Far from the smoggy, grey, busy concrete jungles, we all long to disappear into our television/ laptop screens to visit forgotten lands, ancient ruins and sparkling beaches. Each night I push my mind out of deadlines, dinner and laundry duty, and into the great beyond, where innumerable stars look down on me, large pristine lakes invite me, and clean urban lands open before me with possibility, promise, and adventure.
After more than a year of lockdown and restrictions, we are all craving to travel the world again, forgetting about wanderlust and thinking wander-must. Thanks to these stunning narratives gracing our screens during the pandemic, the following destinations are now on my bucket list.
Grand homes and estates across United Kingdom (Bridgerton)
The series whisks us around the social scene in London, bouncing between grand homes and estates in and around the city and in the countryside near Bath.
Ajanta Caves (Forget Me Not – Ray)
The short story gives us glimpses of this archaeological wonder that we’ve been missing all along. Ellora caves located close to Aurangabad, and Ajanta caves near Jalgaon, in Maharashtra, India are considered to be some of the finest examples of ancient rock-cut caves. With so much history surrounding them, I can’t believe I have never visited being so close to home.
New York City during Christmas (Dash and Lily)
Dash & Lily feels like rifling through a box of New York City postcards – The Strand Bookstore, East Village, Union Square, Grand Central Station, Christmas celebrations. For want of a better way to travel right now, if you have yet to watch it, do! Especially if you love New York City (or have always wanted to go), Christmas, romance, or all three.
Jaipur, Rajasthan (Aarya)
In this series Rajasthan looks so exotic on screen and transcends glorified backdrop. The narrative is set in Jaipur, yet it doesn’t spare a shot for the city’s iconic monuments into its nine-episode run.
Paris (Emily in Paris)
It’s probably all the pandemic-induced house arrest, but you’re sure to find yourself wanting to hop on a plane with every beautiful frame of the French capital while watching Emily in Paris. The web series lends itself perfectly to a session of binge-watching, boasting of stunning visuals, big fashion moments, and a lot of chatter about food and wine.
Road trip through America’s West (Nomadland)
After losing everything, Frances McDormand as nomadic Fern gives it all up to see if ‘VanLife’ is as good as they say, and embarks on a journey through Arizona, Nevada, Utah and South Dakota. After watching this potential Oscar flick, there’s no doubt you’ll feel ready to hit the road yourself. Like Fern you can journey through America’s national parks, the Grand Canyon to Horseshoe Bend to Thor’s Hammer at Bryce Canyon.