The Travelling Fairy DancerArm Chair Travel
January 10th 2011 09:09
Ahh - so many countries, so little time! To satiate my wanderlust in between journeys, I indulge in travel shows.
I'm definitely not a television nut and only navigate the remote control between documentaries, anything related to travel and the occasional re-run of Sex And The City (whereby the adventures of Carrie in New York sustain me for a short while, in the absence of said travel shows).
My addiction has resulted in a severe case of 'travel show snobbery' - however, below are some that consistently hit the mark.
So, crack open a Pilsner, pour a Sangria or nibble on a mezze platter while you prepare for take-off - it's only the press of a button away.
No Reservations
Heavy drinker, - some say now reformed - smoker and all round grumpy, cynical, world-weary cook, Anthony Bourdain saunters across the globe, dismissing anything remotely commercial or...'sparkly'.
The loyal New Yorker manages to infiltrate the lives of locals in far flung corners of the world, has a fascination with Vietnam and makes eating innards and fried bugs look almost appealing.
His appreciation for the truly unusual aspects of travel is tangible - and the show is rarely predictable. You could love him or hate him, but, if you've travelled extensively, you'll appreciate his unique take on things.
Globe Trekker
Justine Shapiro first introduced me to the world of travel shows in Lonely Planet. Now, along with the irreverent Ian Wright, she still intrigues as she calmly drifts through magnificent places, charming the locals and regaling viewers with moments of history.
Globe Trekker is distinctively aimed at backpackers, its hosts are not afraid to tell it how it is and, even if I think I've thoroughly explored a destination, the show always takes me down a different path.
Getaway
This is so completely different to Globe Trekker and No Reservations that it should, perhaps, be in a different category. Getaway is 'sparkly' personified in a way that would surely horrify Anthony Bourdain. Hosts, such as Catriona Rowntree and Jules Lund, smile at the camera with startling white teeth, appear gorgeously attired at all times and clearly never sweat.
The good bits? Destinations are beautifully filmed and, every so often, it's nice to pretend that travel is actually that...'sparkly'.
World Cafe Asia
Bobby Chinn first came to my attention when I visited his restaurant in Hanoi, Vietnam. It's a place where you read the menu by torchlight, surrounded by sensual red curtains, before slipping inside an alcove for Shisha and emerging into the humid night - spellbound.
Half Egyptian, half Chinese and born in New Zealand, Bobby Chinn is confident, quick and endlessly interesting as he traverses Asia's street markets in a quest to find the best food, drink and entertainment.
Cheers! Prost! Kampai! - to arm chair travel x
I'm definitely not a television nut and only navigate the remote control between documentaries, anything related to travel and the occasional re-run of Sex And The City (whereby the adventures of Carrie in New York sustain me for a short while, in the absence of said travel shows).
My addiction has resulted in a severe case of 'travel show snobbery' - however, below are some that consistently hit the mark.
So, crack open a Pilsner, pour a Sangria or nibble on a mezze platter while you prepare for take-off - it's only the press of a button away.
No Reservations
Heavy drinker, - some say now reformed - smoker and all round grumpy, cynical, world-weary cook, Anthony Bourdain saunters across the globe, dismissing anything remotely commercial or...'sparkly'.
The loyal New Yorker manages to infiltrate the lives of locals in far flung corners of the world, has a fascination with Vietnam and makes eating innards and fried bugs look almost appealing.
His appreciation for the truly unusual aspects of travel is tangible - and the show is rarely predictable. You could love him or hate him, but, if you've travelled extensively, you'll appreciate his unique take on things.
Globe Trekker
Justine Shapiro first introduced me to the world of travel shows in Lonely Planet. Now, along with the irreverent Ian Wright, she still intrigues as she calmly drifts through magnificent places, charming the locals and regaling viewers with moments of history.
Globe Trekker is distinctively aimed at backpackers, its hosts are not afraid to tell it how it is and, even if I think I've thoroughly explored a destination, the show always takes me down a different path.
Getaway
This is so completely different to Globe Trekker and No Reservations that it should, perhaps, be in a different category. Getaway is 'sparkly' personified in a way that would surely horrify Anthony Bourdain. Hosts, such as Catriona Rowntree and Jules Lund, smile at the camera with startling white teeth, appear gorgeously attired at all times and clearly never sweat.
The good bits? Destinations are beautifully filmed and, every so often, it's nice to pretend that travel is actually that...'sparkly'.
World Cafe Asia
Bobby Chinn first came to my attention when I visited his restaurant in Hanoi, Vietnam. It's a place where you read the menu by torchlight, surrounded by sensual red curtains, before slipping inside an alcove for Shisha and emerging into the humid night - spellbound.
Half Egyptian, half Chinese and born in New Zealand, Bobby Chinn is confident, quick and endlessly interesting as he traverses Asia's street markets in a quest to find the best food, drink and entertainment.
Cheers! Prost! Kampai! - to arm chair travel x
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Comment by Anonymous
Saving With Sarah
My favorite one is Departures, and I was surprised to see it missing from your list. It's a humble program with great imagery and honesty.
Someday I want to teach English overseas, and that show definitely fans the fire of my passion to travel.
Comment by The Travelling Fairy Dancer
Travel Magic
Thanks for the lovely comment on my writing. I haven't had a chance to watch Departures yet - but will do so on your advice.
My first big solo trip was straight after highschool at 17 to live and work in Japan - as a dancer, not an English teacher - but I know many people who are OS teaching, and they love it! Definitely something for you to look forward to!