Travel Inspiration from the Screen: Popular TV Shows to Fuel Your Wanderlust
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In a world where travel meets television, popular shows are doing more than just telling stories—they’re inspiring us to explore the scenes behind the drama. From the historical backdrops of feudal Japan to the mystical highlands of Scotland, these TV shows offer a world of adventure. Let’s embark on a journey inspired by some of the most talked-about series currently on air.
1. The Sympathizer
Plot: Set during and after the Vietnam War, “The Sympathizer” explores the life of a half-French, half-Vietnamese communist spy navigating through the aftermath of war.
Where to Watch: HBO Max
Inspires Travel to: Vietnam
Where to Go: Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi for urban exploration, and the beautiful Ha Long Bay for nature.
What to Do: Visit the War Remnants Museum, stroll through the Old Quarter of Hanoi, and cruise through Ha Long Bay.
What to Eat: Enjoy pho, banh mi, and fresh spring rolls for a taste of Vietnamese cuisine.
2. Shogun
Plot: This adaptation of James Clavell’s novel is set in the early 17th century and follows an English navigator who becomes embroiled in the politics of feudal Japan.
Where to Watch: FX
Inspires Travel to: Japan
Where to Go: Tokyo and Kyoto
What to Do: Visit historic temples in Kyoto, the bustling Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo, and experience a traditional tea ceremony.
What to Eat: Sushi, ramen, and kaiseki, a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner.
3. Bridgerton
Plot: Set in the regency era in England, this drama swirls around the Bridgerton family’s societal season, focusing on romance, scandal, and high society.
Where to Watch: Netflix
Inspires Travel to: England
Where to Go: London and Bath
What to Do: Tour the Tower of London, explore the Roman Baths, and walk along the Royal Crescent.
What to Eat: Afternoon tea with scones, clotted cream, and jam.
4. Bodkin
Plot: A group of podcasters set out to investigate the mysterious disappearance of three strangers in an idyllic Irish town. But when they start to pull the strings, they find a story much bigger and stranger than they could have imagined.
Where to Watch: Netflix
Inspires Travel to: Ireland
Where to Go: Dublin
What to Do: Visit the Dublin Castle, watch a play at the Abbey Theatre, and tour the Guinness Storehouse.
What to Eat: Irish stew, soda bread, and a pint of Guinness.
5. Outer Range
Plot: A rancher in Wyoming finds himself facing off against supernatural mysteries that converge on his land.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
Inspires Travel to: Wyoming, USA
Where to Go: Yellowstone National Park
What to Do: Hiking, wildlife spotting, and visiting the geothermal features of Yellowstone.
What to Eat: Bison burgers, trout, and huckleberry pie.
6. Tracker
Plot: A mysterious figure with the ability to find anyone on Earth deals with drama and danger.
Where to Watch: Paramount Plus
Inspires Travel to: Australia
Where to Go: Sydney and the Outback
What to Do: Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge, explore the Outback’s rugged landscapes.
What to Eat: Barbecue shrimp, meat pies, and Lamingtons.
7. Ripley
Plot: Based on Patricia Highsmith’s novels, Ripley is a con artist globetrotting in Europe to evade his past and survive his deceitful lifestyle.
Where to Watch: Netflix
Inspires Travel to: Italy
Where to Go: Venice and Rome
What to Do: Gondola rides in Venice, and visiting the Colosseum and Vatican in Rome.
What to Eat: Pizza, pasta carbonara, and gelato.
8. Palm Royale
Plot: Set in a fictional luxurious hotel, this drama unfolds the lives of the staff and guests, filled with secrets and scandals.
Where to Watch: Apple TV+
Inspires Travel to: Florida, USA
Where to Go: Miami
What to Do: Enjoy the beaches, explore Art Deco architecture, and take a boat tour.
What to Eat: Cuban sandwiches, key lime pie, and seafood.
9. Outlander
Plot: A time-travel series that begins with a nurse from the 1940s who is swept back to 18th-century Scotland and finds adventure and romance.
Where to Watch: Latest Season on Starz
Inspires Travel to: Scotland
Where to Go: Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands
What to Do: Tour Edinburgh Castle, explore the Isle of Skye, and witness the Jacobite steam train.
What to Eat: Scottish salmon, haggis, and Scotch whisky.
Whether it’s the intrigue of ancient Japan or the regal airs of Regency England, these shows do more than just entertain; they open up avenues of curiosity that can only be satisfied by travel. As you explore these locales, you’ll find each destination holds a story, beckoning you to live your own adventure. So grab your passport, and let your favorite show be your guide to new adventures around the world.
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