In this day and age, when many of us have to worry about whether or not we can afford gas to get across town, hopping across oceans to exotic locales is a dream we will have to put aside for the moment. Not to despair, however, as more amazing locations than ever before are yours for exploring on satellite TV. Not only can you see, hear, and experience unreachable destinations, but you can see them in a way that real-life visitors could not possibly imagine.
The wonder of television is its ability to transport you to the times and places of your wildest dreams while leaving you in the comfort of your living room. Travel is not always possible, or practical, but that doesn’t mean you can’t climb the hills of Tibet, swing through the jungles of Costa Rica, or schuss down the stunning Alps of Switzerland without even putting on your shoes.
High-definition programming is making virtual reality a reality, and this means seeing faraway wonderlands with a clarity and crispness that will make you jump back in awe.
Hook up your HD set and see every stripe and spot on the wildlife of Africa’s Serengeti, every wrinkle on the face of isolated tribeswomen in the Amazon, and every feather on the back of the Andean Condor.
Open Your Children’s Minds
One of a child’s greatest gifts is his innocent and insatiable curiosity. With regards to the cabinet under the kitchen sink, or dad’s tool shop, curiosity might leave mom and dad a bit timid, but with regards to the world beyond Anytown, USA, curiosity is something to be embraced, celebrated, and nurtured. A great way to get your kids interested in geography and world cultures is to let them see and hear them for themselves. Supplement books and websites with engaging programs that let them really engage with the sights and sounds of far-off places. Programs such as “Globe Trekker” do a great job of integrating history, culture, and eye-popping adventure to explore places as diverse as Iceland and Tahiti.
Scout Locations Before You Go
Sick of wading through travel websites, don’t have a local travel agent you trust, just cannot make up your mind? One of the benefits of all the amazing travel programming available from your satellite provider is that you can scout several travel destinations before making a decision as to where you would really like to go, as well as get great ideas for what to do once you arrive.
Teach Yourself
Learning does not have to be just for the kids. We are never too old to learn, and travel programming is a great way to pick up global knowledge in an easy-to-absorb format. You’ll never find yourself out of that cocktail conversation or wanting for that answer in the trivia game again.
Get a Taste for Adventure Without Risking Your Life
Shows such as “Survivorman” and “Man vs. Wild” put a new twist on travel, putting their protagonists in life-or-death situations in some of the world’s most pristine, and unforgiving, locations. The Travel Channel’s “Extreme” series gets the blood pumping with a look at extreme sports and other hair-raising activities around the globe. While you won’t likely source family travel ideas from these shows, they are reliably entertaining and provide footage you can’t find anywhere else.
