Take a trip around the world and cure your travel woes with the best travel shows on Netflix!

Needing some travel inspiration? Or maybe just a new TV series to binge watch? How about a gripping travel documentary? Well, forget overpriced plane tickets, as we’re exploring all of the best travel shows on Netflix now.

Just in time for when the world is finally coming out of quarantine and international travel is back on the cards, this list of travel shows will inspire wanderlust and will be sure to add some destinations to your bucket list.

Looking to be transported underwater in the deep ocean? How about to the snowy peaks of the Himalayas? Whether you’re looking to satisfy your hunger cravings with a city’s best-kept secret eats, get inspired or even just to have a laugh, this list of the 10 best travel shows on Netflix are sure to have you inspired. Just don’t forget the popcorn!

Dark Tourist

Inspired by the emerging trend of dark tourism, this Netflix mini-series explores the dark and macabre tourist destinations around the world that are historically associated with death and tragedy. Hosted by New Zealand journalist David Farrier, this eight-episode season takes you to death cults in Mexico and the radiation areas of Fukushima. This new form of tourism is both morbid and fascinating, however viewers who are curious in undertaking their own journey should remember to be responsible and respectful of the sites when doing so. 

Down to Earth with Zac Efron

Who knew that Hollywood heartthrob Zac Efron (High School Musical and 17 Again) could be the mastermind behind one of the best travel shows on Netflix. Down to Earth with Zac Efron follows the American actor and wellness expert as he explores sustainable living practices around the world. Inspiring, heartfelt and intriguing, Travelling to Iceland, France, Peru and even Australia, Down to Earth with Zac Efron showcases the true meaning of what it is to be a feel-good travel docuseries. A must watch this weekend!

Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father

When British comedian and actor, Jack Whitehall (Bad Education), decided to bring his traditionalist father along on his gap year, he created a must-see travel show packed full of comedic charm. The father-son dynamic is pure comedy as Jack’s youthful eccentricities clash with his father’s traditional nature and dry humour. From hitting up Thailand’s full moon beach party in a suit, to taking part in Odessa’s clown festival, this travel duo makes for a travel show that’s funny, touching and shows the ever-changing bond between father and son. 

Our Planet

Narrated by the iconic Sir David Attenborough, Our Planet is a two-part, award-winning documentary series showcasing the beauty of Earth. With 12 episodes ready for bingeing, Our Planet and Our Planet II takes viewers to some of the most remote areas and delves into significant issues affecting our planet like climate change, land development and unethical capitalism. From the plains of Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to the coral reefs in Raja Ampat, this series on Netflix is as equally visually stunning as it is the best cure for your travel woes.

Salt Fat Acid Heat

To many, Samin Nosrat’s Salt Fat Acid Heat is hailed as a cooking show. But, to others, it’s a blissful mix of tastebud travel as the audience explores everywhere from California to Italy, Mexico and even Japan, one mouthful at a time. As an accomplished chef and author, Samin’s deep appreciation for food shines through as she explores how different cultures use basic elements of cooking in their iconic dishes. Find out how the Japanese utilise salt with soy sauce and miso, or how acidic honey actually is in the Yucatan. Both informative and entertaining, this show is a must-watch for foodies and amateur chefs looking to learn more about this mouthwatering skill.

Somebody Feed Phil

Phil Rosenthal, creator of beloved comedy sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond, is not the most obvious choice for a travel host. But, this Netflix Series proves that he was certainly the right one. In this food-centric series, with a seventh season launching in early March 2024, Somebody Feed Phil, shows how Rosenthal is still a child at heart as he travels around the world in search of great food with his kid in a candy store approach. While this travel show might not be the most insightful, Phil adds a lot of heart and it’s definitely a binge-worthy series for hungry travel foodies craving something more.

Street Food

Forget crisp white tablecloths at Michelin starred venues, Street Food is the hottest travel food documentary shifting away from the pomp of fine dining. Exploring the other side of the culinary world, Street Food has three limited series on Netflix: Asia, Latin America and USA. Despite its overarching theme, Street Food shows how street dishes are more than just food, they’re a representation of the local food culture. By exploring its connection to the locals, Netflix’s Street Food is able to delve into the lives of the people who make it and uncover heartfelt stories of hardship, poverty and survival.

Tales by Light

Unlike other travel shows, Tales by Light takes you around the world through the eyes of creatives as they capture powerful images of ancient clans, active volcanoes and, even an elusive Himalayan snow leopard. As a collaboration between National Geographic and Canon, this travel show on Netflix focuses on the photographers and the stories behind the images, including the many risky journeys they undertake visiting some of the most dangerous places on Earth. With three seasons you can stream through now, Tales by Light mesmerises audiences thanks to its different perspective, showing the wild and authentic stories that few can tell with justice.

Ugly Delicious

Join award-winning chef David Chang as he travels to food hotspots in search of simply delicious food. Moving away from the clean, aesthetic shots found in other Netflix food series’ like Chef’s Table, Ugly Delicious is all about the taste. Each episode is a conversation, highlighting one dish or cuisine alongside commentary from fellow chefs, writers and other artists who gather and talk about the food whilst helping break down cultural barriers and the misconceptions surrounding it. And for a taste of something homegrown, you can check out David’s exploration of Sydney’s steak scene in the third episode of season two.

The World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals

From eco-friendly beachfront villas in Bali to floating mansions in Miami, chic bungalows in the Bahamas and even catamarans on Kauai’s coast, exciting accommodation is a thing of the future thanks to Netflix Series The World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals. Each near 30-minute episode over the two seasons follows three charming hosts as they travel around the globe visiting some of the world’s most unique hotels. Sharing expert tips and tricks, despite the lavish options on show, The World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals showcases options for every budget.