The Travel TV awards
 

The Most Entertaining award goes to anything by Michael Palin.

The Best New Series award goes to the caustic New Jersey chef on the Travel Channel. I forget his name, but his first show was "Why the French Don't Suck."

The Most Practical Information award goes to Rick Steves.

The Best Overall Show award goes to Globe Trekker for the ideal combination of entertainment and practical information, especially if Ian Wright is hosting.

The Most Useless award goes to Laura McKenzie. It's like the whole series is aimed at people with 7-figure incomes. Yeah, that's helpful, Laura.

Where can I see a Michael Palin show?

Your Best New Series Award is for Anthony Bourdain. His show is called "No Reservations." There's a thread about him floating around here somewhere. He was on Letterman last night.

For Most Practical Information I really like Samantha Brown's "Passport To Europe." I know some people are annoyed by her perkiness, but I find her fun and entertaining. She provides so much useful advice for new travelers.

Did anyone see the "5 Takes Europe" show on the Travel Channel this weekend? Boy, those kids could have really benefited from some time here before their trip.

Hi,

Here's one: The most Bland and Boring Narration award goes to Rudy Maxa's Smart Travels. - Also,give it a rest Rudy, not all of us want to stay in the most elegant 4-5 star hotel in town! My DH and I both love Globe Trekker, too. My favorite is Ian Wright. He always gives me such good laughs and a very interesting show.

I think most Michael Palin shows are on A&E. They aren't a regular series. Every 2 or 3 years he does another theme-travel show. The first was Around the World in 80 Days, basically taking the same route as the book. Another was Pole to Pole, going from the north to south pole from Scandanavia down through Africa. His latest is about the Himalayas.

I like Samantha Brown's show also. She is credited with the writing on the show and I love her speaking into the camera.
Rudy Maxa has some good info but agree that he is SLOW talking and stays in places that are too expensive for the average traveler.
Love Globe Trekker.
The new show Take 5 or 5 Takes: You are right. They needed to do some research before leaving for Europe. Sleeping on the airport floor. Really bad travel form.
LAU