The world is divided into those obsessed by podcasts and those who will one day become obsessed with podcasts.
Catering to lovers of themed storytelling, true crime accounts and creepy cults, podcasts are also a great asset for travellers. Long haul flights, airport delays, overnight sleeper trains or pre-trip research – all good times to chuck in the earbuds, kick back and soak up some travel wisdom. And these are the places to do it:
1. Flight of Fancy
Hosted by travel journo Ben Groundwater, Flight of Fancy offers 30-minute episodes on just about everything you could want to hear in a travel podcast. Each episode he interviews travel professionals on topics like terrifying border crossings, cliched travel experiences (that are still totally worth doing) and how travel can mend a broken heart.
2. JUMP with Traveling Jackie
Formerly known as the Budget-Minded Traveler, JUMP with Traveling Jackie offers listeners destination inspiration and practical tips to get their travel goals off the ground, without blowing their whole budget. Hosted by Jackie Nourse, each episode interviews guests about their super-interesting travel experiences.
Photo by Damien Raggatt
3. The Thoughtful Travel Podcast
Listening to The Thoughtful Travel Podcast feels like sitting down with a bunch of friends and sharing your best (and hairiest) travel stories. Amanda interviews fellow travel addicts about their travel experiences, like getting lost, navigating different cultures, and meeting the locals. Definitely well worth a subscribe.
4. Women Who Travel
Hosted by the editors of Conde Nast Traveler, Women Who Travel is a high-five to globe-trotting women around the world, and deep dives into what it’s like travelling as a woman. It started out as a Facebook group, where women could share stories, advice and ask questions, but quickly grew into a fortnightly podcast about the highs (and lows) of travel. It’s fun and informative, and covers a HUGE range of topics.
5. Wild Ideas Worth Living
If there was ever a podcast that’ll make you want to hand in your notice, book a flight, and get out into the world, it’s Wild Ideas Worth Living. This is all about having a wild idea – and acting on it; each episode feature interviews with various excellent legends, like pro-climbers, ultra-marathoners, authors and photographers.
Photo by Patrick O’Neill.
6. Travel Goals Podcast
Host Portia Jones deep dives into dream destinations and travel tips from industry experts. Portia’s Travel Goals Podcast brings you on-location insights from the next place you didn’t know you needed to visit, and chats with those in the know about what’s new and notable, including that one time she sat down with Intrepid’s own CEO, James Thornton, to talk about how travel can be a force for good.
7. Zero to Travel
If your ears are after something a bit more esoteric, Jason from Zero to Travel regularly digs down into what travel is, why we do it and how we can do it better. Throw in a few tips on off-beat travel methods and episodes devoted to answering listener questions and you’ve got an inspiring mix for the train commute home.
8. Amateur Traveler
Amateur Traveler is all about destinations, which makes it pretty handy for those suffering from the travel version of kid-in-a-candy-store syndrome. Chris started the show in 2005 and he’s racked up an amazing database of over 600 episodes, all chock-full of useful info on a particular spot.
9. Extra Pack of Peanuts
Another good one for those on a shoestring budget (whatever that means – are shoestrings the only thing you can afford?) Travis, who hosts Extra Pack of Peanuts, interviews travellers, bloggers and entrepreneurs to find out how to get around for cheap.
Photo by Phoebe Escott-Kenny.
10. This Week in Travel
This Week in Travel keeps up with all the industry gossip and news, via a weekly chat with travel industry heavyweights. If you want to keep your finger on the travel pulse, tune in to Chris, Gary and Jen as they chew the fat on what’s going on in the world of adventure and travel trends.
Now you’ve got the podcasts, it’s time to book the trip! Check out our range of small group adventures now.
Feature image by Melanie Pongratz on Unsplash.
