The Best Travel Shows On Netflix To Fuel Your Wanderlust
Nothing beats that rush of wanderlust when you stumble across a destination that makes your heart skip a beat. While scrolling through social media feeds filled with picture-perfect travel moments can spark inspiration, sometimes you need something deeper—a real connection to the places, people, and cultures that make our world extraordinary. In this post, we’re sharing the travel shows on Netflix that we watch for travel inspiration.
Whether you’re planning a solo backpacking trip or a romantic getaway for two, these Netflix travel shows have you covered. Curl up on the couch with your partner and get inspired by dreamy destinations, foodie adventures, and unforgettable experiences you can share together.
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Netflix As A Source Of Travel Inspiration
Netflix has become an unexpected treasure trove for travel enthusiasts seeking their next adventure. From culinary journeys that’ll have you booking flights based purely on a single dish, to breathtaking cinematography that showcases hidden corners of the globe, these travel shows offer the perfect blend of entertainment and inspiration.
Whether you’re planning your next getaway or simply dreaming of future adventures from your couch, these carefully curated travel shows will transport you to destinations you never knew existed and remind you why exploration matters. Each series brings its own unique perspective on travel, culture, and human connection—proving that the best journeys often happen when we open ourselves to new experiences.
Ready to discover your next destination? Let’s explore the travel shows that are currently captivating audiences and inspiring countless adventures.
Top Shows to Inspire Travel On Netflix
Somebody Feed Phil
Phil Rosenthal, the creator of “Everybody Loves Raymond,” takes viewers on a heartwarming culinary adventure around the globe. It’s our personal favorite of the travel shows on Netflix that inspires our adventures.
Each episode follows Phil as he explores a new destination through its food culture, meeting local chefs, home cooks, and food enthusiasts who share their culinary traditions with infectious enthusiasm.
What sets this show apart is Phil’s genuine curiosity and childlike wonder as he discovers new flavors and experiences. From savoring street food in Bangkok to learning traditional cooking techniques in Morocco, Phil approaches each destination with respect and openness that makes viewers feel like they’re traveling alongside a friend. The show beautifully captures how food serves as a universal language that connects people across cultures.
Looking for couples travel inspiration? Be sure to check out the Dublin episode of this series.
We took inspiration from this show to visit many eateries in London during our visit to England.
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 100% (Critics Score)
Watch Our Visit to London’s Borough Market on YouTube
Down to Earth with Zac Efron
Hollywood actor Zac Efron teams up with wellness expert Darin Olien for an eco-conscious journey across the globe. This series focuses on sustainable living, renewable energy, and healthy lifestyle practices while exploring stunning locations from Iceland to Costa Rica.
Each episode combines adventure with education, as Efron and Olien investigate innovative solutions to environmental challenges while immersing themselves in local cultures. The show offers a fresh perspective on travel by highlighting how different communities are working toward sustainability and wellness. Viewers get to experience breathtaking landscapes while learning about topics like geothermal energy, organic farming, and traditional healing practices.
IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
Street Food
This anthology series celebrates the rich tradition of street food culture across Asia and Latin America. Each episode focuses on a specific city, showcasing the vendors, recipes, and stories behind beloved local dishes that define a community’s culinary identity.
The series goes beyond just showcasing delicious food—it tells deeply personal stories of the people who dedicate their lives to preserving culinary traditions. From the bustling night markets of Taipei to the vibrant street stalls of Delhi, viewers witness how street food serves as both sustenance and cultural expression. The cinematography is absolutely stunning, making each dish look like a work of art.
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 100% (Critics Score)
The World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals
Hosts Megan Batoon, Jo Franco, and Luis D. Ortiz take viewers on a journey to discover extraordinary vacation rental properties around the world. Each episode features three unique accommodations in a specific destination, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury retreats.
This series perfectly captures the growing trend of experiential travel, showcasing how the right accommodation can transform an ordinary trip into an unforgettable adventure. From treehouses in Costa Rica to floating homes in the Netherlands, the show demonstrates that where you stay can be just as important as what you do. The hosts’ chemistry and diverse perspectives make each episode both informative and entertaining.
IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
Chef’s Table: BBQ
This spin-off of the acclaimed “Chef’s Table” series explores the art of barbecue across different cultures and continents. Each episode profiles a master pitmaster or chef who has elevated barbecue to an art form, showcasing their techniques, philosophies, and signature dishes.
The series takes viewers from traditional Texas smokehouses to modern Australian grills, revealing how barbecue traditions vary dramatically across regions while maintaining their core essence of community and celebration. The cinematography is characteristically stunning, turning smoking meats and glowing coals into visual poetry. Beyond the food, the show explores how barbecue brings people together and preserves cultural heritage.
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 100% (Critics Score)
Cooked
Based on Michael Pollan’s bestselling book, this four-part documentary series explores how the four fundamental cooking methods—fire, water, air, and earth—have shaped human civilization and culture. Each episode takes viewers to different locations around the world to witness these ancient techniques in action.
The series beautifully weaves together science, history, and travel as it follows traditional cooking methods from Australian bushland to Moroccan bakeries. Viewers discover how bread-making in Morocco creates community bonds, how barbecue traditions in North Carolina preserve cultural identity, and how fermentation techniques in various cultures have created some of the world’s most beloved foods. It’s both a travel show and a profound meditation on human culture.
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 92% (Critics Score)
Dark Tourist
Netflix travel shows take unconventional journeys as David Farrier takes viewers to some of the world’s darkest tourist destinations. From nuclear disaster sites to death-themed attractions, this series explores the growing phenomenon of dark tourism with curiosity rather than sensationalism.
Each episode visits locations associated with death, disaster, or the macabre, examining why these places attract visitors and what they reveal about human nature. While the subject matter is serious, Farrier approaches each destination with respect and genuine interest in understanding local perspectives. The show offers a unique lens through which to explore history, culture, and the complex relationship between tragedy and tourism.
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 73% (Critics Score)
Jack Whitehall – Travels With My Father
“Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father” is a delightful travel documentary series that follows British comedian Jack Whitehall and his father, Michael, as they embark on hilarious and often unconventional adventures across the globe.
The show captures the dynamic duo’s contrasting personalities – Jack’s youthful exuberance and Michael’s traditional, often grumpy demeanor – as they explore diverse cultures, iconic landmarks, and engage in unexpected activities.
For those with an interest in travel, this series offers a unique blend of comedy and cultural exploration. It showcases breathtaking locations, provides insights into local traditions, and features humorous interactions with people from different walks of life. The series not only entertains but also inspires wanderlust, making it an excellent choice for armchair travelers and globetrotters alike.
With a refreshing mix of humor and travel experiences, it’s a show that promises laughter while igniting a passion for discovering the world. “Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father” holds a solid Rotten Tomatoes rating, reflecting its popularity and appeal among audiences.
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 81% (Popcornmeter)
Start Planning Your Next Adventure
These Netflix travel shows offer more than just entertainment—they provide genuine inspiration for your next journey. Each series showcases different aspects of travel, from culinary exploration and sustainable tourism to unique accommodations and cultural immersion.
The beauty of these shows lies in their ability to transport you to destinations while highlighting the human connections that make travel meaningful. They remind us that the best adventures often happen when we step outside our comfort zones and embrace new experiences with open hearts and curious minds.
Whether you’re drawn to Phil’s infectious enthusiasm for food, Zac Efron’s eco-conscious adventures, or the artistic cinematography of Chef’s Table, there’s a show here that will speak to your travel style and inspire your next booking.
Start streaming, start dreaming, and most importantly—start planning your next unforgettable adventure.
Thanks for checking out this page. Happy travels!
Julie & Art
