Check out this list of the best travel documentaries that will reveal the unseen beauty of the world around us! When traveling isn’t possible, how can we satisfy our wanderlust? How can we escape the daily routine and embark on the journey of a lifetime? What should we do if our travel plans suddenly get canceled? How can we lift our spirits with a little travel inspiration? Pick your favorite travel documentary and keep your imagination traveling anytime.

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Top Documentaries about Travel

Watching Travel Documentaries

Bringing the world to you

IIt’s been a while since I wanted to share more travel watchlists featuring top documentaries that will virtually bring the world to you—perfect for those moments when you can’t explore the world yourself. We, the travel enthusiasts, always have an endless bucket list of places to visit. But as John Lennon once said: “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.”

This is a familiar story for all of us – life just happens. Things rarely go as planned, trips get canceled, or they never happen at all. Countless things can get in the way of exploring your dream destinations. Sometimes you can push through the obstacles and follow your dreams, but sometimes you just can’t, at least not right away. And when that happens, it can leave you feeling demotivated.

The truth is, we all feel like this from time to time. One small thing that can make a big difference in such situations is your attitude. Positivity is the key to bringing good things back into your life, and the best way to channel optimism is by surrounding yourself with things that ignite your passion.

Sending adventures your way

What could possibly ignite a traveler’s soul more than experiencing epic adventures? Travel documentaries can transport you to the far corners of the world, all from the comfort of your home. Even if you’re not the star of these incredible journeys yet, you might be someday—life is full of surprises, and no one knows what tomorrow holds.

Discovering new landscapes, cultures, and people from all around the globe is the perfect fuel to satisfy our wanderlust. I’ve carefully curated a list of my favorite travel documentaries that always get me in the mood to explore, especially when I’m stuck at home. For your convenience, I’ve included YouTube trailers so you can get a quick preview of what’s in store for you.

For travel movie lovers, don’t miss out on the Top Romantic Travel Movies to enjoy with your special someone. And book enthusiasts might appreciate this list of wanderlust books for more inspiration.

My favorite Travel Documentaries from all across the globe

1. Seven Worlds, One Planet/David Attenborough Series (2019) – BBC

Every year, numerous travel documentaries are released, and each time I feel that, with so many unique visual stories out there, nothing can surprise me anymore. Yet, as technology continues to evolve, even more breathtaking nature recordings manage to captivate audiences worldwide. Seven Worlds, One Planet (2019) is a perfect example of this.

Each of our seven continents boasts a distinct array of flora and fauna. In this documentary, David Attenborough takes us on a remarkable journey across all of them, while also highlighting the reasons behind the loss of this diversity. It’s a powerful documentary that you truly must experience for yourself.

2. Frozen Planet (2011) – BBC

If we get into the topic of BBC documentaries, that could be a story for a whole separate blog post. You should definitely start with the Emmy-winning Planet Earth and The Blue Planet, though I assume you’ve already seen those. Personally, I preferred The Blue Planet to Planet Earth, but that’s quite subjective, as both are true masterpieces.

What sets Frozen Planet (2011) apart is its journey into the world of ice, revealing the vibrant life both above and below the frozen landscapes. The Arctic and Antarctic are two of the most breathtaking wilderness areas on our planet, and the beauty and power of nature there are unmatched anywhere else. I secretly dream of visiting both the North and South Poles one day. For that reason, Frozen Planet (2011) is one of the best travel documentaries in my opinion.

3. Tales by Light (2015) – National Geographic

Photography and nature lovers shouldn’t miss Tales by Light (2015), as behind every stunning image is an even more compelling story. What I love about this project is how it highlights the unique vision of each photographer and the story behind every shot. Originally starting as a short series by Canon, it evolved into a partnership with National Geographic. Tales by Light (2015) puts you in the photographer’s shoes, allowing you to see the world through someone else’s lens.

4.Home (2009) – HomeProject

In 18 months, the artistic crew of Home (2009) visited 53 countries around the world in search of unique filming locations. This documentary takes us to some of the most beautiful and hidden corners of the Earth, while also drawing attention to the critical ecological challenges humanity faces. Unlike Before the Flood (2016) and other impactful documentaries focused on global issues, Home (2009) centers primarily on the beauty of nature, delivering its message with a more optimistic tone. However, the underlying concern about our uncertain future is still present.

No matter who you are, where you live, or what you do for a living, we are all united by the same “home” we share. The breathtaking aerial views of nature remind us that there’s no time for boredom or despair in a world as stunning as ours.

5. National Parks Adventure (2016) – Netflix

Nature lovers can’t miss the opportunity to embark on a virtual adventure through America’s greatest outdoor destinations. Although I’ve visited the U.S. a few times, I’ve never had the chance to explore its incredible national parks—but they’re at the top of my travel bucket list. That’s why I’m especially eager to discover all the breathtaking spots in the U.S. that I absolutely must experience. It’s no surprise that domestic tourism is so popular in America, given the country’s stunning variety of landscapes and natural wonders.

6. Street Food (2019) – Netflix

My inner foodie couldn’t resist experiencing one of the most epic parts of traveling – street food markets. Street Food(2019) is a relatively new Netflix series that showcases authentic street food dishes and the people making them on the streets of various Asian countries, including Japan, Thailand, Taiwan, South Korea, and Singapore. What I especially love is the personal connection between the meals and the people cooking them, which is beautifully highlighted by the creators of Street Food (2019).

This documentary transports you into the bustling world of street food, where you’re constantly captivated by the local sights, sounds, and aromas. Want to expand your street food bucket list? Check out Street Food (2019) and get plenty of ideas for your future travels.

7. Under an Arctic Sky (2017) – Chris Burkard Studios

Instagram users might be quite familiar with the work of adventure photography guru Chris Burkard. Under an Arctic Skyfollows him and his friends as they make history by surfing beneath the northern lights. The storyline is captivating from the start: four surfers set sail along Iceland’s rugged north coast, facing extreme challenges. The entire shoot was jeopardized by an unexpected storm – the largest in 25 years. At one point, the crew considered abandoning the mission, but they trusted their instincts and pushed forward with everything they had. It’s a film you really need to experience for yourself.

8. Jiro Dreams of Sushi (2011) – Netflix

This is exactly how I hope to be in my 80s and 90s someday – doing something I love with all my heart and enjoying every minute of the work process. As Vince Lombardi once said, “Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence.” This perfectly describes the life of 85-year-old Jiro Ono, the world’s best Japanese sushi master. His small restaurant, with only ten seats, attracts food enthusiasts from all over the globe.

I never imagined that watching a documentary about someone making sushi could keep you glued to the screen for 1.5 hours and genuinely take your breath away. But believe me, this one does. There are so many unique aspects of Japanese culture that subtly weave into the story. You should definitely experience the magic of this legendary chef through Jiro Dreams of Sushi.

9.Samsara (2011) – Magidson Films

Samsara (2011) is one of the best travel documentaries ever made, yet it’s unlike anything else: nearly two hours of breathtaking imagery with no narration or dialogue. Directed by Ron Fricke, who also created Baraka (1992), this documentary offers a unique experience. It’s a creative blend of footage showcasing people, places, and objects from all over the world.

To be honest, when I first attempted to watch it, I gave up after just five minutes. At the time, I wasn’t prepared to process everything unfolding on the screen.

Samsara (2011) is one of those rare documentaries you need to be in the right mindset to fully appreciate. It’s perfect for a solo movie session – requiring your undivided attention and silence to absorb the story. To me, Samsara feels more like a piece of visual art than a traditional documentary.

10. The Eye of Istanbul (2016) – Journeyman Pictures

“The Eye of Istanbul” (2016) is a somewhat biased choice for me, as I’m in love with its two main subjects – black-and-white photography and the city of Istanbul. So, it’s not just about the documentary itself, but about the photographic history and timeless quality of beautiful black-and-white shots, and of course, the creative vision of Ara Güler behind them. The unique landscapes and portraits captured by Turkish photographer Ara Güler have become an integral part of the cultural and historical heritage of Istanbul.

Ara Güler passed away in 2018, but he remains internationally recognized as one of the greatest photojournalists of his time. He worked for TIME Life, Paris Match, and Magnum Photos, while also documenting the daily lives of Turkey’s working class. Some of his most famous works include portraits of the most renowned and influential individuals of the twentieth century, such as Sophia Loren, Indira Gandhi, Federico Fellini, Pablo Picasso, and Salvador Dalí, among many others. With his unique black-and-white pictures, you could essentially take a portrait tour of the world.

Ara Güler’s photo exhibition is currently touring some of Europe’s finest museums in London, Paris, and Rome. Hopefully, I’ll get the chance to visit in person one day.

Other travel documentaries on Netflix

IIn case you want to dive into the Netflix archives, you can also find more of the best travel documentaries.

  • Oceans (2010)
  • Virunga (2014)
  • Pedal the World (2015)
  • Mountain (2017)
  • Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father (2017-Present)
  • The Dawn Wall (2017)
  • Losing Sight of Shore (2017)
  • Chef’s Table (2017)
  • Chasing Coral (2017)
  • Cuba and the Cameraman (2017)
  • Dark Tourist (2018)
  • The Trader (Sovdagari) (2018)
  • Magical Andes (2019)
  • Our Planet (2019)
  • Night on Earth (2020)

More travel documentaries on Amazon Prime

For Amazon Prime subscribers, there are also a few additional documentaries available to enjoy online.

  • The Cove (2010)
  • Patagonia Rising (2011)
  • Beneath the Sea (2018)
  • Whales (2018)
  • Coral Kingdoms (2018)
  • A Symphony of Summits: The Alps from Above (2018)
  • Kilian Jornet Path To Everest (2018)
  • Untamed Romania (2019)
  • Sharkwater Extinction (2019)
  • One Child Nation (2019)

Family-Friendly Documentaries on Disney+

  • Wings of Life (2011)
  • Bears (2014)
  • Monkey Kingdom (2015)
  • Growing Up Wild (2016)
  • Born in China (2016)
  • Penguins (2019)
  • Dolphin Reef (2020)

Best of travel documentaries on Youtube

You can also currently find many free documentaries on the IDFA (International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam) website.

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For more suggestions on what to watch check my Pinterest boards Travel Books, Movies, and Quotes and What To Watch

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