Podcasts for travellers

Last updated: 15 July 2023

With the festive season right around the corner, you’re going to need something to listen to on those long journeys to the homes of families and friends. I recommend that instead of music, the ideal medium for travellers is podcasts. 

Every day my phone auto downloads all my favourite podcasts to my phone ready for the day ahead. There’s a podcast for just about everyone these days. More and more come out each week so it’s very easy to be overwhelmed by the choices.

What is a podcast?

A podcast is an audio file made available on the Internet for downloading to a computer or phone.  They are typically made as a series, with new installments or episodes which listeners can subscribe to and download automatically. Podcasts are generally free with the creator generating an income from advertising or sponsorship.

Favourite Podcasts for Travellers

Below is a list of a few carefully selected podcasts that I listen to frequently and believe would be perfect for fellow travellers. Whether I’m commuting on the London Underground, winding my way through an airport terminal or on a road trip around Iceland there’s always ample opportunity to listen and be transported to another world.

Amateur Traveler

What’s it about:

Hosted by Chris Christensen, I’ve been an avid listener for a few years now.  Chris has an interview style where each week he speaks to a subject matter expert, local or expat, on their home or adopted-home town.  I chatted with Chris earlier this year about my beloved Sydney.  

Travel to Sydney, Australia – Amateur Traveler Episode 537

Amateur Traveler has produced over 500 episodes, many of which are used by some language schools to teach English as a foreign language.

Why should I listen:

The easy flowing structure of Amateur Traveler makes for a comforting and familiar format each week.  The questions often remain similar and structured while the interviewee and the destination change weekly.

See also: We talk to Amateur Traveler podcast on Sydney

My favourite bit?

The regularity of the podcast. It’s released every week without fail.

Where can I listen?

Amateur Traveler

This Week in Travel

Co-hosted by Gary Arndt, Jen Leo and Chris Christensen, these three know a thing or two about travel.

What’s it about:

This podcast is typically one, two or all three hosts in a conversational style chatting about all things travel.  They like to have a guest whom they interview on their area of expertise.  The podcast is often recorded by Skype as these three hosts are rarely in the same place at the same time. Week by week you’re not sure how many hosts you’ll get as on occasion one or two of the usual hosts aren’t available at the time of recording.

Why should I listen:

Quite often referencing some of the latest news in the travel industry, they provide relevant and concise conversation.

My favourite bit?

The segment called Picks of the week. Here I often discover a new app, an alliance running a special or something very interesting. If they’re attending (often as speakers), they often record a podcast onsite at TBEX & interview conference attendees.  

Where can I listen?

This Week in Travel

The Budget Minded Traveler

Author of The Aspiring Traveler’s Handbook: A preparation guide to international travel, Jackie Nourse is host of the Budget Minded Traveler.  

What’s it about:  

The Budget Minded Traveller (BMT) does what it says on the tin. It’s a podcast for budget conscious travellers.  A finalist as Best Travel Podcast for two years running, the BMT provides inspiration and practical tips to make international travel accessible to everyone.

This podcast used to be a regular feature in my ‘to-listen’ list.  Jackie is now on the road so recordings seem to be much less frequent at present. But fear not, there is plenty in the archives to keep you busy.

My favourite bit:

Jackie often interviews fellow bloggers or an avid travellers and gets them to spill their budget secrets.  This podcast isn‘t necessarily geared towards backpackers, but very relevant for anyone watching their pennies.  

Where can I listen?

The Budget Minded Traveler

Travelogue

Travelogue is a podcast from the fine folks over at Conde Nast Traveler magazine.  

What’s it about:

Branching off the super successful magazine, this podcast branches across a range of travel tips.  A topical podcast conversation style it’s all about discovery and sharing.

My favourite bit:

The variety. Each week they find someone interesting to trade tips and secrets. Many of the topics are more American focused, however it doesn’t impact the experience. Recently they interviewed Cameron Mackenzie, head distiller of Australia’s Four Pillars premium gin distiller in Yarra Valley about an hour out of Melbourne.

Where can I listen?

Condé Nast Traveler Travelogue

Where Else To Go?

Hosted by Mary-Jo Maradandes, a blogger at Traveling with MJ and the former Conference Director for TBEX.

What’s it about:

MJ interviews travellers and bloggers about specific destinations for travel inspiration to her listeners.  She provides practical advice in the interview format while focusing on value luxury travel. MJ describes it as finding the sweet spot where price and experience intersect to create WOW!

My favourite bit:

MJ covers many destinations I haven’t yet visited as well as some I’ve never even heard of.  

Where can I listen?

Where Else To Go? 

Tips for listening to podcasts

Find a host you like. There are times where a host’s style or pitch may irritate you, and that’s OK!

Get a good app. I tried a plethora of free options before settling on the paid version of Pocketcasts. It is regularly featured in the ‘best podcasting apps list’ and I’ve never had a problem with it. The app auto-downloads all my podcasts and also saves where I’m up to. This feature was the selling point for me as I found myself regularly losing my place if stopped half way through.  Other apps I tried would lose my place and I’d have to start listening from the beginning again. Ugh forget that!

Thinking of hosting a podcast?

Podcasting is time consuming but once you get yourself set up and into a routine, it’s just like running an awesome blog like this one. It takes time and a little bit of passion!

The clearer your audio can sound, the better. While not an essential item for podcasting, pop filters are a fairly cheap way to keep your plosives from making a nasty sound on your recording.  

Here’s some of the equipment you might need:

• Microphone
• Pop filter
• Hosting service for your podcast

Here are some of the best hosting options for beginners:

Free/Almost Free

• SoundCloud: SoundCloud offers free podcast hosting. Paid options are available which you can upgrade to if you get serious about your podcast.
• Podbean: Podbean has an app available on both iOS and Android. It provides multiple options of hosting, including a free option (albeit a little limited). However to get the most from this service, you’ll need to pay.
• Podomatic: A decent option for beginners, it’s user friendly and offers a free hosting option. A paid option with increased bandwidth is available.
• Libsyn: Libsyn is one of the oldest podcast hosting sites. No free option however their cheapest plan is extremely affordable with unlimited bandwidth.

Tips for hosting a podcast

If you’ve decided to go ahead and try podcasting there’s a few basics to remember.

• Learn to use the mute function on your mic when you’re not speaking. I frequently hear hosts scribbling and/or typing notes while recording, as well as clicking their mouse while their guest is speaking.  These irritating habits are a turnoff for your potential listeners.
• Don’t be afraid to edit your podcast. Yes it takes work but having a polished podcast is going to last the test of time.  
• Have fun with it. If you sound bored, your audience will be bored.  You have a personality, don’t be afraid to show it, but at the same time, don’t fake it.
• Good quality audio is an absolute must. I have unsubscribed to many podcasts because of their poor quality audio. Get a good mic, test it and learn how to get the most of it.

Listen to podcasts? Tell us your favourite in the comments below.