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.
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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.
The Trip
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.
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Rewards
| 2X miles | 2 miles per dollar on every purchase |
| 5X miles | 5 miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Business Travel |
| 10X miles | 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel |
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- Another drawback is that the annual travel credit can only be used on bookings made through Capital One Business Travel.
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- With no preset spending limit, enjoy big purchasing power that adapts so you can spend more and earn more rewards
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- This is a pay-in-full card, so your balance is due in full every month
Rewards Rate
| 2X miles | 2 miles per dollar on every purchase |
| 5X miles | 5 miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Business Travel |
| 10X miles | 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel |
Intro Offer
Earn 200K miles when you spend $30K in the first 3 months, and an additional 200K miles when you spend $150K in the first 6 monthsLIMITED-TIME OFFER: Earn up to 400K bonus milesAnnual Fee
$395Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.740-850Excellent
Why We Chose It
The Capital One Venture X Business Card has all the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has to offer and more. It offers an incredible welcome bonus and requires an equally impressive spend to qualify. In addition, the card comes with premium travel perks like annual travel credit. (Partner offer)Pros
- The Capital One Venture X business card has a very lucrative welcome offer.
- In addition, the card comes with many premium travel perks such as an annual $300 credit for bookings through Capital One Business Travel.
- Business owners are also able to add employee cards for free.
Cons
- The card requires significant spending to earn the welcome offer.
- Another drawback is that the annual travel credit can only be used on bookings made through Capital One Business Travel.
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Earn up to 400K bonus miles: 200K miles when you spend $30K in the first 3 months, and an additional 200k miles when you spend $150k in the first 6 months
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, everywhere—with no limits or category restrictions
- Earn 10X miles on hotels and rental cars and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Business Travel
- With no preset spending limit, enjoy big purchasing power that adapts so you can spend more and earn more rewards
- Empower your teams to make business purchases while earning rewards on their transactions, with free employee and virtual cards. Plus, automatically sync your transaction data with your accounting software and pay your vendors with ease
- Redeem your miles on flights, hotels and more. Plus, transfer your miles to any of the 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Every year, you'll get 10,000 bonus miles after your account anniversary date. Plus, receive an annual $300 credit for bookings made through Capital One Business Travel
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®. Enjoy access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
- Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
- This is a pay-in-full card, so your balance is due in full every month