What Should I Watch on Vacation?

By Anna Duncan

Going on vacation is a great way to relax and unwind, but sometimes it can be tough to decide what to watch during your downtime. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose just one show or movie. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources available to help you make the most of your vacation viewing experience.

1. Consider Your Destination
One factor that can influence what you should watch on vacation is where you’re headed.

Are you going to a tropical paradise or a snowy mountain retreat? If you’re heading to the beach, consider watching shows or movies that take place near the ocean, such as Baywatch or Blue Crush. If you’re hitting the slopes, check out films like Eddie the Eagle or Ski School.

2. Choose Your Genre
Another important factor to consider when choosing what to watch on vacation is your personal taste in entertainment.

Are you a fan of comedies, dramas, action movies, or something else entirely? Look for shows and movies that fit within your preferred genre and explore new options within that category.

Streaming Services

If you have access to streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video while on vacation, there are plenty of options available for your viewing pleasure.

Netflix

  • The Crown: This historical drama follows the life of Queen Elizabeth II from her wedding in 1947 through modern times.
  • Stranger Things: Set in the 1980s in Indiana, this sci-fi series follows a group of friends as they try to solve supernatural mysteries.
  • Narcos: This crime drama tells the story of drug kingpin Pablo Escobar and his rise to power in Colombia.

Hulu

  • The Handmaid’s Tale: Based on the novel by Margaret Atwood, this dystopian series follows a woman living in a world where fertility rates have plummeted.
  • Seinfeld: This classic sitcom follows the misadventures of comedian Jerry Seinfeld and his friends in New York City.
  • The Mindy Project: Created by and starring Mindy Kaling, this comedy follows the personal and professional life of a successful OB/GYN.

Amazon Prime Video

  • Fleabag: This critically acclaimed comedy-drama follows a young woman trying to navigate love and loss in modern-day London.
  • The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel: Set in the 1950s, this comedy-drama tells the story of Miriam “Midge” Maisel, a housewife who discovers she has a talent for stand-up comedy.
  • Bosch: This crime drama is based on the novels by Michael Connelly and follows LAPD detective Harry Bosch as he investigates complex cases in Los Angeles.

Cable Television

If you’re staying in a hotel or vacation rental that has cable television, there are plenty of options to choose from.

HBO

  • Game of Thrones: This epic fantasy series needs no introduction. Follow various noble houses as they fight for control over the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros.
  • Silicon Valley: A witty comedy that takes place in the tech world of Silicon Valley. Follow Richard Hendricks as he tries to navigate his way through building his own start-up company.
  • The Sopranos: A classic mafia series that gives insight into the life of a mob boss as well as his family and personal life.

Showtime

  • Homeland: A political thriller that follows CIA officer Carrie Mathison as she tries to prevent terrorist attacks on American soil.
  • Dexter: A crime drama that follows Dexter Morgan, a blood-spatter analyst for the Miami police department, who moonlights as a serial killer.
  • The Affair: A drama series that explores the emotional and psychological effects of an extramarital affair.

AMC

  • The Walking Dead: This post-apocalyptic horror series follows a group of survivors as they navigate their way through a world overrun by zombies.
  • Breaking Bad: A critically acclaimed crime drama following Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher who turns to cooking and selling methamphetamine after being diagnosed with cancer.
  • Better Call Saul: This prequel to Breaking Bad follows criminal lawyer Saul Goodman (né Jimmy McGill) before he became Walter White’s lawyer.

In conclusion, whether you’re looking for something light-hearted or intense, there are plenty of options available for your vacation viewing pleasure. Consider your destination, choose your genre, and explore the wide range of options available on streaming services and cable television. With so many great shows and movies out there, you’re sure to find something that will keep you entertained during your downtime.