The Best Travel Shows to Inspire Your Next Adventure

The Best Travel Shows to Inspire Your Next Adventure - Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown - Understanding Diverse Cultures Through Food

Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown took viewers on a thrilling culinary and cultural journey to all corners of the globe. As both a celebrity chef and seasoned traveler, Bourdain had a unique ability to connect with locals and understand a destination through its traditional foods. Each episode focused on a different exotic locale, from Myanmar to Morocco, as Bourdain explored bustling outdoor markets, hole-in-the-wall restaurants, and fine dining establishments.

Bourdain saw food as a window into the heart and soul of a place. Over a sizzling meal or frothy drink, he uncovered the history, politics, art, and people that shaped a location. Bourdain masterfully wove together each dish with the stories of those who created them, humanizing distant lands in an intimate, thought-provoking way. Viewers came away with a sense of empathy and connection to cultures they may never visit themselves.

Unlike traditional travel hosts, Bourdain didn’t sugarcoat experiences or shy away from controversies. He addressed them head-on through open-minded dialogue with locals that revealed truths many may find uncomfortable. Bourdain confronted issues of poverty, inequality, and the lasting impacts of colonialism. However, he always remained respectful of those he met along the way.

Bourdain cherished the people, not just the cuisine. He made space for marginalized voices and approached everyone, no matter their background, with profound humanity. A lifelong learner, Bourdain admitted when he lacked knowledge on an issue and created an open exchange of ideas. This humility and willingness to listen set Parts Unknown apart.
Each handcrafted meal unveiled just as much about Bourdain as it did his gracious hosts. His evolution from reckless chef to middle-aged father added poignant self-reflection to his travels. Bourdain openly discussed his struggles with addiction and mental health, making him relatable despite his fame.
Without pretense or a carefully curated persona, Bourdain presented an unfiltered look at both a country’s culture and his own internal landscape. He forged bonds that transcended borders, demonstrating our shared hopes and challenges as human beings. This emotional resonance, combined with stunning cinematography, gripping storytelling, and mouth-watering cuisine, made Parts Unknown a one-of-a-kind viewing experience.

The Best Travel Shows to Inspire Your Next Adventure - Departures - High-End Luxury Travel Across the Globe

What else is in this post?

1. The Best Travel Shows to Inspire Your Next Adventure - Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown - Understanding Diverse Cultures Through Food
2. The Best Travel Shows to Inspire Your Next Adventure - Departures - High-End Luxury Travel Across the Globe
3. The Best Travel Shows to Inspire Your Next Adventure - Globe Trekker - Immersive Backpacking Journeys to Off-The-Beaten Path Destinations
4. The Best Travel Shows to Inspire Your Next Adventure -Rick Steves' Europe - Navigating Europe Like a Seasoned Local

For those seeking a truly indulgent escape, Departures showcases the pinnacle of luxury travel experiences around the world. From ultra-exclusive hotels to private islands and remote hideaways, Departures grants insider access to destinations where money is no object.

Each episode embarks on an opulent journey guided by renowned hospitality and travel experts. They curate unique itineraries far beyond the reach of typical tourists, tailored specifically to the distinguished tastes of ultra high net worth travelers. Destinations span the globe, from the Seychelles to Chilean Patagonia.

One standout is a spectacular cruise along the Norwegian fjords aboard the Sea Cloud II, an intimate, three-masted sailing yacht. Guests bask in ultimate comfort as they gaze upon sprawling glaciers and dramatic cliffs rising from the sea. The crew meticulously caters to every whim, with exquisite multi-course feasts and butler service in the luxurious cabins. Shore excursions include a private concert inside an ancient castle.

For a truly exclusive experience, Departures gains access to North Island in the Seychelles. This private island resort limits guests to just 30 at a time. Each über-luxe villa comes equipped with a private butler and infinity pool. Guests indulge in champagne breakfasts aboard a yacht, followed by world-class scuba diving, beachfront massages, and sunset cruises. The island’s seclusion provides an ultra-private hideaway.

In New Zealand, Departures experiences the elite world of helicopter skiing. Guests stay in an exclusive chalet outfitted with a private chef, massage therapist, and fitness trainer. Each morning, they take off in a helicopter to access pristine, untouched snow that can’t be reached by lift. Expert guides lead runs on these remote peaks for an unbelievable adrenaline rush.

Departures also journeys to exclusive ranches in the American West. At the C Lazy U Ranch in Colorado, guests stay in a luxurious private home on the property. They enjoy gourmet dining, horseback riding, fishing, and hiking on 8,500 sprawling acres in the Rocky Mountains. In Montana, the Triple Creek Ranch tailors each guest stay with customized adventures like rafting, skeet shooting, and open air massages.

While showcasing the height of luxury, Departures maintains a spirit of adventure. In Costa Rica, thrill seekers experience a white water rafting journey down Class III and IV rapids. Afterwards, they indulge in a relaxing retreat at the Four Seasons featuring volcanic mud treatments and yoga sessions. This combination of exhilaration and pampering encapsulates the Departures approach.
Throughout its journeys, Departures emphasizes five star service through exclusive access and highly personalized details. At the Amangiri resort in Utah, each visitor enjoys their own private plunge pool, fire pit, and stargazing deck. Staff orchestrate special touches like luxurious outdoor bubble baths and yoga sessions at sunrise.

Departures also gains VIP treatment at some of the world’s most elite restaurants. In Copenhagen, Denmark’s top chef serves a meticulously crafted, 20-course meal with wine pairings atop a building overlooking the city skyline. These are once-in-a-lifetime epicurean experiences.

While catering to the 1%, Departures maintains a spirit of connection through privileged yet thoughtful travel. The hosts seek out the history, culture, and natural wonders of each destination, while emphasizing sustainability. Viewers certainly envy the opulence, but they also relate to the childlike awe and wonder the hosts experience in these settings.

The Best Travel Shows to Inspire Your Next Adventure - Globe Trekker - Immersive Backpacking Journeys to Off-The-Beaten Path Destinations

What else is in this post?

1. The Best Travel Shows to Inspire Your Next Adventure - Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown - Understanding Diverse Cultures Through Food
2. The Best Travel Shows to Inspire Your Next Adventure - Departures - High-End Luxury Travel Across the Globe
3. The Best Travel Shows to Inspire Your Next Adventure - Globe Trekker - Immersive Backpacking Journeys to Off-The-Beaten Path Destinations
4. The Best Travel Shows to Inspire Your Next Adventure -Rick Steves' Europe - Navigating Europe Like a Seasoned Local

Globe Trekker hosts transport viewers off the crowded tourist trails and into the heart of a country through immersive backpacking adventures. With a backpack slung over their shoulders, the hosts embrace local transportation, street food, budget accommodations, and spontaneous detours. This up-close perspective provides an authentic experience of daily life and culture in each destination.

Trekking through sprawling bazaars in Morocco, Globe Trekker hosts connect with shopkeepers over a cup of mint tea. They learn of the country’s history and customs while haggling for handwoven rugs and gleaming lamps in the maze of market stalls. In Thailand, hosts purchase tickets for an overnight train journey. They swap stories with local families crammed into the crowded, third-class carriages as they sway and roll through the darkness. At a bustling bus station in Mumbai, a host secures an open seat through the window, joining swarms of rushed commuters shuttling in and out of the city. He embraces the chaotic, yet communal spirit of the city.

Rather than luxury hotels, Globe Trekker opts for guest houses, homestays, and hostels. In Vietnam, a host stays in a traditional stilt home alongside rice farmers who host guests as a supplemental income. She helps hand-harvest the fields during the day, then joins the family for dinner by the fire at night. Other hosts rely on the kindness of strangers, showing up in towns with no reservations, and seeking out spare beds, couches, or space to pitch a tent. This forces them to connect with the people and culture.

Globe Trekker also means eating where the locals eat. Hosts skip elegant restaurants and head straight to the hole-in-the-wall spots with plastic stools spilling onto the sidewalk. In Singapore, a host joins taxi drivers on their lunch break for hearty bowls of steaming laksa at a beloved, yet gritty joint. Other hosts indulge in Taiwan’s bustling night markets, grabbing steamed buns and bubble tea as vendors hawk their wares to passerby. Street food offers the best value and flavor.

While strapped with a backpack and budget, the hosts still embark on daring adventures. In Colombia, one host hikes to the ancient Ciudad Perdida along slippery jungle trails, crossing rickety footbridges over raging rivers. Other hosts learn to salsa in Cuba, trek to Everest Base Camp, and cruise the Galápagos Islands. Though exhausting, these active challenges provide once-in-a-lifetime memories.

Globe Trekker also showcases festivals and spiritual ceremonies across the world. Donning vibrantly colored powder, a host joins the celebratory chaos of Holi in India. Others experience spine-tingling indigenous rituals from Mayan shamans in Guatemala to Whirling Dervishes in Egypt. These powerful encounters provide profound insight into ancient belief systems and traditions still thriving today.

While Globe Trekker offers a window into exotic lands, the hosts connect them to contemporary issues. Trekking throughout the Holy Land, a host highlights the complex geopolitics dividing Israelis and Palestinians. In Central America, another host gives firsthand accounts of the poverty and violence still haunting the region post-civil wars. These sobering experiences reveal a nation’s underbelly beyond the tourist highlights.

Throughout their journeys, the hosts embrace mishaps and discomforts with humor and resilience. When stranded overnight in the Moscow airport or crammed into an overcrowded Nepali bus, they take difficulties in stride. Hosts may face language barriers, getting lost on remote trails, or pickpockets in crowded markets. However, they remind audiences this is part of the unpredictable adventure of backpacking.

The Best Travel Shows to Inspire Your Next Adventure -Rick Steves' Europe - Navigating Europe Like a Seasoned Local

What else is in this post?

1. The Best Travel Shows to Inspire Your Next Adventure - Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown - Understanding Diverse Cultures Through Food
2. The Best Travel Shows to Inspire Your Next Adventure - Departures - High-End Luxury Travel Across the Globe
3. The Best Travel Shows to Inspire Your Next Adventure - Globe Trekker - Immersive Backpacking Journeys to Off-The-Beaten Path Destinations
4. The Best Travel Shows to Inspire Your Next Adventure -Rick Steves' Europe - Navigating Europe Like a Seasoned Local

With his signature khaki pants and rolled up dress shirt, Rick Steves has guided generations of Americans through the winding cobblestone streets and picturesque plazas of Europe. His long-running show, Rick Steves’ Europe, unravels the history, culture, and everyday life across the continent through approachable, educational journeys.

Unlike many travel hosts relying on contrived experiences or tourist traps, Rick skips the fanfare and leads viewers straight into the heart of Europe. He travels by public transportation, dines at cozy local haunts, and stays in small family-run hotels. Rick packs each day with stops both iconic and obscure, revealing Europe’s hidden charms.

In Rome, he starts the morning queueing with countless pilgrims to glimpse Michelangelo’s frescoes inside the Sistine Chapel. That afternoon, he picks up picnic provisions at the bustling Campo de’ Fiori market, then unwinds with locals over wine and cheese beside the Pantheon. In Belgium, Rick tours the renowned Grand Place in Brussels before ducking into narrow medieval alleyways to sample steamed mussels and over 100 varieties of local beer.

Through thoughtful observation of daily routines and casual conversations, Rick uncovers profound insights into regional identities. In Switzerland, he rises before dawn to join dairy farmers maneuvering cows up steep Alpine pastures to produce artisanal cheeses. In Croatia, Rick harvests oysters with local fishermen who have tilled the crystalline Adriatic for generations. Simple interactions speak volumes about traditions.

While covering European capitals, Rick ventures beyond their surfaces. In Paris, he skips the pricey Eiffel Tower to stroll lesser-known neighborhoods like the hilly Artist’s Quarter and the bustling Latin Quarter. In London, Rick dodges hordes of selfie-stick wielding tourists to uncover Baroque churches and market stalls selling bangers and mash. Meandering side streets unveil Europe’s multi-layered essence.

In each region, Rick seeks out local guides to provide context on history and customs. In Sicily, an archaeologist unlocks the secrets of ancient Greek temples. In Germany, a passionate brewer explains the 500-year-old Reinheitsgebot beer purity law. Their insights enrich the experience exponentially.

Viewers appreciate that unlike many travel hosts catering to wealthy elites, Rick focuses on accessible, affordable journeys for everyday people. He scrutinizes hotel bills, compares bus and train prices, and seeks out cheap eats. Viewers can recreate his trips on modest budgets. However, Rick reminds audiences that real value comes not from luxury, but thoughtfully immersing oneself in each destination.

While Rick conveys extensive practical tips - from packing efficiently to avoiding pickpockets - he emphasizes travel’s transformational power. By engaging with different cultures firsthand, Rick believes we expand our perspectives and connect back to our shared humanity. Highlighting both lighthearted traditions and sobering history, Rick underscores how the past forever shapes the present.

On the lovely canals of Bruges, he reflects on how medieval structures remain standing while much of Europe crumbled under the devastation of two world wars. In Poland, Rick soberly wanders former Jewish ghettos and concentration camps. By directly confronting painful history, viewers achieve catharsis and glean profound lessons still resonating today.

While Rick has inspired viewers to explore, he also motivates them to travel thoughtfully and responsibly. He takes public transit, stays in locally-owned accommodations, eats at family-operated restaurants, and purchases traditional handicrafts directly from artisans. Rick makes a concerted effort to ensure the economic benefits of tourism reach everyday residents.

Above all, Rick reminds audiences to approach new places with patience and openness. He highlights the joy of getting lost down winding alleyways, stumbling upon quirky festivals, and accepting unexpected detours as part of the journey. By embracing mishaps with good humor, we forge even deeper connections. Rick epitomizes how travel expands the spirit and brings us together when we trade assumptions for open-mindedness and compassion.