There are so many days and weeks when I can’t travel or get outside and I know many people can feel this exact feeling. Sometimes, travel isn’t really for some (or totally reachable), but there is an opportunity to see what it’s like to go to a certain location without the expenses, booking the flights, packing the bags, planning out the itinerary details, and that’s by staying at our homes. I admit I love to binge on Netflix when I can.
I love shows and movies based on travel experiences because they’ve been some of the most inspirational. My favorites are the documentaries on Netflix because they offer real perspectives on locations along with insightful research and incredible visuals. If you’re looking for a list of movies to watch based on travel that aren’t documentaries, check out my list of recommended movies here!
I’ve picked out the best travel shows and movies to watch on Netflix! I will update this list whenever I discover more shows and movies I’d recommend.
1. 14 Peaks
14 Peaks: Nothing is Impossible is my favorite movie out of this list! If you’re looking to watch a documentary that will bring you bone-chilling chills and also inspire you to live your best life, you’d love to watch this. This movie is about Nepali mountaineer, Nimsdai Purja, who has a goal to summit all 14 of the world’s tallest peaks within a timeframe of only 7 months! The incredibly inspiring story of Nimsdai Purja is full of triumph with a few heartbreaking stories in between and it may put you to tears, just a fair warning.
This is my favorite quote from the movie: “In life, you have to keep doing what you believe. You have to ask yourself ‘do you really want this for your heart?’ ‘Is it for the self glory or for something bigger?’ Sometimes the idea you come up with may seem impossible to rest of the world, but not to you.”
2. Chasing Coral
We may know that the world’s coral reefs are disappearing at a faster rate due to climate change. This documentary, Chasing Coral, is a great in-depth film to dive into why this is happening and it is a collaboration between divers, photographers, and scientists. It can be a sad reality to accept and this film perfectly captures what’s going on through the education and evidence presented here.
3. Down to Earth with Zac Efron
You wouldn’t think a A-list celebrity would be so curious about the world and to present what he’s learned through his travels, but I think that’s what makes Zac Efron appear more down-to-earth (may or may not be a pun to the title!) and is just a real human being like everyone else. I loved this series, Down to Earth with Zac Efron, because he goes to some of the most desirable locations and talks about the culture, the fascinating stories, and the recommended go-to locations and he shows you firsthand on what those experiences will look and how they’ll feel.
4. Our Planet
Our Planet is a British documentary series that focuses on the conservation of the wildlife in a region. The real footage of the wildlife shown is incredible evidence and evidence that examines the impact of climate change. It’s a great show worth watching since it has won 2 Emmy awards.
5. Our Great National Parks
Hosted by former President Barack Obama, this documentary series, Our Great National Parks, goes over some of the most insane and spectacular national parks in the world. This show highlights a lot of exploration into various landscapes and animal escapades. It doesn’t focus on the United States National Parks (at least not yet), but on other countries’ national parks.
6. The Alpinist
If you’re looking for another documentary that will bring you bone-chilling chills, you should definitely watch this one. The Alpinist is based on the story of free solo/solo alpine climber Marc-Andre Leclerc, who is one of the most impressive and boldest climbers to be documented within 2 years. It was clear that Marc’s love was climbing through each scene of watching him scale some very high peak walls. It’s great to hear what was on his mind when he did his climbing adventures and why he does it, along with hearing it from his loved ones. This movie will inspire you to really go for your dreams without holding yourself back (although to be safe/realistic about it too).
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