Feeling super antsy to travel but not ready to get back on a plane just yet? You’re not alone! Most people are experiencing those same feelings of trepidation and anxiety about traveling right now, yet yearning for the day when they feel comfortable booking that next big trip. Well, here’s a silver lining for you! You can travel the world right from your living room with this list of travel documentaries to watch right now.
It’s not too early to start thinking and researching about where your next trip will be. I have gained so much inspiration from watching travel documentaries – some of my favorite trips (like Morocco) were decided upon from being awestruck by a TV show. I actually had little research to do aside from just writing down all of their recommendations.
We’ve all heard of Anthony Bourdain’s (RIP 😢) No Reservations and The Layover travel shows (and probably binged them several times). So, here are 11 other travel documentaries to watch right now that you have probably never seen.
Table of Contents
Man vs. Wild
Although this series has been off the air for several years, I’m still impressed by the host’s wild adventures like cliff diving, parachuting and running from forest fires. Bear Grylls, a seasoned adventurer and survivalist deliberately strands himself in remote locations and makes his way back to civilization. His advice for travelers who may find themselves lost on a hike or trip is still very relevant today.
Fair warning: Make sure you have the stomach to see a lot of “creepy crawlers”.
IMDb Rating: 8.1 / 10
Where to Watch: Hulu (subscription), YouTube (subscription or $1.99), Sling TV (subscription), Amazon Prime ($1.99)
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Down to Earth with Zac Efron
This newly released documentary on Netflix follows eye candy Zac Efron and wellness expert Darien Olien as they travel the world meeting with individuals who cultivate healthy, sustainable lifestyles. You may get drawn to the mini docuseries by Zac’s notoriety, like I did, but he really doesn’t do much for the overall storylines besides narrating. The real stars are Darien and all of the locals who share their unique, cultural customs with viewers.
A couple of my favorite parts were learning to make bread in Iceland’s volcanic soil and meeting the world’s first water sommelier!
IMDb Rating: 8.2 / 10
Where to Watch: Netflix
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The Dawn Wall
In 2015, Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson awed the world as they survived their 19-day free climb up the infamous 3,000ft Dawn Wall of El Capitan in Yosemite. This feat, known to be one of the hardest climbs in the world, is one that climbers only dream of and several have died trying. One of the most impressive parts of this story is that Tommy Caldwell is missing a finger, and for anyone who has even tried to climb a manmade rock wall at a gym, you know how important each and every finger is!
This film documenting their journey was released in 2018 just a few days before Free Solo, following Alex Honnold’s free climb up the face of El Capitan. Free Solo (another fantastic climbing documentary) received so much media attention and a wide theatrical release that I think it overshadowed The Dawn Wall, so many people have not heard of it.
IMDb Rating: 8.1 / 10
Where to Watch: YouTube ($2.99), Amazon Prime ($2.99), Netflix (subscription), Google Play ($2.99)
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National Parks Adventure
Narrated by Robert Redford, National Parks Adventure takes viewers on an extreme off-road adventure into the nation’s most incredible outdoors. In just 45-minutes, the immersive IMAX® 3D cinematography will take you soaring over red rock canyons, ascending up death-defying mountain peaks and traveling into worlds you’ll never otherwise experience in your life.
IMDb Rating: 7.0 / 10
Where to Watch: Netflix
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Dark Tourist
Most tourists like to take vacations to cities with beaches, mountains and museums. However, there is a unique subset of tourism that involves visiting places that are historically associated with death and disaster. Journalist David Farrier takes us into this world of dark tourism in his docuseries. In each episode, Farrier travels to a different destination to experience its dark history and/or current tragic existence.
He visits a death-worshipping cult in Mexico, watches tourists soaking up radiation left behind from Fukushima, meets vampires in New Orleans, and travels to the most-nuked place on Earth for atomic swimming and fishing.
IMDb Rating: 7.5 / 10
Where to Watch: Netflix
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Pedal the World
Over the course of one year, a young German millennial, Felix Starck, travels across 22 countries and over 20,000 kms by bicycle. Fueled by wanderlust and a lack of real world responsibilities he seeks to find meaning in life.
As a millennial, I can totally relate to this desire to escape societal norms and just get lost in nature. This story really resonated with me as I have a bucketlist goal to travel across the country by bicycle…now I just need to save up enough money and vacation days to take 6 months off work 😉
IMDb Rating: 5 / 10
Where to Watch: Netflix
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Only The Essential
In the summer of 2013 Casey Gannon and Colin Arisman hiked the Pacific Crest Trail with cameras in hand. Only The Essential is the story of their 5 month, 2668 mile journey on foot from Mexico to Canada across the wilderness of California, Oregon, and Washington.
I really loved this documentary as well because I have another bucketlist goal to hike the PCT or Appalachian Trail. I’m not brave enough to venture it alone (like Cheryl Strayed), but this documentary helped put into perspective the real natural elements you’ll come in contact with during such a long expedition.
IMDb Rating: 7.5 / 10
Where to Watch: Wild Confluence YouTube channel
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Maidentrip
This documentary follows the life and perilous adventure of 14-year-old Laura Dekker as she becomes the youngest person to sail around the world alone. It took her 518 days (or 1 year, 5 months) to sail the 27,000 miles.
Dekker, who grew up on boats (and was actually born on one) announced her voyage plans in 2009, but the Dutch government stepped in saying this was too large of a danger for such a young girl. She was able to beat the odds, making for a riveting, coming-of-age story.
IMDb Rating: 7.5 / 10
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime (subscription), YouTube ($1.99), Sling TV (subscription), Google Play ($1.99), iTunes ($2.99), Vudu ($2.99)
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Encounters at the End of the World
Acclaimed filmmaker Werner Herzog travels to Antarctica, where he finds a desolate, beautiful landscape, largely untouched by human hands, and a group of unique individuals who risk their lives to study it. Centered at McMurdo Station, the United States’ largest Antarctic research center, Herzog explores the minds of the scientists willing to abandon civilization and endure volatile conditions to learn more about the continent’s wildlife and magnificent natural wonders.
Encounters at the End of the World received an Academy Award® for Best Documentary Feature in 2008.
IMDb Rating: 7.7 / 10
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime ($3.99), YouTube ($3.99), Vudu ($2.99), Sling TV (subscription), Google Play ($3.99), iTunes ($3.99)
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Street Food
If you’re like me, half of the reason I will pick a country to go visit is based on how much I want to try their local foods. And you can be sure I do A LOT of research on the best restaurants before getting there!
Sometimes we hear “DON’T EAT THE STREET FOOD!” when visiting certain countries. Not going to lie, I have gotten sick from it before! However, Netflix’s new docuseries, by the creators of Chef’s Table, takes us away from the 5-star Michelin restaurants and into the rich cultural communities to show that some of the best cuisines you’ll find may be on the streets.
So far, there are two seasons: Asia and Latin America, and we’re definitely hoping for more!
IMDb Rating: 8.0 / 10
Where to Watch: Netflix
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Around the Next Bend
Around the Next Bend follows two young adventurers as they travel halfway around the world to embark on a 2,500 km rafting expedition down the Ganges River in India, one of the world’s largest and holiest rivers. Far away from the comforts of western civilization they must quickly learn a new set of survival skills, while gaining a great understanding of themselves and the world around them.
IMDb Rating: 8.6 / 10
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime (subscription), iTunes ($1.99)
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No More Travel Documentaries to watch right now?
If you have no extra travel documentaries to watch right now because you’ve binged all of the ones on this list, continue your research by checking out my location-specific travel itineraries as well as other great travel blogs like The Blonde Abroad, Dan Flying Solo, and Jessie On a Journey.
If you think you are ready to travel again, make sure to check out my blog post on What it’s Like Flying during Coronavirus so you can feel fully prepared. I share insights into the entire experience of being at an airport and on a plane. Airlines are offering super cheap flights right now, so make sure you’re finding the best deals. Google Flights is my best friend when comparing prices across carriers.
Did you know you can also visit some of the world’s top destinations from the comfort of your home? Several top attractions like the Louvre Museum in France and Machu Picchu in Peru offer virtual tours now!
RECAP: 11 Travel Documentaries to Watch Right Now
- Man vs. Wild
- Down to Earth with Zac Efron
- The Dawn Wall
- National Parks Adventure
- Dark Tourist
- Pedal the World
- Only The Essential
- Maidentrip
- Encounters at the End of the World
- Street Food
- Around the Next Bend
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