From "finding the best-priced plane tickets" to "packing like a pro", there's a lot to know about travelling, said Travel + Leisure magazine. "That's where podcasts come in." The best travel podcasts "inform and inspire" and can help you "nail down those hacks, discover your next destination, or daydream about future trips".
Often thought of as "the godfather of travel", American writer, author, and TV personality Rick Steves encourages devotees to explore "less touristy" places in order to experience a country's "true culture". On his weekly podcast, "Travel With Rick Steves", he chats with "guest experts and callers about culture, people, and all things travel". Another place to find destination inspiration is "Armchair Explorer", hosted by travel writer Aaron Millar. Every episode tells a story in "documentary style" which is "set to music" and "complete with cinematic effects". Listeners can get "truly immersed" in the travel experience. "Expect action and thrills."
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
If you're looking for a "hilarious" take on travel, listen to "Beach Too Sandy, Water Too Wet", said Wanderlust. Presenters Alex and Christine Schiefer "scour the internet" for one-star reviews of travel-related services and "read them out in dramatic voices". Portia Jones hosts the lively and informative "Travel Goals Podcast" which covers a "wide range of topics". Expect interesting experts, advice and "lots of actionable tips". Recent episodes include top travel packing tips and hacks, how to travel to challenging countries, and how to plan a dog-friendly holiday in Britain.
"Family Trips with the Meyers Brothers", a podcast from Seth and Josh Meyers, takes a fond look back at "absolutely disastrous" and "utterly hilarious" family holiday memories, said Travel + Leisure. The celebrity siblings laugh about past trips with famous friends including Amy Poehler, Pete Davidson and Tom Holland.
"The Travel Diaries" is a long-established podcast that's like "Desert Island Discs" but with "places rather than records", said Charlie Lindlar in The Guardian. In each episode, Holly Rubenstein meets a celebrity guest to discuss the "holiday spots that mean the most to them", and the "bucket list locations" they hope to visit. "Much more ephemeral but no less addictive" is "Pack Your Bags", in which comedian Russell Kane asks his guests what three things they can't board a plane without. Start with Candice Brathwaite's tales of volunteering in India, or Sue Perkins on her fears of flying and sea sickness. Or, for a "lo-fi and local" travel podcast, try "Ramblings", a BBC Radio 4 series in which Clare Balding goes walking with "everyday heroes and famous guests" to explore off-the-beaten-track spots in this country, from Sheppey to the Hebrides.
The Week Unwrapped
Have you missed the biggest news of the week? Or at least the stories which will shape our lives in years to come, when the passing hype of the day's headlines have faded from memory. That's the premise of The Week's own award-winning podcast, "The Week Unwrapped", which seeks out under-reported stories with unexpected consequences, from the world-changing to the small but personally significant.
Listen to The Week Unwrapped on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts
Sign up to The Week's Travel newsletter for destination guides and the latest trends.
-
The ‘eclipse of the century’ is coming in 2027Under the radar It will last for over 6 minutes
-
Striking homes with indoor poolsFeature Featuring a Queen Anne mansion near Chicago and mid-century modern masterpiece in Washington
-
Why are federal and local authorities feuding over investigating ICE?TODAY’S BIG QUESTION Minneapolis has become ground zero for a growing battle over jurisdictional authority
-
Golden Globes affirm ‘One Battle,’ boost ‘Hamnet’Speed Read Comedian Nikki Glaser hosted the ceremony
-
‘One Battle After Another’ wins Critics Choice honorsSpeed Read Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest film, which stars Leonardo DiCaprio, won best picture at the 31st Critics Choice Awards
-
The best alcohol-free alternatives for Dry JanuaryThe Week Recommends Whether emerging from a boozy Christmas, or seeking a change in 2026, here are some of the best non-alcoholic beers, wines and spirits to enjoy
-
13 Gen Z workplace terms and phrasesin depth From ‘quiet firing’ to ‘resenteeism,’ there are clues about why employers and employees in America are having such a sad time
-
Let these comedians help you laugh your way through winterThe Week Recommends Get some laughs from Nate Bargatze, Josh Johnson and more
-
The best music of 2025The Week Recommends These were some of the finest releases of the past year
-
Rob Reiner, wife dead in ‘apparent homicide’speed read The Reiners, found in their Los Angeles home, ‘had injuries consistent with being stabbed’
-
10 upcoming albums to stream during the winter chillThe Week Recommends As the calendar turns to 2026, check out some new music from your favorite artists
