The Pod Well Travelled

Vast, remote and brimming with cultural richness, the Australian Outback is the topic on this week’s episode of The Pod Well Travelled.  Host Megan French is joined by seasoned explorer Stephen Scourfield to discuss what makes Australia’s rural landscape one of the world’s most unique travel destinations. From the iconic red heart of Uluru and the dramatic domes of Kata Tjuta, to the ancient gorges of Karijini and the rugged beauty of the Kimberley, this episode takes listeners on an epic journey with firsthand accounts, must-visit destinations and vital preparation tips revealed.  + We’d love to hear from you — send your questions, comments or feedback for the podcast to The Pod Well Travelled team via travel@wanews.com.au. + Subscribe to The Pod Well Travelled where you get your podcasts — and share it to your family and friends. + Sign up for eTravel via thewest.com.au/manage-email-preferences. It’s our free digital edition of travel that gets delivered to your inbox once a week and is full of new stories, fresh podcast episodes, upcoming events and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Pod Well Travelled, Travel Editor Stephen Scourfield discusses travelling the southern Indian state of Kerala, specifically its capital Thiruvananthapuram, with host Megan French. From visiting one of the richest and most mysterious temples in the world, to witnessing the work of legendary Indian artist colloquially dubbed the “father of modern Indian Art” – the pair offer an insightful glimpse into travelling “alternative” India, away from the tourist trail.  Having travelled through the subcontinent more than a dozen times, Stephen shares his expert top tips on exploring the destination home to more than 1.4 billion people. At the end of the show Stephen mentions a travel story he wrote about riding India’s Route 66 on his Royal Enfield. To read his “favourite story ever", click on the link below or visit thewest.com.au.  https://thewest.com.au/news/oceania/get-your-kicks-on-indias-route-66-ng-ya-136047 + Subscribe to The Pod Well Travelled where you get your podcasts — and share it to your family and friends. + Sign up for eTravel via thewest.com.au/manage-email-preferences. It’s our free digital edition of travel that gets delivered to your inbox once a week and is full of new stories, fresh podcast episodes, upcoming events and more. + We’d love to hear from you — send your questions, comments or feedback for the podcast to The Pod Well Travelled team via travel@wanews.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Special guest Leyanne Baillie joins Penny Thomas and Stephen Scourfield to discuss the many treasures of her historic homeland — Scotland. During the episode, they dive into everything from haggis and highlands to the warm, welcoming spirit of its people. Leyanne shares invaluable travel tips for first-time visitors eager to discover all there is to love about this far-flung corner of Britain, while Stephen reveals his favourite spots for kayaking among Scotland’s breathtaking isles. At the end of the show, Penny puts Stephen and Leyanne to the test with a lively round of ‘This or That’, where they reveal their Scottish travel preferences . . . Edinburgh or Glasgow? A round of golf at St Andrews or a dip in a Scottish loch? And the toughest question of all — which is cuter, a Highland cow or a Shetland pony? + Subscribe to The Pod Well Travelled where you get your podcasts — and share it to your family and friends. + Sign up for eTravel via thewest.com.au/manage-email-preferences. It’s our free digital edition of travel that gets delivered to your inbox once a week and is full of new stories, fresh podcast episodes, upcoming events and more. + We’d love to hear from you — send your questions, comments or feedback for the podcast to The Pod Well Travelled team via travel@wanews.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this fortnight’s episode of The Pod Well Travelled, Megan French and Penny Thomas share some uplifting travel news, top tips for catching cherry blossoms this season, and conclude with their signature “This or That” quiz. From Emirates’ groundbreaking announcement to become the world’s first Autism-certified airline, to a peculiar so-called “travel hack” going viral on TikTok right now, you won’t want to miss this entertaining chat. + Follow us on TikTok and Instagram @WestTravelTeam. + Subscribe to The Pod Well Travelled where you get your podcasts — and share it to your family and friends. + We’d love to hear from you — send your questions, comments or feedback for the podcast to The Pod Well Travelled team via travel@wanews.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Penny Thomas and Megan French as they round up February’s biggest travel headlines. In this episode, they unpack London Heathrow’s controversial expansion plans, Changi Airport’s near-full recovery and troubling reports of scams at Bali’s international airport. They also explore new airline routes — like Cathay Pacific’s flights to Rome — and the highly anticipated opening of Raffles Sentosa Singapore. And if months at sea sound like a dream (or a nightmare), Viking’s newly announced 2026-27 World Cruise itineraries might just sway you. + Subscribe to The Pod Well Travelled where you get your podcasts — and share it to your family and friends. + Sign up for eTravel via thewest.com.au/manage-email-preferences. It’s our free digital edition of travel that gets delivered to your inbox once a week and is full of new stories, fresh podcast episodes, upcoming events and more. + We’d love to hear from you — send your questions, comments or feedback for the podcast to The Pod Well Travelled team via travel@wanews.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From savvy suitcase strategies to street smarts, Penny Thomas and Megan French unpack everything from the dos and don’ts of tipping (spoiler: it’s not always expected) to digital packing hacks — and why packing cubes might just change your life. They also explore the underrated art of keeping a travel journal and how brushing up on your destination’s basics before you go can make all the difference. Packed with practical tips, today’s episode is your ultimate pre-trip checklist — plus it’s a sneak peek to our comprehensive Travel Essentials Guide that will be published in The West’s Travel section next month.  + Subscribe to The Pod Well Travelled where you get your podcasts — and share it to your family and friends. + Sign up for eTravel via thewest.com.au/manage-email-preferences. It’s our free digital edition of travel that gets delivered to your inbox once a week and is full of new stories, fresh podcast episodes, upcoming events and more. + We’d love to hear from you — send your questions, comments or feedback for the podcast to The Pod Well Travelled team via travel@wanews.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Managing money while travelling can feel like a maze of fees, exchange rates and security risks — but it doesn’t have to be. In this week’s episode hosts Megan French and Penny Thomas are joined by Stephen Scourfield and Mogens Johansen, who break down the smartest ways to pay, budget and protect your cash when you’re on the road. + Subscribe to The Pod Well Travelled where you get your podcasts — and share it to your family and friends. + Sign up for eTravel via thewest.com.au/manage-email-preferences. It’s our free digital edition of travel that gets delivered to your inbox once a week and is full of new stories, fresh podcast episodes, upcoming events and more. + We’d love to hear from you — send your questions, comments or feedback for the podcast to The Pod Well Travelled team via travel@wanews.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Pod Well Travelled, Penny Thomas and Megan French explore the irresistible pull of food when it comes to travel.  From the best meals they’ve eaten abroad to the ultimate foodie destinations in Australia and beyond, they discuss where to eat, what to try, and why it’s worth planning your next trip around a plate. During the episode, Megan shares some Filipino food highlights, proving that the Philippines is a seriously underrated foodie destination. As promised, here are the names of those dishes mentioned: Ube Bibingka — A soft and chewy coconut rice cake flavoured with ube (purple yam jam), served warm or at room temperature. Buko Pandan — A cold dessert made with jelly cubes, young coconut, and sweetened cream—perfect for a hot day. Ensaymada — A sweet, spiral-shaped pastry with Spanish origins that has become a beloved Filipino treat, often eaten for breakfast or as a snack. Halo-Halo — A vibrant shaved ice dessert with evaporated or coconut milk, known for being refreshing and delicious. Turon — A crispy, caramelised banana spring roll that’s the perfect mix of sweet and crunchy. + Subscribe to The Pod Well Travelled where you get your podcasts — and share it to your family and friends. + Sign up for eTravel via thewest.com.au/manage-email-preferences. It’s our free digital edition of travel that gets delivered to your inbox once a week and is full of new stories, fresh podcast episodes, upcoming events and more. + We’d love to hear from you — send your questions, comments or feedback for the podcast to The Pod Well Travelled team via travel@wanews.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join hosts Penny Thomas and Megan French as they dive into the latest travel stories and trends for January. Megan kicks off today’s episode by unpacking the UK’s new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirements for Aussie travellers, while Penny shares a great Qatar Airways deal and breaks down recent changes to Qantas’ Frequent Flyer program. Megan then tells us about the Bruce Munro exhibition Field of Light at Uluru, which has been extended until at least April 2027 following a major refurbishment of the installation. + Subscribe to The Pod Well Travelled where you get your podcasts — and share it to your family and friends. + Sign up for eTravel via thewest.com.au/manage-email-preferences. It’s our free digital edition of travel that gets delivered to your inbox once a week and is full of new stories, fresh podcast episodes, upcoming events and more. + We’d love to hear from you — send your questions, comments or feedback for the podcast to The Pod Well Travelled team via travel@wanews.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week’s episode, host Will Yeoman talks to self-described “Abrolhogist” Howard Gray B.Sc. Dip.Ed Ph.D about his latest book, Abrolhos: Keep Your Eyes Open, a lavishly illustrated and compellingly written introduction to the natural and human history of the Houtman Abrolhos Islands of Western Australia. + This special episode of Podstreet and The Pod Well Travelled is brought to you by Writing WA and The West’s travel team. + Discover more from Writing WA at writingwa.org, and don’t miss their latest insights by subscribing to their Substack here. + Catch every episode of The Pod Well Travelled and Podstreet on your favourite podcast platform — and share the journey with friends and family! + For more travel inspiration, sign up for our free weekly digital edition, eTravel, at thewest.com.au/manage-email-preferences. Each issue is packed with fresh stories, podcast updates, event listings and more, delivered straight to your inbox.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week’s episode, hosts Penny Thomas and Megan French sit down with travel writer and photographer Mogens Johansen to chat about one of Australia’s most beloved travel destinations — Tasmania, an island gem located just off the bottom right corner of Australia’s mainland. Fresh from a trip to Tassie, as it’s affectionately known, Mogens shares highlights from his recent adventure, including a two-night stay at a wilderness retreat on Cradle Mountain in Tasmania’s central highlands. Penny and Megan also share some of their favourite spots in Tasmania, from the historic charm of Richmond and the natural beauty of Bruny Island to cultural highlights like MONA in Hobart. The episode concludes with another round of “this or that”, where Mogens and Penny face off, sharing their personal travel preferences relating to Tasmania.  Subscribe to The Pod Well Travelled wherever you get your podcasts — and share it to your family and friends. Sign up for eTravel via thewest.com.au/manage-email-preferences and click on West Travel Club. It’s our free digital edition of travel that gets delivered to your inbox once a week and is full of new stories, fresh podcast episodes, upcoming events and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s episode, the team consider the powerful connection between music and travel, exploring how song lyrics inspire us to pack our bags and see the world. Unsurprisingly, Taylor Swift takes centre stage in much of the discussion, but we also cover other destinations immortalised in tracks by various artists. From creating imaginary bonds with places through music to making travel decisions influenced by lyrics, join the team as they unpack the role of songs in shaping our travels. To round out the episode, Stephen and Megan face off in another fun round of “this or that”, where they reveal their ultimate travel destinations and experiences inspired by none other than Taylor Swift herself. + Subscribe to The Pod Well Travelled wherever you get your podcasts — and share it to your family and friends. + Sign up for eTravel via thewest.com.au/manage-email-preferences and click on West Travel Club. It’s our free digital edition of travel that gets delivered to your inbox once a week and is full of new stories, fresh podcast episodes, upcoming events and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week’s episode, Penny Thomas and Megan French dive into their travel predictions for 2025 while reflecting on the trends that shaped 2024. From the “Taylor Swift effect” driving $1 billion in hotel revenue to the resurgence of Egypt and affordable flights to Europe, they unpack 2024’s biggest shifts in travel. Looking ahead, they spotlight Japan, Southeast Asia and Austria as must-visit destinations, while exploring trends like digital packing, immersive cooking classes and the decline of wellness travel. + Subscribe to The Pod Well Travelled wherever you get your podcasts — and share it to your family and friends. + Sign up for eTravel via thewest.com.au/manage-email-preferences and click on West Travel Club. It’s our free digital edition of travel that gets delivered to your inbox once a week and is full of new stories, fresh podcast episodes, upcoming events and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Pod Well Travelled, Penny Thomas and Megan French sit down with Stephen Scourfield to delve into his latest adventure — an unforgettable expedition to Antarctica with Lindblad Expeditions, where he guided a group of enthusiastic West Travel Club guests to one of the planet’s most remote and awe-inspiring destinations. Stephen shares the excitement of travelling aboard the Lindblad National Geographic Resolution, a ship that strikes the perfect balance between exploration and learning thanks to the expertise of onboard naturalists, photographers, and scientists who enriched every moment. Stephen also tells us about how he prepared his group for the unpredictable nature of the journey, from practical tips for braving the infamous Drake Passage seas, to the type of camera gear to take and why it’s important to pack lots of layers. We then discuss the daily rhythm of life on the expedition, from zodiac landings and wildlife encounters to unique activities like the popular polar plunge. Finally, Stephen leaves us with a poignant reflection on why he thinks this icy frontier continues to captivate adventurers and conservationists alike, before Megan wraps up the episode with another fun round of This or That. + Subscribe to The Pod Well Travelled wherever you get your podcasts — and share it with your family and friends. + Sign up for eTravel via thewest.com.au/manage-email-preferences and click on West Travel Club. It’s our free digital edition of travel that gets delivered to your inbox once a week and is full of new stories, fresh podcast episodes, upcoming events, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, we’re kicking off our new Hotels of the World series, where we uncover the stories and secrets beyond the check-in counter at popular hotels. For our first episode of the new series, Megan French and Penny Thomas chat with Mercure Perth general manager Brian McHenry about what goes on behind the scenes at his hotel in Perth’s CBD.  Having spent 35 years in the hospitality industry, Brian shares insights into his role, what he loves most about the business, and anecdotes from memorable guest experiences. He also explains the importance of crafting unique, localised stays that leave a lasting impression. + Subscribe to The Pod Well Travelled wherever you get your podcasts — and share it to your family and friends. + Sign up for eTravel via thewest.com.au/manage-email-preferences and click on West Travel Club. It’s our free digital edition of travel that gets delivered to your inbox once a week and is full of new stories, fresh podcast episodes, upcoming events and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this festive episode of The Pod Well Travelled, hosts Penny Thomas and Megan French explore the most delightful and quirky Christmas traditions from around the world. From Germany’s enchanting Christmas markets — where mulled wine, bratwurst and handcrafted ornaments bring festive cheer — to Japan’s unexpected KFC Christmas feast, a tradition born from a clever 1970s marketing campaign, this episode is packed with holiday magic. The fun wraps up with a festive round of ‘This or That,’ where Megan puts Penny to the test with some lighthearted questions to spark your own Christmas inspiration! Subscribe to The Pod Well Travelled where you get your podcasts — and share it to your family and friends. Sign up for eTravel via thewest.com.au/manage-email-preferences. It’s our free digital edition of travel that gets delivered to your inbox once a week and is full of new stories, fresh podcast episodes, upcoming events and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Penny Thomas, Megan French and Stephen Scourfield as they unpack a series of interesting travel stories and trends for the month of November. Penny kicks things off by telling us about the rise of medical tourism, sharing surprising new data that reveals over half of Australians are willing to travel abroad for medical procedures. Next, Stephen introduces Four Points Flex by Sheraton, a budget-friendly accommodation option perfect for travellers heading to Japan. The discussion then looks at the recent methanol poisoning incident in Laos. Plus, Stephen considers whether or not it’s safe to travel to Egypt amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza and tensions around Israeli military presence near the border. Megan then lightens the mood by sharing some upbeat travel news, including Scoot’s new flight routes, Outback Spirit’s impressive “fly-free” deal, and the much-anticipated expansion of Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan. At the end of the show, Stephen leads a lively round of ‘This or That,’ where Penny and Megan face off in a fun, fast-paced showdown. + Subscribe to The Pod Well Travelled where you get your podcasts — and share it to your family and friends. + Sign up for eTravel via thewest.com.au/manage-email-preferences. It’s our free digital edition of travel that gets delivered to your inbox once a week and is full of new stories, fresh podcast episodes, upcoming events and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Stephen Scourfield chats with Penny Thomas about the Kumano Kodo trail in Japan, which is one of only two UNESCO-recognised pilgrimage routes in the world. Nestled in the heart of Japan’s Kii Peninsula, the series of trails weave through lush forests, towering mountains and sacred shrines and temples that have lured emperors, monks and pilgrims to the region for over 1,000 years. Whether you’re captivated by its spiritual significance, stunning natural landscapes, or the allure of Japan’s countryside, Penny delves into what makes the Kumano Kodo so remarkable — and she reveals some exciting personal news too. During the show, Penny and Stephen highlight several companies offering guided tours along the Kumano Kodo, which we’ve listed below: Intrepid Travel World Expeditions Auswalk Raw Travel Tanabe City Kumano Tourism Bureau Subscribe to The Pod Well Travelled where you get your podcasts — and share it to your family and friends. Sign up for eTravel via thewest.com.au/manage-email-preferences. It’s our free digital edition of travel that gets delivered to your inbox once a week and is full of new stories, fresh podcast episodes, upcoming events and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Pod Well Travelled, host Penny Thomas sits down with seasoned travel writers Stephen Scourfield and Mogens Johansen to discuss the world of river cruising. From Europe’s iconic waterways to the hidden treasures of Asia, Stephen and Mogens share insider tips on top destinations and itineraries, including unique experiences that only river cruises can offer. With practical advice for first-time cruisers, they discuss what to consider when choosing a cruise: how boat size impacts the onboard experience, which amenities matter most, and how river cruising differs from ocean cruising in terms of excursions, dining and entertainment. Megan French returns towards the end of the show for a lively round of “This or That”, where Stephen and Mogens reveal their preferences between European and Asian rivers, large and small ships, plus more. Subscribe to The Pod Well Travelled where you get your podcasts — and share it to your family and friends. Sign up for eTravel via thewest.com.au/manage-email-preferences. It’s our free digital edition of travel that gets delivered to your inbox once a week and is full of new stories, fresh podcast episodes, upcoming events and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Writing WA CEO Will Yeoman for a special crossover episode of Podstreet and The Pod Well Travelled. During the show, Will chats with Mark Pybus, the passionate hiker and founder behind The Life of Py. From his first trek across Costa Rica to the diverse landscapes of the Warren River Loop and Cape Le Grand Coastal Trail, Mark shares his journey into hiking and his passion for Western Australia’s natural beauty. Tune in as they discuss his popular guidebooks, the rise in hiking interest during lockdowns, and the importance of preserving these trails for future adventurers. Will Yeoman has also written an exclusive piece on Mark Pybus and his adventures for this Saturday’s Travel section in The West Australian. Subscribers to the podcast can get early access to the story here. + This special episode of Podstreet and The Pod Well Travelled is brought to you by Writing WA and The West’s travel team. + Discover more from Writing WA at writingwa.org, and don’t miss their latest insights by subscribing to their Substack here. + Follow Mark Pybus’s adventures and hiking insights at thelifeofpy.com or on Instagram @thelife0fpy. + Catch every episode of The Pod Well Travelled and Podstreet on your favourite podcast platform — and don't forget to share the journey with friends and family! + For more travel inspiration, sign up for our free weekly digital edition of eTravel at thewest.com.au/manage-email-preferences. Each issue is packed with fresh stories, podcast updates, event listings and more — delivered straight to your inbox.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.