Why the World Cup Proves Travel Brings People Together | My Updated 2026 Travel Plans & Recovering From Kidney Stones
Why the World Cup Proves Travel Brings People Together | My Updated 2026 Travel Plans & Recovering From Kidney Stones
This week I'm sharing a more personal update as I recover from kidney stones, reflect on the incredible atmosphere surrounding the FIFA World Cup, and look ahead to an exciting second half of the year packed with travel.
After a slower start to 2026, I'm finally getting ready to hit the road again with trips to Toronto, Estonia, Finland, Paris and French Polynesia. I also share how this period away from travelling has helped me rethink my content, my business and what I want the future of Winging It to look like.
I also explain why I believe the World Cup is one of the greatest examples of how travel brings people together. From the incredible hospitality shown by Mexican fans to England supporters, to thousands of people from different cultures celebrating side by side, it's a reminder that travel creates understanding, respect and unforgettable memories.
Finally, I open up about dealing with kidney stones over the past couple of weeks, what it's taught me about appreciating everyday life, and why I'm looking forward to getting back out into the world once I'm fully recovered.
If you've been thinking about booking your next adventure, hopefully this episode gives you the inspiration to finally go for it.
In this episode:
• Why the World Cup is about far more than football.
• The incredible hospitality between travelling fans.
• My upcoming trips to Canada, Estonia, Finland, France and French Polynesia.
• How I've been rethinking my travel content and podcast plans.
• Recovering from kidney stones and what the experience has taught me.
• A look ahead to what's coming next on Winging It Travel Podcast.
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
01:38 Why the release schedule has changed
02:30 What the World Cup teaches us about travel
05:10 England, Mexico and the power of football to unite people
07:45 Why travel creates cultural understanding
09:25 My upcoming trips: Toronto, Estonia, Finland and Paris
12:15 French Polynesia, future travel plans and new podcast ideas
13:45 Recovering from kidney stones and appreciating normal life
15:10 Podcast updates, reviews and supporting the show
--------------------------------------------------------------
Produced by Winging It Productions - https://www.wingingitproductions.com
Voyascape: Travel Podcast Network - https://voyascape.com/
Winging It Travel Podcast - Website
--------------------------------------------------------------
Winging It Travel Podcast Credits
Host/Producer/Creator/Composer/Editor - James Hammond
Contact me - [email protected] or [email protected]
Social Media - follow me on:
Instagram
TikTok
Facebook
--------------------------------------------------------------
Affiliate Links
If you click one of the below to book something, I get a tiny commission, which helps the podcast.
Book Flights with Skyscanner - Here
Use Revolut Travel Card - Here
Book Hostels With Hostelworld - Here
Booking.com - Here
Book Experiences With Viator - Here
Discovery Car Hire - Here
Book Buses With Busbud - Here
Book Trains With Trainline - Here
Travel Insurance with SafetyWing - Here
Book Flights With Expedia Canada - Here
--------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks for supporting me and the podcast!
Cheers James.
Mentioned in this episode:
Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the world
This podcast is part of Voyascape, a podcast network that brings together the world's best travel podcasts. You can find all of our podcasts from around the world at Voyascape.com.
If you are interested in advertising or sponsored content on any of our shows you can find out more at the link below.
Voyascape Podcast Network
This week I'm sharing a more personal update as I recover from kidney stones, reflect on the incredible atmosphere surrounding the FIFA World Cup, and look ahead to an exciting second half of the year packed with travel.
After a slower start to 2026, I'm finally getting ready to hit the road again with trips to Toronto, Estonia, Finland, Paris and French Polynesia. I also share how this period away from travelling has helped me rethink my content, my business and what I want the future of Winging It to look like.
I also explain why I believe the World Cup is one of the greatest examples of how travel brings people together. From the incredible hospitality shown by Mexican fans to England supporters, to thousands of people from different cultures celebrating side by side, it's a reminder that travel creates understanding, respect and unforgettable memories.
Finally, I open up about dealing with kidney stones over the past couple of weeks, what it's taught me about appreciating everyday life, and why I'm looking forward to getting back out into the world once I'm fully recovered.
If you've been thinking about booking your next adventure, hopefully this episode gives you the inspiration to finally go for it.
In this episode:
• Why the World Cup is about far more than football.
• The incredible hospitality between travelling fans.
• My upcoming trips to Canada, Estonia, Finland, France and French Polynesia.
• How I've been rethinking my travel content and podcast plans.
• Recovering from kidney stones and what the experience has taught me.
• A look ahead to what's coming next on Winging It Travel Podcast.
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
01:38 Why the release schedule has changed
02:30 What the World Cup teaches us about travel
05:10 England, Mexico and the power of football to unite people
07:45 Why travel creates cultural understanding
09:25 My upcoming trips: Toronto, Estonia, Finland and Paris
12:15 French Polynesia, future travel plans and new podcast ideas
13:45 Recovering from kidney stones and appreciating normal life
15:10 Podcast updates, reviews and supporting the show
--------------------------------------------------------------
Produced by Winging It Productions - https://www.wingingitproductions.com
Voyascape: Travel Podcast Network - https://voyascape.com/
Winging It Travel Podcast - Website
--------------------------------------------------------------
Winging It Travel Podcast Credits
Host/Producer/Creator/Composer/Editor - James Hammond
Contact me - [email protected] or [email protected]
Social Media - follow me on:
TikTok
--------------------------------------------------------------
Affiliate Links
If you click one of the below to book something, I get a tiny commission, which helps the podcast.
Book Flights with Skyscanner - Here
Use Revolut Travel Card - Here
Book Hostels With Hostelworld - Here
Booking.com - Here
Book Experiences With Viator - Here
Discovery Car Hire - Here
Book Buses With Busbud - Here
Book Trains With Trainline - Here
Travel Insurance with SafetyWing - Here
Book Flights With Expedia Canada - Here
--------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks for supporting me and the podcast!
Cheers James.
Mentioned in this episode:
Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the world
This podcast is part of Voyascape, a podcast network that brings together the world's best travel podcasts. You can find all of our podcasts from around the world at Voyascape.com.
If you are interested in advertising or sponsored content on any of our shows you can find out more at the link below.
Voyascape Podcast Network