Recorded live at the HoT Podcast Festival in Henley 🎙️

For Travel Secrets’ very first live recording, Tanya was joined on stage by someone who really needs no introduction: actor, national treasure, king of the jungle and one of the greatest storytellers around, Christopher Biggins.

Christopher is… Recorded live at the HoT Podcast Festival in Henley 🎙️

For Travel Secrets’ very first live recording, Tanya was joined on stage by someone who really needs no introduction: actor, national treasure, king of the jungle and one of the greatest storytellers around, Christopher Biggins.

Christopher is also a dear friend of Tanya’s, a former Travel Secrets guest and someone she has been lucky enough to travel with herself, making him the perfect person to bring Travel Secrets to life in front of an audience.

And he certainly didn’t disappoint.

From flying to New York on Virgin Atlantic’s first flight and taking a rather unconventional military plane to see China’s Terracotta Warriors, to an unforgettable party in St Petersburg, meeting Hillary Clinton in full Austrian costume and encountering a professional mermaid on a cruise around Japan, Christopher takes us around the world in his own completely inimitable way.

He also shares why he still loves the Maldives, his memories of sailing to Easter Island on an unforgettable world cruise and the very different side of travel he has experienced through his work with the HOPE Foundation in Kolkata.

Funny, outrageous and occasionally rather moving, this was such a special evening and we’re delighted to finally be able to share it with you.

Chapters:

00:00 Christopher Biggins’ travel stories

01:00 Welcome to Travel Secrets LIVE at the HoT Podcast Festival

03:20 How travel changes as you get older

05:17 The joy of travelling by private jet

07:12 Christopher’s childhood holidays at Butlin’s

09:14 China, the Great Wall & an unforgettable flight to Xi’an

11:41 The Peace Hotel in Shanghai

12:09 The unfortunate story of the terracotta horse

13:11 Travel Secret #1: New York

16:31 Most unexpected experience: the Maldives

18:30 Overrated or underrated: the Isle of Man

19:34 Cruising the Mekong & arriving in Saigon

21:30 An extraordinary party in St Petersburg

24:05 Meeting Hillary Clinton in Austria

25:07 Christopher’s top travel tip

25:58 Meeting a professional mermaid in Japan

27:28 Sailing to Easter Island on an unforgettable world cruise

29:19 The photograph that sums up travel for Christopher

29:28 Kolkata & the HOPE Foundation

31:15 Private jets, first class & the other side of travel

Places mentioned:

• New York, USA

• Great Wall of China, China

• Xi’an & the Terracotta Warriors, China

• Shanghai & the Peace Hotel, China

• The Maldives

• Isle of Man

• Mekong River, Vietnam

• Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), Vietnam

• St Petersburg, Russia

• Japan

• Easter Island, Chile

• Tonga

• Tahiti, French Polynesia

• New Zealand

• Sydney, Australia

• Kolkata, India

• Dubai, UAE

Listen to Travel Secrets wherever you get your podcasts and subscribe to the channel for more conversations with some of the world’s most fascinating travellers. more

What happens when a life of travel begins with a modelling trip to Acapulco at 16 and goes on to include touring the world with The Rolling Stones, climbing to 17,000ft in Tibet and even spotting a UFO in Brazil?

This week, Tanya is joined by Jo Wood, model, entrepreneur, writer and founder of Jo W… What happens when a life of travel begins with a modelling trip to Acapulco at 16 and goes on to include touring the world with The Rolling Stones, climbing to 17,000ft in Tibet and even spotting a UFO in Brazil?

This week, Tanya is joined by Jo Wood, model, entrepreneur, writer and founder of Jo Wood Organics, whose extraordinary life has taken her all over the world.

Jo started travelling as a teenage model, but when she met Ronnie Wood at 22, she began joining him on tour and, as she tells Tanya, thinks she has now been to “most places in the world.” 

In this episode, Jo shares:

Why Japan is the one country Jo thinks everyone should visit

Touring Japan with The Rolling Stones and seeing how dramatically the country changed between visits

Why Buenos Aires completely surprised her, and arriving there with The Rolling Stones to scenes she describes as “Beatlemania”

Spending a month travelling through Tibet with Sadhguru and climbing to 17,000ft at Mount Kailash

The night Jo and Ronnie saw what she describes as a “proper UFO” while on holiday in Brazil and her other unexplained sightings while travelling in South America and Zanzibar

Taking her own home-grown organic potatoes to Paris while on tour

The restaurant hidden in the Spanish mountains that she recommends

Her travels through India, from Kerala and Goa to Mumbai and Rajasthan

Why she loves Zanzibar and keeps going back

The Seychelles trip and photograph that sums up travel for her

Her favourite restaurants and what she always takes with her when she travels

From rock ’n’ roll tours to remote pilgrimages, this is a life very well travelled.

Subscribe to Travel Secrets for a new episode every week, as Tanya asks her guests to reveal their six travel secrets and the holidays and adventures that surround them.

And remember: this podcast might not change your life, but it might just change your plans.

Chapters:

01:20 How has travel impacted the person you’ve become?

05:44 What’s the one destination everyone should visit once in their lifetime?

08:38 What’s your most unexpected travel experience?

10:52 What’s your most overrated or underrated destination?

20:36 What and where do you love to eat and drink when you travel?

24:39 What’s your top travel tip?

27:58 What’s your most poignant travel memory?

31:51 What photograph sums up travel for you?

34:33 Where are you going next?

Places mentioned

Japan and Mount Fuji

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Tibet, Lake Manasarovar and Mount Kailash

Nepal

Brazil, including Recife and São Paulo

Zanzibar, Tanzania

The Seychelles

Egypt

India, including Coimbatore, Kerala, Goa, Mumbai and Rajasthan

Acapulco, Mexico

Paris and Cannes, France

Tenerife and mainland Spain

Los Angeles and Miami, USA

London more

What would it take to visit every country in the world, and could a journey like that actually help you heal from unimaginable loss? 

Following the sudden loss of his wife Jackie in Botswana in 2017, Barry Hoffner set out to visit every country in the world, a journey that became the basis for his … What would it take to visit every country in the world, and could a journey like that actually help you heal from unimaginable loss? 

Following the sudden loss of his wife Jackie in Botswana in 2017, Barry Hoffner set out to visit every country in the world, a journey that became the basis for his memoir, Belonging to the World. He has since traveled to 192 of the 193 UN member countries, an experience that included exploring his own heritage as an Iraqi Jew who grew up in the United States. Barry also founded Caravan to Class, a nonprofit that provides access to education for young women across West Africa through the Bourse Jackie scholarship program, named in her honor. 

In this episode, Barry shares how grief led him to a global quest to visit every country in the world, and what he learned about identity, connection, and healing along the way. 

This conversation is a reminder that grief doesn't follow a straight line, and that the way we choose to move through it can shape everything that comes after. There's a lot of honesty here about what it means to rebuild an identity from the ground up after everything familiar is gone. And there's a genuine sense of wonder in hearing how one goal, however unlikely it seemed at the start, can turn into a life fully lived. 

What might it look like for you to begin again from year zero? I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you'll share by sending me an audio message. 

Tune In To Learn: 

Why one spontaneous coin flip during high school set the course for a lifetime of travel 

How an early scam abroad taught a hard lesson about travel awareness 

Why working overseas early in his finance career reshaped his approach to life and work 

What it was like to survive a real plane hijacking 

How exploring his family's Middle Eastern heritage as an adult changed his sense of identity 

Advice for processing grief and using travel intentionally as part of healing 

Why he calls the period after his loss "year zero" and what that mindset can offer anyone starting over 

How a chance encounter with a stranger became one of the most meaningful moments of his journey 

Why the goal of visiting every country mattered less in the end than what he discovered along the way 

Advice on transitioning from decades of nomadic living to putting down roots in one place 

And so much more 

Resources: 

Sign up for our FREE newsletter 

Belonging to the World 

Caravan to Class 

Barry's Instagram 

Want More? 

Finding A Quest That Can Change Your Life: An Interview With Chris Guillebeau 

The Power of Death in Life with Gentle Rebel Bronnie Ware 

A Personal Evolution Through Travel + Creating Your Own Path with Nikki Vargas 

Thanks To Our Sponsors 

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Small towns can feel like a time machine and a deep breath at the same time. I’ve been drawn to quieter places lately, and I want to share what I’m learning as I explore small town travel in the USA as both a solo traveler and a travel coach. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to trade tr… Small towns can feel like a time machine and a deep breath at the same time. I’ve been drawn to quieter places lately, and I want to share what I’m learning as I explore small town travel in the USA as both a solo traveler and a travel coach. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to trade traffic and endless errands for a slower pace, friendlier hellos, and a main street you can actually walk, you’ll feel right at home here. We talk about why so many of us default to the kind o... more

British singer, songwriter and actress Pixie Lott joins Tanya Rose to reveal the travel experiences that have shaped her life.

From writing music in New York and Los Angeles as a teenager to touring across Japan, performing in Brazil, discovering hidden gems through local recommendations and fallin… British singer, songwriter and actress Pixie Lott joins Tanya Rose to reveal the travel experiences that have shaped her life.

From writing music in New York and Los Angeles as a teenager to touring across Japan, performing in Brazil, discovering hidden gems through local recommendations and falling in love with Italy, Pixie shares the places that continue to inspire both her life and career.

She also talks about why she never plans her holidays too far in advance, why Tokyo completely changed her perspective on travel, and the emotional trip to Brazil that she’ll never forget.

In this episode, she talks about:

Why Tokyo and Rome are the two destinations everyone should visit

How music took her around the world from the age of 15

The unexpected trip to Brazil that became one of the most emotional experiences of her life

Why Cornwall and the Lake District deserve more recognition

The Italian destinations she keeps returning to and the pasta she still dreams about

The London restaurants and cocktail bars she always returns to

Why she prefers booking travel as she goes and trusting local recommendations

Her unforgettable visit to Zambia with Comic Relief

Writing her latest album Encino in California

Why New York and Nashville still inspire her creativity

🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe to @TravelSecretsThePodcast and listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and wherever you get your podcasts.

Chapters

03:44 Number one destination everyone should visit: Tokyo or Rome?

08:29 The unexpected Brazil trip that changed everything

13:26 Why Pixie thinks holidays in the UK are underrated

18:52 Favourite food, restaurants and cocktails while travelling

23:36 Pixie’s best travel advice: trust the locals

26:58 Her most poignant travel memory in Zambia

28:26 Writing Encino in California

30:54 Why New York and Nashville will always inspire her

34:29 The travel photographs that mean the most to her

Places Mentioned

Tokyo, Japan

Rome, Italy

Portugal

Mallorca, Spain

New York City, USA

Los Angeles, California, USA

Brazil

Cornwall, England

Lake District, England

London, England

Capri, Italy

Porto Cervo, Sardinia, Italy

Forte dei Marmi, Italy

Zambia

Nashville, Tennessee, USA more

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

If you've assumed train travel is too slow, too expe… 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

If you've assumed train travel is too slow, too expensive, or simply not practical, this episode might change your mind.

Train travel expert Sojourner White busts common myths about traveling by rail and shares why more travelers are choosing the journey as part of the adventure.

From booking smarter to discovering some of the most breathtaking rail routes in the United States, Sojourner shares practical tips to help you decide if train travel is right for your next trip.

Connect with Sojourner White

Website: https://sojournies.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Sojournies

Instagram: @thesojournies

Train Trip Checklist: https://bit.ly/trainchecklist

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This podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world’s best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape Podcast Network . For advertising or sponsorship opportunities on this show and across the network, email [email protected] or you can find more information at Voyascape Ads. more

American actress and Gossip Girl star Kelly Rutherford joins Tanya Rose to reveal the travel experiences that have shaped her life.

 

From growing up in California to building a life between New York and Monaco, Kelly reflects on family heritage, the cities she called home and the destinations she… American actress and Gossip Girl star Kelly Rutherford joins Tanya Rose to reveal the travel experiences that have shaped her life.

 

From growing up in California to building a life between New York and Monaco, Kelly reflects on family heritage, the cities she called home and the destinations she returns to time and time again. Together, they discuss everything from her favourite cafés and travelling with children to life in Monaco and the Italian road trip she hopes to repeat with her daughter.

In this episode, she talks about:

Discovering her English and Danish roots

Losing her passport in France

Kelly’s favourite city in the world

Raising children in New York vs Los Angeles

Her favourite cafés in Paris, London and New York

What it’s like to live in Monaco

The simple suitcase rule she always follows

The best way she has found to get her children to go to museums with her

Her favourite magazine for travel recommendations

The unforgettable Italian road trip she took with her daughter

🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe to @TravelSecretsThePodcast and remember you can also listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and wherever you get your podcasts.

Places mentioned

New York City, USA

Los Angeles, USA

Palm Beach, Florida

Paris, France

Monaco

Nice, France

Saint-Paul-de-Vence, France

Saint-Tropez, France

Florence, Italy

Rome, Italy

Umbria, Italy

Copenhagen, Denmark

Stockholm, Sweden

English countryside

Istanbul, Turkey more

This week on the pod, the boys talk about their favorite subject: sports. The World Cup is captivating everyone, and the many visitors to the USA are soaking up all the Americana. Ryan chats with NPR's Ava Berger about what's captivating them.

Things We Talked About in This Episode:

https://www.np… This week on the pod, the boys talk about their favorite subject: sports. The World Cup is captivating everyone, and the many visitors to the USA are soaking up all the Americana. Ryan chats with NPR's Ava Berger about what's captivating them.

Things We Talked About in This Episode:

https://www.nprillinois.org/2026-06-19/big-dogs-buc-ees-and-the-great-bbq-debate-world-cup-fans-discover-everyday-america

https://www.npr.org/2026/06/13/nx-s1-5856514/the-joys-of-reporting-on-3-teenagers-chasing-glory-in-the-world-series-of-birding

https://x.com/FreddyLA7

https://edition.cnn.com/2026/06/19/sport/video/merlin-the-duck-is-mexicos-unofficial-mascot-digvid-vrtc more

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

Connecticut rarely tops travelers' New England wish … 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

Connecticut rarely tops travelers' New England wish lists, yet it offers many of the experiences that make the region so beloved. Historic seaports, charming coastal towns, outstanding seafood, vibrant arts scenes, fall foliage, and centuries of American history are all packed into a state that remains surprisingly uncrowded.

In this episode, David Brodie sits down with Pauline Frommer, President of Frommer's Media and one of the most respected voices in travel publishing, to explore the hidden appeal of Connecticut. As Pauline updates the Connecticut chapter for the upcoming Frommer's New England guidebook, she shares the destinations, museums, restaurants, and experiences that surprised her most.

From world-class art collections and Yale University's stunning campus to lobster shacks, colonial villages, and scenic countryside retreats, Connecticut emerges as a destination that delivers authentic New England experiences without the crowds often found elsewhere in the region.

Topics Covered

• Why Connecticut Is Overlooked – The state's surprising mix of coastal charm, history, culture, and outdoor experiences.

• Historic New England – Colonial architecture, Revolutionary War sites, and maritime heritage.

• Museums & Arts – Yale's exceptional museums, historic homes, and unique cultural attractions.

• Food Scene – New Haven pizza, fresh seafood, and locally sourced dining experiences.

• Coastal Connecticut – Exploring Mystic, Long Island Sound, and charming waterfront communities.

• Outdoor Recreation – Hiking, kayaking, canoeing, horseback riding, and scenic countryside escapes.

Top Things to See & Do

Mystic Seaport Museum

One of America's premier living history museums, Mystic Seaport combines maritime heritage, historic buildings, working ship restoration projects, and engaging exhibits that bring New England's seafaring past to life.

Yale University

The iconic New Haven campus offers stunning Gothic architecture, fascinating guided tours, student theatre productions, and several outstanding museums.

Yale University Art Gallery

One of the finest small art museums in the United States, featuring works by Picasso, Braque, Van Gogh, and significant collections from around the world.

Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library

An architectural masterpiece housing rare books, rotating exhibitions, and one of the world's treasured copies of the Gutenberg Bible.

The Glass House, New Canaan

A landmark of modernist architecture designed by Philip Johnson, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into mid-century design and American architectural history.

Putnam Memorial State Park

Known as Connecticut's Valley Forge, this Revolutionary War site preserves the history of George Washington's winter encampment and the hardships endured by Continental Army soldiers.

Mark Twain House & Museum

One of Connecticut's most famous historic homes, showcasing the life, success, and eventual financial struggles of one of America's greatest authors.

Where to Eat & Drink

Sally's Apizza

A legendary New Haven institution serving the thin-crust pizza style that has made the city famous among food lovers.

Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana

One of Connecticut's most iconic pizza destinations and a key stop on any New Haven pizza pilgrimage.

Modern Apizza

Another celebrated New Haven favorite known for its classic pies and loyal local following.

The Shipwright's Daughter

A nationally recognized restaurant in Mystic focused on hyper-local seafood and farm-fresh ingredients sourced from nearby producers.

Mystic Seafood Shacks

The Mystic area is filled with casual seafood spots serving lobster rolls, steamed clams, oysters, and other New England classics.

Roly Poly

A well-regarded Hungarian restaurant in New Haven that showcases the city's surprisingly diverse culinary scene.

Neighborhoods & Regions to Explore

Mystic

A charming coastal town known for maritime history, seafood, waterfront scenery, and one of the state's most beloved attractions.

New Haven

Home to Yale University, exceptional museums, renowned pizza, and a thriving cultural scene.

Litchfield Hills

A scenic region filled with colonial villages, hiking trails, countryside estates, and art installations.

Greenwich

Connecticut's most affluent community offers luxury shopping, impressive architecture, and an intriguing glimpse into the lifestyles of the ultra-wealthy.

New Canaan

A destination for architecture enthusiasts thanks to its concentration of significant modernist buildings.

Hartford

The state capital combines literary history, museums, and important cultural landmarks.

Where to Stay

Delamar

A stylish Connecticut-based boutique hotel collection known for incorporating local design inf more

Across the United States, from Alaska to Puerto Rico, there are about 112 million acres of officially designated wilderness. That amounts to about 5 percent of the country's land mass. It might appear to be even smaller when you consider that more than half of those 112 million acres protected as wi… Across the United States, from Alaska to Puerto Rico, there are about 112 million acres of officially designated wilderness. That amounts to about 5 percent of the country's land mass. It might appear to be even smaller when you consider that more than half of those 112 million acres protected as wilderness are in Alaska.

To say that wilderness is at risk from the human imprint isn't hyperbole. While there are millions of acres of proposed, recommended, and potential wilderness across the country, Congress acts extremely slowly on these matters. Indeed, it was back in 1989 when America's Red Rock Wilderness Act was first proposed in Congress to protect 8 million acres in Utah as official wilderness. The clock continues to tick on that proposal.

Without official designation as wilderness, lands can be impacted by motorized and mechanized activities, from logging and mining and energy development to off-road-vehicle recreation. But the threats to both unofficial and official wilderness might be growing, as the Trump administration has called for a review of wilderness management on lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and even the National Park Service.

To explore what's at stake with wilderness in America under these proposals, we have Kevin Proescholdt, the conservation director for Wilderness Watch, a nonprofit advocacy organization, and Bob Krumenaker, chairman of Keep Big Bend Wild, a nonprofit advocating for official wilderness designation in Big Bend National Park and a long-time National Park Service manager joining us today.

Public comment on the Interior secretary's directives is being taken through mid-August. Here are links to the public comment pages:

BLM


• https://www.regulations.gov/document/BLM-2026-0034-0001
• https://www.regulations.gov/docket/BLM-2026-0068
• https://www.regulations.gov/docket/BLM-2026-0069
• https://www.regulations.gov/docket/BLM-2026-0067 NPS


• regulations.gov - NPS 2026-0101
• regulations.gov - NPS 2026-0100 FWS


• Wilderness Administration and Resource Stewardship; Managing Climbing Activities in Wilderness
• https://www.regulations.gov/document/FWS-HQ-NWRS-2026-1618-0001 more

A pay phone in Washington, D.C tells you jokes and affirmations.

This episode is part of our Weekend Road Trip Series, where we bring you stories of the strange, incredible, and wondrous places right here in the United States, that you can see from the road. This series was produced in partnership … A pay phone in Washington, D.C tells you jokes and affirmations.

This episode is part of our Weekend Road Trip Series, where we bring you stories of the strange, incredible, and wondrous places right here in the United States, that you can see from the road. This series was produced in partnership with T-Mobile. more

Today we visit the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, which is home to 10,000 bobbleheads inspired by sports, pop culture, politics, and even some niche viral Internet moments. Some even date back hundreds of years.

This episode is part of our Weekend Road Trip Ser… Today we visit the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, which is home to 10,000 bobbleheads inspired by sports, pop culture, politics, and even some niche viral Internet moments. Some even date back hundreds of years.

This episode is part of our Weekend Road Trip Series, where we bring you stories of the strange, incredible, and wondrous places right here in the United States, that you can see from the road. This series was produced in partnership with T-Mobile.

Check out the museum online and note that they do accept suggestions for new bobbleheads! more

One of the fastest growing cities in the United States is yet to be discovered by tourists. We talked with Alison Brooks, of Visit Sugar Land, about why it could be a nice addition to any Texas vacation.

Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the world

This podcast is part of the V… One of the fastest growing cities in the United States is yet to be discovered by tourists. We talked with Alison Brooks, of Visit Sugar Land, about why it could be a nice addition to any Texas vacation.

Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the world

This podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world’s best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape.com. For advertising or sponsorship opportunities on this show and across the network, email [email protected] or you can find more information at Voyascape.com/advertising. more

Send us Fan Mail This week's show is all about sunny Fort Lauderdale, Florida where we attended IPW 2026 last week — one of the travel industry’s premier international marketplaces, hosted by Brand USA and the US Travel Association. One of the conversations we had was with Visit Lauderdale sharing a… Send us Fan Mail This week's show is all about sunny Fort Lauderdale, Florida where we attended IPW 2026 last week — one of the travel industry’s premier international marketplaces, hosted by Brand USA and the US Travel Association. One of the conversations we had was with Visit Lauderdale sharing all the fun things Ft Lauderdale has to offer. I also had a sit down with Brand USA, talking about traveling to the US, visitation numbers and the plan going forward. Support the show more

It took Ross Ward more than 40 years to build Tinkertown, an indescribable array of carvings, figurines, and folk art. The project became both a source of inspiration for young artists, and an unexpected refuge for Ross himself.

This episode is part of our Weekend Road Trip Series, where we bring y… It took Ross Ward more than 40 years to build Tinkertown, an indescribable array of carvings, figurines, and folk art. The project became both a source of inspiration for young artists, and an unexpected refuge for Ross himself.

This episode is part of our Weekend Road Trip Series, where we bring you stories of the strange, incredible, and wondrous places right here in the United States, that you can see from the road. This series was produced in partnership with T-Mobile. more

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

Why Waiting Until Retirement To Travel Will Be Your … 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

Why Waiting Until Retirement To Travel Will Be Your Biggest Regret

Have you ever said to yourself, “I’ll travel when I retire”? In this solo episode of the Winging It Travel Podcast, I dive into why I believe waiting until retirement to travel could become one of your biggest regrets.

After travelling to more than 75 countries over the last 15 years, I’ve realised that there will always be another excuse not to go — another promotion, another bill, another responsibility, another reason to delay your dreams. In this episode, I explore why so many people postpone travel until “someday,” and why I think that mindset can be dangerous.

I talk about the realities of health, time, energy, work culture, fear, and the societal expectations that keep people trapped in routines they don’t actually enjoy. I also share personal stories and reflections from my own travels through places like Central America, Ukraine, Canada, and the USA, alongside lessons I’ve learned from years of backpacking and long-term travel.

This is a deep, honest, and motivational episode about creating freedom, prioritising experiences, and making travel part of your life now — not decades into the future.

In this episode, I discuss:

• Why retirement is never guaranteed
• How the “someday” mentality leads to regret
• Why travel becomes harder later in life
• The importance of time freedom and flexibility
• How geopolitics can suddenly change travel opportunities
• Why memories mean more than possessions
• The employee mindset vs lifestyle freedom
• Why taking a sabbatical or career break can change your life
• How travel improves confidence, perspective, and personal growth
• Why meaningful experiences matter more than material things
If you’ve ever dreamed of taking a career break, backpacking the world, travelling long term, or escaping the traditional 9-5 lifestyle, I hope this episode gives you the motivation to stop waiting and start planning your next adventure.

Need help taking a break to travel? Check out my other podcast, Taking A Career Break with Katrina McGhee below.

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TakingaCareerBreakwithKatrina

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/taking-a-career-break-with-katrina-mcghee/id1772602758

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1lRPigXIghYUw82Eqak0mF?si=30ab153333794e19

Support Winging It Travel Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode:

• ⭐ Leave a 5-star rating or review on your podcast app
• ☕ Support the show at buymeacoffee.com/wingingit
• 🌍 Explore more episodes at wingingittravelpodcast.com
• ✈️ Check out more great travel podcasts at https://voyascape.com
• 📺 Now also on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@wingingittravelpodcast
⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Why “I’ll Travel When I Retire” is dangerous

02:23 – Introduction to the podcast

04:03 – Reason #1: Retirement and life are never guaranteed

06:30 – Why health and energy matter for travel

07:55 – The employee mindset and time freedom

10:18 – Why geopolitics can change travel forever

12:30 – Ukraine, Central America & travelling while you can

13:47 – The danger of the “someday” mentality

15:55 – Quick podcast break & ways to support the show

16:39 – Reason #5: Memories are worth more than possessions

18:55 – Why travel memories stay with you forever

20:28 – Are jobs really worth sacrificing your life for?

23:20 – How travel improves confidence and worldview

24:45 – The value of career breaks and sabbaticals

26:05 – Doing things outside your comfort zone

26:58 – Alex Garland quote from The Beach

27:45 – Why millennials should travel now, not later

28:40 – Final thoughts and listener takeaway

29:27 – Outro

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Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com⁠

Voyascape: Travel Podcast Network - https://voyascape.com/

Winging It Travel Podcast - Website

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Winging It Travel Podcast Credits

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

Contact me - [email protected] or [email protected]

Social Media - follow me on:

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The Bob Baker Marionette Theater is a beloved place in Los Angeles, California. The theater almost closed down when its founder, Bob Baker, died in 2014. But it has managed to survive.

Randel Metz is the director of the Storybook Puppet Theater in Oakland, California, and the author of Enchanted St… The Bob Baker Marionette Theater is a beloved place in Los Angeles, California. The theater almost closed down when its founder, Bob Baker, died in 2014. But it has managed to survive.

Randel Metz is the director of the Storybook Puppet Theater in Oakland, California, and the author of Enchanted Strings: Bob Baker Marionette Theater.

This episode is part of our Weekend Road Trip Series, where we bring you stories of the strange, incredible, and wondrous places right here in the United States, that you can see from the road. This series was produced in partnership with T-Mobile. more

Today we’re heading to the sun-soaked Southern California coast in the USA, arriving at Newport Beach.

Now, if you’re listening in the UK and thinking, hang on, where exactly is Newport Beach? - it’s just south of Los Angeles, in Orange County. 

For a lot of you listening, that name might immediat… Today we’re heading to the sun-soaked Southern California coast in the USA, arriving at Newport Beach.

Now, if you’re listening in the UK and thinking, hang on, where exactly is Newport Beach? - it’s just south of Los Angeles, in Orange County. 

For a lot of you listening, that name might immediately conjure up The O.C., or the The Real Housewives of Orange County - it’s one of those places that really captures that classic California coastal lifestyle: long sandy beaches, a beautiful harbour dotted with boats, waterfront restaurants serving the freshest seafood, surf culture, spectacular houses, and that sense that life is lived largely outdoors.

It’s glamorous, yes, but it’s also very accessible for all price points and surprisingly varied once you get to know it - and that’s what this episode is all about.

I’m joined today by Gary Sherwin, a Newport Beach local for the last 25 years, travel expert and CEO of Visit Newport Beach - he knows the area inside out.

He shares the places, experiences and little details that really give you a feel for the destination. Because this isn’t just somewhere to come for a quick beach stop. It’s a destination in its own right, and one that seems to offer a really lovely mix of things: that classic California coast feeling, yes, but also a lot of variety within it - from smart hotels and great food to beach days, boat days, family-friendly experiences, little pockets with their own personality, and plenty of ways to slow down and enjoy being by the water.

So whether you’re plotting a wider California trip, looking for a different side of Southern California, or just in the mood for a little armchair travel to somewhere sunny and coastal, this should give you a very good feel for it.

Destination Recap:

• Newport Harbor
• Gulfstream Restaurant
• Louie’s by the Bay
• A Restaurant
• 21 Oceanfront Restaurant
• Balboa Bay Resort
• Pendry Newport Beach
• VEA Newport Beach, A Marriott Resort & Spa
• The Resort at Pelican Hill (becoming A St. Regis Estate in 2027)
• Crystal Cove
• Balboa Island
• Inspiration Point, Corona del Mar
• Mastro’s Ocean Club
• Blackie’s by the Sea
• Fashion Island
• Back Bay (Upper Newport Bay)

You can discover more about Newport Beach here.

As always, thank you so much for listening. If you enjoyed it, do share it with someone who’s planning a California trip, and don’t forget to follow or subscribe on your podcast app so you never miss an episode.

I’ll be back on Tuesday.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. more

Andrew McCarthy, star of such iconic films as Pretty in Pink and Less Than Zero, is also an accomplished travel writer. His latest book “Who Needs Friends: An Unscientific Examination of Male Friendship Across America” tells of a roadtrip from New York to California during which McCarthy visited old… Andrew McCarthy, star of such iconic films as Pretty in Pink and Less Than Zero, is also an accomplished travel writer. His latest book “Who Needs Friends: An Unscientific Examination of Male Friendship Across America” tells of a roadtrip from New York to California during which McCarthy visited old friends and dropped in on both quirky backwaters and places of historic importance. Along the way, he learns from the men he meets on the road what friendship means and why it’s a crucial element in a well rounded life. Pauline Frommer discusses the book and journey with McCarthy in today’s podcast.

Mentioned in this podcast:

• White Sands National Park
• Point Pleasant, West Virginia
• Wink, Texas
• Clarksdale, Mississippi
• Oxford, Mississippi
• The Blues
• Roy Orbison
• Elvis Presley
• Emmett Till
• Don George
• Book Passage
• Abraham Lincoln
• Oakland, California
• Friendship
• Alzheimers
• Heart Disease
Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the world

This podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world’s best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape.com. For advertising or sponsorship opportunities on this show and across the network, email [email protected] or you can find more information at Voyascape.com/advertising. more

In 1891, a knot of men murdered a 1,300-year-old tree to prove it wasn’t a "tall tale." We visit the Mark Twain Stump, a 16-foot-wide wooden stage that serves as a monument to early American hubris, the cost of disbelief, and the bittersweet birth of the conservation of the Sequoias.

This episode i… In 1891, a knot of men murdered a 1,300-year-old tree to prove it wasn’t a "tall tale." We visit the Mark Twain Stump, a 16-foot-wide wooden stage that serves as a monument to early American hubris, the cost of disbelief, and the bittersweet birth of the conservation of the Sequoias.

This episode is part of our Weekend Road Trip Series, where we bring you stories of the strange, incredible, and wondrous places right here in the United States, that you can see from the road. This series was produced in partnership with T-Mobile. more