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My husband and I love to travel. It was a hot topic on our first (blind) date.
We discussed where we’d been, where we wanted to go, and what countries we might want to live in one day (back then it was Germany, now it’s Spain.)
Being the podcast junkie that I am, I obviously listen to a lot of travel podcasts. They inspire me to visit places I had never even considered before.
There are dozens upon dozens of travel podcasts out there, and let me tell you: some are better than others. Not every travel blogger is cut out to be a podcaster - it takes certain skills.
Since everybody and their brother (and sister!) is making a travel podcast these days, I thought I’d share the ones that I think are the best.
In no specific order, here are my favorite travel podcasts.
Try These Inspiring & Informative Travel Podcasts
Betty in the Sky with a Suitcase
I only recently discovered this show, but it has quickly become one of my favorite travel podcasts. It’s hosted by a perky flight attendant named Betty, who recounts her many adventures in international travel.
She releases one new episode per month, but there are over 100 episodes just waiting to be binge-listened to.
Even though Betty has a cute voice and tells a great story, what I really love is how she incorporates recordings from her travels. She might record her conversations with other flight attendants, or the music playing on the radio in her rental car (listen to episode 136 from her trip to Iceland).
I think this podcast is perfect for new travelers or folks who haven’t been outside of the US before. It’s part comedy, part travel info, and just plain fun. I can’t wait to have my husband listen to it!
Travel with Rick Steves & Rick Steves Audio Tours
Rick Steves has been a travel guide and writer for more than 40 years; you might be familiar with his books and PBS shows.
His approach to travel is the classic “see the sites” style, NOT the “off-the-beaten-path” style you’re used to hearing in the new, trendy travel shows. Still, Steves keeps up with the times and his podcasts are totally worth a listen.
The Travel with Rick Steves podcast takes the form of a radio show and focuses mainly on traveling in Europe (Steves’ specialty). Rick interviews tour guides from around Europe and takes calls from listeners who have questions about where to go and what to do when traveling.
Also check out Rick Steves Audio Tours, which are broken out by region or country and include walking tours through cities and major sites. Download them to your phone and you're set.
Only have 8 hours in Prague? Rick’s got a city walk to make sure you don’t miss a thing (he even includes a PDF map of the city). I LOVE the museum and attraction tours, which save me from over-paying for those little handheld gadgets with headphones that have been worn by a thousand people before me.
Extra Pack of Peanuts (aka, EPOP)
I know I said that these podcasts weren’t listed in any particular order, but I am purposely putting this one just after Rick Steves because Travis from the Extra Pack of Peanuts podcast describes the show as the “Rick Steves for the new generation”. I pretty much agree.
Travis and his wife Tiffany host a blog and are “location independent”, meaning that they can work from wherever, whenever. Episodes (usually one per week) toggle between Trav and Tiffany recounting their most recent trip, to Travis interviewing other travelers or bloggers about their travel philosophies and experiences.
If I’m being honest, I prefer the episodes that include Tiffany; she’s hilarious. I also love how the two of them rip on each other’s weaknesses for food (gelato or coffee) and just have typical married couple tangents. There are a LOT of “couple” travel podcasts out there, but EPOP is definitely my favorite.
Grab the Bluetooth beanie that my readers love! It's perfect for listening to podcasts outside!
The Budget-Minded Traveler
The host of this podcast, Jackie Nourse, is somewhat of a free spirit. For the past ten years she has been traveling - mostly solo - around the US and the world. This podcast is great for:
- Anyone who wants to travel alone but is frozen by fear or too many questions
- People who think international travel is too expensive
- Americans who dream of living in another country for an extended period of time
The guests that Jackie has on her show address all of the three points above, and will make you realize just how easy it is to pack your bags and GO! Oh, and you MUST listen to the episode with her grandmother (episode 82) - it's just plain great.
P.S - if you’re looking for other podcasts that relate to budgeting or saving money, check out Top 5 Podcasts to Help You Save Money.
Planning a vacation? Check out this post with even MORE travel podcast recommendations: 3 Helpful Travel Podcasts for Your Next Vacation
I'll update this post from time to time with new favorite travel podcasts. In the meantime, let me know what travel podcasts you love by leaving a comment below!