Love at First Flight: 15 Binge-Worthy Romantic Shows to Inspire Your Travel Bucket List

Key Takeaways

• Romantic TV shows set in stunning locations around the world can inspire wanderlust and add destinations to your travel bucket list
• From the sun-drenched Greek islands of The Durrells to the charming small towns of Gilmore Girls and Virgin River, these shows offer a virtual escape and plenty of travel inspiration
• Period dramas like Bridgerton, Outlander, and Downton Abbey showcase historic estates, grand cities, and breathtaking landscapes that you can visit in real life
• Watching romantic shows set in dreamy destinations can help you discover new places, plan your itinerary, and experience the magic of travel from the comfort of your couch
• Whether you're a fan of contemporary romance, historical drama, or fantasy adventure, there's a binge-worthy show on this list to whisk you away on a virtual journey and inspire your next getaway

Introduction

Hey there, fellow wanderlusters and hopeless romantics! Are you ready to fall head over heels for some seriously swoon-worthy TV shows that'll have you booking flights faster than you can say "I do"? Well, grab your passport and get ready to binge, because we've rounded up 15 romantic series that are guaranteed to sweep you off your feet and straight onto a plane.

From the rolling hills of Scotland to the cobblestone streets of Paris, these shows not only serve up heart-fluttering romance but also showcase some of the most breathtaking destinations around the world. So sit back, relax, and let these dreamy series transport you to faraway lands and inspire your next adventure. Who knows, you might just find love at first flight!

The Durrells: A Greek Island Paradise

First stop on our virtual world tour is the idyllic Greek island of Corfu, the setting for the utterly charming British series The Durrells. Based on the memoirs of naturalist Gerald Durrell, this feel-good show follows the adventures of the eccentric Durrell family as they leave dreary England behind and start anew under the Mediterranean sun.

With its stunning coastal vistas, quaint villages, and crystal-clear waters, Corfu is the ultimate Greek island fantasy come to life. Watching Louisa Durrell and her brood explore this paradise will have you dreaming of your own sun-soaked escape, complete with lazy beach days, mouthwatering cuisine, and perhaps even a spot of animal rescue à la young Gerry.

Outlander: A Journey Through Scotland's Past

Ready to be transported to the rugged Highlands of 18th-century Scotland? Look no further than the epic time-travel romance Outlander. Based on Diana Gabaldon's bestselling novels, this series follows the adventures of World War II nurse Claire Randall as she's swept back in time and into the arms of dashing Highland warrior Jamie Fraser.

From the misty moors of Inverness to the cobblestone streets of Edinburgh, Outlander showcases the breathtaking beauty and rich history of Scotland in a way that'll make you want to don a kilt and book a one-way ticket to the land of lochs and castles. Plus, with Jamie as your tour guide, you're guaranteed a journey filled with passion, danger, and maybe even a bit of magic.

Virgin River: Small-Town Charm in Northern California

For a taste of small-town romance with a side of stunning scenery, check out Virgin River. Based on the novels by Robyn Carr, this heartwarming series follows nurse practitioner Mel Monroe as she moves to the picturesque town of Virgin River, California, in search of a fresh start and a chance to heal her broken heart.

While the show is set in northern California, it's actually filmed in and around Vancouver, Canada, showcasing the region's lush forests, rushing rivers, and quaint small-town charm. Watching Mel fall in love with both the town and its residents (including the swoon-worthy Jack Sheridan) will have you craving your own escape to the great outdoors and a tight-knit community where everyone knows your name.

Bridgerton: Regency Romance in London and Beyond

If you're a fan of period dramas with a sexy, modern twist, then Bridgerton is the perfect series to whisk you away to the glittering ballrooms and grand estates of Regency-era England. Based on Julia Quinn's bestselling novels, this steamy show follows the eight close-knit Bridgerton siblings as they navigate the ups and downs of high society and search for love in all the right (and sometimes wrong) places.

While much of the series is set in the lavish mansions and manicured gardens of London, Bridgerton also takes viewers on a tour of some of England's most stunning stately homes and picturesque countryside. From the iconic Royal Crescent in Bath to the lush grounds of Wilton House in Wiltshire, this show is a feast for the eyes and the perfect inspiration for your own Regency-inspired getaway.

Emily in Paris: The City of Love

For a double dose of romance and wanderlust, look no further than Emily in Paris. This frothy, fashionable series follows young American marketing executive Emily Cooper as she moves to Paris for a dream job and finds herself falling in love with both the city and its charming (if sometimes infuriating) inhabitants.

From the iconic Eiffel Tower to the winding streets of Montmartre, Emily in Paris showcases the very best of the City of Light, making it impossible not to dream of your own Parisian adventure. Whether you're sipping coffee at a sidewalk café, browsing the stalls at a local market, or simply getting lost in the city's timeless beauty, Paris is the ultimate destination for anyone looking to add a little "je ne sais quoi" to their travel bucket list.

Downton Abbey: A Tour of England's Grandest Estates

For a truly immersive historical experience, it doesn't get much better than Downton Abbey. This beloved series follows the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants as they navigate the changing world of early 20th-century England, all set against the backdrop of the family's stunning Yorkshire estate.

While the show's primary location, Highclere Castle, is a must-visit for any true Downton fan, the series also showcases a wealth of other historic homes and picturesque villages throughout England. From the charming cottages of Bampton (the real-life village of Downton) to the grand halls of Alnwick Castle (used for the family's London residence), Downton Abbey is a love letter to the beauty and history of the English countryside.

The Crown: Royalty and Romance in the UK

If you're fascinated by the British royal family and their storied history, then The Crown is the perfect series to transport you to the palaces, castles, and country estates that have played host to some of the 20th century's most iconic figures.

From the opulent state rooms of Buckingham Palace to the lush gardens of Balmoral Castle in Scotland, The Crown offers a behind-the-scenes look at the private lives and public duties of Queen Elizabeth II and her family. Along the way, the show also explores the many romantic entanglements and personal dramas that have shaped the modern monarchy, making it a must-watch for anyone who loves a good royal love story.

Poldark: Cornwall's Rugged Coastal Beauty

For a taste of romance on the rugged coast of Cornwall, look no further than Poldark. This sweeping historical drama follows the adventures of Ross Poldark, a dashing British soldier who returns home from the American Revolutionary War to find his family estate in ruins and his sweetheart engaged to another man.

As Ross struggles to rebuild his life and find love again, the show showcases the breathtaking beauty of Cornwall's windswept cliffs, sandy beaches, and quaint fishing villages. From the iconic tin mines that dot the landscape to the lush green valleys and rolling hills, Poldark is a love letter to one of England's most stunning and untamed regions.

Outlander (Again!): 18th-Century Adventure in the Americas

We couldn't resist including Outlander again, this time for its later seasons set in the American colonies and beyond. As Claire and Jamie's epic love story takes them across the Atlantic, the show introduces viewers to a whole new world of stunning locations and historical intrigue.

From the bustling streets of 18th-century Boston to the lush forests and mountains of North Carolina, Outlander's American chapters offer a fresh perspective on the show's central romance while also showcasing some of the most beautiful and untamed landscapes in the New World. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or just a sucker for a good love story, these later seasons of Outlander are sure to inspire your own colonial-era adventure.

Normal People: A Taste of Ireland's Rugged Charm

For a more contemporary take on romance and travel, check out Normal People. This intimate and emotionally raw series follows the on-again, off-again relationship between Irish teenagers Marianne and Connell as they navigate the ups and downs of young love and personal growth.

While the show is primarily set in the small town of Sligo and the bustling city of Dublin, it also showcases the rugged beauty of Ireland's west coast, from the windswept beaches of County Mayo to the lush green hills of Connemara. Watching Marianne and Connell fall in love against this stunning backdrop will have you dreaming of your own Irish adventure, complete with cozy pubs, friendly locals, and plenty of heart-stirring romance.

Conclusion

From the sun-drenched shores of Greece to the misty moors of Scotland, these 15 romantic TV shows offer the perfect escape for anyone looking to combine their love of travel with their love of a good love story. Whether you're drawn to the grand estates of Downton Abbey, the charming small towns of Virgin River, or the exotic allure of Outlander's 18th-century adventures, these series showcase some of the most stunning and inspiring destinations around the world.

But more than just a feast for the eyes, these shows also offer a chance to experience the magic and romance of travel from the comfort of your own couch. By immersing yourself in the lives and loves of these unforgettable characters, you'll be transported to new and exciting places, discovering hidden gems and adding must-visit spots to your travel bucket list along the way.

So go ahead and binge to your heart's content, letting these dreamy series whisk you away on a virtual journey filled with passion, adventure, and plenty of wanderlust. And who knows, maybe one day soon you'll find yourself booking a flight and setting off on your own real-life romantic getaway, inspired by the beauty and magic of these unforgettable shows. Happy travels, lovebirds!

Show	Destination	Highlights
The Durrells	Corfu, Greece	Sun-soaked beaches, quaint villages, crystal-clear waters
Outlander	Scotland	Rugged Highlands, historic castles, misty moors
Virgin River	Northern California (filmed in Vancouver, Canada)	Lush forests, rushing rivers, small-town charm
Bridgerton	London and the English countryside	Grand estates, manicured gardens, Regency-era romance
Emily in Paris	Paris, France	Iconic landmarks, charming streets, fashionable cafes
Downton Abbey	Yorkshire, England	Historic estates, picturesque villages, aristocratic life
The Crown	Various royal residences in the UK	Palaces, castles, country estates
Poldark	Cornwall, England	Rugged coastline, windswept cliffs, quaint fishing villages
Outlander (later seasons)	American colonies and beyond	18th-century cities, lush forests, untamed landscapes
Normal People	Ireland	Rugged west coast, small towns, bustling cities

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