Author – Julie Batchelor – 3 March 21
Do you get your holiday inspiration from watching Travel TV programmes?
…I must admit, I just love watching travel TV programmes. It is great to see places that are either on your bucket list, dreamed of going to or maybe revisiting somewhere you have already travelled to. With us not hopping on a plane anytime soon, this doesn’t mean we can’t let our imagination get whisked away somewhere more exotic.
I enjoy watching programmes that take you out of the built-up tourist areas and catching a glimpse at local life. It is easy to stay in the tourist trap but getting out and about lets you experience the real destination, whether that is by hiring a car/scooter or taking a local excursion/guide experience. Experiencing local cuisine is a firm favourite of mine too. Some destinations are steeped in great architecture and local culture which gives you a great insight into art and local history. If the local people and staff are very welcoming and hospitable it really makes the trip.
Whatever your reasons are for watching, it can help you see some destinations that you maybe have not even thought of before.
Here are some of my favourite TV programmes which will inspire your future travels
Cruising with Jane McDonald – I think I have travelled the globe watching Jane. Her personality is infectious and you can’t help but love the Yorkshire lass. Check out different cruise lines and excursions she takes, checking out the various ports she visits.
Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby – One of my favourites at the moment – a Food critic Giles and chef Monica, travel around the world working alongside staff in 5 *luxury hotels. WOW – the hotels are out of this world. My favourite so far has been the Brando Hotel in French Polynesia and Jade Mountain hotel in St. Lucia.
Gordon, Gino and Fred: RoadTrip – Don’t think I have laughed so much at a Travel-related TV programme. The 3 guys together really are class! They travel around in a very large motorhome throughout 2 series. I just loved their USA highlights.
South Africa with Gregg Wallace – Watching a culinary cooking show with culture, scenery and Iconic destinations, I just loved this. As Capetown and the Garden Route are on my bucket list, I had to watch this.
Race across the world – They have made 2 series of this TV programme. The 1st one is set in Asia and the 2nd one South America. Watch 5 couples frantically racing to the finish line in each episode, crossing through many countries and experiencing many highs and lows of travelling without a phone or a credit card on a low cash budget.
Gregg Wallace’s big weekends – Fun and informative Travel showcasing different weekend breaks around Europe. Again, seeing cities in a different way than the average tourist.
Susan Calman’s great days out – Susan tours across the UK to some well-known towns and villages. Susan rides in her campervan that she names “Helen Mirren”. She is a comedian and that comes across in the series. She speaks to locals and catches a great insight into some less well-known areas too. A fun, informative programme, again highlighting many places to visit when out of lock down.
Instant Hotel – Lastly, one of the more unusual type of programmes set ‘Down under’ in Australia. A bit like four in a bed. Each couple visits the other couples properties and rates them and there is an overall winner. I was hooked on it! I couldn’t wait to watch the next episode. Each couple had very different properties, some in the outback whilst others were in the suburbs or near the beach. 2 series to watch. Certainly made me want to visit Australia again!
Let me know what your favourite Travel programmes are?