The Power of Airplane Travel Documentaries
Are you in need of some travel inspiration but can’t quite make it to your dream destination just yet? Look no further than airplane travel documentaries! These films have the power to transport viewers to far-off destinations and inspire them to explore the world.
In fact, according to a survey conducted by the travel website Skyscanner, 67% of travelers watch airplane travel documentaries to get inspiration for their next trip. As travel writer and blogger Matt Long puts it, “Airplane travel documentaries have the power to transport viewers to far-off destinations and inspire them to explore the world.”
Also check out: Airplane pre-flight checklist
The History of Airplane Travel Documentaries
Did you know that the first airplane travel documentary was made in 1926 by the French filmmaker André Sauvage? Titled “The Flight of the Atlantic,” the film chronicled a transatlantic flight from Paris to New York and was a pioneering example of the documentary genre.
Since then, airplane travel documentaries have come a long way, incorporating stunning visuals, compelling storytelling, and unique perspectives on the world’s most exotic and far-flung destinations. Today, there are countless documentaries available for streaming on platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu.
The Benefits of Watching Airplane Travel Documentaries
Aside from providing travel inspiration, airplane travel documentaries offer a range of other benefits:
- They provide a window into other cultures, offering a glimpse into how people live and interact in different parts of the world.
- They can help you plan your next trip, offering tips on the best places to go, things to see, and local customs to be aware of.
- They offer a form of escapism, allowing you to “travel” to far-off destinations without ever leaving your couch.
- They can broaden your horizons and challenge your assumptions, exposing you to new ideas and perspectives on the world.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or simply looking to expand your horizons, airplane travel documentaries offer a wealth of benefits that are well worth exploring.
Must-Watch Airplane Travel Documentaries
With so many documentaries available, it can be hard to know where to start. Here are a few recommendations to get you started:
1. Jiro Dreams of Sushi
This film takes viewers on a journey to Tokyo, Japan, where they meet Jiro Ono, an 85-year-old sushi master who operates a 10-seat restaurant that has earned three Michelin stars. The documentary offers a fascinating look at the artistry and dedication required to create world-class sushi.
2. Senna
This documentary tells the story of Brazilian Formula One driver Ayrton Senna, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest drivers in the sport’s history. The film offers a thrilling look at the world of motorsport, as well as a poignant portrait of a man who was taken from us too soon.
3. Wild Wild Country
This six-part series tells the story of the Rajneesh movement, a controversial religious group that established a commune in rural Oregon in the 1980s. The documentary offers a fascinating look at the intersection of spirituality, politics, and human nature, and is sure to leave you with plenty to ponder.
4. Planet Earth
This groundbreaking series offers a stunning look at the world’s most incredible natural wonders, from the depths of the ocean to the highest peaks of the Himalayas. The documentary is an awe-inspiring celebration of the natural world and a reminder of the beauty and diversity of life on our planet.
5. The Ivory Game
This documentary offers a sobering look at the illegal ivory trade, which threatens the survival of African elephants. The film offers a powerful call to action, urging viewers to take steps to protect these majestic animals and the ecosystems they inhabit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an airplane travel documentary?
An airplane travel documentary is a film that explores a particular destination or culture by following the journey of travelers as they fly to their destination by airplane. These documentaries offer viewers a unique perspective on the world and can inspire travel and exploration.
What are the benefits of watching airplane travel documentaries?
Airplane travel documentaries can provide a window into other cultures, help you plan your next trip, offer a form of escapism, and broaden your horizons by exposing you to new ideas and perspectives on the world.
What are some must-watch airplane travel documentaries?
Some of the most popular airplane travel documentaries include Jiro Dreams of Sushi, Senna, Wild Wild Country, Planet Earth, and The Ivory Game. However, there are countless other documentaries available that explore a wide range of destinations and cultures.
Where can I watch airplane travel documentaries?
Airplane travel documentaries are widely available for streaming on platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu. Many are also available for purchase or rental on platforms like iTunes and Google Play.
Can airplane travel documentaries help me plan my next trip?
Absolutely! Airplane travel documentaries often offer tips on the best places to go, things to see, and local customs to be aware of. They can be a great source of inspiration and practical information for planning your next adventure.
Are airplane travel documentaries only for experienced travelers?
No, not at all! Airplane travel documentaries can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of their level of travel experience. They offer a unique and compelling way to explore the world and can be a great source of inspiration and entertainment for anyone with an interest in travel.
Unconventional Airplane Travel Documentaries to Explore
While some of the most popular airplane travel documentaries explore well-known destinations or cultural phenomena, there are many films that take a more unconventional approach to the genre. Here are a few examples:
1. The Road to Mandalay
This documentary tells the story of a Burmese migrant worker named Lianqing as she embarks on a perilous journey from China to Myanmar in search of a better life. The film offers a harrowing look at the struggles faced by migrant workers in Asia and the human cost of globalization.
2. Deep Web
This documentary explores the shadowy world of the Deep Web, a part of the internet that is not indexed by search engines and is largely inaccessible to the general public. The film offers a fascinating look at the people and technologies that are shaping the future of the internet.
3. Dark Tourist
This Netflix series follows journalist David Farrier as he travels to some of the world’s most macabre and morbid destinations, from a haunted forest in Japan to a nuclear exclusion zone in Ukraine. The series offers a unique and often unsettling perspective on the world of travel and tourism.
4. The Barkley Marathons: The Race That Eats Its Young
This documentary tells the story of the Barkley Marathons, a grueling 100-mile race through the mountains of Tennessee that has only been completed a handful of times in its 30-year history. The film offers a compelling look at the human drive for challenge and accomplishment, as well as the incredible physical and mental endurance required to complete such an arduous race.
5. Pedal the World
This documentary follows German cyclist Felix Starck as he embarks on a year-long bike trip around the world, covering over 18,000 miles and visiting 22 countries. The film offers a unique perspective on travel, as well as a fascinating look at the challenges and rewards of long-distance cycling.
Travel Tips from an Airplane Travel Documentary Fanatic
As someone who has watched countless airplane travel documentaries, I’ve picked up a few tips and tricks along the way. Here are a few of my top recommendations:
- Take notes while you watch. Whether you’re looking to plan your next trip or simply want to remember a particularly inspiring moment, jotting down notes can be a great way to keep track of your favorite documentary moments.
- Watch with a friend. Airplane travel documentaries are often best enjoyed with others, as they offer a great opportunity to discuss travel, culture, and the world at large.
- Don’t be afraid to branch out. While it can be tempting to stick to documentaries about destinations you’re already interested in, don’t be afraid to explore new territory. You never know what you might discover!
- Do your research. While airplane travel documentaries can offer a great source of inspiration, it’s important to do your own research and planning before embarking on a trip. Make sure to read up on local customs, safety concerns, and any other relevant information before you go.
- Take breaks. While it can be tempting to binge-watch multiple documentaries in a row, it’s important to take breaks and give yourself time to reflect on what you’ve seen. Use the inspiration you’ve gained to plan your next trip, but also take time to appreciate the beauty of the world around you right now.
Conclusion
Airplane travel documentaries offer a unique and powerful way to explore the world, offering a window into other cultures, inspiring travel, and broadening our horizons. Whether you’re looking to escape the daily grind or simply want to learn more about the world around you, these documentaries are a great place to start.
From the airplane travel documentary made in 1926 to the unconventional films that push the boundaries of the genre, there are countless documentaries available that explore a wide range of destinations and cultures. So next time you’re looking for some travel inspiration, why not take to the skies with an airplane travel documentary? You never know where it might take you.
Final Thoughts
Airplane travel documentaries offer a unique and powerful way to explore the world, offering a window into other cultures, inspiring travel, and broadening our horizons. Whether you’re looking to escape the daily grind or simply want to learn more about the world around you, these documentaries are a great place to start.
So next time you’re looking for some travel inspiration, why not take to the skies with an airplane travel documentary? You never know where it might take you.