Ever heard of a ‘couch traveler’? It is the cheapest way to see the world, and you don’t even need to buy a plane ticket. Yes, you read that right! You can be a couch traveler just by watching travel TV shows, documentaries, and reading books! It can be just for fun, or perhaps to get a head start on the planning of your next trip. To help you continue exploring the world during these unprecedented times, here are 8 travel shows you NEED to watch!

Somebody Feed Phil - In this Netflix Original documentary series, follow Phil Rosenthal (creator of the “Everybody Loves Raymond” sitcom series) as he travels the world eating some of the best food in the funkiest major cities. Throughout the episodes, he tries all kinds of food, from the hole-in-the-wall spots, to delicious street food, to high-end dining. He makes friends along the way, and you may even see a few familiar faces (such as Tracy Morgan in the New York City episode). You can stream the 2 current seasons of the series, each with 6 episodes, with your Netflix subscription!

Our Planet - This Netflix documentary series shows you stunning places around the world, while also explaining the importance of environmentalism, and how humans have impacted the natural world. Narrated by Sir David Attenborough, this series has won 2 Emmys, and was created in collaboration with the World Wildlife Federation. You’ll explore jungles, coastal seas, frozen worlds, and so much more throughout the 8 episodes. You can stream ‘Our Planet’ with a Netflix subscription.

Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown - Anthony Bourdain might just be one of the most well-loved travel show hosts ever. The late chef and author hosted this CNN food tourism series from 2013-2018. He explores diverse cultures across the globe by learning about their food and dining traditions. Probably the most famous episode of the series is Season 8: Episode 1, in which Anthony shares a meal with then-president Barack Obama in Hanoi, Vietnam! All 104 episodes from the show’s 12 seasons can be purchased on Amazon.

Rick Steves’ Europe - This relaxed, laid-back travel show host has been taking his viewers on tours through Europe since the 1980s. His current show has been running since 2000, which originally aired on PBS. Throughout the episodes, he explores major European cities, ventures out into the countryside, attends major festivals such as Munich, Germany’s Oktoberfest, and even explores the continent's most beautiful islands (season 10 features the Greek Isles while on a Mediterranean cruise). With Rick as your guide, you will feel as if you’re being transported. You can stream all 10 seasons right now on Hulu!

Youtube Videos - Don’t count this one out! While it *technically* isn’t a travel show, you’ll be amazed at how much travel content you’ll find on Youtube! You’ll find countless destination guides, packing guides, and virtual tours for almost any destination you can think of! Not only will you find an endless amount of free videos from both amateur and professional content creators, you can also rent episodes of travel shows through Youtube, such as the previously mentioned Rick Steves’ Europe, and Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown!

Dark Tourist - Fair warning: this Netflix Original docu-series is not for the faint of heart. While most tourists prefer to go to the more “mainstream” spots, such as beaches, museums, and landmarks, journalist David Farrier prefers to visit the more...darker parts of the world. This super interesting series follows David as he goes on a Jeffrey Dahmer tour in the United States; investigates the rise of Narco tourism in Colombia; visits the Atomic Lake in Kazakhstan; and even checks in to the infamous McKamey Manor, where brave visitors pay to be tortured. With a series such as this, I should state that some scenes may be disturbing to some audience viewers (the Southeast Asia episode was particularly difficult for me to watch). You can stream all 8 episodes right now on Netflix.

Gordon Ramsey: Uncharted - Another iconic TV show host, Gordon Ramsey hosts this National Geographic travel show while he goes on adventurous expeditions, reaching the farthest corners of the world, connecting with people from all walks of life by exploring their cultural and culinary practices. The series began in 2019, and Gordon will bring you with him to destinations like Tasmania, Peru, Hawaii, New Zealand, and Alaska! Along the way, he might even prepare a few culinary dishes himself. Residents of the United States can watch all 12 episodes of season 1, plus the first 2 episodes of the second season on the Nat Geo TV App!

Great Migrations - I finished off this list with one of my favorites! Throughout the 6 episodes of this National Geographic docu-series, you’ll travel around the world, from the sea to the Sahara, following some of the world’s most awe-inspiring migration patterns of the animal kingdom! You’ll watch wildebeests, red crabs, monarch butterflies, and many more species as they travel long distances for food and mating practices. You can view this series on Disney+!

While we are all staying home, there is no better time to curl up on the couch with your favorite snacks and watch a travel show. From animal migrations, to the diverse cultures we have around the world, travel shows really have it all! Also, Make sure to check out @acanelaexpeditions on Instagram, where we are hosting virtual cooking shows, tours, and talk shows from the comfort of our own homes!