The 24 Best Travel Podcasts (2026)

What happens when you actually unplug and go somewhere. The hosts explore the relationship between travel and work-life balance in ways that feel relevant to anyone who has ever checked email from a beach. Destinations get covered but the real focus is on how travel changes your perspective and recharges your creativity. Conversations with travelers who made big life changes after trips are particularly compelling. Makes you want to book something immediately.

Jason Moore is a dual Norwegian-American citizen based in Oslo who spent over 15 years as a tour guide and digital nomad before settling down (sort of). Zero To Travel has racked up 302 episodes and more than 12 million downloads, earning "Best Travel Podcast" nods from The Washington Post, Travel + Leisure, The Telegraph, and Forbes. That's a lot of validation for a show that started as one guy's attempt to share what he'd learned about long-term travel.

The podcast interviews travelers, entrepreneurs, and location-independent workers about everything from gap years and career breaks to starting online businesses that let you work from anywhere. Jason's sweet spot is the intersection of travel and lifestyle design. He covers slow travel, expat life, budget hacking, and off-the-beaten-path destinations with guests who've actually done these things rather than just theorized about them.

Episodes come out weekly and the format is straightforward interview-style, usually running 45 minutes to an hour. Jason brings genuine enthusiasm to every conversation, though some listeners note that his energy can occasionally overshadow his guests. The show holds a 4.6 rating from 797 reviews, which is solid for a catalog this size.

Zero To Travel hits differently depending on where you are in life. For someone dreaming about an extended trip or a remote work setup, it's incredibly motivating. For the weekend vacation planner, it's more aspirational than tactical. But even if you're just planning a two-week getaway, the destination episodes and travel hacking segments offer plenty of practical takeaways.

Kimberly Tate from StuffedSuitcase.com and Tamara Gruber from YourTimetoFly.com brought more than 40 years of combined travel expertise to this podcast, and it shows in every episode. Vacation Mavens ran for 270 episodes before the hosts wrapped things up in November 2025 to transition into travel advisory work. The back catalog remains a goldmine for vacation planners.

The show covered an impressive range of trip types. Family vacations to Disney and Alaska sat alongside cycling tours through Europe, multi-generational travel logistics, and couples getaways to Paris and Ecuador. Episodes typically ran 25 to 45 minutes, hitting a sweet spot where you get enough detail to actually plan something without losing your afternoon. Kim and Tamara frequently brought in guest experts for specialized topics like business class flight hacking and hotel selection strategies.

What made this podcast stand out was the practical specificity. The hosts didn't just tell you a destination was great; they told you which neighborhoods to stay in, which restaurants justified the splurge, and which tourist traps to skip entirely. The show earned a 4.7 rating from 110 reviews, with listeners praising the mix of storytelling and actionable advice. Even though the podcast is no longer producing new episodes, the archive covers enough destinations and travel scenarios that it remains genuinely useful. If you're planning a family trip or a mom's weekend away and want advice from hosts who've actually done both extensively, this catalog is worth browsing.

If you already know Atlas Obscura as the internet's best catalog of the world's weirdest places, the podcast version is exactly what you'd hope it would be. Co-founder Dylan Thuras and a rotating cast of Atlas Obscura reporters take you to one strange, wonderful, or forgotten place per episode, and they do it in under 15 minutes. That tight runtime is honestly one of the best things about the show -- you can burn through three or four episodes on a morning commute and come away knowing about abandoned Borscht Belt resorts in the Catskills, bioluminescent caves in New Zealand, or a centuries-old library hidden inside a Turkish bath.

The production is polished without being fussy. There's original music by Sam Tyndall that sets a mood without overwhelming the storytelling, and the narration has a warm curiosity to it rather than a lecturing tone. With over 1,300 episodes released since 2021 on a Monday-through-Thursday schedule, the back catalog is massive, but the short format means you never feel like you're committing to something heavy. Each episode is self-contained.

Ratings back this up -- it sits at 4.6 stars across nearly 1,700 reviews on Apple Podcasts. Listeners consistently mention that they share episodes with family and friends, which says something about the show's broad appeal. It works for the armchair curious and the hardcore trip planner alike. The Atlas Obscura Podcast is less about where to stay or what to eat and more about why a place matters, which makes it a genuinely different kind of travel show.

Armchair Explorer is the travel podcast that actually sounds like being somewhere. Host Aaron Millar records on location, and the surround-sound production puts you right in the middle of a Namibian safari or a South Dakota powwow. The New York Times called the storytelling "inspiring," and the Washington Post went with "ear candy for listeners" -- both descriptions feel accurate. It's been nominated twice for a Webby Award in the Society & Culture category, and with nearly 190 episodes, there's a deep bench of destinations to explore.

What sets the show apart from most travel podcasts is that it leans hard into documentary-style storytelling rather than tips and itineraries. Aaron doesn't tell you where to book a hotel. Instead, he spends 20 to 45 minutes immersing you in the culture, landscape, and human stories of a place. One week you might hear about Indigenous communities in the American West; the next, you're tracking wildlife in southern Africa. The pacing is deliberate but never slow, and the ambient field recordings make a huge difference.

The show holds a 4.8-star rating on Apple Podcasts with over 200 reviews, and listeners frequently mention that it's their go-to for relaxation and inspiration. It's now produced under APT Podcast Studios, the podcast division of American Public Television, which gives it resources that most indie travel shows simply don't have. If you want a podcast that makes you feel transported rather than just informed, this one delivers consistently.

Not Lost has a premise that sounds like it shouldn't work but absolutely does: journalist Brendan Francis Newnam travels to a city, brings along a famous friend, and then they get invited into strangers' homes for dinner. That's the show. They drink, dance, eat, and talk their way through places like Montreal, Mexico City, and beyond, and the result is something that feels more like eavesdropping on the best night out you never had than listening to a travel podcast.

Brendan's background in public radio (he co-hosted The Dinner Party Download) gives him a real interviewer's instinct, and his guests are genuinely impressive -- past episodes have featured Pico Iyer, Cheryl Strayed, Colman Domingo, and Tegan and Sara. The conversations are loose and funny but also surprisingly personal. You learn about a city through the people who live there, not through a list of attractions, and that makes each episode stick with you.

Produced by Pushkin Industries, Topic Studios, and iHeartMedia, the production quality is top-shelf. Episodes run 35 to 50 minutes and come out on an irregular schedule across seasons, with 21 episodes available so far. It carries a 4.8-star rating from over 430 reviews on Apple Podcasts. The show is rated explicit, so expect some real talk and unfiltered moments. Not Lost is best described as a travel show for people who think they don't like travel shows -- it's really about human connection, with the destination as the backdrop.

Rolf Potts wrote the book on long-term travel -- literally. His 2002 classic Vagabonding became a blueprint for a generation of backpackers, and his newer book The Vagabond's Way continues that tradition with 366 meditations on wanderlust and discovery. His podcast Deviate carries that same philosophical, unhurried sensibility into conversation form.

Each episode features Rolf sitting down with a guest -- writers, thinkers, adventurers, and occasionally people who have nothing obvious to do with travel at all -- for what he calls "off-topic" dialogues. The conversations wander (intentionally) through culture, philosophy, place, and the art of paying attention. A recent episode connected the Super Bowl to travel psychology; another explored how Kansas is portrayed in cinema. The range is part of the appeal. Episodes typically run 45 minutes to over an hour, and they reward patience.

The production is deliberately simple. No flashy sound design, no ad-heavy interruptions -- just two people talking with genuine curiosity. Listeners describe Rolf's style as thoughtful and warm, with one reviewer noting his "pleasant Kansas twang" and another praising his ability to ask questions that open up unexpected territory. With 229 episodes since 2017 and a monthly release schedule, there's a substantial archive. The show holds a 4.8-star rating from 162 reviews on Apple Podcasts. Deviate is the travel podcast for people who want to think differently about what travel even means, rather than just figure out where to go next.

Portia Jones has been a freelance travel journalist for over 17 years, and her podcast Travel Goals brings that experience into a format that's practical without being boring. The show splits its time between two types of episodes: on-location destination guides where Portia reports from places like Oxford, Porto, and Jordan, and studio interviews with travel experts who share real, actionable advice on everything from hand luggage packing to finding the best flight deals.

What makes the show work is Portia's hosting style. She's described by listeners as thoughtful, warm, and opinionated in a way that actually helps you make decisions. She's not just listing attractions -- she's telling you what's worth your time and what isn't, which is exactly what you want from someone with her track record. The show bills itself as helping you "travel smarter, cheaper, and more purposefully," and that tagline holds up across the episodes.

With 82 episodes released on a monthly schedule since 2019, the catalog isn't overwhelming but it covers serious ground. Recent episodes have tackled adult-focused city breaks, timing your trips for better weather and lower prices, and deep dives into specific European destinations. The show carries a perfect 5.0-star rating on Apple Podcasts, though from a smaller pool of 16 reviews. Travel Goals is a strong pick for the kind of listener who wants both inspiration and a plan -- someone who finishes an episode and actually opens a booking tab.

Chris Christensen has been running Amateur Traveler since 2005, making it one of the longest-running travel podcasts in existence. With over 1,000 episodes in the archive, there is genuinely no corner of the globe this show hasn't explored. Chris interviews a different travel expert or enthusiast each week, focusing on a single destination per episode. The conversation stays practical and culturally rich, covering everything from Puebla's street food scene to trekking through Pakistan's Skardu region.

The format works because Chris knows how to pull specific, useful details out of his guests. You won't get vague "it was amazing" recaps here. Instead, expect restaurant names, neighborhood recommendations, budget breakdowns, and honest opinions about what's worth skipping. Episodes typically run 30 to 45 minutes, long enough to give you a solid foundation for planning without turning into a marathon.

Chris has a Travel+Leisure award for best independent travel journalist and a spot in the Podcast Hall of Fame, which tells you something about the consistency. The show carries a 4.4 rating from over 1,000 reviews on Apple Podcasts. His approach leans toward culturally immersive travel rather than resort-style vacations, so expect episodes on Zimbabwe's Zambezi Valley and Sardinia alongside more conventional destinations like Bern or Vietnam. If you're the kind of traveler who wants to understand a place before you visit it, this podcast has probably already covered your next trip.

The godfather of travel broadcasting brings decades of European expertise to audio. Rick Steves interviews locals, expats, and travel writers about destinations with the curiosity of someone who never gets tired of discovering new places. His practical tips come from actually doing the thing rather than just writing about it. Some episodes focus on specific cities while others explore broader travel themes. The tone is friendly and accessible without dumbing things down. Essential for anyone planning a trip to Europe.

Ten-minute travel episodes for people who want destination insights without the hour-long commitment. Each episode covers one place with efficiency that respects your time. The format forces focus which means you get the essential information without filler. Good for quick research or for stacking a few episodes to cover a region. The brevity is the feature not the limitation. Perfect podcast for building a trip itinerary on a lunch break.

Women sharing honest travel experiences in a world that still has different rules depending on your gender. The conversations cover solo travel safety, cultural navigation, packing philosophy, and the specific joys and challenges women face on the road. Guests range from adventure athletes to digital nomads to weekend warriors. Refreshingly honest about the less Instagram-worthy moments of travel. Strong community feeling that extends beyond the episodes themselves.

Destination recommendations from travel writers and locals who know the difference between tourist traps and genuine experiences. Each episode focuses on a specific place and delivers enough insider knowledge to actually improve your trip. The hosts have a talent for finding angles on well-known destinations that feel fresh. Lesser-known places get equal attention which is refreshing in a travel media landscape obsessed with the same twenty cities.

Broad coverage of travel topics without specializing in any particular niche. That generalist approach works well for listeners who want variety - one episode might cover safari planning while the next discusses airport lounge strategies. The hosts are experienced enough to be credible and curious enough to keep exploring. Good podcast to subscribe to when you want regular travel content without committing to a specific angle or destination focus.

Travel deals and points strategies explained by people who are genuinely obsessed with getting the best value. If you have ever seen a cheap flight alert and wondered how people find those, this show explains the system. Episodes cover airline miles, hotel points, credit card strategies, and fare sale hunting. The tone is enthusiastic without being salesy. Practical enough that you can implement tips immediately. Good for turning travel from expensive dream into affordable reality.

Travis Sherry has been called "Rick Steves for the new generation," and while that comparison is a stretch, it captures something true about Extra Pack of Peanuts. The show launched with a focus on budget travel, frequent flyer miles, and smart packing, and those early episodes remain some of the best resources out there for learning to travel affordably. With 493 episodes and an 855-review catalog on Apple Podcasts, the show has built a serious following.

Travis is a serial entrepreneur and world traveler who approaches vacation planning like a puzzle to be optimized. His interviews with travel personalities cover everything from credit card churning strategies to destination-specific budget tips. Year-in-review episodes are a listener favorite, breaking down the best meals, experiences, and travel stats from the previous twelve months with a level of detail that's genuinely helpful for trip planning.

Fair warning: the show has evolved significantly over the years. Recent episodes blend travel content with real estate investing discussions and lifestyle topics, which has split the audience. Long-time listeners who came for the miles-and-points breakdowns sometimes find themselves listening to property deal analysis instead. The 4.5 rating reflects this tension. That said, the travel-focused episodes are still excellent, and the back catalog is packed with budget strategies that haven't gone stale.

If you're specifically looking for ways to stretch your travel budget further, the earlier episodes and the dedicated budget travel segments are where this podcast really shines. Just be prepared for the occasional detour into real estate territory.

Deep dives into the world of travel points and miles from certified obsessives. If maximizing credit card rewards and booking first-class flights for pennies sounds appealing, this podcast walks you through exactly how to do it. Episodes get specific about which cards to use, when to book, and how to stack promotions. The learning curve for points travel is steep and this show flattens it considerably. Pays for your listening time in saved money.

Industry-focused travel journalism from the team behind Skift, one of the most respected travel business publications. If you want to understand why airline prices change, how hotel chains make decisions, or where the travel industry is heading, this is your show. Less about personal travel experiences and more about the systems and business behind tourism. Useful for travel professionals and deeply curious travelers who want to understand the machine.

Kim, Brittanie, and Jamal have been friends for years, and they turned their group travel obsession into what has become one of the most popular vacation podcasts out there. Travel Squad Podcast covers international trips, national park adventures, epic road trips, and all the credit card points hacking you need to actually afford it all. With over 440 episodes and a 4.5-star rating, they have clearly found an audience that keeps coming back.

What makes this show work is the chemistry between the three hosts. They disagree. They roast each other's packing habits. Jamal gets passionate about hiking trails, Brittanie has strong opinions about food, and Kim keeps everyone on track with the logistics. It feels like eavesdropping on a group chat between friends who happen to travel constantly. Their road trip episodes are particularly useful because they break down the actual route planning, where to stop, what to skip, and how to keep road snack costs from spiraling.

They also run shorter bonus segments called Just the Tip, which are quick travel hacks you can absorb in five minutes. The full episodes tend to run longer, sometimes over an hour, so they are solid companions for a long drive. The show has been publishing weekly since 2019, the most recent episode dropped February 2026, and they show no signs of slowing down. If you want practical travel advice delivered with genuine enthusiasm and a healthy dose of friendly arguing, this is your show.

Italy through the eyes of someone who moved there and never left. The podcast covers destinations, culture, food, and practical tips with the depth that only comes from actually living in a place rather than just visiting. Episodes go beyond Rome and Florence into regions most tourists never discover. The passion for Italy is genuine and infectious without being naive about the country's challenges. Essential pre-trip listening and excellent armchair travel.

Extremely niche and extremely useful if Switzerland is on your list. The podcast covers Swiss destinations, transportation, seasonal activities, and budget strategies with granular detail that generalist travel shows can not match. You get advice about specific train routes, mountain passes, and hidden towns from someone who knows the country intimately. The narrow focus is the strength - by the time you visit you will feel like you have already been there.

Aviation geeks and travel enthusiasts unite in this podcast about planes and the places they take you. Episodes cover airline reviews, airport experiences, aviation news, and destination guides. The combination works surprisingly well because how you get somewhere is part of the trip experience. Good for anyone who finds the travel itself as interesting as the destination. Flight reviews are particularly useful for choosing airlines on routes you have never flown.