Around The World In 80 Clicks: Satellite Tv And Faraway Places

Wouldn't it be nice to just hop on a plane and see the entire world up close? It's a dream that many people have, and while all of us will hopefully get to do a little traveling in our life, a lot of the time we've got to find other diversions to tame our wanderlust.


Nothing quite brings a far-flung location to life like getting to see footage of it. While photos are incredible and words are very descriptive, there's something completely different when you get to see swooping camera shots of The Grand Canyon for the first time on a HD television, or a travel show has a cameraman dangling his video camera out of the driver's side window while driving one of the most perilous roads in Bolivia. That's the truly amazing thing about television--even if you're far away, one camera can open your eyes to something you might never get to see in person.

As the world feels like it's getting smaller, it's possible to see more and more places that before, were only the refuge of anthropologists and jet-setters. The amazing volcanoes of Reykjavik and the mountain peaks of Nepal are all yours for the taking, thanks to the latest crop of shows on popular cable channels on satellite TV.

One channel that's devoted to the desire to see the world is The Travel Channel, which hosts a dizzying variety of programs devoted to those interested in seeing the world. Viewers marveled at the coverage of Rome, Venice, and London on seminal program Passport to Europe, where the two hosts spent more time talking to the locals than simply filming the usual sights. That's the advantage of the new generation of travel programs--they're interested in introducing people at home to people all over the world, rather than just showing photos of the Mona Lisa or Big Ben.

While Lonely Planets have long been one of the go-to guides for backpackers and jet-setters alike, those of us who aren't able to trot around the globe can live vicariously (or plan our next trip) with Globe Trekker, which features a different host exploring a different location with each show. Instead of just focusing on regular tourist destinations, the hosts try to find more interesting destinations that are off the beaten path.

Then new crop of programs that are showing on the Travel Channel continue to take viewers to faraway places through the help of satellite TV. Insight into more bizarre or taboo aspects of other cultures are explored through Culture Shock, whose title tells the whole story. And incredibly great chef Anthony Bourdain brings his knowledge and humor around the world as he tries dishes and local delicacies all the way from China to Uruguay. In addition to sampling the meals, he's always sure to jump right into the conversation with an open mind. There's not a better travel guide to have for viewers.

So whether you're using your programs to plan your next move or catch a glimpse into a world you hope to see more of, the advantage of satellite TV for taking viewers all around the world sure opens up places that, otherwise, would remain largely unknown. If you've got the desire to see the world, start by seeing it on television.

By: Erik Mandelson

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