Published 28th Jun. 2021
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These days it seems like there's a podcast for everything, and anyone who's anyone seems to have launched their own podcast during lockdown. So to save you wading through the sea that is the podcast library, here are our top picks for the best travel podcasts for when you need a dose of escapism...
The Travel Diaries
This podcast takes a similar format to Desert Islands Discs (which, by the way, is a must-listen if you haven't already) but instead of songs, the guests discus their best travel experiences with the host, Holly Rubenstein. A recent guest was Yotam Ottolenghi, whose featured destinations included Jerusalem, Ubud, the Greek islands and Mexico. As expected, there is a large food focus when it comes to his travel choices, and as food and travel are two of our all-time favourite things, it doesn't get much better than this for us. Other big-names on the show include business magnate Sir Richard Branson, explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, magician Dynamo and actor Sir Michael Palin, among many more.
Women Who Travel
Created by Conde Nast Traveller editors Lale Arikoglu and Meredith Carey, this podcast discusses the realities of travelling as a woman in today's world. What started out as a Facebook group where women could share stories and advice and ask each other questions, quickly grew into a fortnightly podcast about the highs (and sometimes lows) of travelling as a woman. They have explored themes such as slow travel, road trips and travelling with children, and some previous guests include author Elizabeth Gilbert, tennis player Maria Sharapova, author and journalist Dolly Alderton and chef Samin Nosrat.
Armchair Explorer
The name of this podcast is entirely appropriate for 2020, as we have all had to reluctantly become armchair travellers during the pandemic. This is one of the best travel podcasts when it comes to escaping from the four walls of your home, as you listen to some fantastic explorers and adventurers recount tales of their past travels, from following in Shackleton's footsteps through Antarctica, to climbing Mount Everest, gorilla trekking in Rwanda and paddling down Alaska's Yukon River.
Stanfords Travel Podcast
As the name may suggest, this podcast is created by Stanfords, the world's largest map and travel bookshop which is based in London. Episodes include interviews and lectures from the best travel writers and adventurers around the world. Some famous guests include chefs Ainsley Harriott and Rick Stein, journalist Tim Marshall, and explorer Levison Wood. A few themed episodes that we particularly like include 'Around the World in 80 Trains' (we do love a train), 'The Joys of Travelling Slowly' (slow travel is something we will never stop raving about) and 'Travelling with Children' (because nothing beats a fun family getaway with little ones in tow).
Beach Too Sandy, Water Too Wet
If you're in need of a good laugh, this is by far one of the best travel podcasts to listen to. Beach Too Sandy, Water Too Wet seeks out some of the most ludicrous one-star hotel reviews written by people with some very strong opinions about their holidays. Better still, they do hilarious dramatic readings of them to really bring the reviews to life. This may not be the show to inspire wanderlust, but it certainly provides some much-needed light relief.
In Case You Missed It...
Our very own Tom Barber recently featured on the Better Known podcast, where he discussed six things he wishes were better known. We'll leave you to discover his full list, but topics discussed include Undertourism, Philantourism, Sabbaticals, and the wonderful Transylvania region in Romania.
Practical advice and inspiration for your next trip
Like all continents, North America is vast and varied, but its countries share a key similarity: the sheer size of their landmass. From Canada’s rocky regions to America's plentiful plains and Mexico’s sun-soaked swathes – there’s no shortage of ground to cover. With an abundance of sprawling landscapes and beautiful vistas, the best way to soak it all in is by train travel. But which trips to choose?
7th May 2026 - Travel Inspiration
Meet Jean-Francois Rial, CEO of Voyageurs du Monde – the French tour operator that’s been Original Travel’s parent company since 2017. A passionate advocate for sustainable travel, he’s been proposing ways for the industry to play its part in protecting the planet. Off the clock, he also runs an organic vegetable farm in France’s Orne region, proving that even CEOs can get their hands dirty. Intrigued by the people shaping the future of travel?
27th April 2026 - Travel Inspiration
Just stepped off the Shinkansen, explored the vibrant streets of Tokyo and had your fill of ramen? Then you’ll know Japan is dazzling, and a little hectic at times. That’s where temples come in – and with over 150,000 sacred sites across the country, you’ll see signs for otera (temple) and jinja (shrine), everywhere. Follow them and find peaceful pavilions, meet resident deer bowing for a biscuit or two and even tiptoe through ninja hideouts filled with secret rooms.
27th April 2026 - Japan Travel Inspiration
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