Destination Films and TV Shows to Watch

Before Michael and I take any type of trip, we are usually very busy planning an itinerary.

While it may seem counterintuitive to spend time that could be used for creating a travel plan watching television, we always dedicate a couple of hours to watching TV shows and films set in, or about, the place we are planning to visit. We often gain helpful historical or cultural insight about a different place (and okay, sometimes we end up with just an enjoyable show or movie!), which is especially helpful when our destination has different cultural norms than we experience at home.

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It is my hope that this list will be a live resource -one I can contribute to as I travel and view more shows and films relevant to the places I’ve visited. To note, I have watched many more items than the ones on this list, but these are the ones that held the biggest impact for me (or that may be a little less obvious!):

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FILM & TV SHOWS SET AROUND THE WORLD

• Travel Man: 48 Hours in… – This show by host Richard Ayoade is a total gem, and I love how it presents options for wealthy travelers and budget travelers (heeey!) alike. The host and one comedic guest fly somewhere for 48 hours (omg like us), mostly in Europe, but occasionally elsewhere. Food plays a big role here, and I’m always interested to see what a destination’s specialties are.
• Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations, Parts Unknown, and The Layover – These series all kind of run together for me, except The Layover probably most closely resembles how I travel because of its short timeline. Bourdain’s swagger is always at the forefront, but I’m usually only watching to see the interesting people he meets. Before we go anywhere, we check to see if our destination has been featured in one of his shows; as there are so many, the odds are pretty high.
• Rick Steves’ Europe – Ah yes, the man many travelers love to hate (I particularly enjoyed this post). Although in many ways he’s changed the areas that he’s reported on in Europe for the worse and you see tourists holding up his books and wandering lost around city streets, I still watch his episodes before I go because they’re a necessary evil of European travel. Because of the soaring popularity of the places he recommends, I generally avoid any restaurants, hotels, or tours he recommends. Instead, I prefer to watch in order to decide which sights I want to see and to see what the locals in the background are wearing.
• Travels and Traditions – To be honest, I don’t actively seek out this show from Burt Wolf; I just happen to catch it when it airs on my local PBS station. If you are searching for a specific destination, I recommend heading to your local PBS station’s website (they all air different content!) and searching through the schedule for upcoming shows. I am fortunate to receive CreateTV over the air as well, for double the travel content.
• Travelscope – Yet another “old white man who travels” show, I typically watch this one on PBS as well, rather than seeking it out. At least the host, Joseph Rosendo, travels to more exotic destinations than some of the other guys.
• Amazing Race – This show is probably more fun to watch after returning from a destination, so you can say, “I’ve been there!” It’s probably less helpful for planning a trip unless you and your travel partner(s) plan on competing in ridiculous challenges along the way. If that’s the case, though, at least you can decide who’s doing what ahead of time…
• Killing Eve – Even without the travel element, this show is gripping and good. It follows two strong, commanding women at odds due to their positions, yet are inextricably connected.
• Carmen Sandiego – Here’s one for the kids (and the 90s kids!). This Netflix reboot chronicles the start of Carmen Sandiego’s career and ACME’s pursuit of the villain.
• Chef’s Table – I can’t say enough about the cinematic production of this show; it’s beautifully crafted. Each episode follows a famous chef and their restaurant(s), telling the story of their most well-known dishes and the challenges they face in their roles.
• Mind of a Chef – Food and travel will always be inextricably linked for me, so we consume as many shows about the people and cuisine of an area as possible. This PBS production dives into the lives of each chef featured and the food so closely associated with their environment.
• Conan Without Borders – I really enjoyed this departure from the comedian’s studio-filmed episodes, and I hope more are released. There are moments where you’ll cringe, for sure (and yes, he definitely takes things way too far), but I think it’s important to have mass broadcasts like this that show the other side of the story.

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FILM & TV SHOWS SET IN NORTH AMERICA

Canada

Quebec

• Les Beaux Malaises – Please, please give this show a watch. It may take an episode or two to get into, but you’ll want to keep watching once you’re in. This show focuses on comedian Martin Mette and his fictional family as they encounter various situations, some happy, some sad, all funny. A great look into the French language outside of France, and the day-to-day life of our neighbors to the north.

Mexico

• Y tu mamá también – Not at all family-friendly, but a good watch if you’ve never seen it before. It’s both a coming-of-age buddy movie and a heart-breaking tale, and all the while Mexico’s grit and beauty are on display.

Jalisco

• The Night of the Iguana – Based on the Tennessee Williams play of the same name, this Richard Burton and Ava Gardner film sparked the tourism industry in the Puerto Vallarta region (whether that is a good or bad thing is your call). I watched this film in anticipation of my trip to Puerto Vallarta.
• Puerto Vallarta Squeeze – For the sake of honesty and transparency – this film wasn’t very good. However, you’ll get to see a bit of Puerto Vallarta in the beginning, and some of the back roads later on.
• Beverly Hills Chihuahua – Yes, you read that correctly. It’s ridiculous and hyper-Disneyfied, and a little less culturally aware than it should be. But I still think it’s worth a shot before visiting Puerto Vallarta (you may also wish to take a couple of shots before viewing…).

Mexico City

• Frida – This biopic of Frida Kahlo stars a highly recognizable cast and follows the artist’s life through her many ups and downs (mostly downs). The art and the scenery are beautiful, and despite being released in 2002, the film still feels very fresh today.
• Roma – Even if you haven’t seen it, you’ve probably heard about this movie by now. Roma is director Alfonso Cuarón’s homage to the Mexico City of his childhood, and a look into the lives of the people we rarely see featured on films.
• World’s Busiest Cities: Mexico City – This limited-run BBC series looks more closely at the infrastructure of four busy world cities. We’ve only been to one, so we’re listing this one here. It’s an important, if slightly astounding, watch before you visit.
• Lucha Mexico – This isn’t highly rated on IMDB, but I thought this was a fascinating, well-made documentary about the world of Lucha. Some of it gets hard-core, so maybe don’t eat while you watch?
• Amores Perros – It takes a few minutes to figure out the roles of each person in this multi-storyline film, but soon you’ll be too engrossed to look away.

USA

• Stephen Fry in America – A short season with British host Stephen Fry driving through the United States and experiencing the country as a foreigner. Expect to learn something about the US you never knew before – especially if it’s where you call home.

Alabama

• Selma – Not an easy watch, but an important one. The film details the Civil Rights events leading up to the march from Selma to Montgomery, including Bloody Sunday. Be prepared to feel angry and embarrassed for this country.

Colorado

• South Park: Casa Bonita – I’ve never really watched South Park before (but Michael has seen many, many episodes), but before we went to Denver we had to watch the episode. After visiting the real Casa Bonita, I can say that they’ve really accomplished portraying the restaurant in cartoon form beautifully.

Georgia

• Atlanta – Donald Glover’s show about Georgia’s largest city lets us look into a side of town we don’t often see. Expect a different perspective on the city by the time you’re done.

• Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil – I tried to finish this book before our first visit to Savannah but didn’t have time. Ultimately we watched the movie before leaving; the dark, twisted, true story set the tone for one of many visits to the Hostess City of the South.
• Queer Eye – I love the new Fab Five, and the first two seasons of the Netflix Original are filmed in the area surrounding Atlanta. Though the focus is on the changing of people’s lives, viewers also get a glimpse into life in the Deep South.

Illinois

• Ferris Bueller’s Day Off – I’ve seen this film a million times (and you probably have too) but I could watch it a million more. It’s a classic John Hughes film, and Chicago is fully embedded in every scene.

Massachusetts

• Good Will Hunting – At this point, a classic film, and you’ve likely seen it already. And if not? Get ready to root for the underdog and feel frustrated along the way (I promise I won’t tell if you start talking to the characters out loud).

New York

• 2 Days in New York – Sort of a continuation of 2 Days in Paris but you’ll be able to catch on even if you haven’t seen the first film. A little over the top, but you’ll find something to relate to, promise.
• Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt – You’ll find my household has a thing for quirky comedies, and here’s a good example of one. Kimmy comes to NYC after spending fifteen years in an underground bunker as an unwilling member of a cult, which forces us to step back and take a look at the city with fresh eyes. If you like shows like 30 Rock or The Office, this show has that same brand of comedy.

• Master of None – This comedy by Aziz Ansari shows a modern view of looking for love in the city. The first season of the show is a sweet one to binge, and you’re guaranteed to laugh.
• Breakfast at Tiffany’s – The New York City of the 1960s is long gone, but this movie remains. Watch for a glimpse into the past, and skip having a real breakfast at Tiffany’s, which sounds completely underwhelming.

North Carolina

• Outer Banks – There are a number of geographical issues with this show, but it’s still a fun watch for those who still appreciate a good ol’ fashioned teen drama.

Texas

• Mr. Roosevelt – A truly cute, funny, and awkward movie about an aspiring comedienne who has to return to her ex-boyfriend’s place in Austin (with his new girlfriend) when her cat passes away. A great film to watch to get a feel for Austin’s vibe, just know that you’ll be cringing the entire time you’re rooting for the main character.

Washington, D.C.

• House of Cards – Despite allegations against the main star and shaky later seasons, House of Cards provides a fascinating look into the day-to-day workings of the US government. I suspect politics in DC aren’t quite so filled with murder, bribery, and adultery, but who knows?
• The West Wing – Who would have thought that a slow-paced, turn-of-the-century show about DC politics could be so gripping or so heartwarming?

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FILM & TV SHOWS SET IN EUROPE

Belgium

• In Bruges – This dark and somewhat gruesome film somehow manages to be both comedic and beautiful. Bruges makes a “fairy tale” backdrop for the film, and I suspect you’ll recognize most of the cast from other projects.

Denmark

• Rita – Rita is about a Danish schoolteacher who cares more than anyone about her students but doesn’t care what anyone thinks of her. At times, she’s everything you want to be, and at other times, you find yourself cringing and wondering what she’s doing with her life. This is one of those shows that’ll make you laugh and cry all in one episode.
• Noma: My Perfect Storm – This documentary came out a few months after we visited Rene Redzepi’s famous New Nordic restaurant in Copenhagen. The concept of Noma is changing, but this is worth the watch.
• After the Wedding – I almost don’t want to share any details about this film, other than it is warm, beautiful, and heartbreaking throughout. Expect to see a lot of familiar Danish faces (if you watch some of the other titles listed here).

• Forbrydelsen (“The Killing”) – The first season aired over a decade ago but this show will captivate you for the length of every episode. Another Danish show featuring a strong female lead (Sofie Gråbøl), The Killing tells the story of a murder each season and the audience gets to follow along step-by-step. Like a lot of other Nordic noir, this show doesn’t sugar-coat the gruesome details.  Skip the US remake, put down your cell phone so you can read the subtitles, and watch the original. You may want to go ahead and perch yourself on the edge of your seat.
• Borgen – A fast-paced, political drama showcasing a female Prime Minister, and set in Copenhagen. Utterly realistic and wholly gripping, you’ll want to continue binging, even if political shows aren’t your thing. I particularly enjoyed seeing how another government functions, even if this one is fictitious.
• Copenhagen – Set in the capital of Denmark, and showcases many notable spots in the city. A beautiful story about friendship and mild adventure *spoiler alert* until it takes an uncomfortably pedophilic turn toward the end.
• Hjørdis – a spinoff of Rita, this mini-series focuses on one of the original show’s quirky side characters.

England

• Sherlock (BBC) – We’ve had quite a few iterations of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s series over the past decade, but this BBC version stands out above the rest. Placed in modern-day London, Cumberbatch’s Sherlock will grab you within moments. The episodes are long – almost movie length – but that’s okay because you won’t want them to end.
• The Big Fat Quiz of the Year – This special airs once a year on Channel 4 in the U.K. and occasionally there are spin-offs as well. Pub quiz-style shows are quite popular in Great Britain, and this one combines a year’s worth of trivia with a lot of comedy. If you’re American, expect to be astounded by how much the contestants know about your country, and how little you know about theirs. I promise you’ll learn something and get a laugh out of it as well.
• Great British Bake Off – In the U.S. this show is titled The Great British Baking Show and airs on PBS (seasons 1-5) and Netflix (current seasons). Chances are, you’ve probably seen it, or at least heard of it, and wondered, “Why are people so excited about a baking show?” Get ready to binge, because it really is that sweet.
• Harry Potter film series – I loved the books growing up, and reading them really made me want to visit England, so I had to include the films on our list. You won’t find much in the way of sci-fi or fantasy on this list because they’re not my cup of tea, but I highly recommend watching or re-watching these for the umpteenth time.

France

• Before Sunset – Before you watch Before Sunset (set in Paris), go ahead and watch Before Sunrise (I hope you’re going to Vienna, too). A lovely trilogy of films released nine years apart (1995, 2004, and 2013 – I’m wondering what 2022 will bring…), each film showcases the stars’ love story and the setting’s scenery in equal parts.
• Midnight in Paris – Completely charming and mysterious, and as entirely magical and enthralling as the city itself. This is one of those movies where you are better off letting reality slide for a while, and letting the film’s reality set in.
• 2 Days in Paris – I hope you like Julie Delpy because she’s on this list three times. 2 Days in Paris is the prequel to 2 Days in New York, though I don’t know that you necessarily need to watch them in order. I personally liked this film better, and I especially love getting to watch different family dynamics – even if they’re fictional.
• Amelie – If you make a list of films to watch before visiting Paris and it doesn’t include Amelie, does it even count?

• Populaire – Not a blockbuster or award-winning film, but a pleasant watch. Populaire is set in 1950s France and tells the story of a young woman who doesn’t have her act together but can type like crazy (sounds like a lot of today’s society). Her boss trains her to compete in speed-typing competitions and she dominates. This movie is perfect for a summer afternoon with a glass of rosé.
• Belphegor: Phantom of the Louvre – We started watching this movie as a joke – I mean it’s so ridiculous, evil spirits escape from the Louvre and out into a neighboring woman’s body – but we definitely watched the whole film. If you’re looking for a so-bad-it’s-good kind of film, this is it.

Italy

• To Rome With Love – Maybe not the best Woody Allen film, but To Rome with Love would be a good watch before traveling to the Eternal City. Surprisingly, it has sort of a millennial feel to it.
• Master of None – I listed this show under New York, but a few wonderful episodes take place in Italy too. I’ve now mentioned this show twice – you need to go watch it.

• Roman Holiday – Completely unrealistic but totally loveable, Roman Holiday is one of those types of movies that “they just don’t make anymore.” You’ll see lots of Rome’s identifiable sights throughout the film.

 

Norway

• Fortitude – This series is set in the fictional town of Fortitude (which is supposed to be like Longyearbyen in Svalbard) and filmed in Iceland. It’s a great introduction to Nordic Noir for those who don’t like reading subtitles.
• Slow TV: Train Ride Bergen to Oslo – This series is gaining in popularity amongst those wanting a slower pace, but this one is particularly fun for us as we traveled part of the route on our trip to Norway (and to be honest slept through part of it since we were so jetlagged).
• New Scandinavian Cooking – Sadly this series no longer airs on my local PBS station as often, which is a shame since I enjoyed tuning in to see what they were cooking that day (spoiler alert: it’s fish). Not only does this show introduce you to different types of Scandinavian cuisine, but you’ll also learn a little history and gain a little view of the landscape. Each episode is set against a beautiful, mostly natural, backdrop. This show films in each of the Nordic countries, but I believe most episodes are filmed in Norway.

Sweden

• Bron/Broen (“The Bridge”) – The series begins as a body is found on the Øresund Bridge, straddling the Danish and Swedish borders. The police departments from both sides must work together, which creates an unusual dynamic. Accompanied by the fact that one of the detectives is on the spectrum (though it’s never explicitly stated), The Bridge makes for some powerful and thought-provoking TV. We haven’t seen the US/Mexico version yet, but perhaps when the Scandinavian version ends we’ll give it a shot.
• Wallander – It took a couple of episodes for us to get into watching the Swedish series of Wallander (we never could really get into the British version), but we were eventually hooked. You’ll root for Kurt Wallander throughout the series, despite questioning why he does things a certain way. This show provides a great glimpse into a smaller Swedish town.
• The Millennium Trilogy: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Girl Who Played with Fire, and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest – If you read Stieg Larsson’s books, you know how dark these films are – they’re not for the faint of heart. They do, however, show a different side to Sweden – the one you probably (hopefully!) don’t see too often.

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What are your favorite shows and films to watch before traveling? Let us know!