A mixture of documentaries, competitions, extreme adventures and comedies all related to travel, nature, animals, wildlife and the environment. Some will inspire travels, others will make you reevaluate them, some will make you want to give up all modern luxuries and move to a remote island and maybe take on an ultimate challenge.
1) Race Across the World, BBC (Series 1 & 2)
A competition between pairs to ‘Race Across the World‘ without getting a flight. Series 1 sees teams battle to get from London, England to Marina Bay Sands Singapore, stopping at a series of checkpoints, see them visit some popular tourist destinations and hidden gems. Series 2 start point is Mexico City to Ushuaia, Argentina. We loved spotting land reminiscing once they’d reached South America. Ultimately, you’ll end up with a favourite pair and rooting for them, it gets tense, and you’ll be adding multiple places to your bucket list.
2) Blue Planet and Planet Earth 1 & 2, BBC
You’ve known doubt seen these or at very least her of them. Of course David Attenborough had to make the list. It is absolutely breathtaking, and some of the best quality imagery for a nature documentary, stay watching until the end to see just how they shot it.
3) The Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan, BBC
Romesh visits destinations that generally have some stigma attached, in an attempt to change the stereotype view, of course with a comedic twist that will leave you belly laughing.
4) Amazing Hotels, Life Beyond The Lobby, BBC
See behind the scenes of comes of the worlds best famous hotels, see the hard work to keep them up and running, and hear the lavish stories.
5) Expedition with Steve Backshall, BBC, UKTV play, Amazon Prime
Go on a journey of some of the world‘s firsts with Steve, through some less visited nations and witness his adventures, some of which will leave you on the edge of your seat.
6) My family and the Galapagos, Channel 4
Biologist Monty Halls moves to the Galápagos Islands with his family, to experience living at his favourite places on earth, whilst he carries out research before returning home. We particularly loved this one as we got to see some of the places and islands we visited. Monty delves deep into conservation and shares his passion with his 2 girls. We can totally understand why it’s his favourite place on earth.
7) Walking with Elephants, Channel 4
Levi’s on Wood set off on a 650 mile journey from Zimbabwean border to follow the annual migration of Botswana’s Elephants to Okavango delta. Levison was joined by expert Kane from local San community. It offers a totally unique perspective on elephant conservation, one where the relationship with humans and elephants is discussed. Visits with local communities proves this relationship isn’t so simple it’s not just the bad guy poachers and the conservationist, there’s a lot more to it.
8) New Lives in the Wild with Ben Fogle, Channel 5
Ben travels to far corner of the globe to stay With people and families who have chosen to live remote, off grid lifestyles, often considered extreme, giving up many modern luxuries. Its on Series 14 so as you can imagine he’s been to a lot of places by now! A large majority of the people who he visits have chosen the lifestyle to lessen their impact on the planet or protect a certain area of land.
9) Free Solo, National Geographic and Disney +
This one is nail biting it will leave you on the edge of your seat and is a completely insane climbing feat by someone who now as a result is possibly the most famous climber in the world, Alex Honnald. Expanding the realm of climbing interest to much more than the climbing community.
10) David Attenborough: A Life on our Planet, Netflix
David Attenborough’S newest documentary series, so one you may not have had chance to watch yet.
11) Jack Whitehall: Travels with my Father, Netflix
Too funny, need we say much more.
12) Down to Earth with Zac Efron, Netflix
A short series visiting places around the world, whilst focusing on simple switches for a more sustainable way of life, maybe apart from the notion that we don’t all have a volcano to access geothermal power. Favourite quote; ‘bottled water is the biggest scam of our time’
13) The Dawn Wall, Netflix
You may have seen him in Free Solo, as Alex Honnalds training partner but Tommy Caldwell is one of the best climbers in his own right with some incredible feats for himself. Not only that but he’s overcome loosing half a finger in an accident (subsequently completely some of his best climbs) and overcome a kidnapping in Kyrgyzstan, all of which you can learn about in the documentary of his lead up to climbing Dawn Wall, in Yosemite with Kevin Jorgeson.
14) Dark Tourist, Netflix
A controversial series with some controversial visits, learn more about Dark Tourism, though we’d recommend doing more research delving into the pros and cons of Dark Tourism before opting to visit any yourself.
15) Red Bull Documenatries including; Margo Hayes break on through & A line across the Sky
See young world class climber Margo Hayes break history as youngest to complete some of the worlds toughest climbs, her sheer determination shines through. If you enjoyed the pairing of Tommy Caldwell and Alex Honnald, you’ll enjoy A line across the sky as they attempt the fitzroy traverse with a slightly underprepared Honnald.
Special Mention to; The Age of Consequences. One that definitely requires research afterwards and will for sure make you think.
Socks and Sandals