Why you should use TV as a trip planner

Using TV as a trip planner is one of the fun techniques I use and it serves two purposes. First, it is a great distraction and feast for the eyes for when you are not able to travel. Second, depending on the type of show, it will give you ideas on countries, cities and locations to visit, as well as what to see, eat and do there.

When watching these shows, I keep a pen and paper handy so I can write down the places that interest me so I can incorporate them into my future trips.

Lately I have been binge-watching shows that are either travel based, or take me away somewhere other than here, so I have plenty of things on my trip plan list. There is no shortage of shows, but the hard part is finding the gems among the meh and bla ones. Lucky for you I have been doing my best research 😉 These are my top picks of shows you should be watching to help tide you over until you are gallivanting abroad again.

Somebody Feed Phil & I’ll Have What Phil’s Having

You will fall in love with these shows. Phil is such a happy and heartwarming guy who will also try anything and will tell you honestly what he thinks. Prior to this show he was the creator of Everybody Loves Raymond so you know he will be funny 😉 . He travels all over the world seeking out great food in different cities, perfect to help you make decisions on where to eat. (I’ll have what Phil’s Having is the first season that was on PBS, Somebody Feed Phil is the next 3 seasons on Netflix)

 Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations, Parts Unknown and The Layover

No travel list is complete without Anthony Bourdain’s shows. A much moodier and gritty show compared to Phil’s, it shows you different sides of a location in addition to the food.

 Our Planet (and Behind the Scenes)

I do love a nature show narrated by the amazing David Attenborough. The actual show itself is fabulous, but I find the Behind the Scenes episodes more interesting. There is just something about behind the scenes that entice me. Watch both of these shows and write down where to go to see the animals you want to encounter.

 Travels With My Father

Comedian Jack Whitehall literally travels with his father in this series. They are completely different in many ways, and travel style is a very noticeable one that makes it hilarious to watch.

 Waterfront Cities of the World

This is an older series, but it still stands up. Each episode takes you to a new port city and explores the history, and will give you interesting ideas on what to do there.

House Hunters International

With 130 seasons under it’s belt, you can rest assure that they’ve been there done that. I love how it gives you a peek into the housing and rental market so I can then dream of picking up and living there. And if you are anything like me, you will be yelling at the tv when the people pick the “wrong” place…according to you. Ha

Might Ships & Mighty Cruise Ships

Both of these shows are super interesting. They go behind the scenes on all sorts of ships as well as cruise ships on the spin off Might Cruise Ships. If you wonder what working on ships is like, or if you wonder what cruise line to travel on, these shows are for you.

Escape to the Chateau & Escape to the Chateau DIY

If you ever dreamed of owning a Chateau in France you have to watch this show. It follows a couple from the UK with their two small children who buy a French Chateau and bring it back to life. You’ll fall in love with this family and may have second thoughts on purchasing a chateau for yourself after seeing how much work goes into it. The spinoff DIY show follows multiple other people who have also bought French chateau’s and gives you a glimpse into how they are making it work.

The Night Manager

This will be a quick binge as it only has 1 season as it stands so far, rumblings that a second season may happen. The Night Manager takes you to different parts of the world to satisfy your travel cravings. It is a spy, action, drama show that will have you hitting that “next episode” all night long.

Killing Eve

This is another spy show but this time hunting down an assassin, Villanelle. Taking you all around Europe it will make you want to travel to the locations they shoot in. It will have you laughing and gasping all in the same episode.

Riviera

Taking place on the south coast of France, this luxurious tv drama with lots of twists and turns will make you want to travel to this slice of heaven (if only on this families budget). The clothes, the cars and the locations will have you drooling.

Outlander

This historical drama based on the books will take you into Scotland, England, France, the Caribbean and America through its seasons. The love story, the different time periods and the characters will keep you coming back for more.

These top 12 of my picks should keep you going for a while and give you loads of great ideas for trip planning. If you are wanting more shows to watch, check out my YouTube video on what you should be watching. If you haven’t signed up for your Free Travel Like a Pro Starter Kit, make sure you sign up for it to help you with planning your trip. Want some more tips on planning your trip, check out a previous article in I explain how to decide how long to travel for.