Based on the book of the same name, in 'The Art of Travel', Alain de Botton’s documentary sets out to understand our desire for travel. Why do we go on holiday? What are we looking for? Does travel really offer us an escape from our troubles and anxieties at home? To attempt to grasp the underlying issues behind travel, de Botton undertakes a variety of trips – a Mediterranean cruise, a weekend break to Amsterdam, a driving holiday around East Germany and a coach tour of Kent.