You might be familiar with Eugene Levy as Johnny Rose in the hit comedy series Schitt’s Creek, but in his new TV show, The Reluctant Traveler, you’ll see a completely different side as the actor and comedian tackles his anxiety with traveling.
The show follows Eugene Levy across 8 stunning and intriguing destinations that get him outside of his comfort zone and into the wild. Levy describes himself as “the great indoors type of guy” that has avoided traveling the world – until now.
“I don’t have a great sense of adventure, so it’s not the most comfortable thing. If I know where I’m going, it’s great. If I don’t really know where I’m going, I get a little frazzled,” Levy told People.
Hilarity ensues as Levy is tested to his limits, but he learns lessons along the way as he talks to locals about their culture and outlook, gets closer than he bargained for to nature, and meets new friends along the way.
All eight episodes are available to stream on Apple TV now. If you’re curious about which travel destinations Eugene Levy explores, check them out below:
Finland
Levy hits the freezing cold in Finland, where he gets to swim in a frozen lake, steer a dog sled pulled by huskies, try out ice-fishing, and taste some Finland vodka.
While in Finland, he stays at the Artic TreeHouse Hotel, which contains modern, Scandinavian-designed cabins nestled in the heart of Arctic nature.
Costa Rica
Costa Ricans love to say “Pura Vida,” which translates to ‘Pure Life’ and it embodies the way Costa Ricans live. The show visits the surrounding area of La Fortuna, which is home to Volcano Arenal.
Now a dormant volcano, the area offers plenty of hot springs for tourists and locals to enjoy. The 74-year-old gets to conquer his fear of deadly wildlife by sleeping among the trees in the Costa Rican jungle.
Venice
One of Italy’s most visited cities has been built on top of lagoons, where Levy gets to ride a gondola through the floating city prior to its recent drought.
The show features a 15th-century palazzo called Gritti Palace that once served as a residence for noble families and special guests and now operates as a hotel. The elegant location blends a mix of culture, luxury, and history and is perched on the picturesque Grand Canal.
Utah
Utah is known for its sweeping landscapes and isolated deserts, and one of the best ways to see this vast location is from the sky. Levy begrudgingly accepts his first helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon, where he opens his eyes for some quick peeks at the stunning views of this ancestral homeland.
Connecting to his spiritual side, Levy goes stargazing with a Navajo guide and learns about the importance of the stars and the land.
Maldives
Nothing says luxury more than a private island resort that offers you “anything, anytime, anywhere.” Kudadoo Maldives Private Island is an all-inclusive experience that offers ultimate luxury with a personal butler, unlimited leisure activities, and next-level culinary experiences.
The actor gets to experience the ultimate resort lifestyle, but sustainably since it’s the only island in the Maldives that runs fully on solar power.
South Africa
Undeniably the most famous national park in South Africa, Kruger National Park is a popular destination for safaris.
With around 147 mammal species in the park, Levy gets up close and personal with some big game. Instead of glamping, the actor stays in a hotel suspended on a bridge over the Sabie River. The Kruger Shalati hotel contains 24 train carriage suites, which provide breathtaking views of the park.
Lisbon
Lisbon is one of Europe’s most revered cultural cities, and it’s full of things to see and do.
This destination was one of Levy’s favorites, where he learns to make Portugal’s favorite Peri Peri sauce, goes sailing on the Tagus river, and explores Portugal’s iconic Azulejo Tilework, which dates back to the 13th century.
Tokyo
From noodles to sumo wrestling and tasting sushi for the first time, Levy goes on a culinary adventure in one of the busiest cities in the world.
He stays at the exclusive Hoshinoya, which is nestled in the heart of the city and features intricate Japanese designs and thoughtful touches throughout the 17-story hotel.
