Trip Testers

Trip Testers is an exhilarating and adventurous series that aired on Travel Channel in 2017. This thrilling show shifts focus from the usual sightseeing, monument-appreciating tourist style travels, instead offering an immersive and participative journey into the hidden gems of destinations.

The show's hosts are the dynamic duo of Jeff Miller and Jason Kessler, both seasoned travel journalists and longtime friends. They both have extensive experience in packing bags, exploring different parts of the world, and penning down their experiences. Their years of journeying together is a driving force behind the exciting camaraderie they share, which adds a special charm to the show. Between Jeff’s impressive history as editor of Thrillist LA and Jason’s regular contributions to Bon Appétit and American Way, each episode brings forth a combination of pure travel expertise, immense knowledge, and natural humor.

Besides showcasing the beauty of the various destinations they visit, Trip Testers sets itself apart by focusing on the pair’s experience in terms of overall quality and value for money, shedding light on what each location truly has to offer. Jeff and Jason go through the unique, the unfamiliar, the newly trending, or the simply strange tourist activities, giving the viewers an idea of what to expect, and more importantly, what the experience earns on their 'value-for-the-money’ scale. In essence, they become the guinea pigs for the viewers, experiencing both the oddities and splendors of travel on their behalf.

Even though the show came to the table with a unique angle of unfiltered reviews amidst the sea of travel shows, it also maintained the expected vivacity, dynamism and adventurous spirit of travel television. Its visually striking sequences, from close-ups of local cuisines to panoramic views of exotic landscapes, make for an almost tangible experience. Trip Testers took Jeff and Jason, and by extension their audience, to a wide range of locations. Some episodes feature iconic cities like Las Vegas, Austin, and Nashville, while others explore lesser-known charms like Kansas City and Asheville.

The fun and excitement of the series lies in watching these two friends navigate their way through different cities, connect with diverse cultures, taste a wide variety of culinary treats, and engage in the thrilling, sometimes bizarre, activities that the locales have to offer. But while maintaining the adventurous tone, they never shy away from the realities of traveling, highlighting the disappointments and unexpected problems that come with being on the road. This touch of authenticity makes their audience relate even more with their experiences.

Through its run, Trip Testers struck a delicate balance of entertainment and practicality, giving viewers a voyeuristic peek into what could be their next vacation while keeping the essence of travel journalism alive. The show often features interviews with residents, businessmen, and local experts, aiming for a deeper understanding of the culture in each location. Special pointers about unique food, local traditions, and weather conditions make each episode a crash course on the destination featured. However, these informative portions are cleverly interspersed with light-hearted moments and humorous banter, underlining the show's motto that learning can be fun, especially when it comes to travel.

An interesting aspect of the show is that it doesn't just passively promote travel; it digs deeper to unveil what makes every city tick, what keeps it going, and what constitutes its lifeblood. They find the pulse of each city and connect it with the viewer’s heart, rendering a travel experience unlike any other.

In the end, Trip Testers is more than a simple travel show. It combines the excitement of exploration, the joy of friendship, the humor of witty banter, the warmth of new connections, the surprise of unique discoveries, and the satisfaction of informed decisions. It mirrors the journey of two friends who are passionate about travel, testing the paths less ventured, always ready to take the next turn to the unknown. It is indeed a must-see for anyone looking for the next big adventure or simply wanting to view travel from a fresh perspective.