Sigh, so shows like the Amazing Race and the new Treasure Hunters are totally making me want to go to Europe again. I totally regret not seeing the catacombs on my trip to Paris, and now I am longing for Paris like you wouldn't believe. Sigh.....

I will be going to Canada soon, but the butterflies haven't started in my tummy yet...I have a little over 3 weeks before my trip....

What tv show has inspired or increased your desire to visit a certain place in Europe?

I'd be curious to see how US TV handles travel programmes. Ours in the UK have gone through different phases as they've tried out (a) specialist journalists (b) "celebrity" presenters (c) presenters following up viewers' tips on particular places (d) "holiday swap" programmes where families swap their usual holiday with someone else, or get sent somewhere unexpected by the TV company and report back. But all the reports tend to blur a bit: food market, temple, museum, bungee-jumping, nightlife, exotic local transport, whatever - they all start to look the same.

Always remember: there is no such thing as reality TV. It's ALL a manufactured experience.

Ilovetotravel29:

Do the Rick Steves shows also make you want to travel? Or do you not watch them?

Amazing race was the theme of my trip through Europe in December, I covered so much in so little time with my backback on my back. I loved it so much i am doing it again in December, this time it will be longer and using an open jaw ticket.

My sister and I are hooked on the Amazing Race and call each other on the commercials to discuss what we've seen.I also like Anthony Bourdain's "No Reservations" on the Travel Channel.I don't have cable,but I buy it from iTunes and watch it on my iPod.

I watch a variety of travel shows. My favorites are Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations and the Thirsty Traveler. I'll also watch Rick Steves, Samantha Brown, Rudy Maxa and the $40 a day chic - (sometimes). Occasionally shows like 'my private island' or Globe Trekker, as well.

Oh, yeah,Globe Trekker,too.

Dukey---I am definately a fan of rick steve's shows....they do inspire my wanderlust...but I either miss them when they are on, or he is visiting a place I am not enthusiastic about at the moment.

Amazing Race was the reason I went to Vienna and Schonbrunn Palace and why I want to go to Sicily and Russia asap.

We actually planned a trip to Switzerland after seeing contestants trek through Grindelwald during an Amazing Race episode. I knew I just had to see that area! We ended up staying in Lauterbrunnen, and took the train to Grindelwald. Fabulous trip!

The shows have also helped me eliminate areas I DON'T care to visit, such as India, certain parts of South America, and Africa (I know, everyone loves it, but there's just no appeal there for me). And Amazing Race remains the best "reality" travel show, with Treasure Hunters a pale comparison, IMHO.