On Sunday mornings, watching travel shows with my husband has become a household ritual. After eating breakfast, we pick up our steaming cup of spicy chai, head over to the living room and turn on the latest PVR’d travel episode before we start the rest of the day.

What I love about travel blogs and travel shows is their ability to have an inspiring ripple effect on travel enthusiasts. I’m one of those people who loves listening to and sharing travel stories. The energy from those coming back from their travels is infectious and helps snowball and motivate others to put their dreams into action. Desi Globetrotter aims to inspire you to travel the world, but what inspires Desi Globetrotter?

I’ve had wanderlust fever since my teens, but I’ve also been encouraged along the way – by friends, co-workers and the many solo travellers I met from my first backpacking trip to that article that digs a little deeper and gives me a sense of the people and places with its words to that movie scene with the panning shots of a city during sunrise and of course, the National Geographic channel as I’m flipping through shows. The culmination of these stories always leave me in awe and I draw on these experiences to challenge me to keep exploring the world and to never stop being curious.

Last fall, as the idea for Desi Globetrotter started unfolding out of my passion for travel and interest to explore my creative side through writing, I started researching and reading travel blogs and watching travel shows to keep my momentum going during the times I’m not travelling. I was comforted to know there are others out there just as passionate about travel as I am and changed forever by it.

Here are the top 3 travel shows that keep me inspired!

1)  DEPARTURES

This Canadian-made travel show features two high school friends (then in their twenties), Scott Wilson and Justin Lukach who travel to various locations around the world seeking adventure. It’s a personal journey, offbeat, humourous, educational and real . You’ll see them experience the positives and negatives of long term travel. The three seasons originally aired on the Outdoor Living Network between 2008-2010 and is expanding worldwide. As described on their site, “Departures is as much about the journey as it is the destination. No prizes, no contests, just real life and real travel.”

I’ve watched all three seasons on tv and have recently purchased the full dvd set. That’s how much I love this show. It’s definitely not dry or boring. If you’re looking for inspiration – you’ll find it here. Seriously, you’ll be hooked.

2)  WORD TRAVELS

“Reveals the Truth Behind the Byline”
This show features travel writers Robin Esrock and Julia Dimon as they traverse the world to find the next story to write in time for their editors.  Viewers get an inside look at the life of a travel writer, the jetlag, the deadlines and the fun as well as the not-so-glamourous side of travel writing while globetrotting for weeks with someone you work with. “Filmed in 36 countries across six continents, Word Travels mirrors the world it uncovers – beautiful, unpredictable, and full of surprises.”

 

3) MADVENTURES – EXTREME TRAVELOGUE

This Finnish travel documentary tv series focuses on backpacking in offbeat locations and uncovers some of the world’s most extreme and controversial local traditions. The show is presented by Riku Rantala and Tunna Milonoff. It’s witty, unorthodox and offers a different point of view on controversial topics. “Riku Rantala became a fan favorite among the audiences fed up with fake, banal and predictable television with his harsh, take-no-prisoners attitude towards TV reporting.”   From speaking to a gunman in Brazil’s favelas to eating monkey brains, this show may shock you, but you’ll never be bored.

Check out the shows’ individual websites and the OLN channel for details on tv listings in various countries or you can view some of the episodes on Youtube.

*Photo Credits: OLN, Departures, Ganesha.Isis