The world right now is a big scary mess. All the negative news related to Corona Virus is dampening our mood but it will not break our spirit. At these difficult times, when the world is in lockdown, it is important that we keep our sanity close to us. We all are dealing with this in our own ways, some are doing creative work, some are reading books from their wishlists, some are enjoying cooking whereas others are netflixing. But not everybody is dealing with this ‘isolation period’ effectively, and it is okay to feel the way you are feeling right now. It is okay not to do anything, it is okay not to be creative and productive. It is alright if you are eating too much or sleeping too much, deal with it as best as you can. Because, this shall pass!

I have complied a list of 12 Travel Shows to binge watch from the safety of your home to keep you occupied. For travellers, not being able to travel is hard but with this list you can satisfy your wanderlust by watching shows related to food and travel. Explore the world from your couch and stay at home.

1. David Rocco’s Dolce India

There are two things about this show that I love – David Rocco and India. 🙂 Divid explores the India through its food, markets and culture. His flamboyance and the ease with which he navigates the streets of India is commendable. His quest to learn Indian recipes and sharing traditional Italian recipes with his audience makes the show worth watching.

2. The Amazing Race

I grew up watching The Amazing race and this was the show that infused in me the love for travel. Teams from all over the world participates in this reality game show where challenging tasks are given to them. The race takes place in multiple countries where in each country there is a pit-stop where the participants have to reach with the help of clues given to them at various occasions.

The thrill of watching this show will definitely satisfy your wanderlust during these difficult times. There are 31 seasons of the show packed with amazing experiences all throughout the world. If I have to choose one show that gives ‘Travel Goals’ then this would be it!

3. Tales By Light

See the world through the lens of famous photographers and filmmakers in Tales By Light. For budding photographers, this is a MUST WATCH show for inspiration. Each episode covers a story captured by a doyen of photography ranging from wildlife to ritualistic cultures, adventure sports to stories weaved around life & death.

4. Gordon’s Great Escape – India & South East Asia

Can you imagine Gordon Ramsey cooking his way through India. This internationally renowned chef famous for giving gunine feedback is at times considered being a bully. But, I love his attitude. He is straight forward and does not bother being nice unnecessarily. Follow Gordon Ramsey’s journey through India and South East Asia as he explores its diversity in food and culinary traditions.

5. Raja Rasoi Aur Anya Kahaniyaan

I just started watching this show two days back and really enjoyed it. The shows gives a glimpse of the relation between food and royalty in India. Recipes, ingredients, spices and traditions that made into the royal kitchen since the beginning of time around India. Season 1 has 11 episodes that covers states like Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Kashmir, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh etc.

Learn how food habits and culinary traditions of a region gets influenced by geographic conditions, social changes and religion.

6. Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations

Anybody who loves travel and food would have definitely heard about Anthony Bourdain. This celebrity chef explored the world in search of food and culture like so many of his contemporaries but what made him standout was his high-spirited and ‘don’t care attitude’. His audience loved him for being honest and that made him relatable to them which eventually brought Bourdain on the culinary map. He was a great supporter of human rights and spoke about inhuman treatment of the marginalised sections time and again.

In the show, Bourdain goes to places like Uzbekistan, Beirut, Ghana, Laos along with following into the more touristy travel destinations like Rajasthan, Barcelona, Sicily etc. In his own words, ‘I write, I travel, I eat and I am hungry for more’, if this philosophy resonates with you then this show is a MUST WATCH for you.

7. Highway on my plate

This show was one of the first Indian TV shows that popularised the concept of food and travel. The hosts, Rocky and Mayur travelled to the nook and corner of India to bring into our living rooms the gastronomical delights that our country has to offer. The duo’s comradeship and the love for food makes the show interesting.

8. Sound Tripping

The show follows the journey of famous music director Sneha Khanwalkar as she travels around India in search of unique sounds and music. In each episode, she creates a song out of the unusal sounds she gathered from a city with the help of locals artists.

9. Harmony with A R Rahman

Not exactly a travel show but Harmony with A R Rahman set out to explore Indian music through its geographic diversity. A R Rahman travels to the four corners of India to Kerala, Manipur, Mumbai and Sikkim to learn about specialised instruments from these regions. At the end of each episode, the artists and the mastero creates collaborative music. The Season has only 5 episodes, the 5th episode is where he brings all the musicians to Chennai and creates synergetic music for his audience.

10. Eat the world

Join Emeril Lagasse rekindle old friendship and ventures the world through cooking. A renowned chef himself, Lagasse travels to various parts of the world meeting up with celebrated chefs to discover culinary history and age old techniques of food preparation.

Watch the show for Emeril Lagasse, he is funny and relatable. His interviewing skills are on point. And he shares the love of food with his audience through traditional cooking methods at some stunning locations in Shanghai, Barcelona, South Korea, Cuba and Campania region of Italy.

11. The Kindness Diaries

What connects us with strangers instantly? Think about it! I would agree with Leon Logothetis that its the kindness that people show to each other that connects us with others. Join Logothetis on his exceptional journey around the world where he accepts kindness of strangers in kind i.e food and shelter. This inspiring show revolves around people realising their dreams and bringing out the positives in people. My eyes were teary so many times while watching this show. As Leon says, ‘Giving it better than recieving’.

12. Jack Whitehall: Travels with my Father

Would you travel with your parents? I am not talking about the luxurious family vacations but actually travel the world with them? This hilarious series shows the perfect dynamism between this unconventional father-son duo, the usual bickering, embarrassment and how travel strengthens relationships.

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