Why does Wales so often get left off the itinerary while England, Scotland, and Ireland soak up the attention?

Eugene Fogarty grew up in Dublin, Ireland, and studied history before earning a master’s in journalism. After two years living and traveling across the Americas, a year in Brussels, and a … Why does Wales so often get left off the itinerary while England, Scotland, and Ireland soak up the attention?

Eugene Fogarty grew up in Dublin, Ireland, and studied history before earning a master’s in journalism. After two years living and traveling across the Americas, a year in Brussels, and a stint managing a walking tour operation in London, he moved to Cardiff and launched Fogo’s Free Tours in 2018. He has since led around 2,000 tours of Cardiff and South Wales, from free city walks to Doctor Who filming locations and the darker side of the city’s past.

In this conversation, Eugene shares how travel led him to tour guiding and walks me through his favorite hidden gems in Cardiff, Wales, plus the day trip he recommends most.

Cardiff has only been the capital of Wales since 1955, and plenty of visitors still treat it as a one-night stop to tick off another country. Spend an hour with Eugene, though, and the city starts to reveal layers most people walk right past, along with a playful streak you wouldn’t expect from a place built on coal. There’s also a quiet reminder in his story about what can happen when you take the trip before you have the plan. If you’ve ever rushed through a place and wondered what you missed, this conversation might change how you build your next UK itinerary.

Is there a place you rushed through and later wished you’d given more time? I’d love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.

Tune In To Learn:

How a chip on his shoulder about being an Irish guide in Wales turned into an advantage

How two years across the Americas and a bar job in Brussels led Eugene to start his own tour company

Why not knowing what comes after a trip shouldn’t stop you from taking it

What locals say makes Cardiff feel different from other capital cities

A park in the center of Cardiff that even locals don’t know exists (and the two-week window to see it at its best)

Why a famous sci-fi villain is hiding inside an 840-year-old church

How a 19th century coal boom and a lot of rain shaped Cardiff’s shopping streets

The Viking roots, Victorian slums, and live music of one small side street

Where to hear Wales’s male voice choir tradition and its native language in the heart of the city

The add-on most castle visitors skip, plus the seaside town Eugene calls the perfect day trip

Resources:

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Fogo’s Free Tours

Fogo’s Free Tours Instagram

Cardiff Castle Tours

Clwb Ifor Bach

Want More:

The Real Scotland: Ancient Traditions, Secret Valleys, and Why You Shouldn’t Cut Your Haggis with Andy McAlindon

Hiking the West Highland Way in Scotland with Lynne Nieman

You’re Coming Hitchhiking Around Scotland With Me

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A 1900s sweet shop, a tram ride through a pit village and a 1950s hair salon, all in one day. I’m joined by Samantha Shotton, Chief Operating Officer and Deputy CEO of Beamish, The Living Museum of the North, in County Durham. The 1820s landscape: Pockerley, the waggonway and the new tavernThe 1900s… A 1900s sweet shop, a tram ride through a pit village and a 1950s hair salon, all in one day. I’m joined by Samantha Shotton, Chief Operating Officer and Deputy CEO of Beamish, The Living Museum of the North, in County Durham. The 1820s landscape: Pockerley, the waggonway and the new tavernThe 1900s pit village and town: drift mine, school, sweet shop and dentistThe 1940s farm and the 1950s town, cinema and hairdresser’sTalking to the costumed staff and volunteersWhy Beamish is one to visit i... more

A biking Brit explains how easy it is to find evidence of the people from centuries past along the backroads of England and Scotland. And a pair of British tour guides get us ready to visit England's magnificent and historically important cathedrals, from Canterbury to York Minster.

Golden woodlands, quiet villages and cosy pubs. Autumn in the UK has a magic you do not get in high summer. In part one of our two part autumn special, three local experts share what really changes across September, October and November in the Lake District, the Cotswolds and Devon. Lake District au… Golden woodlands, quiet villages and cosy pubs. Autumn in the UK has a magic you do not get in high summer. In part one of our two part autumn special, three local experts share what really changes across September, October and November in the Lake District, the Cotswolds and Devon. Lake District autumn colour hotspots including Tarn Hows and WastwaterHow September, October and November differ for weather, light and atmosphereWalk ideas for non hikers and why low-level routes often win in aut... more

Rochelle talks us through a 41-day UK road trip from Bath to the Scottish Highlands and back to London, sharing what worked, what surprised her, and how planning early made the whole trip calmer. We swap honest notes on UK driving, smart booking tactics, and the tours, meals and accidental stops tha… Rochelle talks us through a 41-day UK road trip from Bath to the Scottish Highlands and back to London, sharing what worked, what surprised her, and how planning early made the whole trip calmer. We swap honest notes on UK driving, smart booking tactics, and the tours, meals and accidental stops that turned into lifelong memories. Planning a long UK itinerary without trying to do too muchLeaving Heathrow before the Easter crowds and saving London for the endCoping with UK driving as visitors,... more

Tracy and Doug take you through the Northern England leg of their recent trip: a route across County Durham, the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District that blends driving, trains and small group tours. The idea is simple. Copy what worked, skip the stress, and let the small practical tips make the b… Tracy and Doug take you through the Northern England leg of their recent trip: a route across County Durham, the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District that blends driving, trains and small group tours. The idea is simple. Copy what worked, skip the stress, and let the small practical tips make the big scenery easier to enjoy. In this episode: Picking up a hire car at Edinburgh Airport quickly via the tram, and why full cover takes the excess worry awayBeamish Living Museum of the North: pit v... more

Today we're heading to the county of Suffolk in Eastern England, otherwise known as the forgotten county. While not a lot of tourists visit this area, it is chock full of beautiful nature reserves and is known for historical ruins and quaint seaside towns. 

My guest today is Harry Hunt, whose famil… Today we're heading to the county of Suffolk in Eastern England, otherwise known as the forgotten county. While not a lot of tourists visit this area, it is chock full of beautiful nature reserves and is known for historical ruins and quaint seaside towns. 

My guest today is Harry Hunt, whose family owns a jewel of a property set on 8,000 acres of preserved nature. Wilderness Reserve is decidedly not a hotel, but rather a collection of historical buildings fully renovated into villas and homes that will invoke the countryside getaway of your dreams. 

Harry and I talk about everything from fish and chips to gorgeous dinners set up in the forest, to how the family is focused on conserving the land through tourism. 


Looking to book a luxury hotel? Get special perks and support the podcast by booking here: https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sarahgroen/travel/luxury-hotels

If you want our expert guidance and help planning a luxury trip with experiences you can't find online, tell us more here and we'll reach out: https://bellandblytravel.com/book-a-trip/ 

 

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Hear about visiting the hidden gems of London, England, as the Amateur Traveler talks to Jonty Crane from Jonty Travels about this city he once called home.

This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Tr… Hear about visiting the hidden gems of London, England, as the Amateur Traveler talks to Jonty Crane from Jonty Travels about this city he once called home.

This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel ⁠here⁠.

Why visit London?

London is one of the world's great cities, and it can easily fill a week, if not two, exploring the city. Everyone has heard of Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Tower of London, Tate Modern, Changing of the Guard, British Museum, and the London Eye, but there are so many more sights that are arguably as interesting and less busy.

Jonty lived in the UK for the first 29 years of his life, worked in London for 5 years, and visited London almost every year for 15 years after moving to New Zealand.

...

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What starts as a European trip in 1987 turns into a quirky quest across England after a chance bookstore discovery, and eventually becomes something far more meaningful than anyone expected.

Crystal Hammond and Joe Saul-Sehy are joined by award winning mystery writer Michael Balter, who shares how … What starts as a European trip in 1987 turns into a quirky quest across England after a chance bookstore discovery, and eventually becomes something far more meaningful than anyone expected.

Crystal Hammond and Joe Saul-Sehy are joined by award winning mystery writer Michael Balter, who shares how stumbling upon a coffee table book listing historic pubs across England accidentally launched him on an unforgettable pub crawl adventure. What began as "let's see if we can find these places" became a journey crisscrossing the English countryside, visiting tiny villages, atmospheric taverns, and discovering stories in every corner.

But Michael's 1987 trip wasn't just about pubs. Along the way, he experienced a life-changing reunion with his long-lost biological father in Berlin, proving once again that travel has a funny way of revealing what you're really searching for, whether that's a perfect pint in a centuries-old pub or missing pieces of your own story.

The conversation weaves between colorful English pub tales, practical travel lessons learned the hard way in an era before Google Maps and smartphones, and the deeply human side of international travel. How being far from home can bring you closer to who you are. There's also a peek at Michael's upcoming novel Dead Exit, plus a brand new, slightly chaotic game where listeners try to guess where in the world Crystal is this time (no passports required).

This episode is part travel memoir, part accidental quest story, and part reminder that the best trips don't always go according to plan, and that's exactly why we remember them.

What You'll Discover:


• How a bookstore find turned into an accidental pub crawl across England
• Why traveling without modern tech made every pub hunt feel like a real adventure
• What it's like to track down historic taverns in tiny English villages
• How Michael's European journey led to reconnecting with lost family in Berlin
• Why pubs and local hangouts tell you more about a place than guidebooks alone
• How travel stories turn into novels and sometimes into healing
• A new interactive game that might just become a Stacking Adventures staple This Episode Is For You If:


• You love the idea of travel with an accidental quest built in
• You're drawn to stories where serendipity leads to the best adventures
• You've ever wondered what travel was like before smartphones solved everything
• You believe the best discoveries happen when you follow unexpected leads
• You're looking for your next unique travel challenge or inspiration Question for You:

Have you ever taken a trip where a random discovery (a book, a recommendation, a wrong turn) completely changed your plans for the better? Share your story in the comments or the Stacking Adventures community. Bonus points if it involved tracking something down without Google's help. more

In "Via Francigena: Slow Travel, History, and Self-Discovery on Foot," host Annie Sargent chats with Olivier Andrieu about his incredible 100-day journey along the Via Francigena. Olivier, a former corporate sales director, decided to quit his job and walk from Canterbury, England, to Rome, Italy. H… In "Via Francigena: Slow Travel, History, and Self-Discovery on Foot," host Annie Sargent chats with Olivier Andrieu about his incredible 100-day journey along the Via Francigena. Olivier, a former corporate sales director, decided to quit his job and walk from Canterbury, England, to Rome, Italy. He wanted a fresh start and a challenge, and the Via Francigena provided both.

Listen to this episode ad-free

Olivier shares the highs and lows of his adventure. He walked an average of 25 kilometers per day, staying in convents, monasteries, and Airbnbs along the way. He met people from all over the world, discovered hidden historical gems, and immersed himself in the beauty of slow travel. Olivier's journey took him through England, France, Switzerland, and Italy, offering a rich tapestry of landscapes and cultures.

One of the highlights of Olivier's journey was the historical discoveries he made. He learned about a young World War I soldier whose name was engraved in a church near his home. He visited the statue of Rodin in Calais and discovered convents just an hour's drive from his home that he had never seen before. These discoveries added depth and meaning to his journey, connecting him to the history and culture of the places he visited.

Annie and Olivier also discuss practical tips for anyone considering a similar journey. Olivier recommends a 35-liter backpack and high-quality gear. He used Akileine Nok cream to prevent blisters and had minimal injuries throughout his journey. His packing tips and advice on finding accommodations are invaluable for anyone planning a long-distance walk.

In the magazine segment, Annie critiques The New York Times' "36 Hours in Toulouse" article, emphasizing the importance of experiencing the city beyond a quick checklist. She also dives into the intricate work behind Paris's Christmas windows and updates listeners on the success of free-flow tolling on the A13 motorway.

If you love travel stories, historical adventures, or are dreaming of exploring France on foot, this episode is for you. Subscribe to Join Us in France for more inspiring stories and practical tips on exploring France. Whether you're planning your own adventure or just love to travel vicariously, Annie Sargent and her guests offer a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. Happy travels!

Table of Contents for this Episode




• [00:00:16] Introduction and Guest Welcome
• [00:00:32] Today on the podcast
• [00:01:06] Podcast supporters
• [00:01:37] Magazine segment
• [00:02:39] Via Francigena with Olivier Andrieu
• [00:02:46] The Bold Decision to Walk Across France
• [00:04:02] Family Reactions and Support
• [00:04:34] Preparing for the Journey
• [00:05:08] Exploring the Via Francigena
• [00:08:30] Daily Routine and Experiences
• [00:13:12] Historical Discoveries and Reflections
• [00:18:56] Challenges and Physical Demands
• [00:23:44] Packing Tips and Final Thoughts
• [00:24:11] Packing Essentials for Long Walks
• [00:24:32] Choosing the Right Footwear
• [00:25:49] Dealing with Blisters and Injuries
• [00:27:07] Daily Routines on the Walk
• [00:27:41] Historical Discoveries Along the Way
• [00:28:50] Emotional Impact of World War Memorials
• [00:32:59] The Beauty of Slow Travel
• [00:33:32] Using Apps to Document the Journey
• [00:37:02] Unexpected Encounters and Local Stories
• [00:41:36] Cost and Accommodation Tips
• [00:43:22] Future Walking Plans and Reflections
• [00:45:56] Thank you Patrons
• [00:46:26] VoiceMap Tours
• [00:48:15] 36 Hours in Toulouse
• [00:50:20] Christmas Windows
• [00:53:33] Free Flow Tolling on the A13
• [00:56:19] Next week on the podcast More episodes about active vacations in France

#JoinUsInFrance, #FrancePodcast, #TravelFrance, #FrenchCulture, #ExploreFrance, #DiscoverFrance, #FranceTravelTips, #RealFrance, #Francophile, #FranceAdventures, #ViaFrancigena, #SlowTravelFrance, #WalkingFrance, #TravelingFranceOnFoot, #PilgrimageJourney, #HikingInFrance, #FrenchHistory, #TravelLikeALocal, #AdventureTravel, #HiddenGemsFrance more

Mark Phipps left his native England at 19 and never looked back. After stints living in Australia, New Zealand, and the US, he now makes his home in Koh Phangan, Thailand. He is the founder of Lost In Paradise Travel, which makes trackable hardware covers for passports.

Hear about travel to the south of England as the Amateur Traveler talks to Heather Cowper from HeatherOnHerTravels.com about hiking the Thames Path National Trail.

This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out S… Hear about travel to the south of England as the Amateur Traveler talks to Heather Cowper from HeatherOnHerTravels.com about hiking the Thames Path National Trail.

This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel ⁠⁠⁠here.

Why should you walk the Thames Path National Trail?

Heather says, "There are some people like me who are avid walkers and love to do a national trail, a long-distance trail, and I've done a few, and this was a very enjoyable one. I think this particular trail takes you through the south of England, and you really do see some quintessentially English landscapes. You've got really beautiful rural landscapes, and then as you come towards London, you've got some of the most iconic landmarks in England."

In this episode of Amateur Traveler, Heather Cowper returns to the show to share her experience walking the Thames Path National Trail, a 300-kilometer (185-mile) long-distance route that follows the River Thames from its source in rural Gloucestershire all the way to London’s Docklands. Heather, who hiked the trail in sections with her sister over the course of a year, explains why this is one of the most scenic, accessible, and flexible long-distance walks in England.

...

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In this final episode of the Van Life Diaries: Europe 1985, we return to England, drive through Scotland and Wales, and catch a ferry to Ireland. Then it's back to London, a farewell to our beloved campervan, on to Singapore for a few days and finally we end up back home in Perth, Australia, after s… In this final episode of the Van Life Diaries: Europe 1985, we return to England, drive through Scotland and Wales, and catch a ferry to Ireland. Then it's back to London, a farewell to our beloved campervan, on to Singapore for a few days and finally we end up back home in Perth, Australia, after six months away. What a strange feeling!

This is the sixth part of a monthly, six-episode series celebrating the fact that exactly 40 years ago this year, my family and I spent six months in a striped motorhome travelling around Europe. I was nine years old and yes, this trip had an enormous impact on my life - I'm sure you wouldn't be listening to this podcast today if Van Life 1985 hadn't taken place! Throughout the series, I'll include chats recorded with my Dad this year, extracts from my late Mum's travel diary from 1985, and of course my own memories and thoughts. 

A big thanks to Context Travel for sponsoring this series, and an even bigger thanks to my Dad for agreeing to be part of it.

Links:


• Context Travel - https://bit.ly/contexttravel - use the code THOUGHTFULTRAVEL to get 15% off any online booking. Context Travel operate walking tours in cities around the world, and have interesting and qualified subject-matter experts leading your walk
• Listen to Part 1 of Van Life Diaries: Episode 348 - https://notaballerina.com/348 
• Listen to Part 2 of Van Life Diaries: Episode 351 - https://notaballerina.com/351 
• Listen to Part 3 of Van Life Diaries: Episode 355 - https://notaballerina.com/355 
• Listen to Part 4 of Van Life Diaries: Episode 359 - https://notaballerina.com/359 
• Listen to Part 5 of Van Life Diaries: Episode 364 - https://notaballerina.com/364 
• Join our Facebook group for Thoughtful Travellers - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thoughtfultravellers
• Join our LinkedIn group for Thoughtful Travellers - https://notaballerina.com/linkedin
• Sign up for the Thoughtful Travellers newsletter at Substack - https://thoughtfultravel.substack.com 
• Show notes: https://notaballerina.com/370  Support the show: https://thoughtfultravel.substack.com/

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Planning a trip to the UK and want to make the most of every moment? In this episode, Laura shares how she celebrated her 60th birthday with a 15-day journey across England and Scotland, combining solo adventure, accessible travel planning, and plenty of unforgettable experiences. You’ll learn how t… Planning a trip to the UK and want to make the most of every moment? In this episode, Laura shares how she celebrated her 60th birthday with a 15-day journey across England and Scotland, combining solo adventure, accessible travel planning, and plenty of unforgettable experiences. You’ll learn how to: ✅ Plan a realistic itinerary that balances sightseeing and rest ✅ Navigate London during busy times like Tube strikes ✅ Make the most of flex tickets, early entry tours and coa... more

We continue our long distance walk through some of England's most picturesque landscapes in Part II of our Cotswold Way walking holiday.

You'll learn what you'll see and learn about what it's like to take a long walking holiday. 

There are long distance walks and paths throughout Europe and the Co… We continue our long distance walk through some of England's most picturesque landscapes in Part II of our Cotswold Way walking holiday.

You'll learn what you'll see and learn about what it's like to take a long walking holiday. 

There are long distance walks and paths throughout Europe and the Cotswold Way is considered one of the prettiest!  The entire walk takes about two weeks, but you can customize it to be longer or shorter, or just do part of it.

A company can plan your logistics, booking charming inns for you and best of all, arranged for your main luggage to be moved to your next lodging each day so all you ahve to do is carry your daypack!  I recommend my affiliate, One Foot Abroad.  Email me for the current Promo Code!  They offer amazing walking vacations across Europe both guided and self-guided.

On this self-guided tour, you are provided with a map, an app and 24/7 phone support.

COMPLETE SHOW NOTES  See important links for planning your adventure, photos, videos and more cool info about today's show.

Get FREE Travel Planners, Checklists and Packing Lists for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here.

CONTACT KIT

Resources 

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******* EMAIL ME FOR PROMO DISCOUNT CODES*****

Saily Affordable eSIM Overseas Mobile Phone Plans - No need to insert a physical SIM card when you travel.  Buy just the data you need to avoid expensive roaming charges.  Use Promo Code SPECIAL5 to save 5%

Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies - no need to give any identifying information unless you decide to buy!  The best way to find the right policy for your adventures. 

Train For Your Adventure  Ask Becki at Trailblazer Wellness to customize an at home, online personal training program for your upcoming adventure using whatever equipment you already have!  You'll get phone consultations, instruction videos and a plan to give you the best chance of success.  Becki offers a FREE initial phone consultation to see if you are a good fit.  AND she offers ATA listeners a 10% discount!

Buy Me a Beer Want to support the program?  You can always buy me a coffee or beer - thanks!

Amazon Kit's Picks   Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don't purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you'll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:)

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🎙️ Episode Title: Ep 187 w/ John Stuckey at Bear Hug Campers - Building the Perfect Campervan | Vanlife Design & Road Trip Freedom

In this week’s episode of The Winging It Travel Podcast, I chat with John Stuckey, the founder of Bear Hug Campers, a UK-based company known for crafting custom-built c… 🎙️ Episode Title: Ep 187 w/ John Stuckey at Bear Hug Campers - Building the Perfect Campervan | Vanlife Design & Road Trip Freedom

In this week’s episode of The Winging It Travel Podcast, I chat with John Stuckey, the founder of Bear Hug Campers, a UK-based company known for crafting custom-built campervans that perfectly blend design, functionality, and adventure.

John shares how his passion for travel, craftsmanship, and freedom led him from building his first DIY campervan to launching a thriving business helping others bring their vanlife dreams to life. Based near the South Downs in England, Bear Hug Campers has become a go-to name for bespoke van conversions, off-grid living setups, and self-build support.

We unpack every stage of the campervan conversion journey — from early inspiration and learning the essential skills to understanding realistic build costs, materials, and layouts that actually work on the road. John also reveals the biggest rookie mistakes first-time builders make, the non-negotiables for safety and quality, and how to make smart choices that save money without cutting corners.

If you’ve ever dreamed of designing your own van, taking a road trip across Europe or North America, or simply embracing a more minimalist, nomadic lifestyle, this episode is packed with invaluable insight and encouragement. John’s experience offers both the creative inspiration and practical knowledge needed to start your own vanlife journey.

We also discuss the latest vanlife trends for 2025, including the rise of smaller, stealthy vans, clever space-saving designs, and why more people are turning to modular and off-grid builds. Plus, John explains how Bear Hug Campers supports the growing self-build community through his online van conversion courses, offering hands-on guidance, video tutorials, and a vibrant learning community for DIY builders.

This is a must-listen for vanlife enthusiasts, digital nomads, and travellers who want to combine creativity with practicality — and discover what it truly takes to build a home on wheels.

🎧 Support & Connect

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review the show — it really helps others discover the podcast!

🔔 Subscribe, leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review for Winging It, and support the podcast via Buy Me A Coffee!

⏰ Timestamps

00:00 Safety First: The Importance of Quality in Conversions

03:07 Budgeting for Your Dream Van: Cost Breakdown

06:01 Travel Tales: Exploring the UK and Beyond

08:55 The Allure of American Road Trips

12:03 Cultural Experiences: Japan and Its Unique Charm

14:49 The Journey to Van Conversions: Personal Experiences

18:06 Learning the Craft: Skills for Van Building

21:04 Bear Hug Campers: The Business of Custom Conversions

29:01 Building a Community Around Van Conversions

30:12 Budgeting for Van Conversions

34:35 Essential Features in Van Conversions

37:09 Cost-Saving Strategies Without Compromising Quality

41:07 Safety First: Where Not to Cut Corners

42:57 Common Rookie Mistakes in Van Conversions

48:35 Trends in Campervan Designs

51:06 Choosing the Right Van for Conversion

57:37 Must-Have Elements for a Successful Build

59:07 Designing the Perfect Van Layout

01:02:08 Understanding Customer Needs in Van Conversions

01:03:57 Training and Education for DIY Van Builders

01:06:05 Common Challenges in Van Conversions

01:08:37 Exploring the Van Life Community

01:10:00 Travel Destinations and Client Preferences

01:11:06 Unique and Challenging Requests in Van Builds

01:14:05 Future Projects and Innovations

01:16:05 Quickfire Travel Questions and Insights

🌍 Follow Bear Hug Campers

• Website: bearhugcampers.com
• Instagram: @bearhugcampers
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Winging It Travel Podcast Credits

Host/Producer/Creator/Composer/Editor - James Hammond

Contact me - [email protected] 

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Ever dream of packing five countries and a lifetime of memories into less than a month? Buckle up, Adventurer — this episode of Stacking Adventures takes you along for a whirlwind 26-day journey across Europe and beyond. Hosts Crystal Hammond and Joe Saul-Sehy sit down with globetrotter Jon to unpac… Ever dream of packing five countries and a lifetime of memories into less than a month? Buckle up, Adventurer — this episode of Stacking Adventures takes you along for a whirlwind 26-day journey across Europe and beyond. Hosts Crystal Hammond and Joe Saul-Sehy sit down with globetrotter Jon to unpack the highs, lows, and priceless lessons from his epic family sabbatical — a trip that covered Germany, England, France, Iceland, and Turkey in one unforgettable run.

From castles and cathedrals to kebabs and cold plunges, we explore how John made the most of every stop — and how he paid for it all with smart use of credit card points and travel hacking. You'll hear how he balanced logistics, teenage moods, and must-see sites, plus the reality of making tough choices when time is short. Along the way, Crystal and Joe share their own favorite moments (and mishaps) that prove the best travel stories come from the unexpected.

Whether you're planning a multi-country itinerary or just dreaming about one, this episode is packed with insights to help you make it happen. Because the world is too big — and too delicious — to see one country at a time.

What You'll Learn


• Points and perks: How Jon leveraged rewards programs to cut costs on flights, hotels, and transportation.


• Must-see stops: Insider tips on what to do (and skip) in places like Bath, Mont Saint-Michel, and Iceland's Golden Circle.


• Teen-tested strategies: How to plan a trip that keeps the whole family engaged without overloading the itinerary.


• One-bag travel secrets: Why packing light might be the smartest decision you make before you even leave home.


• Quick-hit destinations: Creative ways to maximize short stays in countries like Turkey and Iceland.

Questions to Explore


• If you had 26 days to see multiple countries, how would you prioritize your stops?


• What's the one travel splurge you'd never skip, even on a budget trip?


• Could you live out of a single bag for a month — or do you need that extra pair of shoes?

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Today we head to the UK to do a delightful long distance walk through some of England's most picturesque landscapes in Part I of our Cotswold Way walking holiday.

You'll learn what you'll see and learn about what it's like to take a long walking holiday. 

There are long distance walks and paths th… Today we head to the UK to do a delightful long distance walk through some of England's most picturesque landscapes in Part I of our Cotswold Way walking holiday.

You'll learn what you'll see and learn about what it's like to take a long walking holiday. 

There are long distance walks and paths throughout Europe and the Cotswold Way is considered one of the prettiest!  The entire walk takes about two weeks, but you can customize it to be longer or shorter, or just do part of it.

A company can plan your logistics, booking charming inns for you and best of all, arranged for your main luggage to be moved to your next lodging each day so all you ahve to do is carry your daypack!  I recommend my affiliate, One Foot Abroad.  Email me for the current Promo Code!  They offer amazing walking vacations across Europe both guided and self-guided.

On this self-guided tour, you are provided with a map, an app and 24/7 phone support.

COMPLETE SHOW NOTES  See important links for planning your adventure, photos, videos and more cool info about today's show.

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******* EMAIL ME FOR PROMO DISCOUNT CODES*****

Saily Affordable eSIM Overseas Mobile Phone Plans - No need to insert a physical SIM card when you travel.  Buy just the data you need to avoid expensive roaming charges.  Use Promo Code SPECIAL5 to save 5%

Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies - no need to give any identifying information unless you decide to buy!  The best way to find the right policy for your adventures. 

Train For Your Adventure  Ask Becki at Trailblazer Wellness to customize an at home, online personal training program for your upcoming adventure using whatever equipment you already have!  You'll get phone consultations, instruction videos and a plan to give you the best chance of success.  Becki offers a FREE initial phone consultation to see if you are a good fit.  AND she offers ATA listeners a 10% discount!

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This week on the UK Travel Planning Podcast, host Tracy Collins is joined by Amy Carpenter from Texas, who shares her unforgettable two-week adventure exploring England with her husband, Mark. Amy takes us through the highlights of their carefully planned itinerary, from the bustling streets of Lond… This week on the UK Travel Planning Podcast, host Tracy Collins is joined by Amy Carpenter from Texas, who shares her unforgettable two-week adventure exploring England with her husband, Mark. Amy takes us through the highlights of their carefully planned itinerary, from the bustling streets of London to the charm of the Cotswolds, iconic castles, and literary landmarks. Highlights included Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason, and quiet moments at St D... more

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