Rosie Jones and Faye Ripley

The best travel shows to watch now

Who doesn’t wish they were sunning themselves on a tropical beach or exploring the culture of a faraway city? Travel the world from the comfort of your sofa with our picks of the best travel shows on TV and on demand right now.

Travel shows on the BBC

 

Oceans Apart: Art and the Pacific with James Fox

BBC Four, Monday 22nd August, 8pm

James Fox

 

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

Gordon gino and greg laughing

 

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

Ria and Alex

 

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

Rosie Jones and Faye Ripley

 

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

Anita Rani and Ellie Woodward

 

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 on Channel 5

 

First Class vs Economy: Is It Worth It?

Channel 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

Channel 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 My5

Bettany_Hughes on a boat

 

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 My5 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

Ricky and Ralf in front of the Angel of the North

 

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

Show hosts Jo, Megan and Luis

 

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 

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 

tales by light netflix

 

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.