8 shows to stream and the places behind them

While we’re still indoors and dreaming about travel, writer Emmie Harrison-West has put a list together of the best binge-worthy shows that will virtually transport you across the globe. Ideal for experiencing wanderlust while social distancing...

Escape to the sweeping fjords of West Norway through the eyes of comical Vikings. Filmed on location in the village of Avaldsnes in Rogaland county is the roaringly funny – and outright ridiculous – Norsemen. Set in 790, the three-series comedy comes across as Monty Python meets Game of Thrones, and is filmed in authentic and stunning Viking settlements.

Sex Education is the revolutionary show you needed as a teen. Through peals of laughter, feast your eyes on its equally jaw-dropping filming location. School sex therapist Otis (Asa Butterfield) and his mom Jean (Gillian Anderson) live in a Scandinavian-inspired red and white house overlooking the River Wye that’s nestled in the Forest of Dean, which borders Wales and Gloucestershire.

We all know the story of drug kingpin Pablo Escobar – but how much do you know about his home country, Colombia? This gripping real-life story of the nation’s infamous cocaine trade is spectacularly set between the vibrant cities of Colombia,and the lush mountain ranges and jungles of South America. The gritty series features intelligent attention to detail, with authentic footage and photographs from the original 1980s police case. 

Addicted to Narcos? Us too. Travel back to the roots of the world-famous drug war in Narcos’ newest and grittiest saga to date. The series chronicles the life of original drug warlord Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo, who is serving a life sentence for murder after controlling most of Mexico’s drug trafficking. The show is filmed on location in the stark deserts of Jalisco, the Pacific-fringed West Mexico state.

After transforming the confidence and lives of men and women across Atlanta, Georgia, Queer Eye’s "Fab Five" have returned to Netflix for a mini-tour of Tokyo. The heartwarming show transports us to the chaotic streets of Japan’s capital city in the most delightful way. From cute Harajuku cafes, to quirky gay bars, and trendy restaurants - Queer Eye will give you a slice of the ultra-modern city, while leaving you reaching for the tissues.

Epic Scottish drama, Outlander, has picked up a cult following. From quaint cottages to breathtaking castles in the rolling Scottish countryside – Outlander is worthy viewing, even just for the scenery itself (find a comprehensive list of locations featured in the series on Visit Scotland). Bubbling creeks and sweeping hills are permanent backdrops for the show, which was adapted from Diana Gabaldon’s popular fantasy novels.

The lure of adventure is undeniably strong right now, so settle in for high action folklore and a tremendous backdrop with The Witcher. Though the mythological saga was filmed across Spain and the Canary Islands, the most alluring scenery is found in its scenes set in Poland. The Witcher was based on books written by Andrzej Sapkowski, and these locations are a nod to his heritage. The mountainous twelfth century Ogrodzieniec Castle, near Kraków, is the most spectacular.

Tired of instant ramen from your armchair? Netflix series Street Food is a portal to a world of culinary delights across nine countries in Asia. Local heroes of Asian cuisine from foodie destinations such as South Korea, Indonesia, and India are profiled in this colorful series. Each episode’s settings are unique and intimate, yet entirely enthralling. Street Food is a virtual haven for foodies, and is sure to whet your appetite while you put your wanderlust on hold.

Our memorable trips

Now isn’t the time for going places. However, as we spend the coming weeks mostly indoors, we can still dream about travel, plan future adventures and revisit ones we’ve taken before. This is exactly what we’ve asked our team to do – to dream and reflect. Here are 12 memorable trips taken by the DK Eyewitness team, featuring eclipses, safaris, cycling treks, pilgrimages, bunnies, toboggans and ancient ruins.

Read now >>

How to be an armchair traveler

Just because you can’t escape to a new adventure right now doesn’t mean you should stop dreaming. There are ways to remain inspired, whether you’re surfing the internet on your phone, lounging at home, or sipping coffee at your local cafe. Being an armchair traveler is all about learning about and reflecting, and ultimately engaging with far-flung places without ever needing to leave home.

Read now >>