It’s scorching hot out there! Let me let you in on a secret: I’m not a huge fan of summer travel. Sure, there are places that look especially beautiful at this time of year, but the heat isn't my friend; if I want to enjoy a destination, I’d rather not be melting. There are a few spots that remain on my must-visit list for summer for specific reasons—like Ibiza—but generally speaking, this is my hibernation season.
Summer is also a particularly expensive time to travel, since everyone is doing it. Prices skyrocket during the holiday weeks. Any destination that considers this its high season charges premium rates; plus, if you visit a place where the locals are also on vacation, you might miss out on the full, authentic experience. It’s a busy time for families, given that the kids are out of school, and the abundance of long weekends makes it an ideal time for those without children to travel as well.
That said, if you’re like me and spend most of the summer at home, finding inspiration to satisfy your wanderlust in other ways is essential. That’s where documentaries come in. There are countless fantastic travel movies we all know and love, but nothing beats a documentary or docuseries that fully immerses you in the culture of another place. Here are some of our favorites that we’ve been watching this year...
100 Foot Wave (HBO Max)
It is hard to believe that only fifteen years have passed since Nazaré became known as a big-wave surfing phenomenon. What began as a hidden gem for only the most daring surfers is now a coveted destination for claiming a big-wave title. *100 Foot Wave* is more than just a surfing documentary; it is a love letter to Nazaré and its people, to the ocean, and to the resilience, courage, and connection to the water required to ride waves of this magnitude.
The series begins by taking us behind the scenes of surfing legend Garrett McNamara’s journey to Nazaré. It was his influence—and the time he dedicated to studying the underwater canyon—that transformed the location into the surfing destination it is today. We learn about the small fishing village of Nazaré and its perilous history. The waves at Nazaré are both feared and respected by locals—a fact understood by Garrett and the small group of surfers who first took on the challenge. We follow Garrett as he rides what was then the largest wave ever surfed (in 2011), and through the injuries that sidelined him intermittently for years, all while other big-wave surfers like Andrew “Cotty” Cotton and Justine Dupont continued to lead the charge at Nazaré.
While the inaugural season of *100 Foot Wave* takes us through the “discovery” of Nazaré and the small group of pioneers who brought it to the world's attention, the second season sees the broader surfing community discover the destination. We learn more about Justine Dupont and are introduced to other big-wave surfers ready to take on the Nazaré challenge, such as Lucas “Chumbo” Chianca, Kai Lenny, Ian Costenza, and Michelle Des Bouillons. The season concludes with the first championship competition. The third and most recent season takes us away from Nazaré, immersing us in other big-wave destinations such as Cortes Bank, Morocco, and the Eddie competition on O'ahu. *100 Foot Wave* is a fantastic series if you’ve ever been even slightly fascinated by surfing, if you love the ocean, or if your soul yearns for destinations that offer a bit of adventure.
Best of the World with Antoni Porowski (Disney+, Hulu)
Every year, National Geographic publishes a list of the "25 Best Places in the World to Travel," covering everything from specific experiences to actual destinations. In a new miniseries for Nat Geo, Antoni Porowski travels to four of the cities featured on that list: Mexico City, Paris, New York, and London. There, he explores the local cuisine, historical sites, and unique experiences—among other things—while sharing some of his own recommendations. You might recognize Antoni from the Netflix reality show *Queer Eye* or his first solo series, *No Taste Like Home*. *Best of the World* combines three of Antoni’s (and my own) favorite things: culture, food, and travel. Each episode highlights the best places to eat, see, and visit in each location. From irresistible pastries to cultural gems like Mexico City’s *lucha libre*, and from luxury accommodations dating back to the era of Marie Antoinette to glamping in New York, you’ll likely end up adding a few of these experiences to your own bucket list.
Bobby & Giada in Italy (HBO Max)
If you grew up watching Food Network, seeing Bobby Flay and Giada De Laurentiis explore Rome and Tuscany will feel like a getaway to Italy with old friends. This docuseries consists of just four episodes, making it perfect for a binge-watch on a quiet weekend morning. Both chefs share a love for Italy that, while similar, is unique to each of them: Giada, a native Italian, has a deep-rooted appreciation for the culture, whereas Bobby’s bond was forged through experience. As he works to master the Italian language, he invites his good friend to join him on an adventure across the country to explore its culinary history.
From chefs who defy tradition by creating dishes in unique, innovative ways to establishments that take pride in preserving customs, *Bobby & Giada in Italy* packs a lot into just four episodes. Bobby’s enthusiasm for all things Italian shines through the screen, while Giada’s natural love and pride for her culture add a special touch to the experience. Get ready to see plenty of pasta and a wide variety of *gelato*. Before you know it, you’ll be planning your own Italian adventure!
Down to Earth with Zac Efron (Netflix)
Zac Efron embarks on a journey alongside "superfood hunter" Darin Olien in this docuseries, traveling the globe in search of the secrets to a healthy, balanced life. Zac’s passion for wellness combines with Darin’s expertise as they uncover the secrets of "Blue Zone" communities, explore the importance of water systems, redefine healthy eating, and meet people making a difference in the well-being of people, animals, and the planet as a whole. The first season takes us to places like Lourdes, known for its miraculous waters; Sardinia, with its remarkable community of centenarians; Costa Rica, where a sustainable village aims to leave the smallest possible environmental footprint; and Peru and the Amazon, where Darin reconnects with some of his favorite superfoods.
The second season takes us to the other side of the world: Zac and Darin reunite in Australia to discover how communities are tackling the waste problem and championing regenerative agriculture. They meet with Aboriginal communities to learn about Indigenous cultures and the ancestral practices still used today to protect the Earth. They witness firsthand the efforts to restore the Great Barrier Reef, which continues to face challenges stemming from rapid climate change. Although the series explores beautiful destinations—some of which many of us may never visit—it is a love letter to the planet and our bodies. It reveals the wonders our world offers while also showing the damage humanity has inflicted upon it. Yet, far from leaving us feeling defeated, the series inspires us not only to travel with greater intention but also to be mindful of the impact we have, both at home and abroad. I learned so much from this docuseries, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
La Pitchoune: Cooking in France (HBO Max)
Travel to Grasse, a town located north of Cannes in the heart of Provence and the French Riviera. La Pitchoune (affectionately known as "La Peetch") was the vacation home of Paul and Julia Child; it was there—in a kitchen distinguished by its pegboards for hanging utensils—that many of the recipes we know and love today were developed and tested, and where cooking classes were taught by seasoned experts like Simone Beck, who instructed there for three decades. Mackenna Held purchased La Peetch in 2016 and spent several years renovating it into a vacation rental and cooking school—a project she manages alongside her friend, chef Kendall Lane, and their respective husbands.
*La Pitchoune: Cooking in France* follows the reopening of La Peetch after the COVID-19 pandemic. Each episode introduces a new group of guests and showcases their experiences at the cooking school, as well as their excursions to local markets throughout Provence. The school encourages participants to step out of their comfort zones and cook without recipes or measurements, following Julia Child’s preferred style. Ingredients are selected based on the season and intuition, and collaborative cooking leads to unexpected culinary delights.
Men in Kilts (Starz)
Our favorite Scots embark on a road trip across their homeland in *Men in Kilts*. *Outlander* stars Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish perfectly blend the roles of curious students and comedians in this docuseries, which will instantly make you want to move to this land of lush green landscapes. The first season consists of eight magnificent episodes that take Sam and Graham on a journey through Scotland’s history, culture, and geography. Along the way, we discover Scottish sports, superstitions, and cuisine. We delve into Scotland's history, from the clan system to the Battle of Culloden. Learn the story behind the kilt, discover a region perfect for cycling, and understand the events that led to the infamous witch trials.
As if one season watching these two Scots make the most of their homeland wasn't enough, we were lucky enough to get a second season. This time, instead of Scotland, they explore the beautiful country of New Zealand. Join them as they seek out adrenaline-fueled adventures, learn about Māori history and traditions, and delight in the country's culinary offerings.
Searching For Italy (HBO Max) and Tucci in Italy (Disney+, Hulu)
We are huge fans of Stanley Tucci here. The passion he holds for Italian culture, gastronomy, and history is unmatched. Across two distinct series—*Searching for Italy* (the original) and *Tucci in Italy* (its follow-up)—Tucci takes us to a different Italian region in each episode to explore its history, cuisine, and culture. Italy was not always unified; it was originally a collection of seven city-states with independent governments. These city-states united in the mid-19th century to form the country we know today as Italy. Currently, there are twenty recognized Italian regions, each boasting unique customs and cuisine shaped by the diverse microclimates found throughout the territory.
Tucci travels through these regions, meeting with historians, journalists, and locals whose families have run specialized businesses for generations. From the Dolomites in Trentino-Alto Adige to the island of Sicily, both docuseries offer a magnificent portrait of Italy from north to south, exploring political, social, and cultural aspects through its delicious local cuisine. From luxurious Florentine steaks to unique regional takes on offal dishes in cities like Milan and Rome, Tucci discovers what sustained Italians across all social classes and how dishes such as carbonara, *arancini*, *risotto*, and others have evolved over time.
Honorable Mentions
Any documentary series hosted by Anthony Bourdain, such as *Parts Unknown*, is an excellent choice. His love for food and for exploring other cultures through their cuisine is unmatched. He truly influenced the way we view the world and did a great deal to break down the stigmas surrounding countless groups of people. *Chef’s Table* is a fascinating and delicious Netflix documentary series focusing on chefs and other culinary minds from around the globe. The series spans 12 seasons, including spin-offs like *Chef’s Table: Pizza* and *Chef’s Table: Legends*. Needless to say, it will keep you entertained all summer long. Finally, *Surf Girls Hawai’i* is a four-part series on Prime that follows surfers training to secure a spot in the World Surf League. It showcases the dedication required to compete professionally in the sport and the challenges women face in a discipline that barely acknowledged their skill and participation until the late 1990s.
Other documentaries and docuseries that look fantastic and deserve a mention include *Searching for Mexico*, *Searching for Spain*, and *Searching for France* with Eva Longoria (HBO Max); *The Reluctant Traveler* with Eugene Levy (Apple TV+); *Dark Tourist* (Netflix); *The Kindness Diaries* (Prime); *Getting Lost with Erin French* (HBO Max); *Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted* (Disney+, Hulu); and *Edge of the Earth* (HBO Max). They are all on my watchlist, so don’t be surprised if a follow-up post with more recommendations appears in the future!
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