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My favorite way to curb wanderlust when I physically can’t is to watch something that takes me away. That is where all of my favorite travel shows and movies come in. I watch these and feel transported to another place and time, and I can escape my sad non-traveling spirit.

For more activities that will transport you, check out these 6 Unique Staycation Ideas.

My Favorite Travel Shows

Dark Tourist

Watch on Netflix.

This is my favorite travel show ever. I think I’ve watched some episodes at least three times. New Zealand journalist, David Farrier visits strange and “dark” places and shows off the strange holidays that people take. From a radioactive lake to a small country that hosts its own version of the olympics, he visits places that aren’t your typical vacation.

Salt Fat Heat Acid

Watch on Netflix.

Salt Fat Acid Heat is an a fun 4 episode documentary series where chef Samin Nosrat explores the four main elements of cooking: salt, fat, acid and heat. In this series, she visits 4 different countries whose food focuses on one of the main elements. You’ll get to visit Japan, Italy, Mexico and end in the United States and explore their regional foods.

This show is super fun, not just because you get to explore these different places and foods, but also because Samin is such a cool and down to earth person. You know how sometimes shows like this can be kind of awkward because it’s strangers interacting? I never felt that way while watching this.

Gordon Ramsey Uncharted

Watch on Disney+

Notice how many of these travel shows are focused on food? First of all, food is delicious and vital to all life. Second, food truly gives you an inside look into different cultures, and I think it’s one of the best ways to get to know the culture of the place you’re visiting.

On Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted, follow famous chef Gordon Ramsay as he cooks his way around the world, and immerses himself in the cultures of different countries in a way that only he can.

Below Deck

Watch on Peacock.

My guilty pleasure, you can’t help but love Bravo television. I know it’s reality tv, but aside from all of the drama, this is a super interesting industry. This show follows deckhands and stewardesses who make their living working on chartered super yachts.

On the OG Below Deck, you’ll explore the gorgeous waters of the Caribbean. On Below Deck Mediterranean you’ll explore cities in Greece, Croatia, Italy, France and Spain. But you have to get through the drama to see all the gorgeousness. This show won’t be for everyone, but it’s one of my favorites.

Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father

Watch on Netflix.

This is a fun and silly travel show about comedian Jack Whitehall taking his dad, a very conservative man (who I’m pretty sure only wears suits) on a holiday. The first season starts out with them going on a “gap year” trip to Southeast Asia. They now have three more seasons out featuring Europe, Australia and the United States.

If you’re looking for something lighthearted, this is definitely the one for you. The awkward situations they get themselves into will definitely give you a good laugh.

Doctor Who

Buy on Amazon Prime.

Now, this travel show doesn’t always bring you to real places, but it certainly will curb your wanderlust. You’ll get to visit outer space, the past and the future all while getting to know some great characters. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry (y’know, all the good stuff).

My favorite episode is Vincent and The Doctor and it’s all about Vincent Van Gogh. If he wasn’t already you’re favorite painter, he will be after you watch that episode. But be ready for some tears first. Watch the touching Van Gogh scene up above.

My Favorite Travel Movies

Eat Pray Love

Buy on Amazon Prime.

A true travel lovers classic. A great movie about finding yourself and the embodiment of enjoying life to its fullest. When feeling lost after a divorce, Liz goes on an adventure to three different countries, Italy, India and Indonesia to help her find her way. It’s not a perfect movie, but you can’t deny the settings are gorgeous.

This travel movie is perfect for anyone who is looking for some inspiration and motivation to live life to its absolute fullest. But I would definitely recommend the book. We all know the book is always better than the movie.

Ratatouille

Watch on Disney+

Nothing makes you want to visit Paris more than an animated movie featuring a rat, right? I mean, maybe not, but I think the coolest part is all of the French food featured and all of the beautiful scenery, even though it’s digitally created.

And I mean, really, can you resist a Disney movie?

Mamma Mia

Watch on Hulu

You’re lying if you say you don’t want to watch a movie where Meryl Streep sings ABBA in her overalls on a beautiful island in Greece. It’s actually iconic. Living on a Grecian island and running a hotel is literally my dream. You can’t say no to a musical.

Watch this movie and follow along as Donna’s daughter discovers that one of three men are her father. She invites them all to her wedding, and chaos (and ABBA songs and dance numbers) ensue.

Julie & Julia

Watch on Hulu

Another movie featuring Meryl Streep? Are you shocked? You shouldn’t be, she’s a queen. This is a great movie (also based on a book) that parallels the lives of two women: Julia Child, the famous chef and Julie Powell, a blogger who challenges herself to cook all of the recipes in Julia Child’s book. Follow both their lives as they struggle and succeed throughout their careers.

Another fun way to experience Paris and all of the glorious food that they have created. It’s another movie that shows you can change your life at any age, and still be successful and happy.

All of these travel shows and movies will take you out of your travel funk and inspire you to travel (when you can). Check out some of them and let me know what you think down below! And make sure to pin this list for later!