Best Travel Documentary Movies & TV Shows

Comedy icon Joanna Lumley pursues a life-long dream to track down the elusive and beautiful Northern Lights. She travels North across the Arctic Circle, up through Norway and finally to Svalbard, the most northerly permanently inhabited place on Earth, where she has to cope with temperatures approaching minus 30° C. Joanna’s journey takes her from train to boat and huskysled to snowmobile as she is pulled ever northwards and finally, in a breathtaking climax to the film, Joanna gets to see with her own eyes the spectacular beauty of the Northern Lights. As seen on ABC1.

Follow Philippe and Ashlan Cousteau as they explore the Caribbean by boat, investigating legends of lost treasure and pirates' plunder. Their adventures take them to some of the most beautiful destinations in the world.

A celebration of Scottish history and culture, with Outlander stars Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish discovering the heritage of their native country, meeting local artisans and experts and experiencing genuine moments of awe and fascination as they share their travels with the audience.

Rick Steves, America's leading authority on European travel, returns to transport viewers to the continent's bustling cities, quaint villages and picturesque countryside.

TV presenter and former cruise ship entertainer Jane McDonald hosts a travel show in which she embarks on a series of ocean odysseys aboard some of the world's largest and most luxurious cruise ships.

From epic landscapes and unforgettable culture, to the often trying times that come with international travel, Departures chronicles the unforgettable friendships, personal successes and sometimes crushing disappointments that befall travellers Scott Wilson and Justin Lukach on their journey. Departures is as much about the journey as it is the destination.

A cinematic experience bringing you the most amazing human stories in the world. Humans and wildlife surviving in the most extreme environments on Earth.

Conan O'Brien visits new friends he met through his podcast, "Conan O'Brien Needs a Fan," where he dives deep with listeners from across the country and the world.

A paralysingly beautiful documentary with a global vision—an odyssey through landscape and time—that attempts to capture the essence of life.

Actor Bradley Walsh and his 20-year-old son Barney are hitting the road together, travelling over 2000 miles from Los Angeles to New Orleans.

Filmed over nearly five years in twenty-five countries on five continents, and shot on seventy-millimetre film, Samsara transports us to the varied worlds of sacred grounds, disaster zones, industrial complexes, and natural wonders.

One hundred years after the Russian Revolution, Simon Reeve embarks on an extraordinary three-part journey across Russia.

The comedian explores the British isles in her vintage camper van, Helen, taking in some dramatic scenery, unspoilt countryside and incredible historic sights along the way.

Three big egos, one small van. Gordon, Gino and Fred pack up their camper van once again and head off on a European adventure, but this time it's personal as each episode takes us on a tour of their cherished homelands. With three countries, three weeks and three coqs au vin in close confinement what could possibly go wrong?

This hilarious fish-out-of-water comedy/reality show follows cultural icons Henry Winkler, William Shatner, Terry Bradshaw and George Foreman on their greatest adventure yet. Deciding it's Better Late Than Never, these four national treasures embark on the journey of a lifetime, traveling across Asia on their own with no schedule and no itinerary. The only "help" will come from Jeff Dye, a young, strong, tech-savvy comedian with an agenda of his own - who isn't above leading the men off track. Each stop is packed with hilarious cultural experiences, heartwarming spectacles and unexpected twists as our legends take on this unforgettable adventure.

Travel around the world with author Dan Buettner to discover five unique communities where people live extraordinarily long and vibrant lives.

Comedian and TV presenter Romesh Ranganathan travels way beyond his comfort zone and the world of complimentary breakfast buffets to some of the most beautiful, but dangerous, places on earth.

An Idiot Abroad is a British travel documentary television series broadcast on Sky1 and Science, as well as spin-off books published by Canongate Books, created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant and starring Karl Pilkington. The ongoing theme of both the television series and the books is that Pilkington has no interest in global travel, so Merchant and Gervais make him travel while they stay in the United Kingdom and monitor his progress.

On a trip around the world, every day feels like Saturday. A Map For Saturday reveals a world of long-term, solo travel through the stories of trekkers in 20 countries on four continents. The documentary finds backpackers helping neglected Thai tsunami victims. It explains why Nepal's guesthouses are empty and Brazil's stoplights are ignored. But at it's core, A Map For Saturday tracks the emotional arc of extreme long-term travelers; teenagers and senior citizens who wondered, "What would it be like to travel the world?" Then did it.

Actor Zac Efron journeys around the world with wellness expert Darin Olien in a travel show that explores healthy, sustainable ways to live.

James May embarks on a remarkable journey across Japan, from its icy north to its balmy south. He’ll see the sights, meet the locals, and eat the noodles in a bid to truly understand the Land of the Rising Sun.

Stanley Tucci travels across Italy to discover the secrets and delights of the country’s regional cuisines.

Comedian Susan Calman uncovers the untold tales behind some of Scotland's iconic locations.

Follow Jason Momoa as he travels the country chasing art, adventure, and friendship through the lens of craftsmanship.

Gino D'Acampo is back in his beloved Italy, but this time he is joined by his wife Jess and their three children, as he takes his family to explore the hidden gems of Sardinia and the very best of Southern Italy.

Anthony Bourdain uncovers the best cuisine across the world. At each location, Tony dives headfirst into life's colorful and rich pageant, bringing his intellectual curiosity, empathy, wit and boundless appetite.

Bourdain travels across the globe to uncover little-known areas of the world and celebrate diverse cultures by exploring food and dining rituals. Known for his curiosity, candor, and acerbic wit, Bourdain takes viewers off the beaten path of tourist destinations – including some war-torn parts of the world – and meets with a variety of local citizens to offer a window into their lifestyles, and occasionally communes with an internationally lauded chef on his journeys.

Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman journey to glorious landscapes across South and Central America on the backs of prototype electric Harley-Davidsons in the third series of the epic motorcycle adventure saga.

Herzog and cinematographer Peter Zeitlinger go to Antarctica to meet people who live and work there, and to capture footage of the continent's unique locations. Herzog's voiceover narration explains that his film will not be a typical Antarctica film about "fluffy penguins", but will explore the dreams of the people and the landscape.

Michael Palin explores European countries that were once behind the Iron Curtain.

A documentary shot by filmmakers all over the world that serves as a time capsule to show future generations what it was like to be alive on the 24th of July, 2010.

This pioneering documentary film depicts the lives of the indigenous Inuit people of Canada's northern Quebec region. Although the production contains some fictional elements, it vividly shows how its resourceful subjects survive in such a harsh climate, revealing how they construct their igloo homes and find food by hunting and fishing. The film also captures the beautiful, if unforgiving, frozen landscape of the Great White North, far removed from conventional civilization.

Celebrities drive on some of the most dangerous roads around the world, tackling impossible conditions to reach their goals.

Host Frank Pinello—owner of Best Pizza in Williamsburg, Brooklyn—travels around the world eating great pizza and meeting even greater people. From Brooklyn to Seoul, Chicago to New Haven, there's pizza culture everywhere, but it's the people we're most excited about.

Carla Hall travels around the world to track down the unexpected lineage and international origins of America's favorite dishes.

Alexander Armstrong travels to the Land of Fire and Ice to learn more about the unique nature and culture found there, visiting every corner of Iceland to experience the incredible sights and people.

Follow Nikolaj Coster-Waldau’s search for the people, ideas, traditions, and attitudes – the solutions – which will transform fear of the future into hope, climate angst into optimism and human disconnection into engagement. In each of the six episodes, Nikolaj and his affable team criss-cross the globe exploring humanity, witnessing its power for good and learning about some of the remarkable solutions (both old and new) that inspire his optimism for the future.

Comic Jack Whitehall invites his stodgy, unadventurous father to travel with him to odd locations and events in an attempt to strengthen their bond.

The naturalist visits uncharted territory in pursuit of new discoveries. Steve Backshall takes on physical challenges, encounters extraordinary wildlife and meets remarkable people.

Documentary about four friends on a 3,000 mile journey across the American West on horseback.

An international team of climbers ascends Mt. Everest in the spring of 1996. The film depicts their lengthy preparations for the climb, their trek to the summit, and their successful return to Base Camp. It also shows many of the challenges the group faced, including avalanches, lack of oxygen, treacherous ice walls, and a deadly blizzard.

ABC News Correspondent Bob Woodruff and his 28-year-old son Mack Woodruff take viewers on a father-son adventure to some of the world’s most unexpected places – roguish nations and territories mostly known for conflict, but each possessing a unique power to surprise, amaze and inspire.

Joe Lycett takes a ruthlessly efficient approach to travel, covering everything top tourist destinations have to offer in just 48 hours.

The inspirational rise of SpaceX as well as Elon Musk's two-decade effort to resurrect America’s space travel ambitions.

Follow rock star celebrity chef Alisa Reynolds as she discovers what soul food looks like around the world. As she seeks out the food, she also explores the stories, the people, and the traditions of each place she visits, bringing her own flavor right along with her.

Elliot and his best friend Ian set off on a personal journey to explore LGBTQ cultures around the world. From Japan to Brazil, Jamaica to America, they discover the multiplicity of LGBTQ experiences, meeting amazing people and hearing their deeply moving stories of struggle and triumph. Gaycation celebrates the state of LGBTQ identities across the globe.

“I seem to have spent a lifetime travelling the world, but as I get older, I realise there’s so much of my own country I haven’t seen. So, I decided that using my traveller’s eyes…I’m going to turn that vision onto this country, the place that I now call home.” Joanna Lumley. After a lifetime of travels that have taken her across the globe, Joanna Lumley is making her most personal journey yet. Over three episodes, she’ll travel from the Yorkshire Dales to St Michael’s Mount, from the Highlands of Scotland to the cobbles of Coronation Street, retracing old steps, meeting inspiring people, and exploring the wonders of the country she calls home.

Comedian Rosie Jones takes celebrity friends on thrilling outings around Britain, gorging on culture, learning local traditions and seeking excitement in the unlikeliest of places

Joanna Lumley goes on the trip of a lifetime - exploring the longest river in the world, the River Nile, from sea to source.

The cameras follow Joanna Lumley as she travels from East to West on a Trans-Siberian adventure. She starts in Hong Kong and crosses 5777 miles of both Asia and Europe, through seven time zones, taking in an immense panorama of vistas and cultures, people and places, before her final arrival in Moscow.