Travel on the TV: Four shows that’ll inspire your wanderlust
Find your next wish-list destination from the comfort of home with one of these four fascinating travel TV series.
While nothing truly compares to seeing the world in person, we’ve been spoiled for choice recently for travel inspiration on TV. From wildlife-spotting across the African savannah to the latest season of Race Across the World, there are plenty of programmes running at the moment which offer the perfect introduction to some of the most impressive global destinations. Whether you’re keen for a set-jetting escape the most popular hotspots or want to discover a hidden gem or two, these four shows are great for inspiring your travel dreams.
What travel shows are you keeping up with?
Big Cats 24/7
If you’ve been following BBC Two’s latest series of Big Cats 24/7, you’ll know there are few animals more impressive than the lions, leopards and cheetahs that feature. TV screens rarely do these magnificent creatures justice, though, and the only way to fully appreciate their splendour is by seeing them up close in the wild.
Whether you’re an animal-spotting enthusiast or a casual cat lover, this is your sign to start thinking about your dream safari escape. From the vast Serengeti, at the height of the Great Migration, to the wildlife-rich stretches that line Zimbabwe's Zambezi River, the best place for big-cat-spotting is almost always Africa. For a more in-depth guide on viewing the world’s most impressive big cats, check out our recent blog post.
Our recommended tour – Great Safaris of Tanzania & Zanzibar Beach
I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here – South Africa
Join this year’s all-star cohort of famous faces as they go head-to-head in the South African bush. With the likes of David Haye, Harry Redknapp, and ‘80s popstar Sinitta all returning, the latest season of ITV’s popular reality TV series takes the celebrities deep into South Africa’s Kruger National Park. While the bush-tucker trials might take centre stage, it’s the sprawling South African bushveld and its magnificent native wildlife that are sure to impress.
If you’ve always dreamt of your own safari escape, perhaps minus the rice and beans, our award-winning South African tours could be the perfect choice for you. Better yet, you can get a taste of what to expect, without have to worry about the critters, by watching the celebrities go first!
Our recommended tour – Kruger Safari & the Garden Route
Race Across the World – Southern Europe
The ever-popular TV series, Race Across the World, returned at the start of the month for its sixth season, and if you haven’t been keeping up with it already, it’s well worth catching up. This year’s race sees contestants ditch their home comforts and journey from idyllic Sicily to Mongolia. Without the help of their modern tech and on a tight budget, the couples will make their way through a wide array of fascinating European and Asian destinations, including Greece, Turkey and Uzbekistan.
For an introduction to Europe’s Balkan treasures and the lesser-known wonders of Central Asia, TV viewing doesn’t get much better than this. With thrilling twists, extraordinary landscapes and intimate encounters which give insights into the cultures of local communities, this series is an ideal watch to fuel your wanderlust.
Our recommended tour – Uzbekistan – Ancient Cities of the Silk Road
Pilgrimage to the Holy Island
It’s the eighth series of Pilgrimage, one of the BBC’s most popular travel documentaries, and this time seven TV personalities are walking over 390km through the breathtaking landscapes of England’s Northeast. Currently airing on BBC Two, the series takes in some of Yorkshire and Northumberland’s most impressive sites, from elegant Whitby Abbey to Durham’s UNESCO-listed cathedral, before finishing at the Holy Island of Lindisfarne.
For those in search of a memorable journey closer to home, this scenic exploration of the beautiful British Isles might just be the perfect choice for a relaxing evening’s viewing. If you’re keen to explore the Northeast in person, few experiences compare to seeing its historic cities and sprawling countryside stretches in the winter’s snow.
Our recommended tour – Christmas in Yorkshire
Go beyond the screen with Newmarket Holidays
Feeling inspired by your favourite series? Our friendly holiday planners are on hand to help you experience the destinations you’ve always dreamt of first-hand. To get the ball rolling on your next wish-list escape, or for more information on our featured itineraries, give them a call today! If your heart lies elsewhere, we also have a wide variety of escorted tours spanning seven continents, and you can browse them all on our dedicated destinations page.
