Let the story speak: Travel podcasts are the way to go

They say, a picture speaks a thousand words – but does it speak to you like a story does? 15-second stories or carousel posts don’t do justice to the memories and experiences of a travel journey. Photographs of a sunny beach don’t tell you that the wind blew the traveller’s hat into the sea just moments before, nor that the weather changed five times that day. The best stories – they take you along for the ride.  

“Not travelling is out of the question because it brings life, teaches tolerance, and broadens worldviews.”

Nina Karnikowski

Travel stories always bring something new to the table, and as Nina Karnikowski, Author of The Mindful Traveller, believes “Not travelling is out of the question because it brings life, teaches tolerance, and broadens worldviews.” So, with that, The Boar brings you an array of travel podcasts to listen to while standing in queues, during your commute, or when you are brainstorming your next trip. There are podcasts for every type of traveller, from traditional shows like Zero to Travel Podcast, The Travel Diaries that help you plan the itinerary for your next trip, to multifaceted shows like JUMP with Travelling Jackie and the Atlas Obscura Podcast that have travel as a jumping point for conversations on a varied range of topics. 

If you are thinking of trips within the UK, Tracy Collin’s UK Travel Planning has got you covered on all fronts. In Episode 140, ‘Navigating the North Coast 500’, Tracy discusses tips for driving the scenic route, and bucket-list worthy North Coast 500 with Robert James. Other episodes offer destination guides, budgeting tips and interviews with guests for trips to bustling cities and quaint countryside via various modes of transportation. 

The Trip That Changed Me shares personal, life-altering experiences during travel, from the creation of businesses to the blossoming of love stories.

Have you ever thought that travelling on foot through Europe is possible? Traveler with Amateur Traveler Podcast talks to travel writer Cassandra Overby, who has done exactly that, in the episode ‘Hiking in Europe’. Forget tents, sleeping bags and snacks, walking across Europe can be warm beds every night and comfort food cooked by other people. Overby shares Wengen, Switzerland, as one of her favourite locations to walk, which is perfect for beginners (if you’re interested!). She talks of the trail offering amazing views of Interlaken from above, hearing the Alpine horn music, and so much more. The podcast also has location-specific episodes to listen to and plan before you reach your destination.  

The Trip That Changed Me shares personal, life-altering experiences during travel, from the creation of businesses to the blossoming of love stories. If you are on Instagram, there’s a fat chance you have come across Atticus’ poetry. But what prompted his first poem? A work trip to Paris. Atticus describes the journey to his first poem in one standout episode, ‘Paris with Atticus: fame, vulnerability, and the joy of skinny dipping’ – in a Monte Carlo casino with a Hollywood actor discussing poetry. 

In episode 346, ‘How to Make Sustainable and Ethical Travel Stories’, of The Thoughtful Travel Podcast, Amanda Kendle tackles one of the most important questions to arise concerning travel: how does one travel sustainably? The episode discusses travelling off-season, travelling small and slow, and supporting ethical animal sanctuaries. Kendle’s podcast is one to look out for because she’s always in conversation with fellow travellers who bring their own treasure trove of knowledge. 

This summer, equip yourself with a travel podcast and let yourself be transported to different locations, literally or metaphorically – because there is a world out there waiting for you.

This conversation remains relevant in conjunction with the recent trend of ‘set jetting’ – being inspired by places you have seen on screen and travelling there. Google Koh Samui and you are sure to see the Four Seasons hotel on the first page – Lale Arikoglu terms this The White Lotus Effect on her podcast, Women Who Travel. In the episode, ‘How Pop Culture Drives our Travels’, Lale is in conversation with Shannon Sims, describing various travel trends, how some locations are not suited for over-tourism and the role of travel writing in retaining the originality, while also showcasing the location in a positive light. This modern podcast is splendid because of its intersection of travel, pop culture, and solo travelling. Including all things considered interesting, there is something for everyone! 

This summer, equip yourself with a travel podcast and let yourself be transported to different locations, literally or metaphorically – because there is a world out there waiting for you. It could be just around the block or across continents, whatever works for you!