From discovering nature secrets with David Attenborough to exploring cultural treasures with Bettany Hughes, these are the latest travel series that have our eyes glued to the screen in wonder...
We may only be a few months in, but 2024 is already delivering when it comes to captivating travel shows and documentaries. Whether you're into discovering the history and traditions of little-known Europe or wanting to follow an exhilarating race across East Asia, there's something for everyone on the small screen.
Of course, there's also plenty of legendary personalities from the travel and TV world to help transport us (virtually) to each corner of the globe, from David Attenborough and Michael Palin to Bettany Hughes and Joe Lycett. The question is, what do we watch first?
According to new research by Intrepid Travel, just 13% of women feel they are represented on TV travel shows and 62% say that seeing a female host would encourage them to travel more. This is supported by the statistic that just 21% of travel shows on two mainstream TV channels have women presenters. To combat the perception that adventure travel is just for men and close this 'Adventure Gap', the B Corp organisation have launched a pop-up exhibition in London highlighting the untold stories of female travellers. AdventurHER: Travel Tales of Inspiring Women will run from 19-21 April from 10am until 6pm at 20-22 Camden Passage, Islington.
Eugenie & Isabel are contestants on this series of Race Across the World (BBC/Studio Lambert/Pete Dadds)
The fourth series of Race Across the World has now begun on BBC One. This time, the five teams of two are racing 15,000km across Asia, from the intoxicating Japanese capital of Tokyo to the paradise island of Lombok in Indonesia. En route, they will be racing to check points, which involves crossing eight borders and six seas. The catch? They have no smartphone technology, internet access or credit card – just a limited budget and the kindness of strangers to help them get them from A to B.
How to watch: Wednesdays at 9pm on BBC One, or catch up on iPlayer.
Michael Palin explores Nigeria in his latest series (Paramount Pictures)
This three-part series on Channel 5 sees the acclaimed travel presenter Michael Palin take on an epic 2,000km journey across Nigeria, expected to be the third most populated country within the next half a century. Beyond its blighted reputation with claims of fraud and corruption, 80-year-old Palin learns the ‘Giant of Africa’ has so much to offer the intrepid traveller, with jaw-dropping natural landscapes and complex cultural discoveries, as well as extraordinary people.
How to watch: Tuesdays (from 16 April) at 9pm on Channel 5, or catch up on My5.
Joe Lycett and Jessica Fostekew pose infront of volcanoes in Lanzarote (North One/Channel 4)
Comedian Joe Lycett reprises his role as Travel Man in 2024, joined by familiar faces as he explores new destinations for 48 hours each. Across four episodes, he visits the Italian port city of Trieste with Alan Davies, the Lapland capital of Rovaniemi with Desiree Burch, the fairtytale Czech capital of Prague with Adam Buxton, and the Canary Island of Lanzarote with Jessica Fostekew. From an unusual Wind Museum to aurora hunting, Joe and his travel companions enjoy the best and quirkiest parts of these European gems.
How to watch: Catch up now on Channel 4.
Bettany Hughes explores Albania in the new series (Channel 4)
Historian Bettany Hughes returns to our screens with the third series of Treasures of the World on Channel 4. In the six episode series, she seeks out the historic and cultural secrets of Eastern Europe, from the oldest worked gold in Bulgaria to local hospitality in Albania. As Hughes describes herself, the treasures uncovered are usually ‘familiar stories found in unexpected places’.
How to watch: Saturdays at 7pm on Channel 4, or catch up on Channel 4.
Giraffes in Namibia are part of the latest David Attenborough series, Mammals (BBC Studios/Christophe Courteau/naturepl.com)
David Attenborough may be turning 98-years-old soon, but his new series once again delivers some of the most outstanding and surprising nature secrets of his career. BBC One’s Mammals, narrated by the legendary broadcaster, offers insight into the most successful animal group in the world. The remarkable footage explores never seen and unique animal behaviours, from the giant blue whale to the tiny Etruscan shrew. As ever, Attenborough also highlights the numerous threats these wild creatures face in a rapidly changing world.
How to watch: Sundays at 7pm on BBC One, or catch up on iPlayer.
Dara Ó Briain explores the mysterious of the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt (Channel 5)
Channel 5’s upcoming series The Mysteries of the Pyramids is headed by comedian and presenter Dara Ó Briain. He’ll be joined by archaeology and history experts to dig into some of the most common yet unanswered questions and theories around this ancient wonder of the world, including ‘how were they built?’ and ‘what were they originally built for?’. Viewers can expect to be captivated and surprised about the answers Ó Briain finds.
How to watch: Coming soon to Channel 5 and My5 (date yet to be confirmed).
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