11 Travel Reality Series to Tune Into This Summer
Heatwave got you second-guessing your summer plans? If youโre looking to spend more time indoors, EnVi wonโt judge. Instead, we will provide you with 11 documentaries and variety series that will take you on an exciting adventure around the world, all from the comfort of your own home!
I Love Filipino (2025)
First destination: the Philippines! From producer Marnie Manicad comes a five-episode documentary series that delves into the intricacies of Filipino culture. While each episode of the series explores its own questions, the central idea driving the showโs premise is: โWhat is the real Filipino?โ
Hosted by her broadcast journalist husband, Jiggy Manicad, the series opens by breaking down popular local dishes such as lechon carcar and tapsilog. As the series progresses, elements of Filipino music, architecture, and sawasawan (dipping sauce) are also explored. Additionally, in the third episode, titled โJuan with Art,โ homegrown creatives, like comic book artist Leinil Francis Yu, painter Ronald Ventura, and sculptor Michael Cacnio, are spotlighted, offering comprehensive first-person accounts.
Where to Watch: Netflix
My Name is Gabriel (2024)
If you werenโt living as yourself, what kind of life would you live? Through the life-swap reality program My Name is Gabriel, eight Korean celebrities from various backgrounds are tasked with living under a new identity for 72 hours. As the participants contemplate their alternate lifestyle, their responses are processed by a specialized AI system that matches them to their ideal location.
Some unique identities showcased in the series include a manager at Pipa Yuan, the worldโs largest hotpot restaurant in Chongqing, China, and a jimador who harvests agave in Tequila, Jalisco (located in Mexico). By exploring a life unlike their own, the celebrities gain a newfound perspective on the world โ and themselves.
Where to Watch: Disney+ or Hulu, depending on your region.
BUSSING THAILAND (2024)
Next stop: Thailand! Following their 2023 debut, Thai boy group BUS (because of you i shine) hosted their first travel variety series, BUSSING THAILAND. Formed through the survival series 789 Survival, the twelve-member group โ Alan, Marckris, Khunpol, Heart, Jinwook, Thai, Nex, Phuntatchai, Copper, AA, Jungt, and Peemwasu โ let loose while traveling across southern Thailand for fifteen days. Through a variety of games and daily missions, the members compete for points while thoughtfully engaging with local Thai culture and people.
If you can’t get enough of the group after thirteen episodes, we have good news for you! The groupโs second travel series, BUSSING JAPAN, is also available to stream now.
Where to Watch: YouTube
Street Food: Asia (2019)
This one is for the foodies! Created by David Gelb and Brian McGinn, the Street Food documentary series takes viewers on a journey to explore the rich history and culture of street food worldwide. Across three volumes spanning Asia, Latin America, and the United States, each half-hour episode features different chefs as they break down traditional local delicacies and innovative creations.
Where to Watch: Netflix
ๅบๅปไธไธ What A Trip (2025)
In collaboration with Tourism New Zealand, Rotorua Tourism, and Trade & Enterprise New Zealand, the Taiwanese production house GrayScale Productions created the variety series ๅบๅปไธไธ What A Trip. Co-hosted by actor Chen Bolin and singer YELLOW (or Huang Hsuan), the first season features twenty-six episodes of treasure hunts, cultural exploration, and outdoor challenges. During their two-month stay in New Zealand, the duo visited over fifty locations and teamed up with several celebrity guests along the way.
Additional cast members in the series include Mackenyu Arata (One Piece), Kusano Taisei, i-dleโs Shuhua, Greg Hsu (Marry My Dead Body), Chen Yu, Apo Nattawin Wattanagitiphat, Mile Phakphum Romsaithong, and Gui Lunmei.
Where to Watch: YouTube
Physical: Welcome to Mongolia (2026)
Ready to explore Mongolia? In October 2025, Physical: Asia premiered globally on Netflix, marking the first spin-off of the Physical franchise. After two seasons set in South Korea, the series expanded its search for the most impressive physiques across the Asia Pacific region.
Throughout the demanding competition, the Mongolian team won the hearts of global viewers with their camaraderie and physical prowess. In response to the teamโs breakout popularity, a travel series was created to showcase their homeland. Led by Bรถkh wrestler Orkhonbayar Bayarsaikhan, the Mongolian team welcomed Korean competitors Kim Dong-hyun and Amotti in a meaningful immersion. From witnessing a circus performance courtesy of Lkhagva-Ochir to practicing archery in the snowy plains, the duo experiences the full and authentic scope of Mongolian culture.ย
Where to Watch: Netflix
Offline Love (2025)
Dating show fans, we have you covered with this next one! Following the success of reality dating shows like Terrace House and Love Village, Netflix Japan introduced Offline Love, which takes a more organic approach.
In an age dominated by digital communication, the ten-episode series examines how relationships develop when phones are removed from the equation. With nothing but a guidebook in tow, ten Japanese singles navigate Nice, France, while hoping to bump into one another. As paths converge and connections bloom, the contestants can keep in contact via a written letter system.
Where to Watch: Netflix
Travis Japan Summer Vacation!!! In The USA (2026)ย
After making their global debut in 2022, Japanese boy group Travis Japan (TJ) revisited the United States for their first reality vacation series. Following the conclusion of the North American leg of their โ2025 โVIIsualโ World Tour,โ the septet โ Genta, Machu, Shizu, Umi, Chaka, Shime, and Noel โ went on a ten-day road trip across the Southwest.
Adding to his long list of professional certifications, the groupโs eldest member, Noel, eagerly earned his tour guide certificate to plan the perfect trip for his members. His thoughtful itinerary included stops at landmark destinations such as the Arches National Park in Utah and Route 66 and Oatman in Arizona. After exploring each location in separate groups, the members reunited in Sedona, Arizona, to reflect on the lessons they learned during their road trip. The last day of the trip brought even more sentimental emotions as the group returned to Los Angeles โ the place where it all began.ย
Where to Watch: Disney+ or Hulu, depending on your region.
K-Foodie Meets J-Foodie (2025)
Foodies worldwide, unite! Featured in Netflix Koreaโs weekly entertainment lineup, the reality series K-Foodie Meets J-Foodie premiered in February 2025 and has aired more than 50 episodes to date. Leading the intimate food-tasting experience are Korean ballad singer Sung Si-kyung and Japanese actor Yutaka Matsushige, best known for The Solitary Gourmet. Although they hail from different countries and entertainment backgrounds, the duo builds a lasting connection through their love of food.
Writerโs Note: In season five, Sung is paired with Japanese actress and model Miyoshi Ayaka.
Where to Watch: Netflix
Wander Together (2025)
Ready for a change of pace? In the 2025 Chinese reality series Wander Together, a group of celebrities, referred to as the โCosmic Flash Group,โ embarks on a chaotic adventure across China. Over 14 episodes, the cast โ Huang Xiaoming, Yu Yang, Huang Zitao (Z.TAO), Dylan Wang, Shao Ziheng, and Liu Yaowen โ explores destinations tied to the membersโ personal identities and life experiences. In between sentimental moments, however, things take a chaotic turn during group missions that include tasks such as acting out a horse-riding scene.
Where to Watch: iQIYI or YouTube
Adventure By Accident (2022 – )
Before starring in Kianโs Bizarre B&B, webtoon artist and entertainer Kian84 (also known as Kim Hee-min) showcased his distinctive perspective in Adventure by Accident. Over four seasons, Kian84 sets off on impromptu trips to destinations around the world, including Peru, Bolivia, India, Madagascar, and most recently, Nepal. With one bag and no clear itinerary, the brave adventurer often finds himself in situations far removed from the typical tourist experience. Joining in on his journey are actor Lee Si-eon, travel YouTuber Pani Bottle, and entertainer and actor Dex (Singles Inferno).
Where to Watch: KOCOWA+
Looking to expand your watchlist even more? Check out our list of sapphic short film recommendations!
