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man using headphones on a planeLooking for the best travel podcasts currently broadcasting? Want some adventure, some humor, or some independent spirit to go with your tales of travel and adventure? Well, my friend, you've come to the right place.

We here at Urlesque know how intimidating the podcast-o-sphere can be. There are literally millions of podcasts floating through the pod-tubes – far too many for any one person to sort through on their own! Lucky for you, we've painstakingly combed through the best of the best travel podcasts to figure out what you should listen to when you feel like doing a little globe hopping.

After the break, check out our list of the 5 best travel podcasts.

5. Connected Traveler

One of the best sources for global news and opinion on travel and world culture, the 'Connected Traveler' podcast is always informative and entertaining. Recent topics included a boozy adventure in Germany (to give you an idea of the tone). The show sometimes veers into technology and world music, but if you're open to being blitzed by a variety of topics, you should definitely check it out. Also worth mentioning is the site's 24/7 streaming radio: it plays music and stories from all over the world.


4. Travel with Rick Steves

If you're interested in a leisurely pace and a slightly fuddy but always knowledgeable guide, you're probably looking for Rick Steves. Steves has been producing TV shows on travel since the early 90s, but he's fortunately embraced new media enough to branch out into podcasting, making his syndicated radio show available on his website. Steves' personality is, shall we say, less than energetic, but he's always charming and entertaining. Also, his material on Italy is definitive stuff, so anyone with a particular interest that country absolutely has to check out his podcast.


3. Everything Everywhere

Started by Gary Arndt in 2007, 'Everything Everywhere' catalogues Gary's adventures around the world. Gary is an almost obnoxious jack of all trades – he's founded companies, studied geology and is part owner of an NFL franchise – but he's a great sport and a good host. Although currently in Australia, Gary has visited seemingly everywhere in the US and the Pacific Rim and his blog/podcast have been successful enough to get him nominated for a 2010 Bloggy for Best Travel Weblog. It's a definite must-listen for any travel fanatic.


2. Indie Travel Podcast

Run by full time travelers (and insanely adorable married couple) Craig and Linda, 'Indie Travel Podcast' always delivers. The two release weekly shows while "on the road" that cover everything from travel advice to interviews with local characters to reviews of travel products and services. Although the show started as a hobby, it has become so successful that it won Best Travel Blog in the Lonely Planet's Travel Blog Awards. Craig and Linda have only visited five continents so far, but they plan to visit more.


1. iKangaroo

Perhaps the most universally praised travel podcast on the web, iKangaroo is the travel podcast to listen to if you're only in the market for one. Their advice is always spot on, in-depth, and incredibly fun. Of particular note is their 'Angels and Demons' walking tour of Rome, which takes you to all of the sites from the Dan Brown book. The Telegraph's Donald Strachan called it "the best thing I've bagged for free on the internet." So come on, why aren't you listening to it right now?!