it often requires more planning and initiative than group trips. The following tips for traveling alone should help you make the most of your next solo trip.

Research your travel destination extensively

The more research you do before visiting a destination, the more prepared you will be to enjoy it. Pay close attention to the following:

• Climate : Be aware of the weather conditions at your destination to avoid potential hazards, pack the right gear and plan appropriate activities.
• Top attractions : Plan your itinerary by mapping out the attractions you want to visit and checking their distance from your accommodations. This will help you create a realistic schedule and determine if you need to book transportation for any day trips.
• Cost : Consider the average cost of accommodations, meals and attractions to create a realistic budget.
• Public transportation : This is an important consideration, as visiting a destination with insufficient or unreliable public transportation translates into additional expenses.
• Language barrier : Consider downloading translation apps or learning basic phrases in your destination’s native language if English isn’t widely spoken there.
• Food : If you have any dietary restrictions, check the availability of suitable food options at your destination and plan your meals.

Stay connected with your friends and family

When traveling alone, keep your loved ones informed of where you’ll be and what you’ll be doing. That way, your family can call for help if they don’t hear back from you in a reasonable timeframe.

Depending on your destination, you may consider purchasing an international SIM card or an international phone plan with your existing carrier to text and call your people back home.

Finally, you can register your trip with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) through the U.S. State Department. STEP is a free service that allows you to receive automatic safety and travel updates from the U.S. embassy in the country you’re visiting. It also makes it easier for friends and family to reach you in an emergency.

Consider travel insurance

If you’ve spent quite a bit of money on non-refundable travel expenses and it hasn’t been that long since you made your initial trip deposit, consider travel insurance to safeguard your investment. A travel insurance policy can help you recoup a portion of pre-paid travel expenses if you cancel or interrupt your trip for a covered reason.

Travel medical insurance could also be worthwhile if you’re going on an extended trip, as it would cover some of your medical expenses in an emergency, including medical evacuation and repatriation. And some plans even include additional services like language support, which could be helpful if English isn’t widely spoken where you’re visiting.

If this sounds like something you’re interested in, check out our guide to the best travel insurance companies .

Try new things

Now that we’ve covered some of the most important things to do before leaving for a solo trip, let’s explore how to get as much enjoyment out of your travels as possible while you’re there. The best advice we can give you is to get out of your comfort zone and try new things.

If you genuinely want to experience everything other cultures have to offer, you can’t spend your days doing the same things you do at home. So take a chance and live as the locals do. You’ll be happy you did.

Interact with the locals

The best way to forget you’re traveling alone is to befriend the locals. Your new friends can keep you company, guide you to the best places in town (the ones that aren’t in any tourist guides) and help to make your trip more enjoyable overall.

Meeting locals is much easier to do now than before the Internet. A wide variety of online resources can connect you to local events and groups where you can meet people. Some of the best options for this include:

• Facebook expat groups for the destination you’re visiting
• The subreddit for your destination (such as r/Paris and r/Chicago)

Some professional and religious groups may have international meetups as well. This can be a fantastic way to meet locals with whom you already have something in common.

Take plenty of pictures (with you in them)

Last but not least, make sure you take plenty of pictures to share with your people back home. Landmarks can be great, but you should also be in some of the photos. Most people will happily snap pictures of you if you ask nicely.

What to do when traveling alone

Traveling alone can be one of the best experiences of your life or a challenge that quickly loses its appeal. To give yourself the best chance of having an ideal trip, remember the following strategies during your travels:

• Be flexible : Flexibility is a must for solo travelers. You’ll have more fun if you take advantage of chance encounters and throw away your schedule when necessary.
• Take group tours and classes : Just because you arrive at your destination alone doesn’t mean you must spend every minute there alone. Group tours and classes will help you meet people and give you a chance to socialize when you’re feeling lonely.
• Stay in places that encourage talking : If you’re concerned about feeling lonely, consider staying at a hostel or bed and breakfast. Shared accommodations like these are more affordable than the best hotels and can be a great way to meet people.
• Gather first-hand advice : You can use Reddit and other resources to read about the experiences other solo travelers have had at your destination. These firsthand accounts can alert you to problems you may not have considered otherwise and new opportunities for fun.
• Sign up for free rewards programs : Airlines , hotel chains and third-party booking sites often have reward programs that help you save money if you’re a frequent traveler. You may also want to look into the best airline credit cards and best travel credit cards if you plan on traveling alone regularly.
• Prioritize your safety : Traveling alone can make you a target, so prioritizing safety is important. Be proactive about telling others where you’ll be and take yourself out of situations you feel unsure about to enjoy your trip without incident.

Staying safe is a critical consideration for solo travelers. One way to do that is by avoiding reckless behavior, such as drinking excessively and venturing alone into places locals deem unsafe.

Take the time to thoroughly research your destination, share your travel plans with friends and family and prepare an emergency plan.

Finally, consider travel insurance. If something does happen while you’re traveling alone, it will provide financial support so you can go to the hospital without worrying about breaking your budget.

You could save up enough money to make the cost of travel insurance negligible by signing up for one of the best airline rewards programs .

Places to Travel Solo FAQ

What are the safest places to travel alone, is solo female travel safe, how old do you have to be to travel alone, how we chose the best places to travel solo.

We evaluated the best places to travel solo based on the following criteria:

• Cost of accommodations, experiences and meals
• Crime rates
• Reviews and guides from experienced solo travelers
• Natural and cultural attractions
• Strictness of entry criteria

Summary of Money’s Best Places to Travel Solo

© Copyright 2023 Money Group, LLC . All Rights Reserved.

This article originally appeared on Money.com and may contain affiliate links for which Money receives compensation. Opinions expressed in this article are the author's alone, not those of a third-party entity, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed. Offers may be subject to change without notice. For more information, read Money’s full disclaimer .

Announcing the Hot List Winners of 2024

By CNT Editors

It’s inevitable: Every spring when we pull together the Hot List , our annual collection of the world’s best new hotels, restaurants , and cruise ships , a staffer remarks that this latest iteration has got to be the best one ever. After a year’s worth of traveling the globe—to stay the night at a converted farmhouse in the middle of an olive grove outside Marrakech, or sail aboard a beloved cruise line’s inaugural Antarctic voyage—it’s easy to see why we get attached. But this year’s Hot List, our 28th edition, might really be the best one ever. It’s certainly our most diverse, featuring not only a hotel suite that was once Winston Churchill’s office, but also the world’s largest cruise ship and restaurants from Cape Town to Bali. We were surprised and inspired by this year’s honorees, and we know you will be too. These are the Hot List hotel winners for 2024.

Click here to see the entire Hot List for 2024 .

All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

North Island Okavango

Angama Amboseli

Jannah Lamu

Farasha Farmhouse , Marrakech

Kozo Kigali

Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island — Seychelles

SOUTH AFRICA

Nikkei Cape Town

Molori Mashuma , Mana Pools National Park

Pemako Punakha

Regent Hong Kong

Mementos by ITC Hotels, Ekaaya Udaipur

Naar , Darwa

Papa's , Mumbai

Cap Karoso , Sumba

Further , Bali

Locavore NXT Bali

Le Pristine Tokyo

The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza

Trunk(Hotel) Yoyogi Park , Tokyo

Shinta Mani Mustang - A Bensley Collection , Jomsom

SOUTH KOREA

JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa

Pot Au Phở , Ho Chi Minh

Le Foote , Sydney

Southern Ocean Lodge , Kangaroo Island

Sun Ranch , Byron Bay

MIDDLE EAST

Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain

SAUDI ARABIA

Six Senses Southern Dunes , Umluj

The St. Regis Riyadh

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

The Guild , Dubai

SIRO One Za'abeel, Dubai

Soul Kitchen , Dubai

The Lana, Dorchester Collection , Dubai

Koan , Copenhagen

Hotel Maria , Helsinki

1 Place Vendôme , Paris

The Carlton Cannes, a Regent Hotel , Cannes

Datil , Paris

Hôtel Le Grand Mazarin , Paris

La Nauve Hôtel & Jardin , Cognac

Rosewood Munich

Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino

Monument , Athens

One&Only Aesthesis , Athens

Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll

Bulgari Hotel Roma , Rome

Trattoria del Ciumbia , Milan

Hotel La Palma , Capri

La Roqqa , Porto Ercole

Nolinski Venezia , Venice

Palazzo Roma , Rome

Saporium , Florence

Hotel Violino d’Oro , Venice

Mamula Island

NETHERLANDS

De Durgerdam , Amsterdam

Canalha , Lisbon

Andreu Genestra , Mallorca

Barro , Ávila

César Lanzarote , Lanzarote

Hotel Corazón , Mallorca

Grand Hotel Son Net , Mallorca

Palacio Arriluce , Getxo

Son Vell Menorca , Menorca

The Peninsula Istanbul

UNITED KINGDOM

Broadwick Soho , London

Chishuru , London

The Devonshire , London

Chelsea Townhouse, London

Estelle Manor , Cotswolds

Fish Shop , Ballater

Raffles London at The OWO

Colima 71 , Mexico City

Maizajo Mexico City

Maroma, A Belmond Hotel , Riviera Maya

Riviera Maya EDITION

The St. Regis Kanai Resort , Riviera Maya

SOUTH AMERICA

Casa Lucía , Buenos Aires

Trescha , Buenos Aires

Oseille , Rio de Janiero

99 Restaurante, Santiago

Our Habitas Atacama , San Pedro de Atacama

Puqio , Arequipa

THE CARIBBEAN

Silversands Beach House

UNITED STATES

The Celestine , New Orleans

Dawn Ranch , Sonoma, California

The Fifth Avenue Hotel , New York

Fontainebleau Las Vegas

The Georgian , Santa Monica, California

The Global Ambassador , Phoenix

Hotel Bardo, Savannah

Ilis , New York

Kiln , San Francisco

Kona Village, a Rosewood Resort , Kona, Hawaii

Maty's , Miami

Warren Street Hotel , New York

Yess , Los Angeles

World Voyager, Atlas Ocean Voyages

CRUISE SHIPS

Silver Nova , Silversea

Norwegian Viva

Seven Seas Grandeur , Regent Seven Seas Grandeur

Oceania Vista

World Voyager , Atlas Ocean Voyages

Scenic Eclipse II

Emerald Sakara

Celebrity Ascent

Seabourn Pursuit

Icon of the Seas , Royal Caribbean

MSC Euribia

Viking Aton

Resilient Lady , Virgin Voyages

This story appears in Condé Nast Traveler's Hot List issue. Never miss an issue when you subscribe to Condé Nast Traveler.

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This Quaint Town in Portugal Was Just Named the Best Place to Invest in Europe — and It Has Stunning Beaches

Lush pine forests, cobblestone streets, endless ocean views, and low real estate prices await in this quaint community in northern Portugal.

Xurxo Lobato/Getty Images

Portugal is on everyone's mind these days. The country's sunny weather , many beaches , and affordable cost of living have made it a popular choice for retirees and digital nomads. However, as is often the case, real estate prices in some of its most sought-after regions, like the capital, Lisbon and Algarve , have soared. But that doesn't mean you should give up on your dream of owning property in Portugal.

A new report by International Living ranked the small, under-the-radar- town of Caminha the best place to invest in real estate in Europe for its value and growth potential. 

The community is located in the northwest along the mouth of the Minho River, which separates Portugal from Spain, and is home to about 16,000 residents. International Living gave Caminha a perfect score of 10 in the relative value category and nine for quality of life and stability.

"Caminha, which is only separated from Spain by a river, completely charmed me," Ronan McMahon, founder of Real Estate Trend Alert and author of International Living's Global Real Estate Index, told Travel + Leisure . "It has a beautiful Old Town surrounded by a verdant and bucolic countryside, with mountains, rivers, forests, and fields overflowing with brightly colored flowers and fruit trees heavy with their bounty. And then there are the stunning Atlantic beaches."

The ancient town has plenty of character, with fountains, churches, and other buildings dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. And it's easily accessible from Porto, which is just an hour and 15 minutes south, providing access to an international airport. 

Jeff Opdyke, International Living's personal finance editor, called Caminha a "holdover of Portugal before tourism and modernity swept over Lisbon, the Algarve, and Porto," where affordable real estate is still the norm. 

Potential buyers can find apartments downtown for as low as $150,000 and stand-alone houses for $280,000 .

And while Caminha is the best place to invest in Europe, another destination took the top prize for global real estate value: Mexico's Los Cabos. International Living ranked first with almost perfect scores in categories such as income potential, climate, and international appeal. Riviera Maya and Estepona in Spain, a town in the country's famous Costa del Sol region, are tied for the third place.

You can see the full ranking at internationaliving.com .

The Best TV Shows of 2024 (So Far)

From Shōgun to Feud: Capote vs. the Swans, here's all the television we've loved this year.

Every item on this page was chosen by a Town & Country editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

The 2024 television landscape is shaping up to be a strong one.

Here, Town & Country editors share their picks for best television of 2024 (so far):

Feud: Capote vs. the Swans

La Côte Basque might no longer exist, but early this year the defunct New York destination for the one percent to pick at their very expensive lunches just might have been the most talked-about restaurant in town. That’s because it was ground zero for Feud: Capote vs. the Swans , the Ryan Murphy-produced series about Truman Capote’s legendary fallout with his squad— Babe Paley , C.Z. Guest , and Slim Keith —over his decision to thinly veil their secrets and publish them in a story in Esquire . The swans did not, to put it mildly, take this betrayal well. Murphy’s series employs a murderer’s row of marvelous actors, including Tom Hollander, Naomi Watts , Chloë Sevigny, Demi Moore , Molly Ringwald , among others, to portray Capote and his cohort at their best (and, more deliciously, their worst) and went all out on the design (by Mark Ricker), costumes (Lou Eyrich, with a Black-and-White-Ball assist from Zac Posen ), and over-the-top drama. Is it historically accurate? Maybe not entirely, but it’s a compelling, unforgettable document of a bygone era that in many ways predicted problems of our own. Above all, it captures an iconic moment in American history with care, humor, and plenty of sour grapes, leaving a glamorous trail of breadcrumbs for the next generations. — Adam Rathe , Deputy Features Editor

Shōgun , FX's period drama set in feudal Japan, is perhaps the only show in the post- Game of Thrones era that has actually lived up to the historical epic hype. Adapted from James Clavell's bestselling novel , the ten-part miniseries is a riveting, multilayered tale that deftly balances political intrigue, romance, and historical drama, and unlike the aforementioned Thrones , the violence never feels gratuitous, but rather, always key to the plot. Anchored by its three leads, Hiroyuki Sanada, Cosmo Jarvis, and Anna Sawai , Shōgun doesn't feels unwieldy, despite the many storylines, and though it is nearly entirely told in Japanese , English-language audiences will hardly notice. To put it simply: Shōgun is by far and away one of the best book-to-TV adaptations I've ever seen. — Emily Burack , Senior News Editor

Watch on Hulu

Mr. & Mrs. Smith

Mr. & Mrs. Smith , the TV show, doesn't share much with the 2005 film of the same name—and honestly, that's a good thing. Donald Glover and Maya Erskine play married spies, yes, but for the majority of the series (no spoilers!, they're working on the same team. Glover and Erskine shine as the titular Smiths, navigating a modern-day relationship while the espionage and world travel provide a nice backdrop. Now we're anxiously waiting to find out if Mr. & Mrs. Smith was renewed for a second season because OMG, that cliffhanger. — Emily Burack, Senior News Editor

Watch on Prime Video

Mary & George

Starz's latest period drama, Mary & George , tells the little-known story of Mary Villiers (Julianne Moore) and her scheme to gain power in court through her son ( Nicholas Galitzine )'s seduction of King James I ( Tony Curran ). It's sexy and it's fun, with gorgeous costumes and sets. Perhaps Galitzine summarized it best: "To see a really fun side of history—debaucherous, in some capacity—it's so watchable. What's not to like about it?" — Emily Burack, Senior News Editor

Watch on Starz

Based on Patricia Highsmith’s Tom Ripley novels (this season pulls from The Talented Mr. Ripley , though there are seeds of other stories woven in) Netflix’s adaptation unfolds the story of the iconic con artist’s criminal path with quintessential Italian glamour. Shot entirely in black and white , it brings not only the look but the atmosphere of mid-century Italian cinema, buoyed by a standout performance from Andrew Scott, who manages to find the broken core of the show’s titular grifter and turns what could feel like pastiche into an entirely fresh take on a well-known tale. – Lauren Hubbard , Contributor

Whatever you thought you know about the assassination of Abraham Lincoln , think again. Apple TV+'s Manhunt , with its stacked cast (standout performances include Tobias Menzies as Secretary of War Edwin Stanton and Anthony Boyle as John Wilkes Booth) is more than a history lesson; it's a fast-paced crime thriller, and one that feels especially timely in 2024. "Overall it's very soothing to watch history and realize, 'oh, we were always on the brink,'" Patton Oswalt , who plays Lafayette Baker, told T&C . "We're living in a scary moment, but we're not living in a unique moment. We have teetered over the abyss, sometimes way farther than we're teetering right now." — Emily Burack, Senior News Editor

Watch on Apple TV+

Sometimes when a new show is so good, it’s hard not to worry that a sophomore season just won’t live up to the first. Tokyo Vice doesn’t have that problem. If its excellent first season introduced us to Tokyo’s glamorously seedy criminal underground, season 2 dives even deeper into this fascinating world. And though this is still very much a show about the Succession -esque machinations taking place among warring yakuza, season 2 has widened the orbit to reveal more of this complex metropolis—and its various inhabitants—in its characteristically nuanced way. — Leena Kim , Editor

Watch on Max

3 Body Problem

This eight episode Netflix series (a second season has yet to be confirmed) is an adaptation of the Hugo Award–winning novel by Chinese author Liu Cixin that skillfully touches on beloved sci-fi tropes. There are unseen, menacing aliens, brilliant-but-flawed scientists/heroes, less-brilliant-and-extremely-flawed apparatchiks, and, of course, time travel. Created by David Benioff and D. B. Weiss, of Game of Thrones fame, and Alexander Woo, the show offers a generous mix of action and somewhat plausible plot twists. The most engaging parts, as is often the case with sci-if, come when the show’s unlikely, everyday heroes face all of the above. — Norman Vanamee , Articles Director

Watch on Netflix

The Gentleman

Though it shares both a name and an underlying concept with Guy Ritchie’s 2019 film, the creator’s Netflix series offers an entirely new perspective on the story, focusing on Eddie (Sanditon’s Theo James), the second son of a Duke who unexpectedly finds himself inheriting the family title and lands… and the illegal cannabis operation secretly running on them. Eddie tries to disentangle his family from their criminal ties with the “help” of his ne’re-do-well brother Freddy (Daniel Ings), his no-nonsense gangster counterpart Susie ( Kaya Scodelario ), and an ever-growing cast of wild and quirky characters worthy of any Ritchie joint—but of course, nothing’s that easy. There’s almost never a moment in the show’s fast-talking, bullet-flying, double-dealing eight episodes where the ante isn’t being upped, giving the series an addictively “let’s just watch one more” quality; perfect for your next big binge. No wonder so many fans are already clamoring for a season 2 . — Lauren Hubbard, Contributor

True Detective: Night Country

Anthology series True Detective returned again this year to make us question our Alaskan travel plans. Set in small town during the region’s annual stretch of endless night, this season melds corporate corruption and supernatural dread for a mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat—and sometimes jumping out of it. At the core of it all are the spectacular performances by Jodie Foster and Kali Reis, who play True Detective’s signature quarrelsome cops with a stunning mix of charm and gravitas. — Lauren Hubbard, Contributor

Colin Farrell plays John Sugar, a bespoke suit–wearing, good guy private detective in Apple TV+’s smart new crime series set in Los Angeles. It is equal parts tribute to great film noir of the past and lovely reimagining of the hard-boiled-sleuth archetype. There is a terrific supporting cast, including James Cromwell as a Hollywood producer searching for his missing granddaughter, Amy Ryan as a recovering addict former rock star, and Kirby Howell-Baptiste as Sugar’s mysterious partner/handler. And, just when the plot threatens to become too familiar, there’s a twist. — Norman Vanamee, Articles Director

The Reluctant Traveler

Season 2 of Eugene Levy's Apple TV+ travel show sees him travel around Europe to off-the-beaten path destinations. ( Here's where he stayed .) "I really do love the show for a number of reasons," Levy told T&C . "At this point in my life it's actually doing good things for me to just have the experience, just do it, and then decide, do you like it? Do I not like it? But you can't just make up your mind without having done it, you know? So that's a good thing for me." It's a joy to watch Levy push himself outside of his comfort zone; here's hoping there are many more seasons to come in the future. — Emily Burack, Senior News Editor

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'Conan O'Brien Must Go' is side-splitting evidence of life beyond late night TV

Eric Deggans

Conan O'Brien dresses as a Viking in Norway. Conaco/Max hide caption

Conan O'Brien dresses as a Viking in Norway.

To be honest, when I first heard Conan O'Brien was ending his TV talk show in 2021, I assumed news that he might turn to variety shows and online programs to continue his career was some combination of face-saving and wishful thinking.

But after watching the four episodes of his new Max series Conan O'Brien Must Go , it's now obvious — even to a thickheaded critic like me — that leaving late night TV really was liberating for O'Brien. He's leveraged his unique sensibility into several different podcasts, a deal with Sirius XM , specials featuring other stand-up comics and now this travel series for Max — which resembles jokey specials he did for cable channel TBS back in the day.

And as the late night TV genre crumbles under sagging viewership and the decline of traditional media, O'Brien's renaissance also provides an example for the future — where fertile comedy minds and talented performers can spread their work over a much larger canvas.

Pop Culture Happy Hour

Is conan o'brien the best 'hot ones' guest ever discuss., learning a lesson from 'hot ones'.

O'Brien already made a splash recently with his brilliantly maniacal appearance on the interview-while-eating-hot-wings show Hot Ones , slobbering over hot sauces while claiming, as he was checked over by a fake doctor, that "I'm fine! I'm perfectly f*****g fine!"

This is the place where O'Brien shines — he's called it "this strange phantom intersection between smart and stupid" — and it's on full, freakish, super silly display in every episode of Conan O'Brien Must Go .

The conceit of the show is pretty simple. O'Brien heads overseas to visit average folks in Norway, Argentina, Thailand and Ireland who had once Zoomed in to speak with him on the podcast Conan O'Brien Needs a Fan . Sometimes the visits seem like a surprise — he catches one aspiring Norwegian rapper in shorts and Crocs after popping up on his doorstep — and others seem a bit more planned, including his visit to a radio show with about four listeners in Buenos Aires.

Each episode begins with a solemn monologue which sounds like it is delivered by the film world's most eccentric voice, German filmmaker and actor Werner Herzog (he's not credited in the show and when asked, a publicist at Max shared a quote from O'Brien: "I can neither confirm nor deny the voice in question.")

The torturous accent by "Herzog" makes every line sound absurdly hilarious, describing O'Brien as "the defiler ... with dull, tiny eyes ... the eyes of a crudely painted doll ... he scavenges in distant lands, uninvited, fueled by a bottomless hunger for recognition and the occasional selfie."

Now that's smart. And oh so stupid.

A funhouse mirror version of a travel show

O'Brien performs onstage with a fan in Norway Conaco/Max hide caption

O'Brien performs onstage with a fan in Norway

Fans of O'Brien's Conan Without Borders specials on TBS already know what his style is when he tackles a travel show — throwing himself into outrageous reactions and situations while working his quirky brand of improvised conversations with hapless bystanders.

In the Max series Conan O'Brien Must Go , that includes O'Brien offering screechy vocals onstage during a performance of a Norwegian emo/rap band. Or asking provocative questions of a couple therapist/sex expert. Or getting beat up in a "fight" with a 10-year-old boy in a bar.

It's all an excuse for O'Brien to unleash his energetic wit, taste for silly absurdity and skill at drawing laughs from sympathetic — if often befuddled — strangers. Whether you enjoy this special will depend on how you feel about O'Brien's style, which can feel a bit like the world's best class clown doing everything possible to make you crack a smile.

(Rent a family in Norway so they can say goodbye when he gets on a SeaCraft? Check. Get local artists to paint a mural of O'Brien, a soccer star and The Pope on the side of a building in Argentina? Double check.)

'Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend' Is A Joke Name For A Podcast — Sort Of

But what amazes in a larger sense is how O'Brien has turned his sensibility into a comedy brand to fuel work on many different platforms. And, at age 60, with more than 30 years as a comedy star, he's been released from the shackles of any genre to shine wherever he chooses — whether it's an episode of Hot Ones or a streaming service which sometimes looks like a collision between True Detective and 90 Day Fiancé .

Leaving late night TV as late night left him

I'm old enough that I started covering TV not long after O'Brien made his first move from the shadows of life as a comedy writer – he worked on Saturday Night Live and The Simpsons — to succeed David Letterman in 1993 as host of NBC's show Late Night (now hosted by Seth Meyers). Back then, NBC gave O'Brien years to figure out the show, honing his smartly serious comedy in a way that would inspire then-teenage fans like Seth Rogen and Bill Hader .

O'Brien left NBC after a disastrous deal where the network tried to make him host of its venerated late night program The Tonight Show and also keep its former host Jay Leno at the network. He moved to a late night show on TBS in 2010, but even then, there was a sense that his creativity was a bit hemmed in by the format.

After 28 Quirky Years, Conan O'Brien Is Leaving Late Night

By the time he left his TBS show Conan for good, it seemed O'Brien was already caught in a trend which would hobble other late night shows — as young viewers consumed his content online and ratings on cable dropped.

Now, with a podcast and digital media company worth many millions and growing status as a TV comedy legend still willing to do almost anything for a laugh, O'Brien is proving there is a successful life beyond late night.

Particularly, if you have the talent to play the fool while leaving little doubt you're also the smartest person in the room.

Politics latest: MSP who could decide Humza Yousaf's fate appears to reveal price for her support

Scotland's first minister says he will fight a vote in his leadership and is "very confident" of winning. Listen to this week's episode of the Electoral Dysfunction podcast while you scroll through the latest updates.

Friday 26 April 2024 18:00, UK

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• Yousaf tells Sky News he'll 'fight' vote of no-confidence and is optimistic of winning
• MSP who could decide his fate seems to have named price for her support
• Connor Gillies:  First minister must reset relations with very people he's burned bridges with
• Explained: How did we get here - and what happens next?
• Coming up on Sunday: PM sits down with Trevor Phillips
• Latest  Electoral Dysfunction podcast explores what next week's local elections will bring
• Sam Coates explains why they matter
• Live reporting by Charlotte Chelsom-Pill

Rishi Sunak  sits down this Sunday with Trevor Phillips for a wide-ranging interview ahead of the local elections.

With the Rwanda bill becoming law this week and the PM announcing a commitment to increase defence spending, there's been plenty to talk about.

You can watch it in full from 8.30am on Sunday .

Trevor will also be joined by Labour's shadow health secretary Wes Streeting .

Embattled Humza Yousaf has told Sky News he will not resign as Scotland's first minister.

Pressure has been building on  the SNP leader  after he tore up the power-sharing deal with the Scottish Greens - prompting a no-confidence motion in his leadership and a threatened knife-edge vote.

However, Mr Yousaf, on a visit to Dundee that was arranged at short notice after he pulled out of a speech in Glasgow, insisted he was getting on with the job and accused the opposition of "playing games".

He said he would be writing to the leaders of all Scottish political parties to seek talks on making a minority government work.

He told Sky's Scotland correspondent Connor Gillies : "I intend absolutely to fight that vote of no confidence, I've got every intention of winning that vote of no confidence.

"And let me say to the opposition for minority government to work in the interest of the people of Scotland also requires the opposition to act in good faith."

Humza Yousaf's future as first minister is hanging in the balance ahead of a motion of no confidence next week.

Now, as leader of a minority government, his fate may be hanging on just one vote - that of a former SNP leadership rival. 

We take a look at how:

The numbers

In the Scottish parliament, the SNP has 63 seats out of 129 , two short of an outright majority;

The Conservatives have  31;

Labour has 22;

The Greens have  seven;

The Liberal Democrats have four;

The Alba Party has one ;

There is also one presiding officer Alison Johnstone, who is both an MSP and Scotland's equivalent of the Commons speaker.

How the numbers are expected to fall

The motion of no confidence was brought by the Scottish Conservatives.

The Greens, Labour and the Lib Dems have all said they are backing the motion.

That would translate into 64 votes against the first minister versus 63 SNP votes.

So the one Alba vote is expected to be key.

How it may all come down to one ... Ash Regan

Once an SNP leadership rival to Mr Yousaf, Ash Regan defected to Alex Salmond's Alba Party last October. 

If she backs Mr Yousaf then that would mean both sides have 64 votes.

Ms Johnstone would then be expected to vote in favour of the status quo, so the first minister would survive.

But if Ms Regan votes against Mr Yousaf, then the opposition parties will have 65 votes against the SNP's 63, and the first minister would lose.

He wouldn't be compelled to resign in this situation, but he'd be under huge pressure to step aside.

More to come

And remember, Scottish Labour have lodged a separate motion of no confidence in the Scottish government. 

Alba have said it won't back that motion.

Scotland's First Minister Humza Yousaf is battling to save his job as he faces a knife-edge no-confidence vote.

The SNP leader triggered a crisis at Holyrood after he dramatically brought the power-sharing deal with the Scottish Greens to an end.

The backlash has plunged Mr Yousaf's future into doubt, although party colleagues insist he will not resign.

How did we get here?

The Bute House Agreement - signed back in 2021 and named after the first minister's official residence in Edinburgh - brought the Green Party into government for the first time anywhere in the UK.

It gave the SNP a majority at Holyrood when the votes of its MSPs were combined with those of the seven Green members, and also made Green co-leaders Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater junior ministers.

Without it, the SNP would need to have operated as a minority administration at Holyrood.

What caused the relationship to sour?

There had been mounting tensions between the largest party at Holyrood and their junior partners in government.

The Greens were angered at the SNP-led administration's recent decision to ditch a key climate change target.

That, combined with the decision to pause the prescription of new puberty blockers to under-18s at at Scotland's only gender clinic, resulted in the Greens announcing they would have a vote on the future of the power-sharing deal. 

Read more here:

The 2 May local elections will see more than 2,600 seats at stake across 107 English councils.

Labour's Sadiq Khan and Andy Burnham are among the 10 mayors up for re-election.  

Those in Blackpool South will also be voting for their next MP after ex-Tory Scott Benton broke Commons lobbying rules, triggering a by-election.  

With the Conservatives lagging behind Labour in the polls, the outcome will offer some insight on how voters in England and Wales feel ahead of the general election.

On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by deputy political editor Sam Coates to discuss why the elections are so important for the prime minister's future and where the key political backgrounds are.

By Daniel Dunford , senior data journalist

There might not be a general election just yet, but there are important votes that will define how the areas around us are run for the next four years. 

See what's happening where you are here:

With the local elections less than a week away, deputy political editor Sam Coates explains why they matter and what they might tell us about the upcoming general election.

Ash Regan - the MSP who could decide the future of Humza Yousaf - has appeared to name her price for her support in next week's no-confidence vote.

She has said, in a letter to Alba Party members, that investment in the Grangemouth refinery will be a key condition of her backing the first minister.

The refinery is currently due to shut as early as next year and move to being an import and export terminal.

Alba has launched a a campaign to sustain jobs at the refinery.

"A sign of good faith would be a significant government investment, reinforcing the campaign to save the Grangemouth refinery from closure," she says in her letter.

"I am requesting the undertaking to produce such an initiative in the early course.

"I am hopeful that the first minister will commit to such an initiative in the near future as a sign of our shared dedication to Scotland's welfare."

Ms Regan was once part of the SNP and ran in the contest to succeed Nicola Sturgeon as leader last year, the contest Mr Yousaf won.

She defected to Alex Salmond's Alba Party in October. 

The battle for a town that no one there wants.

Sky News is reporting from Grimsby in the run-up to the general election as one of its Target Towns - a key constituency prized by both Conservatives and Labour - Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes.

But it turns out that Grimsby doesn't really want them.

It hasn't always been a town doused in apathy. 

In 2016, 70% of people here voted to leave the EU - one of the highest results in the country - and in the 2019 election, the constituency turned Tory for the first time since the Second World War.

But five years on, polling by Sky News found that since then, the number of people saying they "almost never" trust the British government to place the needs of the nation above the interests of their own party has nearly doubled - from 26% to 49%.

It's a stark but bleak view. Voters described both leaders as uninspiring and uninteresting.

When asked what they make of the current prime minister, words like "weak" and "performative" were used. 

Voters couldn't make their minds up about the Labour leader, saying they were unsure about him or his policies.

The lack of a clear dividing line between the two parties could be a problem in the general election, especially as both parties have been trying to show a bit more leg this week ahead of a fully-fledged election campaign.

Labour has shown a hint of more radical policies, with their announcement on aiming to nationalise railways within five years. 

But have they waited a bit too long to impress the people of Grimsby?

The Conservatives ratified their Rwanda policy into law, but voters here weren't hugely enthused by that either, with one member of the audience tonight proclaiming they care much more about housing and the environment. 

They asked - why is the centre of political debate about Rwanda and a policy we don't really care about?

Apathy might override this election.

By  Jennifer Scott , political reporter

Voters in Grimsby - one of Sky News's election Target Towns - have been offering their views on politics, politicians and "broken promises".

The electoral battle in Grimsby and Cleethorpes,  the Target Towns , will be fierce. Labour will need an 11.7 point swing to win this newly-merged constituency back from the Conservatives.

In 2019, residents in Grimsby voted Tory for the first time since the end of the Second World War. The old Cleethorpes constituency was always more of a bellwether, having voted Conservative since 2010.

However, it has shed some of its rural, Conservative-voting residents in the merger.

Speaking on the  Politics Hub With Sophy Ridge , small business owner Shannon said she might not vote in the next general election later this year as she "just can't trust anything anybody says".

She said she has felt this way since Brexit - something Grimsby was overwhelmingly in support of - because "we were promised 'x' and 'y' and it hasn't happened, so I'm just totally disengaged from it".

Asked whether local MPs on the panel - Conservative Lia Nici and Labour's Melanie Onn - could change her mind, Shannon said "possibly", but reiterated how let down local people feel.

"We're promised a lot, but it's never delivered," she said. "Talk of things happening... and then it doesn't happen and people are just fed up... have been told this is what we're going to get, but it doesn't actually happen. And that's why people have just lost faith."

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