world explorer travel show

The Best Travel Shows to Stream Right Now

Enjoy the thrill of the chase in paris, a stanley tucci tour of italy, and a puppet’s-eye view of global cuisine with these streaming tv shows..

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In “Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy,” the actor lives the dream by exploring the best of Italy’s food and wine.

Courtesy of CNN

While we wait for borders to open , these fuel-your-wanderlust shows will take you off the couch to Italy, England, Norway, France, and Peru (by magic shopping cart). Can you tell we’re excited about Michelle Obama’s fantastical new global food show, Waffles and Mochi ? It debuts next week on Netflix. Until then, explore the world from home by streaming any of these 26 travel shows and TV shows set in foreign countries.

Waffles and Mochi

Watch it : Netflix

A Sesame Street –style kids’ TV show for the budding chef, Waffles and Mochi follows the eponymous puppets—one a sweet little monster with waffles for ears, the other a sentient pink rice ball—around the world as they seek out fresh global ingredients and learn about healthy eating and cooking.

This show will appeal to adults as much as to toddlers. To start: Michelle Obama costars (this is part of the Obamas’ production deal with Netflix) as a grocery store owner who teaches Waffles and Mochi about the wide world beyond the Land of Frozen Food. Off on fabulous journeys they go—to Japan, Peru, Italy, where they have friendly encounters with famous chefs like Samin Nosrat and José Andrés, as well as special guests Rashida Jones, Queer Eye ’s Tan France, Zach Galifianakis, Sia, Common, and more (technically, Mandy Moore). Start streaming it on Netflix March 16. —Laura Dannen Redman

Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy

Watch it : CNN

Actor Stanley Tucci kept spirits afloat with his cocktail and cooking demos on Instagram during lockdown. When travel restrictions lifted in Europe last year, Tucci traveled to Italy—where he has deep roots—to film this six-episode series exploring food and culture through Italy’s people, cities, and regions: Sicily, Tuscany, Milan, Bologna, Rome, and Naples and the Amalfi Coast.

For those desperately missing Italy, Tucci is the perfect knowledgeable yet curious tour guide, introducing his friends—winemakers, chefs, and authors—who he pokes a little fun at, and taking you on tours, such as around Florence’s Renaissance-era wine windows, aka “little doors of paradise.”

If the show leaves you craving more, buy his two Italian cookbooks— The Tucci Table: Cooking with Family and Friends and The Tucci Cookbook— and preorder his memoir, Taste: My Life Through Food . The series has been renewed for season two. — Annie Fitzsimmons

Who is Lupin? He’s a gentleman thief, a master of disguise, a sort of French superhero at the heart of Maurice Leblanc’s short stories, “Arsène Lupin, Gentleman Burglar.” These early 20th-century Sherlockian tales inspire the new Netflix show, Lupin , starring Omar Sy ( The Intouchables ) as a Senegalese immigrant in today’s Paris who follows Arsène’s escapades as a road map for revenge.

In the pilot episode Sy’s Arsène struts through the Louvre disguised as a janitor, plotting a jewelry heist like a cohort of Danny Ocean. Lupin is also full of lust-worthy shots of the city: a room with a view of Sacré-Cœur; the Eiffel Tower from every angle; the Jardin du Luxembourg in the rain; a bustling café. A heist thriller is only as good as its setting, and Lupin —and Paris—deliver. —L.D.R.

“Outlander” stars Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish take you on a spirited journey through Scotland.

Courtesy of Starz

Men in Kilts: A Roadtrip with Sam and Graham

Watch it : Starz

If the popular period drama Outlander didn’t already have you craving a trip to Scotland, this travel show starring Sam Heughan (Jamie Fraser in Outlander ) and Graham McTavish ( Outlander’s Dougal Mackenzie) will seal the deal. Even if you’re not an Outlander devotee, this Scottish duo, who are constantly making jabs at each other and themselves, are ideal guides for this literal campervan road trip through Scotland. Their banter is on point (you can tell they’re good pals IRL), and they transport viewers into the heart and soul of the country without taking themselves too seriously.

Each episode focuses on a different aspect of Scottish culture and history. For the food and drink episode, Heughan and McTavish visit one of Scotland’s oldest whisky distilleries and introduce viewers to Scottish seafood. For the sports episode, they try their hand at archaic Highland Games (aka throwing a massive hammer) and playing golf on Scotland’s most hallowed turf. And for the song and dance episode, viewers learn more about bagpipes and traditional Scottish dancing—Heughan and McTavish are game guinea pigs while also offering insights and knowledge into the theme at hand.

I’m not always big on traditional “travel shows,” but I absolutely love this one and am ready to book my first trip to Scotland ASAP after watching. — Michelle Baran

Watch it : Apple TV

West London’s Richmond upon Thames, with its distinctly British cobblestone shopping alleys, parks, and lively pubs, is the backdrop to the story of very American Ted Lasso, played by Jason Sudeikis.

Lasso is an American football coach hired to reboot a Premier League British football team, AFC Richmond. An eternal optimist, Ted is someone you wish you knew—warm and funny, with leadership skills that win over nearly everyone he meets in this fish-out-of-water story.

The Apple TV show isn’t really about sports, though there are plenty of soaring, heart-pumping soccer—football!—scenes. There are love triangles and mishaps, a delightful cast of characters, and the realization that you can do the impossible if you just “Believe,” Ted’s motto. The show has already been renewed for two more seasons. —A.F.

The head of government rides her bike to work: two clues this series isn’t set in the United States. In Copenhagen, everyone rides a bike. Maybe “Danish political drama” doesn’t sound compelling but this is, with a standout cast of well-developed characters. It follows the path of politician Birgitte Nyborg and how demands of her rise to power clash with her family life. Concerns about media news coverage are among the issues making this drama universal. The show, with an 8.5 IMDb rating, originally aired 2010–2013; Netflix plans a fourth season for 2022. — Pat Tompkins

If you’re one of the few who haven’t seen Bridgerton yet (apparently, it’s Netflix’s most successful series ever ), and you miss the U.K., it’s time to settle into Shonda Rhimes’s soapy, steamy Regency-era drama that reimagines the time as one when equality reigns: Black and white people coexist as equals, and the Queen is Black.

It centers on the romance between debutante Daphne Bridgerton and Simon Basset, reluctant Duke of Hastings. Scenic British locations include the Bridgerton family home, Ranger’s House in Greenwich, London; promenades in Bath’s green parks and Royal Crescent; and parties at Wilton House in Salisbury as the Duke’s country mansion. — A.F.

“Killing Eve” sets the codependent cop-and-killer chase in glamorous sites around Europe.

Courtesy of BBC

Killing Eve

Watch it : YouTube TV

When Eve, a British intelligence investigator, becomes obsessed by an assassin-for-hire, Villanelle, their cat-and-mouse chase leads the characters through Tuscany, Paris, London, and Romania. The glamorous destinations make this a bingeable spy thriller for travel lovers who crave dark humor, cliffhangers, and dreamy settings. —Ciera Velarde

Four Weddings and a Funeral

Watch it : Hulu

This 10-episode series from Mindy Kaling is nothing like the movie it takes its name from, except that there are four weddings and one funeral. London has never looked more magical as friends in their thirties fall in love, break up, and get married across rooftop parties in Trafalgar Square, conversations at the National Gallery and inside dreamy Notting Hill houses, and walks in Kew Gardens.

Like its cast, but unlike so many romantic comedies, it also showcases the diversity of the city through Indian family culture in Hounslow and the multicultural Southall Market. It’s completely addictive, and you might replay the final 10 minutes of the series (a wedding, of course!) over and over again. — A.F.

Un Village Francais/A French Village

Watch it : Amazon Prime

Over seven seasons, this series captures what German occupation of a fictional village, Villeneuve, meant for its inhabitants from 1940 to 1945. Instead of battles, we get the war’s impact on civilian life, an impact that affects everyone. It could have been a soap opera, but it’s not, thanks to complex characters and intriguing stories.

Among those in the first episode are Spanish refugees, a Jewish family, and the town doctor, all coping with the sudden upheaval of life in Occupied France. Travel to a different place and time in these 80+ episodes. — P.T.

Home for Christmas

The first Norwegian series from Netflix, Home for Christmas was filmed in Oslo and the small mining town of Røros, known for its colorful wooden buildings from the 1700s. We see the town and countryside dressed for the holidays, with snow, twinkle lights, and cider at Christmas markets aplenty.

But the festive season is just a vehicle for showcasing the complicated bonds of family. The show follows the up-and-down love life and quirky characters surrounding Johanne, a nurse in her thirties who feels pressure from her large, boisterous family to settle down. But what relationship can compete with her friendships? — A.F.

Call My Agent

Calling all francophiles. For those missing not just France but the language and people as well, this French-language Netflix show is génial . Call My Agent is a witty comedy about a Paris-based talent agency. The central cast of characters brings viewers along as they manage the many moods and demands of their high-maintenance actor clients. (They do everything from intervene when clients refuse to get intimate on a film set to help a client learn to drive for a movie role, plus attend ridiculous soirées to appease these high-strung celebs.)

As the series continues, deeper emotional themes around family, friendship, and love develop. I found myself tearing up (in a good way) by the end of the first season, something I wasn’t expecting at all at the start. The comic relief serves as a wonderful escape and there’s something oddly satisfying about seeing behind the scenes of France’s acting and filming world even if it is a fictional look. — M.B.

Indian Matchmaking

This is a reality show, with all its tropes and gimmicks, inviting us to be voyeurs of the Indian dating world. But Indian Matchmaking is also a fascinating glimpse into the culture of matchmaking and quasi-arranged marriages, for both the singles and families. It follows Mumbai-based matchmaker Sima Taparia as she tries to pair clients both in the U.S. and India; the scenes in India are most vibrant and really make the show worth a watch even if you’re skeptical about the premise.

You feel like you’re sitting right next to the characters in that Mumbai restaurant or Delhi bar as they chat with friends or go out on that first (slightly awkward) date with their match. — M.B.

Watch it : HBO Now , Hulu , YouTube TV

If your family is driving you up the wall, imagine self-quarantining with Succession ’s Roy family. This addictive dramedy centers on who will take over a global media and hospitality empire as the family patriarch faces health issues. Because this dysfunctional family is crazy rich, the series transports us to the most exclusive corners of New York City, a sprawling ranch in New Mexico, and even a castle in England. The juicy Season 2 finale takes place on a private yacht in Croatia, so pour yourself some prosecco and lose yourself in someone else’s family drama. —C.V.

Olivia Colman dazzles as Queen Elizabeth in the third season of “The Crown.”

Courtesy of Netflix

Pour yourself a cuppa and don your finest sweatpants, because we’re headed to Buckingham Palace, folks. Well, no filming was actually done in Buckingham Palace, but Lancaster House, Wilton House, and Waddesdon Manor serve as lavish, convincing stand-ins. Get ready to follow the trials and tribulations of the Windsors and get peeks at country-home castles, private train cars, African tree houses, and passels of corgis romping on the moors. —C.V.

Watch it : Hulu , HBO Now

Every time a local musician appears onscreen during this series (and they appear a lot), hearing the soulful jazz they play will transport you to New Orleans. Shot entirely on location in the city, Treme ’s storyline begins three months after Hurricane Katrina and follows its characters—musicians, bartenders, families—as they try to rebuild their lives. —C.V.

Sam Heughan stars in “Outlander,” a drama heavy on time travel and rolling Scottish countryside.

Watch it : Starz , Netflix , YouTube TV

After just one episode of Outlander, you’ll be eager to traverse the peaks of Scotland’s evergreen Highlands and drink a wee dram of whisky. This time-travel series, shot on location in Scotland, creates a fantasy world that feels rooted in a real place. —C.V.

Broadchurch

Watch it : Amazon

South England’s Jurassic Coast is the real-life setting for this moody crime drama set in a fictional seaside town. Millions of years of coastal erosion have formed striking rock formations along the craggy cliffs and beaches of the region—the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage–recognized area even serves as an important plot device. —C.V.

Ugly Delicious

Watch it: Netflix

In each episode of this docuseries, the James Beard Foundation award–winning chef David Chang focuses on a specific food (one episode is about fried rice, another about barbecue) and then bounces from country to country to taste local iterations of the same dish. After the first episode (which involves pizza: lots and lots of pizza), you’ll learn not to watch on an empty stomach. —C.V.

Top of the Lake

Viewers will be instantly hooked by Elisabeth Moss’s performance as a detective investigating the disappearance of a pregnant 12-year-old girl. The show was filmed on the South Island of New Zealand, and the titular lake provides an eerie and dramatic background for the emotionally heavy show. —C.V.

The action of “The Night Manager” starts in Egypt, but the scenes were actually shot in Marrakesh, Morocco.

Courtesy of Amazon

The Night Manager

Watch it : Amazon Prime Video

Great writing, fast-paced action, and an all-star cast (Tom Hiddleston, Olivia Colman, Hugh Laurie) make this drama unmissable. The story follows a hotel night manager recruited to infiltrate the inner circle of a corrupt businessman. The show is rumored to be the most expensive miniseries ever made by the BBC, and travel-hungry viewers will enjoy the gorgeous locations, like Majorca, Spain; Zermatt, Switzerland; and Marrakesh, Morocco.

Salt Fat Acid Heat

Chef Samin Nosrat visits culinary colleagues in Italy, Japan, Mexico, and Berkeley, California, to explain how—you guessed it—salt, fat, acid, and heat are the essential elements to master when cooking any meal. Samin’s passion for food radiates through the screen, and you’ll be left hungry and inspired to test out some of her cooking tips—with her cookbook by the same name —yourself. —C.V.

If you want to lean into the current news, Fortitude is one way to go. Set in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard (but filmed in Eastern Iceland), this drama is about a deadly virus that turns infected people into murderers. Winter-travel lovers: Get ready for sweeping icy landscapes, snow-capped mountains, and frigid, rocky beaches. —C.V.

“My Brilliant Friend” is a realistic portrayal of the gritty yet beautiful city of Naples.

Photo by Eduardo Castaldo/HBO

My Brilliant Friend

Although this show follows two childhood friends as they grow into women in postwar Italy, the true star is Naples , with its crowded sidewalks, lively piazzas, and ancient architecture. (In the sixth episode, viewers get to travel to the volcanic island of Ischia, to summer with the characters on beaches lapped by turquoise waters). —C.V.

The makers of Our Planet leave no corner of Earth untouched. This breathtaking nature docuseries allows you to swim with whales, swing from tree to tree with orangutans, and explore the Serengeti, all from your couch. The camerawork is remarkable: You’ll ask yourself “how did they even film that?!” at least four times per episode. —C.V.

Big Little Lies

Oh, what we’d give to be social distancing in one of the spacious seaside mansions on this show. The frothy mix of petty neighborhood squabbles, a mysterious death, and the sweeping shots of the Pacific Ocean makes watching Big Little Lies roughly 10 times better than watching the news. And if you’re inspired to plan a trip to Monterey after watching the show (and, of course, after virus concerns are lifted) , we’ve got you covered . —C.V.

>>Next: Around the World in International Films

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World Explorer Antarctic Cruises

Distinct and comfortable, refined and roomy

A polar cruise on board the world explorer.

What we love about the World Explorer

The best of both worlds! A luxury ship with an expedition mindset.

Welcome aboard the World Explorer! Distinct and comfortable, refined and roomy—these attributes and more describe World Explorer. Every cabin has a private walk-out or French balcony for direct ocean views. World Explorer also delivers spacious public lounge spaces to unwind after a day outdoors, including the glass-domed Observation Lounge, the Explorer Lounge, and a dedicated presentation theater. Health and wellness facilities feature an outdoor walking track, a fitness center, and a spa, plus a sauna with a change room and shower.

For the active adventurers, add-ons include kayaking, camping, and stand-up paddleboarding.

The ship dress code is casual, though some may choose to dress up a little for the Captain’s Welcome Reception.

Dates & Prices of World Explorer

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Amenities on board the World Explorer

Fitness Center

Expedition Parka

Lecture Theater

Observation Deck

Observation Lounge

Medical Services

Open Bridge Policy

Food & Drinks on board the World Explorer

There is one dining room located on Deck 4 which offers three meals per day. While mealtimes may change due to landings and wildlife encounters, you’ll always be assured of excellent quality food during our time on World Explorer .

There is one seating for all passengers at breakfast, lunch, and dinner and the restaurant has an open seating policy that encourages passengers to mingle with like-minded Antarctic explorers and share their experiences.

An assortment of freshly baked cookies and/or pastries are offered each afternoon. There is also a selection of hot and cold snacks available in the lounge during cocktail hour, expedition activities permitting.

Breakfasts and lunches are normally served buffet-style, while dinners are served plated. À la carte meals are made at the time of your order, allowing the chefs to prepare each dish to your individual needs. Working in a small kitchen, the chefs are able to monitor and control the quality of food being served, ensuring you receive top-quality meals during the course of your expedition.

World Explorer's take on sustainable traveling

Foremost among our sustainability goals are actively reducing the impact and emission of our vessels, investing in new technology, and continuously improving our existing resources. We have also installed a new low-emission engine in our veteran vessel, Ortelius. This engine complies with all the latest environmental legislation. Another of our important commitments to sustainability is our use of low-sulfur marine gas oil (LSMGO), which has a sulfur content of less than 0.1 percent.\n\nWe limit onboard waste production by recycling as often as we can as well as banning single-use plastics. This ship does not use straws, plastic cups, or any individually wrapped butter, yogurt, and jam. This vessel has a water treatment system and desalination system that uses reverse osmosis, allowing us to eliminate the use of plastic water bottles on board. Rather, guests receive a reusable water bottle they can refill on the vessel. Bathrooms are equipped with biodegradable shampoo and soap in recycled packing, further limiting our use of plastics.

Cabin Categories on board the World Explorer

Infinity Suite

Double/Matrimionial (convertible)

Max. occupancy :

More about this cabin

Superior Suite

Deluxe Suite

Veranda Suite

Triple Suite

Owner's Suite

More info about the world explorer, main engines, 2 x rolls royce 9,000 kw hybrid diesel/electric, crew members, cruising speed, 2 lifeboats fully enclosed, reviews of world explorer.

This new ship was very nice! The staff and Quark expedition crew on our Feb. 2020 sailing were amazing! Wine was good, food very good and excursions awesome (Copied from Trip Advisor)

We had three generations of family aboard the World Explorer for a trip of a lifetime to South Georgia and Antartica to see penguins. All the staff was amazing, food was terrific, Quark expedition staff was world class, and accommodations on boat couldn't have been better. All cabins had balconies which was a plus for a 16 day adventure. (Copied from Trip Advisor)

LarryandTim

A visit to Antarctica is a once in a lifetime experience. Quark excels in this region of the world. There were 27 naturalists with various specialties for 130 passengers. The Zodiac activities were well organized and efficient. Special special place to visit. (Copied from Trip Advisor)

Dave & Lisa

Simply amazing! Efficiency and friendliness of staff and guides. Willingness to make every excursion special. We ticked off the big 13. Add a blue sky glacier day with some calving and you have it all. (Copied from Swoop Antarctica)

Similar Ships

Silver Wind

Welcome aboard the Silver Wind, an elegant and versatile ship perfectly suited for your Arctic and Antarctic cruise. The Silver Wind underwent a major upgrade in 2018 and the second one in 2020, where it benefited from a new and improved ice-class hull. This strongly reinforced hull will make the Silver Wind one of the most adaptable cruise ships in the Silversea fleet. The service aboard the Silver Wind cruises is exquisite, with a total of 239 crew members ready and eager to serve a maximum of 274 passengers. Her timeless features and luxuriously relaxed atmosphere will make your Arctic or Antarctic cruise experience one to remember. The variety of suite options available on the Silver Wind suit all types of comfort levels. Each suite includes a fully-equipped mini bar, a marble bathroom, a walk-in closet, a bathrobe and slippers, Italian linens, and for your personal preference, a selection of pillows and toiletries to choose from. Many of these beautiful suites come with balconies and range from 240 sq feet (ca. 22 m²) to the largest Owner’s Suite at 587sq feet (ca. 55 m²). The atmosphere aboard the Silver Wind Arctic or Antarctic cruises is international. English is the main language spoken, however, you will most likely meet passengers from all over the world. The mood is sophisticated and tranquil, appropriate for any guest to enjoy. The daytime dress code is casual, as the polar regions require suitable clothing. Within a 7-day cruise, you will be able to participate in one formal night. It is recommended ladies wear a cocktail or evening dress, while gentlemen wear a dark suit or tuxedo. Despite its intimate size, the Silver Wind offers a variety of amenities and entertainment options. Make your Polar cruise a perfect one with a full range of spa treatments at the Zagara Beauty Spa. Relax in the outdoor heated swimming pool, or try your luck at the Casino. The Silver Wind cruises also offer free fitness classes including Yoga, and Pilates as well as a small gym. Passengers of all ages can enjoy the Sports center equipped with a jogging track, a golf cage, paddle tennis, and a putting green. For those looking for a more educational experience during their Arctic or Antarctic cruise onboard the Silver Wind, visit the beautiful Parisian Show Lounge for daily lectures as well as Trivia games, language lessons, live music, and more. The Library also offers audio-listening stations and on-demand movies. Make sure you head to the Observation Lounge for a 270-degree panoramic view of the incredible Polar horizons. Lastly, adults can enjoy the smoking lounge at the Connoisseur’s Corner, furnished with leather armchairs where one can purchase vintage wines, cognacs, and fine cigars.

Ultramarine

Welcome aboard the Ultramarine! One of the newest cruise ships in the Polar fleet, Ultramarine was designed to go beyond the familiar in polar exploration - to discover new places and immerse you in the best of the region. Equipped with two twin-engine helicopters, it offers robust adventure activities. It features the category’s most spacious suites, breathtaking public spaces, and more outdoor wildlife viewing spaces than other expedition ships of its size. It also features a best-in-class operational range and an innovative mix of sustainability features that exceed all industry standards. With all this and more, Ultramarine is perfectly poised to deliver the ultimate polar expedition experience.

Silver Cloud

Welcome aboard the Silver Cloud, the luxurious expedition ship equipped for adventure and comfort. Spacious, yet intimate, the Silver Cloud accommodates no more than 240 guests. Refurbished in 2017, the cruise ship’s capacity was greatly reduced. Fewer passengers enables faster disembarking thus spending more time on expeditions. With her 1-1 guest to staff ratio, this ship epitomizes exceptional service and enjoyment. The yacht-like Silver Cloud is particularly built for the Arctic and Antarctic. Its smaller size can navigate through more narrow rivers and harbors, while its C Class ice-strengthened hull can safely cruise through floating ice. A cruise aboard the Silver Cloud is one of luxury and excitement. All suites on the Silver Cloud are elegantly designed and equipped with a butler at your service. About 80% of the suites include a veranda, where you can get up close and personal to extraordinary wildlife right from your bedroom. Some suites also offer 100% ocean views. Can you imagine drinking your morning coffee watching whales breach at your panoramic window? The ship also offers 26 family-friendly suites with a 3-guest capacity. All suites also feature a bar stocked with your favorites, a choice of pillows, complimentary Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV with an interactive Media Library, and much more. The Silver Cloud expedition cruises offer a friendly and intimate atmosphere, where guests can feel at home as they embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. In addition to luxurious suites, guests can enjoy plenty of outdoor viewing space on the 700m2 deck and an elegant heated swimming pool for movement or relaxation. In the evening, the outdoor space becomes an open-air dining venue offering classic steakhouse, seafood, vegetarian, and healthy options. Guests will be able to enjoy the Zàgara Beauty Spa which was first introduced on Silversea’s flagship, Silver Muse. Zàgara combines its beautiful Italian heritage with a nurturing mind and body philosophy, meeting your well-being needs with pride. The excursions included in your price are led by knowledgeable staff, including marine biologists, geologists, anthropologists, and more. Learn from your 20 Expedition Experts in non-polar regions and 22 in polar regions. The experience is enhanced through the onboard lecture program. Take advantage of the lecture hall where you can hear a wide range of talks, watch photo presentations, and participate in the daily recap. Unique to Silver Cloud, guests will also benefit from a newly installed Photo Studio where guests can edit content right on board. Guests can take advantage of this creative space and learn to master the art of digital photography. The Photo Studio offers masterclasses, a dedicated photo manager at your service, and an editing suite where guests can turn their incredible photographs into prints. The state-of-the-art equipment accommodates both MAC and PC users. The Silver Cloud is also equipped with 18 zodiacs offering a closer look at the surroundings and making on-shore explorations possible. 10 complimentary kayaks are also available for those seeking a little extra adventure.

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• Quark Expeditions

World Explorer

Cruise line Quark Expeditions

• Ushuaia (Argentina)

World Explorer current position

World Explorer current location is at North East Atlantic Ocean (coordinates 40.19609 N / -13.47172 W) cruising at speed of 14.6 kn (27 km/h | 17 mph) en route to PT VDP > PT LEI. The AIS position was reported 37 minutes ago.

Current itinerary of World Explorer

World Explorer current cruise is 9 days, round-trip 10 Night Antarctic Explorer Discovering the 7th Continent Cruise and Land Tour . Prices start from USD 11396 (double occupancy rates). The itinerary starts on 06 Nov, 2024 and ends on 15 Nov, 2024 .

Specifications of World Explorer

•   Itineraries
•   Review
•   Wiki

World Explorer Itineraries

World explorer review, review of world explorer.

The 2019-built MS World Explorer cruise ship was specifically designed for operations in the polar regions (Arctic and Antarctica). The vessel is owned by Mystic Invest (via the subsidiary Mystic Cruises ) and operated under charter by Nicko Cruises (subsidiary) and Quark Expeditions (Travelopia-owned polar cruise company founded in 1991). The shipbuilder is WestSEA (naval shipyard in Viana do Castelo, Portugal).

The ship World Explorer is the first vessel in a planned 10-ship fleet of Mystic Cruises, that includes the sisterships World Explorer (2019), World Voyager (2020), World Navigator (2021), World Traveller (2022), World Seeker (2022), World Adventurer (2023), World Discoverer (2023).

The vessel (IMO number 9835719) is currently Portugal- flagged (MMSI 255806193) and registered in Madeira/Funchal .

Ship history and ownership

The vessel is owned by the Portugal-based company Mystic Cruises and seasonally chartered by Quark Expeditions (for polar cruises) and also by the European river cruise operator Nicko Cruises (for the rest of the season). The polar travel company Quark Expeditions (1991-founded) specializes in expedition cruises to Antarctica and the Arctic via icebreaking vessels (passenger ships with ice-strengthened hulls). Quark Expeditions became part of TUI Travel (UK) in 2007 and since 2016 is owned by Travelopia Group Holdings Ltd (UK).

Mystic Cruises is a new brand owned by the Portuguese entrepreneur Mario Ferreira - president of Mystic Invest SGPS (group of companies) and best known as CEO of the Portuguese river cruise company Douro Azul, operating on Douro River roundtrips from Oporto . Mario Ferreira is also famous for being Portugal's first space tourist (traveling on Virgin Galactic's Spaceship One / owned by Richard Branson).

The shipowner Mystic Invest is a Portuguese family-owned financial holding that fully owns several brands specializing in travel and tourism business (cruises, tours, hotels) and real estate. The list of brands (subsidiaries) owned by the parent company Mystic Invest includes DouroAzul (Portugal), Mystic Cruises (Portugal), Nicko Cruises (Germany), Priority Dolphin (shipbuilding), Mystic Tua (Portugal), Mystic Adventure (tour agency in Barca d'Alva ), World of Discoveries (theme park in Porto Portugal), Helitours (Porto and Douro Valley), BlueBus (Porto), hotels and resorts (Hotel do Cais, Monumental Palace Hotel, Douro Marina Hotel, Wine Lodge Hotel), Caminho das Estrelas (suborbital and Zero-G flights), Mystic Real Estate.

Decks and Cabins

World Explorer staterooms (98 total) are all in Suite categories and with step-out balconies, providing max passenger capacity 200 (max 140 on polar cruises). The boat has 8 decks , of which 6 are passenger-accessible and 3 with cabins.

Each of the staterooms offers as standard (complimentary / price-inclusive) amenities

• en-suite bathroom (shower, WC, washbasin, hairdryer, plush bathrobes and slippers, premium bath products)
• separate bedroom (Queen-size double bed convertible to 2 twins / single beds, bedside cabinets, bedside USB charging ports, wall-mounted lamps)
• mirrored vanity table / writing desk with armchair, lounge area (2-seater sofabed, coffee table with chairs), Horizon and Veranda cabins additionally have a plush loveseat
• smart HDTV (infotainment system, Internet, on-demand movies, Bluetooth connectivity), large wardrobe, electronic safe box (in the closet), minibar (fully-stocked refrigerator)
• individual air-conditioning, LED lighting
• daily turndown service
• Still and sparkling bottled water is provided complimentary and replenished twice daily.

Towels (excluding those on the rack) and bedsheets are changed every 3rd day (depending on cruise itinerary length). Shipboard laundry and ironing services are available at extra cost. Laundry bags are provided in the cabins and collected each morning.

Each cabin is equipped with orange-colored lifejackets, which are used in cases of emergencies and during lifeboat drills. Ship's electrical supply is 220 V (50 Hz). The electrical outlets (found in all cabins and throughout the ship) are standard European 2-pin plugs. A total of 5 USB ports (per cabin) are for digital devices (cameras, smartphones, tablets, etc). Each cabin is also fitted with a total of 5 power outlets (110V / 220V).

Most cabins (~90%) are with private step-out balconies, excepting only the aft-located (decks 5-6) "French Balcony" cabins, which are with a sliding window (upper panel) opening to a railing (Juliet balcony). Cabin balconies are furnished with 1 low table and 2 deckchairs. Superior, Deluxe and Owner suites additionally have 2 lounge chairs on their balconies.

MS World Explorer has 7 cabin categories ranging in sizes from 185 ft2 (17 m2, Adventure Stateroom) to 355 ft (33 m2, Owner Suite). French Balcony cabins (Infinity Stateroom, 270 ft2 / 25 m2) are with floor-ceiling glass wall with a slide opening window (upper panel). Balcony cabins (Veranda Stateroom, 215 ft2 / 20 m2) are with a step-out balcony. Triple cabins (Junior Suites) are in 2 different types - with either outdoor or French Balcony. The all 12 Adventure-type (Porthole) cabins are located midship on Deck 3 and each with a large non-opening window.

All top-tier suites are 2-Room (1-Bedroom) and with larger balconies (sized 110 ft2 / 10 m2) furnished with 2 sun loungers, 2 teak deckchairs and 1 low table. Each suite has 2 closets and 2 large HDTVs (wall-mounted in the bedroom / living room).

Cabin bathrooms are with spa showers (rain shower head, handheld showerhead, 4 adjustable body jets), L'Occitane bath products (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, handwash, hand lotion). Owner Suites and Deluxe Suites bathrooms are with double basin vanity (his-and-hers sinks) and separate WC. Owner Suites bathrooms are with bathtub.

Shipboard facilities and activities

The ship offers plenty of public areas, including Observation Lounge (glass-domed, with surrounding outdoor terrace), Explorer Lounge (multi-purpose and full-bar venue with floor-ceiling windows and comfortable seating), Library (reading lounge), Lecture Theatre (24-hour open Auditorium serving cruise company's enrichment program with daily scheduled activities, including port talks, discussions, media presentations), aft-located Dining Room Restaurant (with floor-ceiling windows and an outdoor terrace for al fresco dining / weather permitting).

Explorer Lounge doubles as multi-purpose room hosting special events (anniversaries, birthdays, group and private meetings, etc). Fresh-baked cookies and pastries are offered in the afternoons. Hot and cold snacks are available during the evening cocktail hour (activities permitting) and special occasion events. Lounge's Bar is staffed by a professional bartender serving a selection of liquors, spirits, premium beers, wines and champagnes (by the glass). Complimentary beverages include soft drinks, juices, water, coffee, tea.

Polar Library is well stocked with books and popular board games. The Library is open 24 hours. Its collection includes books in various languages and themed on wildlife, history, marine biology, geology, ecology, also field guides, picture- and reference books.

Polar Boutique is the gift shop selling travel essentials and souvenirs, as well as a selection of expedition gear (clothing, waterproof pants, gloves, hats). Shop's opening hours are based on the daily scheduled cruise activities.

In the Lobby area is the Reception (Guest Services Desk) served by dedicated staff that assists passengers with information, purchasing PIN cards (Internet/email access, phone cards), arranging wake-up calls. The Reception also doubles as Cashier's Office for setting shipboard accounts and making payments of these accounts towards the end of the cruise. Also on Lobby Deck are the ship's two entrance areas (portside and starboard) used for passenger embarkation/disembarkation in ports of call where pier/quay/wharf is available for docking.

Wellness facilities include an outdoor jogging track (on top-deck), small gym, Sauna Room, Spa (room for massages, showers, changing / locker rooms), Hairdresser. On Sun Deck is the outdoor heated swimming pool surrounded by a sunbathing area with loungers. The pool has a kids (shallow) area separated from the deeper saltwater plunge pool. The ship doesn't provide lifeguards on duty. On top-deck (aft) is a Helideck - helipad used in cases of emergencies.

As complimentary shoreside activities are offered camping, seakayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, Zodiac boat tours.

Itineraries

When chartered by Nicko Cruises, the ship operates on cruises in Europe (Mediterranean Sea, Atlantic Coastal, Baltic Sea, Norwegian Fjords), also to Iceland and Greenland.

• The inaugural Nicko cruise was a 7-day itinerary (May 2-9, 2019) from Oporto Portugal to Palma (Majorca Island, Spain) . prior to May 2019, the ship offered 2 repositioning voyages between Europe and South America, but they were available for booking also by other operators and travel agencies.
• In the Western Mediterranean (southern Europe), for Nicko the ship had scheduled all 4 itineraries, then was relocated to Northern Europe for 2 Norwegian Fjords cruises (13-day itineraries).
• In July 2019 followed two 12-day "Baltic Capitals" roundtrips from Kiel Germany , followed by one 8-day Iceland cruise from Kiel and two 14-day Kiel roundtrips to Iceland and Greenland. For September were scheduled two roundtrips from Hamburg Germany (7-day, and 5-day), followed by a 13-day relocation itinerary Hamburg-Oporto and the Europe-South Amerca Transatlantic repositioning crossing (October 4) from Lisbon Portugal to Rio de Janeiro Brazil .

When chartered by Quark Expeditions , the ship World Explorer cruises on polar itineraries (to ports and destinations in the Arctic and Antarctica ).

In 2021, Quark Expeditions has planned two "Antarctic eclipse voyages" during which our Moon will completely block the Sun to produce the solar corona phenomenon. The Earth's total solar eclipses happen approx every 400 years. The Antarctic solar eclipse will occur on December 4, 2021, in Weddell Sea.

• Quark Expeditions "Antarctic Solar Eclipse 2021" voyages are offered on 2 ships - World Explorer (17-day itinerary, November 26 - December 12) and  Ocean Diamond (20-day itinerary, November 25 - December 14). Prices start from USD 17,000 pp.
• Both cruises will feature as special guests Fred Espenak (US astrophysicist), Babak Amin Tafreshi (National Geographic photographer) and David Baron (author of the book "American Eclipse" themed on the solar eclipse that occurred on July 29, 1878).

In 2024 and 2025 (April-October), World Explorer was chartered to Rivages du Monde (2001-founded, Belgium-based tour company) for itineraries in Northern Europe and the North Atlantic. The voyages visited destinations in Norway (Norwegian Fjords, Nordkapp/North Cape , Lofoten Islands , Spitsbergen/Svalbard ), also Iceland-Greenland and the Canadian Arctic.

Quark cruise deals

Quark Expeditions cruise deals are inclusive of:

• 1-night pre-cruise hotel stay, group transfers (airport-hotel on the day prior departure, and hotel-ship on embarkation day)
• onboard accommodation (daily housekeeping service)
• all onboard meals (breakfasts, lunches, dinners) - know that the ship's galley/kitchen can't prepare kosher meals
• all Zodiac landings (daily, weather permitting) and Zodiac transfers and cruising (daily)
• media presentations by Expedition Team members and special guest lecturers
• waterproof expedition boots (onshore landings)
• complimentary Quark Expeditions logoed parka
• lifejackets and immersion suits
• complimentary coffee, tea and cocoa (24/7)
• hairdryer and bathrobe (in all cabins)
• pre-departure materials (including maps)
• all service taxes and port fees
• all onboard luggage handling
• emergency evacuation (medevac) insurance to a max benefit USD 100,000 pp

Fly-cruise deals are inclusive of complimentary house wines (by the glass), beers and spirits on the ship, also of all gratuities (staff and crew) and all domestic flights (prior to embarkation). Ship-to-shore communications are via Inmarsat Capsat Fleet 77 (satellite phone and Internet) and cost extra.

World Explorer - user reviews and comments

Photos of world explorer.

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Other Quark Expeditions cruise ships

• Ocean Adventurer
• Ocean Explorer
• Ocean Odyssey
• Quark Ultramarine

World Explorer Wiki

All Mystic Invest newbuilds as investments were backed by ICBC Leasing - part of ICBC Ltd (Chinese multinational bank, ranked world's largest by assets, deposits, loans, customers and employees). The shipbuilding financing was supported by Portuguese banks (during construction) and ICBCL Leasing funding (following delivery) through sale and charter-back of the vessel, with an obligation to repurchase it on maturity. Mystic Invest intends to build a 10-ship fleet of the same design.

In August 2017 were completed design's tank tests. The testing water tank and ship model were conducted by the Wageningen-based MARIN (Maritime Research Institute Netherlands). On September 8, 2017, was the vessel's steel-cutting ceremony held at WestSEA shipyard ( Viana do Castelo, Portugal ). The ship (hull number C010) is the first in a series of polar expedition cruise vessels constructed for Mystic Cruises, with planned seasonal charter operations by Quark Expeditions .

In 2018 (February 20 through March 1), Nicko Tours scheduled a total of 10 roadshows in Germany to promote the company's new "ocean cruising" business. Each of the shows started with a casual get-together and buffet with finger food, followed by the presentation of the vessel and its Nicko cruise itineraries. Then travel agents enjoyed full meals and gourmet desserts.

Vessel's launch (float-out from drydock) was on October 28, 2018. The christening ceremony was on April 6, 2019, held at West Sea's Viana Shipyard. Ship's Captains are Aleks Zakalashnyuk (Russian), Filipe Sousa (Portuguese) and Terje Willassen (Norwegian).

Ship's godmother is Carla Bruni Sarkozy - 1967-born (as Tedeschi) Italian-French singer and supermodel, who in 2008 married France's President Nicolas Sarkozy. The naming ceremony featured a Methuselah of Henri Blin Champagne (traditionally crashed against the hull) and several performances by the godmother, some in duet with Pedro Abrunhosa (1960-born Portuguese singer and songwriter).

World Explorer ship technology

Ship design was developed by Leadship Ltd ( Piraeus Greece -based company) owned by Italian naval Architects Giuseppe Tringali and Mirco Zoia. It features an ice-strengthened hull (ice class 1B), top-notch automation and control system, modern propulsion (based on electrical pods / azimuthing thrusters), dynamic positioning system (using GPS data to accurately maintain ship's position without anchoring), advanced water treatment system, hybrid powerplant (diesel-electric) with efficient marine engines (two Rolls-Royce engines running on ULSD / ultra-low-sulfur diesel).

The Rolls-Royce powerplant costs GBP 7 million (EUR 7,75 million / USD 8,9 million) and includes two main engines (Bergen C25-33L8P) and one auxiliary dual-fuel genset (Bergen C25-33L6P). The engines are connected to ship's electric power system (Rolls-Royce SAVe CUBE) allowing them to operate efficiently at variable speeds. Rolls-Royce Promas propulsion is an integrated propeller-rudder system to optimize hydrodynamic efficiency. Promas includes two controllable pitch propellers integrated with two flap rudders, steering gears and tunnel thrusters.

Vessel's draft is only 15 ft (4,7 m) allowing access to remote islands and unique coastal destinations. The ship has all 2 lifeboats (full-capacity) which are fully enclosed. Ship-to-shore communications are via Inmarsat Capsat Fleet 77 (satellite phone and Internet). Landings (passenger transportation) and coastal exploration voyages are served by ship's own fleet of ten Zodiacs (motorized boats stored aft on Deck 7) and 2 loading stations.

World Explorer's shipbuilder WestSEA is owned by Martifer Group via the subsidiary Martifer SGPS. This is a family-owned holding company founded in 1990 (by the brothers Carlos and Jorge Martins), headquartered in Oliveira de Frades (Portugal) and Euronext Lisbon (stock exchange) listed since 2007. Martifer Group has over 3000 employees and specializes in metal construction and (since 2004) in renewable energy (wind and solar energy equipment production). Martifer Group is one of Europe's largest metal construction companies, with subsidiaries in Spain, Poland, Romania, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany, Brazil and Angola.

After a drydock retrofitting project (planned for early-2020), World Explorer will become the world's first-ever cruise ship fitted with hydrojet propulsion (technology initially developed for military vessels). The ship will be upgraded with two SPJ Pump Jets by SCHOTTEL (model SPJ 82) allowing silent navigation at 5 knots speed (9 kph). This is a propulsion system upgrade (alternative propulsion units) as the hydrojets are used only in destinations with specific marine life. Both hydrojets pump water to propel the ship and similarly to the in-hull mounted Azipods (underwater azimuthing thrusters) can rotate 360 degrees. They also allow dynamic positioning (via GPS) to stabilize / fix the vessel without using propellers or anchors. Hydrojet propulsion units were installed on the sisterships World Voyager (2020) and World Navigator (2021) during their construction.

Inaugural itineraries 2019

For summer 2019, the ship was chartered by the German river cruisetour company Nicko Cruises (subsidiary of Mystic Cruises), offering two 14-day voyages to Antarctica. Next are listed vessel's inaugural itineraries as call ports and times (arrival/departure).

16-day Maiden Voyage (South America)

18-day Transatlantic repositioning cruise (South America to Europe)

7-day repositioning (Oporto to Mallorca)

9-day inaugural Mediterranean cruise (prices from USD 3770 pp)

12-day repositioning (Mediterranean to Baltic cruise) - prices from USD 4200 pp

12-day inaugural Norwegian Fjords cruise (prices from USD 4400 pp)

13-day inaugural Iceland cruise (prices from USD 5000 pp)

The 5 Best Adventure Travel Shows

Can you guess who my favorite movie character is? Well, if you said Indiana Jones you were right! I must have watched all four movies over 100 times. I can’t help but dream of going on epic international adventures in search of lost treasure. While Indy is (supposedly) a fictional character there are a group of five real-life explorers that come very close to the real thing. And the best part… you get to watch them on television.

Listed below are the 5 Best Adventure Travel Shows . Each of them are hosted by real life explorers that take us on some of the greatest adventures on our planet.

1) Expedition Unknown – Host: Josh Gates 2) Walking the Himalayas – Host: Levison Wood 3) Running Wild with Bear Grylls – Host: Bear Grylls 4) Dual Survival – Hosts: Grady Powell & Josh James 5) Ed Stafford: Into the Unknown – Host: Ed Stafford

1) Expedition Unknown – Host: Josh Gates

Josh Gates is an avid explorer with a passion for history. With a degree in archeology and a member of the prestigious organization, The Explorer’s Club, Josh has traveled to over 90 countries. Josh’s adventurous spirit has also taken him on underwater archeological explorations in the Mediterranean and to the top of both Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Aconcagua, two of the seven summits.

Josh is currently the host of Expedition Unknown. Expedition Unknown is one of the leading travel shows in the world and is sure to become one of your favorites.

On his quest to solve histories greatest mysteries, Josh takes you to some of the most remote destinations on our planet where you will find him investigating unsolved legends in history. Whether he is in search of El Dorado, the lost city of gold, or the Honjo Masamune, a 13th century Samurai sword in Japan, Josh has you on the edge of your seat each and every episode.

2) Walking the Himalayas – Host: Levison Wood

Levison Wood is one of the greatest explorer’s on earth. In 2013, this former British army officer walked the length of the Nile River through war torn countries and via some of the most inhospitable environments on earth. In 2015, Levison walked the Himalayas. This adventure took him through Afghanistan, navigating the disputed territory of Kashmir and through Nepal to Bhutan. Levison is a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.

Levison was the host of “Walking the Himalayas.” You will find Levison pushing himself to his physical limits as he traverses punishing terrain in some of the most remote and highest mountains in the world. The series is adventure journalism at its finest as this authentic explorer inspires viewers with his uncanny ability to do the impossible.

3) Running Wild with Bear Grylls – Host: Bear Grylls

Bear Grylls is the ultimate adventurer. His love for the outdoors is unmatched. Bear learned to camp, fish, and climb when he was a young boy. At 23 years old he was arguably the youngest Britain at the time to climb Mount Everest. Amazingly, he accomplished this feet just 18 months after he broke his back in a parachuting accident. This former British SAS soldier, is also the Chief Scout of The Scout Association where he teaches love and respect for nature to the organizations 450,000 children.

Bear is the host of “Running Wild with Bear Grylls”. In the show, celebrities join Bear on adventures across the globe. From rappelling down cliffs to climbing mountains to learning wilderness survival skills the celebrities are continuously challenged and taken to the limit by Bear. In one special episode, U.S. president Barack Obama joined Bear on a hike in the Alaskan wilderness. They discussed climate change, clean environment and the importance of protecting our planet.

4) Dual Survival – Hosts: Grady Powell, Josh James

Grady Powell is a former U.S. Army Green Beret and comes from a long line of military officers. Grady specializes in military survival techniques and has done tours in both Iraq and Africa.

Josh James is a primitive wilderness survivalist. From New Zealand, Josh is well versed in everything from tracking, trapping, fishing, and hunting. He has also developed his survival skills from his time in living across the world.

Both Grady and Josh carry the knowledge, skills and mental attitude that can help people remain alive under even the most extreme situations.

Grady and Josh were the hosts of Dual Survival (Season 8). The show is meant for the next generation of survivalists, demonstrating what it takes to survive on the planet’s toughest terrains. The duo makes use of four key elements of surviving the wilderness: food, water, shelter and fire. Each episode takes place in a distinct location that is not only remote but also filled with raw wilderness. Both Grady and Josh step into extreme scenarios and navigate the most adverse conditions. They might have different approaches but need to achieve the common and ultimate goal which is to survive!

5) Ed Stafford: Into the Unknown – Host: Ed Stafford

Ed Stafford is a former British Army Officer who makes full use of his outdoor skills to traverse the most inaccessible places on the planet. In 2010, Ed became the first person to walk the length of the Amazon River. The expedition took 860 days. As a result, Ed was named a National Geographic Adventurer of the Year. Ed has led expeditions across the globe and is considered one of our greatest living explorers.

Ed was the host of Ed Stafford: Into the Unknown. In this show he is on a mission to investigate mysteries surrounding satellite photos of some of the most remote places on the planet. In one episode, Ed explores gigantic white lines which appear on satellite images in remote West Papua. Does he figure out what they are? You will have to watch to find out.

If you would like to learn more about our adventures click HERE or if you have a favorite travel show we would love to hear about it just shoot us an email at [email protected].

I hope you are as inspired as I am by these amazing explorers.

I look forward to seeing you on the trail!

Jeff Bonaldi Founder & CEO The Explorer’s Passage

About Jeff Bonaldi

Jeff Bonaldi is the Founder and CEO of The Explorer’s Passage, a premier adventure travel company. His mission is to provide travelers with the opportunity to transform their lives and the planet through the power of adventure.

Learn more about Jeff’s story and his company HERE .

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50 Best Travel Shows Of All Time (& How To Watch Them)

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Most of us can't reasonably travel all of the time. Thankfully, we can live vicariously through our screens when we cannot be globetrotting ourselves. Travel shows are a dime a dozen, mainly because many of us would rather explore than deal with our responsibilities. But how do you know which shows are worth your time? That depends mainly on your tastes and interests, but we can provide some solid starting points.

From celebrities heading their own adventurous docuseries to food-loving vagabonds visiting remote destinations, travel shows can show us scenes and cultures we would otherwise have no concept of. In fact, television often inspires travel, and watching world wanderers eat their way through exotic destinations is a great way to help plan your next trip. These 50 series are some of the best TV has to offer, and even if you don't make it through all of them, you may find a gem that piques your particular interest.

50. Nomad with Carlton McCoy

Classically trained chef and expert sommelier Carlton McCoy seeks out the best in international cuisine, music, and art in the CNN series "Nomad with Carlton McCoy." Premiering in May 2022, McCoy travels everywhere in the travel series, from the overlooked pleasures of Mississippi to the corners of Ghana. For McCoy, the show's focus lies in adventures and delights found away from the well-worn paths frequented by tourists. Instead, he enjoys savoring hometown favorites from local populations. What McCoy may lack in experience and poise, he and "Nomad" make up for with its premise to go behind the scenes of some of the world's most recognizable locales. 

The first "Nomad with Carlton McCoy" season is available to stream on  Prime Video with Discovery+.

49. Down to Earth with Zac Efron

The world is a beautiful place, and it's easy to showcase such on film. This is why a travel show has to be about more than just pretty scenery, and "Down to Earth with Zac Efron" delivers in a big way. The series puts a highly informative spin on the genre by taking viewers on whirlwind journeys worldwide in search of health secrets. We're not talking about avocado toast or juice cleanses, either.

Efron and wellness expert Darin Olien visit destinations to learn about topics like renewable energy, superfoods, and water quality. Have you ever heard of a water sommelier? The experts know a thing or two about what kind of water makes our bodies happy, and a "Down to Earth" episode in France consults one of the few professionals in existence. The series also has episodes on a seed bank stocked for the end of the world, Iceland's Blue Lagoon, and the Amazon rainforest.

Although "Down to Earth" earned Zac Efron a Daytime Emmy, lack of viewership caused the series to be canceled quickly. It had one season at Netflix and was picked up for another at The CW, only to be on the chopping block two episodes later. Lack of quantity does not mean lack of quality, though, and the "High School Musical" star's travel show is a solid viewing.

You can watch "Down to Earth with Zach Efron" on Netflix and The CW .

48. The World's Most Amazing Vacation Rentals

Sometimes, a typical hotel on vacation doesn't cut it, with intrepid travelers opting for more unique and luxurious digs during their stay abroad. The Netflix original series "The World's Most Amazing Vacation Rentals" explores everything from treehouses to alpaca farms to rent worldwide. Hosted by Megan Batoon, Jo Franco, and Luis D. Ortiz, the show reminds viewers that far more than cheap motels and chain hotels are available to make a vacation even more authentic and unique. While some of the rentals visited on the show run on the pricier side, these are balanced out with more cost-effective rentals for travelers not looking to shell out top dollar on accommodations.

"The World's Most Amazing Vacation Rentals" is available to stream on  Netflix .

47. Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy

Academy Award-nominated actor Stanley Tucci reconnects with his ancestral roots in the CNN travel series "Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy." Premiering in 2021, the show has Tucci visit different regions in Italy to learn more about the local cuisine, culture, and history in a sun-soaked tour of the Mediterranean country. Though the major tourist centers of Italy are among the destinations in Tucci's tour, the host takes the time to explore restaurants and locations off the beaten track to reveal a more authentic Italian experience. Buoyed by Tucci's understated yet quietly charismatic presence, "Searching for Italy" has been nominated for multiple Emmy Awards, winning two for its achievement in nonfiction television. 

Available to purchase and rent through most digital retailers, "Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy" is also available to stream on Discovery+ .

46. Mysterious Islands

Accomplished pilot and explorer Kellee Edwards invites viewers to join her on his globe-trotting adventures with the Travel Channel series "Mysterious Islands." Edwards particularly takes an interest in some of the most remote islands on Earth, visiting them with her private seaplane to examine them from above and by foot. A refreshing contrast to the hustle-and-bustle of travel shows revolving around heavily populated locales, "Mysterious Islands" offers a more serene, nature-focused look at isolated getaways. Before hosting "Mysterious Islands," Edwards hosted and published a travel vlog through her website that catapulted her into the public eye.

"Mysterious Islands" is currently available to stream on  fuboTV and Philo .

45. Ride with Norman Reedus

"Cool" is the only way to describe "Ride with Norman Reedus." Cruising on a slew of bikes, "The Boondock Saints" and "The Walking Dead" actor meets up with a different travel partner in each episode to explore the open road of America and international destinations. With six seasons as of 2023, the series has become a lasting one on AMC.

Norman Reedus isn't the first to make a travel show centered on biker culture, so what makes it so unique? His vibe, for one. However, it's also the particular variety that his program offers viewers. Reedus does not stick to just one style or motorcycle manufacturer; he also has many celebrity guests. He has the bikers' seal of approval.

From Dave Chapelle to Keanu Reeves, you'll be surprised that some of your favorite celebrities ride and are just as captivating in an environment you don't usually see them in. Fans of Reedus' work will also be happy to see quite a few familiar faces as his "The Walking Dead" co-stars, including Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Steven Yeun, join in on the fun.

You can watch "Ride with Norman Reedus" on AMC+ .

44. Epic Drives

Car expert Arthur St. Antoine entered the pole position with the automobile travel series "Epic Drives," premiering in 2010. Backed with a whole fleet of cars, often with some of the world's coolest and fastest sports and luxury automobiles, St. Antoine opens the engine up and cuts loose on roads around the globe. From traversing the Pacific Coast Highway to showcasing winter driving tips on the frozen roads of Scandinavia, St. Antoine guides viewers through truly stunning international roadways. Though "Epic Rides" puts its slick automobiles in the forefront, the travel series is also keenly aware of how to capture the natural beauty of the gorgeous destinations visited. 

"Epic Drives" is available to stream on Roku and Prime Video  with a MotorTrend extension.

43. Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern

Prolific chef, author, and television personality Andrew Zimmern delves into the off-kilter local cuisine from around the world that outsiders may view as strange in the Travel Channel series "Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern." Running steadily since 2006, "Bizarre Foods" has become a large television franchise in and of itself, spawning spinoff series and specials, while the main series has undergone several rebrands. Later, carrying the subtitle "Delicious Destinations," Zimmern's unique perspective on local cuisine proved as engaging as ever. Traveling anywhere from remote settlements in the untamed wilderness to local gastronomy usually avoided by tourists, Zimmern doesn't just focus on the cuisine and preparation itself but where the key ingredients come from. 

A Travel Channel staple for over a decade, "Bizarre Foods With Andrew Zimmern" is currently available to stream on Max and Discovery+ .

42. Samantha Brown's Places to Love

Prolific travel television personality Samantha Brown created the acclaimed PBS series "Samantha Brown's Places to Love," which premiered in 2018. Markedly different from her previous programming on the Travel Channel, Brown's PBS show offers ways for prospective travelers to blend in more naturally with places they visit rather than disrupt local scenes. Featuring a more subdued approach, Brown presents a more authentic, understated cultural experience in the destinations she showcases. "Places to Love" was widely praised for its approach to travel programming and won two Daytime Emmy Awards for its outstanding achievement.

"Samantha Brown's Places to Love" is available to watch through local PBS outlets.

41. A Cook's Tour

Chef and author Anthony Bourdain's first foray into travel television was on the Food Network series "A Cook's Tour," which was filmed while Bourdain was simultaneously writing a book about his experiences. Running for two seasons from 2002-2003, the show took Bourdain around the globe to sample local cuisine and culture, with Asia being a prominent recurring destination. In Variety's review of the first season, "A Cook's Tour" was praised for focusing on destinations less well-documented by other travel shows while providing a man-on-the-street perspective. The series offers a fascinating look at Bourdain discovering his voice as a television host while still possessing his acerbic wit.

"A Cook's Tour" is currently available to stream in full on Prime Video and Tubi .

40. America Outdoors with Baratunde Thurston

Notable writer and commentator Baratunde Thurston expanded from his usual political fare to launch the PBS travel series "America Outdoors with Baratunde Thurston." Thurston travels around the United States, from Death Valley to the Appalachian Mountains, to document America's distinct and immersive outdoor destinations. More than simply hiking and camping, Thurston engages in local activities, including trying his hand at collecting wild rice and surfing, to better appreciate local cultures. Thurston takes the premise behind "America Outdoors" more liberally than most travel shows with similar scopes, with an entire episode reframing outdoor culture in Los Angeles. 

An engaging look at the United States' relationship with its outdoor spaces, "America Outdoors with Baratunde Thurston" is available to stream on Prime Video with PBS Living or PBS Documentaries and PBS with WOSU Passport.

39. Travel Man

Popular British actor and comedian Richard Ayoade launched the breakneck travel series "Travel Man," blending comedy with hectic itineraries. Paired with a celebrity guest, Ayoade and his travel companion have 48 hours to take in the sights and cuisine in different international cities. Starting with the show's tenth season, Ayoade was replaced by British comedian Joe Lycett, but the overall formula remains largely the same. Buoyed by Ayoade and Lycett's hilarious personalities and its limited-time premise, "Travel Man" is as freewheeling and fun as travelogs get.

"Travel Man: 48 Hours in..." is available to stream on Prime Video and  Peacock .

38. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Beloved chef and restauranteur David Chang covers all the most important meals of the day around the world in the original series "Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner." Joined by different celebrity guest stars in each episode, including Seth Rogen and Kate McKinnon, Chang learns what constitutes traditional daily meals in major cities from Marrakech to Phnom Penh. Elevated by thoughtful and entertaining discussions between Chang and his guests, the series offers a broader perspective on the meals we take for granted each day. As with Chang's other travel and cooking shows, the international cuisine-driven travel series focuses on authenticity and a society's connection to its defining food. 

"Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner" is available to stream on  Netflix  and  Prime Video with Fuse+.

37. No Passport Required

With a country as richly vast and varied as the United States, there are plenty of interesting travel spots without ever having to go abroad. This underlying truth provides the basic premise to the PBS travel series "No Passport Required," which is focused on exploring the legacy of immigrant traditions and cuisines within the country. Hosted by noted chef Marcus Samuelsson, six major American cities are showcased as Samuelsson examines the immigrant legacy and food that lovingly define each locale. Going beyond the typical fare that colors each city's perception, Samuelsson meets with everyone from the Armenian community in Los Angeles to the Chinese legacy behind Las Vegas, showcasing some of the cultures that help to make each city great.

"No Passport Required" is currently available to stream on Roku ,  Prime Video with PBS Living or PBS Documentaries, and PBS.

36. Big City, Little Budget

The prospect of living in or visiting major American cities isn't cheap, but host Oneika Raymond guides audiences through more cost-effective approaches to modern metropolises in "Big City, Little Budget." Produced by the Travel Channel, the web series has Raymond visiting cities from sea to shining sea while also providing tips on how to navigate each place without having a robust budget at one's disposal. From frugal dining tips to which neighborhoods won't break the bank, "Big City, Little Budget" offers invaluable advice. With its bite-sized episodes, Raymond offers clear and concise guidance through cities from Miami to New York as she leans into approaching each destination on a budget without compromising the fun.

"Big City, Little Budget" is available to stream through the Travel Channel's YouTube channel .

35. I'll Have What Phil's Having

After helming the long-running sitcom "Everybody Loves Raymond," prolific television writer and producer Phil Rosenthal turned to travelog hosting, starting with the 2015 series "I'll Have What Phil Is Having." Running on PBS for six episodes, the show follows Rosenthal as he travels around the world to check out the local food scenes. Joined by celebrity guests like Martin Short and Ray Romano, Rosenthal's comedic perspective helps give the usual travel show proceedings a more engaging approach. Though short-lived, "I'll Have What Phil Is Having" provides an early look at the type of travel programming Rosenthal would host to greater success on Netflix.

"I'll Have What Phil's Having" is currently available to stream on Roku , Prime Video with PBS Living or PBS Documentaries, Pluto TV , and PBS.

34. Basic Versus Baller: Travel at Any Cost

Even the same iconic locales can offer vastly different experiences depending on the visitor's financial situation, and this dichotomy is explored in the travel series "Basic Versus Baller: Travel at Any Cost." Hosted by siblings Alex and Marko Ayling, the two showcase how to navigate major travel destinations on a budget or take advantage of the visit when flush with cash. Whether they're discussing different approaches to visiting Hong Kong or trying the varying cuisines of France, the Ayling brothers provide plenty of information and varying perspectives on the same destinations. One of the things that work in favor of "Basic Versus Baller" is that the show's premise isn't necessarily binary, as tourists can mix the frugal and luxurious options provided as they see fit. 

A dual-perspective on the travelog formula, "Basic Versus Baller: Travel at Any Cost" is currently available to stream on Hulu , Prime Video with Tastemade, and Peacock .

33. Ugly Delicious

Chef and author David Chang looks at the cultural history and deeper meaning behind popular cuisine in the Netflix original series "Ugly Delicious." Premiering in 2018, Chang and a group of celebrity guests explore the origins of different foods through extensive interviews and traveling to informative points from the cuisine's origins. A thoughtful discussion about food and its inextricable links to societal identity, "Ugly Delicious" blends serious insight with Chang's quick wit to great effect. Widely acclaimed for its approach to asking the hard questions about cuisine's impact on culture and cultural perception, the series was nominated for an Emmy Award.

"Ugly Delicious" is currently available to stream on Netflix .

32. United Shades of America

The United States is, like any nation, an incredibly complicated and occasionally contentious place to live, from sea to shining sea, across a variety of communities. Comedian W. Kamau Bell spotlights these communities, their traditions, and their struggles in the CNN documentary series "United Shades of America." From speaking with indigenous communities in South Dakota to the extensive Black populations in the Appalachians, Bell provides an all-encompassing tour of the modern American experience. Bell's thoughtful approach to admittedly somber subject matter paints a more complete look at the country and the many voices that bring it to life as he travels nationwide.

The winner of multiple Emmy Awards for its sweeping work, "United Shades of America" is available to stream on Discovery+  and  Max  and purchase and rent via online retailers.

31. Booze Traveler

A lot can be learned about a culture through its gastronomy, and host Jack Maxwell is determined to get to the bottom of this search for identity – and the bottom of many bottles – in the Travel Channel show "Booze Traveler." Exploring domestic and international destinations, Maxwell reveals how drinking culture informs daily life in places like Seoul and Dublin while partaking in local spirits himself. With Maxwell's easygoing personality at the forefront, "Booze Traveler" looks at how communities bond over their love of drink. As a former South Boston bartender, Maxwell lends an everyday perspective to his global travels. He is more interested in looking for a good time than asking the hard questions as the show breezily chugs along.

A fittingly rambunctious travelog, "Booze Traveler" is available to stream on Discovery+ and rent and purchase through most digital retailers.

30. Street Food

While acclaimed filmmaker and documentarian David Gelb focuses primarily on haute cuisine with his award-winning "Chef's Table" series, his other Netflix original show, "Street Food," takes a different perspective. Rather than spotlight a single cook per episode like his previous work, Gelb examines an entire city's street food scene, exploring the origins of the cuisine that defines it. From the robust marks of Singapore to hole-in-the-wall restaurants in New Orleans, "Street Food" and its rotating set of hosts provide an authentic culinary portrait of the show's destinations. Gelb's everyman approach and broader scope per episode, in contrast to "Chef's Table," is an effective change that "Street Food" takes full advantage of.

The first season of "Street Food" is set in Asia, the second in Latin America, and the third in the United States, with the series currently available to stream on Netflix .

29. The Kindness Diaries

Connecting with your fellow humans and experiencing people of different backgrounds and cultures is one of the enormous benefits of traveling; for some, it's their entire purpose. In a way, "The Kindness Diaries" encapsulates the spirit of travel, as host Leon Logothetis traverses the globe depending on the kindness of strangers.

Equipped only with a bright yellow motorbike swapped for an equally yellow vintage convertible in the second season, Leon Logothetis searches for kind-hearted people to supply his needs on his travels. This includes food, accommodations, and gasoline. You'll be pleasantly surprised how far one can get in the world just by simply asking — though, he does sleep in his motorbike's sidecar when necessary. While the destinations range from all over the United States to Europe, Cambodia, and Vietnam, this feel-good travel doc is more about the people we meet along the way. Even though "The Kindness Diaries" only has two seasons behind it, the beautiful souls depicted stay with viewers for the long haul.

You can stream "The Kindness Diaries" on Discovery+ .

28. Gordon's Great Escape

Famous chef and television personality Gordon Ramsay decided to visit the originating countries of some of his favorite cuisines in the British television series "Gordon's Great Escape." In an interview with The Guardian , Ramsay shared his lifelong love of Indian food and chronicled his first trip to India in the show. Beyond his visit to India, Ramsay filmed the second set of interviews exploring other parts of Southeast Asia and its cuisine, including Thailand and Vietnam. Offering Ramsay a chance to escape the limelight he was experiencing in America and the United Kingdom, the show reveals him rediscovering his love of cooking while learning about overseas culinary traditions.

"Gordon's Great Escape" is available to stream through Prime Video , Tubi , Roku , and Fox.

27. Long Way Down

Actors and longtime motorcycle aficionados Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman reunited for another international motorcycle voyage with the British travel series "Long Way Down." A follow-up to their 2004 series "Long Way Round," the 2007 offering has the two bikers travel from Scotland all the way to Cape Town, South Africa. Along the way, the pair rides through 18 countries by motorcycle as they traverse Europe and the length of Africa. Even for those not particularly enamored by motorcycles, "Long Way Down" is a fascinating look at life on the open road across two continents anchored by two charismatic leads.

"Long Way Down" is currently available to stream on Apple TV+ .

26. Globe Trekker

One of the longest-running travel shows from the United Kingdom is "Globe Trekker," originally broadcast from 1994 to 2016. With a rotating set of hosts for each episode, the British series highlights a different region and provides audiences with a thorough guide to the sights and culture. More than simply presenting the major tourist attractions, the hosts examine local traditions, including interviews with local industries beyond tourism and hospitality. With such an impressive breadth of episodes, "Globe Trekker" set an enduring standard for travel programming in the United Kingdom against which all other travel shows are to be judged. 

Unfortunately, "Globe Trekker" is unavailable to stream or purchase in the United States.

25. Man v. Food

Eating challenges can say a lot about a culture, from the type of cuisine competitors consume to the quantity eaten to succeed. Actor and television personality Adam Richman took it upon himself to travel all over the United States to face all manner of eating challenges in the Travel Channel series "Man v. Food." Heading to a different destination each episode, Richman singlehandedly subjects himself to various regional eating challenges, from consuming massive steaks to an entire platter of chili dogs in a limited time. "Man v. Food" gave the Travel Channel its highest-rated debut upon its premiere in 2008 (per the Los Angeles Times ), with the show revived in 2017 and Richman replaced by current host Casey Webb.

An amusing look at different American regions by the eating challenges that help define it, "Man v. Food" is available to purchase and rent through most online retailers and to stream on Discovery+ and Max .

24. Tales by Light

If a vacation isn't documented and shared on Instagram, did it actually take place? Photography in some of Earth's most jaw-droppingly gorgeous places is the central premise behind the Australian travel series "Tales by Light." Each episode follows different professional photographers who tell an immersive story about exotic destinations through their pictures and videos. The perfect travel series for the social media-oriented generation, "Tales by Light" delivers truly breathtaking photographs and videos from the overlooked corners of the world.

All three beautifully rendered "Tales by Light" seasons are currently available to stream on Netflix .

23. Conan Without Borders

As an extension of his popular talk show on TBS, veteran host Conan O'Brien took his series on the road on multiple occasions to experience different cultures around the world. These special episodes were compiled in the online "Conan Without Borders," as O'Brien eschewed his typical talk show format. Traveling everywhere from Cuba to South Korea, O'Brien explores the societal morays of each of these destinations with his usual comedic antics and insight. A welcome change of pace from his usual formula, O'Brien blends biting political commentary with a genuine appreciation for local cultures, with "Conan Without Borders" winning an Emmy for its efforts.

"Conan Without Borders" is currently available to stream on Max .

22. The Moaning of Life

When British comedian and actor Karl Pilkington faced something of a midlife crisis, he decided to examine the lives and cultures of others around the world to gain a better sense of perspective (per Cinema Blend ). The resulting international tour was filmed for the British travel series "The Moaning of Life," as Pilkington contemplated love, life, and mortality on the road. To expand his view on the human condition, Pilkington visits drive-thru weddings in Las Vegas, professional mourners in Taiwan, and fertility clinics in Japan. The Hollywood Reporter's review of "The Moaning of Life" complimented the show's existential subject matter and Pilkington's hilarious perspective on the world to make its messaging less somber.

A good-natured look at life, death, and everything in between with an international scope, "The Moaning of Life" is available for purchase and rent on most major digital retailers, including Prime Video and Vudu .

21. Long Way Round

The first of a trilogy of documentary series, 2004's "Long Way Round" puts Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman in the driver's seat as they ride motorcycles from London to New York City eastward. The 19,000-mile journey is undertaken to promote the international humanitarian causes spearheaded by UNICEF, while McGregor and Boorman endure pitfalls and injuries in their journies around the globe. Inspired by the experience, McGregor and Boorman wrote a book detailing their journey, including McGregor adopting an orphan encountered along the way. The kind of celebrity road trip that doesn't feel overly pretentious or self-indulgent, McGregor and Boorman provide a unique perspective as they embark on a truly epic journey.

"Long Way Round" is currently available to stream on Apple TV+ .

20. Three Sheets

Not all cuisine is solid, which is why the 2008 travel series "Three Sheets" showcased a decidedly liquid diet as it visited drinking cultures around the world. Hosted by comedian Zane Lamprey, the show highlights local alcoholic beverages at a multitude of destinations, learning about their history and cultural impact. Of course, this examination goes beyond a mere history lesson, with Zamprey partaking in the beverages, usually in impressive quantities. Part travel series and part televised pub crawl, Lamprey is often accompanied on his journeys by a group of guests, including his college friend Steve McKenna.

After starting on MOJO HD, "Three Sheets" was broadcast on various platforms before ending its run on Spike in 2011. Most of the series is currently available to buy on Prime Video .

19. Worth It

The popular Buzzfeed series "Worth It" offers three different and simultaneous perspectives on the worldwide dining scene in each episode. The show has the three hosts, Steven Lim, Andrew Ilnyckyj, and Adam Bianchi, order three different dishes from a range of price points at varying destinations. This can entail a cheap cup of coffee or designer espresso costing hundreds of dollars while visiting Tokyo. The underlying question is whether or not the dishes are worth the price. Winning a Streamy Award, "Worth It" has been credited with changing how people approach food criticism online, actively comparing quality with price points worldwide (per SBS ).

Available to stream on Hulu , "Worth It" helps viewers know how best to check out the food scenes and types of cuisine in several countries.

18. Somebody Feed Phil

After getting his start travel hosting on PBS, Phil Rosenthal went bigger and better for the Netflix original series "Somebody Feed Phil" in 2018. While maintaining the broader premise of his previous show, "I'll Have What Phil Is Having," Rosenthal's Netflix series feels like a more personal experience for its host. Occasionally checking in with his brother, parents, and son while he is on the road, Rosenthal continues to sample local cuisine from around the world. As Rosenthal visits major international cities, he spotlights local charities and nonprofit organizations active in the destinations, providing a more community-based scope.

"Somebody Feed Phil" is currently available to stream on Netflix .

17. Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father

Popular British comedian Jack Whitehall and his longtime television producer father, Michael, take their paternal dynamic on the road for the Netflix original series "Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father." With a decided focus on familial comedy, the Whitehalls find themselves in countless awkward and hilarious situations worldwide as they bond together over their international trips. The two men learn about the cultures they visit, from Cambodia to Turkey, with the final season bringing the father-son duo back to the United Kingdom. Though Jack and Michael Whitehall's antics are played for laughs, the societies they visit are largely treated with the utmost respect as they travel through the jungle and desert together.

All five "Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father" seasons are available to stream on Netflix .

16. Extreme Engagement

Journalists and producers PJ Madam and Tim Noonan decided to put their then-recent engagement to the test around the world for the Netflix original series "Extreme Engagement." The miniseries has the happy couple travel around the globe for over a year to see how their relationship endures. While the premise feels relatively scripted, rather than providing an authentically spontaneous show, "Extreme Engagement" offers a romantic twist on the travelog format. Noonan and Madam visit romantic destinations that keep the focus on love and lasting relationships, from observing ancient fertility rituals to meeting cultural practices promoting romantic love.

A love odyssey that spans the islands of Indonesia to remote villages in Africa, "Extreme Engagement" is currently available to stream on Netflix .

15. Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives

Restauranteur and television host Guy Fieri has become something of a cultural icon himself, and Fieri's flagship series is the enormously popular "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives." Premiering in 2006 on the Food Network, the show has Fieri travel across North America, stopping at diners, hole-in-the-wall restaurants, and dive bars to sample their signature cuisine. Occasionally joined by an impressive set of celebrity guest stars, Fieri has visited hundreds of locations as part of his cross-country odyssey. Due to the sheer popularity of "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives," many of these spots have seen a noticeable increase in business following episode airings.

As the gold standard among Fieri's travel and food reality shows, "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" is available to rent and purchase via most online retailers and to stream on Discovery+ and Max .

14. Survivorman

Travel isn't just luxury hotels and all-inclusive resorts; for some, vacations involve roughing it in the wild and returning to nature through camping and other immersive experiences. The Canadian travel and wilderness survival series "Survivorman" takes these sensibilities to their extreme as host Les Stroud spends over a week alone in remote locations. With only a handful of tools and the clothes on his back, Stroud has to make do with local flora and fauna to survive these conditions for the allotted time. As a much more stripped-down and extreme approach than "Man vs. Wild," Stroud takes audiences everywhere, from the frozen expanse of Alaska to the predator-filled Amazon rainforest.

For those looking for the ultimate survivalist approach to the world's most unforgiving locations, "Survivorman" is available to stream on Discovery+ and Roku and to rent and purchase through most digital retailers.

13. An Idiot Abroad

When comedian Karl Pilkington's friends and frequent collaborators Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant learned he had no interest in world travel, the two created the series "An Idiot Abroad" in response. Capitalizing on Pilkington's often innocently naive worldview, the British travel show is primarily played for laughs as Pilkington makes wry observations about the destinations he visits. Not content to simply let Pilkington take in the picturesque sights, sounds, and cuisine, Gervais and Merchant have Pilkington endure several challenges, including bungee-jumping in New Zealand and swimming with sharks in Australia. MSN's review of "An Idiot Abroad" praised the mishaps for Pilkington's voyages orchestrated by Gervais and Merchant, with Pilkington's odd perspective and observations elevating the entire show.

A humorous look at the most gorgeous international locales, "An Idiot Abroad" is available to purchase and rent on most digital retailers, including Prime Video and Vudu .

12. Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations

After two seasons on the Food Network with "A Cook's Tour," Bourdain made the leap to the Travel Channel to host his popular travel series "Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations." Running for nine seasons from 2005-2012, Bourdain upped the scope considerably from his previous series while still retaining its everyman qualities. Backed by a more ambitious production, Bourdain visits a wider range of locales while incorporating his love of pop culture and inviting celebrity guests, including Bill Murray and Sean Penn. One of the more notable episodes sees Bourdain and his film crew trapped in Beirut during the 2006 Israel-Lebanon War. "No Reservations" went on to win two Emmy Awards and multiple nominations as a testament to the show's captivating perspective on the world. 

"Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations" is available to purchase from most online retailers and to stream on Discovery+ , Max , and through the Travel Channel website with a linked television provider.

11. Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted

After exploring and experiencing culinary traditions in Southeast Asia firsthand in his first travel series, chef Gordon Ramsay expanded the scope of his follow-up show " Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted " to encompass the whole world. Premiering on National Geographic in 2019, "Uncharted" has Ramsay visit different countries to learn about their cuisine and cooking techniques and take advantage of local thrills. From white water rafting through Laos to climbing up Alaskan mountains and glaciers, Ramsay showcases a more outdoorsy side of himself beyond the world of restaurants and kitchens. In Forbes' review of the series, Ramsay's genuine enthusiasm for the subject matter and destinations he visits was praised for elevating the premise and showing a new side to the temperamental chef.

"Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted" is available to stream through Disney+ and Hulu .

10. Chef's Table

After directing the universally acclaimed documentary film "Jiro Dreams of Sushi" in 2011, filmmaker David Gelb teamed up with Netflix for its original documentary series, "Chef's Table." Premiering in 2015, the show focuses on a different cook for each episode, from a Korean monk renowned for her kimchi to Mexican street food in Philadelphia. With its highly detailed and stylized cinematography and in-depth portraits of its subjects, "Chef's Table" is one of the best documentary series currently on the air. "Chef's Table" brings a global scope to cuisine while never losing sight of the very grounded and human story behind each of the cooks that make every dish possible. The show has been nominated for multiple Emmy Awards as it shines a light on everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to hole-in-the-wall dining locations. 

The main "Chef's Table" series and its numerous spinoffs are available to stream on Netflix .

9. The Amazing Race

In contrast to "Survivor," which keeps its contestants in a single remote location for an entire season, CBS' long-running reality series "The Amazing Race" takes full advantage of its global scope. Teams of two speed through different legs around the world, following clues and completing challenges to gain an edge. On the air since 2001, "The Amazing Race" has showcased some of the most stunning locales on the planet while pitting its teams in genuinely thrilling competitions each season. With many seasons of "The Amazing Race" offering a journey with contestants circumnavigating the globe, the travel element to the reality competition series is unmistakably at the forefront.

"The Amazing Race" is available to stream on Hulu , Netflix , and Paramount+ .

8. Expedition Unknown

With so many legends and historical mysteries around the world demanding answers, archaeologist Josh Gates sets out to find the truth in the Discovery Channel series "Expedition Unknown." From cryptozoology searches for mythical creatures like Bigfoot to attempting to discover clues linked to the lost city of Atlantis, Gates positions himself as a real-life Indiana Jones. Part globe-trotting history lesson, part debunking widely known myths, "Expedition Unknown" provides a fun twist on international travel off the beaten path. As an immensely popular show, "Expedition Unknown" has spawned several spinoff specials, miniseries, and after shows as Gates widens his worldwide search for truth.

"Expedition Unknown" is currently available to stream on Discovery+ and  Max and is available to purchase or rent through most online retailers.

7. Dark Tourist

Not every tourist is going to check out conventional art museums or major family-friendly attractions in their voyages around the world. The Netflix original series "Dark Tourist" offers travelers a chance to check out the more off-beat elements of local cultures, sometimes venturing into the outright macabre. Hosted by journalist David Farrier, "Dark Tourist" visits the purportedly haunted areas of major cities and tourism sites capitalizing on local tragedies and notorious figures around the world. From exploring irradiated sites to touring museums dedicated to infamous serial killers, "Dark Tourist" certainly isn't every traveler's cup of tea by the way it provides a morbid twist on the genre.

"Dark Tourist" is currently available to stream on Netflix .

6. The National Parks: America's Best Idea

Celebrated documentarian Ken Burns, who has crafted documentary series chronicling numerous elements of American culture and history, turned his attention to the country's national parks. The 2009 six-episode miniseries "The National Parks: America's Best Idea" recounts the history behind the parks and how they each capture the stirring beauty of the United States. From the enduring legacy of John Muir to the evolution of the National Park Service, "The National Parks" is a must-watch for anyone planning to visit the natural wonders nationwide. Universally acclaimed, "The National Parks" won two Emmy Awards, with critics praising how the documentary series presented the parks as a gorgeous extension of the national identity.

Released with a companion book expanding its story, "The National Parks: America's Best Idea" is currently available to stream on PBS with WOSU Passport and Prime Video with PBS Documentaries.

5. The Grand Tour

After being ousted from hosting "Top Gear," Jeremy Clarkson and his co-hosts Richard Hammond and James May took their globe-trotting automobile expertise to Prime Video for "The Grand Tour" (via Variety ). Retaining much of the format from their previous work together on "Top Gear," "The Grand Tour" has participants travel to different destinations using an impressive array of cars. From Cambodia to Madagascar, "The Grand Tour" showcases thrilling routes and cars, backed by the hosts' irascible wit. The Independent's positive review of "The Grand Tour" praised the show as distilling the best elements from "Top Gear" while boasting a significantly larger production budget.

With jaw-dropping destinations and high-octane action, "The Grand Tour" is currently available to stream on Prime Video .

4. Passport with Samantha Brown

Television personality Samantha Brown has built an impressive empire of travel shows on a number of platforms. One of Brown's most enduring lines of programming to date is "Passport," which sees Brown extensively explore different regions around the world for the ultimate experience. Starting with 2004's "Passport to Europe," Brown launched several different shows, taking her informative style to examine Latin America, China, and eco-friendly tourism. Brown's "Passport to Europe" won a Daytime Emmy Award while the subsequent "Passport to Latin America" was nominated for an Emmy, as a testament to Brown's eye for entertainment and educational quality. 

Brown's "Passport" series are currently available to stream on Discovery+ .

3. Anthony Bourdain: The Layover

As someone who hosted travel shows since 2002, Anthony Bourdain has experienced a lot of extended layovers and quick detours between trips to larger destinations. This premise of enjoying a locale on a tight turnaround time drives the core premise behind his Travel Channel series "The Layover." With only 24-48 hours in each location, Bourdain enjoys as much of the tourist-oriented and locally authentic experiences as he can before departing once more. A more tightly paced approach to Bourdain's usual travel fare, "The Layover" still finds the time to provide an informative look at different city cultures all over the globe. 

Invaluable for those looking to make the most of their time on a tight schedule, "Anthony Bourdain: The Layover" is available to stream on Discovery+ , along with purchase and rent options on most digital platforms.

2. Rick Steves' Europe

Perhaps the gold standard in public broadcasting produced travel shows, "Rick Steves' Europe" follows travel author and television personality Rick Steves as he explores cities in Europe. Running from 2000 to 2021, Steves not only shares the biggest cultural landmarks and defining fare in each destination, but he provides audiences with valuable travel tips along the way. More than simply focusing on the biggest tourist spots, like London and Paris, Steves adds plenty of overlooked getaways, including Slovenia and Oslo. With a steady hand and wealth of knowledge, Steves has provided his even-keeled traveler wisdom to those interested in visiting Europe for decades.

"Rick Steves' Europe" is currently available to stream on the show's website , PBS with WOSU Passport, Prime Video , and Tubi .

1. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown

Television personality Anthony Bourdain's final travel show was "Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown," which ran for 12 seasons on CNN from 2013 to 2018. Though "Parts Unknown" certainly retains the focus on local cuisine prominent in Bourdain's past travel shows, the CNN series weaves in more sociopolitical commentary in examining its locales. The series came to an abrupt end  following Bourdain's tragic death , with the remaining episodes becoming a tribute to the late host and his unique worldview. Led by Bourdain's insightful and incisive perspective on the places he visited around the world, "Parts Unknown” was widely acclaimed and won numerous Emmy Awards across its run. More than just a show about food and culture, "Parts Unknown" examines the overlooked qualities of its destinations and what brings people together on a universal level.

Available to purchase on most digital retailers, "Parts Unknown" is also available to stream on Max and Discovery+ .

Our ranking methodology

Everyone has that one show they're connected to, whether popular or not. "Best" is always subjective, and your all-time favorite series may not even be something someone else knows exists. That doesn't mean it's any less valid, though. We've tried to keep our personal opinions from this list and instead relied on more tangible elements when compiling our rankings. You'll find some of the most beloved, compelling, and critically acclaimed travel shows — and some you may have never heard of.

A travel show's host can be as important as the places traveled. There's a reason why Anthony Bourdain will always appear on lists like this one. His captivating storytelling capabilities and genuinely raw nature make for compelling TV that viewers resonate with. This kind of grab power shows up throughout our list of picks, with the face and voice of a program helping to boost some of the programs in our rankings.

We've considered the likability of the shows chosen here by scouring reviews from multiple sources, like Reddit, Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb. We've also factored in the number of seasons and any accolades a show may have been given. A lack of awards certainly doesn't dull a hidden gem's luster, though, so don't be surprised that many shows featured here have gone under the award committees' radar.

World Explorer Magazine

Latest World Explorer Issue World Explorer Vol. 10, No.3

Table of Contents

MYSTERIES OF EARLY KOREA By David Hatcher Childress Korea is the dolmen capital of the world and has plenty of other ancient mysteries. Join Childress as he looks at the enigmatic Korean Peninsula.

THE LAOTIAN PLAIN OF JARS By Brad Olsen Olsen takes us through Laos to look at the mystery of the megalithic jars and discovers the truth about the secret war in Laos.

THE GREAT PYRAMID LOOKING GLASS By Walter Bosley Bosley asks: Did Napoleon Bonaparte See the Future? Napoleon’s visit to the Great Pyramid may have provided him with visions of his historic future.

AZTLAN, THE CHAM, & THE GRAND CANYON By David Hatcher Childress The Aztecs said that they originated at a place called Aztlan somewhere in northern Mexico or the American Southwest. Childress advocates that Aztlan was in Arizona.

I SEE SYMBOLS By Michael Cordeiro Cordeiro reveals the symbolism all around us.

Plus News Round-Up, Crypto Corner, Prof. Wexler, WEX Remembers and more!

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World Explorers Club Surprises & Delights by Father Time

Picture this; you’re on the way home, from an ordinary day at work, or an uneventful day off, where you may have simply run some errands and done some chores. You are not expecting anything from Amazon, and no one owes you money, so there won’t be any checks in the mailbox. You arrive at your home, and the postal delivery person for your neighborhood has left a small box on your doorstep. You wonder Who in the world could that be from? As you pick it up, you see the return address is Kempton, Illinois. Then it occurs to you that you’ve just received yet another surprise from David Hatcher Childress, founder of Adventures Unlimited Press and The World Explorers Club as well as World Explorer, a magazine that always puts a smile on your face!

When you get inside, no matter your age, you suddenly feel like a kid on Christmas morning, and you quickly get settled so that you can sit comfortably and open the parcel. Inside my last package was a great book David wrote entitled Vimana: Flying Machines of the Ancients . There was also another great surprise, the third issue of World Explorer (Vol 1, No 3) from 1993. This 3rd issue of the magazine is a collector’s item, which you can buy on the back issues page of current issues, or on the website... it sells for twenty bucks. There were also some stickers, a very cool (no pun intended), insulated travel mug with the World Explorer Logo on it, a catalog of the latest book offerings, an itinerary of the upcoming trip or two, and I think there was a DVD. Maybe I am remembering a DVD along with my last issue of World Explorer.

Now the question on your mind should be, why is he getting all this great stuff? It’s simple! I am a proud Lifetime Member in The World Explorers Club . It was the best money I ever spent, and I am an old man. Father Time may be a nom de plume, but I have been around long enough to see a great many things! I only wish that I knew about World Explorer when David Hatcher Childress published the first issue back in 1991. The first two issues are no longer available in print form, but maybe I will one day convince David to have his printer make replica copies of those first two issues.

I am sure there are thousands of fans who would love to own them. I was fortunate enough to find and purchase a copy of World Explorer Far Out Adventures - The Best Of World Explorer Magazine, which was published in a large softcover format, back in 2001. This delightful volume of over 500 pages contains reprints of most of the pages of the first 9 issues of the magazine, so I have volume 1, numbers 1 & 2, in that wonderful compilation. Can you tell I am a big fan? I also own all the DVDs of Ancient Aliens , a fabulous show that David is heavily involved in, as well.

Now, back to the Lifetime Member story. On the inside back page of every issue, there is an order form where people can order a one year membership, a contributing membership, a supporting membership , or if you have the guts and the gumption (and a cool grand) a Lifetime Membership ! When you join as a lifetimer, you immediately get so many gifts and goodies, that when you do the math, you practically get about 300 bucks in merchandise! Then once or twice a year, David has the staff send out packages to the lifetime members. That was the box I described earlier.

Like I said, it was the best money I ever spent. It’s also delightful to sometimes receive a regular issue of World Explorer with a DVD tucked inside. It might be a Retro Drive-In Double Feature (my favorite was the disc with Flight To Mars 1951 and Phantom Planet 1961 ) or it might be one of David’s pre-Ancient Aliens DVDs such as Ancient Technology In Nazca & Central Peru . The bottom line is this, David does not need your thousand bucks, he’s successfully published dozen of titles, he’s traveled the world several times over, as a modern-day, real-life Indiana Jones, and he’s been publishing books and magazines for decades.

However, when you cough up the fee to join as a lifetime member, it shows that you’re seriously interested in his work, his writings, his travels, and his publishing businesses! Then he can turn around and reward you with many hours of fine reading enjoyment, not to mention the amusing movies along with the old-time television commercials included on the discs. The Volume 1, Number 3 issue of World Explorer, which has the look and feel of an aged manuscript, is fascinating, because it allows you to see an article that Mr. Childress wrote, way back in 1993, about the Egyptian tomb in Arizona, somewhere in the Grand Canyon, which was excavated by The Smithsonian, only to have them later deny the whole incident. This Smithsonian Cover-Up was recently featured in one of the episodes of Ancient Aliens, probably because of David’s input, and he’s known about this scandal for over 20 years. How amazing is that?

If it sounds like I am giving you a sales pitch about joining WEX as a lifetime member, I am not, I am simply excited about all of these fascinating subjects, I love the Ancient Aliens programs, I love David’s books, and the World Explorer gives me something to look forward to. I especially look forward to those packages of surprises coming in the mail from Kempton, Illinois. The description on the inside back cover of the magazine is vague when mentioning the lifetime membership; “It’s the whole Kit and Kaboodle and much much more. And, it lasts forever. Write in for full details.” I didn’t bother to write, I took a leap of faith, and I am glad that I did!

I especially love the World Explorers Club wall clock that I have hanging above my desk, and the WEX wristwatch was pretty cool, although I had to buy a larger leather wristband on Amazon, to accommodate my large wrist. No worries. I am not going to list every little thing I’ve received as a lifetime member, so that some of you, when you join, can be pleasantly surprised! Even the classifieds in the back of World Explorer are fun to read... some are silly, some are strange, and some are, well, I got a kick out of the fellow who was looking to sell his “SA-989 Series Polywarp Time Machine for only 34 troy ounces of gold in coin or ingot form.” He said it “conforms to the 2022 Time Travel Device Registration Act” and that was back in Volume 5, Number 7, from 2010.

I am confident that there are many people, and a few extraterrestrials, out there, who will enjoy a membership in the World Explorers Club, whether they join as a Regular, Contributing, or Supporting Member, or especially if they take the leap, as I did, and grab the Lifetime Membership. I can’t be sure, but I have a feeling that some of those Nazca Lines are also encouraging the people of the Earth, today, to join WEX Club! Just ask Professor Wexler!

Father Time is a writer of self-help materials, writes for others as a ghost, is a native Floridian and a Lifetime Member of World Explorers Club!

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The Born to Explore® programs are much more than a travelogue. Against a backdrop of stunning landscapes and extraordinary wildlife, explorer Richard Wiese immerses himself in local cultures to give viewers an intimate and authentic experience. Whether he’s gathering honey with Batwa Pygmies in Uganda, tracking white rhinos in South Africa or receiving a Hindu blessing in India, exploration is in his blood.

Since richard climbed mount kilimanjaro at age 11 with his father, he’s been on a non-stop adventure around the world., through richard’s curiosity, warmth and humor, viewers discover how travel can inspire and transform us all. from animal encounters to elaborate rituals and celebrations of people everywhere—the born to explore® programs are a window on the world.  a unique combination of human drama, adventure and breathtaking beauty in every episode..

“I’m still as passionate about discovery today as I was then,”

says Wiese. Thanks to our show, now everyone can go with me—and we’ll summit together.”

“Exploration is as much about discovery of the natural world as it is about understanding the many beautiful cultures of our planet.”

                                                       -  Richard Wiese

Born to Explore® is a half-hour television series produced by Explorer Films, LLC in partnership with WGBH Boston—America’s public broadcasting powerhouse and PBS’ single largest producer of television and digital content.  

Born to explore® travels to far-flung corners of the globe to celebrate world cultures, encounter rare and endangered wildlife and discover the exhilarating wonders of our planet. , born to explore® seeks to educate and empower its audience through intriguing and entertaining television programming. , each episode is an authentic, cinematic journey hosted by richard wiese, the modern-day indiana jones..

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May 6, 2024

10 most affordable countries in the world

Affordable nations.

These countries have budget living costs, which makes them perfect destinations for travellers looking to explore new cultures, and landscapes without burning a hole in their pockets.

Known for its beautiful beaches, rich culture, and delicious cuisine, Thailand offers affordable living costs, especially outside of major tourist areas like Bangkok and Phuket.

With its stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and delicious street food, Vietnam is a budget traveler's paradise, offering affordable accommodation, transportation, and dining options.

The Philippines

Philippines is home to over 7000 islands! The country is noted for its stunning beaches, diverse marine life, and friendly locals. The cost of living is relatively low, making it an affordable destination.

Home to scenic beaches, lush rice terraces, and vibrant culture, Indonesia offers affordable living costs, with budget-friendly accommodation and dining options available throughout the country.

From the majestic palaces of Rajasthan to the serene backwaters of Kerala, India offers a wealth of experiences at affordable prices. Accommodation, transportation, and food are all relatively cheap.

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With its blend of modern cities, tropical islands, and diverse cuisine, Malaysia offers affordable living costs, especially in cities like Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

From the historic streets of Istanbul to the stunning landscapes of Cappadocia, Turkey offers a mix of culture, history, and natural beauty at affordable prices. Accommodation, dining, and transportation are all reasonably priced.

With its ancient landmarks, bustling cities, and diverse cuisine, China offers affordable living costs, especially in smaller cities and rural areas. Travellers can explore iconic sights without overspending.

From the sandy beaches of Cancun to the charming streets of Oaxaca, Mexico offers affordable living costs, with budget-friendly accommodation, transportation, and dining options.

Home to the iconic temples of Angkor Wat, Cambodia offers affordable living costs, with budget-friendly accommodation and dining options available in cities like Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.

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Disney World | Cirque du Soleil adds behind-the-scenes option…

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Theme parks, disney world, disney world | cirque du soleil adds behind-the-scenes option at disney springs.

Participants will receive a backstage tour, an artist meet-and-greet, premium show seating, a “Drawn to Life” gift bag, a souvenir popcorn bucket, personalized check-in and other benefits. There will be a limit of nine guests per experience.

The post-performance tour will include an under-the-stage tour and looks at the show’s costumes and props.

“By showcasing the work of our talented artists and skilled technical team, attendees will gain a special insight into the magic that brings this collaboration between Cirque du Soleil and Disney animation to life,” Kevin Hargrove, company manager of “Drawn to Life,” said in a news release.

Disney sets August start date for Epcot Food & Wine fest

“Page to Stage” will be offered after the second performance on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays starting May 4. “Drawn to Life” is performed Wednesdays through Saturdays at 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.

The new experience costs $285 ($225 for ages 3-9). Tickets are now on sale through December.

Disney-Cirque’s ‘Drawn to Life,’ Epcot’s Broadway stars and fireworks: New, but improved? | Commentary

“Drawn to Life” debuted at Disney Springs in late 2021, taking over the stage that had been home to “La Nouba” for 19 years.  The new show’s story is inspired by Disney animators and has famed characters incorporated into the presentation in a Cirque du Soleil way.

For tickets or more information, go to cirquedusoleil.com/drawn-to-life .

Email me at [email protected] . Threads account: @dbevil . X account: @themeparks . Subscribe to the Theme Park Rangers newsletter at orlandosentinel.com/newsletters .

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Airbnb goes hollywood with plans to rent x-men mansion, ‘up’ home, ‘purple rain’ house and more.

The travel and tech firm is launching an 'Icons' program, letting users book a visit to a comedy show with Kevin Hart, a night at the Ferrari museum, or a stay in fictional locales.

By Alex Weprin

Alex Weprin

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The mansion, sitting atop a hill in Westchester County, New York, could be mistaken for any number of homes in the area, save for one little, er, big, thing.

In the driveway, feet from the front door, there is the battered severed head of a giant Sentinel, one of the antagonists to the X-Men.

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That includes an interior that has been meticulously hand-painted so as to appear two-dimensional, as in the cartoon, with the bedrooms, Professor X’s office, Beast’s lab, and even a “danger room” available for guests to explore.

The X-Men mansion is part of a new effort by Airbnb, one that will embrace pop culture to offer its users the ability to stay in iconic properties, both real and fictional. It’s an effort the company is calling “Icons.”

“The name Airbnb is a noun and a verb used all over the world, that’s a good thing, that means everyone knows it. But the downside is kind of like Kleenex or Xerox, it’s associated with one thing, and we want to do more things,” says Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky, in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter . “We want to be in the business not just of places to stay, but experiences and more. And so I think this is a gateway for us to offer more types of services and more types of offerings, and really just do something I think that brings magic in the world and attaches us to some of the biggest icons in culture.”

And while some companies would be fine going halfway, Airbnb is not pulling any punches. To whit: Carl’s house from the Pixar film Up , which was recreated room by room, and which can actually be suspended in the air by a crane.

“I think it’s about the details. You know Walt Disney used to talk about the details,” Chesky says. “Walt Disney also said if you can dream it, you can do it and that’s exactly what we’re trying to do.”

The idea for Icons actually started … with Ikea, and a chance shopping excursion about a decade ago.

The company would go on to do other one-offs, like the Barbie Dreamhouse, or the home from Home Alone.

“It captured people’s imagination. And we started realizing, what if this wasn’t just a one off program?” Chesky says. “What if we made this a whole product on Airbnb? What if we gave it its own category right in the homepage? and gave it the same level of seriousness and treatment that we treat the rest of the product? What if we do that more frequently, make the builds even more fantastic, and just make an ongoing commitment to doing this?”

Many of the Airbnb icons will offer exclusive experiences to go along with the stay. Guests who stay in Prince’s Purple Rain house will be able to listen to rare and special from the musician; while a stay at the Ferrari Museum in Maranello, Italy includes a lap around a track with a professional driver. One experience will see a guest joining Kevin Hart for an evening at his members-only Coramino Live Lounge; and another includes a private living room performance from Doja Cat.

Inside the X-Men mansion in Westchester, overnight guests will experience a multi-hour tour hosted by a team of actors portraying X-Men in training, including some unique cocktail-making in Beast’s lab, and combat training from a stunt man in the danger room. Each of the bedrooms is themed to different X-Men, with little details true to the character (Wolverine’s alarm clock has claw marks, for example).

“We’re just trying to capture a decent cross section of pop culture. But I’m particularly excited about the extremes, either these imaginary worlds that no one has ever tried to bring to life before, or these things that are real, but you never could get access to before,” Chesky says. “Most people don’t just hang out with Kevin Hart and get a 30 person comedy show from Kevin — he does like stadiums, you know — so we like bringing our imagination to life and being able to give you access to something that’s real, but that you’ve never had access to before.”

Airbnb will have 11 Icons at launch, and is promising to refresh it with new offerings throughout the year. Most will be free and first-come, first-serve, but even the ones with a fee will cost under $100 per person, per night (the X-Men mansion, for example, will be $97, but includes the overnight stay, the X-Men training experience, dinner, and breakfast).

You can see the full list of Icons experiences, as well as photos, below.

Drift off in the Up house – Sleep inside one of Disney and Pixar’s most iconic homes—and yes, it floats. You’ll explore Carl’s world in this detailed re-creation of his home, complete with more than 8,000 balloons, and located in the scenic red rocks of Abiquiu, New Mexico.

Step into X-Men ‘97 – Live like the X-Men as you stay in a 2D animated re-creation of Marvel Animation’s X-Mansion in Westchester, New York. You’ll discover your mutant abilities and even train in the Danger Room.

Go VIP with Kevin Hart – Kevin Hart is taking you inside his members-only Coramino Live Lounge for an A-list evening. You’ll join Kevin and his friends in this secret speakeasy, where they’ll treat you to a tequila tasting and live stand-up by the best comedians in the game.

Wake up in the Musée d’Orsay – Stay in the Paris art museum’s iconic clock room, which has been transformed into a luxurious bedroom by Mathieu Lehanneur, designer of the Paris 2024 Games torch and cauldron. From the terrace, you’ll witness the historic Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games along the River Seine.

Join a living room session with Doja Cat – Fresh off a tour performing on the world’s biggest stages, Doja is hosting you for a much more intimate experience. You’ll enjoy an unforgettable living room performance from the Grammy-winning artist, including her favorite songs and tracks from her latest album.

Stay in Prince’s Purple Rain house – Prince purchased the Minneapolis, Minnesota home featured in the legendary film Purple Rain, but it’s never been available to the public until now. Explore the home and go crazy for rare and special tracks from Prince’s world in an exclusive studio session.

Go on tour with Feid – Join the reggaeton superstar on his FERXXOCALIPSIS World Tour for an entire week. You’ll join the crew for rehearsals, ride along on the tour bus, and get backstage access for every show.

Live like Bollywood star Janhvi Kapoor – Janhvi Kapoor is inviting you into the legendary, never-before-seen Kapoor family home in Chennai, India. From learning her Bollywood beauty secrets to tasting her favorite southern Indian dishes, Janhvi will host you personally on this ultimate overnight stay.

Make core memories with Inside Out 2 – In anticipation of the June 14 release of Disney and Pixar’s new movie Inside Out 2, you’re invited to an overnight stay at Headquarters, the control center of Riley’s emotions. Your host, Joy, will welcome you into her vibrant world to witness the emotions in action and help keep things in balance.

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