Departures

Departures is an engaging and captivating travel documentary series that aired on the Outdoor Life Network (OLN) in Canada from 2008. The show is a riveting exploration of cultures, landscapes, and human connections across the globe. The dynamic storytelling, stunning cinematography, and genuine chemistry between the hosts make it a memorable watch for any globe-trotter or culture enthusiast.

The show gets its unique vibe from its hosts, two best friends and intrepid travelers hailing from Canada - Scott Wilson and Justin Lukach. They are driven by an insatiable wanderlust and an eagerness to step out of their comfort zone to immerse themselves in different cultures, cuisines, and geographical locations. Andre Dupuis, the director, and programmer of the show, doubles as the cameraman, giving the show its beautifully immersive visual appeal.

One grand detail of Departures is not just the pair traveling to known and great vacation spots, but their explorations also include countries lesser-known, untouched by the common crowd, and highly diverse in their culture and society. The show introduces audiences to places they may not otherwise consider, revealing the unique beauty and charm of each location. Some of these are politically elusive lands or zones marked by global affliction, such as Libya, North Korea, and Madagascar.

Departures takes its viewers on an adrenaline-pumping, thrilling, and eye-opening journey of discovery. Each episode is a stand-alone experience that can take you through the heart-stopping landscape of the jungles in Borneo, the blistering desert of Jordan, or the icy expanse of the Arctic, providing a profound narrative peppered with amusing, heart-warming, and deeply informative events.

One of the unique draws of Departures is its clear and genuine respect for the people and cultures of the lands Scott and Justin tour. It doesn't shy away from showing the reality of life in less developed nations, with the travelers eating local food, staying in ordinary lodgings rather than luxury hotels, and taking part in local customs and events. Each episode is a delicate balance of showcasing both the beauty of these distant lands and the circumstances that its inhabitants live in.

Entwining education with entertainment, Departures succeeds in breaking stereotypes and broadening perspectives. It's less of a tourism guide and more of a communal journey that highlights the importance of travel as a means of personal growth and human connection. Episodes frequently conclude with introspective, philosophical reflections from the hosts that contextualize their experiences within wider themes of global citizenship, the significance of home, and the shared aspects of humanity.

The viewers follow these travel enthusiasts, riding on the back seat of their sprinters, walking with them through rainforests, hiking the mountains, sailing across the seas, and joining in their joys and surprises when they encounter the unexpected. They're right there as Scott and Justin meet new people, learn new languages, and face the challenges that come with being a stranger in a new place. In the process, viewers also come to know and love the different personalities of the hosts: Scott’s earnest curiosity and Justin's comedic one-liners, contributing to the overall lighthearted tone of the series.

Throughout its run, Departures enthralled viewers with intimate portrayals of both its stunning destinations and its hosts' emotional journeys. Viewers are treated to doses of belly laughs, cultural lessons, travelogue-style commentaries, and undeniably stunning cinematography, weaving together themes of friendship, personal growth, and the humanity within us all. Andre Dupuis' cinematography deserves a particular mention – offering viewers the world through an enchanting lens, capturing each landscape with a depth and beauty that often leaves viewers speechless.

In essence, Departures is not just a television show about travel; it is itself a journey. A journey that celebrates friendship, embraces new experiences, and demonstrates that travel is more about the journey itself rather than the destination. The show encourages viewers to get to know the world, challenge their preconceptions, and reignite the spark of curiosity and wonder for the diverse beauty of our planet. It's a magnet for anyone with a trace of wanderlust and an essential watch for those who wish to be a global citizen and approach the world with an open-minded perspective.

Departures is sure to inspire travel enthusiasts to hit the road, embracing the unknown with an open mind and heart, echoing the journey of the two friends who set out to explore the world and ended up discovering their own selves. Whether you're an armchair traveler or an avid world-trekker, Departures is likely to leave you with a deeper appreciation for the world and provoke your wanderlust.