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“Travel Man,” Richard Ayoade’s Travel Show for People Who Hate Travel

By Sarah Larson

There are many kinds of travel shows—just as there are many kinds of travellers—and many ways in which they can intrigue or repel us. This summer, I watched quite a few, as I was taking an uncharacteristically ambitious trip and wanted a sense of what I was in for. I set my DVR to auto-record shows about Copenhagen, the Faroe Islands, Tuscany, and France, and then marvelled at the breadth of its harvest. There was “ The Wine Show ,” in which the actors Matthew Goode and Matthew Rhys bopped around Tuscany, sampling vintages and rolling a wine barrel up a hill; the peppily question-and-answer-filled “ Curious Traveler ,” with Christine van Blokland, punctuated with “Huh?” and “Ah!” sound effects; “ Parts Unknown ,” Anthony Bourdain ’s singular cultural reconnaissance via food; and the ubiquitous Rick Steves , bringing his bountiful tips and deflatingly Stevesian sensibility to every corner of Europe. All of this was informative but alienating: these travellers were nothing like me, and I wouldn’t travel like them. It was hard to imagine myself in their shoes. Then I discovered “Travel Man.”

“ Travel Man: 48 Hours in . . . ” is a British series in which the comedian, writer, actor, and director Richard Ayoade spends forty-eight hours in a city, accompanied by various friends—“some of the most available and affordable names in light ent,” as he puts it—and tells us about what to do there. “Mini-breaks are a swirling nebula of nonsense!” he says at the top of “ Copenhagen ,” during a brisk montage of him in Venice, Copenhagen, Vienna, and Moscow. “How can anyone go somewhere new and be expected to enjoy themselves without a decade to decompress?” Exactly , I thought. This is the show for me. Ayoade is perhaps best known from the beloved British sitcom “ The IT Crowd ,” in which he and Chris O’Dowd co-starred as I.T. guys, and for his films “ Submarine ” (2010) and “ The Double ” (2013), which he wrote and directed. “Travel Man” began in 2015, as a spinoff of a show called “ Gadget Man ,” which Ayoade had taken over, as host, from Stephen Fry . He’s far more ubiquitous in the U.K. than he is in the States, but he seems due for an American embiggening .

On “Travel Man,” Ayoade is fun to look at (snappy suits, thick-framed glasses, expression of amused diffidence) and fun to listen to. (Of a monastery turned hotel in Naples, he says, “As well as modish guff, like a rooftop pool and a spa, it retains attractive old shiz, like staircases dug into the hillside.”) His persona is warmly amused, broadly skeptical, and gently astringent—i.e., British. He’s not a joiner. His intros conclude with him saying, in that episode’s particular city and with that episode’s particular guest, “We’re here, but should we have come?” It’s a refreshing tone for a travel series—somewhere between jumping in with both feet and looking askance at everything on earth, including the notion of fun on a weekend getaway. Where Rick Steves adopts an attitude of agreeable derring-do—in Siena, while wearing a Drago contrada neckerchief at a Drago contrada feast before the inter- contrada horse race, Steves says, “Even if I don’t fully understand what’s happening, the excitement is contagious and the wine is delightful!”—Ayoade does things like approach a toboggan on a snowy Norwegian hillside while muttering, “Generally, anything that requires a helmet, I avoid.” He makes it known that he’s happiest in bookstores, not in pre-vomit scenarios or places where lots of people are screaming, and then dutifully boards a hundred-year-old wooden roller coaster in Tivoli Gardens, looking apprehensive.

“Travel Man” is helpful, too. Ayoade gives practical information up top, such as the city’s population, the annual number of tourists, and historic cultural distinctions—which include, for Copenhagen, “Hans Christian Andersen, Sandi Toksvig , Lego, the pedal bin, and my old adversary, the pH scale.” Little price tags pop up onscreen to indicate how many pounds things cost—flights, hotels, food, handy gear. Whether it’s relevant to you or not, the practical information helps create a vivid impression. Ayoade and his guest tend to stay in hotels that are unusual and fancier than I can afford, but pleasing to vicariously enjoy. “The luxury Belvedere suite offers a well-wide view of Vienna, as well as a display hammock,” Ayoade says, entering his hotel room. “But I have no time for display hammocks!” He bats aside the hammock as he breezes past it. “Unpacking squanders time and is a bourgeois indulgence,” he says, briskly hanging up his clothes rack-cum-duffel bag (“£90 approx”). He sometimes claims the fancier lodgings for himself, part of an amusing recurring tactic of being discourteous to his companion. (His comic rudeness can remind me of Jemaine on “ Flight of the Conchords ,” if Jemaine were not such a dim bulb.) In Vienna, Ayoade has “arranged something bespoke,” outside, for Chris O’Dowd: an Airstream trailer from 1952. (“I know how much you like to be near a major highway,” he says.) In Marrakech, when Stephen Mangan, trying to navigate them out of an alley, says, “My map says that way, but my heart says that way,” Ayoade, beaming, replies, “Let’s go with the map, rather than your rotten heart.”

Having a companion join in, besides providing “the illusion of bonhomie,” as Ayoade says, is a smart way to offset the slightly embarrassing explanatory nature of a travel show—there’s less of a false intimacy between viewer and host. Instead, we see Ayoade and friend in action together, bombing around town via bicycle, funicular, hot rod, tank taxi, horse-drawn carriage, camel, Vespa, or tuk-tuk (“Lisbon’s steep slopin’ need not ruin your scopin’,” he says). The show’s editing of their adventures is energetic, occasionally near-Eisensteinian; it feels efficient and encourages the notion, however accurate, that travel is bracing and jolly. Ayoade and friend combine visiting attractions that we would expect, like the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul (“It calls for a brief pause in glibness”), with the less expected: golfing in Tenerife, a doll hospital in Lisbon , a cave tour in Slovenia. The show’s most famous scene is undoubtedly its hair-raising trip to a Vienna snow-globe museum —I’ll let you discover it for yourself—but that episode features an equally funny scene at the Sigmund Freud Museum, during a conversation involving Darth Vader’s helmet.

“Travel Man” is not necessarily best enjoyed in a binge. (There are nine short seasons and three Christmas specials.) Too much at once can highlight the effort involved in its stars’ banter, and you occasionally worry that Ayoade’s companion won’t be quite as fun as he is, a worry that is sometimes justified. But enjoyed responsibly, the potent, savory series provides what you most seek from a travel show: a sense of a place and an idea of how you might find yourself in it. It combines TV’s particular efficiency in revealing the sights and sounds of a destination with the sense of what an amiable neurotic might experience there. At this point in my year, having long since returned from my adventures in Europe, I am mere months into the decade I’ll need to decompress from even one fjord. Part of that process involves recreational “Travel Man,” where Ayoade adventures so I don’t have to. “This is the sexiest place on the planet,” a Miami skipper tells him proudly, on a boat tour. “People come here to have a good time and let loose and have fun.”

“Sounds like hell,” Ayoade says.

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By Ian Parker

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“Travel Man” Spends 48 Hrs in Slovenia

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Barely scratching the surface. 

Earlier this year British comedians Richard Ayoade and Eddie Izzard visited Ljubljana to film an episode of Travel Man -  “48 Hours in Slovenia”. Your mileage may vary with regard to the humour, and if you know anything about cityand the bigger tourist sights (Postojna, Bled) then you’ll learn very little, but there’s always some entertainment to be had in seeing the place you call home through foreign eyes.

That said, to these eyes, those of a professional observer of all things Slovene, this show was a missed opportunity, the kind of the thing that makes you realise once again what we lost with Anthony Bourdain’s passing.

Still, it’s making a big noise in the local media, so here it is embedded on the Facebook page of Ljubljana Castle (since the copy we had here has been removed).

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Richard Ayoade is joined by Eddie Izzard for two days in Slovenia, where they begin by trying Slovenian tapas and the country's orange wine in the capital city Ljubljana. Day two starts with a trip out of town to the stunningly beautiful Lake Bled, where they try summer tobogganing and a spot of rowing, while there's also a magic church bell, custard pastries and a funicular ride to Ljubljana Castle.

• Originally Aired September 24, 2018
• Runtime 24 minutes
• Content Rating United States of America TV-PG
• Network Channel 4
• On Other Sites IMDB Official Website
• Created January 8, 2019 by Administrator admin
• Modified August 7, 2022 by Gilly mod

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Ep 3. Ljublajana

• September 24, 2018

Travel Man: 48 Hours in... is a travel documentary series that follows comedian Richard Ayoade as he travels to different cities around the world for a weekend trip. In each episode, Ayoade explores the city's culture, cuisine, and attractions within a 48-hour timeframe.

In season 7 episode 3, Ayoade visits the picturesque city of Ljublajana, the capital of Slovenia. Located in the heart of Europe, Ljubljana is a charming city that boasts a rich history, stunning architecture, and a vibrant cultural scene. Despite its small size, Ljubljana has a lot to offer tourists, and Ayoade is eager to explore the city's hidden gems.

The episode begins with Ayoade arriving in Ljubljana and checking into his hotel. He then heads out to explore the city's Old Town, a pedestrian-only zone that is home to some of Ljubljana's most iconic landmarks, such as the Triple Bridge, the Ljubljana Castle, and the Dragon Bridge. Ayoade takes in the beautiful architecture, street art, and lively atmosphere of the Old Town, while also chatting with locals and trying out some of the city's traditional snacks.

For lunch, Ayoade visits one of Ljubljana's many open-air food markets, where he samples some of the city's most delicious dishes, such as the Slovenian sausage and the famous Burek pastry. He then takes a stroll along the scenic Ljubljanica River, which flows through the heart of the city and is lined with charming cafes and bars.

In the afternoon, Ayoade visits the Museum of Illusions, a unique and interactive museum that showcases the science of perception and illusions. Ayoade tests his senses with optical illusions, puzzles, and holograms, and learns about the secrets of the human brain.

For dinner, Ayoade meets up with a group of locals who take him to one of Ljubljana's hippest neighborhoods, where he tries out a variety of modern Slovenian dishes and trendy cocktails. He then heads out to experience Ljubljana's vibrant nightlife scene, which includes everything from live music venues to underground dance clubs.

The next day, Ayoade wakes up early to visit the Ljubljana Central Market, one of the city's most iconic landmarks and a hub of local culture and tradition. He samples some of the market's freshest produce, including artisan bread, honey, and homemade cheeses.

Ayoade then embarks on a scenic drive to Lake Bled, one of Slovenia's most famous natural attractions, known for its crystal-clear waters, stunning surroundings, and picturesque island with a church. Ayoade takes a boat ride to the island and hikes up to the church, where he learns about the local folklore and traditions.

The show concludes with Ayoade heading back to Ljubljana to catch his flight back home, reflecting on his experience in the city and making plans to return one day.

Overall, season 7 episode 3 of Travel Man: 48 Hours in... offers a fascinating glimpse into the beautiful city of Ljubljana, its unique culture, and rich history. From its lively streets to its stunning natural landscapes, Ljubljana is a must-see destination for any traveler, and this episode is sure to inspire and entertain viewers from around the world.

• Channel Sundance Now
• First Aired September 24, 2018
• Content Rating TVPG
• Language English

Everything you need to know before you come to Slovenia

Mar 5, 2022 • 7 min read

Slovenia blends Italy's romance with the country calm of the Balkans © AzmanL / Getty Images

Slovenia is a borderland, marking the transition between Mediterranean Europe, Alpine Europe and the Balkans. It's a complex synapse between cultures and topographies, perched where the Adriatic and Eurasian tectonic plates collide, drawing traditions from both sides of the divide.

If this is your first visit to Slovenia, you’ll find landscapes born of the Alps and the Adriatic , and a culture that’s an amalgam of all of its neighbors – Italy to the west, Austria in the north, Croatia and the Western Balkans to the south and Hungary to the east.

It's no surprise that travelers are attracted to this famously outdoorsy Central European country. Travelers are often drawn to the edges – to points where coastlines meet the sea, where mountain ranges greet the sky, and where heritages intertwine. Slovenia’s complexities and contours all contribute to its allure.

Navigating this country – small in size but a heavyweight when it comes to adventure and discovery – isn’t difficult, but understanding how to do it better will only increase the pleasure of traveling here.

Planning your trip to Slovenia

Here are some things to prepare for before you reach Slovenia.

Start with “Good Day”

Slovenes speak Slovenian, and as this is a Slavic language, it can be a little challenging for English speakers. Monoglots need not worry, however. Since Slovenian is rarely spoken outside Slovenia, locals often speak English well, and German and Italian are also widely spoken. It still doesn’t hurt to have a few local words on hand. Dober dan is “good day,”  pro sim is “please,” and hvala is” thank you.”

Take advantage of tourism cards

Travelers are often reluctant to invest in city tourism cards out of skepticism about the savings possible from free or reduced prices. In Slovenia, that's a mistake, as these cards are good value when you consider the discount provided at most of the spots you’ve come to see. They also serve as a list of the area’s top sights to tick off your list. In most cases, the card will pay back your investment after only a few sights have been visited.

Many spots around Slovenia have discount-filled tourist card schemes, including Ljubljana , Maribor , and Bled , and prices are very reasonable. The 48-hour Ljubljana Card costs €39, for example, but that price allows free entry to many of the main attractions and even includes a free bus ride to and from the airport.

Plan to visit all areas of the country

It's easy to get swept up in the beauty, proximity, romance, and popularity of Slovenia’s western half. Attractions stuffed into this area include the capital, the Julian Alps , the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, the Soča Valley , Lake Bled , Lake Bohinj , the country’s Goriška Brda wine communities, the hilly Karst Region , and the Adriatic Coast .

But for those who want to really experience Slovenia, it would be a travesty to miss the nation’s eastern side. Culturally leaning towards the Balkans, this half of the country is just as interesting and beautiful, and because of the buzz surrounding western Slovenia, it's also less crowded.

Start exploring in Maribor and Ptuj , connected by the Drava River in the northeast corner of the country. You'll find a slew of spa and wellness resorts peppering the country’s central-eastern region that are well worth unwinding in. And for history buffs, no trip to Slovenia would be complete without a trip to the Sava River in the southeast, where dramatic castles punctuate the landscape.

Etiquette in Slovenia

Break the ice by speaking to locals.

Slovenians won’t immediately say hello to strangers like Americans often do. That doesn’t mean they aren’t friendly, just a little reserved. However, one of the chief joys of being in Slovenia, especially in mountain villages, is speaking to the locals for tips on things to see and do.

Making contact is not just about saying hi, it’s also a great way to learn experientially about the country. Travelers with a penchant for trekking in particular will benefit from directions and tips from locals, and sharing a cup of coffee or a glass of schnapps, is part of the camaraderie of hiking in Slovenia. Slovenes are, by nature, dedicated to their homeland, so every encounter is an opportunity to learn the lie of the land.

Walk or cycle when you can

Slovenes are an active and practical bunch. Where possible, citizens often prefer to get around on foot or by bicycle, rather than always jumping behind the wheel. Using your own power to move around isn't just a good way to keep fit, it's often faster and more convenient than waiting for public transport.

Travelers unused to a place that makes full use of its bike lanes will probably get an etiquette lesson soon after arriving. Walking accidentally into the designated cycle lanes will earn you a bell ring and potentially a stiff word or two.

Conveniently, there are bike rentals in many spots around the country if you want to join the throng. In the Slovenian capital, the public BicikeLJ bicycle-sharing system makes it easy and cheap to explore without ever putting a key into a car’s ignition. Tourist information offices, hotels and outdoor activity operators rent out decent quality mountain bikes for highland exploring. 

Mix it up in Ljubljana

Ljubljana is rightly one of Slovenia's top destinations, with incredible sights all over the city but don’t leave without taking in Ljubljana’s alternative side. From the well-touristed city center, leave the scenic square of Prešernov Trg and head east along Trubarjeva cesta, passing busy street food establishments, cafes, and bars.

Continue on to the Metelkova area of town, which has become Ljubljana's de facto art district. What were once military barracks have today been reinvented as studios and hedonistic nightclubs. You'll also find two of the most interesting museums in the country – the Museum of Contemporary Art Metelkova and the National Museum of Slovenia – Metelkova .

Take advantage of Slovenia's free itineraries

Slovenia's tourism authorities have created a number of free routes for independent travelers, with the goal of equipping DIY explorers with the tools needed to visit less touristy spots around the country in a responsible and sustainable way, often by hiking or cycling .

The advantages for travelers are obvious. These routes come with abundant free and easy-to-use information that will get you off the beaten track, providing a chance to see rural Slovenia up close with minimum impact. The country benefits too – visitors moving at human speed are naturally dispersed, alleviating traffic and over-tourism problems in more popular locales.

Perhaps the top itinerary is the Juliana Trail , an easy-to-follow hiking path that circumnavigates Triglav National Park . The Bike Slovenia Green: Alps to Adriatic cycling route rolls from Kranjska Gora to the Adriatic, while the Walk of Peace trail treks along the Soča River – one of Slovenia's most beautiful spots for hiking and kayaking.  

Cyclists with strong calves should try the newly launched Slovenia Road Cycling Loop , which takes road warriors around the country to the best climbs and descents. And for multi-discipline types, the Slovenia Green Solčava Panoramic Route combines both cycling and hiking in the mountains north of Ljubljana.

Health and safety in Slovenia

If you plan to trek off the beaten track, there are a few things to know.

Sort out your gear before you hit the trails

If you are planning to hike in Slovenia – especially in mountainous areas above 2000m (6500ft) – it's important to carry the right equipment. Regardless of your normal outdoor practices back home, if you want to challenge yourself with some mountain summit attempts, pack and use a mountaineering helmet. Rockfalls are a risk, whether you are climbing or trekking.

If you have more ambitious plans to tackle multiple via ferrata routes while you’re here, invest in your health and safety by renting or buying a harness for clipping in. Gear is usually available for rent in areas with via ferrata cables, but you can get onto the routes more quickly with your own harness, lanyards, gloves and helmet.

Trekking safely

While some Slovenian trekking routes are well-trodden, the country has more than 9000km (5590 miles) of trails, and it's easy to get off the beaten path, particularly at higher elevations. Always tell somebody where you are going, trek in a group (or a pair) and check the weather conditions and the latest information about the route before you set off. In an emergency on the trails, contact the Mountain Rescue Association of Slovenia (GRZS) by dialing 112.

You may also like: 6 incredible places to swim in Slovenia: From beaches and sand bars to Lake Bled Get to know Chef Ana Roš in 22 questions The best things to do in Slovenia from the mountains to the sea

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• Cast & crew
• Episode aired Oct 21, 2019

Richard Ayoade begins his final stint presenting the wry travel series in Dubrovnik with Stephen Merchant. The pair take a Game of Thrones (2011) tour, a buggy safari and a ferry across to t... Read all Richard Ayoade begins his final stint presenting the wry travel series in Dubrovnik with Stephen Merchant. The pair take a Game of Thrones (2011) tour, a buggy safari and a ferry across to the cursed island of Lokrum. Richard Ayoade begins his final stint presenting the wry travel series in Dubrovnik with Stephen Merchant. The pair take a Game of Thrones (2011) tour, a buggy safari and a ferry across to the cursed island of Lokrum.

• Nicola Silk
• Richard Ayoade
• Stephen Merchant

• Self - Presenter

• Self - Guest
• All cast & crew
• Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

Did you know

• Connections References Game of Thrones (2011)

User reviews

• October 21, 2019 (United Kingdom)
• United Kingdom
• Channel 4 (United Kingdom)
• Official Facebook
• North One Television
• Channel 4 Television
• See more company credits at IMDbPro

Technical specs

• Runtime 24 minutes
• 1080i (HDTV)
• 576i (SDTV)

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