Snoopy:

No, I didn't canonize myself! BeatChick's got the right answer.

And while I know next to nothing about television production, I'm not without resources when it comes to travel, writing, and script writing. Nor am I wihout ideas about what a good travel show should be all about - or a good food show. I've actually been thinking about approaching some of the channels (in particular WMVT or whatever it is that broadcasts the foreign news services as well as some nice travel pieces and foreign movies) with some ideas for some time now. Now that the topic has surfaced here, my interest is rekindled.
For one thing, I've never seen a program on the Dordogne, and well, I do think I could contribute a few good ideas there - plus the idea of traipsing around geese farms with a camera crew in tow has some appeal.
So, maybe I will make some calls and do some research and find out how these programs get generated. If anyone knows more than me about the process, and I'm sure just about everyone does, feel free to offer your advice.
And while I understand that corporations go where the moneystreams are, I don't necessarily think that means there aren't large audiences for well-done travel shows. Heck, look at all the good travel magazines. There are more and more travel publications of all kinds every year - surely there's a market for intelligent, savvy travelers on screen as well.

Don't get me started about the Travel Channel! Passport to Design? Discovery already has a channel for home decorating. And what is the obession with finding the world's best bathroom? And why is Standard Hotel always on their top ten list? But I have to admit that I would love to have Samantha Brown's job... even though she never leaves the country.

While we're at it, what's with the "English" Channel? I mean, it's between England *and* France, no? So why did the English get naming rights?

Ok when I scan past PBS here in Pittsburgh I have NEVER seen Rick Steves. I don't know what time they are hiding him around here but most of the time I see the Doo Wop show or the WQED Cooks...never travel. I think I noticed Manor House the other evening...

Regardless...my husband and I caught that FOOD show on the TRAVEL channel this weekend--stuck indoors with rain.

AND I kept wondering why it was on the TRAVEL channel.

Now I did catch a very interesting show on the ONLY 7 Star hotel....Burj Al Arab but it could have been an informercial for the place. Regardless most folks cannot afford 1K + a night for a room. So that didn't help me much.

I miss LONELY PLANET too!

It wasn't about the hotels or spas. I want to see shows about the activities and entertainment in the different towns. Non commercialized places to eat. Interesting shopping that the average person can afford. Tidbits that make the town interesting.....

IF more people were watching the travel channel they wouldn't have to rely on the Vegas/redneck tractor pulls and food fests...however we aren't going to watch consistently until they get better shows.

dgruzew,

Last couple of weeks I've checked out the Fine Living channel on Thursday night, after seeing your mention of them. Our satellite system had just added the channel. You're right! What good shows.

This is what the Travel Channel should be!

It's been around two nights now they're featuring poker tournaments. Why can't they feature travel topics for a change-what about visiting the other six continents?

I couldn't agree more with all of you. They should just rename it "The Las Vegas Channel". Even on the top 10 lists-Vegas is featured. I am so sick of The World Poker Tour.

Hi, I made that comment about the Travel Channel and poker tournaments a year ago. It's still the same! The poker tourneys outnumber the other shows it seems like. But really I don't care for the majority of the other topics they cover.

And what's up with all this interest in gambling? Not just on the Travel Channel either. It seems like most of the folks I work with are more interested in what the casinos are like than what sights can be seen when they travel. I must be "out of it" because their idea of a good time involves donating their hard-earned money to the Mob and then hoping they get a comped room. Is it just that my spoiled brat generation still needs to play even in their middle age or am I just waking up to the pervasiveness of gambling? Obviously I'm in the minority here judging by all the gambling oriented shows on TV these days. I just don't get it.

What happened to the food network show "Mario eats Italy". It was great incompassing both food and travel in a very entertaining show, Mario is King. Heck, I would settle for the reruns of the series.

Is Mario the very camp one? What an awful, awful, programme - so false, so insincere. Useless channel, television is so passé these days.

I'm not sure who you mean by the "camp one" -- perhaps Emeril? For my money Mario Batali is one of the best TV chefs around. His food [Italian] is interesting. He's not shy about organ meats and he knows an immense amount about Italy and its food and wines. He does wear orange sneakers and have a blonde ponytail -- but it's endearing rather than camp.

Mario rules!

So false...so insincere...so passe...so mk_2.

I've had the Travel Channel full-time on my cable system for over a year and I rarely watch it. If the show isn't about Vegas, it's about beach resorts. How many shows on Vegas and beaches can one watch? My limit is very low. I think the Travel Channel could do a lot better.

The show I really miss on the Food channel is Two Fat Ladies. I loved watching Clarissa and Jennifer (RIP) creating sinfully fattening dishes. They were great!

I think one of the Fat Ladies died, didn't she?

Sure do agree about the Travel Channel being a complete waste of time. Did anyone mention their Ten Most Elaborate Bathrooms? We've cut back to basic TV anyway, although do miss some shows on CNN and Discovery and such. But PBS has Rick Steves as mentioned and some other things once in awhile.

Oh yes, I failed to mention that we dumped more expensive cable coverage when rates went up and will use the money toward travel!

Ozarks Bill

This thread reminds me of a travel show I used to love to watch when I was in college, but I can't remember the name of it. Maybe you guys can help... It aired on TLC (in the U.S.) around 1997 or 1998, before TLC became really popular. It was on weekdays in the afternoon around 2 p.m., right before The Wedding Story - I used to watch it every day when I got home from classes.

Anyway, the host was this pretty brunette who would visit a different destination each episode. I think she would stay in really nice hotels (no, it's not Samantha Brown), eat wonderful food and do all kinds of fun activities. I remember episodes where she went to Belize, the French countryside, the Great Barrier Reef... basically, she had my dream job.

Sorry that is such a vague description, but does anyone know what show I'm talking about?

Meredith, sounds like you are describing Brook Burke from Wild On. (I don't watch it - but it is aired on the E!Network)

I started watching the TC a little less than 10 years ago. It WAS wonderful. On Sunday mornings, they had a travel show that was set up like the news. (I am a little fuzzy on the details, it was years ago.) I loved watching shows like Lonely Planet and travel specials like "Secret London." It was a great and wonderful channel ... then it started going way down hill -to the point where it is now. (Not even a shadow of its former self!) I haven't a clue what happened! I can only speculate (it is after all owned by the same people as Food Network and E! - and I believe they also own MTV and VH1 ... ALL those stations have also gown downhill ...things that make you go hmmm)
I don't think it will ever get back to its former glory. It is a tragedy!!

Hi, FromAtlanta! (I'm also from Atlanta!) No, not Brooke Burke of Wild On. I've seen that show, too, but the one I'm talking about is not about nightlife like Wild On is. It was geared toward a more well-to-do audience, while Wild On is more for young, single people. Still scratching my head trying to think of the name...

Did she have short hair? - No, I'm thinking of Best Of. That was a good show. That lady went all over! Vancouver (stayed at the Sutton Place) etc.
But I don't think that is the show. ... Wish I could help