If the in-flight movie selection leaves a lot to be desired and you’ve gone through all the celebrity magazines in your hand luggage, a decent travel podcast can be a lifesaver.
And the best thing is, once you’ve downloaded them you don’t need any data or Wi-Fi – so they’re perfect for when you’re on-the-move.
Whether it’s a long-haul flight or a six-hour stopover, comparison site Cheapflights has compiled a list of the best travel companions to inspire your next adventure.
1. Indie Travel Podcast
One of the veterans on the travel podcast circuit, this series has a huge back catalogue of over 300 episodes that are perfectly archived and easy to navigate. From travel tips to destination guides, if it’s about travel, Kiwi couple Craig and Linda have likely covered it. While not always the most exciting of banter, the advice is excellent and their passion for traveling will have you booking your next trip within the hour.
2. Go the Travel Podcast
This is a relatively new podcast and it takes a narrative approach. The short but sweet vignettes are fantastic little mind-wanders that don’t just give you a destination and the ten best things to do, but delve deeper into a place and pull out intriguing little facts and stories. It’s a nice change and feels more like you’re travelling with a friend, rather than a guide.
3. The Season Pass Podcast
For something more niche, check out this esoteric podcast that focuses on theme parks, attractions, events, rollercoasters and all of that fun (childish) stuff. If you’re not into theme parks you should probably move along, but if you are, then you’re about to lose your mind. With about 300 episodes, it covers everything you could possibly want, with the bonus of some pretty banging celebrity guests, including Neil Patrick Harris.
4. Zero to Travel
Focusing more on the instructional side of travel, Zero to Travel is predominately an interview podcast, talking to people about the how and why of travel. Host Jason talks to a mix of genuinely interesting travellers, and often times it’s the episodes that you think are going to be boring that are the ones that really surprise you.
5. Condé Nast Traveler Travelogue
A companion podcast to the slick Condé Nast Traveler website, it takes a broad brush when it comes to travel, covering everything from the standard popular destinations and travel tips section, to more obscure stuff like weird travel jobs and ethical questions. It is nicely produced and very entertaining.
6. Extra Packet of Peanuts
This budget travel podcast looks at ways that you – yes you! – could travel the world for free (or at the least, very cheaply). Travis and his wife have been globetrotting on a budget for years, so they must be doing something right. While, as is so often the case, many of these tips and tricks rely on American-heavy loopholes, the interviews and advice are still ace and you’re sure to pick up a tip or two.
