At a time like this, there is no chance of traveling outside the country any time soon. But just because you can’t leave your homes doesn’t mean you can’t explore and learn more about the world. Just set up your home theater and travel the world from the safety of your homes with these eight inspiring documentaries and TV shows:
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Kedi (2016)
If you’re a cat-lover, this movie is definitely for you. The documentary will bring you through the streets of Istanbul and introduce you to the thousands of feline residents that roam these streets. Get to know how these feline friends affect the lives of the people in Istanbul and how they’ve become an integral part of the city’s community. By seeing how the people of Istanbul interact with these animals, you get to know more about the city’s culture. If you aren’t a cat-lover now, that’ll change. You can’t help falling in love with these creatures after you’ve seen this documentary.
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Lorena, Light-Footed Woman (2019)
Follow the story of 22-year-old Lorena, the light-footed woman. She comes from the Tarahumara, a group of indigenous people living in Mexico known for their extraordinary ability to run long distances. Get to know more about her culture and how she became an ultramarathon winner by running in sandals and dresses. A documentary that was meant to inspire and awe.
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Antarctica: A Year on Ice (2013)
See what it’s like living at the end of the world. Witness a year of the lives of the people who live in the coldest, most isolated place on earth. Learn what it takes to be one of the lucky few who get to witness Antarctica’s beauty and wonders in person. This is a documentary you will not want to miss out on. It’s one of the few documentaries that get you to witness up close how amazing Antarctica is. It’s beyond words; you have to see it for yourself.
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K2: Siren of the Himalayas (2012)
K2 is the second-highest mountain in the world, next to Mt. Everest. Contrary to popular belief, the death to summit ratio of K2 is much higher than of Everest’s. In this documentary, you get to witness five of the world’s bravest and most experienced climbers conquer this beast of a mountain. Experience the thrill and the adventure and get to know why people like them are willing to risk their lives for such an experience.
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Maidentrip (2014)
Ever dreamt of traveling the world alone? Meet 14-year-old Laura Dekker, the youngest person to ever sail across the world alone. That’s right, no parents and no follow boat. Just her and the treacherous ocean. Watch as she sets out on a two-year voyage by herself. See the world from her perspective. If you’re looking for a sign to travel the world alone someday, this is it.
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Street Food (TV Series 2019 -)
If you want to experience a culture, you have to experience their food. Food will allow you to travel the world through your taste buds. (Well, you can’t use your taste buds in this situation, but you get the idea.) But not just any food, and not high-end restaurants. It’s street food. That’s where the people’s hearts and souls are. Travel across Asia and Latin America with this series. You can watch it on Netflix.
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Dark Tourist (TV Series 2018 -)
Ever heard of dark tourism? If you’re a fan of themes that are related to death, destruction, or anything that is just plain weird, then you should become a dark tourist. Join David Farrier as he visits some of the world’s most unusual attractions and tourist spots. Don’t worry; this won’t traumatize you. Farrier’s got a good sense of humor to balance out the macabre places that he visits. And although some of these venues are plain silly, most of them will teach you about how different cultures handle death in their communities.
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The Kindness Diaries (TV Series 2017-2019)
If you want something that’ll warm your heart, The Kindness Diaries is definitely for you. If you’ve been feeling down about humanity and everything that’s been going on, this will lift your spirits and restore your faith in humanity. This series is all about a man who travels around the world with nothing but his motorbike and relies on the kindness of strangers.
If you’ve been missing the outside world over quarantine, don’t worry. You can still travel the world from the safety of your home. Discover new places and cultures through these documentaries and TV shows. Who knows? You might find something useful when traveling resumes.
