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New Movie “Expedition Happiness” Follows A Converted School Bus

Published on February 20th, 2018 by Nikki Cleveland

Expedition Happiness is a new documentary (available on Netflix ) about a couple’s road trip across North America in a converted school bus.  The film follows their journey through Canada, Alaska , along the Pacific Coast , and across the desert of the southwest US and Mexico.  Their trip didn’t come without setbacks of course, like dealing with a leak and being denied at the US border.

Expedition Happiness stars musician Selima Taibi, filmmaker Felix Starck, and their dog Rudi.

They tore out the seats and refurbished the bus into a cozy loft-on-wheels with a kitchenette, bedroom, shower room, and small bathroom with a composting toilet.

They added cabinets and gorgeous wood paneling on the walls.

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Mosaic tiles were placed one by one in the shower..

The final result was more homey than any manufactured RV.

Their stylish kitchen was accented with wood tabletops and vintage-style light fixtures.  The bathroom, shower, and bedroom are in the back of the bus.

You can get the full tour in this video from their Youtube channel :

Their film “Expedition Happiness” is about an hour and 35 minutes.  It’s now streaming on Netflix and available for $3.99 on Youtube .

To see more awesome school bus conversions, click here ., share this post:, related posts:.

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1 thought on “new movie “expedition happiness” follows a converted school bus”.

I love their bus, it was one of my first inspirations to build my own skoolie! I was a bit disappointed in their movie, however. They barely showed the bus build, and once they were done, I don’t think they weren’t realistic in their expectations about life on the road. Mechanical problems happen all the time. They felt like every setback was a huge deal and were super upset. I feel like they probably didn’t do much research before doing this. The drone shots were nice, and I liked seeing their trip in full, more than their youtube videos. I’d give the move a B-.

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23 Binge-worthy Travel Documentaries on Netflix (2024)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: April 14, 2024

If you enjoy watching travel shows (whether for inspiration or research) you are in for a treat with this selection of the best travel documentaries on Netflix in 202 4

This eclectic list of Netflix travel documentaries and series will take you across every continent to meet the people, cultures, history and geography, natural wonders and wildlife that make up our beautiful planet.

Chosen by travel bloggers this is a selection of the best travel documentaries available on Netflix around the world.

Please bear in mind that not all these shows may be available on Netflix in your location ! If you would like unrestricted access to 15 Netflix libraries around the world (including Germany/USA/UK) we recommend Surfshark VPN. You only need 1 subscription to cover every gadget in your house. Click here for more information about Surfshark

Taco Chronicles

With surfshark vpn you can, dark tourist, down to earth, grand tours of the scottish islands, expedition happiness.

• Chef's Table

Somebody Feed Phil

Extreme engagement.

• Joanna Lumley's India

Chasing Coral

Magical andes, cuba and the cameraman, jack whitehall travels with my father, restaurants on the edge, tales by light, christiane amanpour: sex & love around the world, the serpent, the dawn wall, my octopus teacher, anthony bourdain: parts unknown, street food series (latin america and asia), more tv shows & movies from countries around the world, 23 best travel documentaries on netflix.

If you didn’t love the idea of eating tacos in Mexico City already, Taco Chronicles will make sure you do! In fact, you’ll discover that there’s even more to authentic Mexican tacos than you ever knew about.

In Taco Chronicles, you’ll go on a taco journey to Mexico City and beyond, to discover the unique types of tacos eaten in Mexico’s various regions and states. The show does start off in Mexico City, with the king of Mexican tacos — the taco al pastor.

From Mexico City, enjoy a virtual Mexican culinary food tour to its neighbouring state of Hidalgo, home of barbacoa (BBQ) tacos. Beyond Central Mexico, this food and travel documentary takes you all over Mexico.

In subsequent episodes of this two-season show, you’ll discover cochinita pibil (slow-roasted suckling pig) tacos in the Yucatan Peninsula, fried fish tacos in Baja California state on the west coast, cabrito (goat) tacos in Northern Mexico, and more.

Places/countries featured – Mexico

Chosen by Shelley of Travel Mexico Solo

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Over recent years, the public’s fascination with dark tourism destinations has boomed. Sites such as Chernobyl and Auschwitz draw in thousands of tourists every year. With so many of the population sharing a fascination for dark history, it is no wonder that so many have tuned into Netflix’s ‘Dark Tourist. 

The show follows journalist David Farrier as he travels around hoping to experience the most macabre destinations that the world has to offer. Farrier’s quest to unearth the morbid takes him to several high profile dark tourism destinations, including the site of the Fukushima nuclear disaster, on a JFK assassination tour and he even witnesses an exorcism in Mexico City.  

Although Farrier sometimes comes across as a mediocre Louis Theroux, this thought-provoking travel show succeeds in its aim and transports you into the unknown. The result is an interesting series that explores the darker side of life (and death).

Chosen by Sheree   of Winging the World

In the Netflix series Down To Earth , actor Zac Efron and wellness author Darin Olien travel across the globe learning about the wellness and sustainability efforts being made in numerous destinations.

Each of the eight episodes focuses on a different location and aspect of sustainability or personal wellness.

In the first episode, you’ll learn all about harnessing the earth’s energy in Iceland. From there, travel to Paris to see their efforts to reduce bottled water impacts, learn about sustainability in Costa Rica, and nutrition in Sardinia.

Also included in the series are food education in Lima, post-hurricane sustainability in Puerto Rico, London pollution reduction efforts, and Iquitos wellness in the Peruvian Amazon.

In one of the most intriguing segments, they learn about tap water differences from a water sommelier. The series lends a glimpse into some beautiful destinations and what locals are doing to keep them beautiful for decades to come.

Chosen by Samantha of PAonPause.com

More to watch!

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• 16 binge worthy Turkish series on Netflix

Historian and film-maker Paul Murton brings you on a fascinating journey to many Scottish islands over four seasons. He meets with locals; finds hidden gems; and explores the rich, unique, and sometimes tragic history of each of the islands. 

You may be surprised to find yourself binge-watching this relaxing travel documentary series. You will get caught up in Murton’s contagious curiosity about its people and his great admiration for its beauty. Every episode is filled with stunning scenery. The high production quality and engaging soundtrack heighten the enjoyment of the show. Fans can follow this up with his three other Scottish travel series.  

Queue up, Grand Tours of the Scottish Islands to enjoy some dreamy armchair travel or to gain a deeper understanding of the islands as you plan your trip to Scotland .  

Places featured: Isle of Skye , Islands of Loch Lomond, Hebridean Islands, Orkney Islands, and many more

Contributed by Erica at Trip Scholars

Expedition Happiness is a home movie/travelogue that follows the story of a German couple as they give up their life in Germany to do an epic road trip in the Americas with their dog Rudi.

The couple, whose names are Selima and Felix, purchased a yellow school bus in Florida for 9500 USD. After working on it for three months, they transformed it into their “Loft on Wheel”, a comfortable, spacious, and well-equipped adventure bus. 

The itinerary was to start in Alaska near Denali National Park , drive all the way down to Central America, cross over to South America, and finish in Argentina.

On their adventure, they documented all the incredible landscapes they saw, the people they met, and more.

Whether they were able to finish their epic adventure or not, you will have to find out on Netflix! 

Chosen by Sean of Living out Lau

Chef’s Table

Even if you’re not a foodie but love to travel, be sure to watch Chef’s Table on Netflix. This documentary series features renowned Chefs from around the world who are creating inspired culinary experiences.

Now in its 6th season with 30 episodes, the series doesn’t just showcase a chef’s creations, but takes you on a journey through each of their personal stories that has led to their creativity.

World renowned chefs like Italy’s Massimo Bottura will inspire you with how he came from humble beginnings to being on the world culinary stage. But one chef in particular has inspired us to travel for her food — Chef Ana Rôs, owner of  Hiša Franko restaurant  in Kobarid, Slovenia. 

After initially pursuing a career track in business, she spent years honing her craft and experimenting with the local foods of her native Slovenia. Today, she is now one of the top chefs in the world, Hiša Franko is one of the 50 Best Restaurants in the World and newly Michelin-rated — and our dinner there on my birthday might possibly be the best meal of my life.

Watch the series and decide where your next culinary adventure will be.

Chosen by Lori of travlinmad.com

In “Somebody Feel Phil”, the creator of “Everybody Loves Raymond,” Phil Rosenthal, travels the world to indulge in the scrumptious local cuisine and to learn more about the culture of these destinations.

There are currently four seasons on Netflix and each episode features a different city around the world. This documentary does a great job of portraying local customs and traditions and viewers will feel like they’re actually in that city with the locals.

Phil has a childlike wonder to him when he’s learning about the different cultures and he answers basically any potential questions the viewers could have about the destination. One of the best parts about the documentary is watching Phil turn the strangers he meets into his family. 

Places featured – Bangkok, Saigon, Tel Aviv, Lisbon, New Orleans, Mexico City, Venice , Dublin, Buenos Aires, Copenhagen, Cape Town, New York City, Marrakesh, Chicago, London, Seoul, Montreal, Rio De Janeiro, San Francisco, Singapore, the Mississippi Delta, and Hawaii. 

Chosen by Disha of Disha Discovers

While most people get engaged and then begin planning their perfect wedding, Tim and PJ, stars of the Netflix show Extreme Engagement, do anything but that. Instead, Tim and PJ get engaged and then set out on a worldwide exploration of marital traditions around the world. 

The couple journeys to places such as Mongolia, Brazil, China, Nigeria, and Papua New Guinea facing challenging experiences along the way that has them questioning their relationship and each other. 

You get to see a glimpse inside the cross-cultural challenges associated with a new romance along with an interesting insight into how other cultures celebrate love and marriage. 

Chosen by Michelle Snell from That Texas Couple

International travellers Scott Wilson and Justin Lukach cross the world and push their limits on an expedition to find genuine, unforgettable experiences.

DEPARTURES is an international award-winning and inspiring television travel series that will take you on the journey of a lifetime and beyond. From epic landscapes to unforgettable culture, learn what it takes to make it all happen through personal successes, crushing disappointments and memorable new friendships that could only be made by travelling abroad.

With two episodes for every continent, DEPARTURES will arm and reassure your wanderlust with hours of riveting programming that captures the beauty, drama, wonder and humor of taking a leap abroad.

DEPARTURES covers every aspect of world travel, showing you exactly what to expect at destinations around the globe. From beaches in Bali and cruising in the South Pacific Islands, to trekking on Mt Kilimanjaro and sailing up icebergs off Greenland, DEPARTURES takes you straight into a location’s unique atmosphere… giving viewers insight into a whole new way of life.

Places featured – Nearly 30 countries around the world including Japan, New Zealand and Russia

Chosen by Casandra of Karpiak Caravan Adventure Family Travel

Joanna Lumley’s India

Joanna Lumley is a British actress probably most well-known for her role as the outrageous Patsy of Absolutely Fabulous. What is perhaps less known about her is that she was born in Kashmir, India, in 1946, and the descendent of British colonists in India going back to 1777.

Originally aired in 2017 with three episodes, Joanna Lumley’s India takes viewers on a personal trip across the country where she explores modern India and finds connections to members of her own family and the experience of being and speaking English in India .

Lumley has also hosted travel shows on Japan, the Silk Road, the Caribbean, and the Trans-Siberia express train.

Places featured:  Tamil Nadu, Sikkim, Gujarat, Mumbai, Ranthambhore National Park, Delhi, and Srinagar, Kashmir.

Chosen by Mariellen of Breathedreamgo

Chasing Coral is a fascinating documentary about the disappearance of coral around the world. In this chasing coral, a team of divers, researchers and photographers set out on an ocean adventure to document the bleaching of Coral in warming seas. This phenomenon is when corals lose their beautiful and vibrant colors to become white, dying shortly after. 

The point of this documentary is to show that the coral’s death is the result of climate change and the rise in temperatures that are absorbed by the oceans. 

The documentary takes us to some of the most beautiful destinations in the world such as the Florida Keys, Hawaii and the Bahamas. More than that, this documentary also shows the important damage climate change has done to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. 

I definitely recommend this documentary to anyone who wants to really understand the impact of human activity on the ocean’s ecosystem. 

Chosen by Camille from Everything Yoga Retreat

Magical Andes is one of the best travel documentaries on Netflix if you are looking to learn about the natural gems of South America. When searching amongst the 100’s of other documentaries you’ll find this particular docuseries created by Luis Ara and Alexandra Hardorf concentrates solely on the magical landscape of the Andes mountain range. 

This docuseries not only shows you all about the longest continental mountain range in the world, but talks about the wildlife, lakes, and forests, deserts, volcanoes, and other Mother Earth creations that exist in that region. 

Magical Andes focuses on truly stunning imagery and gives you a look into some of the  best places to visit in South America  that you simply wouldn’t see passing through in a car.

Places featured  – In season one, the Netflix documentary features spectacular views from Argentina and Chile. Then from the Aconcagua desert in Bolivia over to some of the more ancient cultures in Peru. The lush mountain of Colombia and Ecuador are also featured.

Chosen by Daniel of LayerCulture.com

If you’ve ever thought of visiting Cuba there are many Cuban movies and documentaries to help you to research your trip, but none are as epic as this one. 

Many people believe that Cuba is a country frozen in time, but this Netflix documentary features Jon Alpert’s travels to Cuba over a span of nearly five decades. 

And while the relationships between the United States and Cuba has been fragmented at times, he visited each time as an American journalist. It starts in 1970s, just over a decade since the Cuban revolution when the country was thriving. 

Instead of giving his perspective on Cuba, he interviews three families who share their own stories of every day life. He continues to visit Cuba to find these families to update their stories. Over the decades the political situation and relationship with the United States changes quite dramatically.

And while he also interviews Fidel Castro, most of the film is really about everyday Cubans and their highs and lows.

Chosen by Ayngelina of Baconismagic.ca

Jack Whitehall is a British comedian who attended private school and has a somewhat disjointed relationship with his father Michael because of this. Jack also never got to take a gap year before going to university so season one of Travels with my Father is all about Jack finally embarking on a traditional ‘gap year’ trip to Southeast Asia. The twist is he takes his father with him so they can strengthen their bond.

The series takes place in Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam and highlights some of the gap year activities that can be done including full moon parties on the beach and visiting Angkor Wat. By the end of their travels, they reflect on what they have learned about each other and themselves.

The show continues in a similar fashion in the subsequent seasons where Michael takes Jack on a culture and history tour around Europe, Jack shows Michael everything the US has to offer, and both his mother and father join him for a road trip in Australia.

Chosen by Steph from Book It Let’s Go!

If you love travel, design and food, Restaurants on the Edge needs to be on your Netflix list. In each episode, the show highlights a restaurant in a stunning location. 

The restaurants get a makeover from a design expert and the menu often gets an upgrade from the show’s chef, the goal is to take struggling restaurants and make them sustainable for the business owners. 

There are currently two seasons of Restaurants on the Edge on Netflix, with locations throughout the world. 

In season one, you’ll be treated to beautiful ocean views in Malta, as well as stunning architecture. The views continue with a cliff side restaurant in Costa Rica. 

Season two will take you around the world again, with restaurants in Finland, St. Croix and Arizona. 

Not only is it fun to see the upgrades these restaurants go through, but it’s also inspiring to see the impact the changes have on each person’s life making this show a must-watch. 

Chosen by Alenis of seasaltandfog.com  

If you are a fan of Italy, Italian art and History, then watch the gorgeous and surprisingly brutal history of the famous Medici’s of Florence.

The Netflix show is so well done with gorgeous cinematography, beautiful costumes and stage settings. The show includes all the surrounding countryside and historic sites that document the Medici Family and their major influence on Florence, Venice, and even Rome (two popes were related to the Medici family).

It also showcases early Catholic power and greed. The Pope had absolute power and a religious mission that seemed corrupt whichever person was Pope and ruler. 

The Medici focus really hits the major sites of the city and also the start of the Renaissance period in Italy. The crowning of the main dome in the cathedral was a major achievement during this time frame and it was really fascinating to see how this was depicted and shown in development and the struggles of the Medici family to get this undertaking done.

Also, it was interesting to see how easy it was during that time frame to create wealth and also lose it depending on your affiliations and business relationships with the pope and other influential rulers of that time.

Watch the Medici’s on Netflix and if you visit Florence, you’ll gain a better understanding of the Medici fame and fortune in the area.

Chosen by Noel of Oahu Travel Now

Below Deck is a series of reality TV shows. Each show is set on a luxury yacht which is rented out by wealthy charter guests, but the real action is with the young yacht crew, or yachties, who serve them, the characterful captains who lead them and the stunning locations. The original Below Deck was so successful that it rapidly gained two spin offs, Below Deck Mediterranean and Below Deck Sailing Yacht.

The original Below Deck saw the crew sail around Sint Maarten in the Caribbean, followed by seasons in the British Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, the US Virgin Islands, Tahiti, Thailand and Antigua.

Below Deck Mediterranean’s locations have included Mykonos in the Greek Islands, Split and Cavtat in Croatia, the Amalfi Coast in Italy, the Cote d’Azur in the south of France and Mallorca in Spain’s Balearic Islands. Below Deck, Sailing Yacht has only had one series, set in Corfu.

Contributed by Helen of HelenOnHerHolidays.com

The documentary series “Tales by Light” follows renowned professional filmmakers and photographers as they visit worldwide destinations and capture fascinating content which highlights different features of the natural world. 

Every episode focuses on a different subject such as wildlife, the oceans, landscapes, adventure activities, or cultural practices and traditions. The distinct approaches of the featured photographers really help to bring the stories to life and this program presents many less well-known countries and regions in a compelling way using panoramic landscapes and stunning visuals. 

The first season explores multiple destinations per episode, with visits to Tonga, Papua New Guinea, Alaska and Colorado in the United States, Vanuatu, the Himalayas, Antarctica, Ethiopia and Uganda.

The second season covers Kenya, Norway, Brazil, the Bahamas, India and Namibia, and the third season highlights Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Australia.

This series presents a journey across the globe and is sure to inspire travellers who are looking for their next adventure.

Contributed by Claire from  Claire Pins Travel  

In this cultural travel show, CNN journalist Christiane Amanpour (who in the past has covered major stories from countries like  Iran , Rwanda, and Pakistan) travels to six different cities around the world to explore women’s love lives across multiple cultures. She talks to experts in the field as well as everyday people — revealing facts and details that give a very insightful glimpse into the culture and values of women around the world. 

Christiane is a natural at asking just the right questions and at shining a spotlight on the stories of the women in each city.

While this show focuses heavily on love and sex, viewers will get to learn a whole lot about the overall mentality and life approach of each country — making this a perfect travel show that fosters deeper cultural appreciation.

Places featured – Tokyo (Japan), Delhi (India), Beirut (Lebanon), Berlin (Germany), Accra (Ghana), Shanghai (China)

Chosen by Jiayi of The Diary of A Nomad

Released at the beginning of 2021, The Serpent is not a travel show in and of itself, but it will inevitably allure travelers into visiting the many places explored by the main characters.

Aired on Netflix, the series tells the real story of Charles Sobhraj, a French serial killer of Indian and Vietnamese origins who in the mid-1970s drugged, robbed and killed a large number of backpackers travelling between Thailand, India and Nepal. 

Sobhraj and his Quebecoise girlfriend Marie-Andrée Leclerc were finally identified as the authors of the crimes thanks to the work of Dutch diplomat Herman Knippenberg, who, albeit the many reservations of the Dutch ambassador to Thailand, set to investigate the disappearance of a Dutch couple and through a series of lead eventually managed to uncover the culprits.

Places featured: Over the course of 8 episodes you will be taken to Bangkok, the coast of Thailand, the peaks of Nepal, the streets of several Indian cities and even to Paris .

Chosen by Claudia Tavani of My Adventures Across The World

When Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson free climbed the Great Wall of the El Capitan rock face in the Yosemite National Park in 2018, the news spread like wildfire.

Dawn Wall is a US documentary about this story of perseverance and adventure.

Cameras follow these legendary free climbers as they undertake this nearly impossible task. It took Cadwell 7 years to reach the goal and we are given a detailed look into the events that led to this decision and the struggles that were involved throughout the journey.

There’s one constant theme that runs throughout the story and that is the strength of the human spirit.

This captivating documentary with great visuals should not be missed. The documentary is in English, but subtitles are available in different languages that include Spanish, French, and Chinese. 

Places featured : Yosemite National Park

Chosen by Rai from A Rai of Light

My Octopus Teacher is an award-winning and very heart-touching documentary on Netflix that covers how a filmmaker spent a year trying to capture a wild octopus on camera and also form a friendship with it. 

For about a year, Craig Foster films a wild octopus he came across while trying out free-diving through an underwater kelp forest in South Africa.

Over the period, Craig and the octopus develop a bond with the octopus almost showing Craig around and not being uninhibited by his presence as he follows it.

Craig watches as it protects itself, loses an arm to an attack and then regrows it too. At the end of the documentary, the octopus naturally passes away after mating and trying to protect its eggs. 

Filmed entirely near Cape Peninsula in South Africa, this beautiful documentary is not to be missed as it covers an offbeat relationship between man and nature. 

Places featured – A kelp forest off False Bay near Simon’s Town in South Africa

Chosen by Lavinia of Continent Hop

For the foodies of the world, who travel the world, and are strident realists about the world, “Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown” is an absolute must-watch.

Rugged, painfully honest, internationally renowned chef Anthony Bourdain travelled the globe in search of authentic food, people and life experiences. With no time for nonsense and all the time in the world for simple food done to perfection, he takes the viewer to eating establishments from tiny street food stalls to the finest of fine dining.

In his search for amazing food in amazing places, he guides you from the brutality of the Bornean jungle to the madness of Seoul’s foodie nightlife and the pure joy of a perfectly cooked steak in an Argentinian steakhouse accompanied by a glass of locally bottled Malbec. 

Parts Unknown leaves you an appetite for dinner and a bigger one for travel. Wanderlust is baked into every episode.

Chosen by Rosie of the Flying Fluskeys

The Street Food series is one for foodie lovers around the world to enjoy! Each episode follows the story of a local chef and how they started their now-famous street food shops.

From family restaurants to cultural fusions, you learn about a destination through food from the people who make it possible.

Volume one takes place in various Asian destinations, such as Bangkok (Thailand), Singapore, Delhi (India), Seoul (South Korea), and others.

The second volume takes place in Latin America, highlighting food in Salvador (Brazil), Bogota (Colombia), Lima (Peru), Oaxaca (Mexico), and more.

It is a delicious docuseries that will keep you salivating and also inspire you to understand how food and travel are one. Street Food will also encourage you to get out of your comfort zone if you normally avoid street food!

It is the ideal blend of travel and food for everyone to indulge in from home.

Chosen by Sojourner of Sojournies.com

📺 If you are looking for more travel inspiration on Netflix check out these posts:

• 39 Very Best Travel Movies to Inspire Your Wanderlust
• Best Spanish Series on Netflix (Binge-worthy TV for 2021)
• 10 best movies about South Africa to watch before you visit
• Best Netflix series set in Denmark
• 15 best Scandinavian & Nordic Noir Netflix series you can’t miss
• Best French series on Netflix

📖 If you enjoy reading about a country before you visit check out these posts

• A Complete Guide to the Best Books from Around the World
• Best books about Croatia (or set in Croatia)

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Expedition happiness.

• Common Sense Says
• Parents Say 10 Reviews
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Common Sense Media Review

Road trip docu shows German couple's search for happiness.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Expedition Happiness is a travelogue documentary made by a young German couple fulfilling a desire to leave the big city, Berlin, and feed their souls by wandering through natural beauty. They buy an American school bus in North Carolina, convert it to a rolling loft, and set off for…

Why Age 10+?

"S--t" and "ass."

The dog becomes violently ill from heat exhaustion and bacteria. He comes down w

The travelers fear that soldiers have planted drugs under their bus. They visit

The trip to natural landscapes where few tourists tread seems to represent a rej

Any Positive Content?

"Do more." "Happiness is the only thing that is doubled if it is shared." Happin

Felix and Selima are both intrepid and resourceful as they customize a bus thems

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Violence & Scariness

The dog becomes violently ill from heat exhaustion and bacteria. He comes down with giardia, and possibly a tick-related disease, causing vomiting, fever, and diarrhea. They stop for the dog to have double elbow surgery.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

The travelers fear that soldiers have planted drugs under their bus. They visit a wealthy chili farmer, learning later that he's a renowned drug dealer. They drink tequila.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.

Products & Purchases

The trip to natural landscapes where few tourists tread seems to represent a rejection of materialism.

Positive Messages

"Do more." "Happiness is the only thing that is doubled if it is shared." Happiness is something you bring with you, not look for.

Positive Role Models

Felix and Selima are both intrepid and resourceful as they customize a bus themselves and handle setbacks and challenges on the road.

Parents need to know that Expedition Happiness is a travelogue documentary made by a young German couple fulfilling a desire to leave the big city, Berlin, and feed their souls by wandering through natural beauty. They buy an American school bus in North Carolina, convert it to a rolling loft, and set off for Canada, Alaska, the U.S. West Coast, Mexico, and parts south. Visa problems delay them. So does their mountain dog's intolerance for heat, bus repairs, and terrible roads. In general, despite setbacks and challenges, it appears that these two bring their happiness on the trip with them. Expect to hear the words "s--t" and "ass." The travelers fear that soldiers have planted drugs under their bus. They visit a wealthy chili farmer, learning later that he's a renowned drug dealer. They drink tequila. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails .

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Based on 10 parent reviews

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Vanity project, what's the story.

EXPEDITION HAPPINESS is a home movie/travelogue about an engaging young German couple's driving trip in the school bus they converted through the United States, Canada, and Mexico. They travel with open hearts, a sense of adventure, and their beloved dog, Rudi. After buying the bus in North Carolina, they spend three months doing the rebuild themselves, just making it across the Canadian border as their visas expire. Shunning the spontaneity-killing notion of planning, they go where curiosity takes them, through Banff National Park and to Alaska, where views are spectacular. The sight of bear, moose, soaring mountains, streams, and lakes feed their souls as they describe the happiness they believed the trip would provide. Felix Starck, the film's producer, and his girlfriend and the film's director, Selima Taibi, a singer-songwriter also known as Mogli, clearly had plenty of happiness when they started out and just took it along on the trip. The goal is to drive straight through to Mexico, Peru, and Argentina, all steps chronicled online and followed by Facebook fans. All goes well, despite a few visa delays, bus repairs, and dog health issues. Eventually, they cut the trip short in Mexico when it becomes clear the dog's health won't hold through the rest of the arduous journey. They return to Germany and surprise their families on Christmas.

Is It Any Good?

This documentary is little more than 96 minutes with two German city kids who are tired of their cool, big-city Berlin loft and long for fresh air, nature, and new experiences. While they're both enthusiastic and charming, their film offers no special insights into the countries they visit, nor into themselves, for that matter. The photography is lovely and Taibi's often haunting music provides most of the soundtrack. It's great to see sea turtles in the wild and bats fluttering through caves, and moose and bear foraging, but neither Starck nor Taibi make what they show us any more interesting than it would be to look at stock nature footage.

The notion that young Europeans yearn for the great outdoors to feed souls that might otherwise be dampened by crushing city living isn't new, but that doesn't mean that there is nothing to enjoy here. Starck loves sports and travel and made a previous film of his one-year, around-the-world bicycle trek called Pedal the World. And Taibi's enthusiasm for pristine natural surroundings is uplifting, but their spontaneity demonstrates a naivete that allows them to "discover" that driving thousands of miles is more exhausting than they'd imagined. Likewise, the roads are worse than expected. An old bus has mechanical problems. A mountain dog is going to have trouble in the heat of the desert. Brakes melt in Death Valley heat. When the water tank falls off the bus from driving Mexico's pitted roads, and they have no tools to fix it, Felix observes that things "can't be any worse." Really? Plus, there's little real dramatic tension here. And although this is mostly well-edited, when one instance of actual drama occurs -- the dog becomes extremely ill -- the subject is left hanging. Later, we see the dog seems to have recovered, but without any further comment. The pair notes that they wrote the credits, complete with typo, five minutes before Expedition Happiness 's premiere.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about what people are looking for when they say they're looking for happiness. Do you think happiness is different for everyone? Why?

Do you think you can go somewhere to find happiness? If you are sad in one place, do you think you're likely to bring that sadness with you when you go someplace else?

Felix and Selima seem happy in Expedition Happiness . What do you think made them unhappy before they left Germany?

Movie Details

• On DVD or streaming : May 4, 2017
• Cast : Selima Taibi , Felix Starck
• Director : Selima Taibi
• Studio : Studio Hamburg Enterprises GmbH
• Genre : Documentary
• Run time : 96 minutes
• MPAA rating : NR
• Last updated : July 12, 2024

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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Second-Half Travels

Adventures of a Fifty-Something Cubicle Escapee

13 Best Travel Documentaries on Netflix (2023)

These Netflix documentaries about travel will pacify your wanderlust between trips as you explore the world from the comfort of your couch.

Here are some of the best travel documentaries on Netflix in the US as of July 24, 2023. Many are also available in other countries. Watch them while you can, because content disappears as licensing agreements expire.

Also, don’t miss the bonus list of travel documentaries on Amazon Prime below.

Table of Contents

Netflix Travel Documentaries

1. dark tourist.

Netflix meets Vice in this travelogue by New Zealand filmmaker David Farrier, who sets his sights on the world of dark tourism.

From a nuclear lake to a haunted forest, he visits macabre — and sometimes dangerous — tourist destinations around the world.

Countries : Various

2. Street Food: Latin America

Experiencing street food culture is one of the joys of travel. This mouth-watering docuseries travels to Latin America to meet the local stars of street food.

Countries : Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Peru, and Bolivia

3. Street Food: Asia

This inspiring series from the makers of Chef’s Table is as much about the compelling survival stories of these talented street chefs as it is about their signature dishes.

The first season takes the viewer to nine Asian destinations.

Countries : Thailand, Japan, India, Indonesia, Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore, the Philippines, and Vietnam

4. Pedal the World

Over the course of one memorable and adventure-filled year, German-born Felix Starck documents his 18,000-kilometer bicycle journey across 22 countries.

The Oscar-nominated heart-rending true story of the rangers risking their lives to save Africa’s most precious national park and its endangered gorillas.

Country: Congo

6. Chef’s Table

Each episode of this Emmy-nominated docuseries visits a different international location for an in-depth interview with one of the world’s most renowned chefs.

Creator David Gelb also directed the critically acclaimed Jiro Dreams of Sushi , and the two productions share a similar emotional and artistic sensibility hallmarked by compelling narratives and mesmerizingly beautiful cinematography.

7. Magical Andes

No English subtitles available for trailer – but you don’t need them to admire the stunning photography

From Argentina to Colombia, this inspiring documentary follows five characters who share their deep connection to South America’s majestic mountains.

Countries: Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia

8. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Chef David Chang brings his trademark irreverent humor and curiosity to Vancouver, Marrakech, Los Angeles, and Phnom Penh as he explores the culture and food accompanied by various celebrity guests.

Countries : Canada, Morocco, US, Cambodia

9. The Trader (Sovdagari)

At only 23 minutes, this award-winning documentary short provides a fascinating and poignant window into impoverished rural life in post-Soviet Georgia.

The camera follows a traveling trader as he sells secondhand goods in exchange for potatoes. Beautiful cinematography that captures the stark Georgian landscape.

Country: Georgia

10. Ugly Delicious

Smart-ass chef David Chang leads his buddies on a mouthwatering, cross-cultural hunt for the world’s most satisfying grub.

Each episode of this highly original show tackles a topic like tacos, pizza, or dumplings, examining its cultural and culinary history and visiting different countries to compare how it’s made.

Warning: Chang can be obnoxious, and racial and political commentary is liberally sprinkled throughout the show, which may not be to everyone’s taste.

11. Period. End of Sentence.

This Oscar-winning documentary short takes us to rural India, where local women fight the stigma surrounding menstruation by manufacturing low-cost sanitary pads.

Country: India

12. Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat

Based on Samin Nosrat’s best-selling book, this visually stunning series travels to the home kitchens of Italy, the southern islands of Japan, the heat of the Yucatán, and to Berkeley’s Chez Panisse.

Samin’s contagious laugh and genuine passion for cooking inspire as she explores the central principles of what makes food delicious.

Countries: Italy, Japan, Mexico, United States

13. Taco Chronicles

Note: No English subtitles available for YouTube trailer; click to watch subtitled trailer on Netflix Warning: Don’t watch if you’re hungry. Explore the complex histories of the world’s most beloved tacos in this love letter to the iconic handheld food.

Country : Mexico

Travel Documentaries on Amazon Prime

See below for some of the best travel documentaries on Amazon Prime Video. I’ve indicated whether each is free to Prime members or available for rental.

Note that these films may also be found at your local library.

A Map for Saturday

Classic travel documentary that follows a variety of solo budget travelers — from teens to seniors — through 26 countries on four continents.

Young filmmaker Brook Silva-Braga trains his inquisitive lens on backpackers lending a hand to tsunami victims, trekkers forming brief but intense relationships, and fascinating moments of self-discovery and adventure.

Available for rental on Amazon Prime .

This inspiring documentary follows the record-breaking round-the-world voyage of Dutch teen Laura Dekker, youngest person ever to sail around the world alone.

Available for free to Prime members on Amazon Prime.

This beautifully filmed docu follows adventurer Jeff Johnson as he retraces the epic 1968 journey to Patagonia of his heroes Yvon Chouinard and Doug Tompkins, legendary founders of The North Face and Patagonia sportswear and pioneering conservationists.

Along the way Johnson gets shipwrecked off Easter Island, surfs the longest wave of his life, and attempts to climb a Patagonian peak.

Available for free to Prime members on Amazon Prime .

Countries: Mexico, Chile

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• Travel Essentials You Never Knew You Needed
• Netflix TV Shows and Movies Filmed in Morocco
• Best Russian Shows on Netflix and Amazon Prime
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About Ingrid

Ingrid left software engineering at age 43 to devote herself to language learning and travel. Her goal is to speak seven languages fluently. Currently, she speaks English, German, Spanish, Portuguese, French, and Italian, and is studying Latin.

Reader Interactions

July 5, 2018 at 3:56 pm

Definitely going to start ploughing my way through some of these before I head off next!! :-)

July 5, 2018 at 10:38 pm

Definitely… Netflix travel shows provide some of my best inspiration! ;)

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Expedition Happiness

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Watch Expedition Happiness with a subscription on Netflix, rent on Prime Video, Apple TV, or buy on Prime Video, Apple TV.

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Expedition Happiness

Two free spirits, one dog. Traveling the vast spaces of an enormous continent in search of something more. Two free spirits, one dog. Traveling the vast spaces of an enormous continent in search of something more. Two free spirits, one dog. Traveling the vast spaces of an enormous continent in search of something more.

• Felix Starck
• 240 User reviews
• 2 Critic reviews

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User reviews 240

• Feb 6, 2018
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• May 4, 2017 (Germany)
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10 Best Netflix Travel Documentaries You Should Not Miss

Gone are the days when luggage tags read “wanderlust” and phone covers used to boast quotes such as “travel more.” In the post-COVID world, we all try to travel but mostly live vicariously through travel documentaries. Watching people explore places, cuisines, cultures, and mysteries of the world is a treat, and we can’t help but indulge in it. Sometimes even more than we should. 

Although travel documentaries are sometimes romanticized, they are relatively more grounded in reality than feature films of the same genre. Places that might be on our bucket lists can easily be accessed through our screens. Watching these documentaries even makes us realize that nature and the world, while beautiful, can be challenging. It requires us to prepare, be patient, and be resilient to enjoy it to the fullest.

We’ve compiled a list of the best travel documentaries on Netflix that you shouldn’t miss. We have filtered out a few documentaries since they were location-specific and might be unavailable across different countries. Get ready to discover mesmerizing views, majestic mountains, deep-seal marvels, and much more. So grab your PJs and some snacks to accompany your binge. It’s time to explore.

Top 10 Netflix Travel Documentaries

Table of Contents

1. The Volcano – Rescue from Whakaari 

• Genre: Intense, Explosive, Volcano, Humanity
• IMDb Rating: 7.3

The Volcano – Rescue from Whakaari is one of the most visceral and raw representations of disasters. The documentary gained instant recognition upon its release in 2022 and covers the White Island volcanic eruption in 2019. A volcano erupts off the coast of New Zealand, trapping 47 unsuspecting tourists and guides. 

The makers stitched minute-by-minute footage of the 24 hours wherein survivors shared their experiences. The documentary gives you a closer look at the unimaginable horrors the people had to endure.

2. 14 peaks – Nothing is Impossible

• Genre: Nature, Exploration, Extreme Sports
• IMDb Rating: 7.7

True to its name, the 14 Peaks – Nothing is Impossible is one such documentary that makes you question just what is impossible when a human puts their mind to something. With flying aircraft and pictures of space, with floating planets and the simple wonder of gravity, life can quickly seem outworldly if we look too close. 

38-year-old Nepali mountaineer Nimsdai Purja had to know just how close he could look. Vowing to climb all 14 8000-meter summits on Earth in a mere seven months, Nimsdai Purja embarks upon the adventure of his lifetime to rewrite history. Don’t miss this documentary, as it captures the most dangerous journeys in the most picturesque fashion.

3. The Deepest Breath (2023)

• Genre: Science, Humanity, Exploration 

We suggest that you remember to take deep breaths as you watch what has been named “one of the most anxiety-inducing extreme sports documentaries ever.” An exhilarating watch, the documentary captures the story of a free diver who trains to break the world record. He enlists the help of a safety diver and thus begins their journey of finding their dreams in the dark of the ocean. 

The Deepest Breath portrays the depths of the oceans in a way that you’d be left dumbfounded. The 50 shades of blue and green never felt more entrancing and dangerous. However, be warned that it did not earn its title for no reason, as it quickly turns into a hyperreal life-threatening experience for the divers. 

4. Biking Borders (2019)

• Genre: Inspiring, Heartfelt, Exploration, Travel & Adventure

Biking Borders is an inspiring documentary about two enthusiastic young men, Max and Nono. The two set out on their bicycle with a small dream – To build a school in Guatemala. Max and Nono travel from Berlin to Beijing for about 15,000 whopping kilometers. The documentary is one of the best depictions of how, as people, we’re all so different yet so similar. It captures the highs and lows in a way that warms your heart and makes you root for these two friends.

5. The River Runner (2021)

• Genre: Exploration, Travel & Adventure, Nature
• IMDb Rating: 6.9

For those who love the perfect shots that capture the world at its rawest, the River Runner is meant for you. Like the documentary wherein the camera rolls long after the credits, the story will stay with you long after you shut the screen. The River Runner follows Scott Lindgren, one determined kayaker who sets out to be the first man to paddle over the four great rivers that flow from Tibet’s sacred Mount Kailash. Need we say more? This documentary is dedicated to those who dream big and aspire to achieve the impossible. 

6. Expedition Happiness

• Genre: Intimate, Heartfelt, Travel & Adventure
• IMDb Rating: 5.9

If packing up and leaving everything behind for a brand new start is something you like to ponder about, then Expedition Happiness should be next on your watchlist. Chronicling the journey of a filmmaker and his musician girlfriend, this documentary portrays how they explore the world with their dog and a refurbished school bus. With jaunty tunes and everlasting landscapes, this heartwarming tale takes us through the roads of North Carolina, Alaska, and South America.

7. Chasing Coral

• Genre: Controversial, Investigative, Scientific
• IMDb Rating: 8

For those who enjoy watching mysteries and have a weakness for the wondrous views of the world, Chasing Coral is a tale you shouldn’t miss. A team of scientists, divers, and photographers join forces to understand how coral reefs around the world are vanishing at unprecedented rates. The cinematography of this film is off the charts, and you can’t help but marvel at the wondrous nature of underwater life. The mysteries of life beneath us are unravel and captivate you like nothing else.

8. Home 2 Home

• Genre: Inspiring, Lifestyle, Travel & Adventure
• IMDb Rating: 7.4

What makes you happy? – A simple question that you might need to take a second to answer. Home 2 Home tries to answer it and how! The documentary follows Dennis Kailing, a young man, who embarks on a 27,000-mile journey to find the answer to the question we asked you. He bikes across 41 countries, spanning over 6 continents, in 761 days. 

While chasing sunrises, this 24-year-old meets people from every imaginable walk of life in hopes of answering the most elemental question of life. Although the subject is personal and might differ from person to person, the story offers a new perspective on life and stirs romance within you.

9. Longest Third Date

• Genre: Intimate, Lifestyle, Reality TV
• IMDb Rating: 6.4

Everybody knows that the third time’s the charm, and for Matt and Khani, this couldn’t be more true. With the simple thought of telling a good romantic story to their grandkids, Matt and Khani fly to Costa Rica for their third date. As fate would have it, the pandemic brings the world to a standstill, and the two lovebirds are forced to stay in a foreign land. They capture the different parts of their life and showcase how their journey evolves over time. This intimate documentary depicts how people function on an elemental level and how the most beautiful places on Earth can feel like a dungeon if you take away people’s choices.  

10. Guatemala, the Heart of the Mayan World

• Genre: Inspiring, Lifestyle, Social & Cultural
• IMDb Rating: 6.6

As immersive as its title sounds, this documentary literally delves into the heart of the Mayan world, exploring its cultural and geological wealth. With mesmerizing visual treats, the documentary instantly pulls you into the ancient Mayan cities built by our ancestors. We see the natural wonders of the Earth being rediscovered and their impact on people living in that region.

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That’s a wrap on our top Netflix travel documentaries. Stay tuned for more, and be sure to leave a comment on which one was your favorite!

Twins - Agalya and Atchaya

Agalya and Atchaya are the owners and authors of TwinsOnToes, a travel blog that helps travelers explore smarter, longer, and more affordably. With a wealth of experience from traveling since 2017 and writing over 350 blog posts, their tips and insights reflect a deep passion for the great outdoors. When not blogging about their favorite destinations, they are often found hiking remote trails or seeking out thrilling adventures.

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If You're a Fan of Travel, Here are 8 Travel Documentaries You Can Watch on Netflix

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Best travel documentaries to stream on netflix.

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Makoto Shinkai's Most Underrated Film Is Officially Streaming On Netflix, & It's A True Masterpiece

Netflix's denzel washington replacement makes upcoming remake of his 2004 thriller way more exciting, one year after the mandalorian season 3, star wars gives us our best look yet at a mythosaur.

Many people would love to travel the world, but they just don't have the time and/or money. Luckily for everyone, Netflix is brimming with travel documentaries that allow viewers to see the sights and satisfy their wanderlust without ever leaving the house. Watch as people row across the Pacific, journey across the United States in a school bus, experience different foods and cultures, and follow their DNA results across the globe. There's no shame in saving a ton of money and living vicariously through others via Netflix! Here are 10 of the best travel documentaries on Netflix, as of February 2019.

RELATED:  10 Best Documentaries On Netflix

Jack whitehall: travels with my father.

Jack Whitehall is an English comedian and actor who's most notably known in Britain for his standup comedy , but a lot of Americans might recognize him from Netflix's comedy/travel documentary,   Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father. In the show, the free-spirited Jack is accompanied by his very posh, stodgy father as they travel to South East Asia on a popular "gap year route." Fans of Ricky Gervais'  An Idiot Abroad are sure to love this. This hilarious father/son duo makes stops in Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia, and their reactions are as wildly different as their wardrobes.

National Parks Adventure

Who wouldn't love to go on a tour of all the National Parks in America? That's a lot of ground to cover, but the documentary National Parks Adventure  allows viewers to see them all without ever leaving the couch. Narrated by Robert Redford, this series features IMAX 3D cinematography and unbelievably beautiful views of Yellowstone, Yosemite, Glacier National Park, Redwood National Park, the Everglades, and the Arches.

RELATED:  Beautiful Images From 20 Different USA National Parks (That Are Now On All Our Radars)

Viewers can live vicariously through world-class mountaineer Conrad Anker, adventure photographer Max Lowe, and artist Rachel Pohl as they hike and explore some of the most scenic places on Earth.

For those who aren't familiar with the Puerto Rican music scene, René Juan Pérez Joglar (known professionally as Residente) is a Grammy-award-winning Puerto Rican rapper, writer, filmmaker, producer and founder of the alternative rap group Calle 13. Residente the documentary follows the artist as he visits 10 countries around the world in an effort to follow in his ancestors' footsteps after receiving the results of his DNA test. It's an unexpectedly touching journey that reminds us all of how interconnected we really are.

Dark Tourist

Looking for a unique travel documentary with an edge? Join New Zealand filmmaker David Farrier as he explores the phenomenon known as "dark tourism," or traveling to places historically associated with death and tragedy.

RELATED: 10 Documentaries More Messed Up Than Fyre

The series has eight episodes, each with its own unique, macabre destination. Farrier visits suicide forests, walled off "ghost cities," dangerous townships, nuclear disaster sites, and even traces the steps of serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer. It's disturbing and fascinating all at the same time.

Pedal The World

Ready to Pedal the World without breaking a sweat? Join German-born Felix Starck on his 20,000 km mission to cycle across 22 countries over the course of one adventure-filled year. How will he survive, particularly if his bicycle breaks down in a remote location? Fortunately, Starck is fully equipped and ready for any potential setbacks (not to mention being constantly connected via social media). His journey is scenic, exhausting, and absolutely inspirational.

Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown

Unlike all of the other shows on this list, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown   is a travel documentary featuring delicious and exotic food from all over the world. Hosted by the late Anthony Bourdain, this Emmy-award-winning show takes viewers on a culinary journey to the lesser-known places of the world and explores their cultures and cuisine.

RELATED:  10 Best Food Documentaries On Netflix Right Now

Bourdain is willing to go anywhere and try anything, and his open-mindedness and appreciation for culture, food, and travel is truly inspirational.

Conan Without Borders

For those who are fans of late-night talk show host Conan O’Brien , it might be time to check out his humorous travel documentary, Conan Without Borders. Fans can join Conan as he becomes a K-pop star in Korea, learns to dance the rumba in Cuba, stars in a telenovela in Mexico, films a movie in Rome,  gets bar mitvahed in Israel and more. There aren't many travel documentaries that will make viewers laugh out loud, but this is one of them.

Expedition Happiness

Created by the same man who pedaled all over Europe in Pedal the World, German filmmakers Felix Starck and Selima Taibi set out on the Pan-American highway in a tricked-out old school bus in Expedition Happiness. 

RELATED:  20 Reasons Why Van Life Is The Best Way To Travel The World

The duo is joined by their dog as they travel from Alaska to Mexico, but despite the documentary's name, their journey isn't always full of fun, love, and happiness. Starck and Selima's trip is an honest depiction of life on the road, but their hardships are offset by the stunning scenery surrounding them.

Told through the memories of 6-year-old child, Given is one of the most creative and intriguing travel documentaries out there. In the show, surfers and "van lifers" Jess Bianchi and Aamion Goodwin take their preschool-aged children all over the world in the hopes of giving them the "ultimate education in reality, humanity, and humility." The family of five visits 15 different countries before their children hit kindergarten, and their son, Given, narrates his travels and love of nature the whole way through. Truly fascinating.

Losing Sight Of Shore

There aren't many travel shows out there featuring four tough women with a serious case of wanderlust (and moxie), but Losing Sight Of Shore  isn't another run-of-the-mill travel documentary. After extensive training and planning, the film follows four female friends as travel from California to Australia in nothing but a rowboat, which ends up being just as crazy and arduous as it sounds. Their journey is harrowing, emotional, beautifully shot, and well worth the watch.

NEXT: 10 Uplifting Reality Shows To Watch On Netflix

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12 Best Netflix Travel Documentaries & Shows to Watch

If you are looking for a new travel documentary to watch , then you should check out these 12 highly rated Netflix travel documentaries. Each has its unique twist on travel destinations allowing you to discover the natural beauty and diversity on earth.

You will get to know incredible individuals & solo travelers who are dedicated to their dreams, have an adventure in their blood and want to make this planet a better place to live.

Each show will entertain you, but some will challenge you to dig deep inside yourself for answers about what makes life worth living. Traveling through the stories of others is a great way to visit when you cannot physically go to the locations yourself, especially now during and isolation and corona times.

Losing Sight of Shore

7.4/10 on IMDb   | 1h 31 minutes

This documentary chronicles the story of the four-women crew who set a world record by 8,446 miles across the Pacific from America to Australia.

The journey that occurred in three stages does not have the same women throughout the entire trip with women leaving and others joining in Hawaii and Samoa. A small camera on their boat records the journey and the women’s reaction to it.

You will feel the woman’s dire straits at times as they each take turns rowing the boat regardless of how they feel about their situation at the moment. Even when they are sick, tired, thirsty, or hungry, they know that they must take their turn.

Many of the most powerful moments of this documentary show the women standing in front of the camera and sharing what is on their hearts through days of victory and days of utter defeat.

Somebody Feed Phil

8.1/10 on IMDb | 12 episodes

Explore diverse locations around the world to explore local cuisine and the various stories behind those creations. Host Phil Rosenthal has real respect for the people that he encounters along the way, like the people serving crawfish in New Orleans, Lisbon chefs preparing pasteis de nata, and ribs in Buenos Aries. While some of the food is not what appears on most Western dinner tables, Phil approaches each with a willingness to try new things.

Along the way, you will experience Phil’s great sense of humor that you may already be familiar with from his work on The Simpsons, Everybody Loves Raymond, and other popular televisions shows. If you are a foodie, then this documentary is must-watch television.

Everyone is likely to love the humor that is found in this documentary, and the people that you will meet along Phil’s travels.

Dark Tourist

7.6/10 on IMDb | 70% on Rotten Tomatoes | 8 episodes

Each of the documentaries in the Dark Tourist series is loosely tied together in one geographical area. Host David Farrier takes you to little known locations that have an unusual twist.

For example, in Japan , you will be taken to swim in a lake formed by a nuclear explosion. This documentary keeps things moving at a rapid pace because you only visit each location for about 15 minutes. Farrier, who broke into the documentary scene with Tickled, adds his unique sense of humor to each episode.

Many of the episodes will leave you thinking about questions posed about what ties people together as humans. You are likely to love the news documentary style that journalist David Farrier brings to many locations around the world that are probably not on your travel itinerary at the moment.

Conan Without Borders

7.7/10 on IMDb | 6 episodes (Kuba, Korea, Mexico, Israel, Haiti, Italy)

Travel with late-night host Conan O’Brien as he visits diverse locations around the world, like Cuba, Mexico, Haiti, Germany, and Italy. While the first couple of episodes in this travel documentary contain a lot of Conan’s humor, the rest are very orientated to helping you explore what makes each destination unique.

This lighthearted travel documentary will keep you entertained as Conan participates in different cultural activities. As Conan laughs at himself, you are very likely to experience your happy memories.

The Dawn Wall

8.1/10 on IMDb | 100% on Rotten Tomatoes | 1h 40 minutes

This fantastic story chronicles the friendship of climbers Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson as they attempt to scale the 3,000-foot Dawn Wall in Yosemite National Park. While this story was widely covered in the media, this documentary takes you behind the scenes as the pair spends weeks climbing the sheer wall that has never been climbed before.

You may find yourself challenged by this documentary just like Caldwell is as the duo nears the end of their climb by the challenge of meeting their goal or by friendship as near disaster strikes the climb that they took over six years to plan.

This travel documentary that is also an excellent sports documentary has a broken love story, obsession, friendship, and dedication to meet a goal. Watch to see the thrilling ending of this documentary that will make you wonder if this story is real or Hollywood make-believe.

Pedal The World

5.1/10 on IMDb | 1h 24 minutes

Join Felix Starck’s 365-day bike ride across 22 countries when you watch this documentary. The cinematography in this travel documentary is breathtaking as you see a very-well edited, vacation-like photos from each location.

You will experience the struggles of riding in a hard rain, dealing with a broken bike spoke and other frustrations of attempting this journey lasting almost 5,000 miles on three different continents. If you love seeing beautiful scenery without needing to follow an emotional storyline, then this documentary is for you.

Along the way, you may find yourself cheering at the high points and getting depressed at the low ones. In the end, John receives the gift of realizing the most critical thing in the world is found right in his own neighborhood.

7.2/10 on IMDb | 87% on Rotten Tomatoes | 1h 13 minutes

Director Jennifer Peedom takes you soaring to new heights around the world, without disclosing the exact destination, to show you life on the highest peaks on earth. Mountain climber Renan Ozturk, who you may already be familiar with from Meru and the Last Honey Hunter, shoots most of the footage in this travel documentary that opens near the summit of El Potrero Chico in Mexico.

You will find yourself challenged to examine the role that consumerism plays in the lives of people living in remote mountain communities and on the landscape itself. This documentary set to classical music is loosely based on Robert Macfarlane’s book Mountains of the Mind. Without being preachy, you may come away from this travel documentary, wondering what your travel footprint should be and if you need to change the way that you travel.

Expedition Happiness

5.9/10 on IMDb | 1h 36 minutes

Join Felix Starck, his musician girlfriend, and their Bernese mountain dog as they travel from Alaska to Mexico on their converted school bus following the Pacific Coast Highway for much of their trip. You will be thrilled by the soundtrack on this travel documentary as most of it was written by the girlfriend as she saw the beautiful scenery along the way.

After watching this travel documentary, you may even find yourself challenged to create an art project based on the fantastic scenery in this show. As the young couple from Germany experience frustrations with the bus breaking down and other travel problems, you will love this couple’s optimistic outlook on life along with the way that they think outside the box to solve issues, and you will find inspiration to face challenges confronting you. Chances are extreme, you will come away from watching this show with a more optimistic attitude and ready to make the world a better place.

Street Food – WARNING: you’ll get hungry! 😀

8.0/10 on IMDb | 100% on Rotten Tomatoes | Asia (9 episodes) + Latin America (coming soon)

Celebrate street foods from around the world along with the people who prepare and sell them by watching this travel documentary.

You will visit diverse locations from around the world and meet people who will inspire you. For instance, in this travel documentary’s first episode, you will be introduced to Bangkok’s Jay Fai who lost everything in a fire, so she taught herself to cook to raise money to meet her needs.

In the process, Jay Fai becomes a Michelin-star chef. This is just one of the many people you will encounter when you watch this travel documentary series. As you watch this documentary, you may find new inspiration to overcome issues in your own life and accomplish goals that you may currently see as unrealistic.

The Kindness Diaries

8.1/10 on IMDb | 13 episodes

Leon Logothetis travels around the world on a motorbike or in a Volkswagen Beetle connecting with real people in diverse locations. He relies on others for shelter, gas, and other needs. The only rule is that he cannot accept money.

In exchange, he lets them tell their stories, and you are privileged to watch them in this heartwarming travel documentary. In exchange for the kindness that others have shown him, Leon, who is a former stockbroker, has spent over $200,000 of his own money on doing kind deeds, including building a school in Peru, feeding stray dogs in Ecuador, and feeding orphans in Costa Rica.

National Parks Adventure

7.0/10 on IMDb | 100% on Rotten Tomatoes  | 42 minutes

Written by Robert Redford, journey along with mountaineer Conrad Anker, photographer Max Lowe and artist Rachel Pohl as they explore America’s national parks. See scenes from Yellowstone, Yosemite, Glacier National Park, Redwood National Park, the Everglades, and Arches National Park.

Breathtaking scenery is found in each of these documentaries, but you will also find yourself challenged to consider the importance of protecting natural environments in the 21st century.

Produced as the national parks celebrated their 100 birthday, this documentary is like a gift from Redford to American citizens who may never get to see the immense beauty of these parks for themselves.

The Last Shaman

6.8/10 on IMDb | 40% on Rotten Tomatoes  | 1h 22 minutes

Watch trailer on FB

This travel documentary opens with a depressed John Freeman wandering Phillips College’s campus feeling like life is not worth living. He is despondent that life seems to have no meaning, except for the pursuit of money.

He gives himself 12 months to travel to the Amazon jungle to seek out the meaning of life. While John hopes to find the healing effects of the ayahuasca plant, he discovers that money drives many who have access to the plant. He finally gets the plant from a shaman who is shunned by an NGO that plans to sell the ayahuasca plant.

Since we can not travel, let’s watch these Netflix travel documentaries, and enjoy exploring the world virtually. Find yourself challenged in many of your beliefs while seeing immense beauty. Meet people from around the world and hear their incredible stories of hard work and determination. After watching these 12 travel documentaries, do not be surprised if your life is changed in a good way forever, even if you never leave your couch.

10 Best Travel Shows On Netflix

by Melissa Giroux | Last updated Dec 31, 2023 | Inspiration , Travel Tips

If the worldwide pandemic has halted your travel plans like most of us, you’re probably suffering from travel blues. However, closed borders and travel restrictions don’t mean travel can no longer be a part of your life.

Stay productive by filling your time with travel inspiration and plan your next big adventure for when the time is right. And who can help you do that? Good old Netflix. 

That’s right; there is a host of travel shows on Netflix right now awaiting your viewing. So order your favorite takeaway, get comfy, and work your way through our list of the ten best travel documentaries on Netflix.

1. Our Planet

Our Planet is essentially Netflix’s version of ‘Planet Earth.’ It is so similar it even features narration from Sir David Attenborough. The mindblowing way this series showcases the most awe-inspiring nature makes it one of the best travel shows on Netflix in 2021. 

Our Planet will reawaken your wanderlust and have you itching to get out into the wilderness. While it’s not possible to go to the far corners of the earth as shown in this series, perhaps you can settle for exploring a new nature reserve in your home state for now.

2. Down To Earth With Zac Efron

In Down To Earth, hunk Zac Efron travels the world in search of more sustainable ways of living. It is an eye-opening and upbeat documentary that looks for solutions to problems, finding ways we can do things better. Therefore, it’s the best travel documentary series for those looking to learn how they can contribute to creating a greener, more sustainable world.

3. The Chef Show

What better combination than food and travel! If you love trying new cuisines or have ever dreamt about building a business on four wheels, this is one Netflix travel documentary you will adore. In The Chef Show, duo Jon Favreau and Roy Choi reunite to travel around the world cooking with celebrities and famous chefs. They celebrate different flavors, cultures, and people and take you through various delicious recipes.

4. Street Food

While we’re on the subject of food, you need to check out Street Food. Season one showcases the street eats found in Asia. They visit Japan, Thailand, Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore, and more, tasting the locals’ go-to bites. This is one of those Netflix travel documentaries that will remind you of your travels. From the vibrancy of the sights and sounds, you’ll almost be able to smell and taste those Asian delights again. 

5. Jack Whitehall: Travels With My Father

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to take your parents traveling, this comedy road trip series will give you an idea. In Travels With My Father, comedian Jack Whitehall takes his dad to Southeast Asia to try to strengthen their bond. Jack is very jolly and easy-going whereas, his father couldn’t be any different, making for an interesting duo. 

The show is very lighthearted and not the most serious of the travel shows on Netflix. However, you can’t help but laugh at the awkward situations the pair continuously find themselves in.

6. Larry Charles’ Dangerous World Of Comedy

In this Netflix travel documentary, comedy writer-director Larry Charles sets out to find humor in all corners of the world. He travels to some of the most feared places, such as Somalia, Liberia, Saudi Arabia, and Iran. 

Here Larry seeks out people who use humor to combat their dire circumstances. He meets some of the most unlikely comics and delves deep into the world of dark, dangerous comedy. This is undoubtedly one of the most daring travel shows on Netflix!

7. Night On Earth

In Night On Earth, nature meets technology to disclose the biggest wonders of the nocturnal world. Using state-of-the-art, low-light cameras, the series shows the hidden lives of some of the world’s most extraordinary creatures, from lions on the hunt to bats on the wing. The footage captured is nothing less than mind-blowing. The narrating is just as beautiful, making it one of the best travel shows on Netflix for nature nerds. 

8. Pedal The World

If the day-to-day stresses are getting to you and you’re losing sight of your dreams, Pedal The World will give you the inspiration you need to do something big. In this self-made adventure documentary, Felix Starck documents his 18,000-kilometre bicycle journey across 22 countries in 365 days. Felix gives us a visual diary of him cycling & camping around the world, which is emotional, inspiring, and never dull.

This is a must-watch for anyone that is feeling down due to the current state of the world. It’s one of those Netflix travel documentaries that will prompt you to reflect on the way you live and question the meaning of life.

9. Expedition Happiness

All digital nomads can relate to that desire to escape their hometown and get out into the world. This is precisely what Expedition Happiness is about. In this travel documentary, a young couple transforms an old school bus into a motorhome and travels with their dog across North America in it. 

This travelogue is organically beautiful, featuring many relatable problems. Moreover, it’s a representation of the freedom we all crave, which is why we believe it’s one of the best travel documentaries on Netflix.

10. Dark Tourist

Finally, if you want to watch something a bit out of the ordinary, here’s one for you. Dark Tourist with David Farrier is probably the weirdest (and most morbid) of all the travel shows on Netflix. Farrier explores the lesser-known and usually avoided cultures of the world and opts to visit places that are historically associated with death and tragedy. Highlights of this series include when Farrier meets vampires in New Orleans and a death-worshipping cult in Mexico. You’ll need an open mind for this one!

Final Thoughts

Even if you’re unable to have your own big adventure right now, these Netflix travel documentaries will remind you of why you fell in love with travel in the first place.

Utilize these travel shows on Netflix to draw inspiration and reignite your wanderlust, then get planning the best trip of your life. 

Need more inspiration? Check out these lists:

• Best movies for long-distance relationships
• Best movies about France
• Best movies about nomads

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LIFESTYLE · January 28, 2020

13 of the Best Travel Documentaries on Netflix in 2020

Netflix, chill… and travel. I’m not going to lie, I enjoy being a couch potato as much as anybody else from time to time. Tucked under a blanket, a not so healthy snack at arms reach, my favorite travel shows, and I feel like I’m on the road again. Here are 13 of the best travel documentaries on Netflix in 2020 for your next couch potato Sunday!

1. Our Planet

Our Planet is a love letter to Earth and a call to save our home. Each episode focuses on a different ecosystem. Jaw-dropping glaciers, majestic forests, high seas, they each have their time in the spotlight. Watch now to fall (back) in love with our planet.

2. Residente

If you’ve ever heard of the Puerto Rican duo Calle 13, then you probably know who Residente is. René Pérez Joglar is a rapper and one of the founders of the band. In this documentary, he takes a DNA test and travels to all of the locations where his ancestors came from, creating music along the way.

3. Dark Tourist

Before this series came out, I had never heard of the term “Dark Tourist”, but it appears to be a global phenomenon! Dark tourists visit places where catastrophes have happened, like Hiroshima, or look for unusual dark experiences such as a simulated illegal border crossing. I’m not sure it’s my cup of tea, but it makes for an interesting series to watch!

4. Street Food

Street Food takes you on a culinary tour around Asia to discover some countries’ iconic local dishes and more. The show is as much about the dishes passed down from generation to generation as it is about the people in the kitchen. There’s only one season so far but hopefully, Netflix will come out with more episodes focusing on other parts of the globe.

5. Under an Arctic Sky

If you have Instagram and love everything travel, chances are you know who Chris Burkard is. Well, this documentary is as amazing as his photos! Under an Arctic Sky tells the story behind his journey to Iceland to surf at the most remote locations under the northern lights. Surfer or not, you’ll love it for the out of this world landscapes and amazing cinematography.

6. Tales by Light

Looking to improve your photography skills?! This series is for you! Following professional photographers traveling around the world, Tales by Light gives us an insight into what makes a great photo. From capturing places to people you’ll learn a trick or two on how to take powerful shots.

7. 72 Dangerous Places to Live

Ok, I guess this one shouldn’t make you want to visit those places?! But bear with me because some of these are also some of the most unique places on Earth! From Antarctica’s extreme cold to Venezuela’s everlasting lightning storm, you may not want to book your next holiday there, but you’ll learn a lot about our world.

A documentary about Conrad Anker, Jimmy Chin, and Renan Ozturk’s attempt to climb Mount Meru via the Shark’s Fin route. More than a story about ascending a mountain, it’s a story about perseverance and a chance to see breathtaking landscapes we will probably never see in person.

9. Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby

At the opposite end of the spectrum… Ever wondered what it would be like to stay at one of the world’s most luxurious and unique hotels? After watching this show, you’ll have a pretty good idea, including what it takes to run such incredible hotels! If your budget allows, it might even give you holiday ideas.

10. Magical Andes

Small disclaimer: I might be biased for this one as I lived in the Andes for two years, and am absolutely under their spell. From Argentina to Colombia, Magical Andes explores the region through 5 people’s connection to the majestic mountain range. Expect epic landscapes and touching storytelling.

11. Chasing Coral

Not your typical travel documentary, but nevertheless important to raise awareness about how fast some ecosystems are changing, and how we can take action to preserve nature. Chasing Corals follows scientists, divers, and photographers as they document the disappearance of the world’s coral reefs.

12. Our planet: Behind the Scenes

I watched Our planet embarrassingly fast. And during the whole series, all I could think about was how great the cinematography is. Who are the camera geniuses who captured these scenes? How was it like to shoot them?! Netflix must have heard me because there’s now a behind the scenes (and it’s everything)!

13. The Dawn Wall

This one barely made the cut because I just recently saw it on the plane… and it’s great! Similarly to Meru , this documentary follows the ascent of The Dawn Wall, this time by Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson. I won’t spoil it for you but they lived on the vertical cliff for weeks and it’s worth your time just for that.

14. [Insert Your Favorite]

Now that you know what I’ve been watching lately, I want to know what are your favorite travel shows! Please leave a comment with your recommendations, and who knows, maybe we can do a part 2 with the best travel movies.

Pin me for later !

You’ll Also Love

February 7, 2020 at 11:23 pm

I LOVE Dark Tourist! It’s really fascinating. I haven’t heard of any of the others – I’ll have to check them out! Another one I love (also on Netflix) is Departures. 🙂

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11 Best Netflix Travel Documentaries

• Post author: Glen Nomad
• Post comments: 1 Comment
• Post last modified: June 12, 2023

Itchy feet? I know most of us are itching to travel as far as we can go. But, since most of us are still on quarantine and while leisure travel is still restricted, it might be a good idea to distract ourselves a little bit with these 11 incredible travel documentaries on Netflix . We can’t travel physically as of now but we can virtually.

Incredible Netflix Travel Documentaries

Magical andes.

Magical Andes is first on our list of incredible Netflix Documentaries mainly because its narrative is superb and the landscapes are beautiful. The show features the Andes Mountain from Argentina to Colombia and the popular tourist spots around the area. It really makes you want to go to South America right now.

Episode Guide

• Argentina and Chile, from the southern ice
• Chile and Argentina, from the Aconcagua to the desert
• Bolivia, the door to the Altiplano
• Peru, an ancient culture
• Peru and Ecuador: Climbing the Cotopaxi Volcano
• Colombia: Mountains and Lush Vegetation

Ugly Delicious

Ugly Delicious is a food and travel documentary hosted by David Chang, a popular chef in the US. Each episode features not just a popular food but also its culinary, cultural, and sociological history. There is actually more to it than just a travel and food show. I like what David Chang is fighting for.

• Homecooking
• Shrimp and Crawfish
• Fried Chicken

Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown

Currently available only in the UK, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown is an American food and travel show hosted by the late Anthony Bourdain . It features less popular tourist destinations and examines their cultures and cuisines. It has 12 episodes with the finale that brought the audience back to Bourdain’s hometown of New York.

You can signup for a VPN to get access to Parts Unknown from anywhere in the world.

Season 1 (2013)

• Koreatown, Los Angeles

Season 2 (2013)

• Prime Cuts: Season One
• South Africa

Season 3 (2014)

• Prime Cuts: Season Two
• Punjab, India
• Mexico City
• Mississippi Delta
• Bahia, Brazil

Season 4 (2014)

• Prime Cuts: Season Three
• Massachusetts

Season 5 (2015)

• Prime Cuts: Season Four

Season 6 (2015)

• Prime Cuts: Season Five
• Marseille, France
• Okinawa, Japan
• Charleston, SC

Season 7 (2016)

• Prime Cuts: Season Six
• Manila, Philippines
• The Greek Islands
• Tbilisi, Georgia
• Cologne, Germany
• Buenos Aires

Season 8 (2016)

• Prime Cuts: Season Seven
• Minas Gerais, Brazil

Season 9 (2017)

• Prime Cuts: Season Eight
• Los Angeles
• San Sebastian
• Porto, Portugal

Season 10 (2017)

• French Alps
• Lagos, Nigeria
• Puerto Rico
• Southern Italy

Season 11 (2018)

• West Virginia
• Newfoundland
• Cajun Mardi Gras

Season 12 (2018)

• Asturias, Spain
• Tony’s Impact
• Far West Texas
• Under the Tarp
• Lower East Side

Somebody Feed Phil

Currently on its third season, Somebody Feed Phil is an American travel and food documentary available on Netflix hosted by Phillip Rosenthal. Each episode, Phillip travels to a city and features its delightful cuisines as well as meet locals and expats and bond with them.

• New Orleans
• New York City

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner is another Food and Travel show hosted by David Chang. This show follows the adventure of David along with one of his friends each episode as they eat their way through breakfast, lunch, and dinner in featured cities around the globe.

Street Food

Street Food is an American travel and food documentary that premiered on Netflix in 2019. The first installment is about popular street food in Asia. The second installment which will be shown on Netflix later this month is about South America.

Street Food Asia Episode Guide

• Bangkok, Thailand featuring Raan Jay Fai, Sukhumvit 38 Famous Ba Mee, and Jek Pui Curry.
• Osaka, Japan featuring Izakaya Toyo, Umai-Ya, and Fue
• Delhi, India featuring Mangla Chat Wale, Kallu Nihari, Karim’s, and Nand di Hatti
• Yogyakarta, Indonesia featuring Jajan Pasar Mbah Satinem, Arya Snack & Food, Gudeg Mbah Lindu, and Mie Lethek Cap Garuda
• Chiayi, Taiwan featuring Smart Fish, Magistrate Liu’s, A Eh Douhua, and Song Shan Tu Yao
• Seoul, South Korea featuring Gohyang Kalguksu Stall, Honglim Banchan Stall, Pakgane, and Baked Baffle
• Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam featuring Truoc’s Snail Stall, Bánh Mì Bảy Hổ, Cơm Tấm Kim Ngân, and Phở Miến Gà Kỳ Đồng
• Singapore featuring Haig Road Putu Piring, Master Tang Wanton Noodles, Keng Eng Kee Seafood, and Sin Kee Famous Chicken Rice
• Cebu, Philippines featuring Entoy’s Bakasihan, Leslie’s Lechon, Azul Tuslob Buwa, and Rubilyn’s Carinderia

The Kindness Diaries

The Kindness Diaries is a travel documentary television series on Netflix starring Leon Logothetis, a former broker. He embarks on a journey around the world with no cash and only relies on the kindness of strangers for food and shelter. He listens to life stories of his hosts and in exchange for their kindness, he helps them realize their dreams to pay it forward.

Tales By Light

Night on Earth

The World’s Most Extraordinary Homes

So, how many of these Netflix Travel Documentaries have you watched? What’s your favorite? Tell us in the comment section below.

Glen Nomad is a travel blogger and the founder of Escape Manila, one of the top travel blogs in the Philippines. He has visited all 82 provinces in the Philippines and has explored 53 countries across Asia, North & South America, East Africa, Europe, and Australia. Follow him on IG at @escapemanila

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The 20 Best Travel Shows on Netflix to Watch in 2024

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Whether you’ve been missing the thrill of traveling or are currently feeling inspired to pick the destination for your next adventure, travel shows can help. Netflix has no shortage of cool travel documentaries and shows, but we’ve decided to pick 20 of the best travel shows on Netflix.

If you’re traveling right now, or if some of these shows are not available in your country, use a VPN to access them without any restrictions. To play the shows, open up your VPN app and select a server located in a different state. If the show is available in your country, but you’re currently traveling internationally, choose the server of your home country to enjoy the show. 

Now let me tell you why these Netflix travel shows are worth watching and don’t blame me if you get hooked on some (or all) of them.

The best travel shows on Netflix

Before we start, let me tell you that this list is in no particular order. It’s up to you to choose the one you want to watch first, but we recommend watching them all. At home, traveling for a holiday, or at a new destination, these Netflix travel shows and documentaries will set you in the mood for discovering new places, tasting exotic food, maybe even cycling, driving, or just staying at home until you finish all the seasons. Lol 

The list is divided into travel shows or documentaries focused on nature, food, dark tourism, cycling and cars, photography, family travels, and specific destinations. Enjoy it!

NordVPN has great deals! Check them out here!

The best travel and nature Netflix shows 

Arguably one of the most famous travel documentaries on Netflix, Our Planet takes you on a world tour of earth’s fascinating creatures. Narrated by Sir David Attenborough and filmed in Ultra High Definition, this show takes you to over 50 countries and perfectly captures the wonders of the earth. 

Our Planet is the perfect Netflix travel show to give you some new ideas for your bucket list. Trust us!

Untamed Romania

While most seasoned travelers deeply appreciate Romania’s natural beauty, it is still overlooked in the mainstream media. Untamed Romania is a feature-length film celebrating the country’s immaculate wildlife.

Untamed Romania is one of the best Netflix travel documentaries for those who love nature and want to discover a new destination to travel to.

The best travel and food Netflix shows 

Down to Earth

Down to Earth documentary follows Zac Efron, the actor, and wellness expert Darin Olien as they explore healthy and sustainable practices across different cultures. This documentary showcases the diversity and creativity seen across the globe to make the most of one’s resources.

It’s intriguing and can be inspiring, not only about travel but how we think of sustainability and health. 

Street Food Asia

Sometimes the most accessible way to connect to a different culture is food. Asian food holds a special place in the world regarding street food and is probably one of the most universally beloved cuisines today. Street Food Asia takes you on a food journey across Asia and Southeast Asia’s best food cities, including Bangkok, Delhi, Osaka, and Singapore.

Street Food Asia is one of our fave travel shows on Netflix. We love Asia and Asian delights you can only find from street vendors. If you have never visited this part of the world, watch this show, and it will open your mind to a new world of flavors, aromas, and ways of life. If you are craving an Asia trip, watch it and plan international travel soon. 

Also, read our guides and articles about Asian destinations as they have many travel and food recommendations. Read our guides about Thailand , Vietnam , Indonesia , Malaysia , The Philippines , China , Taiwan, India , and Cambodia .

Ugly Delicious

Ugly Delicious is another food travel show where a star chef David Chang is looking for the world’s most satisfying grub with his buddies. Despite being a professional chef, Chang isn’t pretentious with his picks and takes us on a cross-cultural food trip filled with laughter.

Another great travel and food show on Netflix about food culture.

Somebody Feed Phil

In this series, we follow the creator of Everybody Loves Raymond, Phil Rosenthal, as he explores world cuisines and meets the locals. Phil’s upbeat attitude is probably one of the best parts of the Somebody Feed Phil travel show together with a lot of food scenes that will help your plan your future trip to incredible destinations including Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

On this Netflix travel show, you will visit cities like Bangkok , spend days in Mexico City , see Lisbon , and many more. Well-known travel destinations are pictured with flavors and a local touch.

High on The Hog: Culinary Journey From Africa to America

This show explores African American soul food and its long journey from Africa to North America. It has been dubbed the most engaging history of African American cuisine. It traces the process of cultivating, harvesting, cooking, and serving the food that enslaved Africans brought with them to the States.

This Netflix cultural travel and food show will take you on a true gastronomic journey. 

Restaurants on the Edge

As you might be able to guess from the name of the show, these hour-long episodes take us to restaurants that are located in some of the most stunning locations in the world but are struggling with their menus and dishes. They are located on the edge of the world but are also on the edge of closing down.

This travel show on Netflix pictures unique locations and a bit of drama, as you can expect. 

Netflix shows about travel, cycling and cars

Biking Borders

This one is for lovers of slow traveling and less-known countries. Two friends go on a 15,000 km bicycle journey worldwide, including the Balkans, Central Asia, and other countries, to build a school in Guatemala.

Rob and I love cycling, so this Netflix travel documentary series is tremendously appealing to us. Biking Borders is also an excellent travel inspiration for those who dream of traveling by bike or going on a cycling holiday. And if this is you, read our article about cycling on Taiwan’s East Coast and cycling in Spain .

Pedal the World

This is another Netflix travel documentary that portrays a world tour on wheels, but this time our protagonist visits 22 countries during his year-long journey, searching for the meaning in life and discovering something new in each country.

Pedal the World is an inspiring and realistic epic road trip that might give you ideas of how you want to spend your life and what really matters. 

Paul Hollywood’s Big Continental Road Trip

Paul Hollywood studies the ties between popular cars in Europe and their local culture and identity as an actor and a baker. In this short but educational Netflix documentary , Hollywood will visit France, Germany, and Italy.

This isn’t your Netflix show if you are looking for food and baking goods. But if you like cars, speed, a bit of history and traveling in Europe, you will enjoy the ride. 

Netflix travel shows about a specific destination

Katla  

This travel series focuses on Iceland, specifically the volcano Katla , which began constantly erupting just recently. The show has eight episodes and does a wonderful job portraying Iceland’s breathtaking beauty . Katla serves as a great reminder of all that we still don’t know about the earth. 

This Netflix travel show is a powerful trigger for wanderlust, and it will make you want to book a trip to Iceland as soon as possible. 

Magic Andes

A documentary following five characters from the Andes, South America’s breathtaking mountains. It is a fascinating series that highlights real people living in communities located under the mountains and paints a nuanced picture of the region of Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia .

After watching Magic Andes read our Peru travel guides , and for sure, you will want to visit South América. If you are worried about safety, then read our guide to the safest countries in South America , and you will be surprised. 

Guatemala: Heart of the Mayan World

This documentary focuses on Guatemala’s rich landscape and culture, the territory where 2000 years ago, the fascinating Mayan civilization collapsed. The Mayan influence is still all over Guatemala and Central America, and this documentary does an amazing job of connecting the dots between the past and the present.

Guatemala: Heart of the Mayan World is an inspiring Netflix travel documentary that will add interesting facts to your travel knowledge, and it might make you want to explore more of Latin America. 

Zulu Man in Japan

Starring South African rapper Nasty C, this Netflix travel documentary focuses on Japanese culture. The film takes place in Tokyo, where Nasty C explores the city’s go-to places, culture, sounds, and much more.

Zulu Man in Japan was released in 2019. It’s a 44-minute episode, perfect for those days that you want to have just a little dose of wanderlust knowing that you won’t be addicted to long travel series. 

The best Netflix travel show for unusual tourists

Dark Tourist

Filmed by journalist David Farrier, the author of the 2016 hit documentary Tickled, Dark Tourist takes a different approach to tourism. Farrier travels to places associated with death or tragedies that have turned these destinations into tourist attractions. You can expect anything from haunted places, nuclear lakes, and unusual and weird destinations. Those spots might not be on your travel bucket list, but it is interesting to know that they exist so you can avoid them on your next holiday. 

It’s one of the most-watched travel shows on Netflix, so it’s worth trying.

Netflix show for photography and travel lovers

Tales by Light

Created by Abraham Joffe, this show embraces the art of travel photography and film and the people behind them. This is an Australian documentary/reality travel series on Netflix that follows photographers around the globe as they chase that perfect shot.

This Netflix travel documentary is a good match for those who love photography and travel. It’s perfect for inspiring you to travel and photograph more. 

The best Netflix show about traveling with family

Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father

A comedian Jack Whitehall and his uptight father, Michael Whitehall, travel across the world together. The show starts with Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia, with the second season focusing on Eastern Europe. The third season explores the American West, the fourth features Australia, and the fifth is all about the United Kingdom, their homeland. On this last season expect everything from dining with Gordon Ramsay to searching for the Loch Ness monster.

A great Netflix travel show for those thinking of traveling with family. It also sparkes a reflection of our relationships with parents and how travel can be a good way to get together or break apart.

Netflix show that combines travel and design

Cabins in the Wild

This show takes place in Wales and follows engineer Dick Strawbridge and craftsman Will Hardie as they inspect eight unique cabins built for a pop-up hotel in Wales. Their final goal is to construct a cabin of their own.

If you like the British Tv series, chances are you will love Cabins in the Wild as well. If you like architecture and construction shows too. This type of Netflix show combines different elements, from traveling to design, making you want to have a cabin in the wild just for you. 

We end our list of the 20 best Netflix travel shows here. Drop us a comment if you have watched any of them or if you have any other good travel series to recommend. 

Love these Netflix travel shows and documentary ideas? Pin it for later!

4 thoughts on “The 20 Best Travel Shows on Netflix to Watch in 2024”

I’m so glad you mentioned The Latchkees! I’ve been obsessed with their adventures since I saw their episode on Netflix. It’s amazing how they make travel look so effortless and fun. I’m definitely adding some of the other shows on your list to my queue 😍

Such a great show!

I can’t believe I never knew about some of these shows! The Travel Diaries is definitely going on my watchlist. 😍

Glad you enjoyed it!

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30 Best Travel Documentaries & Series To Watch

• by Jonny Duncan
• October 20, 2023 December 7, 2023

We all need a bit of travel inspiration and these are some of the best travel documentaries that will give you some wanderlust, and understanding, of the regions of the world involved.

These are my favourite travel documentaries and series that have inspired my travels.

Disclaimer: I own none of the images in this post, they are used under fair-usage terms to discuss the travel documentaries.

Himalaya With Michael Palin (2004)

Michael Palin is my all-time favourite travel presenter, writer, and hell, just an awesome person in general and his travel documentaries are some of the best you can watch.

His sense of humour, interest in the places he visits, how he interacts with the local people, and the way he presents himself is what makes this travel journey one of the best.

Add to that epic Himalayan scenery and adventure and you have the perfect combination for the best travel documentary.

You can watch it here as well as some of his other travel documentaries.

The Endless Summer (1966)

Surfs up! And also lots of fun, fun, fun, in the sun.

Set in the mid-sixties it follows two surfers from California as they travel around the world, including countries like South Africa, Australia, and Ghana, in search of the ‘perfect wave’. 

It’s very laid back to watch and entertaining and a good insight into surfer travels in the sixties.

I would love to hit up some of the waves they found! If you want one of the best travel documentaries based around surfing and beaches then watch this.

Watch it online here .

Encounters at the End of the World (2009)

Want some cold weather viewing, beautiful scenery in the vast expanse of Antarctica, and some fun with scientists? This is it.

Filmmaker Werner Herzog tackles this perfectly, exploring the desolate and vast wilderness of Antarctica around the US base of McMurdo Station, and the people who live and work there.

This will make you want to go to a remote and cold place.

Watch it here .

Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown (2013 – 2018)

Anthony Bourdain was one of my travel heroes. He died in 2018. His style of reporting and meeting the people he visits around the world and coming together around a common theme worldwide, food, brought a personal approach to the travel genre.

Parts Unknown is one of the best travel documentaries to watch for food. 

The other series with Anthony Bourdain exploring world cuisine, such as No Reservations is also worth watching.

See it on Netflix here .

Under An Arctic Sky (2017)

This is a short travel documentary coming in at only 40 minutes, but worth the watch for sure.

I had been recommended this by a fellow travel blogger and was glad about it.

It’s beautifully shot in Iceland in winter, following a group of surfers looking for (as usual) the perfect waves. 

But a storm comes through during this time and they have to outrun it.

The first time surfers have been filmed under the Northern Lights.

This has made me want to return to Iceland again to explore more of the country in the Arctic darkness.

See what it’s like surfing under the Northern Lights !

Sahara With Michael Palin (2002)

Yes, another Michael Palin travel documentary. I can’t help it his journeys are just so good.

This time he’s out exploring the Sahara Desert, getting into remote adventures with tribal nomads, and so much more.

This will inspire you for a desert adventure.

Watch the epic Sahara journey here .

180° South (2010)

180° South follows Jeff Johnson, an adventurer who travels across South America to Patagonia to visit the places that Yvon Chouinard and Doug Tompkins had visited in 1968, two people who had inspired him.

Easily one of the best travel documentaries about South America to see.

Chasing Coral (2017)

Chasing Coral is a documentary for anyone interested in the ocean and, given the title, especially coral reefs.

It follows scientists and divers who explore the coral areas to see why they are disappearing and to explain it all to you. A good conservationist documentary as well as one for travel to these beautiful parts of the world.

Billy Connolly’s World Tour of Australia (1996)

Billy Connolly is one of the great all-time stand-up comedians.

He also travels a lot and his ‘world tour’ series has taken him to lots of different countries around the world, with Australia being the best.

It’s a combination of him exploring Australia and what is there, with a great sense of humour for everything, as well as some short clips of his stand-up performances in each area he visits with views and opinions about his experience in Australia.

A must-see travel documentary for anyone interested in Australia with a very amusing outlook on travel there.

It ain’t cheap but if you’re a Billy Connolly fan, or want to give a gift to someone who is, this is the Billy Connolly box set of all his world tours.

Dark Tourist (2018)

For some people (myself included) there’s a strange and weird fascination with some of the ‘darker’ tourist spots to visit and dark tourism has become more popular.

From nuclear disaster zone tours to death-worshipping cults, this travel documentary covers them all.

It can be disturbing given the tragedy behind some of the events, but it is history, and it is part of humanity. 

To escape the ‘normal’ tourist spots this will give you an idea of an alternative travel experience.

Right or wrong it is fascinating.

See it on Netflix .

Given (2016)

This is such a unique and refreshing take on a travel documentary as it’s narrated by a six-year-old boy.

It follows a family from Kauai (part of Hawaii) on a journey through 15 countries around the world.

This a really good insight into family travel and the life-teaching experiences travel can have on young children.

Watch their website for the documentary.

Stephen Fry In America (2009)

Stephen Fry is one of my favourite comedians and in this travel series, he travels across the U.S. in search of what makes America.

Just like Billy Connolly and Michael Palin, there is lots of humour involved.

It gives a great insight into American culture.

This is one of the best travel documentaries to watch if planning a trip to the United States. 

Watch here .

The Eagle Huntress (2016)

One of those interested in Central Asia travel, this documentary is about a 13-year-old Kazakh girl called Aisholopan who wants to be an eagle hunter, the first female in her family for twelve generations to do it.

Beautiful scenery and an inspiring story make this a spellbinding travel documentary to watch.

Jiro Dreams of Sushi (2010)

Have an interest in sushi and Japanese food? Then this is the ultimate travel documentary for you.

It follows an 85-year-old sushi master called Jiro Ono and how he makes some of the best sushi in the world and tries to teach his son the way and the family business.

It’s one of the best documentaries about Japan to watch.

Baraka (1992)

Out of all the travel documentaries, this is one of the older ones but it has aged well. It’s also one of the most beautiful travel documentaries to watch.

The tagline is “A world beyond worlds”, and after watching it you will see why.

There is no narrative, just epic films from all over the world showing natural environments, cities and everything else.

Personally, I remember watching this in the 90s and being inspired to see the places it showed.

Happy People: A Year in the Taiga (2010)

Happy People: A Year in the Taiga is another Werner Herzog travel documentary that is absolutely brilliant if you have an interest in cold places and Siberia in particular.

It follows the people in a remote village in the Siberian Taiga region and shows the repeated way of life in how they deal with living in a harsh cold environment. It includes footage of some of the native Ket people as well.

Tawai: A Voice From The Forest (2017)

Out of all the travel documentaries, this is one of the best ones taking a look at indigenous people around the world.

Adventurer Bruce Parry explores the forests of the Amazon and Borneo, as well as the Isle of Skye in Scotland where he looks at the ways the native people get on with the nature around them.

Nomad: In the Footsteps of Bruce Chatwin (2019)

Nomad is yet again another one with Werner Herzog and this time it’s a much more personal one.

His good friend Bruce Chatwin, who was a well-known travel writer, died of AIDS in 1989 he left Werner his rucksack as a parting gift. Thirty Years after his death Werner heads out to explore places inspired by his friend’s travel life.

Maidentrip (2013)

Maidentrip will make you want to get a yacht and go on an adventure around the world! It’s about a 14-year-old sailor who leaves home for a 2-year journey around the world alone to become the youngest person to ever achieve such a task.

This is one of the best travel documentaries not just about yachting and boats but also about the determination of the human spirit to achieve something great.

Travel Man (2015 Onwards)

Travel Man is a great travel documentary series where each episode host Richard Ayoade visits a new city with a different celebrity to explore what the city has to offer in the way of tourist attractions and other things.

Lots of fun to watch and one of the best recent travel documentaries to see.

Fishpeople (2017)

Fishpeople is a group of stories about various individuals who have dedicated their lives to the sea. It includes a long-distance swimmer, surfers, and many more.

This is one to watch if you have an interest in anything related to life with the ocean.

Grand Tours of the Scottish Islands (2013 – 2016)

If you love Scotland or really want to go there then this is the ultimate Scottish travel series for you. The presenter is Paul Murton and he explores all around the Scottish Isles.

He also has other shows such as the Grand Tour of Scotland and Grand Tour of Scotlands Lochs. He really gets into the culture of Scotland.

Backpackingman note: I am of Scottish ancestry with my great-grandfather being a proper Scotsman from Aberdeen and I have visited Scotland a few times now and can highly recommend this series.

Rick Steves’ Europe (2000 – Onwards)

Rick Steves’ Europe is one of the longest-running travel documentary series out there, if not the longest.

Given the title of the show, it follows Rick as he travels around Europe showing everything the place has to offer. The series from 2018 focuses on Scotland so goes nicely with the Grand Tours of the Scottish Islands mentioned above.

Desert Runners (2013)

Desert Runners is the ultimate documentary about people who run in some of the harshest environments and in this case the desert.

But the twist to this story is that it explores a group of people who join the hardest ultra-marathon race series on the planet and none of them are professional runners.

Watch this one if you have an interest in deserts and running.

Down To Earth (2020)

Down To Earth is a travel documentary series on Netflix that follows actor Zac Efron to different parts of the world where he looks at the sustainability efforts of each destination.

For example, in Iceland, he learns about the efforts to use the natural energy of Earth for power.

Magical Andes (2020 – Onwards)

Magical Andes a travel documentary series is set in South America and takes a look at the Andes Mountain range, from the mountains themselves to the deserts, forests, and everything else that surrounds them

Highly recommended if you’ve ever wanted to visit South America and in particular the Andes region.

Expedition Happiness (2017)

Expedition Happiness follows a couple who get an old school bus and then drive throughout North America with their dog.

The couple is so lovely it’s worth watching just to see them and their life.

Free Solo (2018)

Free Solo follows Alex Honnold, a professional rock climber, as he attempts to be the first person to free solo climb El Capitan’s rock face.

It’s set in Yosemite National Park and is thrilling to watch not just for the action but also for the scenery. Watch this documentary if you are interested in mountain travel and rock climbing as a sport.

The Dawn Wall (2017)

Following on from Free Solo, The Dawn Wall is also set in Yosemite National Park, and this time follows Tommy Caldwell, a free climber, who tried to climb the Dawn Wall of El Capitan.

As with Free Solo, watch this one for mountains.

Mountain (2017)

The Mountain is one of the best travel documentaries about mountains and is breathtaking to watch.

It explores mountains around the world and tells at the same time the history between humans and mountains.

Notable Mention: BBC Planet Earth 1+2 (2006 + 2016)

The BBC Planet Earth series is absolutely beautifully filmed and epic to watch.

In each episode, they explore different parts of the planet, such as deserts, mountains, oceans, forests, etc.

There are also other travel documentaries by the BBC, like The Blue Planet, Frozen Planet, and a lot more. Each one shows a different side of our planet.

These will get you wanting to get out and see the world!

The Best Travel Documentaries

And that’s the list of the best travel documentaries that will hopefully give you some inspiration for your own travels.

Interested in more travel-related movies? Check out 10 movies to watch before travelling to Japan .

You can find some of the older travel documentaries on places like YouTube. In fact, YouTube is a great place to find new and old travel documentaries in general.

And for some travel reading 20 books to read set in the Arctic and Antarctic .

If you liked this article about the best travel documentaries a share would be appreciated :

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Hi Jonny, this is Christian from Germany I pic you up from Zagreb 2008 and we travel to Germany by car. Later I visit you in Amsterdam. My speciality is Africa. Like to contact you again cause I cannot find you anymore on Couchsurfing. May I ask for your PM adress? see you Christian

Dark Tourist is the best part of this post ..

Oh, It’s too good. I like this blog very much I also bookmark this.

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13 Travel Shows on Netflix To Binge Watch This Weekend!

1. dark tourist.

IMDb rating: 7.6 / 10 Seasons: 1 Episodes: 8

2. Stay Here

3. Instant Hotel

IMDb rating: 7.2 / 10 Seasons: 2 Episodes: 18

4. Tales by Light

IMDb rating: 8.2 / 10 Seasons: 3 Episodes: 18

5. Expedition Happiness

IMDb rating: 5.9 / 10 Run Time: 1 h 35 mins

6. Under An Arctic Sky

IMDb rating: 7.3 / 10 Run Time: 40 minutes

7. The Kindness Diaries

IMDb rating: 8.2 / 10 Seasons: 1 Episodes: 8

8. The Calling

Seasons: 1 Episodes: 8

9. Lea & I

IMDb rating: 6.1 / 10 Run Time: 1 hr 24 mins

10. Pedal The World

IMDb rating: 5.1 / 10 Run Time: 90 mins

11. Jack Whitehall: Travels With My Father

IMDb rating: 7.7 / 10 Seasons: 3 Episodes: 11

12. Stephen Fry in America

IMDb rating: 7.9 / 10 Seasons: 1 Episodes: 6 

13. Street Food

IMDb rating: 8.1 / 10 Seasons: 1 Episodes: 9

This post was published by Mugdha Songire

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Will & Harper Trailer: Will Ferrell And Trans Friend Harper Steele Go On A Road Trip In Documentary

For decades now, Will Ferrell has been one of Hollywood’s funniest forces – with occasional detours into more dramatic territory. And his latest project seems to be a combination of both: a road trip documentary in which he embarks on a cross-country journey with his close friend Harper Steele, in the wake of her coming out to him as a trans woman. The resulting film is simply titled Will & Harper , and looks to be both zippy and funny, and tender and touching. Check out the trailer here:

As the trailer details, Ferrell and Steele have been friends for decades, having both started on Saturday Night Live in the very same week – but since Harper’s transition marked a major evolution in their friendship, the road trip offers a chance for the pair to reconnect and recalibrate together. There’s impressive talent behind the camera here too – Will & Harper is helmed by Josh Greenbaum, director of Barb And Star Go To Vista Del Mar and foul-mouthed talking dog comedy Strays (which also featured the voice of Ferrell). The film gained positive reactions out of Sundance at the start of the year, and was acquired for distribution by Netflix .

Get ready for a different kind of Will Ferrell movie, then, when Will & Harper streams on Netflix from 27 September – and expect more reactions to the film to emerge in the meantime as it plays at the Toronto International Film Festival.