Death in Paradise (2014)
Guadeloupe Islands, CaribbeanSwaying palm trees and crystal blue waters will win any tropical couple's hearts, but match that with a quirky, lighthearted crime comedy-drama with an Englishman lead, and Death in Paradise has you hooked (especially for any Anglophile!). With loads of French influence, you get a general feel for this hidden gem in the Caribbean throughout the series. The Guadeloupe Islands have been said to be "Europe, but not" according to Condé Nast Traveler. Either way, the small group of islands definitely have made it to my bucket list thanks to the BBC.
Jiro Dreams of Sushi (2011)
Tokyo, JapanThe beauty and tranquility of Jiro Ono and his sushi artistry at Sukiyabashi Jiro transports you immediately into old world modern day Japan. When my husband and I finished watching, we both said, "We need to get to Japan." While this chef might not know it, but Jiro is a cultural ambassador to The Land of the Rising Sun through his dedication to a timeless tradition.
Leap Year (2010)
Galway and Dublin, IrelandIt's hard not to be sucked into the world of a romantic comedy set against epic Irish backdrops of cliffside villages and ancient castles. Just swoon and more major swoon. The Ireland parts of the movie were filmed in several different locations across the Emerald Isle, so you get a good look at the charming spell Ireland casts on your heart. It's one country that I have been to before, and it made me want to go back soon!
Expedition Unknown (2015)
NorwayJosh Gates is probably one of my top travel host favorites to watch because of his extensive and approachable archaeology knowledge. He hooks you with the air of mystery no matter where he goes! For this particular travel bucket list recommendation though, in Season 1, Episode 5, our host adventures over to England and Norway to uncover the story behind the legendary Viking Sunstone. If Frozen didn't convince you already to explore Norway, then the glimpses into Nordic history, architecture, and culture through this episode will!
A Cook Abroad (2015)
MalaysiaWhile this entire food series had my interest the entire time, Rachel Khoo's culinary trip to Malaysia in Episode 5 especially had my tastebuds. From city to jungle, you see the diversity in landscape, food culture, and ethnic makeup of this Southeast Asian country. Just the glimpse into Indian, Malay, and Chinese flavor influences, the George Town street food market is a definite bucket list spot (even for someone with food allergies!)!
The Hundred-Foot Journey (2014)
Southern FranceWhen I visited Paris years ago, I'll admit that it turned me off to ever wanting to go back to France (and this is coming from someone who took French for 5 years and was the French Honor Society President in high school!). It was a bit of a disenchanting experience and had me wanting to hop across the Channel to England as soon as possible. But when I saw The Hundred-Foot Journey, it sparked a renewed interest in France, particularly the southern region. Through the wine and food culture and the ideas of fusing cultural elements together, everyone I chatted with about this region after watching the movie confirmed that it was a must visit and nothing like Paris.
- Chelsea
