How to go on your own Race Across the World

The BBC hit show is inspiring fans to choose low-budget adventures

Race Across the World's 2025 contestants at the start line
Race Across the World's 2025 contestants at the start line in Huanghuacheng, on the Great Wall of China
(Image credit: BBC / Studio Lambert)

BBC One's Bafta-winning "Race Across the World" has become one of the channel's hottest properties, spawning an inevitable celebrity spin-off and even a live experience in London.

The show follows two-person teams racing to get to a finish line that is often in a far-flung part of the world. This year, the five teams are covering 8,700 miles, from the Great Wall of China to the very south of India in a bid to win £20,000.

The challenge comes from the wildly low budget they are given for the two-month adventure – the cash equivalent of the air fare from start to finish. But plane journeys, as well as credit cards and mobile phones, are banned.

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Travel agencies have even devised their own tours inspired by the show. Audley Travel offers various itineraries in China, Nepal and India so you "could experience each destination your own way". One is a 15-day "Classic China tour", seeing "iconic sights", trekking through rice terraces and exploring Shanghai's French Concession by bicycle. Price? From £5,115. But at least you don't have try to sleep on an overnight bus.

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