Is the best way to see far away places is on tv?

Question

I was just wondering what other people think about this question. I live in England, and is the best way to see somewhere like africa or saudi arabia on TV?

Answer 1

Personally, i think the best place to see anywhere is to actually go there. TV does not do the majesty of Saudi Arabia or the sheer beauty of Africa any justice. I have been to both places and TV never prepared me for the actual beauty and overwhelming differences.

TV cannot offer you the true sights, it is selective so you can never know a country through TV. You will miss the sights, the smells, the culture, the feelings, the languages...everything that makes traveling beautiful.

When i can't hop on a plane, however, especially coming all the way from the States, I combine literature with TV and DVD programs as well as travel books.

Example: Before I went to Africa I read the famous Achebe's "Things Fall Apart", took a course in African Geology and Ecology at school, watched plenty of History Channel and Discovery Channel Presentations, went to an African Cultural Festival, Listened to African Music and so on...

However, like I said, it never prepares you for what you will see.