Travel Bubble
By Matty Dyas
Thankfully, you can still go on holiday but there is a catch- you can only choose 3 countries to visit for the rest of your life.
Every Wednesday, Matty Dyas talks to travel industry professionals, globetrotters and adventurers from all over the world. They tell us their Travel Bubble choices providing you with post-lockdown inspiration and an ever-growing travel bucket list.
The world's locked down and we can't travel, so let's do the next best thing and talk about it.
Travel BubbleJun 08, 2022
Episode 45 - Philip McAllister: Throw Off The Bowlines
Episode 55 of Travel Bubble is with Tour Leader, Philip McAllister.
Originally from Ireland, his travels have taken him to over 100 countries across 5 continents.
Currently residing in Madrid, Philip has also lived all over the world including Yemen, Costa Rica, Kenya, Argentina and Sri Lanka.
Philip's travels have found him working as a journalist in Yemen, an NGO worker in India and throughout Africa, and even on Hollywood movie sets in Hungary.
A natural storyteller, this episode is guaranteed to put a smile on your face and Phil’s candour as he enthuses about his Travel Bubble choices is infectious. Enough to make you stop what you’re doing and jump on a plane.
In the episode we talk about running a resort abroad, overlanding, housesitting, dangerous situations and much more. Give it a listen.
Please like, share, rate and subscribe to Travel Bubble to show your support of the podcast.
As usual, spoilers and episode notes below the jump.
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Country No.1: Ethiopia
Activity: Visit Harar and feed the wild Hyenas
Food: Ethiopian cuisine in general and tej (honey wine)
Country No.2: Iran
Activity: Yazd, Isfahan and Persepolis
Food: Dried peaches, the bread, fruit juices and doogh
Country No. 3: Costa Rica
Activity: Drive from coast to coast, see the Poás Volcano
Food: The Fruit
Wildcard: North Korea
Top Travel Tip: Just go.
Best Souvenir: Memories.
Other links:
Follow us on Travel Bubble Facebook and Instagram @TravelBubblePodcast.
Visit www.travelbubblepodcast.com for more information and to get in touch.
Episode 44 - Harry Mitsidis: Nomad Maniac
Episode 44 is with Harry Mitsidis, arguably the most well-travelled man in the world.
He is the founder of Nomad Mania, a community that divides the world into 1301 regions based on territory, population, diversity, economy and tourist appeal. Harry currently tops the list of travellers, having visited 1,253 of those regions.
Is there a better possible guest for Travel Bubble?
Where would the man who has been everywhere choose as his Travel Bubble choices?
Don’t forget to sign up for NomadMania.travel to help keep track of your travels.
Please like, share, rate and subscribe to Travel Bubble to show your support of the podcast.
As usual, spoilers below the jump.
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Country No.1: Colombia
Activity: Dance to the Latin rhythms
Food: Coffee
Country No.2: Serbia
Activity: Have a coffee, watch life go by and read a Serbian newspaper
Food: Meatball filled with ham and cheese
Country No. 3: Indonesia
Activity: Karaoke in Jakarta.
Food: Noodles with an egg on top for 50p
Wildcard: Tokelau as a territory. Machu Pichu as a place.
Top Travel Tip: Be and ambassador for your country.
Best Souvenir: Kitsch plates and memories.
Other links:
Follow us on Travel Bubble Facebook and Instagram @TravelBubblePodcast.
Visit www.travelbubblepodcast.com for more information and to get in touch.
Episode 43 - Chantal Patton: A Borderless Family
Today’s guest is Chantal Patton, who has travelled to over 100 countries with her family over the last 8 years.
In 2013 Chantal, her husband Tyler and their three daughters Julia, Angelique & Chloe embarked on a five-week holiday to Europe, they loved it so much that they decided to continue travelling.
Originally from Canada, the Patton family now world-school their children and they have a collective goal to visit every country in the world together. They document their journey on their website and YouTube channel as “Growing Up Without Borders”
In this episode we talk logistics of travelling with family, the joys, the difficulties and of course we find out about Chantal’s Travel Bubble choices.
You can find out more about Chantal and her family by visiting https://growingupwithoutborders.com/.
Listen to the episode now by searching for Travel Bubble wherever you get your podcasts or you can visit www.travelbubblepodcast.com where you will also find links to the show notes and other episodes.
Please like, share, rate and subscribe to Travel Bubble to show your support of the podcast.
Spoilers below the jump.
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Country No.1: Spain
Activity: Visit Grenada
Food: Paella. Not octopus
Country No.2: Switzerland
Activity: Visit the town of Zermatt
Food: Raclette
Country No. 3: New Zealand
Activity: Hiking in nature
Food: Indian Food
Wildcard: Georgia
Top Travel Tip: Lower your expectations
Best Souvenir: Elephant candle from Swaziland.
Other links:
https://growingupwithoutborders.com/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxXqRGeCRCMgZaQIrAP03mw
Follow us on Travel Bubble Facebook and Instagram @TravelBubblePodcast.
Visit www.travelbubblepodcast.com for more information and to get in touch.
Episode 42 - Tony Giles: Seeing The World, His Way
Tony Giles has visited 128 countries around the world. He is also totally blind and 80% deaf.
He has written three books about his travels and seeing the world his way. His ultimate goal is to travel to every country in the world.
In an interview with Forbes, Tony said : “people who say they’d like to travel but have family, a job, a mortgage, are simply making excuses. Anyone can travel if they really want to. It doesn’t have to cost much. I think the majority of people are afraid of the unknown and prefer to stay within their comfort zone.”
If this episode doesn’t inspire you to book to that trip, then nothing will.
It’s a really funny and candid interview – listen to it now wherever you get your podcasts or by visiting www.travelbubblepodcast.com.
You can find out more about Tony by visiting his website www.TonyTheTraveller.com, here you will also find links to purchase Tony’s e-books. He is also currently raising funds for Galloway’s Society for the Blind, you can donate here: www.justgiving.com/Tony-Giles4
Please like, share, rate and subscribe to Travel Bubble to show your support of the podcast.
As usual, spoilers and episode notes are available below.
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Country No.1: New Zealand
Activity: The highest, biggest bungee jump
Food: Possum pies
Country No.2: Turkey
Activity: Sighted- belly dance show. Blind- sit and drink coffee.
Visit Olympus and sit in a tree house.
Food: Kebab, chips, rice, yoghurt and salad.
Country No. 3: Argentina
Activity: Visit Perito Moreno glacier and Iguazu falls
Food: Empanada
Anything else:
Wildcard: Nepal
Top Travel Tip: Do your research, plan and be flexible.
Best Souvenir: Flip-flop keyring from New Zealand
Other links:
https://www.tonythetraveller.com/
Follow us on Travel Bubble Facebook and Instagram @TravelBubblePodcast.
Episode 41 - Nick Butter: Run The World
Nick Butter has ran a marathon in every country in the world. 3 marathons a week, every week, for 96 weeks, totalling 196 marathons in as many countries. Doing so he claimed the crown for the first and only person to run a full marathon distance in every country on the planet.
He’s an endurance athlete, adventurer, speaker, best selling author and a multiple world record holder. He is also the fastest person to ever run the 5,420 miles around the coast of Great Britain. During his travels he has also faced gunfire, muggings, dog attacks and a minor heart attack.
In short, what I’m trying to say is – what a start to Season 3.
This episode combines two of my biggest loves, running and travel. I can’t wait for you to listen.
You can do so by searching Travel Bubble wherever you get your podcasts or you can visit www.travelbubblepodcast.com.
Please like, share, rate and subscribe to Travel Bubble to show your support of the podcast.
As usual, spoilers and episode in the show notes below.
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Country No.1: Kiribati
Activity: Run around the island
Food: Breadless fish finger sandwich
Country No.2: Guatemala
Activity: Go and volunteer
Food: Guatemala style tapas or street-side burnt corn on the cob
Country No. 3: Nepal
Activity: Get up high.
Anything else: Random, homemade Nepalese soup
Wildcard: North Pole
Top Travel Tip: Chill the hell out. Buy an extension cable and always carry a pen.
Best Souvenir: A replica Bremer “T” Wall from Afghanistan
Other links:
https://www.nickbutter.com/
https://www.the196foundation.com/
Follow us on Travel Bubble Facebook and Instagram @TravelBubblePodcast.
Visit www.travelbubblepodcast.comfor more information and to get in touch.
Episode 40 - Petch Nethnapat: Travel For Yourself
This week we speak to overland explorer, Petch Nethnapat, about his Travel Bubble choices.
After growing up in Thailand, Petch moved to the US to study. Once graduating at the age of 23, he embarked on an epic overland journey of more than 15,000km from Thailand to Morocco – without taking a single flight.
Now more than 70 countries later, his slower pace of travelling has allowed him to see and photograph life on the road, as well as learn from the locals along the way. Some of his memorable routes include a road trip to Aleppo from Beirut, hitchhiking through the jungle in Guinea Bissau and travelling from Syria to Afghanistan.
In 2021 alone, Petch travelled to 23 countries including spending time in 14 different provinces in Afghanistan just before the Taliban takeover and this episode we talk all about travelling through the Pandemic and how Covid didn’t put a stop to Petch’s adventures. It is easy to why he was named as Noman Mania’s most Intrepid Traveller of the year in 2021.
He is now co-founder of Saga Expeditions which offer unique and insightful tours, with 2022 offering trips to the likes of Togo and Benin for the Voodoo Festival, South Sudan, Yemen and an expedition to Peru with the Matses ‘Jaguar’ Tribe.
Tune in to hear where he has chosen, involving countries that many deem too risky to currently enter, where to get delicious cold soup and where there is a must-see mud mosque.
Spoilers in the show notes, don't forget to like, subscribe, rate and tell your friends about the Travel Bubble podcast.
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Country No.1: Russia
Activity: Trans-Siberian Express
Food: Pelmini or Okroshka
Country No.2: Afghanistan
Activity: Visit Nuristan
Food: Karahi or Bolani
Country No. 3: Mali
Activity: Djenne Mosque (mud mosque)
Food: Peanut sauce with meat or fried fish (Tigua Degue/Mafe)
Link:
Djenne mud mosque
Wildcard: Brazil
Top Travel Tip: Know why you travel.
Best Souvenir: One magnet and one bank note per country
Travel Bubble Film Club
Arctic, Iceland (2018)
If you’re a fan of world film then sign up to Mubi through this link and get a 30-day free Mubi trial.
If you want to support the podcast, why not buy me a pint?
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TravelBubble
Follow us on Travel Bubble Facebook and Instagram @TravelBubblePodcast.
Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode.
Episode 39 - James Hammond: Winging It
In this episode we speak to James Hammond. Originally from Norwich, UK, James has visited 50 countries and has lived in three countries using a working holiday visa.
Currently living and working in Canada, he is now the host of the Winging It Travel Podcast which aims to share his and other traveller’s stories and adventures from across the globe.
I got on well with James and can see many parallels between our lives overseas. In this episode we get into some great topics including working abroad and why travelling to so many places has nothing to do with luck. He also provides practical information and ideas for the places he has included in his Travel Bubble choices. Not to mention a fair few funny stories as well as some great advice regarding Australian credit cards.
You can find out more about James by visiting his website JamesHammond.org, he can also be found on Instagram @WingingItTravelPodcast.
Listen to the episode now by clicking the link in our bio or searching for Travel Bubble wherever you get your podcasts.
Spoilers in the show notes, don't forget to like, subscribe, rate and tell your friends about the Travel Bubble podcast.
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Country No.1: Nepal
Activity: Poon Hill Trek
Food: Game meats - Eland
Country No.2: Australia
Activity: Fraser Island
Food: Brunch in South Melbourne
Country No. 3: Japan
Activity: Hakone - Tenzan Onsen
Food: Katsu curry
Wildcard: Colombia
Top Travel Tip: Take Your Time
Best Souvenir: Myanmar T-Shirt
Travel Bubble Film Club
The Last Mountain, UK (2021)
If you’re a fan of world film then sign up to Mubi through this link and get a 30-day free Mubi trial.
If you want to support the podcast, why not buy me a pint?
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TravelBubble
Follow us on Travel Bubble Facebook and Instagram @TravelBubblePodcast.
Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode.
Episode 38 - Ellen Wayte: Know Why You Travel
Episode 38 of Travel Bubble is with Ellen Wayte. As a former overland tour leader for Dragoman, she took tourists through 40+ countries on five continents over a period of six years.
Back in 2009 Ellen was, the director of marketing for a real estate company. She had ‘a proper adult job’. But after taking a vacation with Dragoman to Kyrgyzstan, Ellen fell in love with the idea of becoming a Tour Leader and that’s exactly what she did. Returning to the US, selling all her possessions, leaving her job, leasing her flat out and starting work for Dragoman.
Ellen, currently based out of Bend, Oregon, has led expeditions across Africa, South East Asia, the silk road and through south America. She has worked as a scuba dive instructor, and a snorkel instructor in Alaska and is currently creating a travel arm for overlanding vehicle company called EarthCruiser.
We also get into a bit Tour Leader chat, talk music and there’s even a tale of Jean-Claude Van Damme and Putin thrown in for good measure. Did I mention that she also built her own off-grid house during the pandemic?
Ellen is quite a character who has been all over, not just as a tourist but as a Tour Leader and this is an exemplary Travel Bubble episode. Listen to it now by clicking the link in our bio or searching for Travel Bubble wherever you get your podcasts.
You can find Ellen on Instagram @ellenwayte and you find more about the overlanding vehicles at EarthCruiser.com.
Spoilers below, don't forget to like, subscribe, rate and tell your friends about the Travel Bubble podcast.
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Country No.1: Zimbabwe
Activity: Victoria Falls
Food: Game meats - Eland
Country No.2: Colombia
Activity: Visit Taganga and Minca
Food: Oysters on the beach in Cartagena
Country No. 3: India
Activity: Visit a national park – Panna in particular.
Food: Dirty truck stop meal
Wildcard: Papua New Guinea
Top Travel Tip: Put away your phones.
Best Souvenir: Anatomically correct wooden puppet from Ethiopia
Travel Bubble Film Club
The Happiest Girl In The World, Romania (2009)
Available now on Mubi, sign up through this link and get a 30-day free Mubi trial.
If you want to support the podcast, why not buy me a pint?
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TravelBubble
Follow us on Travel Bubble Facebook and Instagram @TravelBubblePodcast.
Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode.
Episode 37 - Jeremiah Gilbert: Get Out There
Episode 37 of Travel Bubble is with Jeremiah Gilbert, an award-winning photographer and travel writer based out of Southern California, USA.
His photography has been published internationally, in both digital and print publications, and has been exhibited worldwide. He is the author of the collection Can’t Get Here from There: Fifty Tales of Travel and the forthcoming From Tibet to Egypt: Early Travels After a Late Start.
Inspired by a presentation by the Dalia Lama, Jeremiah started travelling at the age of 35 with a trip to Tibet, now his travels have taken him to 85 countries all over the world.
In this episode we chat about the joys of travel photography, British museum fence sitting, being down and out in Paris and about Jimmy, his man in Cusco. This is a great episode and a fantastic way to start 2022.
You can find out more about Jeremiah by visiting his website JeremiahGilbert.com, he can also be found on Instagram @jg_travels
Listen to the episode now by clicking the link in our bio or searching for Travel Bubble wherever you get your podcasts.
Spoilers in the show notes below, don't forget to like, subscribe, rate and tell your friends about the Travel Bubble podcast.
Country No.1: China
Activity: The Old Summer Palace (Yuanming Yuan)
Food: Beijing style yoghurt (Nai Lao)
Country No.2: UK
Activity: British Museum
Food: Fish and Chips from Rock and Sole Plaice
Links:
Rock and Sole Plaice
Stanford’s Travel Book Shop
Country No. 3: Peru
Activity: Reed bed islands on Lake Titicaca
Food: Lomo Saltado
Wildcard: Australia
Top Travel Tip: Be realistic with what you can handle and what the destination is going to be like.
Best Souvenir: Corn husk flower
Travel Bubble Film Club
Another Round, Denmark (2020)
If you’re a fan of world film then sign up to Mubi through this link and get a 30-day free Mubi trial.
If you want to support the podcast, why not buy me a pint?
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TravelBubble
Follow us on Travel Bubble Facebook and Instagram @TravelBubblePodcast.
Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode.
Episode 36 - Nate Ritter: Travel Hacker
This week’s episode is with Nate Ritter in San Diego, USA. Describing himself as both a serial entrepreneur and travel hacker, Nate is well-placed to be a guest on this podcast.
As well as being a CTO, he is also co-founder of Room Steals. The premise of the company is to flip the travel industry on its head by offering wholesale rates on more than 600,000 hotels worldwide.
Nate is proud to call himself a ‘travel hacker’, describing how it’s the mentality of finding as many possibilities as you can to travel for as cheap as possible.
In this episode he touches on choosing a country he couldn’t live in after destroying all of his documents, realising he has a doppelganger that is a serial robber, and why he chose one country despite only technically walking around the block there.
Nate also offers advice on travelling with three children, how to spend less and travel more, and why he believes slow travel is the best way to explore.
Spoilers in the show notes, don't forget to like, subscribe, rate and tell your friends about the Travel Bubble podcast.
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Country No.1: Germany
Activity: River boat cruise or watch F1
Food: Sausages
Anything else/links…. Drive to Survive series Netflix
Country No.2: France
Activity: local village festivals
Food: Mussels
Anything else/links….Couchsurfing
Country No. 3: Canada
Activity: Snowboarding in Whistler/ Banff
Food: Poutine
Anything else/links….
Wildcard: Japan
Top Travel Tip: Stay in one place longer
Best Souvenir: Friendships
Travel Bubble Film Club
Rare Exports Finland (2010)
If you’re a fan of world film then sign up to Mubi through this link and get a 30-day free Mubi trial.
If you want to support the podcast, why not buy me a pint?
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TravelBubble
Follow us on Travel Bubble Facebook and Instagram @TravelBubblePodcast.
Follow and subscribe so you never miss out on an episode.
Episode 35 - Hattie Seal: Whale Of A Time
Episode 35 of Travel Bubble is with Hattie Seal, co-founder and director of Travelling Whale, a company that specialises in locally-sourced, sustainable holidays. As well as being an industry professional, Hattie, is also well-travelled herself, having completed a round-the-world 18-month adventure back in 2015.
From caravan holidays and trips to Norfolk as a child, speaking from Hackney, East London, she recollects getting the travel bug after receiving postcards from around the globe from her dad, an aircraft engineer.
In this podcast, we get some invaluable tips from how to budget when it comes to travelling the world, how to seek out the best food, avoid being rogued by taxi drivers and the benefits of group tours.
Hattie’s choices include two destinations from the same continent, a tale of being in a tight squeeze in a cave while trying not to extinguish a candle and where you can get possibly the cheapest tacos in the world.
Spoilers below, don't forget to like, subscribe, rate and tell your friends about the Travel Bubble podcast.
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Country No.1: Guatemala
Activity: Semuc Champey
Food: Soft tacos
Anything else/links…
Zephyr Lodge
Country No.2: Peru
Activity: Inca Trail
Food: Ceviche
Country No. 3: Vietnam
Activity: Go on a group tour
Food: Banh Mi
Wildcard: Colombia
Top Travel Tip: Learn some of the local lingo
Best Souvenir: Backpack from Guatemala
Travel Bubble Film Club
The Fury Of A Patient Man, Spain, (2016)
If you’re a fan of world film then sign up to Mubi through this link and get a 30-day free Mubi trial.
If you want to support the podcast, why not buy me a pint?
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TravelBubble
Follow us on Travel Bubble Facebook and Instagram @TravelBubblePodcast.
Follow and subscribe so you never miss out on an episode.
Episode 34 - Catherine Livesley: Plans, Trains And Automobiles
In this episode we speak to Catherine Livesley, founder of No Fly Travel Club. Speaking remotely from Brixton in London, Catherine explains why she set up the company which focuses on sustainable, overland travel, and where her passion for rail journeys began.
When choosing her Travel Bubble destinations, Catherine talks about a location so unique it inspired the Avatar movie, why she has chosen a country that is often negatively represented, a place that offers three coffees to visitors, and her reasonings for being an advocate of plans that go wrong.
Also listen out for a slight change in today’s episode in honour of a more environmentally-friendly way to travel.
You can find out more about the No Fly Travel Club by visiting their website below and on Instagram @NoFlyTravelClub.
https://noflytravel.club/
Spoilers in the show notes, don't forget to like, subscribe, rate and tell your friends about the Travel Bubble podcast.
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Country No.1: France
Activity: Boat bar in Marseille - Le Bar Sur La Mer - Noctilio 1930
Food: Tartiflette
Anything else/links….
Marseille boat bar
Country No.2: Romania
Activity: zacuscă
Food: Urban decay tour in Bucharest
Country No. 3: China
Activity: Zhangjiajie National Park
Food: Lanzhou beef noodle soup
Wildcard: Russia
Top Travel Tip: Hire a tour guide
Best Souvenir: Coffee set from Bosnia and cushion cover from Istanbul
Travel Bubble Film Club
14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible Nepal (2021)
If you’re a fan of world film then sign up to Mubi through this link and get a 30-day free Mubi trial.
If you want to support the podcast, why not buy me a pint?
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TravelBubble
Follow us on Travel Bubble Facebook and Instagram @TravelBubblePodcast.
Follow and subscribe so you never miss out on an episode.
Episode 33 - Erik Cooper: Adventure Hustler
In this episode we speak to adventurist Erik Cooper. You can often find him in his own words doing ‘cool shit’ such as competing in the Mongol Derby – the world’s longest horse race – or helping to put together the Argentinian Gaucho Derby.
Speaking in July from a ranch in Missouri, Erik goes in to detail about the three Travel Bubble destinations which, unusually, he has chosen based on the people - rather than the place itself.
Erik is also a tour leader and we talk about his unique and bespoke adventure tours - where you need to pass an interview to be a guest, as well as how to make plans with nomads, freak snowstorms in the summer and where to get the best sauteed mushrooms.
Erik has a fascinating and refreshing way of travelling – strongly believing that it is about the people and the relationships you build rather than the number of stamps in your passport.
Erik left a quieter rural life in the USA at 18 to live in New York and later Los Angeles. His passion for horses has since seen him travel all corners of the globe. Listen to this episode for his Travel Bubble choices, top tips and some amazing stories along the way.
I’d highly recommend following Erik on Instagram at @ErikCooperAdventurist, he has some amazing photos. Also, if you fancy taking part in the world’s toughest horse races then find out more at:
https://equestrianists.com/
Spoilers below, don't forget to like, subscribe, rate and tell your friends about the Travel Bubble podcast.
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Country No.1: Mongolia
Activity: spend time with the people/animals
Food: Chive dumplings
Anything else/links….
Country No.2: South Africa
Activity:
Food: sauteed mushrooms
Country No. 3: Argentina
Activity: Gaucho Derby
Food: Asado
Anything else/links….
Wildcard: Australia
Top Travel Tip: Always have an escape plan
Best Souvenir: Gifts including a jacket from Mongolia
Travel Bubble Film Club
Dave Not Coming Back, Canada/South Africa (2020)
If you’re a fan of world film then sign up to Mubi through this link and get a 30-day free Mubi trial.
If you want to support the podcast, why not buy me a pint?
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TravelBubble
Follow us on Travel Bubble Facebook and Instagram @TravelBubblePodcast.
Episode 32 – Caitlyn Lubas: You Are Where You Go
Today’s episode is with Caitlyn Lubas, who at the age of just 23, has already visited 79 countries.
During her four years of college, Caitlyn visited 70 countries and seven continents -spending every weekend in a different country for 10 months while studying abroad in Europe and Southeast Asia.
What’s more Caitlyn has even written a book about it. A spin on the old adage, ‘you are what you eat’, ‘You Are Where You Go’ is a title that rings true. Caitlyn is a big proponent of travelling now and not waiting until you’re older or retired. She believes that the memories and experiences gained through travel are invaluable and you shouldn't wait to see the world. We talk about all this as well as motorbike close calls, eating puffins and Icelandic Kaitlyn Jenner lip fillers. What are you waiting for? Listen to this inspiring episode right now.
You can find Caitlyn on Instagram as @caitlynlubas and find out more about her new book by visiting:
https://www.youarewhereyougo.com/
Spoilers below, don't forget to like, subscribe, rate and tell your friends about the Travel Bubble podcast.
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Country No.1: Iceland
Activity: The Silfra fissure, swimming in between the two continental plates.
Food: Flatkaka (rye flat bread) with salmon. Puffin is not recommended.
Other:
- Diamond Beach
Country No.2: Laos
Activity: Slow boat from Laos to Thailand
Food: Kaipen, crispy river weed.
Other: Jewellery made from recycled bombs.
Country No. 3: Argentina
Activity: Iguazu Falls or hiking on the Perito Moreno Glacier
Food: Steak
Wildcard: Nepal, to do Everest basecamp trek.
Top Travel Tip: Get out of your comfort zone, just do it.
Best Souvenir: Receipts, tickets and wristbands in a frame.
Travel Bubble Film Club
Mandabi, Senegal(1968)
Available on Mubi, sign up through this link and get a 30-day free Mubi trial.
If you want to support the podcast, why not buy me a pint?
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TravelBubble
Follow us on Travel Bubble Facebookand Instagram @TravelBubblePodcast.
Subscribe so you never miss out on an episode.
Episode 31 – Geoff Manchester: Milk Powder Bribe
Today’s episode is with the co-founder of Intrepid Travel, Geoff ‘Manch’ Manchester.
Formed 32 years ago with Darrel Wade, Intrepid Travel is now the largest small group adventure travel company in the world offering more than 1,000 tours on seven continents.
Starting as Intrepid’s very first tour leader, Melbourne-based Manch is now a giant in the travel industry and is globally recognised as a responsible travel pioneer. Intrepid’s mission is to create positive change through the joy of travel - aiming to be the best travel company not just in the world, but for the world. Manch plays a vital role in this vision, being integral in the formation of the Intrepid Foundation - a not-for-profit wing of the group - which has raised more than $12 million (AUD) to date.
In this episode we talk about responsible travel and why it’s important, the future of travel, the Intrepid origin story, difficult border crossings and Turkish babysitters.
Also, importantly, we get to hear the Travel Bubble choices of a man who has been all over the world as well as find out his best ever travel experience.
What an excellent way to kick-off Season 2 of Travel Bubble.
You can find out more about Intrepid Travel by visiting their website -
https://www.intrepidtravel.com/
Spoilers below, don't forget to like, subscribe, rate and tell your friends about the Travel Bubble podcast.
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Country No.1: Japan
Activity: Urban Adventure in Tokyo
Food: Any restaurant that specialises in one particular dish.
Other:
https://www.urbanadventures.com/destination/tokyo-tours
Country No.2: Turkey
Activity: Visit Istanbul, Geoff’s favourite city in the world.
Food: It’s not just about dips and grilled meat, try the casseroles.
Other:
- Cappadocia
- The underground city of Derinkuyu
- https://www.instagram.com/agababadoner
Country No. 3: Nepal
Activity: Trekking
Food: The ubiquitous yet delicious, dal bhat
Wildcard: Iran
Top Travel Tip: Pack a sarong. They are multipurpose and always come in
Best Souvenir: Old Laotian tapestries.
Travel Bubble Film Club
Brother, Russia (1997)
Available on Mubi, sign up through this link and get a 30-day free Mubi trial.
If you want to support the podcast, why not buy me a pint?
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TravelBubble
Follow us on Travel Bubble Facebook and Instagram @TravelBubblePodcast.
Subscribe so you never miss out on an episode.
Episode 30 - Tiffany Mosher: Life Saving Travel
This episode with Tiffany Mosher is a break from the norm on Travel Bubble. On this podcast, the focus is very much on just how much travel and helping others can impact – and even save – an individual’s life.
Tiffany lives in Virginia Beach, USA where she is a logistics analyst for the US Navy by day. As well as being a single mother to three children, she is a volunteer and International Missions Director for the charity AIDNOW. She has also written and published a book, gone through a divorce and completed a Masters – all during a global pandemic.
From visiting areas devastated by earthquakes and hurricanes, Tiffany shares her stories of travelling and volunteering on her own. A country that has amazing tea, a place with personal family ties and somewhere that has a day dedicated to celebrating dogs all make it in to her travel bubble.
Tiffany talks about how her experiences helped her with her depression and anxiety in her book. £1 from every sale of Beauty Beyond the Threshold: How International Volunteering Saved My Life will go to charity.
Spoilers below, don't forget to like, subscribe, rate and tell your friends about the Travel Bubble podcast.
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Country No.1: Puerto Rico
Activity: visit Gurabo ‘town of the stairs’ and the Carraizo Lake
Food: Mofongo
Anything else/links…. All Hands and Hearts
Country No.2: Mexico
Activity: Cenotes – underwater pool
Food: Mayan local food and hibiscus water
Country No. 3: Nepal
Activity: go to the Tihar festival – Day of the Dogs
Food: Dal Bhat
Wildcard: Morocco
The Caliph’s House: A Year in Casablanca by Tahir Shah
Top Travel Tip – do your research and seek uniqueness
Best Souvenir: tea cups from Nepal
Travel Bubble Film Club
Angel of Nanjing (2015) China
Thanks for listening.
Follow us on Travel Bubble Facebook and Instagram @TravelBubblePodcast.
Episode 29 - Gary Ardnt: Everything Everywhere
In this episode we speak to Gary Arndt. He has a highly-successful blog which was listed in Time Magazine as one of the top 25 blogs in the world he is also one of the world’s most awarded travel photographers.
From Wisconsin, he sold his home back in 2007 to travel for a year or two but hasn’t stopped since – having no place of his own to call home for 9 years.
He’s visited more than 204 countries and territories around the world on the Travelers Century Club list of places, including travelling to all 50 US states and territories twice, every Canadian province three times, as well as all of the states in Australia, Germany and South Africa. He likes to explore places completely.
Gary has photographed and documented trips to over 400 UNESCO World Heritage sites and is close to seeing all 60 national parks in the USA.
Since 2009 he has been the co-host of This Week in Travel, an award-winning weekly podcast that covers travel industry news.
National Geographic said of Gary that ‘in the travel blogging world [he] is one of the big fish’, so it is certainly an ideal guest for Travel Bubble.
Gary’s choices include the country that has the second highest number of Michelin stars, another country that has the most UNESCO heritage sites, and tells us how and where he changed a law.
You can check out his blog and his podcasts by visiting his website https://everything-everywhere.com/
As usual, spoilers and more links are in the show notes below.
Thank you for listening. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, rate and share Travel Bubble in order to help us grow.
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Country No.1: Japan
Activity: Yakushima
Food: Ramen, Kobe beef, Mos Burger
Country No.2: Italy
Activity: Head to Rome
Food: Kebab stand in Turin
Country No.3: Argentina
Activity: Iguazu Falls
Food: Go to an authentic, local asado restaurant and drink Malbec from Mendoza
Wildcard: Peru
Top Travel Tip: Don’t over-plan
Best Souvenir: Kava bowl from Samoa
Wood carvings from Solomon Islands
Travel Bubble Film Club
Lawrence of Arabia, UK, (1962)
Follow us on Travel Bubble Facebook and Instagram @TravelBubblePodcast.
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Episode 28 - Amy Angelilli: Improv Travel
Episode 28 is with The Adventure Pro, Amy Angelilli, originally from Philadelphia currently based in St Augustine, Florida – she loves nothing more than travel and making people laugh, so an ideal Travel Bubble guest.
A certified laughter yoga leader, improv instructor and life long traveller, Amy is also the founder of the Adventure Project, an initiative that helps empower people to find the adventure in the every day.
I met Amy on the road in Vienna and it was great to catch up. We talked about Mexican fishermen, Italian boots, Virgin Island ice cream sellers, divorce holidays and, of course, cats - with many laughs along the way.
You can find Amy on Facebook here and Insta as @theinstapro here and you can visit her website http://adventure-project.com/.
As usual spoilers below, don’t forget to like, subscribe, share and rate @TravelBubblePodcast.
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Country No.1: Italy
Activity: If you’re in Rome, walk everywhere and cross the Tiber to visit the Trastevere neighbourhood.
Food: Eat as much gelato as you can, taste as much cheese as you can and drink as much wine as you can
Country No.2: Mexico
Activity: San Miguel De Allende
Food: Real Mexican food
Holbox Island
Country No. 3: St John, U.S. Virign Islands
Activity: Rent a Jeep and drive all over the island
Food: Seafood – catch of the day
Wildcard: Greece
Top Travel Tip: Pack light
Best Souvenir: Besides the romances – Italian Boots
Travel Bubble Film Club
Olla, (2019) France
Follow us on Travel Bubble Facebook and Instagram @TravelBubblePodcast.
Please like, subscribe, rate and share the Travel Bubble Podcast.
Episode 27 - Jason Clitherow Boken: Apocalyspe Nowt
Episode 27 is with Jason Clitherow Boken. After moving away from the UK four years ago, Jay has certainly been there and done that. He’s been a business reporter at a Cambodia's leading newspaper, a part-owner of a hostel on a tropical island, he’s taught English in rural Vietnam, he’s rolled spliffs on the beach for cash… to put it simply, he’s been around.
A friend of mine from St Helens, I think Jay is the perfect Travel Bubble guest. In this candid interview we talk about the highs and low of travelling and living abroad. From times when he couldn’t even afford food to eating dinner at the embassies in Phnom Penh. Currently in Manitoba, Canada, Jason’s interview is frank, honest and extremely funny and one not to be missed.
As usual, spoilers below. Please like, subscribe, rate and share Travel Bubble and help us grow the Bubble.
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Country No.1: Canada
Activity: Niagara Falls
Food: Poutine
Calgary Stampede
Country No.2: Vietnam
Activity: Halong Bay
Food: Chops Burgers
Anything else/links….
Country No. 3: Cambodia
Activity: Kampot
Food: Katy Peri’s Peri Peri Chicken & Pizza – Phnom Penh
Wildcard: Philippines
Top Travel Tip: Don’t make any real plans
Best Souvenir: Taser
Travel Bubble Film Club
Apocalypse Now 1979, USA
Follow us on Travel Bubble Facebook and Instagram @TravelBubblePodcast.
Please like, subscribe, rate and share the Travel Bubble Podcast.
Episode 26 - Ian Collins: Flowers To Kim Jong-Un
In this episode we speak to Ian Collins. You know you’re in for a good episode when you struggle to choose a title and this was the case for this episode. I didn’t know whether to choose the time Ian sent flowers to the leader of North Korea or perhaps the time he took his mugger to a strip club. I went for the former, but I think both would’ve summed up the travel stories and anecdotes that Ian has to tell.
Originally from Perth, currently in Bali, Ian has managed to make a career out of travelling all over the world to around 85 countries and has worked in over 40 of those in places such as Libya and Bali, as well as living in cities like Vancouver, Barcelona, Cape Town and Singapore.
Ian took a very practical approach to choosing his countries, considering 5 points: the country of his passport, legal residence, business base, asset haven and playground.
His tales include presenting flowers to the eponymous dictator, listening to an oracle on where to move to next, taking a man who attempted to mug him to a strip club, and trying to calm down irate Libyans.
His choices include one that is increasingly popular with digital nomads, a dictator-led country that few are able to enter and a place that is often voted the most beautiful city as well as being one of the most deadly in the world.
What are you waiting for? Listen now on Apple, Spotify, Alexa and everywhere else you get your podcasts. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, share and rate Travel Bubble.
As usual, spoilers and links are in the show notes below.
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Country No.1: Indonesia
Activity: Mount Agung
Food: Soto Ayam
Country No.2: North Korea
Activity: Mass games at the May Day Stadium
Food: Kimchi pancake
Country No. 3: South Africa
Activity: Climb Table Mountain or around Cape Point
Food: Mzoli’s
King Solomon’s Mines – book by H Rider Haggard
Wildcard: Belize
Top Travel Tip – Immerse yourself for as long as possible and do as locals do.
Best Souvenir: Handmade fruit bowl in Malawi
Travel Bubble Film Club
The Mole: Undercover in North Korea ,2020
Follow us on Travel Bubble Facebook and Instagram @TravelBubblePodcast.
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Episode 25 - Venessa Mondoy: Passport To The World
Episode 25 is with Venessa Mondoy. Originally from the Philippines, now living in New York, we recorded this episode remotely while she was away travelling in Colombia - a truly global episode.
Travelling is Venessa’s addiction - as she says in the episode - some people spend their money on material possessions, she spends her money making memories around the globe. She first got the travel bug when she secured her American citizenship back in 2011, armed with a USA passport she has visited over 50 countries since then and is one of the few people I know who has managed to still travel during the pandemic.
In this episode we discuss robot waiters, how blood sausages can make somebody a part-time pescatarian, having a thick skin and much, much more.
As usual, spoilers below, don't forget to like, subscribe, rate and share Travel Bubble.
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Country No.1: Spain
Activity: Camino de Santiago
Food: Morcilla – Spanish blood sausage
Country No.2: Japan
Activity: Kyoto – hire a guide.
Food: Tokyo fish market
Documentary: Jiro Dreams Of Sushi
Country No. 3: Namibia
Activity: Namib desert, climb the dune and enjoy the sunrise and sunset
Food: Swakopmund seafood
Wildcard: Madagascar
Top Travel Tips:
- Bring a travel adapter, a good book and a phone with a good camera.
- Get out and hike when you travel.
- Go and explore a city before everybody wakes up.
Best Souvenir: Indian tapestry.
Travel Bubble Film Club
A Prophet, 2009, (France)
Available on Mubi, sign up through this link and get a 30-day free Mubi trial.
Follow us on Travel Bubble Facebook and Instagram @TravelBubblePodcast.
Thank you for listening.
Episode 24 - Aaron Millar: Blue Dot Perspective
This episode speaks to award-winning journalist, Aaron Millar. Writer for the likes of The Guardian, CNN, The Independent, The Times and columnist for National Geographic Traveller, Aaron also manages to find time to host the highly successful Armchair Explorer podcast.
After leaving his job as a music industry manager in the UK, Aaron now calls the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, USA, his home – with the appeal of 300 days of sunshine a year.
In this episode we talk about his focus on appreciating nature and the world around us, as well as where his love of travelling began. He shares stories such as how he managed to interview Brian May and did a 100km pub crawl all in the name of journalism.
Choices this week include a country that has the largest continuous area of protected wilderness in the world, a carbon-neutral state considered to be the last ‘Shangri La’, which measures gross national happiness rather than gross domestic product, and a place where Aaron says he was ‘the closest to death’.
Aaron shares lots of unique tales from some amazing countries, including drinking a cocktail while gazing at glaciers with ice from an iceberg, a ‘sinking wicker teacup’ on a rather eventful and long journey to hospital, and getting lost in the mountains, surrounded by wild horses.
You can find out more about Aaron by following him on Twitter at @AaronMWriter or by checking out his websites by clicking below:
He also has books: The 50 Greatest Wonders of the World and The 50 Greatest National Parks of the World.
As usual, spoilers below, don't forget to like, subscribe, rate and share Travel Bubble.
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Country No.1: Chile
Activity: Route of Parks
Food: Pisco sour cocktail
Anything else ... Karün eyewear
Country No.2: India
Activity: Stay in a house boat near Kerala, Hampi
Food: All – especially fresh fish
Country No. 3: Italy
Activity: Old Salt Road
Food: Local produce with local wine
Anything else…
Photos of Old Salt Road on Aaron’s website
Wildcard: Bhutan
Top Travel Tip: Trust the kindness of strangers
Best Souvenir: Small beer glass from 100km pub crawl
Travel Bubble Film Club
Pusher, (1996), Denmark
Thanks for listening.
Follow us on Travel Bubble Facebook and Instagram @TravelBubblePodcast.
Episode 23 - Jeanne Hill: Sober Travel
This week we speak to Jeanne Hill. The most well-travelled guest so far on Travel Bubble.
Currently in the mountains of central California due to Covid, she is not used to staying in one place for so long, having dubbed herself a ‘perpetual traveller’. She has had the wanderlust gene since graduating from high school, living a minimalist life with only 2 suitcases and a box. What she can’t carry, she doesn’t possess. Her first international trip was with her aunt, learning how to push a wheelchair and pull a suitcase before moving to Paris to go to art school.
Now aged 78 and having visited 130 countries, she, as she puts it, ‘floats around the world at her pleasure’. Jeanne also goes in to detail about travelling sober and the different groups and ways of travelling for other sober individuals.
In this episode we talk about her childhood memory of her only holiday, sleeping on the floor of an abandoned cabin on an island in the middle of Lake Superior and coming face to face with a moose, as well as discussing ‘tag along’ tours, choosing a place based on its art and people, and going to Expos all over the world. We also touch on being left in the Amazon, getting shot at in ‘no man’s land’, having her room bugged while volunteering and why sitting in a circle can stop flies from annoying you while eating. Oh, and don’t have radiation treatment before going to Moscow!
Please subscribe to Travel Bubble, give us a five-star rating and tell your friends. As usual, spoilers and links below.
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Country No.1: Greece
Activity: Eat out
Food: Revithia and galaktoboureko
Anything else/links…. Parian Marble
Country No.2: Italy
Activity: Visit museums – Borghese
Country No. 3: Australia
Activity: walk around Sydney
Food: Burger with ‘the lot’
Wildcard: Cuba
Further reading/links:
Top Travel Tip: pack safety pins/ diaper pins. Don’t be afraid, just do it.
Best Souvenir: Maps and Greek kylix
Travel Bubble Film Club
Dogtooth Greece,(2009)
Follow us on Travel Bubble Facebook and Instagram @TravelBubblePodcast.
Subscribe so you never miss out on an episode.
Episode 22 - Ian Pilbeam: Are We There Yet?
Hypothetical question - You inherit a large chunk of money, what do you do? Do you invest in stocks or shares? Buy a second home? Or do you quit your job, take your two children out of school and travel around the world for a year? That’s exactly what today’s guest Ian Pilbeam did in 2008.
One night whilst on holiday, he asked his children the innocuous question ‘Where do you fancy going to next?’ Their response - ‘Can we think about it?’ 20 countries, 100 places and 40 flights later, the Pilbeams had seen the world.
Originally from Lincolnshire, now based in Scotland, Ian has currently visited 70 countries and is passionate about travel. After many years of reflection, Ian decided to put pen to paper and write a book ‘Are We There Yet?’ all about this family adventure. I wanted to get Ian on the show to inspire those Travel Bubble listeners with young families and provide practical advice on how to travel with children.
As well as family travel, this episode features the home of Paddington Bear, the world’s best canteen food, walking across country borders, dangerous places becoming the future must-visit destinations and why planning is not such a bad thing.
You can purchase a signed copy of ‘Are We There Yet?’ by visiting https://familytrippers.co.uk/.
As usual, spoilers and episode notes below.
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Country No.1: Peru
Activity: Machu Pichu
Food: Guinea Pigs
Country No.2: Sri Lanka
Activity: Sinharaja Rainforest
Food: Canteen curries when working as a volunteer
Country No. 3: Montenegro
Activity: Kotor Anything else: Herceg Novi
Wildcard: Mexico
Top Travel Tip: Plan – Have a plan, so you don’t have to use it.
Best Souvenir: Small wooden Tuk Tuk from Sri Lanka
Other links:
Simon Sinek – Start with the why Ted Talk
Travel Bubble Film Club
Cancion Sin Nombre, Peru (2019)
Episode 21 - Rachel Stratman: The Osaka Moment
Episode 21 is with Rachel Stratman, a filmmaker and business development director from the US.
I met Rachel when she lived and worked in Bangkok, after which she backpacked around the world for 14 months whilst making a documentary. This throws up a lot of interesting tales including being denied entry in China and India. She also made did a pretty cool music video during this time where she danced with Japanese businessmen and zombies, in front of European landmarks, was alongside local tribes and was even thrown off an elephant in it.
Her Travel Bubble choices include a place that satisfies her need for structure, as well as boasting a world-famous party scene, the friendliest place she’s ever visited and how one country just missed being on the list, despite her most memorable experience was there.
We talk love hotels, karaoke in parks, breaking laws to find suitable accommodation in an extremely restricted country and dune diving. It’s not to be missed!
This episode of Travel Bubble was recorded in February after a dramatic year or so for Rachel, after having a kidney transplant - donated to her by her husband, Quentin - and losing their home and all of their possessions in Redwood Forest, California during the wildfires so a big thanks to Rachel for her time.
As usual, spoilers and #TravelBubbleFilmClub below. Don't forget to like, share, rate and subscribe to support the podcast.
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Country No.1: Germany
Activity: Karaoke at Mauerpark, Berlin
Food: Frikadellen
Country No.2: Japan
Activity: Visit and Onsen and do karaoke
Food: Tsukemen
Country No.3: Tibet
Activity: Go up to base camp of Everest
Food: Momos
Wildcard: Argentina
Top Travel Tip: Spend time and stay with locals
Best Souvenir: Wooden koi fish and a thangka print
Travel Bubble Film Club
Love Hotel, Japan (2014)
The Man Who Destroyed Everything, England (2002)
Follow us on Travel Bubble Facebook and Instagram @TravelBubblePodcast.
Follow and subscribe so you never miss out on an episode.
Episode 20 - Christian Schöberl: The Penguin Account
Christian Schöberl is the Operations Manager for Europe, Russia and Iceland at the world’s largest small group adventure travel company – Intrepid Travel. He also happens to be my boss.
Two years ago, I was interviewed by Christian for the position of European Tour Leader. It was a Skype interview and I was in a small wooden chalet in the village of Oščadnica, Slovakia - the only place I could get good internet connection was in the bathtub. Thankfully, that didn’t put him off and I got the job. Now the shoe is on the other foot and I get to ask all the questions.
This is an epic episode and I would expect nothing less from Christian. With over 15 years in travel industry, he’s visited over 100 countries and worked as a Tour Leader himself all over Europe. From Bavaria, Germany, he has lived in Italy for around ten years as well as a few years in the Czech Republic. He’s been to Venice more than 300 times and Africa 14 times. He’s a perfect Travel Bubble guest.
We talk about dodging rhino horns, why Bavaria is 10 percent better than the rest of Germany, the challenges of non-Italians complaining about Italy, visiting a country that is so off-the-beaten-track that it doesn’t even have a guide book, a country that has something to suit everyone, how smiling can get you access to all areas, phallic souvenirs and of course, The Penguin Account.
As usual, spoilers and #TravelBubbleFilmClub below. Don't forget to like, share, rate and subscribe to support the podcast.
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Country No.1: Djibouti
Activity: Snorkelling in the Red Sea
Food: Seafood and the Yemenite cuisine.
Anything else/links….
Lake Assal, the lowest point in Africa
Khat leaves – the highly addictive drug.
Ardoukoba volcano
Country No.2: South Africa
Activity: “Every person in the world, whatever their interest, would find something to suit them”
Food: Braai (barbecue)
Anything else/links….
Hluhluwe Game Reserve
Country No. 3: Italy
Activity: Regional trips. Rome/Tuscan countryside.
Food: Tratorria Da Mimmo, Venice
Anything else/links….
Truffle hunting in Piedmont
Wildcard: Antarctica
Top Travel Tip – Smile
Best Souvenir: Chess sets from all over the world, a Malawian set in particular.
Travel Bubble Film Club
My Octopus Teacher, South Africa (2020)
Happy People: A Year In The Taiga, Germany/Russia (2010)
Follow us on Travel Bubble Facebook and Instagram @TravelBubblePodcast.
Don’t forget to rate, share, comment, like and subscribe.
Episode 19 - Megan Griep: Addicted To Travel
In this episode, Travel Bubble speaks to blogger and teacher, Megan Griep. Despite not catching the travel bug until she was 25, now aged 32, she has certainly made up for lost time, describing herself as ‘addicted to travel’, having visited 80 countries since then. Originally from Wisconsin, USA she now calls Bangkok, Thailand her home having also lived in Mexico, Turkey and Spain.
Megan has travelled solo extensively and has a whole host of tales to tell from avoiding having to pay police bribes, sleeping in a tent listening to hippos and lions and a memorable eating experience involving raw whale and an overweight retired sportsman bending over. Find out where she went to swim in wine, eat a rolex and discovered that Gorillas and GoPros don’t mix by listening now.
You can also read all about her travels on her blog ESLVentures.com and you can follow her on Insta: @eslventures.
As usual, spoilers below. Don't forget to like, subscribe, share, comment and rate #TravelBubble.
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Country No.1: Mexico
Activity: Enjoy a slower pace of life in Querétaro
Food: Nopales en penco recipe (cactus salad)
Anything else/links….
Country No.2: Uganda
Activity: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest trekking in search for mountain gorillas
Food: Rolex
Anything else/links….
Country No. 3: Japan
Activity: Visit Hakone and Mount Fuji. Visit the Yunessun themed spa
Food: Takoyaki
Anything else/links….
Midnight Diner - Netflix
Wildcard: New Zealand
Top Travel Tip – Always test your limits, do your research and remember there is always room for negotiation
Best Souvenir:
A shark tooth found while diving in the Bahamas
Megan’s blog, ESLVentures, can be found here.
Travel Bubble Film Club
Daughters of Destiny, India (2017)
Thanks for listening.
Follow us on Travel Bubble Facebook and Instagram @TravelBubblePodcast.
Don't forget to like, subscribe, share, comment and rate #TravelBubble.
Episode 18 - Mike Laird: Path Less Trodden
This episode is with adventurer, explorer, travel writer and film maker Mike Laird. Originally from Scotland, he has been to over 100 countries and boasts a varied CV around the world from war photographer to scuba instructor and English teacher.
Mike gave up his office job in Surrey, England in the late 90s to appear in the ground-breaking BBC series Castaway - which saw a group of thirty-six people tasked with building and living in a community on the remote Scottish island of Taransay. Since then, Mike has racked up an impressive list of accomplishments from cycling 4000km solo in Australia to being 1 of only 2 people to have ever skied both the North Pole (600km) and the surface of Lake Baikal in Russia (640km).
This episode of Travel Bubble touches on some areas of his fascinating life since then, including photographing individuals from Miss World, British Prime Ministers and snipers in Beirut, as well as the extraordinary journey he undertook to obtain Ministry of Defence, International Security Assistance Force, UN and NATO press passes.
Did we mention that he’s also a Fellow of Royal Geographical Society and a Trustee of the Scientific Exploration Society?
Mike’s Travel Bubble choices includes a country that has so many islands it would take you over 50 years to visit them all if you went to one a day, a country he has battled for nearly six years to get a permit to do an adventure like no other in, and explains the many ways gaffer tape can get you out of a sticky situation.
You can find all about joining Mike on his Baikal by visiting - http://www.crossingbaikal.com/
Mike’s personal website is - http://www.jockandthebeanstalk.com/
He can be found on Instagram as: @michaelpaullaird
As usual, more information about Mike’s choices are below.
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Country No.1: Russia
Activity: Go to a banya (sauna) in Karelia
Food: Khachapuri and reindeer meat with cranberries
Anything else/links….
Country No.2: Indonesia
Activity: Manggis Garden, Bali
Food: Nasi Goreng and tempe
Country No. 3: Peru
Activity: Sit in the bar carriage on a train journey. Stay with a local on an island off Lake Titicaca
Food: Lomo saltado, Ceviche
Wildcard: Sudan
Top Travel Tip – It’s important what you pack in your bag – take a roll of gaffer tape
Best Souvenir: an Oosig – whale penis bone from Alaska
Travel Bubble Film Club
A Time for Drunken Horses Iran (2000)
Available on Mubi, sign up through this link and get a 30-day free Mubi trial.
Thanks for listening.
Follow us on Travel Bubble Facebook and Instagram @TravelBubblePodcast.
Follow and subscribe so you never miss out on an episode.
Episode 17 - Andrew Melling: Elephant Taxis
In this episode we talk to Andrew Melling about the places he would add to his bubble. Originally from the UK, Andrew has called Thailand his home for the past 15 years after being persuaded to move there after an intriguing mode of transport promise. In this episode we cover a number of different countries with plenty of tales to tell from playing football in ancient ruins to running away from bulls.
Every year Andrew makes a list of things to accomplish, with this year’s including growing a mullet and fire juggling. Past lists have seen him jumping out of a plane, cycling from Singapore to North Thailand and riding an ostrich.
During this episode, we also talk about a country which he compared to being like ‘one massive toy store’, find out what unusual mode of transport he hopes to ride when there and what food he has finally discovered he likes after 30 years.
As usual, spoilers below. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, share and rate the podcast.
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Country No.1: Thailand
Activity: Ayutthaya for history. East coast of Thailand for beaches – Ko Kut
Food: Nam Tok Moo (Grilled Pork Salad)
Anything else/links….
Teens of Thailand, Soi Nana Bangkok
Country No.2: Spain
Activity: go to a festival
Food: Paella, Jamón ibérico
Country No. 3: Japan
Activity: Mario Karting around Tokyo
Food: Katsu curry
Wildcard: Mexico
Top Travel Tip: – try new things
Best Souvenir:
Bull statue - Spain
Vase – St Helens World Of Glass
Any other links:
The sport of Kabaddi.
Follow us on Travel Bubble Facebook and Instagram @TravelBubblePodcast.
Subscribe so you never miss out on an episode.
Episode 16 - Jennifer Duverseau: Ayiti Cheri
In this episode we speak to Jen Duverseau, a fellow teacher and friend of the show after working together at a school in Haiti. Originally from Canada, she has since lived and taught in South Korea, Czech Republic, Honduras, Turkey and Haiti. Now based in Guatemala, unsurprisingly, Jen has plenty of interesting and unique tales to share.
Despite only taking her first flight abroad at 18, she has set foot in many countries that most have never been to since then, and is certainly not averse to dangerous lands.
We go into detail about the place she considers her second home which, despite boasting wonderful landscapes and holds so many great memories, is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. She talks about political unrest, how she was evacuated out by helicopter and also the loss of a good friend who was gunned down outside the school we taught at.
Also mentioned is why people flock to the sea for some hanky panky, the gateway to the Amazon, where to get the best beer in the world for $1 and why Jen really wants to visit the city where everything is white and has a ‘fire of hell’.
As usual, spoilers below.
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Country No.1: Haiti
Activity: Hike from Furcy to Jacmel. Cap-Haïtien
Food: Griot and pikliz with plantain (pork and ‘coleslaw’)
Anything else/links….
Hand in Hand for Haiti on Instagram
Country No.2: Czech Republic
Activity: Český Krumlov pub crawl rafting down the river
Food: Fried cheese
Things you might not know about Czech beer
Country No. 3: Suriname
Activity: go to the Amazon
Food: Roti
Anything else/links….
Wildcard: Turkmenistan
Top Travel Tip: Be open and ready to change plans
Best Souvenir: Table cloth from Prague beer festival
Travel Bubble Film Club
Daisies, Czechoslovkia(1966)
If you’re a fan of world film or just cinema in general, check out Mubi. Sign up through this link and get a 30-day free Mubi trial.
Thanks for listening.
Follow us on Travel Bubble Facebook and Instagram @TravelBubblePodcast.
If you enjoyed this episode follow and subscribe so you never miss out on an episode.
Don’t forget to rate, like and share us with your friends
Episode 15 - John Goullee: Scratching The Itch
In this episode we speak John Goullee and it’s full of unique and hilarious anecdotes from this well-travelled raconteur.
Born in Kenya before moving to South Africa as a child, he now calls Perth in Australia home after living in 11 different countries all over the world from Mozambique to Kuwait.
John has plenty of African adventures to share including stripping off at Victoria Falls, a close-call with a lion, a warthog Easter egg thief, and working with Kalahari San people - singing bushmen songs and cooking monkeys.
We also discuss purchasing booze licenses in the Middle East and using condoms to brew beer. We touch on how to live flash in a place that, in his own words, is as ugly as sin, as well as the etiquette on shaking hands when displaying friendship in an Arab country.
As well as great stories, there’s some brilliant advice and inspiration of where to go when things open back up, including an unbelievably stunning island that you’ve probably never heard of….
If you are interested in seeing those naked ‘Kudos’ photos of John and want to read all about his overland trip from Cairo to Cape Town, I’d advise reading his blog… https://my.getjealous.com/landioverland
As usual, spoilers and more info in the show notes.
Thanks for listening and don’t forget to like, subscribe, share and rate #TravelBubble
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Country No.1: Botswana
Activity: look at game north-west of Botswana, near Okavango River.
Food: Steak - BBQs
Links:
Country No.2: Oman
Activity: Grand Mosque and forts, go to a Wadi, Old port in Muscat and visit a souk (market)
Food: Slow-cooked lamb with saffron rice, hummus, flatbreads
Country No. 3: Indonesia
Activity: Pulau Pef (PEF Island, Raja Ampat) Raja4Divers
Food: Fresh fish
Wildcard: Madagascar
Top Travel Tip: Don’t throw money around in poorer countries for your own ‘good feeling’.
Best Souvenir:
Figurine of a man with a drum – Botswana
Carving of him and his wife from Papa New Guinea
Thanks for listening.
Follow us on Travel Bubble Facebook and Instagram @TravelBubblePodcast.
Follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode.
Episode 14 - Annabel Upson: Small Ripples, Big Waves
This week’s episode is with Annabel Upson, a travel industry professional who strongly believes in sustainable travel, with her company motto being ‘small ripples make big waves’. Episode 14 touches on that topic, as well as her passion for animals. From how whale poo can fight against climate change, to penguins and sloths in South America, and even learning to ride a horse like a true Gaucho.
Annabel has been fortunate enough to explore much of the globe from childhood adventurous holidays to round-the-world backpacking as an adult. Now co-founder and director of sustainable tourism company, Travelling Whale, she provides some of the best places to visit to not only make memories but to ensure a positive impact is made on that country.
We discuss zip lining above the cloud forest, impressive ski resorts around the world, immersive travel and a whole lot more
You can find out more about Travelling Whale on Insta @Travelling.Whale or by visiting their website http://www.travellingwhale.com/
As usual, spoilers below.
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Country No.1: Argentina
Activity: Visit penguins at Punta Tombo
Food: Restaurant- Don Julio, Buenos Aires
Anything else/links….
Book a local, family-run vineyard tour in Mendoza
Country No.2: Costa Rica
Activity: Cloud forest in Monteverde
Food: Casado
Anything else/links….
Country No. 3: France
Activity: Haute-De-Cagnes
Food: Cheese/ raclette
Anything else/links….
Morzine - ski resort
Wildcard: Sri Lanka
Top Travel Tip: Do your research and have a loose itinerary
Best Souvenir: Engagement ring
Travel Bubble Film Club
La Haine France(1995)
If you're a fan of world film, sign up to Mub. Sign up through this link and get a 30-day free Mubi trial.
Thanks for listening.
Follow us on Travel Bubble Facebook and Instagram @TravelBubblePodcast.
Follow and subscribe so you never miss out on an episode.
Episode 13 - Jake Lawrenson: Japanese Egg Butties
Episode 13 of Travel Bubble is with Jake Lawrenson, a photographer, documentarian and good friend of the show.
He is a seasoned traveller with early experiences of holidaying on the back of a Harley Davidson in America and road-tripping around Europe. More recently, when not travelling with work, Jake and I have been known to explore a number of places across the globe together, with a few memorable tales shared on this podcast.
Food is a hot topic in episode 13, from where to get the best egg butties in the world, to grilled Kit Kats, Mars bars on the Great Wall of China, and the now-infamous monkey arm tale from episode one getting a mention again.
We also chat about men carrying goats, mourning monks, almost being stranded on an island, wandering the streets of Asia for the best photographs, impressive funerals and losing your passport
You can find more information about Jake’s photography at his website -JakeLawrensonPhotography.com.
You can watch is latest documentary The Story of The Rufford Printing Company here.
Spoilers for Jake's choices below.
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Country No.1: India
Activities: Rent a scooter and explore Hampi. Witness a funeral procession on a boat on the River Ganges in Varanasi
Food: Pani Puri
Country No.2: Japan
Activity: Walk around Osaka – street photography
Food: Egg butty, dry shredded squid, various types of Kit Kats
Follow @kuri_kuri_kuri_ on Insta for your Fuji fixes
Country No. 3: Thailand
Activity: Eat street food and visit local markets – Chatuchak, Bangkok. Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, Chiang Mai
Food: Jack’s Bar – Pad See Ew with a kai dao (fried egg)
Wildcard: South Africa
Top Travel Tip: Document your trip - take photos/ write down each day what you’ve done
Best Souvenir: A plastic, gold Chairman Mao statue
Travel Bubble Film Club
Oleg, Latvia (2019)
Available on Mubi, sign up through this link and get a 30-day free Mubi trial.
Thanks for listening.
Follow us on Travel Bubble Facebookand Instagram @TravelBubblePodcast.
Follow and subscribe so you never miss out on an episode.
Episode 12 - Monica Irauzqui: Nooks & Crannies
In this episode we speak to a travel industry expert who has been running her own tour company, Yampu Tours, for 23 years alongside her Peruvian husband. Since then, she has travelled extensively all across the globe, offering tours on all continents. Now living in California after spending time in Hawaii and Paris, her aim is to take the stress, not adventure, out of holidays.
Monica strongly believes in getting to know every nook and cranny of a place, rather than ‘collecting countries’. She shares some great anecdotes from a city that gives you altitude sickness and why might want to avoid the local cocktail, to the country she believes serves the best food at service stations. We also touch on some less-positive experiences including getting tear gassed and an altercation with a mechanic in Mexico.
Some great advice is offered about where to explore next when the world opens back up, as well as giving us the lowdown on choosing the right safari for all types of travellers and budgets.
Country No.1: Peru
Activity: Cusco
Food: Lomo Saltado
Country No.2: Italy
Activity: Drive around Tuscany
Food: Ragu, red pesto
Country No. 3: Kenya
Activity: Masai Mara
Food: BBQ
Anything else/links….
Wildcard: Ethiopia
Top Travel Tip:
Get to know the locals. Visit a local community that the company supports and see where they live.
“When you travel anywhere, try to relax, and be kind and try to get to know the locals”.
Do your maths [when converting currency].
Best Souvenir:
Beaded necklace from Kenya
Prayer beads from Brazil
Blankets from Peru
Other links:
Monica Irauzui
Insta: @MonicaIrauzquiExperiences
Twitter: @MonicaIrauzqui
Yampu Tours
https://www.yampu.com/
Travel Bubble Film Club
Into The Storm: Surfing To Survive, Peru (2020)
If you’re a fan of world movies and documentaries, get yourself a 30-day free Mubi trial.
Travel Bubble Facebook and Instagram: @TravelBubblePodcast.
Follow and subscribe so you never miss out on an episode.
Episode 11 - Mimmo Romano: Italian Steve Irwin
In this week’s episode I speak to Outback guide, European Tour Leader, chef and avid traveller, Mimmo Romano.
He said that he doesn’t deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as Steve Irwin, but I disagree, I think Mimmo too, is a legend. He has some brilliant recommendations and tales to share about the three countries he’s chosen, we talk about dealing with gory First Aid dramas in the middle of the Australian Outback, being a poo collector, befriending pythons, checking for dingoes and becoming completely overwhelmed by beauty.
We also discuss visiting the second biggest canyon in the world, all you can drink nights out in Asia, as well as where you can buy coffee that rivals Italian coffee (according to an Italian chef), eating wild zebra and using a chocolate biscuit as a straw.
What are you waiting for? Give it a listen now on Apple, Spotify and anywhere else you get your podcast. Subscribe and give us a five-star rating whilst you’re there. A big thanks to Mimmo for coming on to the show and as usual, spoilers below.
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Country No.1: Vietnam
Activity: Travel by train
Go to Sapa and stay with locals in a homestay
Go for a boat ride on Mekong Delta
Food: Banh Mi and Vietnamese coffee
Country No.2: Namibia
Activity: See the sun rise and sun sets in the deserts of Namibia.
Do a road trip
Food: Meat. BBQ – oryx, zebra
Anything else/links….
Namib (oldest desert) and Kalahari: Where desert meets the sea
Fish river canyon 2nd biggest in world after the Grand Canyon
Country No. 3: Australia
Activity: Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park, https://parksaustralia.gov.au/uluru/
To learn more about Indigenous: https://alicespringsdesertpark.com.au/ and Uluru Cultural Centre
Food: Tim Tams with some milk
Anything else/links….
Guns, Germs and Steel book
Stendhal Syndrome – The feeling of being overwhelmed by beauty
Wildcard: Iran
Top Travel Tip – “Immerse yourself in the trip you take. Forget about home, your every day life and habits, and be adventurous. Don’t be scared of trying new things, of saying hello and talking to people.”
Write a diary
Best Souvenir: Akubra Hat
Travel Bubble Film Club
Wake In Fright, Australia (1971)
Available on Mubi, sign up through this link and get a 30-day free Mubi trial.
Travel Bubble Facebook and Instagram: @TravelBubblePodcast.
Follow and subscribe so you never miss out on an episode.
Episode 10 - Andy Reid MBE: 90 Degree Turn On A Dog Sled
In this episode I talk to Andy Reid MBE. The old adage of ‘Join the Army, see the world’ was certainly true for Andy and he got to see many parts of the globe during his time in the armed forces. We talk all about those adventures from trekking the Grand Canyon, dog sledding in the wilds of Canada and hiking Kilimanjaro.
However, back in 2009, his world changed whilst serving in Afghanistan. He stood on an improvised explosive device, losing both his legs and his right arm. But that has certainly not stopped him from travelling and seeing more of the world by sea.
We talk all about the importance of accessible travel, why cruises aren’t just for old people and Andy shares some great tales, including run-ins with the police in Tanzania, how a mistaken hand gesture nearly led to his arrest in Vegas and hallucinogenic drinks around a camp fire with some Fijians.
A big thanks to Andy for giving up his time and sharing his stories.
You can find out more about Andy on his personal website https://www.standingtall.co.uk/ where you will also find links to his autobiography, Standing Tall, which I thoroughly recommend.
You can find out more about Andy’s charity the Standing Tall Foundation by visiting their brand-new website.
https://www.standingtallfoundation.org.uk/
He can be also be found on Instagram and Twitter as @AndyReid2506.
Finally, a big thank you to this week’s sponsor, Chef Antony Harden of Bistro At Home (@bistro_at_home_sthelens) If you’re in the market for restaurant-quality food cooked by an award-winning chef delivered straight to your door, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Antony. Listen out to the episode for a special discount code for the spectacular Mother’s Day set menu, don’t hang about as slots are filling fast.
As usual, more info and spoilers below.
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Country No.1: Canada
Activity: Ice hockey game
Food: Seafood
Anything else/links….
Country No.2: New Zealand
Activity: Wellington Cable Car
Food: No food highlight, but probably a rack of lamb
Anything else/links….
Country No. 3: Portugal (Vilamoura)
Activity: 19th Hole Bar
Food: Sardines
Anything else/links….
Wildcard: Fiji
Top Travel Tip: Don’t do too much research, live for the adventure
Best Souvenir: Canvas painting from Iraq
Travel Bubble Film Club
4 months, 3 weeks and 2 days, Romania (2007)
If you have a love of film do check out Mubi, sign up through this link and get a 30-day free Mubi trial.
Follow us on Travel Bubble Facebook and Instagram @TravelBubblePodcast.
Episode 9 - Johanna Merz: Best Toilet Experience
One night, four years ago, Johanna Merz was stood in the Okavango Delta, Botswana staring at a bonfire. She decided then and there, that when she got home, she would quit her job and dedicate her live to her passion, travelling. That’s exactly what she did.
Since then, she’s been all over the world and managed to get a career as a Tour Leader, achieving her dream of ‘getting paid to travel.’
We talk all about this as well as the attraction of lion fish blood, avoiding bear attacks, IKEA travel hacks and giving gifts to Chilean policemen in exchange for your freedom.
We have a new feature this week called #MyTravelBubble where a listener gets in touch with their Travel Bubble choices along with activity and restaurant recommendations. This week we have it is the turn of @AlexJamesEmery of the @TravelTalksPodcast. Stick around to the end of the show for that.
A big thanks to Johanna Merz for being a wonderful guest and thank you for listening. As usual, spoilers below and don’t forget to subscribe and rate Travel Bubble, wherever you get your podcasts.
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Country No.1: Botswana
Activity: Okavango Delta
Food: Mopane Worms
Country No.2: Canada
Activity: Banff and Jasper National Parks
Food: Poutine
Country No. 3: Colombia
Activity: Football match in Medellin
Food: Arepa
Felipe Diving in Providencia
https://felipediving.com/
Wildcard: India
The Serpent TV Show.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7985576/
Top Travel Tip: Take it slow
Best Souvenir: Wire animals made by one of the rangers at the animal rescue centre.
#MyTravelBubble
A big thanks @AlexJamesEmery of the @TravelTalksPodcast for his choices.
A couple of things to note - Pane & Vino in Miami and the TRS Yucatan hotel in Mexico
Travel Bubble Film Club
This week is a love letter to Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar
Pain and Glory (2019)
All About My Mother (1999)
Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! (1989)
They are all available on Mubi, sign up through this link and get a 30-day free Mubi trial.
Follow us on Travel Bubble Facebook and Instagram @TravelBubblePodcast.
Subscribe so you never miss an episode and rate us so other people find our episodes.
Du6DOUVhv0NgBGFjnKaC
Episode 8 - Nathan Day: A Mixture Of Vegas and Pyongyang
Having visited 61 countries on five continents, it’s safe to say that Melbourne resident, Nathan Day, is an avid traveller and an ideal guest for Travel Bubble.
In this episode we cover Chernobyl, the gates of hell, 70-year-old booze hounds on 18-30 holidays and a restaurant with a secret password.
It turned into a bit of a sporty special with Nathan telling us about all the sporting events he’s visited from baseball in Florida, hockey in Helsinki to football games all over the world. We even go off on a bit of a Maradona tangent which is never a bad thing. A big thanks to Nathan Day for taking part and thank you for listening.
As usual, spoilers below and don’t forget to subscribe and rate Travel Bubble, wherever you get your podcasts.
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Country No.1: Namibia
Activity: Fish River Canyon
Food: Kudu meat
World’s biggest sand dune in the Sossusvlei.
https://namibiatourism.com.na/blog/EXTREME-NAMIBIA-The-World-s-HIGHEST-Dunes
Country No.2: Ukraine
Activity: Walking around Kiev
Food: Eat a Chicken Kyiv at the Chicken Kyiv restaurant.
Chicken Kyiv restaurant.
https://borysov.com.ua/en/chicken-kyiv
Ostannya Barykada (Last Barricade) restaurant
https://kyivguide.com.ua/the-last-barricade/
Chernobyl TV series
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7366338/
The best Chernobyl tour company.
https://www.tourkiev.com
Country No. 3: Argentina
Activity: Iguazu Falls
Food: Steak and Malbec
The area with the best steaks in Buenos Aires according to Nathan is Palermo Soho.
https://www.gringoinbuenosaires.com/neighborhood-guides/palermo/palermo-soho/
Wildcard: Turkenistan
The gold statue of leader Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov is rather impressive.
In Karakum desert in Turkmenistan, there is a hole 230 feet wide that has been on fire for over 40 years. It as known as “The Gates of Hell.”
Travel Bubble Film Club
Winter on Fire, Ukraine (2015)
Assassins, USA (2020)
Portrait Of A Lady on Fire, France (2019)
The latter is available on Mubi, sign up through this link and get a 30-day free Mubi trial.
Thanks for listening.
Follow us on Travel Bubble Facebook and Instagram @TravelBubblePodcast.
Subscribe so you never miss an episode and rate us so other people find our episodes.
Episode 7 - Malcolm Teasdale: Soviet Scorpions
Host of the The Travel Addict podcast, writer of five travel books and visitor of nearly 100 countries, today’s guest, Malcolm Teasdale, is a real authority when it comes to travel.
In this episode we talk about swimming with sharks in the world’s best dive destinations, the best places to have your golf balls cleaned, a run in with Scorpions in the last days of the Soviet Union and escaping to the one of the best beaches in the world where your only worry is deciding what to have for dinner that evening.
Originally from England, Malcolm has lived in Canada and Singapore as well as spending over 35 years in the USA where he currently resides in Florida.
After taking early retirement, when not locked down, Malcolm can be found talking about his adventures and all things travel as a guest speaker on cruise ships around the world.
You can find out more about Malcolm by visiting his website.
https://www.malcolmjteasdale.com/
You can listen to The Travel Addict podcast here.
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-travel-addict/id1529802944
As usual, spoilers below. Thanks for listening and don’t forget to subscribe to Travel Bubble.
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Country No.1: Thailand
Activity: Scuba diving and head north to Chiang Mai
Food: Pad Thai
Malcolm’s favourite hotel, the Dhara Dhevi in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
https://dharadhevi.co.th/
Country No.2: Singapore
Activity: Horse racing or a Singapore Sling at Raffles
Food: Maharaj Restaurant
Country No. 3: Turks and Caicos Islands
Activity: Water Sports
Food: Seafood – Le Bouchon Du Village
Wildcard: New Zealand
Links:
The two best places to scuba dive in the world are Palau, specifically Blue Corner, and you can see Malcolm’s video with the sharks below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2zyV_6VqPI
The other must visit dive site is Sipadan, Malaysia.
https://www.dive-the-world.com/diving-sites-malaysia-sipadan-island.php
If you’re looking for your first exotic escape post-lockdown. Malcolm recommends the Rangali resort in the Maldives
https://www.conradmaldives.com/
Malcolm met the band Scorpions during the final days of the Soviet Union in Moscow.
Listen to their classic Wind of Change here.
https://youtu.be/n4RjJKxsamQ
Travel Bubble Film Club
Cure, Japan (1997)
Available on Mubi, sign up through this link and get a 30-day free Mubi trial.
Thanks for listening.
Follow us on Travel Bubble Facebookand Instagram @TravelBubblePodcast.
Like, share, rate and subscribe so you never miss an episode.
Episode 6 - Ian Wright: Buy Local, Buy Locusts.
In this episode we cover many things including being arrested by the Secret Service, the fall of the Berlin Wall, getting chased by hippos, life expectancy in an Algerian Kasbah, sitting on a balcony watching a war rage in Africa and stargazing on a rooftop in Iraq.
Nine years working as personal security for an extremely high-profile international business man as well as top UK and US government officials has meant that today’s guest, Ian Wright, has travelled all over the world. Combine this with twelve years in the military, he’s had the opportunities to visit places that not many of us would dare venture to.
A big thank you to Ian Wright for joining us, listen now to find out more about his Travel Bubble choices.
Like, share, subscribe, rate. It takes a few seconds but makes a big impact.
As usual, spoilers in the show notes along with links and Travel Bubble Film Club choices.
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Guest: Ian Wright @ianwright_tri
Country No.1: USA
Activity: Road trip down the East Coast
Food: Hot Dog in NYC.
Links –
Hamilton the Musical
https://hamiltonmusical.com/new-york/home/
We mentioned the series about the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s that were shown on Sky Arts
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sixties_(miniseries)
Country No.2: Germany
Activity: Trabi Tours in Berlin
Food: Currywurst
Country No. 3: Uganda
Activity: Water sports on Lake Victoria
Food: Locusts or fish from a local on the Lake
Links –
Ian mentioned the huge number of bodies that were recovered in Lake Victoria after the Rwandan genocide. This article from the BBC explains more.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10417150
The Jekyll and Hyde beer from Uganda is called Primus.
Wildcard: Thailand
Travel Bubble Film Club
Festen, Denmark (1998)
Toni Erdmann, Germany (2016)
Both available on Mubi, sign up through this link and get a 30-day free Mubi trial.
Thanks for listening.
Follow us on Travel Bubble Facebook and Instagram @TravelBubblePodcast.
Follow and subscribe so you never miss out on an episode.
Episode 5 - Henryk Sadzik: 35 People Called Me Beckham
Accepting beers off strangers, getting robbed on a beach and abandoning friends in the outback... just some of the topics covered in this week's episode with Polish-born, travel man, Henryk Sadzik.
Henryk is a travel industry professional with a wealth of experience. After moving to England at the age of five, he has lived in the USA, Jordan and has most recently moved to Thailand.
He has 13 years’ experience in the travel industry and has worked as Travel Manager in both retail and corporate travel as well as being a Tour Leader in the Middle East and Europe. On top of that, he's just an all-round lovely chap.
Who better then to join us as our guest for Episode 5?
Let Henryk take you around the world with his Travel Bubble choices and inspire you for your post lockdown travel.
You can find Henryk's YouTube channel Edge of the Map here and he can also be found on Instagram as @HenrykSadzik and @Edge.OfTheMap.
Don’t forget to like, share, comment, subscribe and rate. As usual, spoilers and show notes below.
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Country No.1: Costa Rica
Activity: Arenal volcano
Food: Gallo Pinto
Anything else/links….
Country No.2: France
Activity: Road trip around the South of France
Food: Raclette
Country No. 3: Vietnam
Activity: Halong Bay
Food: A random, non-descript, local restaurant that served the best chicken.
Anything else/links….
Son Doong Cave- the biggest cave world.
Anything Else/Links:
The lost city in Colombia is known as Ciudad Perdida. There’s a few options to get there but all involved a long trek.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ciudad_Perdida
Wildcard: Colombia
Top Travel Tip: Give people a chance. Take people at face value, whilst keeping yourself a little bit wary. But give them the chance to prove you wrong. Not everybody is trying to scam you.
Best Souvenir: A tattoo from Thailand.
Travel Bubble Film Club.
The Painted Bird, Czech Republic (2019)
Ratcatcher, Scotland (1999)
Film of the week -
Winter Sleep, Turkey (2014)
These movies are available on Mubi, sign up through this link and get a 30-day free Mubi trial.
Thanks everybody for listening, don’t forget to like, rate, subscribe, follow and share.
Episode 4 - Robbie Goullée: Duck Skin On A Pancake
Robbie Goullée is a South African, currently living In Bangkok. He’s been all over the world and lived in Taiwan and the UK. I’m honoured to call him my good friend and now, a Travel Bubble guest.
Our conversation spans the globe, covering backpacking budget street food to ten-course fine-dining tasting menus. Buildings that sweat history to haggling for a jade pendant. I laughed out load recording this podcast and laughed even more editing it. We talk donkey pancakes, duck skin on Pringles and a world-famous, finger-licking Colonel pops up too.
Robbie is a natural raconteur with a beautiful turn of phrase, so I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I did recording it.
Remember to - Like. Subscribe. Rate & Share. Every comment, click and five-star review helps more people discover the Travel Bubble.
Spoilers for Robbie's choices, links to things mentioned in the show and film recommendations are below.
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Country No.1: Scotland
Activity: Visit the Highlands and the Hebrides
Food: KFC - Zinger tower burger with blue cheese, pineapple and a hash brown.
Country No.2: Laos
Activity: Walk off - take a trip down a road and meet people.
Food: Street side stall selling a mystery meat baguette.
Anything else/links….
Tubing in Vang Vieng
Country No. 3: China
Activity: Leshan Giant Buddha
- Oriental Buddha Park
Food: Duck skin on a pancake
Anything else/links….
Fat Wang’s Donkey Burgers
Wildcard: Micronesia
- Nan Madol
Top Travel Tip: Follow your nose. Don't plan too much. A lot of the best places you go are the ones that you don't have planned.
Best Souvenir: A fake Jade amulet in China.
This week’s film recommendations
La Grande Bouffe, France (1973)
Les Heros ne Meurent Jamais, France (2019)
The Angels’ Share, UK (2012)
Most of these movies are available on Mubi, sign up through this link and get a 30-day free Mubi trial.
Thanks everybody for listening.
Like us on Facebook and Instagram.
Subscribe on Spotify and give us a five-star review on Apple.
Episode 3 - Beata Godlewska: An Experience For Your Senses
You are in for a treat with the insight-packed episode with my Polish friend and tour leader Beata Godlewska.
Currently based in the USA and having lived in India for a few years, I knew that Warsaw-native Beata would be a perfect guest for Travel Bubble. Her choices were all well thought out and it was a pleasure to hear her enthuse about the different places she has visited.
We covered a lot of topics and a lot of ground in the episode so I’m excited for you to get listening. I won’t spoil any surprises so don’t read on and just click play if you don’t want to know more about Beata’s choices. You can find Beata on Instagram as @beata_god.
Spoilers Below
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Country No.1: France
Activity: Musee Des Arts Forains
Food: Almond Croissant
Anything else/links….
Country No.2: India
Activity: Visit Rajasthan
Food: Masala Dosa
Country No. 3: Czech Republic
Activity: Climb Žižkov hill in Prague and enjoy the views.
Food: Vegan restaurant in Žižkov
Wildcard: Japan
Top Travel Tip: Do make time to see the things that are at the top of your bucket list, but for the rest of the things- let them go. Take your time and sit in a bar and soak it up.
- Practical tip: always carry a reusable water bottle.
Best Souvenir: Proyog Yogamat
Travel Bubble Film Club
Amores Perros, (Mexico) 2000
La Dolce Vita (Italy) 1960
Finally, if you can find Travel Bubble on Apple Podcasts and leave us a five-star review.
Follow Travel Bubble on Facebook here.
https://www.facebook.com/TravelBubblePodcast/
Follow Travel Bubble on Instagram here.
https://www.instagram.com/travelbubblepodcast/
Episode 2 - Casper Renting: A Country That Doesn't Exist
A friend of mine and fellow Tour Leader, he has travelled extensively and was on hand to provide us with invaluable travel knowledge and some intriguing Travel Bubble choices. Casper's choices span the globe with a particularly interesting selection of a country that, could be argued, doesn't actually exist.
It'll definitely provide you with food for thought and some thinking to do about your first post-lockdown trips. If that doesn't whet your appetite then have you every wondered what the difference is between the Netherlands and Holland?
A big thanks to Casper for being my first international guest, if you're intrigued and want to know more you can give him a follow on his Instagram @CaperRenting.
Don’t forget to subscribe to Travel Bubble so you don’t miss any episodes, give us a five-star rating and share, share, share with everyone you think might be interested.
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Spoilers below.Country No.1: Transnistria
Activity: Visit a caviar farm
Food: Sushi
Anything else/links….
Country No.2: France
Activity: Get out of Paris
Food: Try the French craft beer
Country No. 3: Iran
Activity: Get out of your comfort zone and interact with the locals.
Food: Street food
Anything else/links….
Wildcard: USA
Top Travel Tip: Slow down, don't rush your travel. 2 countries in 2 weeks is better than 3 in 2 weeks.
Best Souvenir: A bottle of wine from Cricova winery in Moldova
Travel Bubble Film Club
My Sweet Little Village, Czech Republic, 1985
The Hunt, Denmark, 2012
Episode 1 - Josh Brown: Cannibals to Carnivals
From cannibal monkeys to Caribbean carnivals, Travel Bubble’s opening episode with Josh Brown doesn’t disappoint.
With choices spanning three continents and food tips that will leave your taste buds tingling, jump right in and let us take you around the world in less than an hour.
I won’t spoil the surprise of Josh’s choices for you, but I’ll drop some hints on our social media throughout the week that might give you some inklings so don’t forget to follow Travel Bubble on Facebook and Instagram on the links below.
Thanks so much to Josh for being the first ever guest and the Travel Bubble guinea pig, he put a lot of effort in to his choices and gives some in depth details that will no doubt help you with your future plans.
Spoilers below.
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Country No.1: India
Activity: Visit Mumbai
Food: Chicken lollipops
Anything else/links….
Country No.2: Trinidad and Tobago
Activity: Go to Trinidad carnival.
Food: Trinny Doubles
Country No. 3: Uganda
Activity: Visit the mountain Gorillas
Food: Rolex
Anything else/links….
Wildcard: Ethiopia
Top Travel Tip: Get a Revolut card.
- Duck into a hotel if you're feeling scammed or harassed.
Souvenir: Wooden elephant head from Thailand
- Camel bone mirror from Morocco