10. Stay Here – Netflix

Designer Genevieve Gorder and real estate expert Peter Lorimer show property owners from all over the country how to turn their drab short term-rentals into unique and desirable Airbnb’s. My favorite episode is the Seattle Houseboat.

9. Dark Tourist – Netflix

Filmmaker David Farrier journeys to locations usually associated with tragedy and destruction, and certainly not on most bucket lists. This type of travel is formally known as Dark Tourism, but Farrier’s quirky and inquisitive nature are a refreshing contrast to his destinations.

8. Rick Steves Europe – Hulu and YouTube

Admittedly, Rick Steves’ is more geared toward an older crowd, but I happen to be a stan. I find his guide books to be the most reliable and honest on the market, and I never visit a city in Europe without searching for an episode of his TV series on that location. If Rick doesn’t like something, trust me, he’ll let you know. His TV series is available on Hulu and YouTube.

7. Somebody Feed Phil – Netflix

The lovable “Everybody Loves Raymond” creator Phil Rosenthal is the personification of a dad joke, which makes him all the more endearing. In this series he explores the world and makes new connections through food. My favorite part of each episode is when he Skypes with his elderly parents who are back in NYC to tell them about his experiences. Such heartwarming and joyful content.

6. Ugly delicious – Netflix

James Beard Award-winning chef David Chang journeys to culinary hot spots around the world (including one of my favorites Austin, TX). He is joined by other chefs and celebrities, and discusses cultural differences and barriers while enjoying the great unifier: food.

5. Conan Without Borders – Netflix or the TBS app

This needs no description. If you like Conan O’Brien, you’ll love this series.

4. Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father – Netflix

British comedian Jack Whitehall finishes the gap year he began in 2009 and had to cut short. Only this time, he brings along his uptight and uncooperative father to odd locations across the globe. Their chemistry (or lack there of) is hilarious and heartwarming. I Absolutely LOVE this series. Be warned that the third season is only 2 episodes, so make them last.

3. Travel Man – Hulu (some episodes and clips are on YouTube)

I discovered Richard Ayoade’s series Travel Man while researching for a trip to Iceland. Having spent hours watching extremely dry, boring content, this show was refreshing AF. Richard, along with a celebrity companion, spend 48 hours visiting top attractions in various cities around the world. What makes this show different than the norm, is Richard is even more high maintenance than moi, and watching him navigate the negatives of travel is hilarious and relatable. There are 7 seasons available on Hulu at the moment, so if you’re not sure where to start, I recommend Season 3 Episode 2 in Helsinki with the one and only Paul Rudd.

2. Catastrophe – Amazon Prime

This isn’t necessarily concerning travel, but it’s about an American man who knocks up a one night stand while in the UK for business. It is honest, raw, and utterly hilarious. One of my favorite shows of all time. Cherish each episode though. There are only 4 seasons, with six 25-minute episodes per season.

1. The Durrells in Corfu – Amazon Prime

This comedy-drama series holds such a special place in my heart. It’s based on the true stories detailed in Gerald Durrell’s book “My Family and Other Animals”, about his widowed mother who moves their family from England to the Greek Island of Corfu in the mid 1930’s. Despite financial hardships, differing cultures, no electricity or running water, and an impending war, the Durrells are delightfully witty, clever, curious, and endearing. And if that’s not enough to entice you, the scenery is absolutely STUNNING. If you are feeling anxious about what’s happening in the world right now, and want a feel good, funny series to watch, this is it.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

The following are honorable mentions solely because you can’t get them for free right now. They are both SOLID shows.

An Idiot Abroad

$2.99 an episode, and entire seasons range from $7.99- $22.99

Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant (the creators of The Office), send their “close minded and simple” friend, Karl, on a trip to visit the Seven Wonders of the World. Sounds like a dream trip, right? Welp, let’s just say the logistics and accommodations set up by Ricky and Stephen are less than desirable, and they take great pleasure in watching their friend suffer through his travels.

The Getaway

Amazon (Not free – $2.99 per episode or $14.99 per season)

From Executive Producer Anthony Bourdain, is a documentary travel series where celebrities take us to areas of the world they know and love, and share valuable tips and tricks along the way. It’s informative and entertaining. My favorite episode is Chrissy Teigen in Bangkok.