Traveling is one of the best ways you can escape your hectic schedule and get to experience life fully.
While traveling, you get to go to new places, meet new people, learn about a new culture, and overall, get the best experience.
But traveling is quite expensive and requires lots of planning and dedication, instead, you can stay at home and get this experience by watching travel documentaries or listening to travel podcasts.
If you love traveling and watching movies, then this post is for you. Come along to find the 27 best travel documentaries of all time that you’ll enjoy watching.
27 Best Travel Documentaries To Watch
1. 180° South (2010)
180 Degrees South: Conquerors of the Useless, also known as 180° South, is a 2010 travel documentary about Jeff Johnson’s adventures.
It is also a historical documentary that sheds light and calls for the protection of the endangered environment.
Rather than by land, Jeff travels by sea from Mexico, where he surfs in the biggest waves, meets cowboys, crosses dangerous oceans, and climbs snow-capped mountains.
Although this show ended with his attempt to climb Cerro Corcovado, which was halted due to safety reasons, this is still one of the best travel documentaries in the world.
IMDB Rating: 7.5/ 10
Duration: 1h 25m
Streaming in: Prime Video
2. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown (2013)
Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown is an American travel and food show where Bourdain travels and discovers places that are not known. This show is one of the best travel documentaries you can watch, considering it won 12 Primetime Emmy Awards out of 31 nominations and a 2013 Peabody Award.
In this show, you’ll get to watch Anthony Bourdain visit countries and explore their political issues, local delicious meals, and ingenious cultures.
This show ended with its finale season back in Bourdain’s hometown in 2018. If food and travel call to you, then this is the travel documentary for you.
3. Travel Man: 48 Hours in…(2015)
Travel Man is one of the best British travel documentaries. It was first presented by Richard Ayoade and, since 2019, by comedian Joe Lycett. In this show, the presenter and a celebrity guest spend 48 hours in any popular city in the world.
This series provides a potential itinerary for the 48-hour break for both the presenter and the celebrity guest.
The series is known to be fast-paced and filled with light humor. It can be streamed or watched on various movie streaming platforms.
4. Samsara (2011)
Samsara is an American non-narrative travel documentary shot on a 70mm film for five years in 25 countries around the world, such as Angola, Thailand, Philippines, Angola, Ghana, Hong Kong, China, Denmark, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Mali.
This show will transport you into various worlds, disaster grounds, industrial cities, and natural wonders.
This is one of the best travel documentaries of all time because it also takes the form of a nonverbal guided meditation.
5. Barak (1992)
Baraka is an American non-narrative collection of expertly photographed scenes of human life and religion.
This is one of the best travel documentaries shot in a 70 mm format and scanned at 8k resolution.
The name is derived from the Arabic word “Baraka,” which means blessing, and the Hebrew word “Baruch,” which means blessed.
This film explores natural events, life, human activities, and technological phenomena in 24 countries on six continents in 14 months.
6. Down to Earth with Zac Efron (2020)
Down to Earth with Zac Efron is an American travel documentary series starring Zac Efron and wellness expert Darin Olien.
This series revolves around Zac’s travels to France, Puerto Rico, London, Iceland, Costa Rica, Peru, and Sardinia.
According to the theme, it focuses on travel, life experience, nature, green energy, and sustainable ways to live.
But critics say it is light in tone and doesn’t really delve into any of these sustainable ways of living.
7. The Maidentrip (2013)
In Maidentrip, Laura Decker, at 16 years old, became the youngest person to sail around the world solo.
This trip shows her growing up from a teen to a determined woman in the 17 months it lasted, and all through Laura did her handheld videos.
Suggested Reads- 23 Best Travel Podcasts To Listen To
This film is not just about the hurdles, struggles, and obstacles that Laura Dekker had to face in the course of the journey.
Although she has been sailing since she was 6 years old, this adventure not only showed her bravery but also showed what females are capable of in this sport.
8. Conan O’Brien Must Go (2024)
Conan O’Brien Must Go is a travel series that follows comedian Conan O’Brien as he visits fans around the world who previously appeared on his “Conan Without Borders” remote segments.
The show captures Conan’s unique brand of self-deprecating humor as he immerses himself in local cultures and creates comedy through his fish-out-of-water experiences.
The series premiered on Max in 2023 with four episodes featuring Conan’s adventures in Norway, Thailand, Argentina, and Ireland. Critics praised the show for its genuine cultural interactions and Conan’s ability to connect with people across language barriers.
Viewers appreciate how the series balances comedy with respectful cultural exploration, showcasing both Conan’s quick wit and his sincere interest in the places and people he encounters.
IMDb Rating: As of now, “Conan O’Brien Must Go” does not have an IMDb rating available. Duration: Each episode has a runtime of approximately 45 to 50 minutes. Streaming: The series is available exclusively on Max (formerly HBO Max).
9. Gordon, Gino & Fred: Road Trip (2018)
Gordon, Gino, and Fred: Road Trip is one of the best British travel documentaries of all time and was aired on the ITV channel in the United Kingdom.
This travel series stars the British superstar Gordon Ramsay, Italian stallion Gino D’Acampo, and French master maitre d’ Fred Sirieix.
On their road trip, they explore various countries, cities, local cultures, and delicious meals. Since 2018, this show has been running with these three chefs until 2023, when D’Acampo left the show due to contract disputes and other commitments.
10. An Idiot Abroad (2010)
An Idiot Abroad is one of the best British travel documentaries that doubles as a comedy series.
The show involves the British comedy duo Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant and their simple and closed-minded friend Karl Pilkington, who has no interest in global travel.
So they make him go on a trip around the world to experience a variety of people and cultures, while they stay back in the United Kingdom to monitor his progress.
Since 2010, this show has aired various series showing Karl Pilkington as he travels around the world and gains new experiences.
11. Encounters at the End of the World (2007)
Encounters at the End of the World is a 2007 travel documentary about the Antarctic community of McMurdo Station. This is not the usual travel documentary where you’ll see cute penguins paddling around.
In the film, Werner Herzog interviews the people at the station and hears their incredible stories while exploring this cold environment.
Herzog also explored various sites, including a seal camp, a diving camp, and the active volcano, Mount Erebus.
12. K2: Siren of the Himalaya (2012)
K2: Siren of the Himalayas is a 2012 travel documentary that shows the journey of hikers who planned to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Duke of Abruzzi’s landmark K2 expedition at the peak of the mountain.
Apart from the journey, this travel documentary also talks about the history and geographical ranges of the mountain.
As the film progresses, you’ll be able to feel the thrill and excitement of these hikers as they overcome challenges and get closer to their goals.
13. Long Way Up (2020)
Long Way Up is the best British travel documentary that features a journey with only motorcycles from Argentina to the United States.
Ewan McGregor and his friend Charley Boorman travel 13,000 miles on electric Harley-Davidsons in this show.
The journey passed through 13 countries over 100 days from 5 September 2019 to 14 December 2019, using prototype Harley-Davidson electric motorcycles that had been converted into adventure bikes.
They passed through Latin America, Central America, to Mexico, before finally entering the United States and finishing in California.
14. Planet Earth (2006)
Planet Earth is a nature documentary that shows amazing places and animals from around the world. The show takes viewers to different environments like oceans, deserts, mountains, and forests.
Each episode focuses on a specific habitat and the creatures that live there. The beautiful filming shows wildlife behavior rarely seen before.
The series was first released in 2006 by the BBC, with a sequel, “Planet Earth II”, that came out in 2016.
The original “Planet Earth” won multiple Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Nonfiction Series, as well as a Peabody Award and several BAFTAs for its cinematography and innovation.
It’s considered groundbreaking for its use of high-definition filming techniques and has influenced many nature documentaries that followed.
15. Human Planet: Behind the Lens (2011)
Human Planet: Behind the Lens is a companion documentary that reveals the production process of the BBC’s acclaimed “Human Planet” series.
Released in 2011, this behind-the-scenes look examines the challenges and ethical considerations faced by the filmmaking team while documenting Indigenous cultures in extreme environments worldwide.
The documentary addresses controversies regarding staged scenes, providing unprecedented transparency about documentary production practices.
Critics praised its honest approach to the complexities of cultural representation and the relationship between filmmakers and their subjects.
This candid look at nature documentary creation offers viewers a valuable insight into the human intervention behind seemingly authentic footage.
16. Michael Palin: Travels of a Lifetime
Michael Palin: Travels of a Lifetime is a four-part documentary series that revisits the former Monty Python star’s most iconic travel adventures.
The show combines original footage from Palin’s journeys with new interviews and reflections on his experiences crossing the globe.
Each episode explores a different travel series including “Around the World in 80 Days” and “Pole to Pole.”
The documentary premiered on BBC Two in 2020, celebrating Palin’s contributions to travel television over three decades.
The series offers both nostalgia for fans of his original shows and fresh insights into how travel has changed.
Palin’s warm narration and thoughtful observations make this retrospective as engaging as the journeys themselves.
17. James May: Our Man in…
James May: Our Man in… is a travel documentary series featuring the former “Top Gear” presenter exploring different countries and cultures.
May immerses himself in local traditions, food, and daily life while bringing his characteristic curiosity and dry humor to each encounter.
The series takes a less touristy approach, focusing on authentic experiences and unexpected discoveries.
The show began with “Our Man in Japan” in 2020, followed by “Our Man in Italy” and “Our Man in India.”
Each season offers a personal perspective as May navigates unfamiliar territories with a mix of enthusiasm and British reserve.
Critics praise the series for its relaxed pace, genuine cultural interest, and May’s willingness to step outside his comfort zone while maintaining his approachable personality.
18. Somebody Feed Phil
Somebody Feed Phil is a cheerful food and travel show hosted by Phil Rosenthal, creator of “Everybody Loves Raymond.”
In each episode, Phil explores a different city’s food scene with unbridled enthusiasm and a genuine sense of wonder.
He samples local specialties, visits renowned restaurants, and connects with people through their culinary traditions.
The series debuted on Netflix in 2018 and has continued with multiple seasons spanning destinations worldwide.
What sets this show apart is Phil’s infectious joy and his approach as a food-loving tourist rather than a culinary expert.
Viewers appreciate his relatable reactions, the show’s lighthearted tone, and how it showcases both high-end dining and street food with equal respect and excitement.
19. Jack Whitehall: Travels With My Father
Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father is a comedy travel documentary series featuring British comedian Jack Whitehall and his conservative, stuffy father, Michael.
The show follows the mismatched pair as they journey to various countries where Jack attempts to experience adventurous activities while his reluctant father prefers luxury and tradition.
The series premiered on Netflix in 2017 and ran for five seasons, taking the Whitehalls across Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, the American West, Australia, and the UK.
The show’s appeal comes from the genuine father-son relationship, highlighting their generational differences and unexpected bonding moments.
The contrast between Jack’s eagerness to embrace local cultures and Michael’s fish-out-of-water reactions creates both humor and heartwarming moments throughout their travels.
20. Top Gear Travel Perfect Road Trip 2
Top Gear: The Perfect Road Trip 2 is a travel special featuring presenters Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond on a journey through Italy.
This follow-up to their first “Perfect Road Trip” combines stunning European landscapes with high-performance cars as the duo races through picturesque locations from Venice to the Isle of Capri.
Released in 2014, this special brings the signature Top Gear blend of automotive challenges, competitive banter, and breathtaking scenery.
Though not a traditional travel documentary, it showcases Italy’s beautiful roads and locations through the lens of car enthusiasts.
Fans praise the chemistry between the hosts and the spectacular driving sequences, while critics note it appeals primarily to those who already enjoy the Top Gear formula of cars, competition, and comedy.
21. Rainn Wilson and the Geography of Bliss
“Rainn Wilson and the Geography of Bliss” is a travel documentary series hosted by “The Office” actor Rainn Wilson. Based on Eric Weiner’s book, the show follows Wilson as he travels to different countries seeking the secrets to happiness.
Each episode explores a location known for either high happiness levels or unique approaches to contentment.
The series premiered on Peacock in 2023 and features Wilson’s thoughtful, sometimes philosophical journey through places like Iceland, Ghana, and Japan.
What distinguishes this series is its focus on emotional well-being rather than tourist attractions. Critics praise Wilson’s vulnerable approach and genuine curiosity as he participates in local happiness practices and connects with residents about their life philosophies, creating a travel show that’s equally entertaining and introspective.
22. Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy
Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy is a food and travel documentary series where the acclaimed actor explores Italy’s diverse regional cuisines.
Each episode focuses on a different Italian region as Tucci visits local markets, restaurants, and homes to discover authentic dishes and cooking techniques that reflect the area’s history and culture.
The series premiered on CNN in 2021 and quickly gained popularity for its gorgeous cinematography and Tucci’s passionate, knowledgeable approach.
Critics praise the show for going beyond typical food tourism by examining how Italy’s culinary traditions connect to broader social and historical contexts.
Viewers appreciate Tucci’s genuine enthusiasm, his respectful interactions with local food producers, and how the series highlights lesser-known regional specialties rather than just familiar Italian dishes.
23. The Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan
The Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan is a travel documentary series following British comedian Romesh Ranganathan as he visits countries typically overlooked by tourists.
The show features Romesh, a reluctant traveler, being guided through challenging destinations by local experts who help him experience authentic cultural immersion beyond typical tourist attractions.
The series began on BBC Two in 2018 and has continued with multiple seasons and specials. What makes this show stand out is Romesh’s honest, often skeptical reactions paired with his growing appreciation for each place.
Critics praise the series for its blend of humor and genuine cultural exploration, while viewers enjoy how Romesh’s initial discomfort gives way to meaningful connections and a more nuanced understanding of misrepresented destinations.
24. World’s Most Dangerous Roads
World’s Most Dangerous Roads is a thrilling documentary series that follows celebrities and presenters as they navigate some of the planet’s most treacherous routes.
Each episode features a different pair of travelers attempting to drive along notorious roads known for extreme conditions, from narrow mountain passes with deadly drops to unstable jungle tracks and ice roads.
The series began on BBC Two in 2011 and ran for several seasons. The show combines stunning landscape photography with genuine moments of danger and anxiety.
Viewers are drawn to the combination of breathtaking scenery and nail-biting tension as the drivers face landslides, mechanical failures, and hairpin turns.
The series offers a unique perspective on remote regions while showcasing both the challenges of extreme travel and the remarkable communities that rely on these perilous routes.
25. Race Across the World
Race Across the World is a competition travel documentary where contestants race from one location to another without flying.
Teams must travel on a limited budget equivalent to the cost of a plane ticket, navigating through various countries using only land and sea transportation while completing challenges along the way.
The series premiered on BBC Two in 2019 and has produced multiple seasons with different race routes across continents.
What makes this show compelling is the authentic travel experience as contestants deal with real-world obstacles, including language barriers, transportation delays, and budget constraints.
Critics praise the series for showcasing genuine cultural interactions and the personal growth of participants, offering viewers both entertainment and insight into the realities of global travel without the typical tourist filters.
26. The Reluctant Traveler
The Reluctant Traveler follows actor Eugene Levy as he steps far outside his comfort zone to explore destinations around the world.
True to the show’s title, Levy approaches travel with hesitation and humor, openly expressing his anxieties while gradually embracing new experiences from luxury hotels to adventure activities and local customs.
The series premiered on Apple TV+ in 2023, with a second season released in 2024. What distinguishes this travel show is Levy’s honest, self-deprecating perspective as someone who doesn’t naturally love travel.
Critics appreciate the refreshing approach that contrasts with typical enthusiastic travel hosts, while viewers enjoy watching Levy’s genuine transformation as he discovers unexpected pleasures in each location, creating a relatable and heartwarming travel narrative.
27. Jet Lag: The Game
Jet Lag: The Game is a unique travel competition series created by YouTubers Sam Denby, Noel Miller, and Brian “True” Truong of the Wendover Productions team.
The show features the hosts competing in various travel challenges around the world with strict rules and limited budgets.
Challenges include racing between cities using specific transportation modes or visiting as many states as possible within a time limit.
The series began on YouTube in 2022 and has gained a dedicated following for its blend of travel content and competitive gameplay.
What makes this show stand out is its authentic portrayal of real travel logistics, including delays, budget constraints, and quick decision-making.
Viewers appreciate the unscripted nature of the competition, the hosts’ entertaining friendship dynamics, and the insights into transportation systems and travel planning that emerge through their adventures.
Conclusion
Traveling and exploring new places opens up your mind and gives life a new meaning, but sometimes you’re limited from traveling, so what do you do?
You can still travel through travel documentaries and movies to get more knowledge and enjoy yourself, even from your home.
Watching these mind-blowing travel documentaries is a good way to prepare yourself for a lifetime of adventure and fun.
These films might even inspire you to capture your own trips with some travel photography tips when you go on your next vacation.
Don’t let anything stop you. Grab your movie streaming platform and some popcorn, and pick any of the travel documentaries in this post for the best fun time.