12 Epic Travel Destinations Inspired by Top Gear Specials
Top Gear specials have taken audiences to the farthest corners of the globe, transforming remote landscapes into must-visit travel destinations. Over the years, Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May have brought adventure, humor, and breathtaking visuals to millions of viewers. Here are 12 fact-checked travel destinations made iconic by Top Gear specials, each with a note on the specific platform and year that introduced them to the world, presented in descending order.
12. Patagonia, Argentina and Chile
Featured in the 2014 Patagonia Special on Top Gear (BBC), this dramatic journey saw the trio traverse some of South America’s wildest terrain in classic sports cars. The special captured Patagonia’s glaciers, windswept plains, and turbulent politics—especially after the crew’s controversial run-in over a number plate referencing the Falklands War—cementing Patagonia as a bucket-list destination for adventurous travelers.
11. Burma (Myanmar)
Broadcast in 2014 as the Burma Special on Top Gear (BBC), the hosts drove dilapidated trucks across Myanmar to construct a bridge over the River Kwai. The episode provided rare access to rural villages, jungles, and landscapes not often seen by Western audiences, sparking interest in Myanmar as an off-the-beaten-path travel hotspot.
10. Africa (East Africa, Nile Quest)
The quest to find the true source of the Nile was chronicled in the two-part Africa Special on Top Gear (BBC, 2013). Clarkson, Hammond, and May’s journey in old estate cars introduced viewers to the untamed beauty of East Africa, including Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania, blending spectacular wildlife with raw adventure.
9. India
The 2011 India Special on Top Gear (BBC) sent the presenters and their battered British cars on a chaotic “trade mission.” Audiences around the world were treated to India’s colorful chaos, the Himalayan foothills, and the frenetic energy of its cities, showcasing the country’s immense diversity and travel potential.
8. Bolivia
In the Bolivia Special (BBC, 2009), the trio struggled through the Amazon rainforest and up the treacherous Death Road in second-hand 4x4s. The show introduced millions to Bolivia’s stunning—and dangerous—natural landscapes. The perilous mountain passes and tropical lowlands captured on camera have since lured thrill-seeking travelers.
7. Vietnam
Aired as the Vietnam Special on Top Gear (BBC, 2008), this episode followed the hosts on a coast-to-coast journey by motorcycle. Fans were enchanted by Vietnam’s limestone cliffs, vibrant cities, and cultural contrasts, making it one of the most visually striking and travel-inspiring specials.
6. Botswana
The Botswana Special (BBC, 2007) placed the presenters in battered old cars, crossing the Kalahari Desert, salt pans, and Okavango Delta. Botswana’s pristine wilderness, abundant wildlife, and unique salt flats were showcased as epic backdrops that have since drawn nature and overland enthusiasts worldwide.
5. USA (Miami to New Orleans)
The USA Special (BBC, 2007) chronicled a wild road trip from Miami to New Orleans, introducing global audiences to Southern American swamps, roadside oddities, and small-town drama. The mishaps and cultural encounters along the route captured the region’s raw character—sparking road trip dreams in the United States.
4. Polar Regions (Magnetic North Pole)
Aired in 2007 as the Polar Special on Top Gear (BBC), Clarkson and May made television history by reaching the magnetic North Pole by car, while Hammond raced on a dog sled. The episode highlighted the beauty and danger of the polar wilderness—a once-in-a-lifetime destination for true adventurers.
3. Middle East (Iraq to Bethlehem, “Three Wise Men” Route)
The 2010 Middle East Special on Top Gear (BBC) recreated the journey of the Three Wise Men through Iraq, Syria, Jordan, and into Bethlehem. The special’s unique route revealed the region’s deserts, ancient cities, and complex cultures, inspiring curiosity about travel along these historic paths.
2. Winter Olympics/Norway
Featured as the Winter Olympics Special on Top Gear (BBC, 2006), this episode took place in Lillehammer, Norway, where motoring and winter sports were blended with creative insanity. It highlighted Norway’s snowy landscapes and set a new bar for vehicular absurdity on ice—helping to promote Scandinavian winter tourism.
1. Romania (Transfăgărășan Highway)
The Romania Special (BBC, 2009) showcased the stunning Transfăgărășan Highway. Clarkson called it “the best driving road in the world” on Top Gear, catapulting the previously little-known route into the spotlight and making Romania a major destination for driving enthusiasts and road trippers.
Conclusion
From the South American wilderness to the frozen Arctic and the winding highways of Eastern Europe, Top Gear specials have transformed these destinations into iconic adventures for petrolheads and explorers alike. Each location stands as a testament to the power of TV to inspire real-world journeys—many of which now rank among the world’s most coveted travel experiences.
