Travel podcasts are a fantastic way to explore the world from the comfort of your home or while on the go. Whether you’re looking for inspiration for your next trip, tips on how to travel smarter, or just want to hear some incredible travel stories, there’s a travel podcast out there for you. However, with so many available, what are the best travel podcasts to listen to? Here is a list of some of the top travel podcasts that offer a mix of daily updates, deep dives and insightful analysis.

The Travel Diaries

Hosted by Holly Rubenstein, this podcast features interviews with celebrities, adventurers and travel experts who share their travel stories and tips. Each episode feels like a personal diary entry, offering a unique glimpse into the travel experiences of the guests.

Zero To Travel

Jason Moore’s podcast is perfect for those who want to travel more and spend less. He covers a wide range of topics, from budget travel tips to interviews with digital nomads and travel entrepreneurs. It’s a great resource for anyone looking to make travel a bigger part of their life.

Amateur Traveler

Chris Christensen‘s long-running podcast is a treasure trove of destination-specific episodes. Each episode focuses on a different location, providing detailed information on what to see, do and eat. It’s perfect for planning your next trip or just daydreaming about future adventures.

Women Who Travel

Produced by Condé Nast Traveler, this podcast celebrates the journeys of women around the world. Hosted by Lale Arikoglu and Meredith Carey, it features interviews with inspiring women who share their travel experiences and advice. It’s a must-listen for female travelers.

Extra Pack of Peanuts

Travis Sherry‘s podcast is all about budget travel and maximizing your travel experiences without breaking the bank. He shares tips on how to find cheap flights, earn travel rewards and make the most of your travel budget. It’s a practical and informative listen for any traveler.

The Thoughtful Travel Podcast

Hosted by Amanda Kendle, this podcast focuses on the deeper aspects of travel. Amanda and her guests discuss topics like cultural understanding, responsible travel and the personal growth that comes from exploring new places. It’s a thoughtful and reflective take on travel.

Travel with Rick Steves

Rick Steves is a well-known travel expert, and his podcast is an extension of his popular travel guides and TV shows. Each episode features interviews with travel experts, authors and listeners, covering a wide range of travel topics and destinations. It’s an informative and entertaining listen for any travel enthusiast.

Layovers

This podcast, hosted by Paul Papadimitriou and Alex Hunter, offers a unique perspective on air travel, geopolitics and current affairs. It’s perfect for those who love flying or are curious about the intricacies of international travel. 

Not Lost

Hosted by Brendan Francis Newnam, Not Lost takes listeners on a culinary adventure around the world. The show combines auteur direction, snappy writing and spontaneous comedy to celebrate people, stories and the rapidly changing world experienced through extensive travel.

City of the Rails

This intimate limited series documents a mother’s struggle to understand her daughter’s choice to abandon her family and travel on the American railroads. It’s more like a memoir than a travel podcast and is a quiet audio marvel.

You Should Have Been There

This hidden indie gem, hosted by journalist Simon Calder and BBC producer Mick Webb, explores a range of topics from layover-friendly airports to the niche subject of “psychogeography.”

Abroad in Japan

Hosted by Chris Broad and Pete Donaldson, this podcast offers an outsider’s eye to Japan, a fascinating country many of us have always wanted to discover.

Active Travel Adventures

Active Travel Adventures, hosted by Kit Parks, features adventure travel trips that listeners can replicate. It’s perfect for those who love to hike, bike and paddle their way around the world.

Travel Tales by AFAR
Travel Tales does a deep dive on unusual travel experiences that may have shaped the guest’s life. It’s truly compelling and thought-provoking.

These podcasts offer a wealth of information, inspiration, and entertainment for travelers of all kinds. Whether you’re planning your next big adventure or just looking to escape through the stories of others, the shows on this list of the best travel podcasts are sure to fuel your wanderlust.