Send us Fan Mail Have you seen the Netflix series The Bombing of Pan Am 103? It's about the tragedy of Lockerbie, Scotland that happened in Dec. of 1988. On this week's show Travel Expert Onanta Forbes joins me to discuss the tragedy and fallout that Pan Am 103 had on the travel industry as a whole.…Send us Fan Mail Have you seen the Netflix series The Bombing of Pan Am 103? It's about the tragedy of Lockerbie, Scotland that happened in Dec. of 1988. On this week's show Travel Expert Onanta Forbes joins me to discuss the tragedy and fallout that Pan Am 103 had on the travel industry as a whole. Plus, we took a short trip to Radium, BC last week and went whitewater rafting with the folks from The Kootenay River Runners. I talked with one of their guides afterwards to get some insigh...more
We chat with Graham, a Rabbie's driver-guide in Edinburgh, about what turns a simple day trip into a friendly, personal experience. We break down how small group touring works, from the first meet-up at the bus station to the last stop, with practical tips on choosing a route and packing for Scotlan…We chat with Graham, a Rabbie's driver-guide in Edinburgh, about what turns a simple day trip into a friendly, personal experience. We break down how small group touring works, from the first meet-up at the bus station to the last stop, with practical tips on choosing a route and packing for Scotland's weather. Why a 16 seater bus changes the whole feel of a tourWhat a driver-guide actually does beyond drivingHow the morning meet and greet and check-in works at Edinburgh Bus StationBuilding a...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
Send us Fan Mail Even though winter seems a long way off, now is the time to start planning for that winter getaway, so on this week's show Travel Expert Onanta Forbes joins me to offer some tips on what to plan for and some ideas on where to go. Plus we'll head to Edinburgh, Scotland and talk with …Send us Fan Mail Even though winter seems a long way off, now is the time to start planning for that winter getaway, so on this week's show Travel Expert Onanta Forbes joins me to offer some tips on what to plan for and some ideas on where to go. Plus we'll head to Edinburgh, Scotland and talk with one of the tour guides of the historic Edinburgh Castle. A place full of stories and majestic views overlooking the city of Edinburgh. Support the showmore
Mike is back from his annual sixteen-day golf pilgrimage through Scotland, and he's got stories: a near-career round at the Old Course (two under through fifteen before limping in bogey-bogey-bogey), full Scottish breakfasts with haggis, and a route that wound from St Andrews through Carnoustie, Cru…Mike is back from his annual sixteen-day golf pilgrimage through Scotland, and he's got stories: a near-career round at the Old Course (two under through fifteen before limping in bogey-bogey-bogey), full Scottish breakfasts with haggis, and a route that wound from St Andrews through Carnoustie, Cruden Bay, and Royal Dornoch all the way to John O'Groats. He also breaks down every legitimate way to score a tee time at the Old Course — from golf travel companies and Scores-street hotels to the advance lottery, the daily ballot, and the singles draw — insider knowledge earned over twenty-five years of annual trips.
Then the guys turn a skeptical eye on travel media and technology. James takes on the press's love affair with sensationalized cruise stories, from misleading "fell overboard" headlines to Netflix's Trainwreck: Poop Cruise, and explains why a rare legitimate accident — like the recent Royal Caribbean waterslide failure — deserves scrutiny while manufactured outrage deserves your side-eye. The bigger conversation: how fear-driven coverage distorts perceptions of an industry that's overwhelmingly safe.
Finally, the story nobody else is telling yet: airlines are using AI to personalize your airfare, and the price you see may depend on where you're sitting, what device you're on, and how many times you've searched. Mike and James dig into Delta's new pricing partnership, the admitted two-passenger pricing quirk (and the booking trick to beat it), lingering fuel surcharges that never went away, and Mike's bold prediction that consumer-side AI agents will eventually out-negotiate the airlines' own algorithms. Plus: a French reporter's undercover sting exposing tourist pricing at Paris bistros, and your chance to win a balcony-stateroom Alaska cruise for two on Princess.more
In this episode we bring together five local experts to share what UK summer travel really looks like from June through August, with practical advice on crowds, long daylight hours and booking ahead. We hop from Devon to the far north of Scotland, down to London, across the Cotswolds and up to the L…In this episode we bring together five local experts to share what UK summer travel really looks like from June through August, with practical advice on crowds, long daylight hours and booking ahead. We hop from Devon to the far north of Scotland, down to London, across the Cotswolds and up to the Lake District to help you plan days that feel memorable rather than hectic. Timing summer travel around school holidays and why June can feel calmerBooking accommodation and restaurants early, espec...more
White sand beaches, ancient stone circles, single-track roads, and ferries that sell out months ahead. Scotland's islands are pure magic when you plan them properly, and we've just come back from an Outer Hebrides road trip ready to share the route and the reality so you can plan your own Lewis and …White sand beaches, ancient stone circles, single-track roads, and ferries that sell out months ahead. Scotland's islands are pure magic when you plan them properly, and we've just come back from an Outer Hebrides road trip ready to share the route and the reality so you can plan your own Lewis and Harris adventure with confidence. We start with the nuts and bolts: driving north from the Midlands, choosing the scenic Glencoe route, staying overnight in Ullapool, and taking the CalMac ferry to...more
This episode is supported by Smart Travel a new podcast from Nerd Wallet. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Follow Smart Travel wherever you get your podcasts.Smart Travel Podcast
Today host Aaron Millar is sharing a bucket list bit…Check out the new Smart Travel Podcast
This episode is supported by Smart Travel a new podcast from Nerd Wallet. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Follow Smart Travel wherever you get your podcasts.Smart Travel Podcast
Today host Aaron Millar is sharing a bucket list bit of madness — literal adventure insanity he got up to about 15 years ago in the Scottish Highlands. It's called the Glen Nevis River Race, and it involves hurling yourself down two miles of white-water rapids with nothing but a novelty inflatable for company.
Picture part extreme white-water adventure, part Monty Python's Navy — competitors arrive bearing giant inflatable swans, killer whales, dinosaurs and, for one unfortunate soon-to-be husband, a blow-up doll. It's one of those rare, acutely British moments when only the preposterousness of your situation matches the bravado required to see it through. And Aaron has never, ever laughed so hard in his life.
Highlights include:
• Hearing what it feels like to stand on the edge of a thundering 40ft waterfall, inflatable lilo in hand, with a crowd screaming at you to jump.
• Discovering what it feels like to be swept into a churning cauldron of white-water with nothing but an inflatable air mattress to keep you afloat.
• Finding out about the world's most wonderfully ridiculous outdoor adventures — including World Bog Snorkelling, Gloucestershire Cheese Rolling, and the Frozen Dead Guy Days festival.
FIND OUT MORE
The Glen Nevis River Race is an annual summer event held in Glen Nevis, Scotland, raising money for the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team. It's free to enter but contestants must raise a minimum of £100 in sponsorship. It's run by No Fuss Events: find out more at nofussevents.co.uk
Other adventures mentioned in this episode:
• World Bog Snorkelling Championships: held each summer near Llanwrtyd Wells, Wales: green-events.co.uk
• Cooper's Hill Cheese Rolling: annual chaos every last Monday of May in Gloucestershire: cheese-rolling.co.uk
• Frozen Dead Guy Days: Estes Park, Colorado. Yes, it's real. Yes, you should go. VisitEstesPark.com
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If this story made you laugh — and it will — do Aaron a favour and send it to just one person who needs a little madness in their life right now. Hit the share button in your podcast app, it takes about ten seconds, or leave a review. We’re trying to reach 1,000 new listeners this series, and every single share genuinely moves the needle.
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Armchair Explorer is written and presented by Aaron Millar. Audio editing and sound design by Charles Tyrie. Theme music by Sweet Chap. Produced by Armchair Productions.
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Dreaming of a trip to the British Isles? In this episode of All Things Travel, travel advisors Ryan and Julie of Wonder and Beyond Travel break down four distinct ways to experience Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and London — with expert insight on their favorite travel partner, CIE Tours. What's covered…Dreaming of a trip to the British Isles? In this episode of All Things Travel, travel advisors Ryan and Julie of Wonder and Beyond Travel break down four distinct ways to experience Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and London — with expert insight on their favorite travel partner, CIE Tours. What's covered in this episode: 🥾 Walking & Hiking Tours (Small Group, Max 16) Perfect for the active explorer, CIE's small-group hiking tours cover wild coastlines, hidden gems, and iconic landscapes. Ryan ...more
Planning a UK trip when standing still hurts, stairs are a gamble, and transport feels unpredictable can be genuinely daunting. In this episode, Laura Dilts shares how she built a London and Scotland itinerary around a back injury, without shrinking the trip down to safe choices or missing the magic…Planning a UK trip when standing still hurts, stairs are a gamble, and transport feels unpredictable can be genuinely daunting. In this episode, Laura Dilts shares how she built a London and Scotland itinerary around a back injury, without shrinking the trip down to safe choices or missing the magic. We talk through the real decisions that make accessible UK travel work: starting early, turning a wish list into an energy-friendly plan, and researching each attraction for seating, step-free ro...more
This week, we're honored to welcome Marie "Lootie" Leautey, a record-breaking endurance runner and former international CFO who became only the seventh person in history and the fastest woman to run around the world. Born in France and shaped by a life of radical nomadism that took her from Scotland…This week, we're honored to welcome Marie "Lootie" Leautey, a record-breaking endurance runner and former international CFO who became only the seventh person in history and the fastest woman to run around the world. Born in France and shaped by a life of radical nomadism that took her from Scotland to Greece to Singapore, Lootie has spent her entire adult life chasing curiosity across borders. But it wasn't a boardroom achievement or a triathlon finish line that changed everything. It was a humbling 500-meter jog with a group of friends in their fifties that stopped her in her tracks, lit a fire, and ultimately set her on a path toward one of the greatest physical and human adventures ever attempted.
At 26, a pack-a-day smoker who had never run more than a few hundred meters without stopping, Lootie made a decision that would reshape her entire life. She quit smoking that same day, began building her running from the ground up, and nine months later crossed the finish line of her first marathon in Greece, near the ancient city of Marathon itself. That moment planted a seed that would take root over the following decade and bloom into something extraordinary: a solo, self-supported world run covering four continents, 700 consecutive marathons, a global pandemic, and zero injuries. Her newly released book, Lootie's World Run, chronicles every breathtaking, grueling, and deeply human step of that journey.
In this episode, we explore what it truly means to listen to your body as your greatest teammate, how Lootie navigated the COVID-19 pandemic mid-run without ever considering quitting, and what she discovered about human kindness in the most unexpected corners of the world from the remote saloons of Montana to the high passes of the Andes. We also dive into her philosophy of "accidental performance," the power of confronting your dreams rather than your fears, and what she means when she says the fireworks were exploding in her heart as she crossed her finish line, alone in an airport, with the whole world completely unaware. Join us for a conversation that will make you believe, without a doubt, that the greatest adventure on earth is the one you have been waiting to begin.more
Spring flips a switch across the UK, and we’re here for the first warm light, the wisteria‑framed streets, and the rush of longer evenings. We pull together clear, local advice from London to the Lake District, the Cotswolds, Devon, and the far north of Scotland so you can plan a smarter, calmer tri…Spring flips a switch across the UK, and we’re here for the first warm light, the wisteria‑framed streets, and the rush of longer evenings. We pull together clear, local advice from London to the Lake District, the Cotswolds, Devon, and the far north of Scotland so you can plan a smarter, calmer trip. We kick off in London with Becki from Walks and Devour: cherry blossom in parks, Kew’s treetop walkway, canal strolls from Hackney Wick to King’s Cross, and midweek Borough Market eats. We also...more
Happy New Year from Destination Eat Drink! On our special New Year’s episode we’re ringing in the new year by banging bread on the wall in Ireland, celebrating the constellation of Matariki in New Zealand, and observing First Footing in Scotland. Plus, throwing furniture off the balcony in Naples an…Happy New Year from Destination Eat Drink! On our special New Year’s episode we’re ringing in the new year by banging bread on the wall in Ireland, celebrating the constellation of Matariki in New Zealand, and observing First Footing in Scotland. Plus, throwing furniture off the balcony in Naples and adding whisky to trifle! [Ep 369]
Show Notes:
Foodie Travel Guides by Destination Eat Drink
Flavour Trails food and whiskey tours in Ireland
Mickela’s TV show Bare Feet
Daniel Stables travel writer
Dan’s book Fiesta: A Journey Through Festivity
Edinburgh food tours with Nell at Edinburgh Food Safari
Brent’s video from the Lille, France Christmas Marketmore
In this special solo episode closing out 2025 and celebrating episode 200 of JUMP, Jackie reflects on a year of travel, growth, and big transitions. Recorded alongside a real-time sunrise over Edinburgh Castle, she shares three lessons from her final JUMP Adventures trip of the year to Peru, includi…In this special solo episode closing out 2025 and celebrating episode 200 of JUMP, Jackie reflects on a year of travel, growth, and big transitions. Recorded alongside a real-time sunrise over Edinburgh Castle, she shares three lessons from her final JUMP Adventures trip of the year to Peru, including why the in-between moments matter more than landmarks, how taking the road less traveled deepens meaning, and why slow travel creates the strongest connection to place.
Jackie also shares an important update on JUMP Adventures, explaining her decision to step back from leading public group trips after ten years of guiding people through challenging experiences around the world. While her role is shifting, the heart of JUMP remains intact, with trusted itineraries and partnerships still available for those ready to gather their own people and do hard things together.
The episode closes with what’s next for Jackie, including a solo trip to Scotland for a writer’s retreat over Thanksgiving and her birthday, where she finally created space to focus fully on writing her book. She also shares her end-of-year reflection practices and her “word for 2026” as an invitation to make space, listen inward, and step intentionally into the next chapter.
Resources:
• https://travelingjackie.com
• https://jumpadventures.com
• Instagram: @TravelingJackie
• Please follow the show, leave a 5-star review if you love it, and share with your travel buddies
• Don’t miss Jackie’s behind-the-scenes communications - hop on our email list at TravelingJackie.com
Massive thanks to Osprey.com and ObozFootwear.com for sponsoring and supporting our show!
Produced by NOVA
Take a leap with Jackie IRL - join us in Greece and Norway in 2025 at JUMPadventures.com
We chat about the Sagrada Familia, the National Monument of Scotland and confront the brave new world of "frictionless travel" as promised by facial recognition technology
In this Traveling in Ireland Quick Tips episode, I explain what you need to know before driving your rental car across the border into Northern Ireland or Scotland. You’ll learn which routes are permitted, what fees apply, and how to make sure your insurance and rental agreement stay valid.
Full sh…In this Traveling in Ireland Quick Tips episode, I explain what you need to know before driving your rental car across the border into Northern Ireland or Scotland. You’ll learn which routes are permitted, what fees apply, and how to make sure your insurance and rental agreement stay valid.
Full show notes with video & links at: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/driving-rental-car-ireland-northern-ireland/ireland-travel-tips/more
In episode 174 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, host Tracy Collins is joined by resident train travel expert Doug Collins to share highlights from his six-week rail adventure across the UK. Travelling from London to Scotland and back again, Doug explored major cities, rural stations and some of Br…In episode 174 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, host Tracy Collins is joined by resident train travel expert Doug Collins to share highlights from his six-week rail adventure across the UK. Travelling from London to Scotland and back again, Doug explored major cities, rural stations and some of Britain’s most scenic routes while gathering video content for upcoming YouTube guides. In this episode, you’ll learn: ✅ Which UK train routes offer the most spectacular views ✅ How to use passes lik...more
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/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.more
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
Scotland promises unforgettable adventures, but even the best-planned trips can be derailed by a few common mistakes. In this episode, we reveal fifteen pitfalls travellers often make and share practical advice to help your Scottish journey run smoothly. Here are just some of the mistakes we discuss…Scotland promises unforgettable adventures, but even the best-planned trips can be derailed by a few common mistakes. In this episode, we reveal fifteen pitfalls travellers often make and share practical advice to help your Scottish journey run smoothly. Here are just some of the mistakes we discuss: Visiting Edinburgh in August during the Fringe Festival or Military Tattoo without booking accommodation and restaurants well in advanceUnderestimating the impact of midges in the Highlands and i...more
