Early Departures

Before you go out and ring in 2022, let's talk about New Years Eve safety! Afterwards, we'll make the folks living in cold climates feel a little better about not being warm on a beach somewhere!

Phoebe takes us down some old roads that your GPS might miss, while Ashley teaches us why it's smart to kick toilets now and then. 

First, an overworked healthcare worker gets away from it all in Varadero, Cuba. Then Ashley reports some updates on a case she talked about last year. Special shout out to our amazing listener, Kimberly, who shot us an email letting us know that there was an update to share!

We're finally back (again) and crossing our fingers for no more kidney stone attacks! First we're going to Chicago to experience some of the finest architecture in the world - but we'll have to watch out for some not so fine stuff too. Next we're heading back to the Dominican Republic, where we're going to avoid "The Blender" at all costs.

Listen as we refer to Australia as "far away and exotic" and try to place it's regions according to (probably incorrect) clock positions! Stick around after for some very nuanced and creative descriptions of creatures such as capybaras and pink dolphins. We're gonna need a bigger boat!

Another day another disaster. Ashley takes us high in the sky, while Phoebe takes us back to Alaska in the this episode of updates! 

First, a musical composer almost loses his money maker in Alaska while fulfilling a childhood dream of mushing with some sled dogs. Then, a creative young man sets out on a mission to find the “real” North Korea.

This is a final boarding call for 2020! We’re sick of this year and everything in it! Join us again in 2021, when we’ll have more weird tales of tragic travels!

War is hell...and so are haunted houses and the people who run them (sometimes). First we’ll talk about Myanmar’s very unfortunate ranking as 4th in the world for something you definitely don’t want to experience. Then we’ll take a deep dive into why haunted houses are way scarier than actual paranormal happenings. It’s Halloween, get into the spirit of the season with us!

Phoebe tells us about a very tragic Christmas holiday in the Dominican Republic...but no, it’s not what you’re likely thinking of when you hear Dominican Republic and tragic tourism in the same sentence. Next, Ashley takes us aboard a 48 foot yacht, aka a big fun toy for a couple of sea bullies to play with; we’re going back to Spain!

First, Ashley talks about Victoria Curthoys, and how she came to be “Terrifically Toeless.” Next, Phoebe takes us along on a Colombian Tinder date that’ll make you wish you’d just stayed home.

Phoebe takes us to the Caucasus Mountains mountains in Russia to tell us a truly unforgettable tale about Zorbing. You’re gonna wanna strap in good and tight for this one! Later, Ashley tells us about one woman’s search for her sister, who goes missing during their visit to an Ayurvedic center in Kerala.

First, Ashley takes us on the “World’s Toughest Race” where leptospira bacteria are the real winners. We’re talking Eco-Challenge, and we’re a little too excited about it! Next, Phoebe tells us the truth behind all those dolphin “love” cave memes and we chat about who to watch out for in the dolphin world.

Phoebe tells us about a very gruesome (and very cliche) couple who liked to use their vacation time to play "hide the purse" with terrified unwilling participants in Ocean City, Maryland. Then, Ashley takes us on an eventful camel ride in the Moroccan part of the Sahara Desert, and tells us why camels hate us all. 

Ashley takes us on a sex raft (complete with poop net) to tell us about an anthropolgy experiment gone terribly wrong. Then Phoebe shocks us with a story about electrical problems on a family vacation in St. Lucia.

First, Phoebe takes us on a trip to Glacier National Park to terrify us with the details of "the night of the grizzlies." Later, Ashley tells the story of "Jam and Coops," who went for a doomed stroll in Sarasota, FL. Prepare to be stalked through the darkness of night!

First, Ashley clues us in on some elder scams that might turn your granny from sweetheart to smuggler. Then, Phoebe tells us about a honeymoon gone horribly horribly wrong in Antigua.

First, Phoebe takes us on a Canadian road trip we’ll unfortunately never forget, and tells us about some amazing people who’s travels had to end for seemingly no reason. Then Ashley concludes her tale of the alleged Tobagonian ripper. If you haven’t listened to Ep. 27, go back and check that out first for part 1!

In Ashley’s story, the good news is that you’ve retired to a beautiful paradise island, the bad news is someone might want to kill you in your sleep. Phoebe then barely rescues us, by taking us to Australia where a bad man had a plan to get some “help” on his farm. Buckle up travelers, this one is gonna get reeeaaal bumpy. And by bumpy, I mean gory. Throw some headphones on if you have some kids around!

Lynda, you’s a b*#!%! Find out more about this heinous ringleader as Ashley takes us to an unassuming town in Pennsylvania. Then, Phoebe takes us all the way across the globe to South Africa, where the big 5 roam free in Kruger National Park.

Phoebe explores a story (brought to us by friend of the show, Kaitlin) about a family who takes a not so short cut through the wilds of Oregon. Get your survival gear ready, we're about to get stuck in with this one!

Come away with us to the sharkiest waters in the world for a very unfortunate 40th bday bash on Reunion Island. Then investigate why two women were found dead with pills mysteriously strewn all about their hotel room in Cambodia.

An adventurous pair of sailors get decoupled after a misunderstanding in the Marquesas Islands, and life in the quiet English village of Bampton becomes a hellscape of overeager tourists.

A noise complaint goes all wrong in Phuket, Thailand and a hangliding professional makes a grave mistake at Mt. Woodside, British Columbia.

First up, Phoebe gets us lost on a flat but foggy beach in Iceland. Then Ashley tells us about some awesome Argentines who just wanted to celebrate their class reunion, and had a big old bummer of a bike ride in NYC instead. Join us as we crush your vacation hopes and dreams!

First, Ashley takes us on a hot air balloon ride, with a fiery captain, that we’ll definitely never forget. Then Phoebe gets us lost on a snowy Nepalese hiking trail, with only 2 chocolate books to sustain us!

Phoebe sucks all the fun out of funiculars with a devastating story about a little train that couldn’t, while Ashley tells us what happens when 5 Danny Devitos fall on a pair of newlyweds in one of America’s most beautiful national parks.

There are times when being prepared is simply not enough. Phoebe takes us to Tenerife and disrupts our carefree sunbathing, while Ashley cuts our road trip short down in Mississippi. Sometimes the inanimate objects of this world are just out to get you, so watch your back (but it still won't matter)! 

Be wary of who you choose to travel with; Ashley and Phoebe will tell you why! Ashley takes us on a luxurious trip to Bali with the wrong family members, while Phoebe sends us on a camping trip in Colorado with a guy who ends up a bit too "one with nature."

First, Phoebe tells us about a disastrous family vacation on an Alaskan cruise, and explains the most basic difference between men and women. Later, Ashley takes us back to the good old days, a little time known as 1998, when the US military buzzed Alpine valleys in airplanes and people fell from the sky...wait, what? Join us for another chat about the awful side of vacations!

Ashley takes us out on the water to tell us about the most devastating family vacation tragedy you might ever hear of, and why duck boats really should be banned. Meanwhile, Phoebe (still on her murder murder murder kick) tells us about a tinder date gone horribly wrong and about the highly problematic “rough sex” defense.

Today Phoebe and Ashley are both telling stories about people being caught off guard by gun wielding terrible people. Phoebe takes us to Buenos Aires and tells us why we should leave our fancy watches at home, and Ashley takes us to the Republic of Georgia and makes us paranoid about hiring guides. Come along on trips that will totally bum you out, but also make you feel less sad about being stuck at home!

If you’re in search of relaxing vacation pursuits, you’ve come to the wrong place! Today Ashley leads us a not so lovely hike among the ancient rice terraces in a small village in the Philippines, while Phoebe takes us along on a doomed birthday trip to the resort town of Playa Del Carmen, Mexico.

In this episode, we're talkin' deadly road trips! First, Phoebe tells a story about a GPS related tragedy in Death Valley. Then, Ashley reports on a pair of hitchhiking brides in Turkey. Join us and you may never want to get into a car again!

First, Phoebe recounts the sweaty-palm inducing story of how a group of divers ended up on a tiny uninhabited island in Indonesia. Later, Ashley shares a cautionary tale about breaking laws you didn’t even know existed! Happy 10th episode anniversary!

After listening to today’s tragic travel tales, you’ll be glad you’re quarantined! Ashley takes us to war torn 1990s Chechnya, with humanitarians Camilla Carr and Jon James, and Phoebe brings us fresh news about the current state of the last few cruise ships still floating around out there on the Coronavirus stricken seas.

We’re here to entertain you while you hunker down in your Corona-bunkers! Ashley brings a story about a woman who was HORRIFICALLY murdered while visiting family in Jamaica. While Phoebe tells us about murderous tree wells at a Hallmark perfect ski resort!

Today, Ashley brings you gross tales of genital loving parasites in Lake Malawi, and tells you all the places NOT to swim if you’re not a fan of having eggs laid inside you. Then, Phoebe tells us about one woman’s run in with an aggressive hippo on what was supposed to be a relaxing canoe trip down the Zambezi.

In this episode we’ll crush your dreams with tales of people who almost got to have a nice relaxing retirement...almost. Phoebe tells us about pirates on the Arabian Sea (and how they’re really no rinky-dink operation)! And Ashley tells us an infuriating story about an Amtrak employee who just wouldn’t stay fired.

Joshua Stevens and Unais Gomes go to the jungle for some soul searching and ayahuasca doing. One of them won’t make it out alive. This one is a real rollercoaster, and you will not believe how much insanity $1200 will buy you in Peru!

Here’s a riddle, what do bed bugs and swollen hearts have to do with each other? Take a trip to Chiang Mai Thailand with Phoebe to find out! Then come and party all night in the Balearic Islands with Ashley, but don’t get any ideas about using the balcony as a toilet!

Today we’re feeling the waves under us and the sun on our faces; it’s episode 3! First, Phoebe tells us about John Chau, a missionary who was dangerously persistent with the locals in the Andaman Islands. Then, Ashley tells us about Emma Kelty, a badass Amazon kayaker who was most definitely NOT a drug trafficker.

Episode 2 is dedicated to all you travelers with a safari or a hike on your horizon! First, Ashley tells us about some unfortunate visitors to Zambia and lays out all the reasons an elephant might kill you. In the second half, Phoebe confirms the worst fears of all solo hikers with tales of shady visitors and a maniac who liked to mess with trail markers!

Welcome to the first episode of Early Departures! First, Phoebe takes us parasailing in India and gives us the lowdown on which harness style might not kill you! Later, Ashley brings us to Australia and asks the age old question, “What’s so fun about zip-lining anyway?”