Happy trails! 8 podcasts to stream on your summer travels or inspire wanderlust

Society & Culture June 14, 2022

We’ve rounded up several podcasts to inspire wanderlust or accompany you on your summer travels. Some of these podcasts are such transportive listens that you’ll feel like you’re virtually globe-trotting through the mountains, sailing across the Atlantic Ocean, or heading to the baseball field to catch your fave team in action. On our list, you’ll also find some sports podcasts, which are great listens for car rides.

Explore Route 66 in a travelogue-style podcast. Learn about cultures, communities, and sample some of the world’s greatest foods on trips with “Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown.” Tune in for world-class travelers’ stories and you might find places to add to your travel bucket list.

The Travel Diaries image

The Travel Diaries

Listen to ‘The Travel Diaries’

Journalist Holly Rubenstein interviews world travelers and famous guests about the countless adventures and trips that changed their lives. “The Travel Diaries” brings listeners through guests’ travel histories, and they’ll share early childhood memories, current recommendations, bucket list destinations, and more.

Recent guests have included The Great British Bake Off judge Paul Hollywood, nature photographer Chris Burkard, author and Vogue columnist Raven Smith, and Airbnb’s co-founder & CEO Brian Chesky – just to name a few.

Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown image

Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown

Listen to ‘Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown’

CNN’s “Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown” is the audio version of the TV series, hosted by the iconic chef, bestselling author, and Emmy award winner. Trek the world and visit lesser-known places, learn about diverse cultures, food, and global communities. Episode 1 begins in Myanmar, and the finale takes place in NYC. You can find new podcast episodes in the feed each week.

Out of Office: A Travel Podcast image

Out of Office: A Travel Podcast

Listen to ‘Out of Office: A Travel Podcast’

“Out of Office: A Travel Podcast” is hosted by two folks who realized their wanderlust quite early in life. Ryan Davis and Kiernan Schmitt have a broad definition of travel, ranging from day trips to overseas jaunts. Episodes cover one topic each, and you’ll hear travel advice that’s equally serious and silly. The co-hosts are joined by guests like “Bowery Boys” creator Greg Young, food writer/chef Andy Baraghani, and The New York Times’ Travel Editor Amy Virshup.

Vanishing Postcards

Listen to ‘Vanishing Postcards’

Join host Evan Sterns’ road trip to find Americana’s hidden histories, traditions, and gems on “Vanishing Postcards.” This season drives down Route 66 with episodes spanning from Oklahoma’s plains to the Pacific Coast’s beaches. Along the way, Evan will explore The Mother Road’s past, present, and future in conversations with people and visiting destinations. It’s a superb travelogue that might make you want to jump in the car and explore the open road ASAP.

Heat Check with Trysta Krick image

Heat Check with Trysta Krick

Listen to ‘Heat Check with Trysta Krick’

Audacy’s “Heat Check with Trysta Krick” is all about the NBA, covering news, rivalries, and drama that make the sport seem like a soap opera. Trysta offers hot takes, interviews, game previews, recaps, and more in episodes.

Travel with Rick Steves image

Travel with Rick Steves

Listen to ‘Travel with Rick Steves’

Go hiking in England, drink beer in Europe, visit Antarctica, and more destinations in over 850 episodes of “Travel with Rick Steves.” Host Rick chats with callers and special guests all about travel, people, culture, and the world. Rick is super knowledgable about European travel, and he has authored over 30 best-selling guidebooks and hosted travel TV shows.

Unwritten: Behind Baseball's Secret Rules image

Unwritten: Behind Baseball’s Secret Rules

Listen to ‘Unwritten: Behind Baseball’s Secret Rules’

Former baseball players Jimmy Rollins and Ron Darling are unpacking baseball’s complex rulebook in “Unwritten: Behind Baseball’s Secret Rules.” They’re diving deep into the histories and culture behind unwritten rules like bat flipping, jinxing non-hitters, locker room antics, sign stealing, and more. Tune in weekly for new episodes of this podcast brought to you by Audacy.

The Bradfo Sho

Listen to ‘The Bradfo Sho’

Audacy’s “The Bradfo Sho” is hosted by WEEI.com’s site editor, Rob Bradford. In episodes, he’ll chat about the sports and entertainment worlds and interview guests. Some episodes in June were all about the Red Sox. Tune in semiweekly for new episodes.

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