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20 Best Solo Female Travel Podcasts

• Travelling Inside Out
• Girl About The Globe
• Black Girl World Traveller
• A Girl's Guide To Travelling Alone
• Travel Chicks | Solo Female Travel, Female Group Travel, Travel & Tourism Updates
• The TravelMama Podcast
• Eff It, Go Travel
• The Solo Female Traveler Podcast
• Duluwa Talks
• Solo Women Travel Tribe Podcast with Xena
• Solo Female Van Life Podcast | Divine On The Road
• #ontheroadcast
• Solo Black Woman Travel
• There She Goes | Solo Travel
• Oh My! Travel Podcast
• Ticket For One
• Many Roads Travelled
• The TULUMINIÑA Podcast

Solo Female Travel Podcasters

• Solo Female Travel Podcasts Newsletter

Solo Female Travel Podcasts

Here are 20 Best Solo Female Travel Podcasts worth listening to in 2024

1. Travelling Inside Out

2. Girl About The Globe

3. Black Girl World Traveller

4. A Girl's Guide To Travelling Alone

5. Travel Chicks | Solo Female Travel, Female Group Travel, Travel & Tourism Updates

6. The TravelMama Podcast

7. Eff It, Go Travel

8. The Solo Female Traveler Podcast

9. Duluwa Talks

10. Solo Women Travel Tribe Podcast with Xena

11. Solo Female Van Life Podcast | Divine On The Road

12. #ontheroadcast

13. Solo Black Woman Travel

14. There She Goes | Solo Travel

15. Oh My! Travel Podcast

16. Ticket For One

17. Many Roads Travelled

18. The TULUMINIÑA Podcast

• Solo Travel Podcasts
• Travel Podcasts

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The Travel Women

11 best travel podcasts by women.

Travel podcasts are one of the best mediums to consume while traveling and before and after trips to help you plan and process new travel experiences. As a podcaster I may be biased, but I love listening to podcasts by women, especially while on the go. All you need are your headphones to listen for inspiration and entertainment.

If you’re looking for new inspiration to tune into, here are the 11 best travel podcasts by women who have made it their mission to experience the world in an unconventional way. Subscribe to these podcasts to intensify your wanderlust and if you want to learn more about NYC, check out The Travel Women’s own podcast NYC Local Guides .

Table of Contents

1.NYC Local Guides

NYC Local Guides interviews New Yorkers from creatives to CEOs and everyone in between. The goal is to really identify what makes a New Yorker a New Yorker and entertain listeners with fun stories that could only happen in New York. Guests share their favorite local spots and secret tips to really enjoy this city like a New Yorker!

2. The Offbeat Life

I may be biased since this is my own podcast, but this is perfect for people looking to become digital nomads. I speak with inspiring individuals who ditched conventional lifestyles to become location independent. From early retirement, to backpacking single moms, my subjects share their passions and struggles to live and work anywhere.

3. She-Explores 

She-Explores podcast shares stories of women who are inspired by the time they have spent in the great outdoors. They cover topics from solo hiking, camping, entrepreneurship, diversity and feminism as they intersect with the great outdoors.

4. JUMP formerly The Budget-Minded Traveler

Ever wondered how you can travel the world full-time on a budget? Listen to The Budget-Minded Traveler to get the best tips from host Jackie Nourse. This award-winning podcast is a great resource for planning your next budget friendly trip.

5. Women Who Travel 

This podcast is created by Conde Nast Traveler and shares stories of over 100 women’s adventures. The hosts of the show are editors Lale Arikoglu and Meredith Carey are both well-traveled and share the realities of traveling as a woman today.

6. Out There

Hosted by Willow Belden, this award-winning podcast shares how we can heal and be inspired when we spend time outdoors. It’s a breath of fresh air and will help you get clarity as you navigate your way in the world.

7. Unmapped 

Unmapped is a wonderful podcast hosted by Angelina Zeppieri, who takes her listeners on her journey around the globe. Angelina can relay her journey in an imaginative way that takes you out of your comfort zone and features a roster of guests – many are also well traveled women.

8. The first 40 miles 

Interested in hiking and backpacking or just curious about unconventional travel? Then this podcast is perfect for you. Hosts Josh and Heather share their tips and tricks from packing to advice while you’re on the trail.

9. Women On The Road

Listening to Laura Hughes will inspired to travel in new ways. Laura interviews women who share their experiences on what it’s like when the road becomes your home, while she herself lives in a Ford transit van.

10. Roll with me 

Roll with me is a podcast that interviews people who live alternative lifestyles. From van life to tiny houses, you’ll learn why and how people live unconventional lives.

11. Girl Camper 

Girl camper shares a range of topics from overcoming fear, becoming intentional with our actions to interviews with women who took the leap to live a better life.

BONUS: The Lonely Hour

The Lonely hour is hosted by Julia Bainbridge who leads discussions on loneliness, especially as a solo traveler. Julia has compiled amazing guests who talk about their experiences and how loneliness can affect different aspects of our relationships.

Which podcasts do you listen to? Comment below!

Read next: Top Travel Books to inspire wanderlust and Interview with a camper life digital nomad 

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• Cheapest Fastest Way from Newark Airport to NYC Manhattan →

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14 Must-Listen Podcasts for Solo Travelers

11/17/2023 by Guest Blogger 1 Comment

This guest post is by Erin Hynes, a Toronto-based travel blogger and podcaster. 

In my experience, the thought of heading out to a place I’ve never been before, completely alone, can be daunting. Despite that, every time I’ve challenged myself to travel solo, the rewards have been amazing.  

We rarely spend quality time with ourselves at home. Work, friends, screens, and social media keep us busy. But when we travel solo, there are entire days and nights spent only with ourselves. 

Along with these moments alone, there are many opportunities to get out of your comfort zone and meet new people while solo traveling. I was always a shy person, but staying solo in hostels helped me get over my fear of making new friends. 

In these ways, solo traveling creates a unique opportunity to get to know yourself in a way that we often don’t have time — or the headspace — for at home. 

Whether you’re thinking about taking the plunge into traveling alone for the first time or you’re already experienced, podcasts about solo travel are a great resource. 

You’ll hear inspirational stories, helpful tips, and even learn about how to be a more conscious and responsible tourist . I love the podcast medium, because it’s so perfect for storytelling and learning. Audio is great for travel, too! I always look forward to popping in my earbuds to listen to a podcast while on a long bus ride or flight. 

Read on to learn about 14 podcasts that you can tune into for the best solo travel inspiration. 

Table of Contents

1. Women Who Travel

On this podcast by Condé Nast Traveler , editor Lale Arikoglu chats with female-identifying guests about their unique and personal travel stories. Many are solo travelers, and so I find that lots of the episodes have tips and stories weaved in. 

A particularly great episode is titled “How I Visited Every Country in the World.” Lale interviews Jessica Nabongo , who in 2019 became the first documented Black woman to visit every country in the world, from Iceland to South Sudan to Japan.  

Jessica’s story in itself is incredible, especially given she traveled to 89 of those countries completely solo. But she also shares compelling insights about what she learned about herself during the trip. 

2. Curious Tourism: Responsible Travel Podcast

Being a fan of podcasts about travel, of course I had to make my own! I host Curious Tourism, which covers travel through a responsible-tourist lens. The goal of the show is to explore how travel can be better for people, and better for the planet. Several episodes cover aspects of solo travel in detail.

We often discuss the topic through the perspective of the episode’s guest. For example, episode #75 features Charlotte Simpson, who’s known online as the Traveling Black Widow . After losing her husband of 31 years, Charlotte decided to start traveling solo so that she could start building a “new normal” for herself, and see the world. In this episode, she shares her journey, what she’s learned from it, and helpful tips for solo travelers. 

3. JUMP with Traveling Jackie

Hosted by blogger Jackie Nourse, this podcast is an invitation to adventure. Episodes are a mix of guest stories, and topics, but you’ll find plenty focused on solo travel. Often, the stories are raw and very personal, which is refreshing!

In episode #157, guest host Sherry Ott interviews Vicki Hill, a seasoned car camper, who shares her ideas on how to get started with this popular new way to travel. She also discusses how to car-camp alone and get past your fears of solo camping . 

4. The Thoughtful Travel Podcast

Amanda Kendle launched this podcast back in March 2016. In every episode, she interviews fellow travelers about their experiences, and they share some of their best stories. The show touches on diverse topics, like how to meet locals abroad, getting lost, and lessons learned from travel. 

In episode #148, Amanda talks to three people who have done a lot of solo travel in all parts of the world.  Alastair Humphreys talks about his walk across India, Justin Watson discusses how he thought solo travel would be difficult but overcame that fear, and Michela Fantinel relates one of her first solo travel experiences in New York City . All three guests agree: including some solo time in your travel mix is absolutely worthwhile.

5. Ticket 2 Anywhere

Ticket 2 Anywhere is hosted by two friends, Leah and Trizzy, who both enjoy a love of travel, which they balance travel with their full-time jobs. They share tips, advice, and anecdotes on how to make the most of your travels, and how to use your vacation days to get the most out of your weekends . 

Leah has been solo traveling for over a decade, but in episode #65, Trizzy relates all the details about her first-ever solo trip to Scotland and London. This episode is perfect for a first-time solo traveler, because it covers what to bring and how to pack, safety, and offers tips for the road and solid advice for your first solo travels. 

6. Winging It Travel Podcast

In his weekly episodes, host James Hammond shares stories, tips, knowledge, and observations. In many episodes, he also chats with interesting people, like a guy who spent several months solo traveling overland through Congo.

In episode #5, James debates “ should you travel solo or not ?” He compares solo travel with what it’s like to be with a partner or friends, covering the pros and cons of each. It’s a must-listen for anyone who’s debated the idea of going on a trip alone. 

7.  On She Goes

On She Goes is a travel and lifestyle podcast made for women of color, by women of color. Sadly, this podcast is no longer publishing new episodes, but there’s a backlog of over a hundred fantastic episodes that are worth listening to. 

On She Goes delves into a range of topics, including traveling while Black, representation in mainstream media, getting paid to travel, ancestry, and more. In season 4, episode #2, the topic is a New York Times article titled “Adventurous. Alone. Attacked.” They unpack how the article frames fear-mongering about solo travel , among other aspects. 

8. The Solo Female Traveler

The goal of the Solo Female Traveler podcast is to help women expand their world through solo travel. Host Lu believes that it can be transformative and empowering , and uses the podcast to show listeners how. 

The show is a mix of episodes by Lu alone and guest interviews that feature stories and insights from women around the world who have embarked on their own solo travel adventures.  

In the episode titled “Solo Travel’s Path to Self-Exploration,” Lu chats with Colleen, a travel blogger, mom, and psychologist, who discusses how solo travel transformed her relationship with herself and other people. Plus, she talks about how solo travel can help people to embrace their intuition, connect with strangers, and create new bonds.

9. She Explores

She Explores , hosted by Gale Straub, helps listeners find inspiration in the outdoors! The show is a mix of interviews, in-the-field recordings, and listener submissions covering a range of topics, from solo hiking and camping to conservation, motherhood, and outdoor equity. 

In the episode titled “How to Be Alone,” Gale interviews Nicole Antoinette, who solo-hiked all 800 rugged miles of the Arizona Trail. She discusses how her first through-hike came to be, and how she persevered even when being totally alone on the trail was tough. 

10. Amateur Traveler

Amateur Traveler has been on the air since 2005! Host Chris Christensen was named the “best independent travel journalist” by Travel + Leisure for his work on this weekly show, which covers destinations from Morocco to South Korea , with a focus on culturally rich experiences.

In episode #355, Chris chats with Janice Waugh, who relates her experiences solo traveling as a woman, particularly internationally. But she did not set out to be a solo traveler: after the death of her husband, she gained the courage to get back out on the road, alone. Now, years later, Janice explains how it’s different, and in many ways, better. 

11. Let’s Go Together

Let’s Go Together is a podcast by Travel + Leisure , hosted by Kellee Edwards, an award-winning travel expert, licensed pilot, scuba diver, television host, and world adventurer. 

Kellee interviews a diverse range of travelers who share their unique travel experiences. Some past guests include the first documented Black woman to travel every country in the world (Jessica Nabongo, see above) and a quadriplegic who climbed Machu Picchu, among others. 

In episode #14, Kellee chats with Glo, an influencer and blogger who’s traveled solo to over 80 countries. They talk about the difficulties of solo travel for women, and unpack the perceptions of Black women who traverse the world on their own.

12. The Worst Traveller

The Worst Traveller is a weekly podcast hosted by Tom Page, who says he doesn’t always do things the best way, but he does them his way — hence the name of his podcast. Every episode includes travel stories in which, of course, things may sometimes go wrong. 

Many episodes focus on Tom’s own travel experiences. In the episode titled “How I Travel So Light… Same Clothes for 1 Month,” he discusses his experience in India, where he wore one outfit and carried no baggage. If you’re interested in more extreme solo travel, this is the show for you.

13. Black Women Travel Podcast  

Black Women Travel Podcast , hosted by Wanda Duncan, highlights the stories of Black women who are making travel a priority. Wanda interviews travelers from this community of bold women and their diverse stories. She also chats with short-term travelers based in a country, long-term travelers, and digital nomads . 

In the episode titled “How to Create Your Own Retreat,” Wanda talks about the importance of rest and self-care , and how solo travelers can plan restorative and personal retreats. 

14. Girl About the Globe

Girl about the Globe is hosted by Lisa Imogen Eldridge, a solo travel addict who has been to 142 countries — 110 of these solo.

The podcast includes episodes covering destinations such as Vietnam , Puerto Rico, and Portugal. Other episodes also delve into how solo travel changes you , the best places to travel alone , how to save money on the road , and more. The show is a mix of destination interviews, stories about life-changing trips, and tips for how to travel the world solo. 

In episode #98, Lisa chats with Sara Braca, who turned to solo travel after going through a divorce. Sara relates her personal story, and the two discuss how solo travel can help people to heal when they are coming out of a broken relationship .

Start Listening to Solo Traveler Podcasts 

First Name:

This list of solo travel podcasts includes many of my personal favorites. These shows inspire me to travel to new places, embrace my independence, and solo travel with confidence. I hope they inspire you, too!

About the author: Erin Hynes has been traveling for over a decade, both solo and with her partner. She’s traveled to countries across six continents. Erin writes the travel blog Pina Travels and hosts the travel podcast Curious Tourism , where she interviews travel industry thought leaders and experts about responsible tourism.

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Dubai Travel Book says

11/20/2023 at 7:35 am

Fantastic recommendations for solo travelers in the world of podcasts! 🎧 The curated list of 14 must-listen podcasts is a treasure trove of inspiration. Kudos to the author for providing such a valuable resource. Your insights will undoubtedly be the perfect travel companion for many solo adventurers, myself included. Thank you for enhancing the solo travel experience!

10 awesome travel podcasts that you should listen to right now

The world is divided into those obsessed by podcasts and those who will one day become obsessed with podcasts. 

Catering to lovers of themed storytelling , true crime accounts and creepy cults , podcasts are also a great asset for travellers. Long haul flights, airport delays, overnight sleeper trains or pre-trip research – all good times to chuck in the earbuds, kick back and soak up some travel wisdom. And these are the places to do it:

1. Flight of Fancy

Hosted by travel journo Ben Groundwater, Flight of Fancy offers 30-minute episodes on just about everything you could want to hear in a travel podcast. Each episode he interviews travel professionals on topics like terrifying border crossings, cliched travel experiences (that are still totally worth doing) and how travel can mend a broken heart.

2. JUMP with Traveling Jackie

Formerly known as the Budget-Minded Traveler, JUMP with Traveling Jackie offers listeners destination inspiration and practical tips to get their travel goals off the ground, without blowing their whole budget. Hosted by Jackie Nourse, each episode interviews guests about their super-interesting travel experiences.

Photo by Damien Raggatt

3. The Thoughtful Travel Podcast

Listening to The Thoughtful Travel Podcast feels like sitting down with a bunch of friends and sharing your best (and hairiest) travel stories. Amanda interviews fellow travel addicts about their travel experiences, like getting lost, navigating different cultures, and meeting the locals. Definitely well worth a subscribe.

4. Women Who Travel

Hosted by the editors of Conde Nast Traveler, Women Who Travel is a high-five to globe-trotting women around the world, and deep dives into what it’s like travelling as a woman. It started out as a Facebook group, where women could share stories, advice and ask questions, but quickly grew into a fortnightly podcast about the highs (and lows) of travel. It’s fun and informative, and covers a HUGE range of topics.

5. Wild Ideas Worth Living

If there was ever a podcast that’ll make you want to hand in your notice, book a flight, and get out into the world, it’s Wild Ideas Worth Living . This is all about having a wild idea – and acting on it; each episode feature interviews with various excellent legends, like pro-climbers, ultra-marathoners, authors and photographers.

Photo by Patrick O’Neill.

6. Travel Goals Podcast

Host Portia Jones deep dives into dream destinations and travel tips from industry experts. Portia’s Travel Goals Podcast brings you on-location insights from the next place you didn’t know you needed to visit, and chats with those in the know about what’s new and notable, including that one time she sat down with Intrepid’s own CEO, James Thornton, to talk about how travel can be a force for good .

7. Zero to Travel

If your ears are after something a bit more esoteric, Jason from  Zero to Travel regularly digs down into what travel is, why we do it and how we can do it better. Throw in a few tips on off-beat travel methods and episodes devoted to answering listener questions and you’ve got an inspiring mix for the train commute home.

8. Amateur Traveler

Amateur Traveler is all about destinations, which makes it pretty handy for those suffering from the travel version of kid-in-a-candy-store syndrome. Chris started the show in 2005 and he’s racked up an amazing database of over 600 episodes, all chock-full of useful info on a particular spot.

9. Extra Pack of Peanuts

Another good one for those on a shoestring budget (whatever that means – are shoestrings the only thing you can afford?) Travis, who hosts  Extra Pack of Peanuts , interviews travellers, bloggers and entrepreneurs to find out how to get around for cheap.

Photo by Phoebe Escott-Kenny.

10. This Week in Travel

This Week in Travel  keeps up with all the industry gossip and news, via a weekly chat with travel industry heavyweights. If you want to keep your finger on the travel pulse, tune in to Chris, Gary and Jen as they chew the fat on what’s going on in the world of adventure and travel trends.

Now you’ve got the podcasts, it’s time to book the trip! Check out our range of small group adventures now . 

Feature image by  Melanie Pongratz  on  Unsplash.

Feeling inspired?

Intrepid Travel

Intrepid has been leading small group adventures for over 30 years. We’re a certified B Corp, which means we want to be the best travel company not just in the world, but for the world. To create positive change through the joy of travel. You can read our latest adventures right here.

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Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

11 Travel Podcasts That Will Give You Serious Wanderlust

I love podcasts. As someone who travels often, they’re a great way to stay informed and entertained while you’re on the go. To help me highlight some of the best podcasts in the industry, I’ve invited Debbie from The Offbeat Life to share her favorites. She’s a podcaster herself and knows what it takes to run a great travel podcast!

Podcasts have exploded in popularity in recent years, especially in the travel niche. After all, who doesn’t love to travel?

Unique travel stories, helpful tips, information on creating a nomadic lifestyle, and inspiration on the go — there are podcasts for them all!

I started my own podcast, The Offbeat Life , to discuss the stories of the people I met during my travels who were able to become location independent and create their ideal lifestyle. I was in awe of their adventurous nature and wanted to inspire myself and others to follow in their footsteps, take more chances, and learn what it takes to create a balanced life.

As a podcaster and traveler, I often look to other podcasts for inspiration. To help you get inspired for your next trip or your foray into nomadic life, here are the best travel podcasts!  

1. The Thought Card

Hosted by Danielle Desir, this podcast focuses on world travel, paying off debt, and building wealth. Danielle gives her audience the confidence to make smart financial decisions that will allow them to accomplish both their travel and financial goals.

Where to Start : Give the episode with Denis O’Brien a listen. He is the founder of Chain of Wealth and shares his tips on how to create passive income.  

Formerly known as the Budget-Minded Traveler, Traveling Jackie inspires others to get out and see the world through travel and adventure. She provides valuable, actionable information that will allow you to take the leap and explore.

Where to Start : Check out her interview with the Bensons , a family of five who were able to travel the world after they sold all their belongings. They explain the impact of travel on their lives and how it changed them upon returning home.  

3. Extra Pack of Peanuts

This is a great podcast for travelers who want to stay on a budget while on the road. Travis, who hosts the show, interviews nomads, bloggers, and entrepreneurs who give insight and firsthand tips on how to embark on your own affordable adventures.

Where to Start : Give the “ 7 Lessons Learned ” episode with Travis and Heather a listen. They share what they have learned from living a location independent life for seven years.  

4. As Told by Nomads

Host Tayo Rockson features incredible stories from individuals who are nomads and entrepreneurs, with a focus on leaders in business, culture, travel, and global affairs.

Where to Start : Check out the episode with Zahra Rasool , who discusses authenticity, diversity, and collaborative journalism in storytelling.  

5. Ticket 2 Anywhere

This podcast is hosted by Leah and Trizzy, two female travelers with full-time jobs who love to get out and see the world as often as they can. Their podcast is bursting with tips, advice, and anecdotes to help you make the most of your travels, live your life to the fullest, use all your vacation days and get the most out of your weekends!

Where to Start : Start with their first episode , which covers a lot of ground. They talk about the places they’ve been, how they travel, and destinations that didn’t live up to the hype.  

6. The Offbeat Life

Hosted by me, this podcast highlights the stories of digital nomads and location-independent entrepreneurs. It digs deep into the realities of starting a remote business and how to create a sustainable nomadic lifestyle.

Where to Start : To get started, jump into my episode with Joni Sweet . She is a remote writer and gives valuable insights on surviving as a freelancer. She also discusses how to build a portfolio that will land you writing gigs that can take you all over the world!  

7. Everyday Badassery

Recorded and filmed on location from wherever dynamic host Christine happens to be on her current epic adventures, Everyday Badassery aims to help you be “1% more badass than yesterday.” Each episode features a different badass traveler and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. The episodes are also posted on YouTube too.

Where to Start : Start with Nomadic Matt team member Erica (Virvo) Hackman’s very own episode , where she shares her experiences living in Qatar, a hut in Africa, a commune, and how following her curiosity and saying YES has never led her astray.  

8. Amateur Traveler

Started in 2005 by veteran travel journalist Chris Christensen, Amateur Traveler is closing in on 1,000 episodes. In each episode, Chris interviews a destination expert who shares local tips and insights to inspire and help others visit their beloved city, state, or country.

Where to Start : Pick the destination that you’re headed to next (or one you’d like to visit) and start listening!  

9. The Atlas Obscura Podcast

Atlas Obscura finds and showcases the world’s weirdest, bizarre, and most interesting places and foods through their website, app, books, and podcast. Learn more about the world’s hidden wonders in these short (around 15-minute) episodes that dive deep into one peculiar place.

Where to Start : The Last Big Mac in Iceland encompasses everything that Atlas Obscura is all about: discovering something strange while traveling, learning its history and background, and coming away with a deeper understanding of another culture in the process.  

10. Zero to Travel

With over 10 million downloads, Zero to Travel is one of the most popular travel podcasts — and for good reason. Host Jason interviews adventurous travelers, expats, digital nomads, and wanderers of all kinds to deliver practical advice and motivation to start living and traveling on your own terms.

Where to Start : Learn the story behind cheap flight membership website Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) , how to find cheap flights yourself, and much more in this interview with the illustrious Scott himself .

11. Radio Vagabond

In 2016 and at the age of 50, Palle Bo sold everything and uprooted his life in Denmark in order to hit the road full time. Since then, he’s traveled to 118 UN nations and 48 states – and counting! The Radio Vagabond chronicles his adventures with both solo episodes as well as interviews with locals and fellow travelers he encounters. As an award-winning Danish radio producer, the production quality of this podcast is top-notch and worth a listen for that alone!

Where to Start : Check out the episode Advice for Wannabe Digital Nomads , part of his miniseries interviewing seven digital nomads at Bansko Nomad Fest in Bulgaria.

Now that you have the list of the best travel podcasts, go ahead: download them and satiate your wanderlust! You may even feel inspired to book a ticket and leap into the unknown!

Debbie Arcangeles is the host of The Offbeat Life , a podcast that highlights individuals who are location independent and nomadic entrepreneurs. Her podcast has been featured on Refinery 29 and Mic, among other sites. When Debbie is not writing or interviewing guests for her show, you can find her hiking and exploring new destinations.  

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

Ready to Book Your Trip? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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My Female Travel Podcast: So She Travels

The So She Travels Podcast talks to the most vibrant and interesting female travellers of today.

I’d been searching for a travel podcast that stepped away from romanticising solo female travel and gave the cold, hard reality of what it’s really like to travel as a woman.

I also wanted one with advice for wannabe travellers on a budget, with achievable travel ideas that get us out as much as possible, without sleeping in a bush (I genuinely did that once, in Valencia, Spain).

Also, inspirational travel advice from women who work full time, who have children, who have responsibilities at home and who’ve overcome personal difficulties to get out there and travel.

So, I decided to make it myself.  

So She Travels podcast

We won’t over glorify adventures, but we are normal-ish women who’ve worked out how travel can feature more prominently in our lives.

Each week I have a new guest and I’ll choose a destination, a few topics, and roll with it.

Listen on Spotify

You can expect tips on living as an ex pat, getting a job in travel, working as a tour guide, using travel to cope with grief, safety tips for women, toilets abroad, and travelling with babies. Also, how to travel solo when you’re in a relationship, dating abroad and visiting traditionally ‘dangerous’ countries.

For this first series I’ll be talking to my favourite female travel bloggers, not about blogging, but their travels. And mainly, their travels before they became travel bloggers. And who knows what could happen for series 2 (if there is one!).

Subscribe to So She Travels on Spotify

Subscribe to so she travels on itunes.

It’s been a great experience doing this podcast. I’ve loved researched the ladies I’ve had on, and chatting with them too. I genuinely think every one of them on this series is absolutely amazing.

The resilience, determination and adaptability of all them has just been inspiring, and motivating.

—–

1. Jayne – Girl Tweets World

Jayne was the original UK travel blogger, for me and many others who started blogging at the same time as me. She’s lived in Oz for the past few years, after falling in love with Justin, a Melbourne man. She still travelled solo, while in a relationship, which is something I’ve totally looked up to as many women I know either go with their partners or they’re single.

I just like to see relationships work like that as for a long time that’s what intimidated me about getting in another relationship after my last one ended.

CLICK HERE for the podcast with Jayne

You can find Jayne’s life over on GirlTweetsWorld.com , and check her out on all the social medias too: @JayneyTravels

Twitter  |  Instagram  |  Facebook

2. Helen – Helen in Wonderlust

Helen is incredible. She set up Rock My Adventure , her own African tour group travel company, after being made redundant. It blows my mind how she does this. No part of me would feel confident enough to lead a group across the 13 African countries that she does. She’s managed to get her friends and husband out there to support her and I’ve been too.

As she says, if you’d’ve asked her a few years ago what she’d be doing, she never would’ve said running her own tour company in Africa. I love what she’s managed to achieve.

Listen to Helen’s podcast here: iTunes  |  Spotify  |  Stitcher  

You can find Helen at HeleninWonderlust.co.uk

3. Emily – Emily Luxton Travels 

I wanted to talk to Emily Luxton about how travel had helped her cope with the grief of her mum’s death, and her shyness. She reveals how she used to be SO shy she couldn’t even order food and drink in restaurants, or talk to anyone new. It was forcing herself to interact and do things that helped her to become the solo female traveller we know her as today.

Take a listen to her podcast, it’s one of the few where we were actually together IRL, and we do actually happen to drink an entire bottle of wine during the show.

Listen to the podcast with Emily here. 

4. Ellie – Wandering Quinn

Ellie is currently travelling through Asia and her route totally reminds me of mine a few years ago. She’s a great person to follow on Instagram btw @wanderingquinn. We chatted about India, after she’d been there for months.

After our chat I actually went to India and was done after a week tbh, dunno how she lasted so long. I love her positive outlook on life, and her thoughts on manifesting were fascinating.

Listen to the podcast with Ellie here. 

5. Kathi – Watch Me See 

Honestly, Kathi is such a huge inspiration to me and I love following her adventures online. She hiked the Hebridean Way by herself, for two weeks, camping every night. I’d love to do that, maybe just for a weekend though. I can’t imagine doing that, or the strength and confidence it must’ve given her to know that she can do it.

Hiking and camping wasn’t really something I’d ever thought of doing before, but sounds like a great way to travel for cheap to me. I need to find time for this this summer. 

Listen to the podcast with Kathi here. 

6. Alice – Teacake Travels

I never describe anyone as kickass, but I feel it’s the only way to sum up Alice in one word. She’s awesome. A proper tower of strength and wisdom.

I loved loved talking to her and hearing more about her adventures . I mean, she’s driven the Mongol Rally, she’s worked as a burlesque dancer in Shanghai, she’s fended off an attacker in India, and she’s one of the most warm hearted, lovely people I’ve met.

Keep an eye on Alice’s feeds as she’s starting a a podcast soon, all about female travel.

Listen to the podcast with Alice here. 

7. Karen – Global Help Swap

Karen is the only one of the women I chatted with you regularly travels with someone else. In this case, her partner, Paul. They’re an absolute dream team . I love them.

I feel like female travel is often referred to in a solo female travel kinda way, when really, women are travelling with partners all the time. It’s lovely to chat with someone who’s so happy in that partnership.

Listen to the podcast with Karen here. 

8. Monica – The Travel Hack

Our ‘token mum’ on the podcast. Monica travels with her two boys and partner, Sam, and gives us a realistic insight at what it’s like to travel with young children. She’s got another baby on the way, due in October and so it’s interesting to hear how her travel style has changed. If you want tips on travelling with children, Monica is your woman . 

Listen to the podcast with Monica here. 

9. Kirsty – Kirsty Leanne

Kirsty is a plus size traveller and is determined to show others that they needn’t be scared of travelling, with just a little prep. She’s been looking at the media representation of plus size travellers and quel surprise , there is none, well barely any, only in influencer marketing.

She’s off on an epic trip to the USA soon and so gives the lowdown of what you have to consider before you go as a plus size traveller. Also, hot off the press, she’s starting a podcast soon too, all about plus size travel.

Listen to the podcast with Kirsty here. 

Follow Kirsty on  Twitter ,  Facebook  and  Instagram

10. Becki – Borders of Adventure 

Becki’s whole ethos is to challenge perceptions of countries by visiting and then authentically relaying what she’s seen and experienced to her blog followers. She’s travelled to ‘misunderstood’ countries like Iran and North Korea, and has just been to Tibet.

She now lives in Austria and also wants to challenge the misconceptions there too. Her blog posts are some of the most well researched in the blog world and she’s known for her insightful approach to blogging.

Listen to the podcast with Becki here. 

Me – VickyFlipFlopTravels

I wanted to record a final episode for the series, with just some thoughts from the adventures and stories of the incredible women I’ve talked to these past few weeks. I’ve been totally inspired by everything I’ve heard, and after almost two months at home I’m excited to start my own summer of travels on Tuesday.

Listen to the final round up episode here .

Safety in female travel

From talking to these 10 exceptional women I’m reminded that women are fighting battles everywhere. It’s surprised me that two out of 10 of them talked about assaults, but, I think that’s a figure that would be similar in a random sample group of 10 women who’ve stayed in England.

The regularity is indicative of men, not of travel.

In a few chats we mention a blog post I wrote about Grace Millane , the young backpacker who went off to New Zealand, went on a Tinder date and was never seen alive again. Some blamed her, for daring to travel, and daring to meet someone online. This is a view and an opinion shared by many around the world, if not openly then definitely ingrained.

They think it’s dangerous for women to travel and we should be with a husband.

If something happens to us, as women, apparently it’s our fault. We’re blamed as victims, not the perpetrators who did the crime. It’s more, “what were they doing by themselves?”

Not, “why did he feel the need to kill / harm them?”

Of course this isn’t the attitude of everyone though.

Things are definitely changing, the equal rights movement for women has been given a huge push recently. But I feel solo female travel is one of those areas where it’s not moving as fast as it should. I guess because of the fact that so many different cultures and societies are involved.

And, many people still assume women are too fragile to travel alone.

I have first hand experience of the fact that the more you travel, the more fearless you become in different parts of your life.

Emily talked about having a patronus, a memory that you bought to mind of a time you were brave.

It works, I’ve tried it and used the technique for years. You could try it too. 

Brave women travel

And now that I live in my comfortable house in lovely Southsea it’s easy to not be as brave as I once was. I have to remind myself that I boarded a plane to the USA aged 20, not knowing anyone. That I travelled Mexico for six weeks by myself. That I can make friends when I want to.

That I am strong, independent and brave.

It takes practice though.

Even after all these years I can still be intimidated by travel, of getting on that plane. Mainly because I read every news story ever about any backpacker or traveller who’s been in trouble, or had an accident abroad, I know the risk is real.

But life is risky, whether you’re at home or following a dream and an idea around the world. As the saying goes, “none of us are getting out of here alive” so you need to live while you can.

I’m so impressed by the resilience and determination of Alice and Becki, after they were attacked abroad. When I asked if it’d affected their travels, both didn’t hesitate to say no . And I felt like it was a weird question.

Unfortunately we live in a world where bad things happen everywhere , and so if you’re letting a worry about safety stunt your travel dreams, stop right now.

That leap of faith

When I think back over this first series of the So She Travels podcast, another theme that comes to mind is the leap of faith these women took, and the confidence to follow their heart.

Alice dropped a good job, good life and boyfriend to go and teach English in South Korea based on a chance meeting with someone at a train station.

Emily had split with her ex, still shy, still traumatised from her mother’s passing, but found that travel brought her back from the angry bitter person she was to a happy young woman, making a plan to do one thing a month that scared her.

Jayne left everything behind to live in Oz, Becki just decided to make Cambodia her home and Ellie left a good job and lovely life in West Hampstead for London. As far as I know everything was going ok for them at home, so what made them take that leap of faith?

To trust that what was on the other side would suit them more?

I know from experience that a lot of women travelling will have that make or break moment as the start of their adventures. I had the same. Dumped and homeless , I packed in my job and went off to Eastern Europe, and then Central America.

Whereas catalyst moments like that can be seen as the end of something, they can also be the start of something greater. Since it happened to me I always like to gently remind friends of this when they’ve gone through life changes.

Being made redundant, twice and being dumped were all pivotal moments of my life that set me onto a better path.

Travel is the answer in times of need

Of course, having the confidence, support, passion and financial means to leap like that takes a lot of stars to align together. But I think in their own way almost all of the ladies I’ve chatted to for this are examples of this.

One of the strongest examples, is Helen. She was made redundant, and so decided it was the perfect time to follow her dream to set up a tour company in Africa. And she was the perfect person to do it.

Instead of moping and taking on another job, she had been financially responsible enough in the past to have a bit of money, she’d been so passionate about Africa she already had a sideline in Africa tourism, and she had the support of her family, husband and friends to go for it.

She’s an inspiration and a wonderful person. Make sure to check out Rock My Adventure for all your Africa tour group needs.

Travel as a healer

Travel has long been known as a healer for many women. It’s why so many ladies could relate to that whole Eat Pray Love phenomenon. After something substantial happens in your life, to question your very core, it’s natural to want to leave it all and have an adventure elsewhere.

But for many women, children, family, parents, expectations, money and jobs stop them.

You can’t deny anyone who gets to travel is very lucky.

And for the women I chatted to on the podcast, of course they’ve made sacrifices and worked hard to be where they are, but I’m sure after the wisdom of travel has exposed them to lives very different from their own, all over the world, they’d agree that luck plays a part in all their adventures.

Most women in the world will never experience the sheer joy of travelling solo. It’s a fact.

The responsibility on women who travel

Which is why, if you do, you have a responsibility to share your stories and the reality of it all with who you can, just like Becki does. She wants to break down the barriers of cultures and societies and go beyond what the media tells us is truth.

Another important topic on the women and travel spectrum is media representation – whether through Instagram, the main stream or blogs. It’s a topic that has come up quite a lot in my podcast. Social media and the modern media affects so many of our choices now, and as I’ve discussed with these ladies, it can often be in quite a negative way.

It’s not just Kirsty who’s felt pressured to look a certain way in the past.

With the media and Instagram getting into all of our minds at every crack, the media is changing the way we travel. Iceland and Norway have become over touristed, I can’t imagine what Cappadocia is like these days, and queues for that perfect shot of a tree in Wanaka in New Zealand are apparently winding.

There’s a whole world to explore, why are we just congregating in the same places?

But then when we do dare go to new places, a la Becki and Alice, how do we know they’re safe?

There’s always been a trend of people wanting to go to new places – places where none of their friends have been but todays’ ‘influencers’ going to the likes of Saudi Arabia, with no understanding of the history or culture, but just a photo op, can be dangerous.

I guess the worry is in untrained and uneducated people, telling other people where to go on holiday, and where’s safe. The fact that they’re on some cushty press trip doesn’t seem to come in to it.

They’re just doing it for the gram.

I think as women, and humans, we need to travel more responsibly. And travel bloggers like Karen from Global Help Swap are here to offer advice on how to do this the right way.

Why travel? Why share your travels?

One of the things I talk with Becki about, which I wish I’d posed to everyone actually, is what sort of legacy they’d like to create in their life. How do they want their impact on the planet to be a positive one? Especially after all the flights they’ve taken!

Becki said she wanted to give her readers, “curiousness, openness and encouragement”. And I think that’s a great sentiment. And a wonderful legacy to lead.

I love the fact that I help people to have better holidays. They’re such an important part of life, and so looked forward to. I guess I want my legacy to be to inspire people to live differently, and to experience life in a way they didn’t think possible, or even imagine.

I hope that as the connection between you and these women I’ve worked towards that a little more in some way.

Positive role models for travel

I’m not sure how they’ve sounded to you, but when I listen back to the podcasts some have been quite serious. I have had a fun night out with pretty much all the women on the show – they’re all brilliant. These are the strong and independent women I aspire to be like, and are positive role models for anyone intro travel.

Their passion for travel, and for their online blogs is catching. To be honest it wasn’t necessarily my intention to have 10 travel bloggers on, but the first series has just ended up like that.

Travel bloggers are kinda getting a bad rep at the moment, but seriously they work HARD.

Some of their travels are now subsidised from working with travel companies on campaigns, but all of them paid for their own travels to get to that point.

Affording to travel

I know that money is another factor that stops women from travelling. That guilt that we should be saving for something else, for our futures.

But it depends on how you travel. There are many projects to join.

I’ve actually just updated my guide to Workaway on my blog. Workaway is brilliant and there are so many projects all around the world. You can browse, sign up, and apply to join. Honestly, they’re incredible, from skiing to olive picking to maintenance, childcare and animal care. I spent a summer with my ex painting villas, mowing lawns, gardening and hacking up drives with a pick axe in Europe a few summers ago. But if I was to do it again I’d definitely set my sights a bit higher working on sailing boats and up in the mountains.

There are many other sites and projects like this too.

And you don’t just have to go and volunteer to travel for cheap. Travel and stay in hostels, in spare rooms on AirBnb, camp like Kathi did – wild camp and it’s free.

I once wrote an article for my last employer, gapyear.com, and said:

‘Those who say travel is too expensive have no imagination’

I still totally stand by that.

I’ve done some COOL stuff – and until about four years ago I paid for it all myself. My parents paid for holidays to Cornwall, Devon, camping in France, Euro Disney once and a school holiday to Turkey, and that was me, until I was 17. And then it was down to me to pay for my travels.

Those holidays were brilliant, but I’m just telling you because I didn’t have fancy holidays when I was younger and I appreciate them so much now. Although nothing will beat River Dart Country Park in Devon, where I spend many holidays.

Saving is hard, I know. I managed to save for a house by myself . You have to be strict and work out what’s really important to you, and what you can skip.

Video from my first year of solo travelling

Check out my YouTube for more videos from around the world 

How to save money to travel more

Work out your leg ups. I could stay with my ex’s family for a low rent when I lived in London, this was a huge leg up for me, but for three years I lived with my boyfriend, his mum and grandma. Obviously that has limitations for a 20-something living in London, but I knew it would help in the long run.

I also started a side hustle, my blog. Any time spent working on that was time I wasn’t out and about in London, spending money. It was a great way to channel my creativity and to learn more about my work. Eventually, after time, I started making money with it but that wasn’t the intention from the start.

I once read that you should have three hobbies.

“One to make you money, one to keep you in shape, and one to be creative.”

I’ve never been afraid of hard work. Even when I was younger and went to Australia at 21 I made that money by having about three jobs at uni, while my housemates sat around without any. I labelled envelopes, did data entry, and worked at a pub. I didn’t buy clothes. And the fact I worked at a pub meant I missed all the pre-drinking of a night out, I’d just have fun with my workmates, and then we’d go straight to a club after. I loved those days.

READ MORE: How I’ve Afforded to Travel so Much: in Short

How to get money for travel

If you can’t afford travel there are three options:

1. Lower your expectations – go wild camping, go hiking, stay in hostels, travel locally, look at volunteering, or sharing services – bet there’s a website to help you hike or get places. Look out for deals. I’ve definitely seen Megabus do deals to Europe for a few quid for example.

2. Spend less – you absolutely have to look at your expenditure and cut it down. Whether it’s living costs, food, drink, clothes, nights out, presents, phone contracts, gym – whatever.

3. Make more – work more hours, work towards a payrise, set up a side hustle – look on something like Upwork and see what others are getting paid a lot for and assess your skills. You could do some online tutoring, or just Marie Kondo your house and sell all your stuff you don’t use.

And that’s it. 

Thanks for listening, and for reading. I hope you’ll join me again in October for another series of So She Travels! 

Related Posts:

• 6 Best Travel Podcasts by Women
• How to Start a Travel Podcast in 28 Clear Steps
• Beginner’s Essential Guide to Travelling Alone, Safely
• Solo Travel is a Feminist Issue
• How Much Does it Cost to Be a Travel Blogger?
• 27 Tips for Your First Time Travelling Alone

Hi, I'm Vicky! I wrote this. You can find me on all the social media @VickyFlipFlop. I love a bit of adventure, will try anything once, and have a strong passion for the local food and drink, whatever it may be. I'm here to help inspire you to travel to places a little out of your comfort zone, or at least to explore the usual destinations in a different way. Stay, have a look around, and if you have any questions – let me know below.

This sounds so awesome, I can’t wait to listen! 😀 Subscribing right now…

Ah yay, thanks Rebecca. Excited to launch tomorrow!

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15 Best Travel Podcasts to Listen to Right Now

These travel podcasts will both inform and inspire.

Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel.

There’s a lot to know about travel, from finding the best-priced plane tickets to packing like a pro to optimizing every vacation day . But with busy schedules, it can be hard to find time to stay updated on the ins and outs of everything. That’s where podcasts come in. With the help of a good travel podcast, you can nail down those travel hacks, discover your next destination, or daydream about future trips, whether you tune in while doing household chores, driving in the car, or even during an evening jog.

In addition to providing helpful tips and advice, these travel podcasts will transport you away from your current reality to a world of exploration and adventure. You’ll hear from people who quit their jobs to explore the world full-time and other inspiring individuals who are breaking barriers and stereotypes when it comes to travel. We’ve done the research and found the best travel podcasts, so all you have to do is subscribe and get ready to be inspired.

Lost Cultures: Living Legacies

Travel + Leisure ’s podcast, Lost Cultures: Living Legacies , explores what happens to a place when the cultures within it change over time. This season, we're spotlighting destinations that have experienced significant cultural shifts, and how people are preserving their time-honored traditions to ensure their culture lives on for generations to come. Through conversations with archeologists, academics, artists, and local members of the communities, we recount the evolution of enduring cultures, including the Ainu in Japan, the Maya in Mexico, the Tongva in California, the Nubians in Egypt, and more. New episodes drop every Wednesday .

The Travel Diaries

Join journalist Holly Rubenstein every week for a new episode of The Travel Diaries , an interview series podcast that highlights a special guest and their unique adventures around the globe. In each episode, guests also share more about their favorite travel destinations to inspire your wanderlust, too.

Out Travel the System

Planning a complicated trip? Booking a short weekend jaunt? Either way, let host Nisreene Atassi help you navigate it all in Expedia’s podcast, Out Travel the System , which offers tips and tricks for all aspects of travel. And we mean all — each episode dives deep into a topic, from the intersection of travel and astrology to the best time to book a vacation.

Head out with journalist Brendan Francis Newnam as he explores the world and hopes to get invited to strangers' homes for dinner in each location in the podcast Not Lost . What makes this series so special is it not only looks at visitors who love to travel to new destinations, but it also spotlights the locals who make those places so special.

Extra Pack of Peanuts

Buying plane tickets with miles, never checking a bag, and yes, squirreling away an extra pack of peanuts is part of traveling on a budget. If you love to save a buck (and really, who doesn’t?), tune into Extra Pack of Peanuts , where Travis Sherry interviews nomads, bloggers, and entrepreneurs who will inspire you to set out on your own affordable adventures.

Wild Ideas Worth Living

This REI podcast is hosted by journalist Shelby Stanger and features conversations with people who opted to take the path less traveled and managed to bring their wildest ideas, goals, and passions to life. On Wild Ideas Worth Living , you’ll hear from athletes like Alex Honnold, environmentalists like Helen Lowman, and everyone in between.

Zero to Travel

In this podcast , Jason Moore and his interviewees dig into the big questions surrounding travel — why we do it, how we can do it better — and some of the feelings it can bring up. In each episode, listeners will hear actionable advice to help them travel better and smarter.

Amateur Traveler

If you have a specific destination in mind, this is the podcast for you. In each episode, host Chris Christensen will guide you through a destination, providing a one-week itinerary of what to see, do, and eat. Thanks to the podcast’s longevity (it started in 2005), Amateur Traveler has mor ethan 600 episodes and destinations waiting to be discovered.

Travel With Rick Steves

Rick Steves is often thought to be the godfather of travel. The American travel writer, author, and television personality has extensively covered worldwide travel, encouraging devotees to explore less touristy destinations in order to experience a country’s true culture. In this weekly podcast , Rick chats with guest experts and callers about culture, people, and all things travel.

Looking for a hefty dose of inspiration? Well, that’s Jackie Nourse’s specialty. The active, adventure-loving host is all about motivating her listeners to get out and see the world. You’ll get plenty of travel advice and are practically guaranteed to finish each episode inspired — and one step closer to taking the leap.

Indie Travel Podcast

This podcast is all about giving listeners boots-on-the-ground advice and information. From how to choose your next travel destination to what to pack in your carry-on, your hosts, Craig and Linda, have you covered.

The Thoughtful Travel Podcast

There’s nothing like a well-told travel story. Tuning into The Thoughtful Travel Podcast feels like sitting in a room of well-traveled friends as they recount their funniest and hairiest travel stories. Host Amanda Kendle interviews her fellow travel addicts about their experiences and digs up some of their best stories.

Flight of Fancy

Travel journalist Ben Groundwater guides listeners through the world of travel in his podcast Flight of Fancy . In each episode, he interviews travel professionals and offers helpful tips, like how to travel without ruining the world and what to do when something goes wrong.

The Offbeat Life

If you’ve ever fantasized about leaving your nine-to-five and living life on the road, you’ll probably want to listen to this podcast . Host Debbie Arcangeles keeps listeners inspired with interviews with other travelers who’ve figured out how to make a living while traveling the world.

Armchair Explorer

Let travel writer Aaron Millar tell you a story with the Armchair Explorer podcast. Every episode is told in documentary style, set to music, and complete with cinematic effects to truly immerse the listener in the travel experience. Expect action and thrills in every episode.

9 travel podcasts guaranteed to spark your wanderlust

Even if your next trip isn't on the immediate horizon, it doesn't mean you can't keep the wanderlust alive.

Travel podcasts are a great way to develop your travel expertise and satisfy your cravings for adventure no matter where in the world you are. Hopefully, you're home, as health officials say the fastest way to halt the spread of the novel coronavirus and return to normalcy is to stop coming in contact with others.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter .

To hold you over until we can all travel again, we rounded up some of our favorite travel podcasts, so you can plug in any time and get your fix of travel advice and inspiration from industry experts and adventurers.

You can also catch up on TPG's own travel podcasts, including Talking Points and Miles Away , hosted by Brian Kelly and Zach Honig, respectively.

If you're finding yourself listening to way more podcasts than usual, consider upgrading to a premium version of your favorite streaming service.

Related: The best credit cards for streaming services

Just remember to use a credit card that will help you get the most value from your purchase, whether you listen on Spotify, Apple Music, SiriusXM, Pandora or another provider.

Women Who Travel

The women of Condé Nast Traveler host this weekly podcast and discuss topics around the female travel experience . Expect plenty of tips, interviews and lively debates — ranging from the safest places for women to travel , to how women are changing the travel industry. They'll even answer some of your most frequently asked travel questions .

Season Pass

For travelers itching for an adrenaline rush , you're in luck: The Season Pass podcast will teach you everything there is to know about theme park travel. Join theme park enthusiasts from around the world, as well as industry experts Dough Barnes, Brent Young and Robert Coker, as they review different rides, parks and offer plenty of insights to help you have your best vacation ever.

Indie Travel Podcast

Ever think about quitting your job and just hitting the road ? Well, that's what Craig and Linda did all the way back in 2006. Tune in to their podcast to hear about their adventures, as well as their tips and tricks for living (and working) around the globe. Who knows? You may pick up on a tip or two that inspires you to do the same.

Anthony Bourdain's legacy lives on in "The Trip" podcast, where his partners explore destinations around the world through drinking. Here, you'll be whisked away to faraway lands, from Oaxaca to the Himalayas, as host Nathan Thornburgh connects the dots between people, food, drinks and travel. New episodes are out every Monday.

The Dirtbag Diaries

The Dirtbag Diaries surfaces "sometimes serious, often humorous" stories from wild places around the globe. Fitz Cahall, a full-time outdoor enthusiast, started it over 10 years ago — in fact, episodes date all the way back to 2007! Tune in to hear stories about living the adventure lifestyle and exploring the great outdoors .

Related: 8 ways to travel the world without leaving your sofa

Overheard at National Geographic

This podcast from National Geographic will take you on an adventure to the corners of the earth. Discover the world's magic by taking a trip back in time — from the Pyramids in Egypt to the graffiti at Pompeii. Our advice? Grab a blanket and cozy up on the couch . This is one podcast you're not going to be able to turn off.

Airplane Mode

Though it only ran for one season, we loved Airplane Mode. The podcast was started by the founders of suitcase brand Away , and explored what motivates people to travel. From navigating the road to becoming an expat — and even how to find love while traveling — you'll discover an abundance of inspiring stores that will motivate you to hit the road.

Travel with Rick Steves

This hour-long weekly podcast won't fully satisfy your wanderlust, but it's might just be the next best thing. Rick Steves is a host and writer of over 100 public television travel shows and author of 30 best-selling guidebooks, and he'll take you on a journey around the world — through your headphones or speakers, that is. Each week, he brings in experts to discuss travel , and the cultures, people and things that give it meaning.

Travel Genius

This is the podcast all of your savviest travel friends listen to. After each episode, you'll leave with a tip or trick to help enhance your travel experience . Think: How to get a better seat or discover the best local restaurants. It's a must-listen if you're looking to upgrade your travel game.

Additional reporting by Samantha Rosen.

10 fantastic travel podcasts to whisk you away

Dec 2, 2020 • 7 min read

Travel podcasts can inform and inspire © Carol Yepes / Getty Images

Travel is off the cards for the moment, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t invest some time in learning about new places, dreaming about future trips or even planning those bucket list adventures. With that in mind, Lonely Planet has rounded up some of the most informative and inspiring podcasts on all things travel that will be sure to help.

Listening to a podcast can be great entertaining or educational distraction while at home. Here are some of the best travel-themed ones we've found.

The Trip That Changed Me

Featuring conversations and interviews with people whose lives were quite literally changed by travel, The Trip That Changed Me covers everything from the beginnings of long-term romances to the foundation of businesses, and includes authors, entrepreneurs, creatives and activists.

“For many of us, travel provides more than just respite from the daily grind: it gives us the headspace to problem-solve, leaves us open to connection and serendipity, and reinvigorates us creatively – spawning new ideas and businesses,” host Esme Benjamin told Lonely Planet. “Our guests will draw you in with captivating personal stories while painting a sensorial picture of the place that changed their world. During these monotonous indoor days, I hope the podcast will allow listeners to travel vicariously and dream about the amazing experiences they’ll have when we emerge from this thing.”

A stand out episode features New York Times bestselling author and anonymous poet Atticus, who discusses how a chance meeting with actor Michael Madsen and a trip to Paris led to him writing his first ever poem.

North Americana

Focusing on the shared history between Americans and Canadians, North Americana features an array of fascinating storytellers and expert guests. Joined by award-winning writers and journalists, host Liz Beatty dives into the connections between the US and Canada through intriguing stories and characters.

Episodes run the gamut from the surprising origin of Rosie the Riveter (hint: she was Canadian) to the story of the American dissidents of "Resisterville" in British Columbia. Our favorite episode, " How Did Siberian Reindeer Get to Canada's Arctic? ," features Lonely Planet editor Alexander Howard recounting the epic tale of how a herd of reindeer were driven 1500 miles from Alaska to Canada's Northwest Territories in the 1930s.

Out Travel The System

Online travel agency Expedia entered the podcasting game in 2019 with " Out Travel The System ." Host Nisreene Atassi chats with industry experts and insiders, as well as regular travelers to reveal smart insights about travel, like how to avoid crowds and score the best deals.

An episode from November called "A Trip Down Food Travel Memory Lane" is a delectable examination of how the food we eat while traveling has a powerful impact on how we remember our trips. Nisreene is joined by Top Chef-alum and Food & Wine Magazine Editor-in-Chief Nilou Motamed to talk about re-living big travel memories by cooking destination-inspired food at home.

Women Who Travel

Condé Nast Traveler editors Lale Arikoglu and Meredith Carey focus on the realities of traveling as a female today in a thoughtful, compelling and engaging way. Within the podcast is the How I Became series, which includes episodes like “How I Became a Photojournalist with Lynsey Addario” , while other episodes tackle interesting subject matter like how travel can teach us to love our bodies, and how to make the most of family vacations. 

An episode from October 2019 called "Why We Need to Slow Down When We Travel"  is a timely reminder about appreciating the simple joys of the French art of flaneuring;  wandering without intention or destination.

The Travel Diaries

This weekly interview series sees entertainment and travel journalist Holly Rubenstein chatting to a special guest about their adventures around the world and the travel experiences and destinations that shaped their lives. Previous guests have included Poppy Delevingne, Jo Malone, Dan Snow, Dev Patel and Sir Richard Branson.

The perfect place to start is the episode featuring an interview with Lonely Planet founder Tony Wheeler about how the company got started back in the 1970s.

Zero to Travel

While traveling and living nomadically for over a decade, Zero to Travel ’s Jason Moore was continually amazed and inspired by people from all walks of life who found a way to see the world despite personal obstacles. He felt that sharing their stories and advice would be a good way to help others achieve their travel dreams, so in 2013 his podcast was born.

“ Zero To Travel is a community-powered show that exists to help people travel the world on their own terms. Listeners tell me that the show makes their ‘crazy’ ideas seem normal,” Jason said. With over 6 million downloads in 195 countries, the podcast has proven a hit, and Jason’s guests include a mix of bestselling authors, adventurers, creators and everyday explorers with inspiring tales to tell.

Episodes range from "How to Surround Yourself With What You Love" to "How to Overcome Travel Anxiety and Fear of Flying" . 

JUMP with Traveling Jackie

Host Traveling Jackie explores lifestyle, adventure and travel in a way that aims to inspire listeners to get out and explore the world. 

The episode "Don’t forget to pack these five things" is broken up into five categories (so 25 items in total) and has suggestions for adventure travelers (batting gloves for horseback riding, kayaking and paddle boarding, for instance), digital nomads (privacy screen and a portable charger), health-conscience people on the move (nutritional supplements) and the every-day traveler (reusable water bottles and earplugs). 

As a frequent traveler, Jackie draws on her own experiences and knowledge to inform in a conversational way. Other episode themes include "How to Become Fluent in Any Language with Polyglot Benny Lewis", "Walking the Camino de Santiago" and "How to Plan a Trip to Patagonia".

America’s National Parks Podcast

This podcast does exactly what it says on the tin; sheds light on the history and uniqueness of the US National Park system. Each destination is celebrated in an absorbing way, whether it’s the spooky ghost stories and lore of Yellowstone , the story of contributions made by Chinese Americans to Yosemite National Park , or the journal kept by Narcissa Whitman while on the Oregon Trail in the 1800s.

A good place to start is with the episode titled “ Prometheus ,” which tells the story of how one man accidentally killed the oldest tree in the world at Great Basin National Park .

Flight of Fancy

Hosted by Ben Groundwater, Flight of Fancy prides itself on being fun, funny and wise, and looks at and discusses travel under a diverse range of topics. Episodes include "Things That Surprise First-Time Visitors to Antarctica" , "How to Travel Without Ruining the Planet", "Australia’s Amazing, Undisturbed, Outback" and "The Best Destinations for Solo Travelers".

“ Flight of Fancy was inspired by the desire to share the sort of experiences and knowledge that can’t always be included in traditional newspaper feature stories. The podcast is like a pub chat with travel experts – a mix of tips and anecdotes delivered in a relaxed setting,” Ben told Lonely Planet. 

The Thought Card: A Travel Finance Podcast

A podcast with the budget traveler in mind, The Thought Card offers helpful advice on how to have a great time while spending less money in diverse destinations all over the world. 

Each episode, Danielle Desir tackles a different topic, whether it’s giving “Practical Tips for Saving Money in Iceland” or “Exploring the Racial Wealth Gap”. Guests provide further insight on specialist subjects and destinations.

You might also like:

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This article was originally published on March 2020. It was updated December 2020.

This article was first published March 2020 and updated December 2020

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Podcast Review

The 7 Best Travel Podcasts

T he landscape of tourism will change in the coming decade, and I’m not just talking about Venice being underwater. Before the pandemic, back when the worst thing you could catch on a plane was food poisoning, we traveled to find connection, discover new cultures, and take out our anger on taxi drivers who sped away with our change. The appeal of travel was just as much about risk as relaxation, making it mildly concerning that many travel podcasts end after only two or three episodes.

So now you’re looking for a recommendation, a bit of local knowledge to tell you which of the countless travel podcasts are worth your time. A good travel show must do one essential thing: transport its listener to a new destination, whether that place is the Serengeti or a state park outside of Sacramento. Each podcast on this list captures, in its own way, the thrill of an adventure. By effectively adapting their formats during the pandemic, they prove there is longevity to the travel podcast format, no matter what turbulence comes their way.

You don’t have to like flying to enjoy the Layovers podcast, but it definitely helps. Centered around air travel, the show takes what might be a niche subject and turns it into an entertaining lens through which to analyze geopolitics and current affairs. Where many podcasts zoom in when exploring a topic, hosts Paul Papadimitriou and Alex Hunter zoom out, giving a broader view of the global map. For example, in a recent episode, Paul and Alex ask if we might have been in a golden age of international travel and didn’t even know it. How do we move forward in an era of infection and tighter borders? How will political tensions affect free movement? These are the sorts of questions we’re all asking, but Layovers isn’t afraid to answer.

For fans of: Being the “airport dad,” no matter your age

Pushkin has discovered a winning formula with Not Lost , a travel show hosted by podcasting veteran Brendan Francis Newnam. You may also know him from his writing for The New York Times Magazine and Saveur. After ending a long-term project (and a long-term relationship), Newman decided to do what most of us would in his situation — start a podcast. Just kidding. He actually embarked on a foodie adventure in some of the world’s best culinary destinations. The podcast, I’m sure, was just an afterthought.

Not Lost employs an effective mix of auteur direction, snappy writing, and spontaneous comedy — and that’s before you get to the heart of the show: food. A co-production of Pushkin, Topic Studios, and iHeartMedia, the show is as slick as you would expect; any sense of “rough-and-ready” adventure is purely varnish. At its core, Not Lost celebrates people, stories, and the rapidly changing world that can only be experienced through extensive travel.

For fans of: Eat Pray Love — but, like, for dudes

You Should Have Been There

You should have been there is a hidden indie gem from across the pond, with a name that pokes fun at the obvious fact that no travel podcast will ever make you feel like you were actually there, but that doesn’t mean this pair won’t try. Hosted by journalist Simon Calder and BBC producer Mick Webb, this is a show that isn’t afraid to get a little erudite about adventure, exploring an impressive range of topics, from layover-friendly airports to an entire episode dedicated to the niche subject of “psychogeography.” Walter Benjamin, anyone?

Calder and Webb have natural chemistry. Sure, the audio quality is basic, but what the show lacks in volume, it more than makes up for in clarity. The show is meticulously scripted, but that’s hardly surprising given its hosts’ experience. By combining the enthusiasm of a kindly neighbor nattering about his caravan with the delivery of professional radio presenters, You should have been there can seem a touch more of a ramble than a romp. But that’s exactly what makes it delightful. Of course, I’d love to be walking the Pyrenees with Calder and Webb, but their show does something rare: it makes me feel totally comfortable just where I am.

For fans of: Always straying off the beaten track

Abroad in Japan

Chris Broad and Pete Donaldson’s cult podcast grew from a mutual fascination with their new home. Abroad in Japan isn’t what you might expect from a travel podcast, but who said adventure only comes from fleeting visits? Living abroad is an immersive way to understand and appreciate the delights of another culture, and these British guys are ready to dive deep into all the nerdy parts of Japanese life. But Chris and Pete aren’t just any old expatriates. Chris is an award-winning filmmaker. Pete’s an accomplished broadcaster. Together, they spend their free time bringing their podcast listeners a taste of a dynamic and complex country through travel tips, current events and topical reports. Why are $75 Tamagotchis making a comeback? What is it like in the country’s worst Love Hotel? And, most importantly, how much do you tip? No, they’re not locals, but Abroad in Japan brings an outsider’s eye to a fascinating country many of us have always wanted to discover.

For fans of: E ating your ramen like a local

Join The Washington Post ’s Lillian Cunningham on a different type of travel podcast: an audio journey through America’s national parks. After a strong first season, Field Trip has earned fans for its richly drawn landscapes, with many writing that the show transports them out of their normal lives and into the wilderness. If that isn’t travel podcasting, we’d like to know what is. From White Sands to Yosemite, Cunningham makes an effort to depict conservation efforts alongside historical details, bringing a level of human interest into a show that could otherwise be called nature programming. It is yet to be seen whether Field Trip will return for a second season. So far, the show has drawn enough admiration to justify an episode for all sixty-three national parks. Throwing in a few listener stories wouldn’t go amiss either.

For fans of: Wishing you were still in the Girl Scouts. Cookie, anyone?

Greetings From Somewhere

Zach Mack is road tripping through America. From the first green light, Greetings From Somewhere has proven itself to be a slick production, blending travel narrative with investigative journalism. With flavors of Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown , Mack takes his listeners on an immersive journey through some of the country’s most engaging destinations. The first episode, “Marfa TX,” sets a high bar for the rest of the series, and it’s clear that Mack is no amateur. By detailing the town’s history and exploring its controversies, the show neatly weaves interviews with local characters into an addictive narrative.

As everyone who has read Steinbeck or Kerouac will know, life on the road has become a fixed part of America’s mythology. In his episode “The Myth of American Road Trip,” Mack deconstructs these tropes, asking us why, with so much displacement and inequality around the world, we still romanticize this lifestyle. These “detour” episodes add an extra dimension to an already multifaceted show — a real breakout star of the genre.

For fans of: Saying “Anthony Bourdain is my hero”

JUMP with Traveling Jackie

Since 2014, Jackie Nourse has been a mainstay of travel podcasting. First, she was host of the Budget Minded Traveler , a show dedicated to the noble pursuit of cheap travel. Now, Jackie has expanded her podcast to include an online community and travel programs with one clear message: if you want adventure, you have to take the jump. With her new vision comes a new name, though Jackie’s focus remains making travel affordable for those willing to plan ahead and make sacrifices.

Of course, there are more barriers to adventure than just the show’s call to action might suggest, but Jackie isn’t naive. Despite her sometimes-rambling delivery, she addresses her listeners’ concerns on topics like financial viability and safe solo travel with confident pragmatism. If you are embarking on a budget trip around the United States, JUMP will have particular appeal. With dozens of episodes on destinations including Utah, Oregon, and Southern California, the show is just the ticket for aspiring adventurers.

For fans of: Not letting little things, like being broke, hold you back

Alice   Florence   Orr  is a staff writer for  Podcast Review  and is based in Edinburgh . Her work has appeared in  Scottish Review ,  Like The Wind , and  Nomad Journal . You can connect with her on  Twitter  or  Instagram .

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Pack Your Bags and Press Play: These Are the Best Travel Podcasts Ever

Ready for a road trip? Planning your dream vacation? There's a podcast on this list just waiting to inspire and guide your travels.

If you're getting ready to plan a trip or just experiencing the pull of some serious wanderlust after the last couple years of restrictions, travel podcasts are an excellent way to get inspiration for your next adventure. No idea where to get started? Not to worry—we’ve curated a list of 20 of the best travel podcasts available to help make your next dream trip a reality.

Are you a foodie looking to take a culinary tour around the world? Love a solo trip? An outdoor adventure? A trip for business? A trip for pleasure? No matter your travel preferences, there’s a podcast here to suit each and every one of your interests. Happy listening—have fun wherever your travels take you!

Save this list to your Library Collections now.

Chronicles Abroad

Travel is more than escape and fun. It can be an opportunity for personal growth, and that growth mindset is the focus of Chronicles Abroad . Two middle-aged, single, empty nesters, hosts Nubia and Frantzces started this podcast to chat with people about what they've learned and gained from living, working, and traveling around the world. Each week, tune in to hear their conversations with global explorers, creative wanderers, and digital nomads about all kinds of incredible and inspiring experiences.

Women Who Travel | Condé Nast Traveler

Hosted by Condé Nast Traveler editors Lale Arikoglu and Meredith Carey, Women Who Travel opens a window into what it's like to be a modern woman traveling the world on her own. Episodes feature and celebrate women who step out of their comfort zone and defy society's expectations to explore food, hospitality, adventure, and travel journalism in places unfamiliar, exotic, and far from home.

Zero To Travel Podcast

Whether you're a seasoned traveler or have yet to venture beyond your hometown, Zero to Travel has practical travel advice tailored to you. This weekly podcast will help you travel the world on your terms, no matter your previous travel experiences, safely and within your budget. Host Jason Moore covers many types of travel, from crossing the country in an RV to sailing the world, with the help of a wide range of guests.

My Indian Odyssey

Join Vincent Ebrahim, star of the International Emmy and Peabody Award-winning The Kumars at No. 42 , as he explores his ancestral homeland. Over the course of eight episodes, this podcast takes you along on Ebrahim's travels across India, with stops in Mumbai, Gujarat, Delhi, Agra, West Bengal, Darjeeling, Kolkata, and the Himalayas. Along the way, he shares his adventures, from motorbiking through mountain regions to visiting the world's largest outdoor laundry to meeting the monks of the Dalai Lama's monastery, all while searching for answers about his heritage at his grandfather's birthplace. My Indian Odyssey is a deeply personal audio diary and an enthralling listen.

When you're going through a major life change, sometimes the best thing to do is pack your up bags and head out on an adventure. After his popular culture podcast and long-term relationship both came to an end, Brendan Francis Newnam saw an opportunity to follow his dreams of pursuing a travel podcast. In Not Lost , Newnam travels to new places, from Montréal to Mexico City, and learns more about them by getting invited to dinner at a local stranger's house. Heartfelt and sincere, Not Lost is a podcast as much about the people who live in a place as it is about the place itself.

As Told By Nomads

If you're curious about travel from the perspective of global entrepreneurship and international affairs, Tayo Rockson's As Told by Nomads is going to be your new favorite podcast. Every week, Rockson brings listeners the stories of nomadic individuals—technologists, artists, diversity activists, and specialists in consciousness among them—with a focus on business, culture, travel, and making a difference in the world.

Field Guide to Eating in Canada

What's most fun about traveling? For many, it's stopping to sample the signature food of every place you visit. Field Guide to Eating in Canada is all about exploring the many different culinary experiences available in one of the world's most diverse countries. Your host is food writer and cookbook author Meredith Erickson, a passionate advocate of Canadian cuisine. From celebrity chefs to family-run restaurants, Erickson covers local dishes and delights across Canada and celebrates the people who make great food.

Globetrotters Podcast

Globetrotters Podcast is a podcast for travelers by travelers. This bi-weekly podcast, created and co-hosted by Jonathan Otero, Saskia Hatvany, and Maximille Gonzales, covers everything you might want to know about traveling basically anywhere—from Thailand's secret Monkey City to the Ukraine—featuring a wide variety of fascinating and travel-savvy guests.

The Offbeat Life - Be Free. Work From Anywhere

Maybe, like more and more people, you're loving working from home. But why stop there? What if you could work remotely from anywhere? If becoming totally Location Independent sounds like a dream, The Offbeat Life is a must-listen. Host Debbie Arcangeles interviews digital nomads and remote entrepreneurs about finding their purpose, creating income from their passions, freeing up their life, overcoming setbacks, and more, plus practical stuff, like negotiating AirBnB stays. So, stop dreaming, and start listening to this podcast.

Twisted Travel and True Crime

If you’re obsessed with all things travel and all things true crime, here's the to-die-for podcast for you. Twisted Travel & True Crime combines the two in a way that's utterly gripping. Each week, host Sandi Allen will tell you a true crime story that intersects with a wild travel tale. She provides historical and cultural context to help you better understand the place where the terrible event, from a mysterious disappearance to murder, happened, as well as the victims and the perpetrator.

The Travel Podcast

The Travel Podcast is hosted by a team of experts who love travel just as much as you do. Listen in to get insight, ideas, and advice about where to travel next and what to do while you’re there. Plus, you can expect to hear regular roundups covering what's trending, places you may want to avoid, the top travel news, and great travel tips and possibilities you might not have even considered.

Wanderlust: Off the page

Join the travel experts at Wanderlust magazine as they take you on a sensory journey through some of the world's greatest travel destinations. Canoe through the Mississippi, explore Vietnam by rail, take a 2,800-mile trek across the entire length of Morocco, and much more. Stuck at home but still yearning for adventure? Wanderlust: Off the Page will give you an opportunity to explore the world from the comfort of your couch.

The Travel Diaries

Each week on The Travel Diaries , journalist Holly Rubenstein interviews an exceptional guest—for example, stage and screen legend Miriam Margolyes—about their travel experiences and adventures across the world. The discussions with diverse famous travelers all have one thing in common. On this podcast, you'll be transported to places around the world through the seven chapters of each guest's life's travel diaries—from their earliest childhood travel memory and the first place they fell in love with to their favorite hidden gem and the place at the top of their bucket list.

Armchair Explorer

Explore the world while never leaving your recliner with Armchair Explorer , a podcast the Sunday Times calls thrilling stuff. Every month, get treated to an exciting journey as intrepid travel writers tell stories of their adventures in places from the Andes to the Amazon, from the mountains of Kyrgyzstan to Easter Island. Each episode is cut documentary-style, complete with music and cinematic effects, to create an immersive storytelling experience.

JUMP with Traveling Jackie

Consider JUMP your personal invitation to go on an adventure. Join host Jackie Nourse, also known as “Traveling Jackie,” through a mix of guest interviews and anecdotes, solo episodes, and raw personal accounts of her travel experiences, from spending a week hiking on Italy's Amalfi Coast to leading a group trip in Croatia. If you dream of traveling, this podcast is dedicated to motivating you to take a leap and see the world for yourself.

Beach Too Sandy, Water Too Wet

Traveling is great fun, right? Well, not always, and not for everyone. On the comedy podcast Beach Too Sandy, Water Too Wet , listen in as hosts Xandy and Christine Schiefer perform dramatic readings of one-star reviews written by real people with some, uh, not-so-real problems. Wherever you're planning to explore, don't do it before listening to these hilarious reviews! From Michelin Star restaurants to cat cafes, this podcast talks you through the delightfully bad reviews of anywhere you'd like to go (or not).

Travel Goals Podcast

Looking to have more exciting travel adventures? Want to travel smarter and cheaper? Travel Goals is a podcast that's going to help you travel better and more purposefully. With the help of intrepid travel journalist Portia Jones, you'll learn everything you need to know about actionable travel hacks and travel inspiration. Jones chats with top travel experts to bring you in-depth discussions about all of the latest travel trends. The podcast also includes on-location episodes in a wide range of exciting destinations.

The First Mile

The First Mile is hosted by Ash Bhardwaj and Pip Stewart, two travel journalists dedicated to bringing you untold stories from the world of adventure. This podcast navigates the ups and downs of world traveling. Renowned experts answer questions about how they got into travel writing, planned remote expeditions, and living a life of adventure. Previous guests include author Monisha Rajesh, explorer Levison Wood, filmmaker Reza Pakravan, and travel writer Leon McCarron. Dispatches have come from Annapurna, Nepal, and Whanganui, New Zealand, among a myriad of exciting locales.

Where to Go

Discover the world from both a local and a traveler's perspective with this podcast. Where to Go is brought to you by the team behind the award-winning DK Eyewitness travel guides. Each fortnight, tune in as hosts James Atkinson and Lucy Richards chat with local experts about the places they have chosen to call their home, from the Caribbean Island of Jamaica to on site at London's Kew Gardens), including their personal connections to their home, what makes it so special, and the best things for visitors to see and do. Atkinson and Richards also invite some very special guests to chat about their favorite travel destinations and travel advice.

The Big Travel Podcast

The Big Travel Podcast explores life-stories in travel. Listen in as celebrities, authors, athletes, politicians, television personalities, musicians, actors, soldiers, activists, adventurers, and everyday people from all over the world take you through their life's traveling adventures. Along the way, you'll laugh, cry, and cringe. But through it all, you'll grow a deeper appreciation and love for traveling.

Maejor Frequency

One of these things is not like the others, and in this case, that's a very good thing. Not a travel podcast per se, this groundbreaking audio experience from renowned music producer and performer Maejor offers a globe-hopping tour of healing sounds around the world. From Machu Picchu, Japan, and Jamaica to California, Detroit, and Atlanta, each episode of this ambitious podcast offers a profound journey through specific frequencies to discover and connect to a higher sense of well-being. Whether you want inspiration for your next trip or just want to turn your customary dog walk or morning commute into a trip for all the senses, Maejor Frequency is a fascinating deep dive into the surprising benefits of intentional frequency.

Buckle Up and Listen In to the Best Podcasts for Road Trips

On the road and in need of a good podcast? Look no further. Here are the best podcasts for road trips.

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The 10 Best Travel Podcasts

Adele Chapin

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Need a break from true crime or news podcasts? How about taking a virtual escape instead? Here are 10 of the best podcasts devoted to travel, whether you’re looking to find your next vacation destination, save some money on the road, or live vicariously through someone else’s trip. All you have to do is put on your headphones and start exploring the wide world with these audio series. 

Best Podcast for Disney and Universal Travel: Very Amusing

Carlye Wisel might have the coolest day job: she’s an amusement park journalist. Follow along with her podcast “Very Amusing” as she travels to Disneyland Paris, talks to the pros who build rides and rollercoasters, and obsesses over the tiniest details about the Happiest Place on Earth.   

Best Podcast for Travel Points: Miles to Memories

Whether you’re a seasoned pro at racking up airline miles or you want to figure out the best credit card for travel deals, you’ll want to listen in to the “Miles to Memories.” The podcast airs weekly to discuss the best deals and strategies for loyalty rewards programs.

Best Podcast for the Golden State: California Now

California dreaming about your next vacation? The “California Now” podcast is hosted by  Soterios Johnson, a former NPR Morning Edition host in NYC who made the move out west and now interviews Californians about their state’s food, history, landscape, and more.   

12 Popular Podcasts to Discover Right Now

Best Podcast for Meaningful Vacations: Thoughtful Travel

Amanda Kendle talks about cool trips on “Thoughtful Travel,” but she gets into the deeper reasons why we want to leave our homes and experience new cultures. Tune in for episodes on topics like responsible animal tourism, how to meet locals, and traveling with kids.

Best Podcast to Feel Like You’re There: Field Recordings

If you can’t travel right now, “Field Recordings” lets you drop in on destinations virtually to hear what it sounds like in spots all over the globe. This podcast is a collection of recordings that illustrate what it sounds like when toads sing in Utah’s Canyonlands National Park or a thunderstorm hits in the Congo basin, for example.

Best Podcast for Inclusive Travel: Let’s Go Together

The “Let’s Go Together” podcast from Travel + Leisure is hosted by Kellee Edwards and focuses on showcasing diverse voices in the travel world. Recent episodes include chats with globetrotting single moms, Marriott executives, and an adventure traveler who has climbed Machu Picchu while in a wheelchair.  

10 Best Podcasts for Kids and Families

Best Podcast for Female Travelers: Women Who Travel

The “Women Who Travel” podcast from Condé Nast Traveler will make you want to plan a trip with your best female friends. Episode topics include advice on how to save money for travel, answering practical travel tips, or interviewing female authors about their favorite vacations.

Best Podcast for Fitness Vacations: Active Travel Adventures

If you’re not one for laying around by the pool on vacation, the “Active Travel Adventures” chronicles trips devoted to hiking, biking, and paddling—whether that’s in Iceland, Nepal, or Costa Rica. It’s not just for Olympic athletes, either. Host Kit Parks is in her sixties, albeit quite fit, and she only picks activities she could do as well. 

Best Podcast to Find a Destination: Amateur Traveler

Since 2005, the “Amateur Traveler” podcast has zeroed in on different places across the globe to travel to on your next vacation, talking to locals and travelers about why this city or landmark is worth your precious PTO. Listen to episodes on destinations like Benin, Turkmenistan, or Virginia’s Blue Ridge Parkway, and you are bound to broaden your travel horizons. 

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Best Podcast for Curious Travelers: Overheard at National Geographic

If you wish you could give it all up and become a photographer for National Geographic magazine, you’ll want to tune into “Overheard at National Geographic.” Each episode digs into a different fascinating topic, like tracking cheetah smugglers in Somaliland or peering into the darker corners of the drug war in Manila.

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We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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Best Travel Podcasts for Women Who Love to Explore

Cepee tabibian.

• March 22, 2018

Since discovering podcasts in 2012, I have become a huge fan. Not only have they entertained me for hours on end, but they have also enhanced my life.

I can listen to episodes for hours, in various locations, at my own convenience; a few episodes here and there make for a better trip while in the car, on the subway or a plane, cooking a meal or just walking around the city. They motivate me, open my mind, and connect me with my tribe.

If you’re not sure what a podcast is, keep reading, we’ve got you covered! There are thousands of podcasts out there covering every topic and interest you can imagine.

We’ve even got our own She Hit Refresh Podcast ! Started in January 2019, our podcast is an extension of our Facebook group for women over 30 who want to change their lives through travel. Come get inspired and hear from other women who have hit refresh. We’ve also got tips and advice on how to finally break free from routine and start a life of travel!

In addition to the She Hit Refresh podcast I have quite a few favorites that are perfect for our  community: women-run podcasts that focus on change, travel, and female empowerment. Hit play on any of these female podcasts so that you too can find more travel podcasts for women who love to explore.

What is a podcast?

A podcast is a downloadable audio broadcast that lives on the internet. It’s talk radio you can listen to in episode format whenever you want on almost any topic. A podcast generally has one or more hosts and releases new episodes weekly or biweekly, often featuring a different guest. Some are made by professionals and others by amateurs.

How do I listen to a podcast?

For non-iPhone users, there are plenty of other ways to listen. Many Android users use the app  Stitcher . Other popular apps include  Overcast  or  Pocket Casts . 

Where are the best travel podcasts for women?

Call me biased, but I think a great place to start is with our very own podcast, She Hit Refresh! Our podcast is for women age 30 an over who want to break free from a life of routine and start a life of travel! If you’ve always wanted to live abroad or quite your job to travel long term this is the podcast for you. You’ll find personal stories of women who have done it as well as discussions on a range of topics: budgeting your trip, mental health, mid-life crisis, how to find remote work, and more!

Listen to the She Hit Refresh podcast on Apple Podcasts , join the Facebook community and follow She Hit Refresh on Instagram . 

Workationing

Kari is the owner of digital PR agency  The Content Factory , and has worked hard to achieve a location independent lifestyle. Kelly, a digital strategist, is her friend and co-worker. In 2017, these hilarious “ladies in their mid-to-late 27s” ( aka 30-somethings)  decided to pack up their lives and leave the U.S. to hit the road for 12 months. Their podcast documents workationing around the world—the good, the bad, the hilarious, and sometimes dangerous situations they’ve experienced.

You can listen to the  Workationing Podcast on iTunes , and follow them on  Facebook  and Instagram.

Good episodes to start with:  Let’s Become Digital Nomads ,  Where We Went Wrong (and Right) – Lessons Learned on the Road , and  Harsh Truths from Your Gringas .

She Explores Podcast

You can listen to the  She Explores Podcast on iTunes , and follow them on  Facebook ,  Instagram.

Good episodes to start with:  50 Plus ,  No Straight Paths: Erin Outdoors , and  A Moment of Growth .

Women on the Road

The podcast in their own words:

“Life on the road from the feminine perspective. In partnership with She Explores, Laura Hughes will bring you closer to some of the honest experiences that life on the road has to offer from the perspective of women who’ve lived it firsthand, all while learning the ropes herself in a  Ford Transit Van . Find out what life is like when the road becomes your home.”

Listen to the  Women on the Road Podcast on iTunes .

Good episodes to start with:  Success, My Son, and Escaping the Boxed Life ,  Death Dialogue , and  Weekend Warrior: An Integrated Life .

The Offbeat Life

Her background in journalism and warm personality allows for fascinating interviews that get to the core of life-changing moments, setbacks, struggles, and how her guests fuse passion and income through  remote work . She already has over 40 episodes under her belt including an interview with yours truly where I talk about  hitting refresh after 30 to start a life of travel . Be sure to check out the extended interview where I provide tips on how to create a successful Facebook group too.

Listen to  The Offbeat Life on iTunes   and follow Debbie on  Facebook  and  Instagram .

Good episodes to start with:  My Story So Far with Debbie Arcangeles ,  How to Go from Flat Broke to Financial Badass , and  How to Travel the World as a Solo Mom .

Women Who Travel

“Over the course of eight episodes, we’ll dissect the realities of traveling as a woman today (including the elephant in the room: where is it safe to travel?); high-five all the women shaking up the travel industry; and celebrate all the reasons why we refuse to stay home.”

Listen to  Women Who Travel Podcast on iTunes .

Good episodes to start with:  Why Travel Only Gets Better as We Get Older ,  What We’ve Learned by Traveling as Mothers ,  A Guide to Planning Your First Trip Abroad .

The Budget Minded Traveler

The Budget Minded Traveler is a  travel blog ,  podcast , and  online community  founded by  Jackie Nourse . Jackie is from the U.S. and started traveling the world in 2003. In 2015, she decided to go fully nomadic and has been on the road ever since.

Her travels have led her to “roast marshmallows in the lava of a volcano in Guatemala, study Portuguese in Brazil, hike and live in the mountains of Patagonia, sail with dolphins in Nicaragua, swim with sharks in Mexico, cave kayak in Thailand, and ski the Swiss Alps, among many, many other adventures.” She is the self-proclaimed master of living and traveling on a budget.

The podcast in her own words:

“The Budget-Minded Traveler podcast is your source for the everyday inspiration and practical tips that make international travel accessible to everyone. If you want to see the world, you can make it happen, and Traveling Jackie and her world-wandering guests will help you get there.”

Listen to  The Budget Minded Traveler on iTunes  and follow Jackie on  Facebook  and  Instagram .

Good episodes to start with:  Ask Jackie Session 6 – Apartments, Insurance, Transportation, Beer, and More ,  Getting into Travel Blogging with Jackie , and  Sell Everything, KEEP Your Job, and Move Overseas with Surviving Europe .

Chronicles Abroad

Another duo podcast that I adore is the  Chronicles Abroad . Hosted by Nubia and Frantzces, two women from Boston who met a few years ago in Washington, D.C. They both recently decided to move to Asia, separately, for their own unique adventure! Their podcast was inspired by the many people in their lives who reached out to them with questions regarding travel tips and how to live and work abroad.

Annette and I came across Nubia and Frantzces through our  online community She Hit Refresh . We had the pleasure of being guests on their podcast and had a blast; check out our episode  here . What we admire about these two intelligent, courageous, and funny women is that they are mothers; mothers who decided to chase their dreams!

You can listen to the  Chronicles Abroad Podcast on iTunes , and follow them on  Facebook  and  Instagram .

Good episodes to start with:  Nubia Finally Takes the Fearless Leap Abroad ,  Frantzces Reflects on Being Abroad for Over a Year , and  Thalassa Van Beek Quits her 9-5 Now a Full-Time Freelancer .

Thelma & Louise

Thelma & Louise is both a podcast  and an  online community  that has been going strong since 2006. Friends for 20 years,  Grace and Christine  founded the inclusive travel group. They are “a community for all women, no matter what age, interests, travel experience, online knowledge, personal goals or life situation.” Both women are from the U.K. and have decades of experience in travel.

“Each week we are bringing you a subject or an interview with a person who we think you would like to hear about, from amongst the inspirational women we meet. Tune in each week and channel some of that Thelma & Louise spirit!”

Listen to the  Thelma & Louise Podcast on iTunes  and follow them on  Facebook .

Good episodes to start with:  Lesley on Taking a Gap Year in her 50s and building a school in Nepal ,  How I gave up my office job to live and teach English in South East Asia ,  The Thelma & Louise Manifesto!

The Globetrotter Lounge

The Globetrotter Lounge is hosted by “travel hacker” Lisette Austin of  Jet Set Lisette . She’s learned how to earn millions of airline miles and hotel points and has saved over $90k in travel costs while seeing the world! I stumbled up on Lisette’s relatively new podcast and was instantly captivated by her caliber of content and guests. I feel so fortunate to have also been a guest and have the opportunity to share my own travel story on Episode 14:  Cepee Tabibian: Helping Women Over 30 Hit Refresh & Start a Life of Travel .

“Whether you are a seasoned traveler or just starting out, this podcast will inspire and motivate you – while providing helpful travel tips and resources. Join travel coach Jet Set Lisette as she has conversations with women who have found creative ways to travel more. Their stories offer insight and practical advice on how to make dream travel a reality.”

Listen to  The Globetrotter Lounge podcast on iTunes .

Good episodes to start with:  Rita Golden Gelman: Travel Lessons from a Nomadic Life ,  Beth Santos: Creating a Wanderful Community for Women Travelers ,  Iliah Grant-Altoro: Traveling Mama Redefines Motherhood .

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4 thoughts on “best travel podcasts for women who love to explore”.

Great recommendations! At the moment I’m only listening to the Women Who Travel podcast (mine was one of the questions they answered during the first season!). Lots of great ideas here to add to my podcast app.

Hi Helen, thanks for stopping by! That is so cool that they answered one of your questions. What did you ask? Hope you enjoy some of the other suggestions we have!

Great list! Would love to see The Thought Card Podcast included!

Thanks for the suggestion, Danielle. Will have to check it out!

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Women Who Travel Podcast: Mountains, and the People Who Climb Them

By CNT Editors

You can listen to our podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify each week. Follow this link if you're listening on Apple News .

Treacherous mountain ascents like Everest have long been mythologized by men. But this week, Lale chats with two women who are achieving extraordinary feats at high altitudes: Jen Peedom , an award-winning Australian film director, who makes documentaries about mountaineering, and Sasha DiGiulian , a professional rock climber who went from winning indoor competitions to going on treacherous outdoor climbs. DiGiulian has accomplished 28 First Female Ascents around the world, including a First Female Ascent on the North Face of the Eiger, the highest wall of the Alps.

Lale Arikoglu: Hello, I'm Lale Arikoglu and welcome to another episode of Women Who Travel . Today, I'm talking to two outdoors people about their relationship with nature, physical challenges, and their search for adventure. They're women who climb and tackle a sense that were long the preserve of men.

Jen Peedom is an Australian film director who makes documentaries about mountaineering. And relatively early on in her career, she chose to make a film about Mount Everest.

Jen Peedom: I was the only woman. There were very few women climbing on Everest expeditions at that point. Maybe there would be one in an expedition of 20 or 30 people. I think on that first one, I was the only woman.

LA: And Sasha DiGiulian, a professional rock climber who went from winning indoor competitions all over the world, to going on treacherous outdoor climbs that even require her to camp out on cliff faces. And full disclosure, she's also engaged to my good friend.

Sasha DiGiulian: Something that motivates me as a professional climber is going after these, kind of like benchmark achievements within my sport and seeing if I could be the first human or the first woman to accomplish something that is physically very challenging. I love visiting new countries. My career at this point has taken me to over 50 different countries around the world. And I love learning about just like, new places to visit through the expeditions that take me there.

LA: But first, how Jen Peedom stumbled into adventure filmmaking.

JP: I grew up in, in Canberra, in Australia, so, um, the capital. It's a sort of relatively small town surrounded by a lot of nature. And my parents took us out to, you know, all of our holidays were camping and trekking and, and all of that kind of thing. So, I sort of learned, I guess, to love the, uh, outdoors. I was the youngest of three kids, so I was always the smallest. By the time I was about six, we were out and, um, back, back on camping overnight, cross country skiing up mountains.

And I think, um, there were probably times where I found it really difficult, but somehow learned that beautiful lesson that's so hard to learn unless you're thrown into an experience like that, which is that you get stronger from doing that. You, you think you can't, and then you do it anyway and you've got the choice, so you have to go and you do it.

Later, when I finished high school, I went off and I lived in like America for a year, and I traveled a lot through Latin America. I also traveled through Southeast Asia. And again, I think I was always looking for those experiences to challenge myself. And within those, there were adventures and those were the days before mobile phones. And so, we were taking different kinds of risks. Um, I was traveling sometimes alone, sometimes with friends.

A little bit later, I was living in Sydney near Bondi Beach with a bunch of, um, New Zealanders actually. And I had learned to operate a camera at this point. Um, and I was sort of not yet successful, but aspiring, let's say, documentary filmmaker and these guys used to film adventure races. So I, I got asked to be on the crew as one of the adventure racers, if you'd like. And it was that that introduced me to more filming in the natural world.

LA: I'm gonna sound like a total novice, but what do you mean by adventure races? 

JP: They're these, kind of epic outdoor adventures, uh, and often they're team things. They go from sort of team building activities in the corporate world to professional adventure races where people are doing these, you know, uh, 100 kilometer runs and kayaking and cycling and rock climbing. And so, in order to be able to film these things, you needed to be f- pretty fit

and you needed to be able to kind of do all of the things that those guys were doing. So, I had to sort of learn to keep up. But it was, it was those experiences and meeting that camera crew, you know, most New Zealanders you meet in the world, they're adventurous, outdoorsy people, at least in my experience.

LA: I was gonna say that and then I was like, no, I'm like completely stereotyping an entire country. [laughs] But it's true, right?

Harrison Pierce

María Casbas

Jessica Puckett

JP: Yeah, it's true. And they're such wonderful people. And I think they do inherently have a love of, of landscape and the outdoors. I've really noticed that with my films actually traveling over there to their film festivals and they just seem to appreciate them in a really different way.

All of those Kiwis, as I call them, um, that a number of them were also mountaineers. And so, then it was that next step that took me to the mountains and they're like, "Why don't you come and try doing some camera operating in the mountains?" And so, that led me to Nepal. I was looking for a way into, you know, to get my foot in the door on documentaries to get myself credits. Um, and I was a reasonable camera operator. What I didn't know was that I happened to have a, a body that turned out it worked quite well with altitude.

And so, I then started to get offered these camera operating gigs. And so, it was kind of like that, it just sort of happened by chance that I ended up working in the Himalayas. And you know, there kind of is no more epic environment than, than the Himalayas. So, so that's sort of how my filmmaking career and my filmmaking, I guess, began in the Himalayas. And that then led me to Everest actually, camera operating on Everest expeditions.

LA: Everest and the Himalayas are obviously so, at least to me, I feel like in a lot of pop culture and in, you know, in various forms of writing and documenting, it can be quite romanticized. What did it feel like as you were discovering that you worked well in altitude and you were in this completely like, foreign wilderness, um, that most people don't get to see, and you sort of stumbled into it slightly? What was it like to absorb it all?

JP: The first time I landed up in this a- airport on this village called Lukla, which is where the, the, the planes land to the gateway of the Everest region, and got off the plane and had the backpack on, I was incredibly excited. And I was flooded with this sense of, I feel like I've been here before. I mean, you talk about the romanticism, maybe it was that. Don't know what it was, but it was this very strong feeling that I was supposed to be there. And that this is, I kind of had a connection to this place.

What it makes you feel being in that environment is it puts everything in perspective. It makes you feel small. It makes you feel humbled. And I really liked that feeling.

LA: More from Jen after the break.

The Sherpa community of Nepal has been an intrinsic part of the expedition groups that ascend Everest. Guiding elite mountaineers as they strive to meet the summit and taking huge risks to their own lives to ensure the safety of others. Jen's documentary work pays homage to the Sherpa expertise and bravery.

JP: I tried to make the heroes of the Sherpas as much as I possibly could because there was some extraordinary heroics by Sherpas. And very sadly, most of that got left on the cutting room floor in the, in the ultimate show, which I didn't have editorial control over. I was so frustrated by that typical narrative that these guys go up there and they climb Everest seemingly without any help. When in fact, you know, every tent has been put up by somebody else. The sleeping bag is being carried by somebody else, the food, the, the oxygen bottles, the ropes. Um, and I wanted to, to show how it really worked on the Everest exhibition. So, that was motivation behind that.

LA: That film, which came out in 2015, is a portrait of the Sherpa community as you just described. And a community that was impacted by a devastating avalanche on Everest, which there were, I think it was 16 lives lost, all of whom are Sherpas. Why do you think that people want to kind of look the other way when it comes to both the heroic acts and the sort of sacrifice and suffering of Sherpas and the Sherpa community on Everest? Why, why is that story still so hard to get told?

JP: I mean, I think put simply, you know, to climb Everest is, is a big deal. It takes time and training and money and all of these things. And I think when people have made the decision that they wanna do that, they don't really want anything to get in their way. And you know, I can understand that to some extent, but I think for me why that struck such a difficult chord was that comes back to what I said earlier about the environment and the way that it made me feel. And for me it always, the people in that landscape, but also the landscape itself, uh, forces you to be humble. Well, at least that's the impact it had on me.

I think base camp is a totally different scenario. You have all of these people there and it's competitive, you know. Everybody knows there's traffic jams on Everest now, you know. Everyone wants to get up there first and avoid the crowds and all of this kind of stuff. And so, there is just this kind of bubble that exists within that world that isn't of that world, um, but it's so at odds with the world. And it's so at odds with those ideas of humility and compassion. And what I saw at base camp that year was a, a real lack of humility and compassion. Um, and often there would be some feigned kind of, "We're doing it to honor the Sherpas." [laugh] And the Sherpas are like, Uh-uh. That's, that's no way to honor us."

LA: A lot of when you were filming was moments with Sherpas. There were kind of away from the sort of climbers who had paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to come and do this thing, and like, the sort of unseen or unspoken moments that were happening. Tell me a little bit more about that. Like, evenings that have like, really just stayed in your head and when you think of Everest, make you miss Everest and miss the communities that live there.

JP: Most of those special moments were away from base camp to be totally honest with you. But the, the moments at base camp that I, I do remember is, you know, in, in, because even today the sheers have their own dining tents and the foreigners have theirs. It's kind of like 1953, it's kind of really quite strange. But I would spend a lot of time in the Sherpa's tents and they would always be playing cards and, and laughing. And there would be people cooking and there was this real sense of community, which is what is very much part of Sherpa and their Buddhist culture, is, is that they all serve community and, and others rather than themselves as an individual. So, there's a totally different vibe going on in the Sherpa quarters.

There was a main character in, a Sherpa called Phurba Tashi, and I then really got to know him very well and his family. And so, a couple of years later I went back there with my young family and my kids were about six and eight at the time. And we went and, 'cause he'd had a baby and he wanted me to meet the baby. And he'd had a very difficult time following the bad Everest expedition [inaudible 00:12:37] uh, the avalanche happened. And so, it was a beautiful experience just to, to go there with my little kids, for them to spend time with his kids. And, and just spend time, and just be there without any Everest expedition going on. That was my, probably one of my best holidays ever, I would say.

LA: Jen's award-winning film Sherpa in 2015 led to another documentary Mountain, and then River . And she continues to make epic, but compassionate films about nature. After the break, world-class professional climber Sasha DiGiulian who has climbed over 30 first female ascents and she somehow manages to make it sound easy.

Sasha DiGiulian is known for climbing some of the hardest rock walls in a professional sport that's traditionally been dominated by men. Her sport requires full body strength and is often about challenging one's own fear.

SD: I've been climbing for coming up on 25 years. And it is a very male-dominated sport, but as climbing grows, so does the female contingency. When I see another woman do something that's incredibly inspiring, I feel like, "Oh, wow, I can do that because she did that." And sometimes I think that that like, even just biological difference of like, seeing a male achieve something will not necessarily inspire the same amount of confidence within me to feel like it's a relatable, achievable goal.

LA: Sasha uses her platform to encourage more women to see a place for themselves in climbing and in sports in general. And when it comes to her own career, she started it off in a climbing gym.

SD: My family didn't even know what climbing was. I got into it because my brother had a birthday party at a climbing gym when I was six in Alexandria, Virginia, and I joined their junior team program. That was kind of the way that I grew up with the sport, was starting to compete in rock climbing. At seven years old, I literally stumbled upon a youth regional championship. When I was seven, I won my category of 11 and under. And granted back in the late '90s, like climbing competitions did not have the same participation as they do today. And it's been really incredible to see over the last two decades just that expansion of the sport.

My trajectory has been starting in climbing for the junior national team winning, then the adult national championships, Pan American Championships, World Championships and kind of getting my credibility through the competition landscape. And then transitioning my career to really focus on outdoor climbing, and then into this current chapter of my career, which is like, Big Wolf and first female ascent expeditions around the world.

LA: So, you were starting on climbing walls and given you were teeny, teeny tiny when you started it, what was it like to transition to the outdoors? Did it feel scarier? Did you feel like you had less control? I, I imagine it must have been quite overwhelming to kind of suddenly just be relying on nature in a way you weren't when you were starting out.

SD: Totally. And I think that there's this huge bridge that, um, continues to need to be built with a stronger foundation of gym to outdoors because over 80% of climbers who climb inside actually don't climb outside. For me, I was pretty lucky to have this community that I grew up with within my climbing gym team program of basically like, a ragtag crew of kids from the DC Metro area that were like all into climbing. And we'd go to the um, New River Gorge and Franklin to go climbing. So, it was a pretty organized weekend camping adventure that I would go on.

But then by the time I was 16, I was traveling to Europe on my own with friends and going climbing outside. And there definitely was like, a transition period before my first expedition when I was in my early 20s to the Dolomites in Italy that was like, okay, we're gonna be exposed and in the elements for a very long period of time. And that adjustment is really intimidating because all of a sudden you realize that that super controlled atmosphere that existed within the competition sphere that I was so used to for the first like, decade and a half of my career, was suddenly like, kind of losing its foundation. I needed to rebuild a new foundation.

LA: I mean, clearly you must have liked it 'cause you kept going with it. What was that Dolomites trip like?

SD: Oh, gosh. Well, so I had been at a dinner with Reinhold Messner and he is really like, this incredibly accomplished mountaineer, and he flipped over this wine menu and he was like, "Sasha, you have to go and do this." And he was kind of mentoring me and what a really cutting edge next step for my career would be to take my skills from high-end sport climbing, which is single pitch climbing to then into more of like, an adventure scope.

LA: Wait, what's single pitch?

SD: Single pitch is generally considered like a rope length and you climb with a 60 to 80 meter rope. And you climb, maybe it's like 40 feet, maybe it's 100 feet, but then you lower back down to the ground. And what Reinhold was suggesting I do was a multi-pitch where you're climbing multiple pitches stacked on top of each other. You can be on the wall from anywhere, it's like eight hours to a week sleeping on the wall with what's called a portaledge, where you, it's basically like a little hammock that you pitch on the side of the cliff.

LA: Sasha, you just dropped in so casually that you're like, yeah, [laughs] I know you said like 8 hours to like 24. And I was like, that's insane. A whole week?

SD: Yes, because you're sleeping, you're resting, you're trying to put together, like say, this 3000 foot climb and it's really challenging. In the Dolomites, that's a lot of the climbs there, are these like, hikes into these beautiful limestone cliff faces that are typically multiple pitches stacked on top of each other. So, that was my first kind of exposure to a big wall, was to go and try and accomplish the hardest big wall achieved by a woman. I had no experience in this terrain of climbing. I also was new to understanding the role in which weather patterns and changing climate can play on the terrain that you're climbing itself.

When I go on a trip that's for a climbing purpose, I am planning an expedition where we're gonna be like, pitching our tents and living within the dirt and with the local communities, and interacting with that like, entire population that does just like, live in this remote region.

LA: What have been some of your most like, memorable encounters when you've been getting to know all these people that live in essentially kind of the middle of nowhere, right?

SD: Totally. When I was 18, one of the more memorable moments in my travels during that phase of my life, we traveled to Getu Valley, which is in the Guizhou Province. And I remember we hiked up about like, two hours to find this local population of people living basically on the top of a mountain, cultivating their own crops and livestock and everything like that. And it was really mind-blowing to me as kind of a, a young traveler before I had been to like, Shanghai and Beijing and different places within China that are really bustling cities, and then stepping out into such a remote beautiful landscape where we're walking across like, rice paddies. And there's like, the like, humidity and like, just like, thickness of the air, but it's also like, fresh and alive and lush, was really incredible. And being welcomed into people's homes and being offered meals was amazing.

LA: I have to ask what you ate. Do you remember?

SD: Oh, man, a lot. In, in this region was a lot of rice-based dishes with like, greens and squash and, um, different like, broths that would mix together. And I was with a company called Petzl, which has a large French contingency of athletes. And like, I remember us, as Americans will be like, would add spice, which is this really like, delicious chili paste that they had. And like, the whole French contingency of our trip like, avoided the spice. Um, but lots of like, different spices.

LA: [laughs] I love that. That's an amazing detail.

SD: Yeah, yeah. Um, I feel like French, um, in general, I don't wanna classify everyone, aren't as keen on spice as, um, Americans.

LA: [laughs] I know, Americans I feel like get a bad rap for like, spicy food, but I feel like Americans put hot sauce on basically everything.

SD: Yeah. I mean, we have Tex-Mex and we're, we spice things up a little bit. [laughs] This last fall, I led an expedition to this region called Picos de Europa, which is in, um, northwest region of Spain . It's an area that I had never been to, but part of what kind of spurred the motivation around the expedition was I knew the three men that had put up the first ascent of this very challenging climb. But then, it kind of spurred into building a female team and building all of the logistics of like, how we would get there and where we would camp.

LA: Climbing one of the hardest ascents in the world is an incredible achievement. It is almost 2,000 feet up a route called Rayu, and they were the first group of women to ever complete it.

SD: We ended up delaying that expedition actually six weeks due to the extreme heat wave that was passing through Western Europe last year. So, as a professional climber, I also feel very in touch with what changes are happening across the environment, and the ways in which changing weather patterns can have a really drastic effect. Um, all of the effects of the extreme heat and drought and changing levels of the integrity of the snowpack and loosening rock is something that I've noticed a lot is like, the extreme swings in weather can also affect the way in which rockfall is more increasing.

There's kind of a multitude of different ways in which climate change is negatively impacting outdoor travel and ecotourism and I guess outdoor adventure travel. It's tough because I think that we are witnessing climate change firsthand and it's a global issue.

LA: I have loved getting to know you from afar by seeing you climb on Instagram and climb on the internet. And if people want to follow along with you and get to know you better and maybe get inspired to find a local climbing wall or go outdoors themselves, um, where can they find you?

SD: Yeah. You can find me @sashadigiulian, it's just my handle across Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok. And local climbing gyms, I would say that, that they have great resources for finding ways in which you can get linked with an outfitter guide or, um, the community members that will help you bridge that gap from indoor to outdoor.

LA: Ah, fabulous. This was so great.

For the next few weeks, we are taking a break from our usual episodes to do some traveling and take advantage of the August weather, but we are not totally gone. Instead, I'll be checking in with listeners about their memorable travel stories. So, keep an eye on your feed for brand new dispatchers from around the world.

I'm Lale Arikoglu and you can find me on Instagram @lalehannah . Our engineers are Jake Lummus and Gabe Quiroga. The show is mixed by Amar Lal. Jude Kampfner from Corporation for Independent Media is our producer. See you next week.

38 of the Best Travel Podcasts For Tips and Inspiration

Last Updated on December 5, 2023

If you aren’t already listening to travel podcasts, it’s time to start! Here are 38 of the best travel podcasts to listen to for travel tips, and travel inspiration.

I have been an avid podcast listener for years. I love the audio medium because it’s just so perfect for storytelling and learning. This is exactly why in 2019, I started my own travel podcast, Curious Tourism.

If you’re looking for entertaining stories, travel tips, or to become more informed about travel-related issues, there is a podcast for you. Read on to discover the best travel podcasts, and give them a listen this year!

1. Curious Tourism

2. travel horror stories, 3. the thoughtful travel podcast, 4. rick steves over brunch, 5. blackpacking, 6. the better travel podcast, 7. extra pack of peanuts, 8. zero to travel, 9. this week in travel, 10. america’s national parks podcast, 11. the atlas obscura podcast, 12. get lost podcast, 13. active travel adventures, 14. the travel diaries, 15. nomads at the intersections, 16. travel with meaning, 17. on she goes, 18. tripping up , 19. travelogue, 20. black women travel podcast, 21. travel tales podcast, 22. the travelpulse podcast, 23. chronicles abroad, 24. out travel the system, 25. jump with traveling jackie, 26. she explores, 27. amateur traveler, 28. let’s go together, 29. the dish food & travel show, 30 like a local podcast, 31. the worst traveller, 32. armchair explorer, 33. the thought card, 34. women who travel, 35. ticket 2 anywhere, 36. the offbeat life, 37.  winging it travel podcast, 38. travel with rick steves, enjoy tuning into the best travel podcasts, 38 of the best travel podcasts to listen.

In every episode, travel blogger Erin Hynes (yes, that’s me!) talks with a new guest about topics related to responsible travel and tourism. Every episode introduces unique and underrepresented perspectives, and provides the tools and information travelers need to travel the world in a mindful way. Some of the topics covered include sustainable travel, voluntourism, what it means to have authentic travel experiences, and more. 

Start listening: Creating a New Normal Through Solo Travel

The Travel Horror Stories podcast is a comedic show that brings together travel bloggers, travel vloggers, travel writers and travel influencers as well as professionals in the travel and tourism space and everyday travellers. Host Christopher Rudder talks with guests who recount their scary, weird, silly, funny and sometimes unsettling stories from their travels. Then Christopher and the guest unpack the story to discover what they did right, what they did wrong and what they could have done differently. 

Start listening: Surviving Assault In Morocco & Why Adjusting Your Travel Expectations Is Good

I know the host of this show, Amanda Kendle, personally. In fact, I’ve had her on my podcast, Curious Tourism, twice! Amanda launched The Thoughtful Travel Podcast in March 2016. In every episode she interviews her fellow travel addicts about their travel experiences, and digs up some of their best stories. Episodes touch on interesting (and thoughtful!) topics like using foreign languages, meeting the locals, getting lost and what we learn from our travels.

Start listening: What Does Thoughtful Travel Mean?

Travel writers Stephanie Craig and Christopher Mitchell chat about episodes of the classic travel TV show, Rick Steves’ Europe. This show has a unique format that is lighthearted and fun, and it’s packed with useful travel tips, too. And in a recent episode, Rick Steves himself came on the show!

Start listening: Rick Steves on Why We Travel

Host Jarika says that Blackpacking started in May of 2019 as an audio journal to tell her own stories as a solo Black queer women traveler. Eventually, it evolved into interviewing other people of color on their experiences traveling to new countries, or traveling back to their national country. Every episode tells the stories of travel bloggers, photographers, and tour operators on why they love travel and how it has influenced their life and career.

Start listening: Black Girl Magic Tours

Host Paige McClanahan, a journalist and life long traveler, wants to help us all travel better. That’s why every week, The Better Travel Podcast delves into interesting and often complex topics related to travel. The podcast explores issues like how we can travel mindfully in an unequal world, whether tourism can encourage peace, and how we can travel more sustainably.

Start listening: What Travelers Should Know About Airbnb

Every Tuesday hosts Trav and Heather inspire wanderlust by sharing their travel knowledge and interviewing guests about theirs. They’ve interviewed a guy who went around France on a little red scooter and a guy who spent 5 years going to every country in Africa (and climbing the tallest peak in each). Plus, they share their own practical advice. This travel podcast has been around for ages, so there’s tons of episodes to catch up on!

Start listening: 5 Ways Travel Will Change Post-Pandemic

Travel expert Jason Moore will teach you how to travel the world for as long as you desire, on your terms while spending less money. Thisshow is another travel podcast staple, perfect for travel newbies, occasional travelers, and experienced globetrotters. Jason and his guests share actionable advice and key resources, and discuss topics like; starting and running an online business from anywhere, travel and work opportunities, budget travel strategies, the digital nomad life, and more.

Start listening: Tips For Travel To Europe This Summer

This Week in Travel is hosted by Gary Arndt and Jen Leo, and it’s an oldie! It started back in 2009, when podcasts were just starting to gain momentum. Listen in for a weekly roundtable discussion on travel news and the travel industry with leading travel writers, bloggers, and podcasters.

Start listening: John Argento on RVing in Europe

This podcast is all about America’s National Parks. From Denali, the tallest mountain peak, to Death Valley’s Badwater Basin, 282 feet below sea level, this story-based show takes you behind the events, people, and nature that have shaped America’s National Parks, and the 421 units managed by the National Park Service.

Start listening: Synchronous Fireflies in the Smokies

Atlas Obscura co-founder and host Dylan Thuras takes listeners on an audio journey to discover new and hidden places that could be on the other side of the world, or nearby in their own backyard. He interviews incredible people to hear the stories and history that makes places around the world so special. Ultimately, you’ll find after every episode you’ve added a new destination to your (already long) travel bucket list. 

Start listening: The Village Where Every Person’s Name Is a Song

This show tells tales of exploration and adventure from around the globe. It features notable guests, and stories covering a broad range of travel related topics. Expect to hear about mysterious regions of the world, like Dyatlov Pass, and journeys to faraway places, like the North Pole.

Start listening: The Last Incan Bridge

Kit from Active Travel Adventures aims to inspire and empower folks to live a bigger life through adventure travel. She curates multi-day world wide adventure travel for anyone who loves to hike, bike, paddle or otherwise stay active. Episodes cover everything from exploring jungle and volcanoes in Ecuador, to hiking in the Dolomites, Italy.

Start listening: Hiking the Dolomites, Italy

Every week, host Holly Rubenstein interviews different high profile travelers about the various travel chapters of their life, and how travel shaped them. They start at the guest’s earliest childhood travel memory, and touch on moments like the first place they fell in love with, their favourite destination, and what’s at the top of their bucket list.

Start listening: David Loftus, Travel & Food Photographer

Noami Grevemberg and Anas Moniqu e dig into the stories of fellow nomads, road travelers and outdoorists. They highlight the challenges, journeys and inspirations of diverse voices who often go unheard. Episodes cover topics related to diversity in the road travel community, like representation, mental health, allyship, and more. On this show, you’ll hear from underrepresented folks from the outdoor community, including BIPOC, LGBTQIA+2S, disabled, and others. 

Start listening: Reimagining Environmentalism

This show is hosted by Mike Schibel, founder of the website Travel With Meaning. Every episode features an interview with one guest, who shares the travel stories that have impacted their lives. You’ll hear from artists, entertainers, athletes, entrepreneurs, CEO’s and travel experts. 

Start listening: Jeanette Ceja

On She Goes is a travel and lifestyle podcast that’s made for women of color, by women of color. The show aims to uplift the voices of all women of color, and to encourage THEM to travel more confidently, more adventurously and more often. On the show you’ll hear a range of topics covering what it’s like to travel while Black, travel tips, representation in travel media, diversity in the outdoors, getting paid to travel, and more. 

Start listening: Hashtag Van Life

Tripping Up is a comedy travel podcast that’s all about celebrating the less talked about sides of travel. Nina Clapperton interviews guests about when things go wrong, and shares some of her own stories too. This show is full of hilarious stories, as well as helpful lessons for how to avoid the common travel mishaps that travelers are bound to encounter. 

Start listening: Katherine Parker-Magyar on Getting Detained by Homeland Security

This podcast is no longer actively releasing episodes, but it’s still worth a listen! There’s over 150 episodes that you can binge, covering travel tips like how to survive a summer of busy air travel, as well as meaningful travel related topics like the growing problem of plastic in our oceans. 

Start listening: Can You Visit Every Country in the World Without Burning Out?

Wanda Duncan started the Black Women Travel Podcast to share the stories of Black women who dreamed of travel, and made it a priority. The podcast is part of a larger community (including a Facebook group!) of bold women from around the world. Every episode shares the stories of short-term vacationers, digital nomads, and more.

Start listening: Danyel of Black Girl Songbook

Hosted by comedian and TV host Mike Siegel, this travel podcast will get you laughing. In every episode, he sits down for lighthearted chats with his friends: other comedians, actors, writers, producers, and travel professionals. They share stories that dig into the joys( and nightmares!) of travel.

Start listening: Jessica Drucker

Executive Editor Eric Bowman hosts this podcast from TravelPulse. Every episode focuses on travel news, trends, tips, and more. Eric chats with industry experts, as well as insightful guests from the travel community. 

Start listening: Social Media’s Place in Travel

Chronicles Abroad is devoted to using travel to highlight stories of personal growth. Hosts Nubia Younge and Frantzces Lys are self-proclaimed middle-aged, single, empty nesters who decided to start a podcast about living, working and traveling abroad. In every episode they spotlight the stories of courageous world travelers, creative wanderers, digital nomads, and more. Plus, they provide tips, resources and hacks for travel. This show hasn’t released new episodes since 2020, but you can still dig into their catalogue of over 150 awesome episodes!

Start listening: Shanette From The She Voyage: Self-Care Is The Best Care

In every episode of this Expedia podcast, host Nisreene Atassi swaps tips with travel experts and industry insiders, as well as regular travelers who have great travel stories to share. The show focuses on sharing travel information and ideas so you can learn how to travel better, and be inspired. 

Start listening: Unique Places and People

Hosted by blogger Jackie Nourse, JUMP Podcast is your invitation to adventure. Episodes are a mix of guest stories, solo episodes, and the occasional raw and personal account of travel. Ultimately, Jackie’s goal is to motivate you to move and get out and see the world.

Start listening: Off the Beaten Path on the Via Dinarica in Bosnia

Gale Straub hosts this outdoors focused podcast which features interviews, in-the-field recordings, and listener submissions. You’ll find a range of episodes that touch on themes like solo hiking and camping, diversity and equity in the outdoors, entrepreneurship, motherhood, and more. 

Start listening: Pregnancy and the Outdoors

The Amateur Traveler is an online travel show that focuses on travel destinations around the world, and the best places to travel to. You’ll learn important things like, what to put on your Chicago dog when you go to the Windy City, and how to go swimming with whales in Tonga.

Start listening: Sailing the Caribbean on the Windstar Star Breeze

Let’s Go Together features diverse voices sharing their unique travel experiences and inspiring others to explore the world. Some past guests include a quadriplegic who climbed Machu Picchu, the first documented Black woman to travel every country in the world, a gay couple who gave up city living for a life of exploring national parks and more.  Host Kellee Edwards is an award-winning travel expert, licensed pilot, scuba diver, television host, and world adventurer. 

Start listening: Globetrotting as a Single Mom

This show has a unique angle, it’s a culinary travel podcast that tells the stories behind world famous foods. Hosts Tommo and Megsy talk with expert guests to reveal tasty facts about popular foods from around the world, and unknown foodie secrets. Listeners can learn the histories of food and drink like cheesecake, lasagna, and apple cider. 

Start listening: History of the Vietnamese Sandwich

Hosts Katie and Stephanie interview travelers about the place that they are local too. Every interview gives listeners a local point of view, so that when they visit that destination, they have the inside scoop. To date, the show has covered over 30 destinations across the USA. Katie and Stephanie are hilarious hosts with great banter, so even if you don’t intend to visit that particular place, this show is always a fun and enlightening listen!

Start listening: Toronto, Canada with Erin Hynes . …Yes, I’ve been on this show!

Host Tom Page likes to say that he doesn’t always do things the best way, but he does them his way! The Worst Traveller is a weekly podcast of travel stories where, more often than not, there’s trouble involved. Listen in to hear Tom’s personal stories of travel mishaps, as well as stories from featured guests. 

Start listening: Walking 700 Miles Barefoot!

Aaron Millar hosts this podcast which tells the stories of the world’s greatest adventurers. Each episode is done in a documentary style set to music and cinematic effects which makes for an immersive experience! This is a unique listen because the sound design really transports you to the place being discussed. This show will inspire you to connect deeply with the outdoors, adventure, travel, and culture. 

Start listening: Rowing Solo Across the Atlantic While Recovering from Brain Surgery

Host Danielle Desir teaches listeners how to make travel a financial priority by sharing tips for paying off debt and building wealth. She shares tips on how to build the confidence to make smart financial decisions. Ultimately, listeners learn not just to save money for travel, but how to accomplish other financial goals, too!

Start listening: How I Became a Financially Savvy Traveler

This show’s slogan is “Because a woman’s place is wherever she chooses.”Conde Nast Traveler editors Lale Arikoglu and Meredith Carey talk about the realities of traveling as a woman today. They share their own experiences and ideas, and interview women from around the world who are shaking things up in food, hospitality, adventure, and travel journalism.

Start listening: How Travel Taught Me to Love My Body

Hosts Leah and Trizzy are two friends who balance a life of travel with their full-time jobs. They share tips, advice and anecdotes on how to make the most of your travels, live your life to the fullest, use all your vacation days and get the most out of your weekends. Leah and Trizzy have great energy together (you can tell they’ve been friends for ages!), and the show is also available to watch on YouTube. 

Start listening: A Life of Loving Yourself Through Travel

Host Debbie Arcangeles interviews travelers from around the world about how they ditched their conventional lives to become location independent. Guests are featured in in-depth interviews that cover how that traveler got started and eventually found success in making a living out of travel. Listen in to learn from content creators, digital nomads, and more in every episode. And watch out, this show has a habit of inspiring listeners to quit their location dependent jobs and become digital nomads instead!

Notable episode to get started with: How this personal finance expert uses travel hacking to see the world for next to nothing 

Host James Hammond has discussions with a wide range of guests about all things travel. This anecdotal, informative podcast is for backpackers, travelers, or for anyone who is interested in traveling in the future. The show has a casual vibe that makes you feel like you’re right there in the room with friends, hearing stories about their travels.

Notable episode to get started with: Traveling With Erin Hynes (yes, I’ve been on this show!)

Rick Steves hosts a weekly 1 hour discussion with guest experts and callers about travel, culture, people, and more. Rick Steves is America’s leading authority on travel to Europe and beyond. He is the host and writer of over 100 public television travel shows and author of 30 best-selling guidebooks. Now, Rick has brought his passion for exploring and understanding to the world podcasts!

Notable episode to get started with: Obscure Museums; Peloponnesian and Mythical Greece

This list includes some of my personal favourite travel podcasts. I hope that these travel shows inspire your wanderlust just like they’ve inspired mine. And if you have a recommendation for a travel podcast that isn’t mentioned in this list, tell me about it in the comments below. Happy listening!

Read more from Pina Travels:

• How to Avoid Contributing to Overtourism
• 12 Essential Sustainable Travel Tips
• Is it Time To Embrace Deep Travel?
• 10 Ways To Be a More Responsible Tourist

Like this post? Pin it!

Erin has been traveling for over a decade, both solo, and with her partner. She’s now traveled to countries across 6 continents, and has lived in 2 countries abroad. Erin also hosts the travel podcast, Curious Tourism , where she interviews travel industry thought leaders and experts about responsible tourism. Learn more about Erin, and get in touch with her, here .

20 thoughts on “38 of the Best Travel Podcasts For Tips and Inspiration”

Wonderful compilation! I’m excited to give some of these a listen. Thanks for sharing!

What a great list. I’m always looking for new podcasts. Thank you for sharing your favourites.

I’ve actually been meaning to get into travel podcasts! This list was so helpful!

I am probably one of the very few people who have not jumped on the podcast train yet, I just never knew where to begin but this makes it a lot easier. Thanks for such great suggestions.

Those look like some great podcasts. I was especially intrigued by the travel horror stories one. Let’s face it, if you have traveled, you probably have a story to contribute. Fortunately, there are more positive stories than negative ones or we wouldn’t keep doing it!

Some great travel podcasts, have to go and listen these. I think I’m going to start with The dish food & travel show.

Thank you so much for curating the best travel podcasts! Super excited for some travel inspiration and stories!

Thanks for sharing these! I’ll check them out!

I am pinning this one! great resource blog

These podcasts sound great! I’m definitely going to check yours out! Travel Horror Stories also sounds hilarious! I don’t really listen to many podcasts, certainly no travel ones, so I’m keen to check these out! Thanks for sharing this great list!

This is such a great list you’ve put together! I don’t usually listen to podcasts, but there are a few here that have caught my attention so I might start now.

Thanks for this list! I’m currently not able to travel so I’m excited to listen to some of these to get inspired for when I finally can!

Thanks for including tripping up in this list! I can’t wait to try the rest.

I was looking for a new podcast and I’m glad I found your blog. So many interesting options, saved many of them.. thank you for putting this together. ❤️

I am always on the hunt for a new podcast. You gave me so many great travel options, but I’ll start with your podcast! By the way, I love your podcast name, super cute. 🙂

Wow this list is awesome, definitely saving for refernce. I especially like the sound of ‘Zero to Travel’. Thanks for putting this together

Ok – this is awesome!!! I’ve never really listened to podcasts but I have to say this list has definitely intrigued me and I’ll have to check them out. What a great roundup! PS the name of yours is epic hahah!!!!

This is a great compilation of travel podcasts! I’m not a podcast-listener – it’s way too easy for me to tune out – but some of these look really fun and interesting.

I’ve never listened to podcasts before, but this really has me interested. I’d love to listen to your friend’s podcast (how cool!) or the national parks one!

Loved this! I have saved it and plan on starting to listen to them from tomorrow. Good company for my long runs! The question now is, which one do I start with?!

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Podcasts Worth a Listen

Women who travel podcasts.

1 Women Who Travel | Condé Nast Traveler

Condé nast traveler, 1 wondering women wandering, kat dawn cheryl, 1 dinner sos by bon appétit, bon appétit, 1 women travel: amidlife traveler, amidlife traveler, 1 in my kitchen with paula, paula mohammed, 1 wonders of the world, caroline vahrenkamp, 1 going/steady, johnna kaplan and kerri ana provost, 1 travel, pray, slay, latoya nicole b., 1 connect inspire create, carol clegg, 1 soul of travel: women's wisdom and mindful travel, christine winebrenner irick, presented by journeywoman, 1 travel chat with ashley & emily, ashley peterson and emily cooper, 1 tds inspired women in travel asia (iwta), tds inspiring women in travel asia, 1 so she travels, vickyflipflop, 1 warring dove international, warring dove international, 1 the world is her office, the digital jane, 1 marbella with him & her, pjandhannah, 1 the travel hag podcast, mindie burgoyne, 1 grown and growing podcast, sonia hamlin, 1 the globetrotter lounge, jet set lisette, 1 food and travel nation, elizabeth dougherty, 1 ladies who london, ladies who london podcast, 1 going wild with dr. rae wynn-grant, 1 wild for scotland podcast, tremula network, 1 the maverick show with matt bowles, matt bowles, 1 travel tales by afar, 1 design your joyful retirement, laurie crawford, 1 aviate with shaesta, shaesta waiz, michael wildes, 1 cafe rainy days, 1 women who walk, louise ross, 1 solo – the single person’s guide to a remarkable life, dr. peter mcgraw, 1 school of self-image, tonya leigh, 1 ageless: opening doors with amanda lamb, amanda lamb, 1 citizen femme's podcast - passport to..., citizen femme, 1 talk with audrey, audrey adams, 1 women who wander podcast, 1 equestrian adventuresses podcast | your global passport to international show jumping competitions, equestrian adventuresses, 1 miss information: a trivia podcast, miss information: a trivia podcast, 1 the exploress, kate j. armstrong, 1 inspired by herstory, kaitlyn casso, 1 colombia calling - the english voice in colombia, richard mccoll, 1 the baroness podcast, 1 shannon mullen » inspiring women series, shannon mullen, 1 tell craig your story, craig maguire, 1 trust me i'm a decorator, debbie travis and tommy smythe, 1 she's bold with beth whitman, beth whitman, 1 national park after dark, audioboom studios, 1 how plants help us understand our heritage 27:49, 1 2024-0420 food and travel nation with elizabeth dougherty 1:41:29, 1 crusader queens: the royal women of medieval outremer, part ii 29:09, 1 281: how to enhance your aliveness and presence by creating a deeper relationship with nature with dom francks 1:08:49, 1 whizz air, marmite sandwiches, and other travel tales 37:06, 1 219: the disappearance of everett ruess ft. locations unknown 1:06:53, 1 sharon hill: failing college student ends up with an mba, a job at ibm, and a passion for etiquette 21:36, 1 la sala homes marbella, ripley, john bishop, & hiking 21:40, 1 141 exploring curiosity: connecting with clients on a deeper level with angie alexander 24:18, 1 12. writing your own obituary with jamie passaro 42:53, 1 why do chain restaurants smell the same 2:56, 1 2024-0415 food and travel nation with elizabeth dougherty 1:59:12, 1 ep 168 - titus oates conspiracy - fantasy or fact 1:03:52, 1 s3e2the essence of japan: naomi's story from soccer to sake, part i 40:03, 1 episode 25: define yourself 36:27, 1 solo thoughts 14: reading, writing, and never surrendering 28:08, 1 385: how to get unstuck 17:15, 1 designing impactful travel with local experts with alexis bowen 1:06:39, 1 514: two hoteliers in colombia share their experiences...and it's not pretty 1:14:31, 1 journey to antarctica part 2 28:59, 1 66. menopause insights from an ob-gyn with dr. cheryl johnson 53:22, 1 hosting sos with michele norris 35:28, 1 280: how to live free in a dangerous world and write a decolonial memoir with shayla lawson 1:16:28, 1 aletia ferreira: dancer from south africa finds success in the u.s. in an unlikely place 15:26, 1 marbella nightclubs, feeling their age, auditions and films 24:22, 1 chit chat and catching up with the girls 33:59, 1 an astrologer guides our travel plans 26:10, 1 218: trail tales 46 53:07, 1 s3e1: exploring the heart of japan: a tale of temples, tastes, teens and traditions 40:03, 1 ep 167 - chevalier d'eon - the gender-fluid spy who defied the king of france 50:05, 1 ten tips for better sex 1:36:33, 1 384: the psychology of space 24:30, 1 following your curiosity into travel and the outdoors with allison boyle 1:11:11, 1 2024-0408 food and travel nation with elizabeth dougherty 1:52:50, 1 513: in colombia, things are seldom just black or white and one can never take anything for granted, except for the unexpected 49:59, 1 journey to antarctica part 1 29:45, 1 i need an all-american menu 37:08, 1 crusader queens: the royal women of medieval outremer, part i 36:16, 1 lorraine woodward: a woman living with a disability wants to make travel accessible for everyone 21:36, 1 279: wander woman: how to reclaim your space, find your voice, and travel the world solo with beth santos 1:05:51, 1 217: the value of bones. dinosaur national monument. 1:27:32, 1 bonus - the total solar eclipse of 2024 7:35, 1 inside the creative mind of jann arden 52:07, 1 marbella, miss april, make up & memory 23:11, 1 bear encounters in nevada and chasing poachers on the masai mara 31:45, 1 aging single #2: longevity and super aging 1:05:40, quick reference guide.

The Best Travel Podcasts To Fuel Your Wanderlust

There’s nothing like listening to a well-made travel podcast to get you hyped for your next big adventure . While travel is still somewhat unpredictable and COVID restrictions are shifting daily (though loosening, in general), the auditory travel landscape is thriving.

Whether you need inspiration for where to book your next trip or just an escapist dose of adventure, the 16 podcasts below will inspire your wanderlust and give you vital skills. Some will get you excited for your future travels, some will motivate you to book a flight (and tell you where to do exactly that), and some will provide detailed guides to the world’s most sought-after (and lesser-known) destinations. Check them all out below and find the one that strikes your fancy.

EDITOR’S PICK:

Wild times podcast with forrest galante.

What It’s About:

Outdoor adventurer, TV personality and conservationist Forrest Galante hosts a travel podcast that’ll get you stoked for your next big trip and make you laugh. Every episode combines the outdoors, wildlife, and wilderness with a heaping helping of comedy to keep listeners engaged and entertained. The Wild Times Podcast is ideal for those who are passionate about living life to the fullest and not taking themselves too seriously.

Where To Start:

Well… I say start with “ TWT #91 ,” in which I join Galante and his cohorts to talk about my time spent communing with Komodo dragons on the Indonesian island of Rinca. What I love about this pod is, first and foremost, all the shit talking. But second of all, I think that the show respects ecosystems and cultures when it talks about travel. I often find myself googling destinations I heard about (or animal encounters at certain destinations) after listening to an episode.

Listen Here: Apple Podcasts , Spotify

Globe Thotting with Chelsea Frank

Hosted by comedian and travel writer Chelsea Frank , Globe Thotting with Chelsea Frank is a comedy and travel podcast that features comedians, travel influencers, and other hilarious guests to talk all things travel, leisure, and thirst traps.

With guests like Taylor Tomlinson (Netflix’s Look At You) and Rachel Evans (Netflix’s The Circle, Travel Channel), Chelsea’s extensive network of top comedians and influencers makes for a dynamic travel podcast that puts comedy and epic diarrhea stories at the forefront.

She tackles the big themes like “how to get a perfect vacay thirst trap” with model/influencer Bree Essrig, and dives deep into how she “saved a bunch of marriages” at a Jamaican sex resort. If laughter is as important as packing tips, this is your new favorite travel pod!

Globe Thotting just launched this summer, so it’s definitely worth starting with episode one. The show kicks off with comedian Taylor Tomlinson , and it breaks down the shenanigans of the podcast to come. The pair of funny friends talk about the travel industry, adventurous sex-scapades, crazy vacation stories, and more.

Listen Here: Spotify , Apple Podcasts

The Travel Diaries

The Travel Diaries is an interview series hosted by journalist Holly Rubenstein, in which she chats with guests about their adventures around the world and how travel experiences have shaped their lives. Rubenstein will cover everything from their earliest childhood travel memory and the first place they fell in love with travel to their top bucket list destinations.

There are six full seasons of The Travel Diaries , so there’s plenty to listen to. If you don’t want to jump all the way back to the beginning, start with season four. Gregory Porter’s episode , specifically, features a conversation about travel intertwined with music, sports, and the many unexpected twists life can throw at you. The multi-Grammy-winning singer, who was traveling 200 days a year before COVID, shares his most far-out travel experiences and how they’ve shaped him as a person.

Listen Here: Apply Podcasts , Spotify , Castbox

Get Lost Podcast

Hosted by travel writer Joe Sills, Get Lost Podcast dives into thrilling stories of exploration and adventure, as told by journalists, explorers, and vagabonds. With former guests like Matthew McConaughey , as well as UPROXX’s own Zach Johnston and Steve Bramucci , it’s easy to get pulled into each episode.

The episode entitled “ Giza ,” which aired in March 2020, is the best way to immediately pique your interest. Sills interviews Egyptologist and Emmy award-winning filmmaker Ramy Romany about the forgotten tunnels beneath the Giza Plateau and how he discovered the likely tomb of an Egyptian God.

Listen Here: Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Castbox

Women Who Travel

On Women Who Travel , Condé Nast Traveler editors Lale Arikoglu and Meredith Carey talk about the realities of traveling as a woman today. They share their own experiences and interview women from around the globe who are trailblazing their way through the food, hospitality, adventure, and travel journalism industries.

Many women dream of traveling the world but are afraid to go at it alone. “ Remembering How to Solo Travel Again ” is an excellent place to start for any woman who’s ready to take that leap of faith on her own. This episode provides practical solo travel tips, advice on planning your next solo adventure, as well as reflections about the joys of solo travel for women.

The TravelPulse Podcast

The TravelPulse Podcast dives into everything from travel news updates and adventure tips to insightful interviews with industry experts and other guests. Hosted by TravelPulse’s Executive Editor Eric Bowman, this podcast gives you everything you need to know about travel today.

“ Social Media’s Place in Travel ” delivers an interesting take on how to utilize the many social media platforms while traveling today. The episode features Tiffany Dowd, a global luxury hotel expert and the founder of Luxe Social Media . She shares her best social media tips and discusses the latest trending topics in the world of travel.

Listen Here: Apply Podcasts , Spotify

Counting Countries

Counting Countries is a show for those who are curious about the farthest corners of the planet. Host Ric Gazarian brings listeners the stories from the few adventurers who’ve spent their lives traveling to every country on Earth — something only a couple hundred people have done.

“ Charles Veley … And The Commitment To Travel ” is a great place to jump in. It’s a long episode, reaching almost three hours, but it’s worth the listen. Guest Charles Veley, dubbed an “extreme traveler,” gets real about what it takes to travel the globe and shares some of his most exciting adventures. Save it for a long road trip or flight.

Travel With Meaning

Hosted by Mike Schibel, Travel With Meaning tells interesting travel stories that have impacted the lives and careers of everyone from artists, entertainers, and athletes to entrepreneurs, CEOs, and travel experts. It’s a great listen for anyone who’s interested in how intentional travel can make a difference in our everyday lives. Episodes hover around the one-hour mark, making it an excellent commuter podcast.

We’d be remiss not to suggest episode 43 of Travel With Meaning as an ideal starting point, which features UPROXX Life’s own founding editor, Steve Bramucci. He shares all about his incredible travel background and past adventures, then discusses the future of the travel industry.

Travel Tales

Comedian and TV host Mike Siegel created Travel Tales to highlight the best and worst experiences that travel has to offer, as told by a variety of adventurous guests, including fellow comedians, actors, producers, writers, and travel professionals. This podcast brings a humorous, lighthearted tone to travel that’s sure to get you stoked for your next big trip.

You gotta love a good music groupie adventure. For Angelyn Rudd , following The Grateful Dead on tour turned into a lifetime of traveling the world. In her Travel Tales episode that aired in August 2021, Rudd dives into the story about how following her favorite band inspired her to visit more than 60 countries (and counting).

Wild Ideas Worth Living

Wild Ideas Worth Living , produced by REI, is made for those who love adventure and the outdoors. The show features conversations with people who, “took the path less traveled and brought their wildest ideas to life.” Host and journalist Shelby Stanger interviews everyone from world-class explorers and athletes to authors, scientists, and entrepreneurs.

As travelers, it’s important to consider our lasting impact on the planet and the environments we visit. “ Preserving Our Parks with Keith Eshelman and Sevag Kazanci ” shines a light on conservation. This episode features a conversation with the founders of Parks Project , a brand that donates its proceeds to protecting National Parks and inspires the next generation to take care of our public lands.

This Week In Travel

Hosted by Gary Arndt and Jen Leo, This Week in Travel delivers weekly roundtable discussions on travel news and the travel industry with leading travel writers, bloggers, and podcasters. In a time when travel guidelines are constantly changing, this podcast provides necessary information about what’s going on in the travel world.

If you want to be up to date with all the latest travel news, I’d start in March of 2021 with the episode, “ Simon Wright – The Future of Travel .” Simon Wright, is the industry editor at The Economist , and this episode dives into a conversation about predicting what travel will look like in the coming years and how the pandemic has affected different aspects of the travel industry.

Travel With Rick Steves

Travel With Rick Steves , who’s a host and writer of over 100 public travel shows and the author of 30 best-selling travel guidebooks, is a weekly one-hour conversation with guest experts and callers, about travel, cultures, people, and the many awe-inspiring things we find around the world. Steves’ immense travel background and industry experience, along with his selection of enticing guests, provides insight into destinations all around the globe.

There are 11 seasons full of episodes to choose from and you really can’t go wrong with any of them. But I especially love the, “ 648 Becoming a Digital Nomad; Window Seat; Spirit of the Grand Canyon ,” which aired in August of last year. More than ever, the digital nomad life is widely accepted and becoming more common as most people continue to work from home. This episode provides tips on becoming a digital nomad for anyone who’s looking to work off the grid, as well as how to get the best view on your next flight.

Like a Local Podcast

On Like a Local Podcast , the co-hosts Katie Hylton and Stephanie Girard interview travelers about the places they live. The goal is to create a resource that gives listeners a local’s point of view on their next destination, so they can get the inside scoop on all the best places to eat, explore, drink, and stay.

There are less than 50 episodes since the show just launched at the end of 2020 (with more episodes to come in 2022), so you might as well start from the very beginning. The hosts kick off the show by interviewing Sarah Tahami about her home city of Savannah, Georgia . Throughout the episode, Tahami, a travel influencer who focuses on food and drinks, shares everywhere you need to eat and sip in Lowcountry, Savannah.

Listen Here: A pply Podcasts , Spotify , Castbox

Armchair Explorer

This documentary-style podcast, Armchair Explorer , immerses you straight into the travel experiences discussed on the show using music and cinematic effects, for the ultimate storytelling entertainment fix.

I’m a sucker for anything that has to do with the Titanic, mostly because it reminds me of a young Leonardo DiCaprio. I say start with “ Diving the Titanic with Deep Sea Explorer Rory Golden .” The episode follows deep-sea explorer Rory Golden’s fascinating, once-in-a-lifetime journey to see the Titanic up close, 12,600-feet below sea level.

The Offbeat Life

If your dream is to make a living as a full-time traveler, The Offbeat Life podcast is for you. Host Debbie Arcangeles interviews travelers from around the world about how they left their conventional lives to live a nomadic lifestyle.

“ How to Travel for Free Using Miles and Points ” is a practical place to start listening. While we’d all love to work as full-time travelers, this isn’t always possible. This episode teaches you how to make use of your airline miles and credit card points so you can travel the world on a budget.

JUMP With Traveling Jackie

JUMP With Traveling Jackie delivers a collection of guest stories, solo episodes, and often raw and personal accounts from host Jackie Nourse. Throughout the show, she discusses travel and adventure in conversations that are meant to motivate her audience to get out and see the world for themselves. This podcast is ideal for anyone seeking travel advice and inspiration.

If you’re interested in the details behind planning a big trip, listen to “ How to Plan a Long Distance Backpacking Trip, Featuring the Tahoe Rim Trail .” In this episode, avid adventurer Dawn Swinney shares her guide to the iconic Tahoe Rim Trail, while providing useful tips for listeners to plan an epic backpacking adventure of their own.

On She Goes

On She Goes is a travel and lifestyle podcast that’s dedicated to inspiring women of color to travel confidently, adventurously, and more often.You’ll hear a range of topics covering what it’s like to travel while Black, travel tips, representation in travel media, diversity in the outdoors, and getting paid to travel.

On She Goes ran from 2017 to 2020, but it’s still relevant and worth listening to in 2022. I’d even recommend starting from the most recent episode and working your way backward. Season 5, Episode 11, “ How NOT to Travel Like a Basic Bitch in the Time of COVID ” talks about the importance of giving back, supporting locals, educational travel, and post-pandemic travel predictions (listen to see if they came true!).

A Simple Life Wander Woman: A Travel Podcast

• Places & Travel

Embark on an adventure to Shimokawa, in the heart of Japan's Hokkaido region, where this small town is breaking new ground in the world of sustainable living. Phoebe Smith will take you through the streets and forests of this pioneering community, uncovering how they've transformed from a lumber-dependent economy to a beacon of environmental harmony. From making chopsticks (to avoid the millions that go in landfill each year), to powering homes and public buildings using locally made biomass, using weeds to produce natural essential oils, and taking people to fish for (and then eat) an invasive species, she asks if this could be the blueprint for a better life? Also coming up: How to learn a new language - fast; Discover the top 10 places for whale watching;  meet adventurer and author a new book Ash Bhardwaj who answers the question - why we travel? In our regular gear chat it's all about choosing insect repellent for your travels;  be inspired by Onguma Reserve Manager Jonathan 'Yona' Strijbis who dedicates his entire life to protecting the endangered black Rhino in Namibia; and in our Wander Woman of the Month - learn about 'wandering writer' and translator Sanmao. www.Phoebe-Smith.com; @PhoebeRSmith

• More Episodes
• © 2024 Wander Woman: A Travel Podcast

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The 15 best podcasts for women

From mental health to comedy, this diverse selection of podcasts for women is united by its focus on females

In the world of podcasting, the possibilities are endless. And it goes without saying that anyone can listen to and enjoy any podcast they like, whether it’s as broad as general news or something niche like technology and business. But let’s be real, there’s an awful lot of male-presented podcasts out there. That’s not to say women don’t enjoy them too, but if you’re looking for something a little more female-focused, it can be tricky to cut through the noise to find it. 

So we thought we’d make life that little bit easier for you. Whatever your interests, we’ve curated a list of the 15 best podcasts out there that are hosted by women. The ranked list spans feminism, history, sport, comedy , dating, self-help and more, so there’s bound to be something you’ll love. Happy listening! 

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Brilliant podcasts for women 2023, ranked

1.  The Guilty Feminist

The success of comedian Deborah Frances-White’s podcast was no surprise, as ‘guilty feminism’ is a phrase many of us have used at some point or another. It allowed listeners to explore their feminism openly and honestly, and accept that they don’t have all the answers all of the time – and that’s okay . Frances-White has become widely known in the UK for her podcast, which gets a ton of great guests on to chat about everything from politics and history to dating and life advice. Oh, and it’s side-splittingly funny. 

2.  The Players' Pod

In a world where men’s sport seems to dominate the conversation, World Cup-winning soccer player and Olympic gold medalist Kelley O’Hara was the answer to all of our prayers. ‘The Players’ Pod’ (which used to be ‘Just Women’s Sports’, but was revamped in 2022) puts the focus on women’s sport, bringing in a new professional female athlete each week to talk about their life and career. Previous guests have included WNBA superstar Nneka Ogwumike and two-time World Cup winner and Olympic gold medalist Alex Morgan. 

3.  Sentimental Garbage

Irish presenter  Caroline O'Donoghue ’s podcast offers an impassioned defence of female-targeted and made culture that’s typically dismissed as lightweight by both society at large and those charged with marketing it. The earlier episodes are, broadly speaking, attempts to explain why the genre of novel known as chick-lit deserves to be treated with more respect. The lens has somewhat broadened in recent times, with a definite emphasis on cinema (ie chick flicks). But it remains a bracing reappraisal of whole swathes of culture never given a fair crack of the whip.

4.  Encyclopaedia Womannica

If you’re after a daily hit of female inspiration, look no further than the groaningly named but entirely great ‘Encyclopaedia Womannica’. Hosted by Jenny Kaplan, each weekday it offers a briskly informative five-minute biography of a woman from history - be it recent or old - who you may or may not have heard of before, but you really ought to.

5.  Dear Joan and Jericha

To be sure, there are a whole bunch of life advice podcasts out there, which we’ve largely ignored on grounds that most of them offer advice that’s quite nationality specific. But people from all countries should be able to to laugh at merciless parody ‘Dear Joan & Jericha’, from British comics Julia Davis and Vikki Pepperdine. They pose as the eponymous dysfunctional agony aunts, and their useless, often actively malign life advice is an absolute hoot.

6.  So I Got to Thinking

Again: these podcasts are of course for anyone, and it would be madness to deny that gay men aren’t a substantial part of the following of beloved comedy-drama ‘Sex and the City’. Juno Dawson and Dylan B Jones’s podcast certainly leans into this, as the pals and sexperts rewatch each episode of Sarah Jessica Parker’s opus, often to wry effect. But each enjoyable episode does revolve around a genuine consideration of the various relationship conundrums posed each week in ‘SATC’

7.  Nobody Panic

Comedians Stevie Martin and Tessa Coates’s podcast is a thoroughly entertaining ‘guide to being an adult’ that comes with a definite female-centric slant, eg subjects like ‘how to ask somebody out’ and ‘how to be friends with your ex’. With guides from everything from tarot to crypto, it’s got broad appeal, not least because Martin and Coates are very, very funny. 

8.  Why Won’t You Date Me?

US comic Nicole Byer’s agonisingly long-running podcast humorously but smartly addresses her terminally single status, with episodes tackling everything from her lousy dating profiles to systematic racism and sizeism on dating apps. Byers has broadly managed to stay unattached the whole time, which is impressive going, but inevitably in the years ‘Why Won’t You Date Me?’ has been running the lens has moved more to the frequently eye-opening love lives of Byer’s guests – who include many veterans of ‘Drag Race’ – with Byer playing the role of raucous host to a tee.

9.  Poog

If you’re going to listen to a wellness podcast, it really, really needs to be this one. US comics Kate Berlant and Jacqueline Novak are fascinated by the wellness industry, but also extremely aware that a lot of it is a massive grift (if you’re wondering what ‘Poog’ means – well, it’s ‘Goop’ backwards). Each week they explore various elements of the industry – be it chakra healing or new skincare technology – in a very loose, rambling, extremely funny way. In a real sense, it’s more a sort of frame for friends Berlant and Novak to do a show together, and there’s a considerable amount of mission drift. But it lands its punches, and is, moreover, a total blast.

10.  What I Wore When

This podcast from Glamour magazine wound up in 2020, but it’s well worth a listen, as a succession of high-profile and/or interesting women chat to host Perrie Samotin about the outfit they were wearing at a specific pivotal moment in their life, be that Jameela Jamil on what she wore for the first table read for ‘The Good Place’ or Beth Ditto on clothes she had on when she realised – at school – that she was a fashion icon. Inevitably the outfit is only really a jumping-off point for a much wider-ranging chat, but it’s a neat – not to mention interesting – conceit.  

11.  Motherhood Sessions

Reproductive psychiatrist Alexandra Sacks’s podcast is an antidote to the more saccharine, influencer-driven view of parenthood. In essence, it does what the title says: each episode is an edit of a session with a mother, describing the psychological impact (it has to be said, generally not for the best) that motherhood has taken on her. The podcast stopped producing in 2020, but it leaves behind a fascinating and varied body of work, with episodes taking in topics ranging from imposter syndrome at raising a child that’s not your own to worrying that your child won’t grow up to be a good person.

12.  Lady Don’t Take No

A mix of politics… and beauty recommendations? Alicia Garza’s excellent podcast shows that you can basically make any combination of issues work if you tackle them with sufficient wit and conviction. It doesn’t hurt that she has an excellent stream of guests, elevating fascinating (if not always famous) voices of colour who are equally adept about talking about the state of democracy as they are with the latest range from Fenty.

13.  The Michelle Obama Podcast

Michelle Obama’s podcast is wrapped up for now but gave us a First Lady to look up to during the Trump years, and remains a treasure trove of wisdom about life. It’s interesting for anyone, but clearly slanted towards articulating her experience of womanhood and passing her knowledge on. Episodes cover such topics as female friendship, mentorship to working women, marriage, motherhood and raising kids. It’s a relatively short series, but definitely an impressive one, with top-notch guests including a certain Barack Obama.

14.  The Receipts

Like a raucous riff on the BBC’s ‘Women’s Hour’ (which tbf would sit on here nicely if we could really justify it as a podcast), ‘The Receipts’ is a freewheeling show from Brit presenters Tolani Shoneye, Audrey Indome and Milena Sanchez that takes in everything from lifestyle advice to celebrity gossip to big-name interviews. The uniting factor is the trio’s collective DGAF outlook and cheery lack of filter.

15.  Terrible, Thanks for Asking

Nora McInerny’s long-running podcast about pain, grief and being able to admit you’re not okay is clearly not limited to any gender in its outlook. But its lively, supportive attendant community and its choice of guests sharing difficult feelings and truths about their lives do very much tend to skew female.

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