Race Across the World

Love this show. Having travelled in Asia (series 1) and lived in South America (series 2) I find this show particularly interesting recognising many of the places they pass through and with similar experiences and nightmarish journeys. A great cross section of participants each with their own backstory which is gradually revealed throughout the series. Looking forward to the next series assuming they can find another difficult challenge. It wouldn't be the same not travelling through 3rd world or unstable & unpredictable countries.

Thoroughly enjoyable programme showing the realities of travelling without the 'benefits' of air-travel or mobile phones. Ignore the call from one misguided reviewer who wants a 'presenter' and road-blocks etc. There are enough natural barriers of weather and border crossing closures, plus dwindling finances to add some believeable hazards to the journey. Don't mess with what works.

It is impossible to talk about this show without talking about another show: The Amazing Race. Both shows are quite different and I love both.

However The Amazing Race stopped being a race some years ago and now is just "an amazing tour around the world" where the teams are flown from place to place and then compete in challenges.

In the Race Across the World we go back to the roots and the teams are really racing.

I love this show. The teams really need to plan their trip and then they need to race. You get to see places that you wouldn't see otherwise and it is all about the race. Since each team is free to pick the itinerary you will see different routes and styles of travel.

The teams also find jobs here and there to collect additional money to keep traveling. I find those misleading because they are easy to find everywhere and are relatively well paid. That is the unrealistic part of the show. In real live it would have been hard to find those jobs, but at least give us a good look into the life of the locals and many times the racers learn valuable lessons.

Overall both shows complement themselves and are both recommended for anyone that enjoys shows about travel.

Here the pace is quite high and each episode is one leg, where the contestants need to reach a new checkpoint, many miles away from the starting point.

I travelled a little bit of EU & Asia, & series 1 sure has me keen for more! Series 2 is Central & South America. A good variety of people have been chosen from all kinds of ethnicities & other social backgrounds. The challenges of traveling in different countries with the variety of challenges & beautiful exeriences are great to view from home. Its like being there. And we get to see how each couple plot plan & deal with the challenges that arise. This is a brilliant series. My only musing of how to improve would be to reduce the race aspect for certain parts & raise the experiences. It could be like completing certain social assistance work in different places.

Real people, real emotions, amazing places, great scenery and people, the pressure of the competition, relationships being tested ...it has everything, fantastic show. Can't wait for the next season!!