Podcasts: a Perfect Pastime on a Long Trip

Travelling is not only about sightseeing and trying new exciting foods. It’s also about covering vast distances by plane, train, car, boat and maybe even on horseback (who knows?). Sometimes these parts of a trip feel like wasted time because you just sit and do nothing. So you might as well avoid wasting this time and do something interesting, like listening to one of these podcasts.

Podcasts are series of audio treks available for download from SoundCloud, iTunes or simply a web page. Many major news companies, TV channels, and smaller art or journalism projects release podcasts. They can be news selection, educative programs or detective stories which will keep you hooked on that long 10-hour highway drive.

We’ve made a list of 10 different podcasts which will make your trip even more entertaining and educative!

What is it about?

It’s a bi–monthly podcast composed of a radio community updates from a small desert town Night Vale. It includes news, weather forecasts, talks of mysterious people and strange lights in the sky, and updates from the police department, all told by an amazing voice of the radio host! “Turn on your radio and hide”!

When to listen?

While crossing long deserted distances.

What is it about?

“Millenial” tells you what to do with your life when you are in your 20s. Somebody really knows the answer! Shocking, right? The podcast comes recommended by the Gudardian, Huffington Post and BuzzFeed.

When to listen?

While heading to a reunion with your friends somewhere in Berlin, Bangkok or any other party capital of the world.

What is it about?

In this podcast the host, Starlee Kind, solves mysteries. Any listener can send her a mystery that they always wanted to solve (here’s the address, in case if you got interested) and wait for it to be solved! There is only one season so far, but they’ve already covered mysteries involving a Swiss cowboy, a vanishing store, a celebrity scandal, and Britney Spears. Yep, Britney Spears! Seriously, you have to listen to it!

When to listen?

When you are traveling in a big group. Then you can form teams and see who solves this mystery first! Much more engaging than playing associations, right?

What is it about?

Invisibilia is one of the real breakout podcasts of the last year. It explores one of the most interesting topics ever – human mind, looking at what is actually happening there. Sounds too smart for a holiday? Don’t worry, the hosts make the science really funny! The three NPR’s award-winning journalists — Alix Spiegel, Lulu Miller, and Hanna Rosin – look at the invisible forces that shape human behavior and influence people’s ideas, beliefs, assumptions, and emotions. A good combination of smart and funny!

When to listen?

When you want to keep your focus and stay concentrated, for example during a long drive.

What is it about?

It’s quite straightforward – this podcast features pieces of advice on how to do things, answering readers’ questions. Great way to get some practical knowledge on things that you might need on your trip – for example how to prevent a car robbery!

When to listen?

Anytime you want to feel accomplished.

What is it about?

Sawbones is a story about a married couple (both doctors) investigating a strange medical case. Nothing road trip-oriented here, but this story will keep you on the edge of your seat during your long trans-Atlantic flights!

When to listen?

See above – on long transcontinental flights.

What is it about?

Sex, love, and relationships. Finally, among our podcasts we have one that will help you deal with all your romantic issues. And don’t worry, it’s not your usual boring “How to find an ideal husband/wife” kind of thing!

P.s. check out the “about” section on the project’s website to see how beautiful the ladies (and one gentleman) that run this podcast are!

When to listen?

While heading for a romantic getaway – to get in the right mood.

What is it about?

“Everything is stories” is a wonderful collection of personal experiences shared by different people.  Each week, new guests join the podcast to share their unique stories and world views.

When to listen?

On a lonely trip taken to re-think your life.

What is it about?

The podcast is a quiz, and it’s going to check what you know about current events in the world! Can you tell the truth from a made-up event?

When to listen?

On a road trip with friends. Have a laugh and find out who follows news in your team.

What is it about?

Ooops, look, we’ve put yet another podcast about relationships on our list! But it’s a funny one too, we promise. “Why Oh Why?” is about online dating and covers it all – awful and awkward situations, weird moments, and everything that accompanies it.

When to listen?

On a way to a hen/bachelor’s party in another city. Or simply on a way to every party!

Have fun and never get bored on the road again!