Celebrity Podcasts on the Road: How Ant & Dec’s New Show Changes the Way We Travel

Want to travel smarter (and more deliciously) without scouring guidebooks? Start listening.

Pain point: You want local stories, off-the-beaten-path food tips and a sense of place — but you don’t have time to sift forums, guidebooks and TikToks before every walk. In 2026, the best way to get instant, human, portable local context is a great podcast.

Why Ant & Dec’s new podcast matters to travelers

When Ant & Dec announced Hanging Out with Ant & Dec as part of their new Belta Box digital channel in January 2026, many headlines framed it as “late to the podcast party.” But for travelers and commuters who crave personality-first audio, this launch is important for two reasons.

• Celebrity voices humanize place: Ant & Dec are Geordie locals who carry Newcastle and UK TV culture with them. Episodes become a sonic lens on local humour, pubs, filming locations and food memories—perfect companions for real-world walks.
• Cross-platform local storytelling: Their Belta Box approach (YouTube, social, podcast) is the 2026 trend: creators repurpose long-form conversation into short local clips, micro-guides and social soundbites tailored to locations. Expect more location-aware content this year — see the Creator Synopsis Playbook for how creators orchestrate micro-formats and distribution signals.

The evolution of podcast travel in 2026: From long-form to listening itineraries

Late 2024–2026 saw three clear trends shaping how we use podcasts when we travel:

• Shorter, location-specific episodes: Podcasters and networks are producing sub-10-minute local “stops” that slot into walking routes. That’s perfect for a market, a monument or a single street.
• Celebrity hosts partnering with local producers: Big names are teaming with regional teams to create authentic local episodes — not just celebrity monologues. Expect higher-quality, place-rooted episodes in 2026.
• Audio layering and itinerary apps: Platforms like VoiceMap and izi.TRAVEL have matured; they now let users layer personal podcast episodes with professional audio tours and GPS-triggered stops. Emerging edge and low-latency patterns make this possible — see edge hosting & sync patterns.

How to use celebrity and personality-led podcasts as audio walking tours

Turn any episode into a walking tour with this simple framework — a listening itinerary you can build in under 30 minutes.

1. Pick a destination and intent: Food crawl, cultural walk, TV & film route, or off-the-beaten-path exploration.
2. Select 2–4 episodes: One long-form local interview (personality-led), one short local stop, a food-focused episode, and a storytelling or history piece.
3. Map timestamps to stops: Listen once and mark 2–3 timestamps with a note (e.g., 07:30–10:00 — talk about the market). Assign that clip to a nearby stop on Google Maps, Maps.me or Maps in Apple.
4. Download and layer: Download episodes for offline playback. Use VoiceMap or a playlist app that allows you to jump between episodes easily — check our tools & workflows roundup for recommended apps and playlist tactics.
5. Test the pace: Aim for 8–15 minutes of audio between stops — the sweet spot for walking 600–1,200 meters, browsing and grabbing a bite.

Curated: Best celebrity- and personality-led travel podcasts to use as walking tour audio (2026 picks)

Below are personality-first shows you can reliably turn into listening itineraries. Each entry includes what they’re best for and a quick how-to use tip.

Hanging Out with Ant & Dec (Belta Box) — Best for: UK pop-culture routes & Geordie stories

Why it works: Ant & Dec’s first podcast is chatty, anecdote-rich and steeped in UK TV culture. Their natural chemistry and Geordie roots make episodes feel like an insider stroll through Newcastle, the North East, and British entertainment spots.

How to use it as a tour: Build a Newcastle listening itinerary. Pair an episode where they reminisce about early shows with a walk from Grainger Market through the old TV filming districts to the Quayside. Time the episode’s anecdote segments to match locations — when they mention Byker Grove, pause and stand where that show began. Use the chatty sections between 10–20 minutes for café stops.

The Travel Diaries with Holly Rubenstein — Best for: celebrity travel inspiration & culture-led routes

Why it works: Holly interviews well-known travelers and celebrities who each map their life through places. Episodes are naturally story-driven and often include specific local spots (restaurants, neighborhoods, meaningful views).

How to use it as a tour: Pick an episode where the guest describes a city or region. Extract 3–5 moments in the episode to anchor a walking route: their favourite café, a market stall, and a viewpoint. These become micro-stops of 8–12 minutes each.

Travel with Rick Steves — Best for: context-rich cultural walks & historical neighborhoods

Why it works: Rick Steves is the classic guide voice. His episodes are concise, fact-driven and full of logistical tips — ideal for pairing with museum neighborhoods, historic districts and food markets.

How to use it as a tour: Play a Rick Steves episode as you approach a historic quarter to get a compact orientation. Use his practical segments to time visits (e.g., recommended museums or time-to-walk estimates).

Gastropod — Best for: food-focused walks and market tours

Why it works: Gastropod explores the science and history of food. Episodes often deep-dive into a single ingredient or dish and include regional variations and market tips.

How to use it as a tour: Use a Gastropod episode to structure a market crawl. Start a segment outside the market, walk stall-to-stall during the episode, and stop to try recommended bites at the episode’s suggested points.

Zero To Travel (Jason Moore) — Best for: offbeat routes & indie neighbourhood discovery

Why it works: Zero To Travel focuses on unconventional travel styles, local immersion, and long-term trip strategies — full of creative ideas for days when you want to stray from tourist trails.

How to use it as a tour: Pick an episode on slow travel or living like a local. Turn tips into an experimental day: use public transit, buy produce at a neighbourhood store, and stop to chat with a vendor. The episode becomes a conversation prompt for serendipity encounters.

The Dirtbag Diaries — Best for: outdoorsy audio routes and island hikes

Why it works: Storytelling about outdoor adventures and local characters. Episodes are portable, often set in a particular valley, trail, or coastal town — great for shaping single-track hikes.

How to use it as a tour: Download an episode about a nearby trail or coastal town. Start the walk at the trailhead and match the story beats to viewpoints and rest spots.

Local production picks to layer in

Alongside celebrity shows, add short-form local audio from platforms like VoiceMap and izi.TRAVEL. These GPS-triggered tours add factual orientation and directions while your celebrity podcast provides color and personality.

Sample listening itinerary: 2 hours in Newcastle with Ant & Dec

Turn an Ant & Dec episode into a real-world two-hour walk that mixes food, culture and offbeat stops.

1. Prep (15 minutes): Download one Ant & Dec episode, a Gastropod episode on British food, and a Rick Steves orientation piece on Newcastle or North East England. Create a simple map: Grainger Market -> Grey Street -> Quayside -> Baltic Centre -> Ouseburn.
2. Stop 1 — Grainger Market (20–30 min): Start the Ant & Dec episode. When they talk about childhood food or markets, pause and explore stalls. Play Gastropod short clip about a British staple while sampling a market bite.
3. Stop 2 — Grey Street & theatre district (15–20 min): Resume Ant & Dec for stories about early gigs or TV filming. Stop outside theatres; Rick Steves’ mini-segment can give architectural context.
4. Stop 3 — Quayside & Baltic (20–30 min): Walk along the river while playing an episode segment where Ant & Dec recall regional landmarks. Finish with a short local VoiceMap guide for the Baltic Centre’s exhibitions.
5. Stop 4 — Ouseburn exploration (20–30 min): Use Zero To Travel or The Dirtbag Diaries show on creative neighbourhoods to explore street art, indie cafes and breweries.

Tools and tactics: The practical checklist for audio walking tours

Before you go

• Download episodes for offline use (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts). Cellular networks are unreliable on winding alleys — pack a compact field kit like the Liberty Weekend Field Kit for battery and backup.
• Get a mapping app that supports offline maps — Google Maps (download area), Maps.me, or Gaia. Or use VoiceMap/izi.TRAVEL to trigger GPS-aware audio. If you travel often, plan your mobile desk and mapping tools as part of your digital nomad desk.
• Create a playlist with episode timestamps mapped to stops and label each track with the stop name. This keeps the walk friction-free — creators often reuse the same micro-format tactics described in the Creator Synopsis Playbook.
• Charge and pack a 10,000 mAh battery pack and wired earbuds (in case Bluetooth dies) — see recommendations in the Creator Carry Kit.

During the walk

• Keep volume low and situationally aware. Use one earbud in when crossing busy roads or navigating crowds. Quality portable audio gear and compact speakers/headphones are covered in our compact speaker & micro-event gear review.
• Time your stops — 8–15 minutes of audio per stop is usually ideal for browsing and a quick bite.
• Layer local audio when you need facts. Use short local guides for directions and reputable context, and celebrity episodes for atmosphere and human stories.

After the walk

• Annotate your map with favourite places you discovered while listening, then save as a custom Google Map for next trips.
• Follow local creators you encountered to get tips and future short-form stops (Instagram, Threads, local podcasts). Supporting them directly feeds the local creative economy — see trends in urban micro-retail & microcations.

Safety, authenticity and respect — best practices when using celebrity podcasts as guides

Audio adds personality, but remember it’s a companion, not a replacement for local guides or official info.

• Verify facts: Celebrity anecdotes are stories first; check opening times, ticket requirements and local rules separately.
• Respect spaces: If a celebrity describes a “hidden pier” or private spot, confirm access. Many “hidden gems” are private property or community spaces.
• Support local creators: If a local guide or café is mentioned, tip well or buy something small. In 2026 the ethical travel economy expects direct support.

2026 trends to watch — what’s next for podcast travel guides

• Hyperlocal celebrity episodes: Expect more short episodes (3–8 minutes) tailored to specific streets, markets or neighbourhoods — produced in partnership with local tourism boards.
• Mixed reality audio: Audio layering with AR maps will become mainstream; apps will sync celebrity anecdotes to your exact GPS position and suggest nearby food stops in real time — powered by the same low-latency edge patterns covered in edge hosting & sync.
• Creator-lit neighbourhood guides: Travel creators will sell micro-itineraries (listening + map + discount) as paid bundles — a natural extension of micro-event and live-enrollment tactics that turn fans into repeat customers.

"In 2026 the era of one-size-fits-all audio tours is over. People want personality-packed narratives that actually match the streets they walk." — travel audio producer

Quick-reference: Portable kit for podcast walking tours

• Smartphone with offline maps downloaded
• Headphones (one-earbud option) — or compact audio gear from our compact speaker & micro-event gear review
• Portable charger (10,000 mAh) — pack it inside a creator carry kit
• Download queue: 1 personality episode, 1 food episode, 1 local short guide
• Small notebook or notes app to save addresses and local tips

Final takeaways — how to start today

Ant & Dec’s debut podcast is a reminder that celebrity voices are now part of the travel toolkit. Use their episodes to unlock local stories, pair them with food- and culture-led shows like Gastropod or The Travel Diaries, and layer in GPS-guided short forms from platforms like VoiceMap or izi.TRAVEL.

Make a compact listening itinerary before your next walk: pick a destination, download 20–40 minutes of complementary audio, map timestamps to stops, and test the pace. In 2026, this is one of the smartest ways to travel deeper in less time.

Call to action

Want a ready-made listening itinerary? Sign up for our weekly travel brief to get a free PDF: "7 Celebrity Podcast Walking Tours — Food, Culture & Offbeat Routes" — curated for 2026. Try one on your next trip and tell us which episode made your walk feel like a story.

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