To celebrate Earth Day 2021 this week, Apple has released a brand-new documentary, The Year the Earth Changed, on its new premium streaming platform Apple TV+. The documentary, narrated by David Attenborough, visits locations around the world to show how the changes humans have been forced to make during the pandemic have allowed wildlife to flourish. Many of us have been taking solace in nature over the past year as we live through this crazy moment in history, and this beautifully shot and narrated film is perfectly timed to help us stay positive until we can get back out into the world. It will give you faith in the resiliency of nature and hope for own ability as a species to change for the better. You can watch the trailer for the film here.
We love travel documentaries like this one because they remind us of how amazing our planet is and how many magical places there are to explore. If you love travel docs as much as we do, here are a few more of our favourites you can find on a variety of online streaming services:
Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat
Based on the best-selling book of the same name, written by Samin Nosrat, this show explores the four basic keys to delicious cooking. Samin is an extremely likeable host with an obvious passion for food and culture but the cinematography alone makes this beautiful show worth watching. We bet you’ll want to visit each location and make every recipe
Where to watch it: Netflix
Long Way Round
In 2004 Actor Ewan McGregor and his friend Charley Boorman set out on a 31,000 km motorcycle journey from London to New York City. The original series was so successful that it was followed up with two more motorcycle journeys: Long Way Down from Scotland to South Africa in 2007 and Long Way Up from Ushuaia in Argentina to Los Angeles in 2020. All three series are filled with extreme challenges, beautiful scenery, and intriguing people along the way.
Where to watch it: All three installments in the series can be found on Apple TV+
Ugly Delicious
In each episode of this popular show, chef David Chang chooses a single dish, like pizza or dumplings, and examines how it’s made in different regions of the world. It combines the best of food and travel along with some fun guests. If you’re already seen both seasons of Ugly Delicious, you might also enjoy Chang’s other Netflix show, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner where he invites a celebrity guest to join him for one day of gastronomic adventures in the city of their choice.
Where to watch it: Both Ugly Delicious and Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are available on Netflix
Lost Cities with Albert Lin
Since launching their online streaming platform, Disney has been slowly adding viewing options for grownups, including many National Geographic docuseries. One show Archeology buffs shouldn’t miss is Lost Cities with Albert Lin a six-part series in which Lin, a National Geographic Explorer works with scientists and archeologists to uncover the secrets of lost cities around the world.
Where to watch it: Disney+
Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy
Join Italian-American actor, writer, and producer Stanley Tucci as he explores the history and culture of Italy through food in this six-part series that originally aired on CNN. In each episode he explores a specific region from experiencing ‘the four pastas’ in Rome to tasting grapes in Sicily. This show was extremely popular and has been renewed for a second season which will air in 2022.
Where to watch it: Cable subscribers can watch for free on the CNN website/app or available on Hulu
Around the World in 80 Gardens
I can’t be the only person with a HUGE crush on master gardener Monty Don? I love all his gardening programs, but this one is a sure bet for gardeners who also love to travel. In this ten-episode series, he takes us on a tour of some of the most outstanding gardens around the globe, from the floating gardens on the Amazon river to Claude Monet’s garden in Giverny. Since we’ll probably be spending more time in our own backyards this summer, why not get some gardening inspiration from this show?
Where to watch it: Knowledge Network website or app (free)
Walking Britain’s Lost Railways
Train enthusiasts, this one is for you! Join host Rob Bell as he walks various sections of British railways that were closed during the Beeching cuts of the early 1960s, when over 6,400 km of Britain’s rail network were closed during a period of increasing competition from road transportation. Along the way he shares historical and current stories associated with the lost routes. There are three seasons of this show, and the first two seasons are currently airing on the Knowledge Network.
Where to watch it: Knowledge Network website or app (free)
We hope these documentary series provide you with some inspiration and hope for the travels ahead!