At the beginning of COVID, when the world was looking for any way to escape, I found myself coiled up in fetal position, more nostalgic than ever for times and travels long gone. Stuck at home and swaddled in a purple peace sign-emblazoned snuggie, I stumbled upon Rick Steves’ Europe, a PBS travel series that follows the seasoned tour guide to Instagram-worthy destinations. As I watched Steves, I became fully immersed: I reminisced about Rome’s cobbled streets and simultaneously frustrating and charming public transportation system, longed for the best pici I will probably ever taste in my life while in Siena, and discovered new and exciting places that I haven’t had the fortune of visiting yet, all through a blue-lit screen.
I had found it, a gift from the universe allowing me to escape, if just for a moment, thanks to the power of television and the internet. It wasn’t long before I was exploring ancestral homelands with Kathy McCabe, mentally consuming delicious fresh eats along Italian coastlines with Chef Gino D’Acampo, and venturing into lesser-known hidden gem destinations with the late great Anthony Bourdain.
Even though things now appear to be heading in a positive direction and the world is beginning to open, I still treasure both my newfound and re-discovered virtual travel companions. If you too are eager to explore the world through the lens of charming and personable televised tour guides, read on for a selection of travel series that offer the precious gift of momentary virtual escape.
Rick Steves’ Europe
As I mentioned Rick Steves’ Europe was my original foray into my pandemic travel show binge. The PBS series has been airing for over 20 years and follows the tour guide as he explores breathtaking cities and towns across Europe. Steves’ gentle tone and genuine enthusiasm for his work will suck you in and soothe you as you sit back, relax and enjoy the virtual journey. Episodes are available to watch on Amazon Prime and Youtube.
Dream of Italy
Also a PBS series, Dream of Italy is an Italy-focused travel program hosted by journalist, Kathy McCabe. An Italian American, McCabe’s excitement as she traces her roots and discovers Italian food, art, and culture is a joy to watch. McCabe often is joined by local chefs, artisans, and historians making this fascinating series educational as well. Dream of Italy is streaming on Amazon Prime.
Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations & Parts Unknown
Late chef and author, Anthony Bourdain, revolutionized the world of travel series with his Emmy-winning travel series, where he investigates popular tourist destinations and hidden gems across the world. Bourdain’s witty, non-nonsense approach to travel and food, as well as his insightful anecdotes give these shows a unique edginess that is addictive to watch. No Reservations is currently streaming on Hulu and Discovery+, and Parts Unknown is streaming on HBO Max and Apple TV.
Gino’s Italian Escape
Many Americans may not know of Chef Gino D’Acampo, but this Italian chef, who is friends with Gordon Ramsey, is well-known in Britain for his show Gino’s Italian Escape on itv. In the long running series, Chef Gino explores the diverse cultures, history and natural beauty of his home country and provides mouthwatering recipes and useful cooking tips at each destination he visits. The first five seasons of Gino’s Italian Escape stream on Tubi and some episodes are also available to watch on Youtube.
The Covet File 