In a world of ever-evolving travel trends, news, and trip ideas, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
How should you decide between visiting two similar cities? Is it worth it to splurge every now and then when it comes to hotels? Is there some ultimate secret on how to save on trip planning?
I don’t have all the answers for you, unfortunately. And I’d wager ChatGPT doesn’t, either.
The latest travel trends can spring up quickly and seemingly from nowhere. The same is true when it comes to travel advice, discounted destinations, and more general savings hacks.
But I do have a few resources to offer you—and they come in the form of travel podcasts.
Since the podcast craze took hold, a bevy of new travel shows have hit the air. These cover a truly diverse range of topics. Some are comedic and topical, others are geared toward travel tips and guides, and a select few come from award-winning producers.
I’ve dug in to find a few of the most impactful podcasts. Each travel podcast listed below is highly rated, recommended by listeners, and ready to revolutionize your approach to travel.
Best travel podcast resource: Zero to Travel
Zero to Travel is a popular travel planning website. Its mission is to educate people on how to adopt travel lifestyles, enhance their trips, make money from travel jobs, and more.
If you’re new to travel, it’s a fantastic resource that I recommend looking through. Or if you want to skip ahead, check out their podcast.
The company offers a well-rounded and diverse show that’s been named the ‘Best Travel Podcast’. Since it launched in 2013, it has steadily expanded its reach. The easiest way to dive in is by subscribing to the podcast, where you can then narrow your search for episodes that meet your interests.
Best casual travel podcast: The Thoughtful Travel Podcast
Travel-lover Amanda Kendle hosts The Thoughtful Travel Podcast. As the name suggests, her show takes a more mindful and heartfelt look at the adventures that change lives.
Kendle regularly interviews other experienced and passionate travelers who share their stories. If you like a more casual and chatty take on travel, this is a great option.
You’ll be able to hear the nitty-gritty details about travel experiences for a wide range of regions, cities, and rural stretches. Some of the last episodes focused on making friends during travel, learning the local language, and study abroad experiences.
Check it out here.
Most unexpected: Deviate with Rolf Potts
Rolf Potts is an American travel writer who has penned books like Vagabonding and Marco Polo Didn’t Go There. His focus on travel is usually through the lens of lifestyle.
He’s curious about why people travel and has undertaken journeys like traveling the world without a bag, breaking onto Hollywood sets in Thailand, and crafting US military reading lists.
Personally, it’s hard to get a hold of what Potts’ overarching views are. I think the term ‘Jack Kerouac of the Internet Age’ (from USA Today) paints a fairly accurate picture. If you feel like diving into Potts’ strange adventures, get started with his podcast.
Best travel podcast for savings: All the Hacks with Christ Hutchins
Chris Hutchins is a famous life hacker. What’s life-hacking, you ask? It’s the process of making small tweaks to improve efficiency, creativity, and well-being. (To me, that just sounds like adulthood?)
In the context of travel, Hutchins’ hacking can help you save. Hutchins does this by bringing on other experts who cover a wide range of topics, mostly surrounding finance.
You can find a few travel-oriented episodes related to saving on travel using points and miles. If you’re concerned about pinching pennies while on the road, then start here.
Best production: Greetings from Somewhere
This project comes from host Zack Mack, a celebrated podcast producer. He’s known for his long-form shows with industry-leading audio design, storytelling appeal, and writing.
Greetings from Somewhere isn’t a weekly podcast, however. The show takes on seasonal projects that dive deep into travel experiences, culture, and even psychology.
Since its release, Greetings from Somewhere has been named ‘breakout star of the genre’ by Podcast Review and ‘impeccably made’ by Outside Magazine. Of all the shows listed here, this one is easily my favorite.
You can access this podcast from Apple or another popular podcast platform.
