If you want to travel to places you've never been, the only thing better than actually going is watching a travel show that takes you there. While you might not get the exhilarating rush you get as you step off the plane or boat, watching travels shows is a great way to get acquainted with some of the world's most beautiful places.

TV services like Cable.TV and your local providers bring an array of travel programming that takes you to tropical destinations and beautiful nations. Here are the three best travels shows:

Globe Trekker
This British series has been running for nearly two decades, and it's broadcast in more than 40 countries across six continents worldwide. Instead of focusing on popular tourist destinations, Globe Trekker explores the finer intricacies of the world's places and cultures. The program has covered more than 200 areas of the world, with focuses spanning from broader concepts such as countries and regions to the finer points of different areas, like cities and villages. Globe Trekker sets the standard when it comes to discovering new and exciting places throughout the world.

House Hunters International
This program takes a different approach than Globe Trekker by following individuals, couples or families around the world as they search for the perfect home. Each episode presents three properties, and the shoppers must weigh the different advantages and disadvantages of each. The individual, couple or family later chooses the home of their choice, and a closing segment reveals what the home looks like once it is occupied. This show displays beautiful houses in beautiful countries throughout the world – something that not only travelers, but prospective international homebuyers may find beneficial.

Amazing Race
This reality show presents teams of two people competing in a race around the world. Teams reach "pit stops" at the end of each leg of the race – the winner gets prizes, and the loser faces elimination. The teams travel through several counties throughout the world using various modes of transportation, and they have to follow clues and perform certain tasks before going on to the next destination. If you like contests and you like to see the world, this is a great show to watch.

Tons of travel shows have made their way into the lineups of cable and network television stations. Which are your favorite, and how do they help you gain inspiration for your future travel endeavors?