Doug: It isn't elitism. We just know that the Travel Channel had better shows before. The TC's standards have slid and the programming has shifted. It is really the Discover-E! Channel, now. (If you insist on calling me an elitist, I will be forced to remind you that WWF is on soon. I know how you hate to miss those "wrastling" matches).

I agree with others - Travel Channel is a waste of time. I never find any good travel info.

I am so glad to see this thread! I e-mailed the Discovery Channel several weeks ago about the poor quality of their shows."TRAVEL CHANNEL" is a misnomer these days.I was looking forward to watching the new Rick Steves and I am steamed about it.Let's all continue to bombard them with requests to get back to Rick and all the other good shows they had. <BR>

<BR>What does "suck" mean? <BR> <BR>

Reading this thread makes me glad we cancelled our cable 3 years ago (and don't get TV reception either). I used to like watching Lonely Planet (but NOT IAN...ugh, was there EVER a man more repulsive than Ian the supernerd from down under). I used to only watch the Travel Channel for a few evenings in a row..then I'd get SO depressed because I couldn't be traveling myself that I'd stop watching for weeks.

OK - so - you're an Executive Producer at the Travel Channel. (All suddenly like.) <BR> <BR>What new travel TV format are you gonna commission? Ideas here!! =) <BR> <BR>Me, I'd just like to see MORE of any destination, long pans so we can see where we are, none of this fast cuts/tight shots they think the MTV generation needs!!!

Of course, most of us can agree that the TC has gone downhill, but it is unlikely we will all agree on what should be broadcast. Nevertheless, here is my 2 cents: Short and sweet: Stop the sensationalism. There are other channels and programs for that. I turn to the TC for information and vicarious travel. The focus of the channel should be on destinations.

I was delighted to read this thread. I'll put my two cents in, too: I was SO excited when my cable company finally started carrying the channel -- I'd called and asked them to do it a few times, I was so eager. When it began, I watched almost solid for days! Now, it seems every time I turn on it's something about Las Vegas. <BR> <BR>Also, support for Tracy. I'm glad to see someone else bothered by not really even getting to see the "destinations" because of the "fast cuts/tight shots they think the MTV generation needs" -- it's travel pix for people who don't really want to see pix. So what's the point? Artsy? Feh..... <BR>

I'm thrilled about this thread. I can say the same thing as Deb. I too called my cable company several times and was thrilled when about two months ago we were offered the Travel Channel. What a dissapointment!!! I'm sick of the Vegas week myself! It sounds as though it used to be worth watching. I'll contact Discovery and add my two cents!!!!

I thought Ian was English, from some city like Birmingham or Manchester. Am I wrong?

I can't believe this thread. I thought I was alone in my disappointment in the Travel Channel. I stopped watching it when it was taken over by the Discovery Channel, and I used to watch it more than any other station. One of my favorite series was Inntimate Escapes -- that's not a typo, the 30 segments focused on wonderful small inns around the world but primarily in Europe. Some of them Relais and Chateau inns. I hope they read this thread and see the light.

Whoops, that should read 30-minute segments.

Add me to the theme expressed in this thread. When you think of what a series that calls itself Travel Channel, what is eating guy doing anywhere near it. Rick Steves is the closest thing to what traveling is about in that series of shows. Samantha Browns show has us following her around and giving us close ups of ...her more than the places she visits. I don't care about personalities, I want to look out that window on the world. Its as if the State Dept. is determined to not show Americans the progress being made in other countries by keeping us in back alley restaurants etc. Natl. Geo. Magazine has an issue called China, and in it the 3 Gorges Dam is given a thumbnail entry while Minnie Mouse gets a two page spread. And the Olympic buildings were deliberatly
shot to illustrate imperfections in the fascade material in specific spots. Check out "Visions of France" and the rest of that series, just amazing footage of coastlines esp. in blueray. Good thread, on point.

omegapoint: Do you realize this thread is 10 years old? Seems odd that you should register to top such an old/moldy thing. But you're right -- TC does leave a bit to be desired.

I didn't even look at the dates. 10 years and they haven't improved over there. I guess they're making money, even with eating guy who should be on the Food Channel, is there an "American Glutton" channel?

Once a favorite,now can rarely find anything worth watching. I
know we have lots of anti Rick Steves people,but I have found
his information very helpful when planning a trip.

And then there's A&E--what arts? There used to be really good series and other programs, but now it's just another second- or third-rate channel.

HDNET is proving to be an acceptable alternative, at least on Sunday mornings. Their helicopter tours of the Baltic and Greece are the closest we get to travel info off the TV these days. Travel Channel is simply "Food Channel 2".

Eleven years after the original post and it sucks even worse. There's nothing "Travel" about it except Anthony Boring going from place to place eating crap.

Who remembers Rudy Maxa? Now there was a saavy traveler. I believe his show was called Smart Travels or something like that.

He always stayed at great places. None of this "back door" business with the bathroom down the hall.

I watch very little TV these days so I am not sure if he is playing anywhere these days.