If you’re tired of the same music playlist or looking for some travel inspiration on your road trip, it’s time to dive into the world of podcasts. From extraordinary travel stories and hidden travel gems to handy tips and tricks, here are 8 of the best travel podcasts for your next long drive or road trip.
1. Armchair Explorer
If you want to hear the stories of the world’s greatest travellers and adventurers, this is the podcast for you. Hosted by award-winning travel writer Aaron Millar, the podcast is delivered fortnightly in a documentary-style format. Aaron drawing the best stories out of his guests set to immersive music and cinematic effects. It’s all about thrilling and inspiring travel tales from the road and Aaron himself describes it as “no long-winded interviews, just straight to the heart of the action”.
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There’s the story of Alice Morrison, who walked the entire length of Morocco. There’s extreme bike-packer Cat Jaffree who competed in the toughest mountain bike race on earth. The travel author Oscar Scafidi who paddled down Angola’s longest river. The biologist Doug Chadwick who ventured into the Gobi Desert in search of the world’s rarest bear. From the Antarctic wilderness to the depths of the ocean, there’s no place this podcast doesn’t explore. And if Earth gets too boring, you can even fly up to the International Space station with John Herrington, the first Native American astronaut.
Listen here: Armchair Explorer
2. The Travel Diaries
As the number one travel podcast in the UK, you’ve got to add The Travel Diaries to your list of road trip podcasts. It’s a weekly series, with presenter Holly Rubenstein interviewing celebrity guests about the travel experiences that shaped their lives. Holly describes the show as a great way to be taken away to far-off lands from the comfort of your home.
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Past guests have included Michael Palin, Dev Patel, Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Lyn Hughes, Simon Reeve, Tony Wheeler, and more. You’ll hear about everything from their earliest childhood memory to their most important travel experience, plus all their best travel stories in between… And you’re sure to get inspired for your very own adventure.
Listen here: The Travel Diaries Podcast
3. Zero To Travel
If you want to explore all things travel – from epic journeys to travel budget tips – Zero To Travel is one of the best road trip podcasts for you. Presenter Jason Moore has over 15 years’ experience travelling the world and shares his passion with weekly shows. Jason and his interviewees discuss everything from why we travel to how we can travel better. You’ll get tips to help you travel smarter, with topics like ethical animal travel and how to stay safe on the road.
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You’ll also hear incredible tales like the visually impaired cyclists who took on a 16,000-mile journey from Argentina to Alaska. Plus there are episodes where Jason answers listener questions, so whether you’re new to travel or an experienced explorer, you’re sure to hear something fascinating on this podcast.
Listen here: Zero To Travel
4. JUMP With Traveling Jackie
Looking for travel inspo on your road trip? You might just find it here. Formerly known as The Budget-Minded Traveler, presenter Jackie Nourse now calls her podcast JUMP with Traveling Jackie… And it’s sure to empower you to make the jump into travel! Jackie is all about inspiring her listeners to get out there and gives lots of practice advice like how to make travel affordable, how to budget, and how to stay safe when travelling.
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She gives insider travel tips and even shares hidden travel gems found around the world. And if you’ve got a specific question, the podcast holds regular ‘ask Jackie’ sessions where she answers listener questions.
Listen here: JUMP With Traveling Jackie
5. Amateur Traveler
If you’re interested in a specific destination, this is the podcast for you. Host Chris Christensen focuses on a different place in each episode, such as Hawaii’s Big Island, or an experience like a safari in Botswana. You’ll learn everything about the destination like what to do, see and eat. Chris even provides a useful one-week itinerary.
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But the show doesn’t just focus on the well-known attractions. Chris also delves into the hidden gems and lesser-known places. He interviews people who live in or are well-travelled in the destination so you’ll get insider tips. And since the podcast has been running since 2005, there are over 700 episodes and destinations to explore… Perfect for those long road trips!
Listen here: Amateur Traveler
6. Wander Woman
Famed for her love of adventure, travel writer and photographer Phoebe Smith presents this award-winning podcast. You’ll dive into her world as each episode takes you on a behind-the-scenes journey to new places. Phoebe interviews locals, shares detailed descriptions, and uses thrilling audio clips for an immersive experience.
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You’ll get off the well-worn path and hear about lesser-known places, incredible wildlife experiences, conservation heroes, and more. The podcast features a Travel Hack of the Month with handy travel tips and tracks. There’s also a Wander Woman of the Month, which shines a light on amazing female travellers.
Listen here: Wander Woman Podcast
7. Flight of Fancy
If you prefer bite-sized episodes, Flight of Fancy is perfect for you. Hosted by travel journalist Ben Groundwater, the podcast shares weekly 40-minute episodes on all things travel. He interviews travel professionals on everything from dream journeys like the Trans-Siberian railways to how to travel with kids.
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He talks about how travel can mend a broken heart and how to survive airports and long layovers. You can find out what really happens on a European bus tour or how to improve your travel photography. You’ll learn why travel is more difficult for the LGBTQI+ community and how travel will change in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. There’s even an episode on the secrets of a great road trip… Perfect for your road trip podcast list!
Listen here: Flight of Fancy
8. Travel With Rick Steves
As a travel writer, author and TV host who has covered worldwide travel for decades, Rick Steves is one of the world’s most famous explorers… So you’ll want to listen to his podcast! The show covers weekly one-hour conversations with guest experts and has a special focus on culture, people and travel.
Rick encourages his listeners to explore the less-touristy places and to become immersed in the culture of a destination. He also talks about the things you can do in each place to learn about the local way of life. He even has a website where you can find more information about different destinations.
Listen here: Rick Steves
What are your favourite road trip podcasts? Let us know in the comments below!