Travel Shows on PBS to Explore the World With

Rick Steves' Europe

Rick Steves' Europe is public television's most-watched and longest-running travel series. Written and hosted by America's leading authority on European travel, each half-hour episode transports viewers to the continent's bustling cities, quaint villages, and picturesque countryside. 

With additional hour-long specials and short clips available to stream, Rick Steves accommodates the needs of any traveler. Stream the full series with PBS Passport or travel to Sicily with Steves' in the following episode from season 10.

Culture Quest

Culture Quest is an Emmy Award-winning travel series that looks at life through the lens of the world’s artists, artisans, and keepers of culture. From East Timor to Western Mongolia, host Ian Grant analyzes the day-to-day lives of citizens worldwide and the issues affecting the places they call home.

In the following episode, Grant travels the Northern Coast of Australia to Arnhem Land, spending time with the Yolngu tribe – a group of people that anthropologists date back to well over 30,000 years and who were instrumental in advancing the struggle for land rights for Aboriginals across Australia.

Alice's Adventures on Earth

Adventure filmmaker, travel host, and sustainability expert Alice Ford explores some of the world's most awe-inspiring natural wonders, from the Smoky Mountains to Joshua Tree. Hiking solo in national parks and other landscapes, she encourages viewers to find adventure in nature, around the world, and in their own backyard.

Join Alice in the following episode as she explores the glacier lakes and rugged peaks of the North Cascades National Park. From family-friendly hiking trails like Blue Lake to steep treks like the Sahale Glacier, Alice explores it all and provides valuable advice for even the most experienced hikers.

Outside: Beyond The Lens

Outside: Beyond the Lens is an adventure travel show that explores America’s national parks and scenic wonders beyond the crowds and popular tourist stops. From the Grand Canyon to the British Virgin Islands, outdoor filmmaker Jeff Aiello and his Emmy Award-winning team capture our beautiful and diverse world.

Stream the full series with PBS Passport or join Aiello aboard a 40ft sailing catamaran to sail the Channel Islands. The ocean adventure features striking videography of the islands and up-close contact with Spinner dolphins and the rare Giant Sunfish.

Samantha Brown's Places to Love

Places to Love takes viewers on a discovery of the heart of travel by highlighting the people who are challenging and strengthening destinations. Hosted by travel expert Samantha Brown, the series encourages viewers to experience the passion of people and the soul of a place in a way that only traveling can do.

In the following episode, the second part of her journey to Jerusalem, Brown visits some of the city's most significant religious and cultural sites, including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Machane Yehuda market.

Music Voyager

Music Voyager is a travel-based music series that invites viewers to discover the exciting sounds of the planet. Join ethnomusicologist and musician Jacob Edgar as he travels the world to hear cutting-edge musicians and immerse himself in their cultures.

In the following episode, Edgar travels into the heart of Sicily, hosted by royalty, and toasts famous vineyards in the shadows of Mount Etna. Learn more about the intersection of travel, music, and culture in seasons 1-9 streaming on the PBS app. 

Color of the Islands

Uniting exploration, photography, and the natural world, Colors of the Island follows the best Caribbean photographers as they capture the essence of their home islands. From Barbados to Bimini, the show teaches viewers about the heritage and culture of Caribbean islands and the creative processes that drive each photographer. 

Join Ebony Magazine's Melissa Alcena in the following episode as she journeys the length of Eleuthera island, all the way up to Harbor Island, to find inspiration and capture the uniquely beautiful island from an organic angle.

Joseph Rosenado's Travelscope

Travelscope is an Emmy Award-winning travel series that guides viewers through all parts of the globe, from the villages of Zambia to the beaches of Thailand. Directed and hosted by travel journalist and broadcaster Joseph Rosenado, the series highlights the heritage and culture of each destination it visits.

Stream the full series with PBS Passport or join Rosenado in the following episode as he travels from the romantic private island of Matangi to the pristine waters of Jean-Michel Cousteau’s resort in Fiji. Check out Rosenado's newest series, Steppin' Out, for even more travel content!

Expedition with Steve Backshall

Head into the unknown with naturalist and explorer Steve Backshall as he journeys to the unexplored corners of the planet. On a mission to discover fresh insights that could secure a future for the world's wildlife, Backshall dives with sharks in Mexico's Eastern Pacific, paddles into the heart of brown bear territory, and more.

Stream the full series with PBS Passport or travel to the deserts of southern Oman with Backshall in the following clip from season 1. He meets with Khalid al Hikmani, who teaches him about one of the most elusive big cats on Earth-- the Arabian leopard.

La Frontera with Pati Jinich

Savor the sights, sounds, and flavors of the U.S.-Mexico border alongside acclaimed chef and James Beard Award-winning host Pati Jinich as she experiences the region’s rich culture, people, and cuisine. Along the way, Pati shares meals with locals from all walks of life and reflects on the melding of cultures. 

Stream the full series on PBS Passport or tune into the series preview below. Check out PBS Food for recipes to recreate delicious dishes from the show at home, from carne asada fries to Sonoran hot dogs.

PBS Passport Top Picks