If listening to the radio at the moment is proving to be less relaxing than usual, we’ve picked out some of our favourite travel podcasts that will make you reminisce about the places you’ve been, or plan trips for the future. With hours of content to choose from, you’re sure to find something to fill a quiet afternoon.
Indie Travel Podcast
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The Indie Travel Podcast was set up by ‘full-time travellers’ and New Zealand couple, Craig and Linda Martin. The podcasts average at around 20 minutes to half an hour, and include destination guides as well as practical tips about travel niggles such as insurance. The Martins don’t profess to know all the answers, but instead offer knowledge garnered through their own experiences – and often, mistakes. From cheap tips to top ten things to do, you’ll find that the Indie Travel Guide can both inspire ideas and provide useful tips for your next break.
Where to start: How to See Berlin in a Day
Women Who Travel
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Founded by Condé Nast editors Meredith Carey and Lale Arikoglu, the Women Who Travel podcast is a celebration of women in the travel industry, and a place to share stories, ask questions, and discuss pertinent issues that face female travellers. From FAQ style shows that cover all sorts of topics including body confidence and financial worries, to the best new books to read by the pool, plus guests such as podcast queen Dolly Alderton, listening to Women Who Travel feels like chatting with your mates.
Where to start: Author Dolly Alderton on Growing Into Solo Travel
What the Pho
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Nick and Amy are a young couple from Essex who love to travel, and their podcast is particularly appealing to backpackers. The show is a lighthearted, radio-style mix of facts and chatting, with some guests and silly games thrown in. With subjects such as the Brazil Carnival and the Mongol Rally, What the Pho might tempt adventurous listeners to take the plunge and book a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience. The couple even throw parties for fans, during which they record snippets from their guests. Episodes also include handy tips about how to avoid travel scams and how to travel on a budget – helpful if you’re planning a long trip.
Where to start: Backpacking Brazil on a Budget
The Travel Diaries
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Holly Rubenstein is a renowned travel and entertainment journalist, and her show is often included in lists of top travel podcasts to listen to. She interviews a different well-known guest each week about their adventures around the world and experiences abroad that have shaped their lives. From the likes of Sir Richard Branson to Sir Ranulph Fiennes, and Dynamo to Ella Eyre, the variety of personalities means that there’s always completely fresh perspectives and conversation journeys.
Where to start: Raymond Blanc
Zero to Travel
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Another one from a ‘full-time traveller’: Jason Moore presents a five-part series that advises you how you too can quit your day job and explore the world continuously. He also hosts a weekly podcast of helpful how-to guides, covering all sorts from toddler travel hacks to tips for how to see the northern lights. The overarching feel of the show is one of encouragement – to step out and go on adventures, whatever your background or experience.
Where to start: How to Achieve Your Travel Dreams: 7 Strategies for Travel Success
Travel Genius
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Another well-loved travel podcast is Travel Genius from journalists Nikki Ekstein and Mark Ellwood. While the show tackles some big questions, its forte lies in answering the little musings you’ve probably always wondered about. You can find out, for example, how to discover the best local restaurants, how to get a flight upgrade and how to take the perfect shot for your Instagram page.
Where to start: On Butter and Bourdain
The Rough Guide to Everywhere
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Rough Guides is one of our go-to travel publishers that we turn to when planning a trip, so it makes sense that the podcast is one of our favourites too. The episodes span a broad range of formats, from interviews to practical tips, however delving into the backgrounds and cultures of less well-trodden places, such as Malta and the Galapagos Islands, is what it does best. Presented by various Rough Guides editors, this podcast might inspire you to take a trip somewhere you’d never before considered – and will certainly teach you some new dinner party facts.
Where to start: Witchcraft in Western Iceland
Capture the Magic
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If you’re hoping to visit Disneyland in the near future, then the Capture the Magic podcast is the best resource for insider tips and tricks for planning a holiday to the world-famous parks. In addition to episodes about the various passes and how to deal with motion sickness on rides (yes, really!), there are ‘Distory’ episodes about iconic rides, such as Splash Mountain, and restaurant reviews of the on-site eateries.
Where to start: The 10ish Most Common Walt Disney World Myths