23 of the best travel podcasts to listen to now

Bringing you entertainment, humour and a wealth of knowledge for your next journey, take a listen to these inspirational travel audio chats from the world's top podcast presenters...

7 mins

1. Wanderlust: Off the Page

Wanderlust's very own podcast is now on its second series!

Each episode takes a deeper dive into the pages of Wanderlust magazine, featuring chats with Wanderlust editors and award-winning writers, and interviews conducted by Aaron Millar.

Destinations highlighted include Easter Island, Mississippi, Northern France, Switzerland and New South Wales.

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2. The Travel Diaries

Presenter Holly Rubenstein describes The Travel Diaries as the travel version of Desert Island Discs, where celebrity guests reveal the travel experiences that shaped them rather than songs.

It’s the UK’s number one travel podcast and has featured guests such as Dev Patel, Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Tony Wheeler, Simon Reeve, Michael Palin, and Wanderlust's very own Lyn Hughes.

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3. Not Lost

When both his popular culture podcast and long-term relationship come to an end, journalist Brendan finds he has the time — and freedom — to pursue his dream: a travel podcast where he goes places, and learns about them, by getting invited to a stranger’s house for dinner.

A friend joins him at each destination and they drink, dance, and eat their way from Montréal to Mexico City, often learning as much about themselves as the place they’re visiting. Not Lost is both a delightful travel escape and an insightful look at people — locals and visitors alike — trying to make sense of a constantly changing world. 

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4. Armchair Explorer

Each episode of the Armchair Explorer podcast sees one of the world's great adventurers or travellers tell their best story from the road.

Hosted by award-winning travel writer Aaron Millar, every tale is inspiring, action-packed and thrilling. Aaron has a magical way of drawing the best out of his guests. 

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5. No Shitting In The Toilet

Get ahead of the curve and enjoy this podcast from Peter Moore, best-selling travel author and former Wanderlust Associate Web Editor. 

Expect irreverent humour and gritty tales of the highs and lows of independent travel, from Peter himself and a range of expert guests.

The first episode took its theme from the title, but don't worry, they're not all about toilets...

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6. Zero To Travel

With over 15 years experience travelling the world, Jason Moore shares his passion for all things travel in his weekly hour-long podcasts.

Take a listen as he interviews fellow explorers on their epic journeys, from walking across America to visually impaired cyclists embarking on a 16,000-mile journey from Argentina to Alaska.

Other weekly posts include tips on how to budget, travel safety tips, as well as how to find work while on the road.

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7. You Should Have Been There 

Enjoy travellers tales, relaxed banter and opinion from Simon Calder, one of the most respected voices in travel, and author/former BBC producer Mick Webb.

It's essentially the equivalent of sitting in a bar with a couple of fun and slightly geeky travel chums. Perhaps the best-named travel podcast in the history of travel podcasts, too.

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8. JUMP With Traveling Jackie

Formerly known as The Budget-Minded Traveler, Jackie has revamped her podcast to JUMP with Traveling Jackie – partly inspired by photos of her leaping mid-air at some of the world's most iconic landmarks.

Jackie's podcast has a distinct focus on off-the-beaten track travel and highlights insider tips, as well as hidden gems of travel across several continents.

Those with travel-related questions also have an opportunity to engage, as her regular 'ask Jackie' sessions aim to give in-depth answers to her online community.

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9. Beach Too Sandy, Water Too Wet

If you loved Wanderlust’s article on the 20 most astonishing holiday complaints, you’ll love the Beach Too Sandy podcast.

Presenters Alex and Christine Schiefer scour the Internet for one-star reviews for travel related services and read them out in dramatic voices.

Hilarious!

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10. A Girls Guide to Travelling Alone

Gemma Thompson's podcast features a different perspective each episode, whether the mental health benefits of travel or travelling with kids.

Gemma's a likeable host, and the result is an enjoyable mix of travel inspiration whether you are a solo traveller or not. 

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11. Wander Woman

In her award-winning podcast, travel writer, author, photographer and former Wanderlust editor Phoebe Smith offers a behind the scenes journey to a different destination which features interviews with locals, audio clips and vivid descriptions to make the listener feel like they are there too.

Each episode also includes a Travel Hack of the Month, a Wander Woman of the month, and various tips and tricks.  

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12. Travel Goals

British travel writer Pip Jones hosts a lively and informative podcast which covers a wide range of travel topics from breaking into travel writing and connecting with nature to whether you should quit your job to travel.

Expect interesting experts, advice and lots of actionable tips. 

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13. Alice in Wanderland

Scottish adventurer Alice Morrison lives in a village in Morocco's Atlas Mountains and her fortnightly podcast gives an insight into daily life there when she's at home. However, older episodes cover her Sahara expedition, when she trekked 2,000kms with camels, while more recent ones cover her Atlas Expedition when she took camels 1,400kms across the Atlas Mountains.

Producer Vic interviews her and teases great tales out of her. Highly enjoyable. 

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14. The First Mile

We've seen plenty of travel podcasts launch and then peter out but here is one launched in 2020 that we think will last the course.

A two-hander from adventurers Ash Bhardwaj and Pip Stewart, Season 1 featured the likes of Levison Wood, Leon McCarron and Rhiane Fatinikun, the founder of Black Girls Hike, interspersed with dispatches from Ash's travels, and a look at how to make travel a lifestyle. The two are warm and intelligent hosts who you want spend time with. 

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15. The Big Travel Podcast

The Big Travel Podcast features an eclectic mix of politicians, paralympians, philanthropists, famous faces from TV, radio, music, books, journalism, sports, stage and screen.

Hosted by Lisa Francesca Nand, expect fascinating travel tales whatever the background or day job of the guest.

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16. Travel With Rick Steves

Rick Steves is an American travel writer, guidebook author, television personality and podcast presenter.

While Rick's main podcast covers weekly one hour conversations with guest experts about culture, travel and people, his podcast collection extends to audio tours, European videos and live recordings from the travel classics.

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17. Indie Travel Podcast

Whether you're looking for advice on the best things to do in New Zealand, the essentials to pack in your carry-on bag, or the cheapest way to get around on your next city break, tune in to Craig and Linda Martin who are the masterminds behind the Indie Travel Podcast.

Each 20 to 30 minute episode brings insightful and entertaining stories from backpackers, expats and digital nomads who share a passion for travel.

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18. Amateur Traveler

Host Chris Christensen hones in on specific travel destinations and why they appeal to visitors.

Each 40 to 60 minute clip centres around a particular country or experience, such as a safari in Botswana, or travelling Hawaii's Big Island, and is joined in conversation by people who have lived in or are well-travelled in the topical destination.

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19. We Travel There

Go beyond the basic tourist attractions and discover the best things to do, eat, drink and see from a local's perspective.

That's the aim of host Lee Huffman's audio series, which talks with locals from around the world to discover the hidden treasures of the cities they call home.

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20. Travel Today with Peter Greenberg

Join one of America's most esteemed travel journalists, Peter Greenberg, as he airs his weekend podcast from different locations around the world.

Each episode reveals the fascinating history and scenery of the destination at hand, whether it's learning the Napoleanic past on the remote island of St Helena, or on board Canada's Rocky Mountaineer train from Banff to Vancouver.

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21. Extra Pack Of Peanuts Travel Podcast

Hosts Travis and Heather Sherry aim to share their knowledge on everything for a life worth travelling more and spending less.

Listen in as they share insider travel tips on how to go the extra mile with frequent flyer deals to packing like a pro, alongside fellow iconic travel podcasters and bloggers who also feature in the interviews.

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 22. Living Adventurously

Alastair Humphreys has himself inspired many people to live a more adventurous life, such as by taking microadventures. This particular podcast strand talks to ordinary people living extraordinary lives, whether that involves travel or not.

The second series features people with a purpose, and makes a thoughtful and inspiring listen.

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23. Where to Go

 

Created to help people who have had their travel plans scuppered by COVID-19 and are unsure of where to go next, Where to Go launched in 2020 from the team behind the DK Eyewitness travel guides. As well as speaking candidly about the impacts the pandemic has had on destinations around the world, the hosts ensure each episode is a real celebration of the destinations covered and what makes them so special.

Destinations covered to date include the USA's national parks; Italy; Dublin; London and Paris. 

Listen here 

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