Hey there, travelers! I bet you didn’t know your favorite podcast host (that’s me, right?) has been in the travel game for over 20 years. Yep, I’ve seen it all – from the days when your only travel planning tools were thick guidebooks and maybe a handwritten itinerary, to the explosion of social media that changed the way we explore and share the world around us. Now, we’re living in the golden age of travel inspiration, with podcasts leading the charge as a fresh and accessible way to discover new destinations, insider tips and real travel stories.
As a seasoned travel expert who’s worn many hats – from blogger to author and now professional podcast host – I’m proud to be part of this exciting audio wave that brings travel ideas straight to your ears. Whether you’re plotting your next getaway or just dreaming big, travel podcasts offer a convenient way to learn travel tips, budget hacks and ideas for things to do on the go, making the most of every moment you have to dream, plan or research.
In this list, you’ll find a well-rounded selection that blends veteran podcasters like Chris Christensen, the OG of travel podcasting, with newer shows and fresh voices bringing exciting perspectives. From long-time experts to up-and-coming storytellers, this lineup covers all the bases to keep your travel bucket list filled with ideas. I’ve taken care to include podcasts that are consistently producing episodes. We all know that it’s easier to start a travel blog or podcast than it is to actually keep up with one, so I’ve taken into account longevity and expertise in curating this list.
Ready to tune in? Let’s dive into the best travel podcasts of 2025 that will keep your wanderlust alive and your next itinerary full of unforgettable adventures.
Best Travel Podcasts of 2025
But Did You Die?
Am I really going to put my own podcasts at the top of the list? Yes, yes I am. That’s the beauty of being the boss! 🤣
For a travel podcast that’s equal parts funny and real, my sister Rachel and I host But Did You Die?, where we share stories of travel mishaps, awkward moments and the times we just wanted to call it quits – all with humor and a dash of sisterly banter you’ve come to expect from us. It’s a reminder that even the messy parts of travel make the best stories and learning moments. Perfect for anyone who loves travel but doesn’t take themselves too seriously. Note that we’re on a maternity leave hiatus right now, so you have time to catch up on the 30 episodes we’ve already shared before we get back in the swing of things.
Traveling with AAA
If you want travel advice that actually works and stories from people who’ve been there, Traveling with AAA is a great place to start. I host the show every week with guests you might recognize from my travel world – friends and colleagues I’ve known for years, plus new experts and surprise celebrities who always wow me with fresh ideas and destinations I hadn’t thought of before. If you still think this is just a podcast about roadside assistance, it’s time to press play and get your mind blown.
Some of my favorite episodes:
There’s a misconception that you have to be a AAA member to listen, but rest assured – this is definitely a podcast for EVERYONE. We dive into all kinds of travel – from road trips close to home to far-flung adventures – and cover the stuff you really want to know: theme parks, cruising, travel safety and how to make trips easier on your wallet. We’ve chatted about everything from visiting famous filming locations and New Zealand to Universal Epic Universe and National Parks. Think of it as hanging out with friends who are just as excited about travel as you are.
The Amateur Traveler with Chris Christensen
You can’t mention best travel podcasts without having Chris Christensen in the same sentence. Chris is a veteran in the podcast world and his main podcast – The Amateur Traveler – has been churning out episodes since 2005. Each episode focuses on one destination, featuring interviews with locals, travel experts and visitors who provide insider tips and firsthand experiences. (Check out my appearance on episode 909 to chat about my hometown!) The show is perfect for travelers who want detailed, reliable information to help plan trips beyond the usual tourist spots. If you’re going somewhere, do a search to see if Chris has covered it and start your planning there.
Jump with Traveling Jackie
Hosted by Jackie Nourse, Jump encourages listeners to take the plunge and explore the world on their own terms. With a background in adventure and solo travel, Jackie shares inspiring stories and practical tips from fellow travelers who have embraced the unknown. The podcast is a great mix of motivation and real-world advice, perfect if you’re dreaming about your first big trip or planning your next solo adventure.
Frommer’s Travel Show with Pauline Frommer
If you know anything about travel, you know the name Frommer, so it goes without saying that this podcast is one of the very, very best. Since Arthur Frommer shook up travel with Europe on $5 a Day back in 1957, Frommer guidebooks have been a trusted companion for American travelers. Today, his daughter Pauline Frommer hosts a podcast that’s all about what’s new and exciting in travel right now. The show has more than 500 episodes covering everything from hot destinations and smart ways to save money to trends that make your trips more fun, plus recommendations for travel-inspired books and shows you can enjoy from home. Some of the travel world’s biggest voices – think Samantha Brown, Andrew McCarthy, Jason Cochran, me (🤓) and top journalists from outlets like the New York Times and Washington Post – are guests, so tuning in is always time well spent.
Condé Nast Traveler: Women Who Travel
Women Who Travel, hosted by Lale Arikoglu, highlights the diverse stories of women exploring the world. The podcast features conversations with female travelers, authors and experts who share solo travel tips, cultural experiences and the joys and challenges unique to women on the road. It’s inspiring and thought-provoking, opening new perspectives on what travel can be.
Smart Travel (NerdWallet)
Smart Travel features NerdWallet’s travel experts Sally French and Meghan Coyle as they explore practical ways to get the most out of your travel budget. Each episode breaks down travel strategies, tools and current trends, helping listeners make informed decisions about planning their next trip.
Topics include budgeting methods, comparing travel points and miles, choosing between hotels and Airbnb, understanding the role of travel agents and timing your bookings throughout the year. The hosts also discuss recent policy updates, review popular travel apps and share destination-specific advice for places like Hawaii and Europe.
Whether you’re planning a family vacation or a solo adventure, Smart Travel provides clear insights to help you navigate the complexities of modern travel planning. It’s SO practical and so helpful.
The Thought Card
Hosted by Danielle Desir Corbett, a travel expert and author with experience visiting over 27 countries, the show offers 200+ episodes so far of practical advice on saving for trips, finding affordable flights and accommodations and using travel rewards effectively. (Something I’m still trying to figure out!)
Every other week, Danielle shares strategies to build a travel fund, manage debt and make smarter financial choices – all with the goal of making travel more accessible. Episodes cover topics like travel budgeting, how to travel for free or nearly free, must-see destinations and selecting the best travel rewards credit cards. The Thought Card provides grounded insights to help you turn your travel goals into reality.
Out of Office
Hosted by Kiernan and Ryan, Out of Office offers a relaxed and friendly vibe perfect for travel lovers. With 200+ episodes of interviews and stories from locals, expats and frequent travelers, the show delivers fresh destination ideas and practical tips. This is a great listen if you enjoy a side of banter with your travel inspiration. It’s like eavesdropping on friends who are plotting their next getaway.
Travel with Rick Steves
Rick Steves practically (ok, and literally) wrote the book on exploring Europe with curiosity and respect. His podcast goes beyond the usual tourist spots, offering conversations, detailed destination stories and insider tips that bring local culture and history to life. If you’re looking for a travel companion who’s knowledgeable and down-to-earth and a legend, Rick Steves is the voice you want in your ear as you plan your next adventure.
Exploring the National Parks
Ash and John from Dirt In My Shoes are seasoned travelers who know their way around America’s National Parks and they’ve shared 100+ episodes and counting. Their podcast is a down-to-earth guide to help you prepare for any park visit, whether you’re headed to iconic spots like Yellowstone or exploring a quieter, less-visited park. Through engaging stories, helpful tips and plenty of fun facts, they share what makes each park special and how to get the most out of your trip. Expect honest advice and practical insights to make your next national park adventure both memorable and manageable.
Want more national park-themed podcasts? Check out:
Best Theme Park Podcasts
And speaking of parks, I can’t leave out my other favorite kind of parks… the “theme” kind! I’ll be the first to admit I haven’t delved into the world of theme park podcasts, but they are plentiful. It’s a saturated genre, to be sure, but I wanted to share some of the top picks in case you’re planning a trip to Universal or Disney.
Why Podcasts Are a Game-Changer for Travel Planning
Listening to travel podcasts is like having a world traveler whisper secret tips and stories directly into your ear. Podcasts offer rich storytelling that sparks imagination and insider insights you might not find in guidebooks. They suit all types of listeners – whether you’re a planner soaking up practical tips, a culture lover craving stories from locals or a busy multitasker wanting entertainment on your morning commute.
After years of blogging and writing books, I find podcasting to be a refreshing new medium for me to share about my love for the world, its fun destinations and its people. It’s wonderful to just hop on and chat with guests or my sister, sharing real talk without the pressure of perfect prose and punctuation. The conversations feel alive and spontaneous and not so meticulously crafted like my other work. It’s such a fun new adventure – I’m sure you can see why I love it so much.
This curated list of travel podcasts blends a mix of storytelling, practical advice and inspiration – but I only have so much time in the day to tune into them. So if there’s one you think I need to include on this list, please drop me a note! I want this best travel podcast list to be a resource for years to come.
Happy listening and safe travels!
