8 Old Travel Shows On TV For A Nostalgic Trip
Long before bloggers started chronicling their travel experiences, it was the travel shows broadcast on TV that virtually took us around the world. While many introduced us to exotic and off- beat destinations, others gave us a glimpse of unique cultures and unusual local cuisines. Entertaining as well as informational, these are 8 old television travel series that would not only take you on a trip of nostalgia but also inspire you to tour the world. A couple of them are so popular that they continue to be telecast on TV.
1. Globe Trekker (1994 - Present)
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Running since 1994, Globe Trekker has been enticing everyone to travel around the world. Originally broadcast as Lonely Planet, the adventure tourism-based show primarily takes the off-beaten path for exploring the local culture. Each episode, hosted by a different ‘traveler’, transports you to breathtaking destinations across the globe.
2. Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations (2005 - 2012)
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The world recently lost Anthony Bourdain, but his travel shows like Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations have made him immortal. ‘Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations’ had a perfect mixture of travel and food. People used to look forward to the destinations that the sharp-tongued Bourdain would explore and the cuisines that he would taste.
3. Passport to Europe with Samantha Brown (2004 - 2006)
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Passport to Europe with Samantha Brown benefited many who were planning a Euro trip. In this show, the bright-eyed host Samantha visits famous, as well as, smaller European cities, interacting with the locals to know their culture. Besides, the show also introduces you to the local landmarks, along with popular restaurants and shopping sites.
4. Departures (2008 - 2010)
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Most of us can relate to the travel series Departures, showing two regular guys road-tripping since they are bored. It is one of my favorites as the adventure-travel-show focuses more on the journey rather than destinations. Embarking on a journey of 42 episodes, you get to experience the travelogue of Scott Wilson, Andre Dupuis, and Justin Lukach.
5. An Idiot Abroad (2010 - 2012)
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Unlike other travel shows where a host takes you around the world, An Idiot Abroad is all about watching Karl Pilkington perform impromptu tasks at different destinations. This road trip comedy television series is an absolute entertainer while watching Karl dance with a samba school in a Carnival parade, traveling the desert on a camel, or training as a luchador.
6. Michael Palin: Around the World in 80 Days (1989)
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Telecast on BBC1 way back in 1989, the travel series ‘Around the World in 80 Days’ is inspired from Jules Verne's classic novel that goes by the same name. In this television travel series, Michael Palin is challenged to travel around the world in just 80 days without using aircraft for transport. A critically acclaimed programme, you get to see Michael’s challenges and experiences up-close.
7. Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern (2006 - Present)
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One of the longest-running travel shows, Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern is a favorite amongst foodies (or rather not?). Perfectly mixing food with travel, in this show you see chef Andrew Zimmern traveling to different countries and trying unusual cuisines that one would normally turn away. Discovering the most authentic food, beware though as a few graphics may be outright disgusting.
8. The Thirsty Traveler (2002 - 2006)
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The Thirsty Traveler was a show to see how host Kevin Brauch quenched his thirst for ale and travel. While spanning the globe, Kevin is seen to be on a quest of finding the best tasting spirits. For the beer, wine, and bourbon lovers, this is one of the must-watch travel shows broadcast on television.
How many of these travel shows on TV have you watched? Any other travel series that have made you yearn to go wandering? Comment below and let everyone know!
