In 2025, podcasts are the companions British travellers can't do without.
Whether you're riding out a layover in an airport, passing time on a ten-hour flight, or need some background noise while getting ready, podcasts are there to answer the call.
And they're not just for when you're on the move.
We pop podcasts on while clearing out the loft, tackling the ironing or sprucing up the garden.
They're the perfect blend of background noise, escapism and inspiration.
However, as great as podcasts are, they're also notorious for disappearing after a series or two.
It's no doubt a difficult feat to maintain a great podcast.
As a result, sometimes ones that initially reel you in stop a season or two later, leaving you high and dry.
The Best Travel Podcasts for Brits in 2025
That's why I've put together five of my own favourite British travel podcasts for fellow adventurers to enjoy.
Podcasts that have not only stood the test of time, but which also regularly turn out genuinely useful, interesting and fun content.
Whether you're dreaming up your next big trip or need a mental getaway while doing your chores, these British travel podcasts will make you drop what you're doing and browse flights asap.
Wanderlust: Off the Page
Hosts: Founding editor of Wanderlust magazine Lyn Hughes, Special Features Editor Rosie Fitzgerald and contributor Aaron Millar.
Launched: March 2022
Produced by: Wanderlust Magazine
Listen on: Apple | Podbean | Spotify
Anyone who reads the fantastic Wanderlust travel magazine will understand why this is one of the UK's top ten podcasts.
Publishing quality, engaging and inspiring travel articles since 1993, the publication branched out into the world of podcasts in 2022 and hasn't looked back.
Off The Page brings Wanderlust Magazine's very readable stories to life.
It also covers some top travel destinations, as well as off-the-beaten-track spots, providing inspiration for your next epic trip.
Tune in and allow yourself to float off into immersive travel tales with expert insights and soulful storytelling.
Standout Episodes
- Türkiye's Ancient Wonders and Istanbul Like A Local - Having lived in Turkey for over 30 years, travel writer Pat Yale shares her tips on how to make the most of your visit to this ever-popular destination.
- Wandering Through Bavaria's Most Whimsical Castles with Andrew Eames - Many of us, me included, look to far-flung destinations for adventure. But this podcast episode, narrated by founder of Germany is Wunderbar, reminded me that there are no end of spots in Europe that can transport you to another world.
The Travel Diaries with Holly Rubenstein
Host: Holly Rubenstein, London-based travel and entertainment journalist, podcaster and editor.
Launched: 2019
Listen on: Castbox | Official Website | Podbean | Spotify
With over 35,000 weekly listeners across 165 countries, The Travel Diaries has become the UK's number one travel podcast.
A big draw of this podcast is that new episodes are released weekly, so you don't have to wait long until your next fix.
It also features some big-name guests sharing their experiences and tips.
Listen to episode playbacks featuring everyone from Julia Bradbury and Sir Michael Palin to Shaggy and Bill Bailey.
You might be planning your next trip or dreaming of distant lands.
Either way, Holly's top storytelling and her guests' vivid recollections provide the kick you need to start planning your next getaway.
Standout Episodes
- Stanley Tucci - Warning: This episode will make you simultaneously hungry and eager to book a trip to Italy.
- The Budget Travel Special - Packed full of genuinely useful money-saving tips, I recommend this episode, featuring Chelsea Dickenson, founder of Cheap Holiday Expert.
Armchair Explorer
Host: Award-winning British travel writer Aaron Millar.
Launched: 2020
Listen on: Podbean | Official Website | Spotify
Are you into adventure travel, the great outdoors and pursuits such as climbing, bouldering and trekking? Then you'll love the Armchair Explorer podcast.
Founded by British travel writer and Wanderlust contributor Aaron Miller, this award-winning podcast combines interviews with music and soundscapes to bring wild journeys to life.
A break from traditional conversational/Q&A format, Armchair Explorer mixes storytelling with soundscapes for a truly gripping listen.
Standout episodes
- The Abode of the Gods: Ascending Mt. Meru - Anyone who's seen the magnificent 2015 film Meru will be familiar with Conrad Anker and his incredible career as a rock climber and mountaineer. This episode sees him recount that adventure and discuss the irresistible pull of climbing.
- Route of Parks: Rewilding Chile - This episode sees groundbreaking visionary, conservationist and former Patagonia CEO Kris Tompkins talk about her journey to establish the Route of Parks and the life-altering power of the great outdoors.
You Should Have Been There
Hosts: Travel journalist and broadcaster Simon Calder and freelance travel writer Mick Webb.
Launched: 2019
Listen on: Apple | Podbean | Spotify
Simon Calder needs no introduction among British travellers and holidaymakers.
After a successful 30-year career in travel writing and broadcasting, he stepped into the world of podcasting in 2019 with You Should Have Been There.
Informal and conversational, this travel podcast is based on chats between two longstanding friends with a shared passion for travel.
Like overhearing two seasoned pros swap stories at the pub, You Should Have Been There is a brilliantly relaxed listen that will have you regularly nodding along in agreement.
Broadcast roughly once a fortnight, some of the topics you can expect to find covered include breakfast buffets, the joy of coming home after a holiday and the pros and cons of paper maps.
Standout episodes
- Choosing a Restaurant - This episode really stands out for addressing the everyday but often problematic ritual of choosing where to eat while you're away.
- Dark Tourism - If you're anything like me, you mull over the ethical ins and outs of visiting sites imprinted by tragedy, i.e. being a dark tourist. This episode provides an interesting discussion and sanity check on a topic that inevitably pricks at our conscience.
Where to Go - DK Travel
Produced by: DK Travel Guides
Launched: 2020
Listen on: Official Website | Podbean | Spotify
DK Travel Guides is a top, trusted name in the field of travel publishing. So it's unsurprising that its podcast is also well-produced, reliable and top-quality.
Where To Go interviews travel writers and adventurers for smart destination breakdowns and ethical travel advice.
Packed with truly useful info and points to consider, this is a top listen for detailed breakdowns on destinations from Poland and Prague to Salem and Seattle.
With new episodes every two weeks, there's just enough time to give it a few listens before the next one drops.
Standout episodes
- The Travel Bucket List - This episode, which goes back to the basics of bucket lists and mulls over the most popular spots, is a must-listen.
- The Deep South - There's nothing like a travel podcast that really opens your eyes to a destination. And this one delivers from beginning to end, taking a deep dive into the history, complexity and beauty of the American South.
Listen to the Best Travel Podcasts Without the Data Worries
Now you're equipped with some of the best travel podcasts out there, you'll want to make sure you can listen to them uninterrupted on your travels.
With an eSIM from Airalo, you can choose how much data you need for your destination, pay as you go and not have to worry about shock roaming bills.
Visit the Airalo store, choose the country or region you'll be travelling to and how much you want to spend, download and install your travel eSIM and voila! You'll be able to connect instantly when you land.
No looking for sketchy free airport Wi-Fi or blowing your holiday budget on data.
FAQs
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How Much Data Do Podcasts Use?
The amount of data a podcast uses depends on audio quality, length and whether you're streaming or downloading. But it's likely to be somewhere between 28 MB and 56 MB per hour. For more info, check out this dedicated post I wrote on the subject.
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Are travel podcasts free?
Yes. Most travel podcasts are free to stream or download on platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
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Do I need an internet connection to listen to travel podcasts?
You can download episodes in advance or use a travel eSIM to stream anywhere.
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Where can I find free travel podcasts for inspiration?
You can stream or download free travel podcasts on popular platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Podbean. Many of the best British travel podcasts offer stories, interviews, and destination guides designed to spark wanderlust, all without costing a penny. Just search by theme, such as adventures, city breaks, or slow travel, to find the right shows for your next trip.
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Can I stream podcasts abroad using an eSIM?
Yes! Travel eSIMs let you stream podcasts without roaming charges in over 200 destinations.
