June 30, 2008
Checking in on the Travel Channel again!
Well, we are about half way through the year and it’s been about six months since we discussed the programming on the Travel Channel, so I thought I would check in with them again. At first glance, it isn’t promising – almost every program this weekend seems to be about Hawaii or Las Vegas. Admittedly, they are both popular travel destinations, but I would still love to see some well-produced shows on such places as France, China, the South Pacific, Italy, the Greek Islands, Australia, etc. And to my dismay, World Poker Tour is still on all Saturday evening – my suspicion is it’s the same program shown over and over…
Samantha Brown is back with a new series featuring weekend escapes in various areas of the United States – one of today’s episodes featured Samantha along with the Pussycat Dolls (Which unfortunately I missed!) There are several new shows on the Travel Channel, but there are till too many re-runs and shows about fast food, treasure hunting and gambling. What do other viewers think…?
With the price of gas averaging just over $4 a gallon in the United States, you may not be able to afford a weekend escape this 4th of July weekend. AAA estimates that around 40 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home – a decrease of 1.3% over last year.
New York, Boston and Washington, DC all hold spectacular fireworks displays every 4th July, which can be seen on TV or in person. But perhaps surprisingly, one of the biggest Independence Day celebrations are held every year in Urbandale, Iowa. The celebrations begin the Sunday beforehand and feature parades, a carnival, games and competitions, as well as fireworks.
Wherever you spend the holiday, happy 4th of July!
Guest entry by Mancunian
Posted by James Trotta at June 30, 2008 9:55 PM | TrackBack
The Travel Channel seems to have found a way to make money but drive viewers to other shows or completely away from telvision viewership altogether. The Travel Channel obviously sells info-ad space to whomever wishes to anty up the most money. For the longest it has been Las Vegas. How much can you show about a seven mile strip in the middle of the dessert. The World Poker Tour is as boring as watching paint dry.
Air some shows with some substance about travel destinations where people can really learn something about a place. Show some great reasons to go there and what to do when you are there.
Some of the best shows are destination specific or country specific. Not any of this "Most Haunted" places or so undeveloped I don't want to be there, kind of shows.
I am a long time viewer of The Travel Channel and PBS Travel shows. I have purchased many travel videos and books. I travel to Europe a couple times every year.
Posted by: Mike Edge at July 1, 2008 2:08 AMsEEMS LIKE EVERY TIME i TURN ON THE TRAVEL CHANNEL IT HAS A HAUNTED HOUSE OR HOTEL. dON'T PEOPLE GET TIRED OF THIS STUPID DRIVEL???
Posted by: wilton elwick at July 2, 2008 1:31 AMAs I sit here watching a "documentary" on Fried Foods from the travel channel, I wonder when will they ever do a show for travellers like me. Yeah, like me, the kind that actually gets her fat ass off the couch and goes somewhere. Baby can you tell me about the next stop on the "hippie trail"?
Posted by: Cathy Broadus at July 3, 2008 10:10 AMThe Travel Channel is undergoing a massive dumbing-down to appeal to the lowest common denominator of TV viewers. Fried food specials, BBQ specials, best Florida beach specials, cruiseship specials--these themes/locales are mind-numbingly boring and ordinary. The Travel Channel, for me at least, is 90% fantasy, and 10% practicality. I don't really think I'm going to Laos or the Maldives anytime soon, but it's fun to watch, learn, and dream. Bourdain is great. And I'm a fan of Samantha Brown--she has a refreshing openness to foreign culture and isn't a bit self-conscious. But if they're sending her to eat BBQ and sit on the beach, I might as well be watching Rachel Ray.
Posted by: Ellie at July 10, 2008 3:10 AMWith all of the world at our doorstep how about some better shows on the Travel channel. More like Samantha Brown and the old show the Globetrekkers(where did that show go?). Any show tjat walks the actual streets and shows the hotels inside and out is a winner for me. DROP THE HAUNTING, POKER, FAST FOOD AND GREASY SPOONS. They are NOT entertaining especially after the tenth round of reruns!! YIKES
Posted by: Jane at July 11, 2008 12:38 AM