Race Across the World

Teams are given the exact cash equivalent of a one-way plane ticket from their starting point to their final destination to complete the entire journey. For instance, in the third season, teams traveling from Vancouver to Argentina were given a budget of roughly £1,500 per person. They must use this money for all food, lodging, and transportation.

No, contestants are strictly forbidden from using smartphones, internet access, or credit cards during the race. They are given a paper map, a small amount of local cash, and a basic GPS tracking device for emergencies. They must rely on their social skills, physical maps, and the kindness of strangers to navigate.

The series is produced by Studio Lambert and broadcast on BBC Two (later moving to BBC One) in the United Kingdom. The show premiered in 2019 and has become a massive hit for the BBC. It is praised for its focus on human connection rather than the high-stress competition of similar reality shows.

The first team to reach the final destination marker wins a cash prize of £20,000 (shared between the two team members). The low-stakes prize money highlights the show's emphasis on the journey and cultural immersion rather than a massive financial payout. Teams are often just happy to finish the grueling physical and mental challenge.