[PHOTO_378101]
Go on a virtual trip
There are plenty of ways to satisfy your wanderlust without leaving the house: scrolling through Instagram feeds, reading books about far-flung destinations and – one of our personal favorites – Netflix.
The streaming service offers endless amounts of entertainment for all sorts of preferences, but with so many movies and shows to choose from, it can be difficult to find what you’re really looking for in this new Golden Age of Television. So, we’ve found 10 of the best travel shows and documentaries that are perfectly suited to virtually transport you (if only for a brief time) somewhere else.
[PHOTO_378098]
“The Kindness Diaries”
If you’re looking for something uplifting, something that’s full of happiness and hope, alongside a helping of culture and scenery, “The Kindness Diaries” is it. Your host, Leon Logothetis, travels around the globe in a vintage sunshine-yellow VW Beetle, fueled by the kindness of people he’s never met. And he does something in return for them as well.
Season 2 is available on Netflix now.
[PHOTO_378099]
“Conan Without Borders”
Seeking a solid dose of humor with your travel docs? Find it in “Conan Without Borders.” Putting a different spin on the travel show, Conan immerses himself in different cultures and gets serious about local problems, but always brings it back around to what he does best: make people laugh.
Six episodes are streaming on Netflix now.
[PHOTO_378100]
“Moving Art”
In “Moving Art,” filmmaker Louie Schwartzberg sets out to showcase the beauty of nature. Viewers can take a virtual trip to the likes of Iceland, Africa, Big Sur, Tahiti, Hokkaido and more. Savor the soothing sounds of nature, listen as waves crash upon shores and feast your eyes on the raw beauty of the world.
Three seasons are streaming on Netflix now.
[PHOTO_378102]
“Paul Hollywood’s Big Continental Road Trip”
If you’re a fan of “The Great British Bake Off,” you’ll probably love “Paul Hollywood’s Big Continental Road Trip.” The steely-eyed, silver fox himself sets out to explore the culture – and the cars – of Europe. More specifically, he visits Italy, Germany and France over the course of three hour-long episodes. And he has some amazing company riding shotgun.
Season 1 is streaming on Netflix now.
[PHOTO_378103]
“Night on Earth”
“Night on Earth” is technically a nature series, but where there’s nature, there is also a gorgeous backdrop to behold. And you’ll be seeing them all at night. Narrated by Samira Wiley, known for her role on “Orange Is the New Black,” viewers will enjoy watching animals frolic in the jungle and even stroll through urban landscapes as the rest of the world is asleep.
This limited run has six episodes and is streaming now.
[PHOTO_378104]
“Tales by Light”
If the idea of picking up some photography tips while watching TV appeals to you, check out “Tales by Light.” This is not an instructional show by any means, but you will find it educational. In this series, photographers and filmmakers traverse the globe in search of the perfect story-telling shots. Important issues are brought to light, and there’s some fantastic scenery along the way.
Seasons 1-3 are streaming on Netflix now.
[PHOTO_378105]
“Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father”
As the title suggests, the effervescent comedian and actor Jack Whitehall sets out on what are supposed to be bonding vacations with his conversely buttoned-up father. Together, they trek across Southeast Asia, Europe and the Southwestern United States. Hijinks and hilarity ensue.
Seasons 1-3 of “Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father” are streaming on Netflix now.
[PHOTO_378106]
“Dark Tourist”
Less upbeat than some of the other shows on this list, but no less informative, “Dark Tourist” follows journalist David Farrier to less-than-savory destinations around the world. Experience the allegedly haunted forests of Japan, meet Pablo Escobar’s former enforcer in Colombia and watch as Farrier swims in a Kazakhstan lake that was formed by a nuclear blast.
Season 1 is streaming on Netflix now.
[PHOTO_378107]
“Extreme Engagement”
You can only see “Love is Blind” so many times before you have to look for something else to watch. Enter “Extreme Engagement,” where betrothed couple PJ Madam and Tim Noonan travel the globe in search of diverse marriage customs.
Naturally, traveling together for a year proves to be its own challenge and viewers have to wonder if these two will make it to the altar themselves.
Season 1 is streaming on Netflix now.
[PHOTO_378108]
“Our Planet”
In Netflix’s answer to BBC’s “Planet Earth,” Sir David Attenborough again graces us with a voice-over in this stunning depiction of our home. “Our Planet” episodes cover all manner of terrain, from the seas to the jungles to the far-flung frozen lands. You’ll come away with an appreciation for nature and all of its beauty – and perhaps a desire to see these places in person someday.
Season 1 is streaming on Netflix now.
10Best is a part of the USA TODAY Network, providing an authentically local point of view on destinations around the world, in addition to travel and lifestyle advice.