We love podcasts. They give you a break from looking at screens, let you learn a little something new during your daily commute, and are the best way to pass the time on a long-haul flight. (En route to your next amazing cruise, obviously.)
Podcasts have come a long way. In the last five years, the medium has experienced a surge in popularity thanks to breakout hits like Serial and Pod Save America. According to Edison Research, 40% of people polled in 2017 have listened to a podcast, compared to just 13% in 2007.
As travel lovers and storytellers, our favorite podcasts inspire wanderlust and expand worldviews. Here’s what we’re listening to right now:
For News Junkies
Rough Translation
This podcast from NPR takes listeners all over the world with stories covering a wide variety of topics. News junkies will appreciate the in-depth, journalistic approach to each story. Season one features seven episodes about 30-40 minutes in length, and season two will debut soon.
Must-Listen Episodes: Season one’s first episode, “Brazil in Black and White” and last episode, “The Refugee’s Dating Coach”.
For Foodies
Milk Street
Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Radio is the perfect podcast for anyone who gets most excited about trying new foods when they travel. Milk Street covers everything about food, from every perspective—science, culture, history, and trends.
Must-Listen Episodes: Episode 101: “Good Morning Vietnam” and Episode 202: “The Breath of a Wok: Wok Master Grace Young Stirs It Up!”
For Art Buffs
Art Detective
Is your favorite thing about travel getting to check out local galleries and art museums? Then the Art Detective podcast is for you. Its host, Dr. Janina Ramirez, makes art history accessible and consumable through 20-minute interviews with experts. It’s a particularly great podcast to listen to before you see one of the works discussed in person.
Must-Listen Episodes: “The Creation of Adam by Michelangelo – with Patrick Doorly” and “Mona Lisa by Leonardo Da Vinci – with Martin Kemp”.
For Passport Stamp Collectors
Travel Tales with Mike Siegal
This podcast offers a lighthearted take on travel. Comedian Mike Siegal records his chats with a variety of guests about the joys (and troubles) of travel. Siegal’s guests have been to every corner of the globe and offer fascinating perspectives on everything from taking meaningful vacations to quitting your job to travel full time.
Must-Listen Episodes: The January 18, 2015 episode featuring our friend Lee Abbamonte, and January 3, 2018’s “2017 Year in Review”.
For Wine Lovers
Grape Minds
If you enjoy visiting vineyards and sampling local wines when you travel, you’ll love digging into the history, cultural context, and methodology of winemaking with hosts Julie Glenn and Gina Burch.
Must-Listen Episodes: The March 1, 2018 episode “Here’s to your Health… and Wine” looks at myths and truths surrounding the health benefits of wine.
Now that your podcast library is loaded up with all the latest and greatest episodes relating to travel, all that’s left to do is book a trip! We offer incredible travel experiences for every interest—are you ready to go exploring? Click here.