Race Across the World: The destinations on the show

Since first airing in 2019, Race Across the World has transported viewers to some of the most breathtaking corners of the globe. From lively cities and bustling towns to remote islands and picturesque villages, the show showcases a diverse range of destinations. In this guide, we take a closer look at the highlights from each season of Race Across the World, and explore some of the extraordinary destinations that have left a lasting impression on viewers and contestants alike.

Each season follows pairs of contestants as they race from one checkpoint to another, with their arrival times not only determining their place in the rankings, but also when they can begin the next leg of the journey. 

At the start of the race, each team receives a budget equivalent to the cost of a one-way airfare between the start and end points. With no flights allowed, contestants must travel by land or sea, carefully managing their budget to cover food, accommodation and transport. However, there have been instances where the travel route required the production team to organise a flight for all contestants. In these cases, the race is paused during the flight and resumes only once everyone has landed and been transported to the next checkpoint. Teams can earn extra money by taking on local jobs along the way, but if they run out of funds, they will be eliminated from the competition. Navigating solely with a map, GPS tracker, and the kindness of strangers, the race becomes a true test of resourcefulness, resilience, and human connection.

The show often raises the stakes by eliminating the last team to reach a checkpoint on certain legs, adding even more tension to the journey. Yet it’s not just about reaching the finish line. With no air travel, the teams pass through off–the–beaten–path locations that truly reflect the heart of each region. Along the way, they form meaningful connections with locals, embrace new cultures, and often discover as much about themselves as the world around them.  

When Race Across the World first burst onto television screens in 2019, viewers were captivated as five pairs of racers were tasked with navigating the journey from Greenwich, London, to Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, without the use of smartphones, bank cards, or air travel. Each contestant received £1,329, the equivalent of a one-way airfare for their journey at the time, bringing the team’s total budget to £2,658. 

After starting their journey in Greenwich, London, the first checkpoint that contestants raced to reach was Delphi, Greece. The routes teams chose varied; one team decided to take an overnight coach to Düsseldorf, while others chose to travel through the major European hub of Calais before continuing on through Munich and Budapest, or Lyon and Milan, each destination offering its own unique blend of history, character, and cultural vibrancy. Other teams travelled through the idyllic city of Lille and the romantic capital of Paris, before heading to fashionable Milan and enchanting Venice, eventually making their way to Greece. 

Upon reaching Delphi, a fascinating destination once considered the ‘centre of the world’ by the Ancient Greeks, the teams were ranked according to their arrival times. This ranking determined the order and time in which teams could set off again, making it all the more important to arrive first. It was here that the next leg of the journey was revealed, and teams found out that the next checkpoint would be Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. Racers were also told that the last to arrive in Baku would be eliminated from the race, raising the stakes even higher. As they made their way towards Baku, the teams left behind the familiarity of Western Europe and ventured into more familiar and exotic landscapes of the East. Crossing through Turkey and Georgia, they navigated bustling cities and remote terrain using various modes of transport, including local minibuses and taxis, as well as long-distance coaches, ferries, and trains.  

Upon arrival in Baku, the original five teams became four, as the last to reach the checkpoint was eliminated from the competition. The third leg of the race took the remaining teams through the sweeping deserts and towering mountains of Central Asia, passing through ancient trading hubs once vital to the Silk Road, as they made their way to the next checkpoint in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. 

After reaching Uzbekistan, the teams set off once more, this time bound for the ancient town of Huangyao in China, an atmospheric destination that marked the next stage of their journey. Contestants first travelled to Almaty, Kazakhstan, before crossing into China via the Khorgas Border. With filming restricted in Xinjiang, they navigated the region off-camera. From here, routes varied with some choosing to go through Chengdu, while others detoured to Jiayuguan to visit the Great Wall, then continued via Guilin to reach Huangyao. 

The penultimate leg of the travel series took contestants through Vietnam’s lush forests and lively cities, including a stop in the historic town of Hội An, before crossing into Cambodia. Their journey ended on the idyllic island of Koh Rong, where the next checkpoint awaited. 

After an epic journey spanning 12,000 miles across two continents, 21 countries, and four seas, the finish line was finally in sight. The remaining teams ventured down the length of the breathtaking Malaysian Peninsula, covering around 1,500 miles as they raced towards a dramatic conclusion at the observation deck of Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.

Race Across the World returned to our screens for its second series in March 2020. In the same format as the previous season, five pairs of contestants embarked on the adventure of a lifetime, which saw them travelling from the vibrant Mexico City to the most southerly city in the world, Ushuaia in Argentina. One key difference between the series was that the number of race legs was increased from six to eight. The budget also increased slightly, with each contestant receiving £1,453, bringing their total team budget to £2,906. 

In an attempt to get out of Mexico City and reach the first checkpoint of Copán Ruinas, Honduras, teams took a variety of routes. One team decided to travel the stunning northern Caribbean coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, known for its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and ancient Mayan ruins, to cross into the tropical heart of Central America, Belize. Another chose to travel through Guatemala, celebrated for its diverse landscapes, including lush highlands, colonial towns, vibrant markets, and volcanic scenery. Once finally reaching Copán Ruinas in Honduras, a picturesque town nestled in the hills, which is famed for its remarkable Mayan ruins, it was revealed that the next checkpoint lay in Panama City. 

On the second leg, teams made their way through El Salvador, the coastal city of Limón in Costa Rica, and the bustling Nicaraguan capital, Managua. After reaching the second checkpoint in Panama City, a dynamic capital famed for the Panama Canal, glittering skyline, and atmospheric old town, they were informed that their next destination lay across the continent: Colombia’s Tatacoa Desert. To reach this next destination, some journeyed through the vibrant streets of Medellín and the lively capital, Bogotá, set high in the Andes and rich with history, street art, and energy. 

The next two legs brought teams to checkpoints in Jaén and Puno, Peru. Some teams made the most of their surroundings, sandboarding down the golden dunes of the desert oasis Huacachina or trekking to the breathtaking Rainbow Mountain, known for its vibrant natural stripes. Others made stops in Bolivia, Chile, and the Atacama Desert, which is known for being one of the driest places on Earth with otherworldly scenery and memorable stargazing opportunities. Some visited the wine-producing town of Cafayate in Argentina before journeying to the tropical paradise of Ilha Grande, Brazil. 

The penultimate leg had teams racing to Mendoza, Argentina, with detours through some of South America’s most iconic cities, including the passionate streets of Buenos Aires and the sun-soaked beaches of Rio de Janeiro. For the grand finale, contestants dashed from Mendoza to Ushuaia, Argentina, bringing their incredible adventure to a dramatic close at the edge of the continent. 

Following the success of its first two seasons, the BBC announced that Race Across the World would be returning for a third series and would move from BBC Two to BBC One. Although initially scheduled to air earlier, the series was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Travel restrictions also meant a format change, with the race taking place entirely within Canada, rather than spanning multiple countries and continents as in previous seasons. The series eventually aired in early 2023 and followed five pairs who were tasked with travelling from Vancouver to St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. The budget increased once again, with each person receiving £2,498.13, meaning they had just under £5,000 per team. 

The race began in Prospect Park, nestled within Vancouver’s Stanley Park, the city’s first, largest, and most cherished urban green space. Surrounded by scenic trails, lush forest, and panoramic views of the waterfront, it offered a spectacular starting line. Vancouver itself, framed by ocean, mountains, and woodland, provided a breathtaking backdrop and set the tone for the dramatic and diverse landscapes that lay ahead. Three teams chose to cross the Strait of Georgia from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, known for its charming harbour towns, rugged coastline, and forested interior, before continuing to reach remote and widespread Graham Island, which is part of the Haida Gwaii archipelago. Other teams opted to head directly to Prince Rupert, a coastal city surrounded by rainforest and mountains, where they boarded a ferry across the Hecate Strait to reach Graham Island. 

After reaching their checkpoint in Tlell, a peaceful village nestled along the windswept shores of Haida Gwaii in British Columbia, the race continued north to Dawson City in the Yukon, a historic gold rush town. Teams passed through Skidegate, a culturally significant Haida community. As well as Whitehorse, the lively capital of Yukon, surrounded by dramatic wilderness, and Jade City, a tiny roadside settlement. After arriving in Dawson City, the race pressed on to Banff, a picturesque mountain town nestled in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains and famed for its turquoise lakes and towering peaks. To get there, teams had to journey south along Klondike Highway, with some opting to hire RVs to navigate the vast, remote stretches of road. They also made stops in Calgary, a vibrant city known for its western heritage. Some teams stopped in Edmonton, Alberta’s lively capital, and Fort St. John, a key hub in northeastern British Columbia surrounded by wilderness. 

The following legs of the race saw teams checking in at a series of diverse and scenic locations: Churchill, Manitoba, which is famous for its polar bear population and remote landscapes; Mindemoya on Ontario’s Manitoulin Island, the world’s largest freshwater island; Quebec City, with its cobbled streets and European charm; and Liverpool, Nova Scotia, a historic port town steeped in maritime heritage. The final push led teams to their ultimate destination, St. John’s in Newfoundland, which is the easternmost city in North America, best known for its colourful row houses and dramatic coastline. 

Along the way, teams passed through a range of picturesque and culturally rich spots, including the forested trails and lakes of Prince Albert National Park, the quirky town of Moose Jaw with its underground tunnels, and the vibrant prairie capital of Winnipeg. Some teams also made time to soak up the cosmopolitan buzz of Montreal, the harbourfront charm of Halifax, and the rugged Cape Spear. 

The fourth season of Race Across the World premiered in April 2024, bringing a brand-new adventure to screens and continuing the series’ tradition of epic, real-world travel challenges. Using only a map, travel guide, and GPS tracker, contestants raced from Japan to Indonesia. There was a budget of £1,390 per person, meaning that each two-person team had a total budget of £2,780. 

Beginning in Sapporo, the lively capital of Japan’s northern island, Hokkaido, each team set off on a race towards their next checkpoint, the historic city of Nara. They explored some of Japan’s most awe-inspiring destinations, from the majestic Mount Fuji and the cultural heart of Kyoto to the energetic Tokyo and the dynamic cityscape of Osaka, before finally arriving in Nara, famed for its ancient temples and friendly, free-roaming deer. Here, they learned that the next checkpoint would be Sokcho in South Korea. To reach the coastal city of Sokcho, which is best loved for its fresh seafood, scenic beaches, and proximity to Seoraksan National Park, teams took various routes. Some teams passed through Kyoto, renowned for its traditional architecture, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and well-preserved temples and shrines; Kobe, a port city on Osaka Bay, is famous for its world-famous marbled beef, historic Arima Onsen hot springs, and waterfront lined with shops and attractions; Hiroshima, marked by its poignant history, offers powerful landmarks such as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, alongside cultural treasures like the restored Hiroshima Castle; and Busan, celebrated for its beautiful beaches, vibrant markets, and historic temples. 

After reaching their checkpoint in the coastal city of Sokcho, the contestants were flown to Hanoi, Vietnam’s charming capital, where the race restarted. Upon arrival, they discovered that their next checkpoint lay in Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, and that the team finishing last on this leg would be eliminated from the competition. Teams passed through enchanting Hoi An, the bustling Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Lat, which is surrounded by an abundance of natural beauty. In Phnom Penh, three teams took a moment to visit a Buddhist temple, where they received blessings and paid their respects, embracing a moment of reflection before the race resumed and the next checkpoint was revealed to be Mae Sariang, Thailand. 

Some of the incredible destinations featured included Pak Chong, a peaceful town surrounded by nature, and Khao Yai National Park, home to waterfalls and wild elephants. Contestants also passed through Siem Reap, a gateway to the ancient temples of Angkor, and Chiang Mai, known for its temples, markets, and mountain scenery. 

As the race restarted from Mae Sariang, all four teams transited through the busy capital of Bangkok to reach their checkpoint on the idyllic Phi Phi Islands. Viewers were given a glimpse of Thailand’s natural beauty, with highlights including the turquoise waters of Erawan Falls in Kanchanaburi province, the tropical shores of Phuket, and the striking coastline of Krabi. From Koh Phi Phi, contestants were instructed to travel 1,200 miles south to Bukittinggi in Indonesia, passing through locations like tropical Ko Lipe, the buzzing capital of Kuala Lumpur, and the historic streets of Malacca City. 

From Bukittinggi, the teams navigated their way through Indonesia to reach their next checkpoint of Jakarta, the nation’s sprawling capital, known for its towering skyscrapers, street food, and rich blend of cultures. The final leg of the race saw teams dash to the finish line on the blissful island of Gili Meno. En route, they travelled across Java, explored the port city of Semarang, experienced the beauty of Bali, and crossed the Lombok Strait before arriving at the serene, white-sand shores of their final destination. 

The fifth, and most recent, series of Race Across the World saw five pairs of contestants travelling from China to India with a budget of £1,140 per person. This means that each team had a total budget of £2,280, which was the second lowest budget of the show’s history. 

Starting from the iconic Great Wall of China in Huanghuacheng, with the southernmost tip of India, Kanyakumari, as their final destination, contestants began their journey toward the first checkpoint in the ancient village of Huangling. They travelled through major cities and cultural hotspots including Beijing, Shanghai, Wuyan, and Hefei. Upon arrival at their checkpoint in Huangling, teams discovered that they would next be making their way to the city of Sanya on Hainan Island. Each team had a different experience when travelling to their next checkpoint. Some decided to travel on the cutting-edge bullet trains, whilst others travelled by ferry. Viewers watched as some contestants journeyed through the lush landscapes of Fujian Province, whilst others explored the coastal city of Haikou. From visiting rice paddies and learning Kung Fu to helping to harvest bamboo shoots and Chinese herbal medicine, teams made the most of their travels. 

The next leg of the journey saw teams race from the tropical shores of Sanya to the high-altitude town of Shangri-La, with stops in the bustling city of Nanning, the riverside hub of Liuzhou, and the mountainous province of Guizhou. In Shangri-La, the last team to arrive was eliminated from the competition. From there, contestants were flown to Kathmandu, Nepal’s vibrant capital nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, where the race resumed and the next checkpoint of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India, was revealed. One team chose to use some of their budget to go on safari in Chitwan National Park, home to rhinos, tigers, and elephants, whilst another took on the thrill of ziplining in the hillside town of Tansen. Additional destinations featured included the tranquil village of Bhalam, the busy Indian city of Gorakhpur, and the border crossing town of Belahiya. 

When teams reached Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India, they were informed that the next destination they needed to reach would be McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh, India. This leg of the race included stops in Mathura, Agra, and Delhi, where some teams visited the Elephant Conservation and marvelled at the iconic Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. After arriving in McLeod Ganj in Himachal Pradesh, the journey continued to Sasan Gir in Gujarat, taking teams across four Indian states. Teams explored the sacred Golden Temple in Amritsar, wandered the blue streets of Jodhpur, and visited vibrant cities like Jaipur and Udaipur in Rajasthan. Some veered off to experience the stark beauty of the Thar Desert or ventured into the unique salt marshes of the Little Rann of Kutch. 

In the penultimate leg of the race, the four remaining teams set off from the wildlife haven of Sasan Gir, home to rare Asiatic lions, and raced across India to reach Panaji, the colourful capital of Goa. Known for its rich heritage, vibrant markets, and golden beaches, Panaji provided a striking contrast to the rugged landscapes they had left behind. From here, the final and, for some, most challenging stretch of the race began, as teams embarked on the ultimate journey south to Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu, where the waters of the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean converge. 

In late 2023, the first celebrity version of the hit television show Race Across the World finally aired. Initially announced in 2019, the spin-off faced multiple delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with production only resuming once international travel restrictions eased. With one of the most generous budgets of the show’s history, each contestant was given £1,949, bringing the total team allowance to £3,894. Unlike previous seasons, the celebrity edition featured just four pairs of contestants and spanned six legs instead of the usual eight. 

The race began in the lively and colourful Marrakech, Morocco, with teams competing to be the first to reach Tromsø, Norway, stopping at a series of checkpoints along the way. The celebrities included Alex Beresford, a weather presenter and broadcaster, who was joined by his father Noel; Melanie Blatt, a singer and member of All Saints, and her mother Helene; Harry Judd, a musician and a member of McFly, and his mother Emma; and Billy Monger, a racing driver and broadcaster, and his sister, Bonny. The celebrities were first tasked with making their way from Marrakech to Pinhão, nestled in the heart of Portugal’s Douro Valley. Choosing a variety of different travel routes and strategies, one team decided to experience more of North Africa by travelling to Fez for work, whilst another selected an authentic experience of staying and working with a family in the city of Chefchaouen in the Rif mountains. After their unique travel experiences, each team made their way to Spain, where they all visited Seville, a city brimming with history, culture, and beauty. Other incredible European destinations included the coastal charm of Lisbon, the historic streets of Porto, the energy of Madrid, the famed university city of Salamanca, and the scenic town of Viseu, before concluding this leg in the picturesque village of Pinhão.

From Pinhão, the race carried on to the coastal town of Bonifacio, perched dramatically on limestone cliffs at the southern tip of Corsica, surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. Before reaching the second checkpoint, teams passed through a mix of scenic locations, including the bustling streets of Barcelona, the charming Hendaye, the port city of Toulon, and Ajaccio, the birthplace of Napoleon, on the island of Corsica. The third part of their adventure saw the celebrities journey from Bonifacio in Corsica to Zermatt, a picturesque destination nestled high in the Swiss Alps. Each team chose between travelling through Italy or France. While some made their way to Nice, along the glamorous Côte d'Azur, others made their way through Livorno and the rolling hills of Tuscany. Viewers were treated to glimpses of the colourful cliffside village of Riomaggiore, one of the five towns that make up the stunning Cinque Terre, as well as the serene waters of Lake Como, the fashion capital of Milan, the elegant city of Geneva, and the alpine beauty of Brig, before the teams each arrived at Zermatt. 

It was then time to make the 750-mile journey to the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo. Travelling by road, rail and ferry, one team navigated their way through Italy and Slovenia, which eventually led them to the picturesque Lake Bled. A different team took a job weeding at the Giusti Gardens in Verona, while another found work at a coffee roaster in Trieste. After passing through locations like Split, situated on the breathtaking Adriatic coast of Croatia, Zagreb, Rijeka, and Zadar, everyone finally arrived at their final checkpoint of Sarajevo. From there, teams began to make their way to Berlin, Germany, with several fascinating stops along the way. These included Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, known for its rich history and lively atmosphere, and Budapest, with its stunning river views and famous thermal baths. There were also stops at Kraków, a Polish city steeped in medieval charm, Prague, with its cobbled streets and striking architecture, and Munich, known for its cultural heritage and traditional beer halls. 

Once all teams had reached the checkpoint in Berlin, the final race to Tromsø, Norway began. However, one pair was forced to withdraw due to an unexpected emergency, leaving just three teams to complete the journey. Each team followed a different path, travelling through a series of remarkable destinations. These included Hamburg, a major German port city with a rich maritime history, and Oslo, Norway’s capital, known for its modern architecture and fjord-side setting. In Estonia, some teams explored the medieval charm of Tallinn, with its cobblestone old town and gothic spires, before heading to Helsinki, the stylish capital of Finland. Some passed through Stockholm, a city celebrated for its waterside beauty and royal heritage, while others ventured north to Jukkasjärvi in Swedish Lapland, home to the world-famous Icehotel. As they neared the Arctic Circle, teams visited Skjerstad Fjord, a peaceful Norwegian inlet surrounded by rugged landscapes, and the northern city of Narvik, known for its dramatic mountain and sea views. Another stop was Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland and the official hometown of Santa Claus, before finally arriving in the northern city of Tromsø, marking the end of an extraordinary journey.

The second series of Celebrity Race Across the World aired in August 2024 and saw contestants travel across South America. Following a similar format to the first season, the second series featured four pairs of contestants, and the race consisted of six legs. However, in a stark contrast to the first season, this Celebrity Race Across the World featured the lowest budget of all the seasons, with each person given £1,100, which resulted in a £2,200 team budget. 

The series kicked off in Belém, Brazil, a vibrant city located at the mouth of the Amazon River, with teams setting off on an epic race to be the first to reach Frutillar, a picturesque lakeside town in the Chilean Andes known for its dramatic mountain backdrop and German-inspired architecture. The celebrities who took part included Kelly Brook, a model, actress, and broadcaster, accompanied by her husband Jeremy Parisi; Scott Mills, radio host, and his husband Sam Vaughan; Jeff Brazier, broadcaster, and his son Freddy Brazier; and Kola Bokinni, actor, and his cousin Mary Ellen Moriarty. Each team was informed that their first checkpoint would be Canoa Quebrada, a laid-back coastal town in Ceará, Brazil, known for its striking red cliffs, sandy beaches, and relaxed atmosphere. Two teams chose an inland route, while the other two took a more scenic path along the coast. Ultimately, all teams passed through Fortaleza, a bustling city known for its beaches and culture. Along the way, some contestants also stopped in São Raimundo and Teresina, before experiencing the surreal beauty of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, famous for its sweeping sand dunes dotted with crystal-clear lagoons. 

The second leg saw teams journey from the coastal town of Canoa Quebrada in Ceará to Lençóis in the state of Bahia, a charming gateway to Chapada Diamantina National Park, known for its dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and hidden caves. Once they arrived at their checkpoint in Lençóis, it was time to make the journey southwest to São Paulo, Brazil, a vast and energetic metropolis known for its towering skyline, diverse culture, and fast-paced city. Some of the key destinations visited included Salvador, Brasília, Vitoria, and Rio de Janeiro. From São Paulo, the celebrities continued to the next checkpoint in Tigre, a charming riverside town in the Buenos Aires province of Argentina. Along the way, they visited the awe-inspiring Iguazu Falls, crossed the Friendship Bridge between Brazil and Paraguay, and travelled through parts of Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. Their route also took them into the heart of Buenos Aires before arriving in the tranquil delta region of Tigre. 

The penultimate part of the adventure saw celebrities journey from Tigre to Tilcara, a scenic mountain town in Argentina’s northwestern Andes. Along the way, they stopped in El Talar, explored the cultural hub of Córdoba, passed through San Salvador de Jujuy, and visited the historic city of Tucumán before reaching their destination. The final stretch from Tilcara to Frutillar, Chile, was the longest and most demanding leg of the entire race. Teams travelled through breathtaking landscapes, with memorable stops in Mendoza’s wine country, the vibrant Chilean capital of Santiago, and the wild, windswept region of Patagonia, among many others, before crossing the finish line in the picturesque lakeside town of Frutillar.