The Travel Now Podcast

I love speaking with people who've made travel a central part of their life. Whether that’s regular trips to various corners of the world, or in the case of today’s guest, spending the last 20 years in near constant motion.

Patrick Shulte, who has been blogging about his travel experiences on his long running travel blog Bumfuzzle.com, joins me just before setting off for his next adventure. Patrick isn't planning your regular international trip, however. Patrick and his wife are about to sail around the world for the second time - this time taking their two children along for the ride. 

I loved having this conversation, and I think you will too.

Connect with Patrick:

For his travel blog, head over to:

Podcast host and tour guide Ted Cragg joins me today to talk about his homeland, Canada.

Inlexca is a non-profit organisation, placing volunteers across Central American and India. In this episode I talk with Diego Colombi, about how Inlexca insures their volunteers are carefully placed, how it’s a beneficial set up for both the volunteer and more importantly the community into which they’re going, the process of becoming a volunteer with Inlexca, and what you should expect, should you be interested. 

This conversation is especially interesting as a few weeks back in episode 33 I spoke with Susan Gibson about how to be an amazing volunteer - I feel like this episode continues that conversation, giving you a starting point for your volunteer experience. 

As an ex-English high-school teacher, and a writer, I would love to see how English is taught in other places around the world. As with all these plans, they won’t happen immediately, but maybe one day soon!

Learn more about Inlexca: 

The Tuk Tuk Club run ten-day trips through the largely undiscovered and beautiful highlands of northern Thailand. Bruce Haxton talks with me about how he came up with the idea for the off-the-beaten-track adventure, how his trips support local communities, and what exactly the experience involves. 

During my travels there's always been something really fun about travelling by tuk tuk - their bleating noise, the way the drivers always seem to modify them with booming sound systems, and the smell of the city as you pass by.

In my experience, they’re as much a part of Thailand as the food, temples and beaches.

Learn more about the Tuk Tuk Club at: 

Based in Belgium where she works as a counsellor for refugees, Els has been regularly taking to the road for the last 25 years.

She travels in a very simple style, carrying just one small bag, using public buses, and often staying with the local people she meets on the way. It’s fascinating to me how she travels with absolutely no fear such an open heart.

This is the final conversation from my trip to Albania a few weeks ago. As I said at the start of the last episode, one of my favourite things about travel, is the people you meet on the way. There's something totally unique about discussing the shared experiences you’ve both had when you meet someone in a country that isn’t your own – I love it.

Meeting Els was totally like this. Perry and I were waiting for the bus to Kruja, as was Els, we got talking and ended up spending the day together exploring a new place and drinking a couple of beers in the sunshine.

Travel tends to bring out conversations like this, and I love it.

Have you read Kathmandu?

When young backpackers go missing on the trail through Nepal, no one bats an eyelid. After-all, high in the Himalayan mountains, Kathmandu’s a haven for those who want to “get lost.”

Back in England, Leo’s down on his luck. He’s jobless, crippled by anxiety and obsessed with an ex-girlfriend he hasn’t seen in years. Asked to track down a wealthy politician’s daughter in Kathmandu, Leo thinks his fortunes are on the turn.

Escaped from her family and travelling the world, all Allissa wants is to be left alone. Running a hostel for the victims of people traffickers, she hopes the surrounding mountains will keep the world away.

In a bid to prove himself, Leo sets off on a twisting train through Kathmandu’s labyrinthine streets. But, when the investigation leads to a sinister backstreet restaurant and a storm makes escape impossible, he may have bitten off more than he can chew.

KATHMANDU is the first of Luke Richardson’s international thriller series. If you like fast-paced mysteries, then you’ll love this explosive debut.

Mantha and Dan, seeking a gap year before starting university, set off from England in their Fiat 500 with the aim of exploring Europe. Five months later, 15 counties in, and still only halfway through their trip, we met up in Albania where they've been spending a few days before heading on and into North Macedonia.

I absolutely love their dedication travel, their take it as it comes attitude, and how they make the whole thing sound easy.

We talk about what it takes to plan a trip like theirs, what things they’ve learned on the road, and why they didn’t choose the gap-year meccas like Southeast Asia.

Connect with Dan and Mantha 

Nestled on the Adriatic between Greece, Italy and Montenegro, Albania has been on my "to visit" list for some time. I've always loved the idea of travelling through unusual and interesting places - and Albania is certainly this.

Join me and my friend Perry as we spend eleven days exploring this largely unchartered part of Europe. Looking for an authentic experience, we travelled exclusively by public bus, stayed in guests houses run by local people, and (of course) ate and drank our way through a lot of the region's food and drink. 

Whether you're planning a visit or not (although I totally recommend you do), this podcast shows you how travelling by public transport can be chaotic, a leap of faith, but totally rewarding; you'll learn how not to sample a local, super-strong, sprit called raki; and you'll discover why I now think Albania is one of Europe's hidden highlights. 

Having just finished her studies at New York University, Veena is making the most of a few months off before she starts the next phase of her working life.

I’ve been following Veena on Instagram at @NYCtoNomad, and to say she’s making the most of the time is an understatement. She’s ticking off some serious bucket list trips including: Saudi Arabia, Patagonia, Nepal, and the topic of today’s conversation, Uzbekistan.

I love Veena’s seize the day attitude – something I would definitely like to have more of. As well as her willingness to prioritize travel. We also discuss how she managed to visit several countries as part of her studies at NYU.

One of the world’s great under explored destinations, Uzbekistan has been on my radar for a couple of years. I talk frequently about the benefits of visiting “off the beaten track” sort of destinations, and Uzbekistan is definitely one of those. We talk about what it’s like as a tourist destination, how Veena found it as a solo female traveller, and why using local tour guides are a great way to support the local economy and maximise your time in a destination.

Connect with Veena

Sophia Bartolini's got a very unusual life for a 16-year-old - she travels the world with her mum and sister, teaching yoga and mindfulness along the way. 

In this inspiring conversation we talk about how travel is its own education, how plans changing are never something worth worrying about, and how all you need to travel with your family is a bit of compromise and understanding. 

I loved this conversation and now feel pretty inspired to embark on some adventures of my own. 

Luke and Martha take to the rails for a trip on Scotland's West Highland Line. 

Connecting Glasgow with Fort Williams and Mallaig, the West Highland Line is the UK's highest railway. Claimed by many to be one of most beautiful railways in the world, the line passes several notable highlights including Loch Lomond, Faslane and Ben Nevis. 

It's a beautiful journey surrounded my snow covered moors, mountains and icy lochs. 

Come with us :D 

If you've ever wanted to volunteer overseas, you need to listen to this episode. 

Susan Gibson has been working with non-profit organisations for more than 35 years in 70 different countries around the world. 

Susan shares her experience of volunteering, talks about the mindset you’ll need to see it through, what sort of thing you might expect, what pitfalls to avoid, and where to get started.

You’ll see from our conversation that she is actively and passionately involved in world of human rights, education and refugees.

If you’ve ever wanted your travels to involve giving something back, working for non-profit organisations, or even thought about improving the lives of the local people you happen to meet, then today’s conversation is one for you.

Let’s listen in...

Connect with Susan:

Join me for an audio tour of the Hungarian capital, Budapest. I recorded this podcast during my trip there in November 2021.

Budapest's a great city with interesting history, vibrant nightlife and great food and beer at bargain prices. 

Listen in and I'll walk you through Budapest by day, and take you on an evening crawl around the bars!

Caroline's a blogger, brand creator, event organiser and, like me, a bit of a travel advocate.

Back in 2018, she set herself the target of getting travel on firmly on people’s agendas. Using SkyScanner and her social media accounts, she took the bold step of organising group day trips to various European destinations, for complete strangers.

She would meet her group – often black twenty something women who had wanted to travel but didn’t know how to get started – at the airport, and set off for a 12 hour trip to one destination or another.

It's 2022 and I feel so ready to travel again, what about you? 

In this episode I talk about how I plan to make travel a big part of the year ahead, C-word or no C-word. Sure, it'll be different than it used to be, but that doesn't mean we can't do it. 

It's time to get out of our isolated little boxes and see the world, who's with me? 

I'm so excited to bring today's episode to you for three reasons: 

1) It's a live episode from the road (and I love any excuse to get out and explore, as you probably know) 

2) I've borrowed this fantastic VW camper van from show sponsor, Bookitlist 

3) Martha, my wife, joins me for the first time on the podcast! 

This episodes covered our three day trip to the Peak District in England. We discuss what it's like staying in the camper van for the first time, what options you have should you take a holiday like this, and why packing carefully is pretty important. 

Today I’m talking with a lady who’s been around more of the world than I think I can name! She’s visited 70 countries, and every continent on the planet.

I know what you’re thinking – that must be a whole lifetime of travelling, right?

But no, Caitlyn Lubas is in her twenties! 

And now she’s turned her wealth of experience into a brilliantly titled book. 'You are where you go' is out now!

Our conversation meanders through some of the destinations she would recommend, why she thinks travel is so transformational, and how you can make long term travel work as part of a balanced and successful lifestyle.

Connect with Caitlyn

Ty Hutchinson is the author of the USA Today Bestselling Abbey Kane FBI Thriller Series. In 2013, Ty realised his job as an author allowed him to live wherever he wanted, so left the US and has been exploring Asia ever since.

This conversation started life as a live broadcast for the readers of my novels. Every Wednesday at 5pm UK time, I talk with an author about their writing, inspirations, and taste in booze. I call these conversations, pretty creatively, Books & Beer! You’ll hear us discuss comments from viewers live too.

We discuss why Asia appeals so widely to us in the “west”, why it makes an inspiring backdrop for thriller novels, and some things you probably shouldn't try while there... 

Connect with Ty Hutchinson

Mea and Corritta got bitten by the travel bug on their honeymoon, and refused to let their want to become parents slow them down. 

Hanging out in Mexico for the last year due to travel restrictions (I can think of worse places to be!) they're now planning a trip to Asia. 

I found this conversation so inspiring, because as I’ve shared before, I got married this summer, and my wife has two pretty grown up children. Whilst I still want to do a fair bit of solo travel – I’ve always done it that way and love it – this interview has made me think that maybe I should embrace experience of travelling with family. 

Mea and Corritta also make it clear that when it comes to travel, there are no excuses. If you want to go and do that trip, then there's a way to make it happen. 

Connect with Mea and Corritta: 

To me, books and travel have always been very closely linked. I feel that when you read a book, you get to know that place. You understand, in some way, how it ticks.

Whether James Bond’s tracking Dr No to his desert island lair, Jason Bourne’s fighting for his life between the high-rise towers of Hong Kong, or Lin working for the Bombay mafia, there’s something about a great story that transports you across space and time.

Whist I love reading the works of travel writers, both modern and from generations past, there’s something about the pace of a novel that roots me to the page. It’s through the words connect me to the place – even before stepping off the plane. Of course, I’ve nothing against the Kerouacs and Therouxs of this world – but a good old-fashioned car chase, a punch up, on an explosion or two, never goes amiss.

In this podcast I share eight of my favourite fast-paced books, whose narratives drag you through the streets of cities all across the world. You’ll find classics that have stood the test of time, new stories from independent authors, and maybe a name or two you’ve heard me mention before.

A few years ago Saz embarked on an around the world trip which led her to spend over a year in the destination we’re talking about today – New Zealand.

About as far as you can possibly get from the UK without a rocket – Elon if you’re listening I’ll have you on the next episode – New Zealand has long been an destination on my bucket list. It’s combination of the great outdoors, English language, and the easy-going nature of the locals, makes it sound like a great place to get lost for a few months.

Saz took that one step further, though. In this conversation she reveals how pulling out the rear seats of a second-hand car provided them with affordable accommodation for two months, and how it’s a great place to work if you need to top up your travel budget half way around.

Colombia is a place with so much to offer. We talk about why a trip to Colombia appeals to various travel styles, how to fit the most into just a few weeks, and why you might want to brush up on your dance moves before going. 

Stephen's an author of travel centric novels, and produces a great podcast about the various characters he meets in his home region of South London.

I’ve yet to travel to South and Central America at all, so this is exactly the sort of inspiring conversation I love.

Our conversation touches on what it means to be a traveller, why it can be great to travel alone, how surrendering yourself to the serendipity of travel can create fantastic experiences, and how to scale up your travel dreams.

Bristol is a vibrant, proud, open-minded and exciting city in the southwest of England. It's just the sort of place I like to hang out. Having been here for a few days as well, I can attest to the fact I’ve enjoyed wandering the streets and trying out several of the city’s pubs – just in the cause of good research of course.

In today’s podcast, I’m putting my days of wandering together into a tour of the city for you. We’ll meander through the streets I’ve enjoyed visiting, soak up the energetic atmosphere of the city and I’ll point out a few things you might like to do, should you make a visit here. We’ll cross many bridges, see some boats, and we may even be lucky enough to find a Banksy or two. Oh yeah, and I’ll probably end up in a pub – after a hard day’s walk and all!

The podcast is sponsored by Bookitlist

If you’re looking for unique travel adventures both near and far, make bookitlist.co your first port of call. While you’re there, if you like the sound of anything you see, you can add it to your online book-it-list to take advantage of great discounts when you book.

Have you got a story to share? Have you planned the trip of a lifetime and want to tell me about it?

At the start of 2019, Lukcy Charms AKA My Fellow Travelhers, set off with just over $1000 in her pocket and the intention to spend a week in every state of the US. Not only that, but she planned to find a local musician in every state and create a unique piece of music together.

What resulted, as you’ll hear, was a trip that spanned almost a year, covered thousands of miles, created several great tracks that she’s now in the process of re-recording in the studio, and many enduring friendships.

I’m interested Lukcy’s experience for several reasons: how she travelled so far on so little money, how interacting with local musicians changed her sense of the place, and what great destinations in the US people often forget.

The podcast is sponsored by Bookitlist

If you’re looking for unique travel adventures both near and far, make bookitlist.co your first port of call. While you’re there, if you like the sound of anything you see, you can add it to your online book-it-list to take advantage of great discounts when you book.

Have you got a story to share? Have you planned the trip of a lifetime and want to tell me about it?

There are fantastic adventures to be had when you travel locally. During this episode, recorded on a rainy walk in the Surrey hills, I talk about what I've got out of my recent local travels. 

It’s the end of June 2021 as I record this, and whilst travel is opening up again, I’ve decided that I'm staying local until at least September. 

There are so many great places in the UK I’ve not been to and would love to explore. 

Local travel could be a great experience for you too, listen in to find out why. 

The podcast is sponsored by Bookitlist

If you’re looking for unique travel adventures both near and far, make bookitlist.co your first port of call. While you’re there, if you like the sound of anything you see, you can add it to your online book-it-list to take advantage of great discounts when you book.

Have you got a story to share? Have you planned the trip of a lifetime and want to tell me about it?

I think we all agree that travel is one of the most beautiful, transformative and educational things life can offer. But, you don’t have to look far to see the bad side of it: multi-national hotels paying their staff a pittance, local people struggling to find a home in their own city, or pollution caused by air travel.

But don’t be disheartened by that. In this conversation we talk about how the everyday traveller – someone with just a short time to enjoy a place - can reduce their negative impact on the destination, support flourishing communities, and have unique and inspiring travel experience. Win win win!

The podcast is sponsored by Bookitlist

If you’re looking for unique travel adventures both near and far, make bookitlist.co your first port of call. While you’re there, if you like the sound of anything you see, you can add it to your online book-it-list to take advantage of great discounts when you book.

Have you got a story to share? Have you planned the trip of a lifetime and want to tell me about it?

I loved Hong Kong so much that it became the setting of my second novel. I’ve always loved visiting Asian cities. I love the chaos, the noise, the assault on the senses, the multitude of cultures thrust together in a crazy and interesting place – Hong Kong has all this and more.

In this episode, I talk about why the visit inspired me to set my novel there, what to expect should you make a visit there, and I’ll share some extracts from the novel.

You’ll find the Trans-Siberian railway on any self-respecting list of the World’s Ultimate Train Journeys. Today we're talking about the Trans-Mongolian leg of the journey from Moscow to Beijing. Officially known as the Trans-Mongolian Express, this train journey is anything but an express. Covering over 2,000km, a non-stop journey can take over a week, although to experience some of the cultures you’re passing, getting off the train is a must.

Chris Oldfield made the journey as part of a month long trip spanning Europe and Asia. In the interview we talk about why Mongolia is such an interesting travel destination, how to get over travel fears, and why the train offers such a unique perspective on this largely unchartered part of the world.

The podcast is sponsored by Bookitlist

If you’re looking for unique travel adventures both near and far, make bookitlist.co your first port of call. While you’re there, if you like the sound of anything you see, you can add it to your online book-it-list to take advantage of great discounts when you book.

Have you got a story to share? Have you planned the trip of a lifetime and want to tell me about it?

For the first EVER proper live episode, I spend a day in Brighton. 

Brighton's a beautiful city on the South Coast of England. I grew up quite nearby so have always been fond of it, but in recent years I've found a new love for the place. It's quirky, bright and infinitely interesting. And, there are great pubs around every corner! 

In this podcast I take you on a full walking tour of the city. We'll wander through the Lanes, past the Pavilion, check out the pier,  and stroll down the Promenade towards the new Brighton i360. 

And, of course, just so that you get the full experience, I'll try out a pub or two along the way. 

The podcast is sponsored by Bookitlist

Leah has travelled the US, Canada and Europe volunteering on organic farms. In this interview she talks about why it's a great way to travel, how it provides a unique perspective on a new place, connects you with great people, and builds up a really good appetite. 

I've found every interview I've done on this podcast inspiring. But after talking to Leah, I've actually booked a few days volunteering on a farm here in England. I love the idea of trying something I've never done before, and getting away from my laptop. I'll tell you how I get on in a future episode. 

The podcast is sponsored by Bookitlist 

If you’re looking for unique travel adventures both near and far, make bookitlist.co your first port of call. While you’re there, if you like the sound of anything you see, you can add it to your online book-it-list to take advantage of great discounts when you book.

Want $10 off a WWOOF US membership? 

Renate spent four weeks walking over 500km of the Camino Frances and is planning to go and finish the rest in the next year or so.

A few episodes ago I spoke about three long multi-day walks I’d love to do across the UK - this conversation takes that to the next level! 

We talk about how to prepare for such an long adventure, what mindset you need for such a challenge, what to expect from the accommodations along the trail, and what you should take with you.

It’s a really interesting and inspiring conversation. As with all of these conversations, that's something else chalked up on my Adventures List! 

Have you got a story to share? Have you planned the trip of a lifetime and want to tell me about it?

Over the last year, while not travelling very much, I've become interested in what it is I like so much about being away from home. 

Why is it, when I'm travelling, I'll happily sit on a bus for 10 hours, yet 20 minutes of traffic back from the shops drives me crazy? 

I think that's because when you're on holiday or travelling you see things differently. It's like a new paradigm, or mindset - I'm calling it an "Adventure Mindset". 

In this podcast, I talk about two ways that adventure mindset has resulted in really interesting travel experiences, and discuss how I'm trying to use it at home to get more out of local trips. 

What are your thoughts on public transport adventures? Have you been on an epic trip across the world that you'd like to talk about. Get in touch and tell me about it. 

Ane de Preez is originally from South Africa, but has been living in Thailand for the last four years. I’m always festinated by the ex-pats' perspective of a place because I feel it’s very different to that of a tourist or a local. That's especially true in a place like Thailand, which has been visited by so many travellers – myself included – for a few weeks or months, but not to many call it home.

Something I also love about this interview is that you can hear the traffic noise from Ane’s apartment – that sound of passing motorbikes took me right back to sitting out in balmy Thai evenings drinking Chang beers.

In this conversation we lift the lid on the places behind the Bangkok party central, the famous beaches, or night markets, and discuss what it's like to travel through a more undiscovered but truly fascinating Thailand. 

This episode is all about my debut novel, which is set in and titled, Kathmandu. I discuss why a visit to Kathmandu inspired me to write the book, what to expect should you make a visit there, and I'll share some extracts from the novel. 

Here's what Kathmandu (the novel) is all about: 

Leo’s jobless, crippled by anxiety, and obsessed with a girl he hasn’t seen in two years.

Just as things reach an all-time low, Leo’s thrown a lifeline. A politician’s missing daughter has been traced to Kathmandu. Leo must go there and find her, if his anxiety and the mysterious city will allow.

Escaped from her family and travelling the world, all Allissa wants is to be left alone. Running a hostel for the victims of people traffickers in Kathmandu, she hopes the surrounding mountains will keep the world away.

In his bid to prove himself, Leo sets off on a twisting trail through Kathmandu’s labyrinthine streets. But with a storm on the way, the city revealing a dark side, and unexpected danger around every corner, can he find Allissa and get out alive?

KATHMANDU is the first of Luke Richardson’s international thriller series. If you like fast-paced mysteries, then you’ll love this explosive debut.

I've got really into walking in the last few months. Several times a week I pull on some really old running shoes (I haven’t been running for at least five years) and head out into the Nottinghamshire countryside. 

I've also done a fair amount of reading and listening on the subject of walking and have realised how many serious walking trails are.   From those that span whole continents, to crossing high mountain passes, to coastal routes – it seems you can go on a walking holiday in just about any country in the world.

I don’t know why this hasn’t occurred to be before. I love walking, seeing new things and being around nature. A walking trip is definitely high on my list in the near future.

Afraid of getting too carried away, though. I’m going to start local. In this podcast I’m going to explore (figuratively, while I sit by a nice little river) three routes that have piqued my interest in the UK.

Have you been on an epic walking adventure? Or planned a different trip of a lifetime that you'd love to talk about?

Let's talk:

Today I'm talking with Denzil de Cristo about a trip he took to Albania in the spring of 2018. Denzil's a comedian - I mean he’s literally a comedian – so I had great fun having this conversation with him.

I'm interested in Albania because it’s a place I’ve never thought about visiting. In fact, it’s a place I had to admit that I knew very little about. Places like that, in my experience, make great travel destinations.

We talk about the beauty of exploring these largely unchartered countries, the benefits of travelling overland, and why family make great travel companions.

Have you got a story to share? Have you planned the trip of a lifetime and want to tell me about it?

Solo travel is something I’ve done many times over the years. I love it. There are so many reasons why exploring a new place on your own makes it more vibrant, exciting and interesting.

In fact, I now feel as though I’ve travelled solo so much, that when I visit somewhere with other people, after a day or so always need a bit of solo time.

This episode is intended as a high-five to you if you’ve done any solo travelling, or to be reassuring to you haven’t. You might be travelling alone, but you won’t be alone… well you will… but not… you know what I mean.

Have you got a story to share? Have you planned the trip of a lifetime and want to tell me about it?

Today I'm talking New York with Maddy Street.

Both Maddy and I have visited New York and, as is clear in the conversation, both loved it. Maddy went for ten days in spring 2019, while I just spent a weekend there in the summer of 2018.

We talk about how to live like a local in the city that never sleeps, what real must do tourist attractions there are, how to do NY on a budget, and how best to eat and drink your way through the big apple.

Have you got a story to share? Have you planned the trip of a lifetime and want to tell me about it?

I live in Nottingham (ay up), which (if you don't know) is a small city about 120 miles north of London, England. After speaking with a friend of mine who lives in Perth, Australia, I've realised how lucky we are in Europe that we can visit so many places in a short amount of time. For my friend in Perth, it's several hours to get anywhere that's not Australia. With wall-to-wall sunshine I don't feel too sorry for him, though!

But it got me thinking, I can be in countless countries and possibly hundreds of cities within a flight time of two hours. There are even places I can get to very easily overland if I wanted to - I'll do a podcast on this soon. 

That's something I need to take more advantage of. 

In this podcast I discuss four great places to visit within two hours flight time of Nottingham. Some of them you might have thought of already. Others, maybe not! 

Have you got a story to share? Have you planned the trip of a lifetime and want to tell me about it?

Today I’m talking with Simon Mooney, who writes the blog, “One Hundred Lifetimes.” We talk about Simon’s first travel adventure to the region that has been the first travel adventure to so many – South East Asia. We talk about why it’s a great place to get your first travel experience, how to get off the beaten track to see the local life, and what you should plan to get your most out of your time there.

I’ve done part of Simon’s journey myself, so this conversation brought back lovely memories of wandering through the ancient streets of Hanoi or sailing slowly up the Mekong. It also made me want to go back as – of course – there was so much I missed! Listen in and see what you think.

Links and contact:

When my brother announced he was getting married on the Caribbean island on St Lucia in 2018, I built a month-long trip around it. Some things worked out brilliantly, and others I would now do differently.

I’ll also tell you how I got a free weekend in New York on the way home!

Links and contact:

Have you got a story to share? Have you planned the trip of a lifetime and want to tell me about it?

I’m talking with Jason from www.thenomadexperiment.com. Aged 39, and having barely left the USA, he decided his life needed a change. He booked a single flight to Mexico and hasn’t looked back.

We talk about why Mexico is a great country for the first-time traveller looking to jump straight into the deep end, how you should plan some things but leave other up to chance, and what sort of attitude a trip to a country like Mexico requires to do it justice.

I’ve never been to Mexico, but after this conversation it’s well and truly on my bucket list!

Links and contact:

Check out Jason here: 

In this podcast, I talk about something which I’ve done many times – travelled to destinations off season.

By going off season, you’ll get more out of your trip. It’ll be cheaper, less crowded, and you’ll see a unique and interesting side to the place.

Imagine the Taj Mahal under the brooding skies of the monsoon rains, or the Eiffel Tower in the February snow. This way you’re also helping travel become more sustainable, you’ll meet local people, and find some distinctive photo opportunities.

Listen in to find out more!

Links and contact:

Have you got a story to share? Have you planned the trip of a lifetime and want to tell me about it?

Travel is such a big and important part of my life. It may sound pretentious, but I think travel has totally changed me and the way I see the world. I definitely wouldn’t write the books I do had I not been inspired by some incredible places.

In this first episode of the Travel Now Podcast, I'm sharing with you the three places that I think have inspired me the most. 

Links and contact:

Have you got a story to share? Have you planned the trip of a lifetime and want to tell me about it?