The Voyager with Josh Garcia (Review for Travel Lovers)

When I’m not traveling, I daydream about travel and imagine where I’ll go next. Now, I can sail around the world each Saturday morning with NBC’s show, The Voyager with Josh Garcia. When Carnival Corporation asked me to tune in to this new travel show as part of their #SailAwayFromHome campaign, I didn’t hesitate to step aboard. Here’s why you should tune in, too!

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A likable and relatable host

A nomadic Youtube star who has taken up residence on the Carnival Breeze ship, Josh Garcia hosts the show. His mission: “to seek the awesome people and places not in the travel guides.” His upbeat voice-over and wide-eyed wonder are catchy and demonstrate his enthusiasm for authentic travel experiences and meeting new people. Josh seems like the kind of guy with whom you’d want to swap travel stories in a ship’s bar after a day of exploring. In fact, he reminds me of a male version of one of my all-time favorite TV stars, Samantha Brown.

So much to explore in each episode

The pilot episode of The Voyager with Josh Garcia proves that cruising isn’t just for grey-haired geriatrics who love to eat and play shuffleboard. (Not that there’s anything wrong with that!) In one day, Josh explores so much in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, and the surrounding area. First, he goes snorkeling with a marine biologist, and we learn about steps being taken to preserve Mexico’s coral reefs.

Then he explores Yucatan‘s town square and watches the Danza de los Voladores (Dance of the Pole Flyers), where daredevils soar in circles around a 150-foot pole that represents the world tree. The men flyers represent birds. This 450-year-old Mayan tradition was thought to appease gods, bringing rain and a plentiful harvest.

For lunch, Josh learns how to make ceviche (fish cured with citrus juice), salsa, and homemade tortillas from a local chef. Hungry yet?

Next up, we go with Josh into the jungle near the ancient Mayan City of Tulum to meet a Mayan shaman. We learn about the tradition of raising bees (that have no stingers!) in logs. Josh describes the honey’s flavor as, “a little taste of what life must’ve been like for the ancient Mayans.”

Lastly, Josh returns to the city center of Playa del Carmen to watch a local artisan make beautiful lamps from hollowed-out gourds. They’re carved and filled with stained glass to make glowing works of art. (I want one!)

Cruise around the world with The Voyager

I know many travelers are anti-cruising. They seem to think it’s an inauthentic way to travel. Sure, you could sit on board the ship drinking daiquiris poolside all day. (Wait…that actually sounds nice for at-sea days!) But really, cruising is all about what you choose to do with your time off the ship.

A few years ago, my extended family and I struggled to come up with a family reunion vacation solution that would please all 14 of us. I suggested a cruise because it’s an easy and fun way to see the world, while ensuring all travelers get to do the activities that interest them. I think this show will shed light on the variety of experiences available to cruisers.

Cruising your way

I experienced one of my favorite vacation days ever when I visited Zihuatanejo, Mexico during a Carnival cruise. My husband and I ate traditional cuisine like buttery, sublime camarones al ajillo (shrimp prepared with garlic). We rented snorkels to spy on the tropical fish swimming in the sea. And we watched as our daughter splashed in the water for hours with her newfound friends, local children with whom she shared the common language of play. Whether you want a busy go-go-go day like Josh, or you want a mellow beach day, you can have it when cruising.

A travel show to watch as a family

Sometimes it seems like travel television has been taken over by ghost stories and shows about disgusting foods you’d never want to eat. It’s refreshing to see someone relatable doing things I’d actually want to do on The Voyager.

I am always seeking shows the whole family can enjoy watching and discussing together. I think I’ve found one. Will I be tuning in? My DVR is already set to record all of the upcoming episodes of The Voyager!

Watch a preview of the show above. Follow #SailAwayFromHome on social media to learn more and chime in about The Voyager with Josh Garcia.

Does The Voyager with Josh Garcia sound like your kind of TV show? Let us know in the comments below!

Travel Mamas received compensation related to this story.

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