The best travel shows to watch now
Travel shows on the BBC
Oceans Apart: Art and the Pacific with James Fox
BBC Four, Monday 22nd August, 8pm
Dr James Fox takes a closer look at how the West’s contact with the people of the Pacific impacted them, from the perspective of an art historian. He explores subjects such as Australian Aboriginal art, and how the native people have told the story of colonization through painting.
Rap Trip: Underground Scenes Uncovered
BBC Three, Thursdays at 11pm
Catch up on BBC iPlayer
Take a tour of the UK through the lens of hip-hop, from Liverpool, to Ireland, to Yorkshire. The rap scene may be associated with London due to the huge success of artists like Stormzy and Wiley, but the further from the capital you go the more unique and diverse the genre gets…
Monty Don's Japanese Gardens
BBC Four, Monday 22nd and Tuesday 23rd of August, 7pm
Join Britain’s favourite TV gardener as he takes a trip to Japan, exploring their approach to horticulture. In episode one Monty takes a closer look at zen gardens, learning about their history and spiritual significance.
Monkman & Seagull's Genius Adventures
BBC Two, Starts Thursday 11th August, 7pm
Not only will Eric Monkman and Bobby Seagull take you on an eccentric tour of the Uk, but their focus on Victorian era inventions will teach you a thing or two about history! Join the duo as they follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin, figure out their latitude using just a compass and the north star, and investigate the world of cement.
Treasures of the Indus
Catch up on BBC iPlayer
Sona Datta tells the story of the Indian subcontinent, using her knowledge as a curator at the British museum to illustrate the history with significant objects. The area is one of cultural and religious diversity, with a rich and storied past.
Travel shows on ITV
Gordon, Gino and Fred: Road Trip
ITVX
Join superstar chef Gordon Ramsay, Italian chef Gino D’Acampo and French maître d’ Fred Sirieix as they take road trips across the world to discover the best delicacies and entertainment on offer. In series two they travel from Mexico across the USA, experiencing everything from Texan steaks to goat yoga in San Francisco. Catch up on all three seasons on the ITVX.
Judi Dench's Wild Borneo Adventure
ITVX
Judi Dench proves that you can’t tame a Dame, as she delves into Borneo’s rainforest headfirst. Judi explores the significance of the rainforest, from the animals to the plants to the people, and shows us why it’s so important to protect it.
All Around Britain
ITVX
Hosts Ria and Alex spend time in every nook and cranny of Britain, going on a wide range of adventures such as sailing through Birmingham, getting involved in rugby and trying their hands at motor racing.
Travel shows on Channel 4
Trip Hazard: My Great British Adventure, Season 2
Channel 4, Starts Tuesday 23rd August, 10pm
Catch up on series 1 on All 4
Join comedian Rosie Jones as she takes her guests on an unconventional tour of the UK, celebrating the sights, culture and traditions of areas that are sometimes overlooked. Narrated by Olivia Colman in season 1, season 2 kicks of with Joanna Lumley on narration and AJ Odudu as the first guest. Catch up on season one with All 4.
Britain by Beach, Season 2
Channel 4, Starts Saturday 20th August, 8pm
The UK may not be known for its white, sandy beaches, but Anita Rani is setting out to show the beauty of the British seaside, pebbles and all. Season two starts out taking a tour of the Cornish coastline, with 420 miles of it to be getting on with. Catch up on season one with All4.
Travel shows to watch on 5
First Class vs Economy: Is It Worth It?
Watch on 5, Sunday 21st August, 6:45pm
Get an insight into how the other half live, as Nigel Havers and Sally Lindsay fly from Heathrow to Washington DC with both First Class and Economy tickets. See for yourself what perks a First-Class ticket will get you on British Airways, and whether you think it’s worth the cash…
The Pyrenees with Michael Portillo
Watch on 5, Starts Tuesday 23rd August, 9pm
Michael Portillo is walking the length of the Pyrenees, starting at the Bay of Biscay in the west, all the way to the shore of the Mediterranean Sea in the east. Along his journey, Michael will stop and meet the locals who live along the mountain range, and experience life from their point-of-view.
A Greek Odyssey with Bettany Hughes
Catch up on 5
Start planning a legendary trip around Greece by following author and historian Bettany Hughes as she follows in the footsteps of Odysseus around the gorgeous Greek islands. You can catch up with all six episodes on 5 and whisk yourself away to a romantic paradise, all while learning about the remarkable history and mythology of the area. Feeling intrigued? Find out more about this spectacular voyage from Bettany Hughes herself in our exclusive interview with her about the trip.
Travel shows on UKTV
Ricky & Ralf's Very Northern Road Trip
Catch up on UKTV Play
Stars of the classic sitcom The Royle Family, Ricky Tomlinson and Ralf Little, reunite to explore the northern England together. Nothing is off limits, as they visit factories, curry houses, and lakes, as well as looking back on their 20 year-long friendship.
Travel shows on Netflix
The Worlds Most Amazing Vacation Rentals
Don’t limit yourself to staying at hotels next time you go on holiday…. Hosts Jo Franco, Megan Batoon, and Luis Ortiz travel the world staying in unique rentals, all at different price points and styles. Luis is a fan of the bougie, Megan loves a bargain and Jo has an eye for the wacky, so there is something for everyone.
Magical Andes
The Andes are much more than a geographical phenomenon to those who live there, it’s their home. In 10 episodes, this show explores the unique lives of various people who live on the Andes and surrounding areas, stretching across South America, from Argentina to Columbia.
Dark Tourist
This isn’t your average all-inclusive getaway. Join journalist David Farrier as he ventures around the world to some of the most unusual and dark tourist spots around. From a nuclear lake to haunted forests, if you like your travel with a side of danger, this is the travel show for you.
Jack Whitehall: Travels with my Father
Who doesn’t love an odd couple? Follow comedian Jack Whitehall as he travels the world with his stuffy father. As they travel through Southeast Asia, Europe and the U.S.A. trying to strengthen their bond with unique and unusual experiences, this travel show will make you laugh as much as it’ll make you want to pack your bags and head abroad.
Tales by Light
Follow photographers and filmmakers as they travel the world capturing stunning images of remarkable people, places, cultures and wildlife. See the world from new and vibrant angles through the eyes of photographers and discover new stories in this eye-opening travel documentary.
Keep stopping back to find new travel shows which will whisk you away somewhere new and exotic whenever your wanderlust is calling. PLUS, find out what else is new on TV and check out our top picks in the Showcase.
