When traveling isn’t an option, there is an easy solution. Many cable networks and streaming services offer travel shows as part of their lineup. These shows help take viewers on a virtual vacation. While there are many travel shows on the air today, only a select few are considered to be at the top of the list of the best.

Anthony Bourdain’s Show Catalogue 

For viewers who enjoyed Anthony Bourdain’s travel shows, there is no lack of available choices. This includes No Reservations, The Layover, and Parts Unknown. Each of these shows dives into the behind the scenes action in the world’s countries and airports. Most of the shows focus on Bourdain interacting with local restaurant owners and sampling cuisine wherever he happened to be.

Departures

Anyone who has ever dreamed about disappearing from life for a while will likely enjoy the show Departures. Hosted by Canadians Justin Lukach and Scott Wilson, it follows their year-long adventure. Throughout 43 episodes, the pair were seen in a different country in almost all of them. Available on Amazon, the show can be inspiring to budding travelers.

Rick Steves Travel Series

The Rick Steves Travel Series has helped its namesake become an expert in the field of European travel. The series chronicles his travels to various parts of the world, helping him create a following of an older demographic of viewers than the typical travel show.

Various Adventures Around the World

TV viewers who are familiar with Monty Python will likely enjoy Various Adventures Around The World, hosted by Michael Palin. He embarks on long winding adventures to various destinations. Palin’s are particularly popular in the UK and have gone to parts of the world other travel show hosts have avoided.

Travel Man With Richard Ayoade

Another popular travel show is Travel Man With Richard Ayoade. In each episode, the hosts spend two days in the city of his choice. Most of the episodes focus on European cities, but later in the series, Ayoade expands his travel repertoire outside of Europe.

Dark Tourist

A new but already popular show is Dark Tourist. It is hosted by David Farrier, a New Zealander who has been to almost every continent in the world. His episodes include somewhat unusual activities that other travel show hosts won’t even try.