The World Awaits: travel tales to inspire your wanderlust

“We go to a place where there are 70 cows this guy milks and the milk goes straight into the dairy where he makes the cheese, and then we sit in the farmhouse and eat the food … these families are getting more and more revered for what they are doing because they kept the old traditions alive…  you feel the history through the food.” Lyndey Milan OAM, author, celebrity chef, culinary tour host, lyndeymilan.com In this week’s episode of The World Awaits, food extraordinaire Lyndey Milan talks to Kirstie about her latest food tours to Morocco and Puglia in 2024, the passion of producers you’ll visit and why the food you taste, and the places you go will be unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. Kirstie also puts co-host and Middle East expert Belle Jackson, under the spotlight about her most recent trip to Saudi Arabia. She answers all the questions you’ve wanted to know about this otherworldly destination including the ever-debated dress code and visas, and explaining why it’s one destination to watch, globalsalsa.com . We also tell you the top foodie destinations according to Conde Nast Traveller readers, and it’s also giveaway time! If you love Greece, you’ll want to listen in for this one; we have three double passes to a new movie, Two Tickets To Greece, which launches in cinemas on Boxing Day. To go into the draw, drop us a line on the contact page on our website, or email us at hello@theworldawaits.au and tell us why you’d like to win. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theworldawaits/message

Have you ever wanted to pack everything up and do the Big Lap around Australia?  Kirianna Poole did, and so along with her husband, they bought a vintage camper, refitted it, and with a toddler in tow, circumnavigated Australia. They’ve now also covered the length of New Zealand and have Japan in their sights. Kiri talks to Kirstie about her book, The Slow Road Cookbook, her remarkable journey (and two more pregnancies along the way), some of her favourite spots to stop, and her love of cooking on the road, See theslowroad_ on Insta.  “The spice trade is the second oldest profession and has about as many rogues in it as the oldest profession,” says Belle’s guest, Ian Hemphill. The founder of spice emporium Herbie’s Spices, Ian talks about the world of spices – and why he never brings them back in his luggage. Ian has spent decades travelling the world seeking the best spices, from the markets of southern India to Spain’s Basque region, and he also leads occasional spice tours to India, see herbies.com.au We also reveal the newest travel trends from Expedia, and talk about some of the newest and refurbished airport hotels, and give you the low-down on Skytrax’ award for the world’s top airport hotels.  A big thanks to our sound producer Alaisdair Leith and if you’d like to buy us a coffee (so to speak) so we can keep the show on the road, please check out our ko-fi account at ko-fi.com/theworldawaits .. and we’d love it if you could hit that subscribe button, too, at theworldawaits.au  (00:15) Travel writer of the Year link (05:23) Expedia’s travel trends link (08:28) Author Kiri Poole about roadtripping in a vintage Kombi link  (22.37) new airport hotels and Skytrax’ best airport hotel link (27:32) Ian Herbie Hemphill on the world’s spice routes link #theworldawaits #travelpodcast #wanderlust #explore #escape #adventure #vanlife #spiceroad #herbiesspices #herbies #theslowroad #india  www.expedia.com/newsroom/introducing-unpack-24-the-trends-in-travel-from-expedia-hotels-com-and-vrbo/  https://www.worldairportawards.com/worlds-best-airport-hotels-2023/  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theworldawaits/message

Fancy taking broomstick riding classes, or discovering the Peaky effect in the British Midlands? Maria Sykes of Visit Britain encourages you to load your watchlist with the best new Brit flix, including the new Bridgerton and The Crown series, and Welcome to Wrexham for some Welsh football action. Add Wonka to the mix, then go explore the destinations, including Oxford, Bath and Lime Regis. For more inspo, see visitbritain.com "People are exhausted… we see a lot of people burning out, so guests are looking for a solution for exhaustion, for stress, for how to live an ambitious, successful life but not burn out,“  says Lyndall Mitchell. An author, accredited coach and founder of Aurora Spa Group, Lyndall talks about why wellness travel is in demand, the types of people seeking it out and what the future is going to hold., auroraspa.com.au We also talk about the best tourism villages according to the World Tourism Organisation (⁠unwto.org/tourism-villages⁠), and Conde Nast Traveler’s wellness hotel hotlist – which includes the divine new Banyan Tree AlUla in Saudi Arabia, banyantree.com/saudi-arabia/alula --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theworldawaits/message

“Maui needs visitors, it’s very much open .. and the more people that come to visit and spend money here, the better it is for Maui’s recovery”, says Lianne Driessen from Sail Trilogy, a 50-year-old tourism business integral in helping rebuild Maui. Lianne talks to Kirstie about the fires that devastated Maui, including claiming her own home 12 weeks ago, and what you can do to help in its recovery, sailtrilogy.com  Did you know there are only 45 foreigners living in the tiny kingdom of Bhutan? One of them is Carissa Nimah, an Australian who is responsible for marketing the Land of the Thunder Dragon to the rest of the world. Surrounded by snowy Himalayan peaks, temples and a Buddhist approach to everything, she talks to Belle about the hiking trails, homestays and spirituality of Bhutan, bhutan.travel   We’re also announcing the winners of our giveaway, two copies of Lonely Planet’s new book, Best in Travel 2024 https://www.lonelyplanet.com/best-in-travel  We also give you some tips to ensure your insurance claim is successful if you suffer the fate of monkeys (or people) stealing your belongings, and we cover Fodor's 2024 No List; travel list of places to avoid, fodors.com/news/news/fodors-no-list-2024  (00:05:22) Rebuilding Maui (00:28:21) Let's go to Bhutan! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theworldawaits/message

Walking slowly in silence in the Nepalese Himalayas is just one of the ways travel writer Nina Karnikowski says we can embrace mindful travel. Belle talks to Nina about taking the time to travel, and taking in the world around us on a more acute level. “We can travel at a pace so fast, we actually miss all the wonder around us as we tick our boxes and return home exhausted," she says. You can see more about Nina’s work, including her latest book, The Mindful Traveller, at ⁠ninakarnikowski.com, and for more about her tour to the Nepalese Himalayas, visit worldexpeditions.com For many refugees from war-torn countries, settling into Australian life can be daunting. Especially for those who have suffered trauma most of us can’t even imagine. Finding solace in nature himself, Neil McCulloch decided to start a charity where he could help new refugees in Australia settle into life here, and experience an Aussie pastime, camping and hiking – and First Hike Project was born, firsthikeproject.org.au Neil talks to Kirstie about how the transformative effect of nature on many of the refugees he takes into the Aussie bush, and why it’s so life-changing. We also reveal the world’s most loved landmarks, including which Australian landmark makes the list (it might just surprise you), share tips on the best ways to save money when you’re travelling in Europe, and take a little ride down the Great Victorian Rail Trail, see greatvictorianrailtrail.com.au --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theworldawaits/message

Bill Bensley is world renowned for his unique, inspiring and award-winning hotel designs and eye-catching architecture, bringing to life more than 200 resorts, hotels and palaces in over 30 countries. He is also a concerned conservationist and passionate philanthropist, and a pioneer in helping communities, and preserving conservation and wildlife. He tells Kirstie why he’s so passionate about philanthropy and his next big project, bensley.com Also, Lonely Planet has released its new Best in Travel 2024, an annual guide to the top destinations to visit next year. Chris Zeiher from Lonely Planet tells Belle why Mongolia is the place to be in 2024. We also talk about new cycling and train routes, best sustainable destinations and great value travel; expect to hear about destinations as far afield as Spain and Palau, and Australia’s own Kangaroo Island, lonelyplanet.com/best-in-travel GIVEAWAY! We also have two copies of the beautiful Best in Travel 2024 coffee-table book to give away – just drop us a line at hello@theworldawaits.au or leave a message via our contact page, https://theworldawaits.au/home-2/contact/ And if you’d also like to do a walking food tour of Footscray, which Belle did recently with Intrepid Travel and the Australian Society of Travel Writers – or a morning in Delhi or a tour of New York’s brownstone buildings, amongst other experiences – check out Intrepid Travel’s awesome Urban Adventures, ⁠urbanadventures.com We also chat about the best (and worst) places to travel as a solo female traveller, from Malaysia to South Africa, you can see the results here (though we disagree with some of them!) moneytransfers.com/news/2023/09/13/the-best-countries-for-solo-female-travellers And the world’s top sunset locations according to research commissioned by left luggage specialist Bounce, is right here in our own back yard, in Uluru. Find out where the other top spots around the world are for a setting sun, usebounce.com/blog/sunset-skies --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theworldawaits/message

Skiing in Japan in 2023/24 is going gangbusters. Europe is having a sweet spot with prices and new snow experiences.  And there’s always Canada – Whistler and the Powder Highway string of resorts. The question is: where should you ski this northern winter? Powder hound and journalist Flip Byrnes has slid on every continent, and answers all your ski questions as she talks about her new book, Ultimate Skiing and Snowboarding (Hardie Grant). We also cover off heli-ski in Greenland, why Italy is so good this year, cross-country ski and beginner skiing in Aspen Colorado and the delights of apres-ski. We also get spooky ahead of Halloween, and reveal the most haunted alley in the world (hint: it’s in Scotland, see planetcruise.com). And Alaisdair and Belle share their favourite travel gadgets; we both love Bellroy tech bags – made in Melbourne from recycled materials – Belle’s second pick is the Swiss-made Skross universal travel adapter, and Alaisdair swears by Twelve South travel adaptors.   --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theworldawaits/message

Bininj man Ben Tyler talks to Belle about growing up in what’s now Kakadu National Park, in the Northern Territory. The creator of the Dird Full Moon Feasts at Cooinda Lodge, Ben talks about foraging for bush tucker, speaking language and the power of Country. To find out more about the Dird dinners and travelling in Kakadu, visit kakadukitchen.com.au To learn more about the Bininj Kunwok language of West Arnhem Land, visit njamed.com Also, nutritionist Sheryl Takayama shares some great tips on how to keep your stomach healthy while you’re travelling. Sheryl, whose clients include flight attendants and travellers getting ready for their big trip, talks about how to minimise the stress of inflight travel on your gut (spoiler: say no to constant snacking while on the plane!) so you hit the ground running in the best possible condition. And stay to the end to hear Sheryl’s most bizarre travel experience. It will knock your socks off – guaranteed! See whyweightacademy.com Our film reviewer and audio guru Alaisdair Leith drops some hot tips for movies that evoke their filming locations, from Oklahoma to the Greek isles, and is travel insurance worth the money? --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theworldawaits/message

Where do you go to step off the beaten track of wine – away from the unholy trinity of chardonnay, shiraz and sauvignon blanc? Author and wine writer Max Allen talks to Belle about his new book, Alternative Reality: How Australian wine changed course. The book includes the best cellar doors in Australia where you can explore the exciting alternative grape varieties we’re drinking (or should be drinking) now. Keep listening to the end to hear his hot tip of the next big grape varietal… See melbournebooks.com.au Mat Lewis, of hand-picked luxury resorts group View Retreats, talks to Kirstie about their new wellness escapes, which he dubs ‘discovery and recovery’. He talks about View’s favourite south-east Asian wellness destinations – Thailand, Sri Lanka, Bali, Vietnam and Cambodia. People want to step away, to have downtime, to get away from endless scrolling and to live a more simple, holistic life, says Mat, who is also a qualified life coach practicing for the past decade. See viewretreats.com We’re also talking about using AI to plan your travel adventures, courtesy of new research from Euromonitor and our top inflight peeves according to Agoda’s Travel Bugbears Survey 2023 (hint: they all smell or sound bad, and don’t get us started on the armrest wars!) A big shout out to our audio producer Alaisdair Leith. And if you love all things travel, subscribe wherever you listen to your favourite pods, and please give us a rating or review :) (00:00:31) Top inflight peeves – they all smell bad (00:05:31) Alternative wine varietals (00:30:07) Using AI to plan your travel adventures (00:33:46) New wellness journeys --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theworldawaits/message

Morocco is a country that relies heavily on tourism, and it has a long road ahead to recover from the devastating earthquake that killed more than 2,900 people when it struck the High Atlas Mountain range near Marrakech just weeks ago. Australian David Mannix of Arcadia Expeditions, who lives in Marrakech, talks about his experience “being shot around like a pinball” during the quake and how you can best support the North African nation. We also talk to By Prior Arrangement’s lead guide in Marrakech, Abdellah Amghar, who explains why you need to make sure you don’t cancel travel plans to Morocco, and which other parts of the country you can explore to put your tourist dollar where it’s needed most. We also chat about adult-only sections on planes – would you pay extra to avoid sitting next to a (potential) screaming child? And luxe travel advisor Virtuoso reveals the leading types of trips we’re all seeking.  Our tip this week is about how to avoid being ripped off when you travel, based on USA Today's research on tourist attractions it says are overrated and overpriced – although we don’t necessarily agree with them all! https://www.usatoday.com/money/blueprint/credit-cards/biggest-tourist-traps-in-the-world/   Australian David Mannix, founder of Arcadia Expeditions, had just returned to live in Marrakech a week before the devastating earthquake struck. He tells Kirstie how it was like a plane was on top of them and he thought the building was going to collapse as he ran from his apartment with his young son in his arms. David’s wife is Moroccan, and he is urging travellers to return to Marrakech to help the many thousands of people relying on tourism. https://www.adventure.travel/tour-operators/arcadia-expeditions Also, on the ground in Morocco, By Prior Arrangement lead guide, Abdellah Amghar, tells Belle about the many other places you can visit outside of the High Atlas Mountains, and how you can best support Moroccans at this challenging time. https://www.bypriorarrangement.com/   A big shout out to our producer, Alaisdair Leith. And if you love all things travel, subscribe wherever you listen to your favourite pods, and please give us a rating or review! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theworldawaits/message

It’s the last country to open its doors after the pandemic, but travel to China is finally back, as Wendy Wu, founder of Wendy Wu Tours tells us. Also, what do you do if you meet a bear in the woods? We ask former software developer Marg Leehane, now the owner of the Great Bear Lodge in the wilds of British Columbia. Also, how to claim credits for unused flights from Qantas and Jetstar and new research from @july unveils some rather…er… interesting things we’re packing on holiday. We urge you to supporting Intrepid Travel’s Morocco earthquake appeal. The last country to open, tourism to China is back, as Wendy Wu – founder of Wendy Wu Tours – tells us today. Also, we’re talking with former software developer turned wildlife lodge owner, Marg Leehane, about her lodge in the wilds of British Columbia. We also explain how to claim your credits for unused flights from Qantas and Jetstar, and new research unveils some rather ‘interesting’ things we’re taking on holiday. Wendy Wu Tours https://www.wendywutours.com.au/  Australian Marg Leehane did what most could only dream of. The former software developer threw in her corporate career for a life immersed in nature, and she is now one of the owners of Great Bear Lodge in British Columbia. The floating lodge hosts guests from all over the world to see the grizzly bears in the Great Bear Rainforest. She talks about why the region is so special and explains the best way to have close encounters with bears in the wild. https://greatbeartours.com/great-bear-nature-tours --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theworldawaits/message

K-Pop, too-cute hanok guesthouses and some of the world’s best street food: travel consultant Lachlan Woodland talks about why you need to get on board the next flight to Korea. Also, Toni Ambler of The Travel Corporation on how you can help keep ancient traditions alive – from weaving to flamenco – by travelling responsibly. We also talk about how you prepare to go on a wellness retreat, and finally - comfort seeker or mindful traveller? The latest research from booking.com says we’re one of four travel types - which one are you?  Lachlan Woodland is an expert travel consultant with tour company Inside Asia Tours and shares his love of the country that brought us K-Pop, too-cute hanok guesthouses in Bukchon and some of the world’s best street food. (Not to mention turning a demilitarization zones into a must-visit destination!) Lachlan tips Busan’s Jagalchi seafood markets and the off-beat Mangwon markets in the west of Seoul for local food experiences, while the more touristy Myeong-dong and Namdaemun markets are great starters, insideasiatours.com   Toni Ambler, The Travel Corporation’s (TTC) Australia and New Zealand managing director, tells Kirstie she fell in love with travel thanks to her father, who worked for Contiki in the 1970s – a brand now under her remit. Toni talks about the importance of the TreadRight Foundation and how by travelling with TTC, you can help keep ancient traditions alive from weaving to flamenco, treadright.org  Kirstie soaked up the good life in Aurora Bathhouse & Spa this week while Belle was a blissful guest at the six-suite Drift House in Port Fairy, in western Victoria, auroraspa.com.au; drifthouse.com.au and our wellness retreat tips come from Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, and The Landing in New Zealand, gwinganna.com, thelandingnz.com  A big shout out to our very patient sound producer, Alaisdair Leith! And if you love all things travel, hit subscribe wherever you listen to your favourite pods, and don’t be shy about giving us a rating or review! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theworldawaits/message

What’s your worst fashion disaster while travelling? Believe us, we’ve made them all – white snow gear, red wildlife safari jackets… Tune in as we spill the beans. We also go on a series of day walks around Melbourne with the authors of a new book, Day Trip Melbourne, and wind down on a slow travel journey through Switzerland with Swiss expert Carolyn Schonafinger.  Walkers and authors Evi O and Andrew Grune have just released their newest book, Day Trip Melbourne (Thames & Hudsons) Chatting to Belle, they share their favourite strolls within 130km of the city, and reveal their next title, Dog Trip Melbourne, out soon! thamesandhudson.com.au   Carolyn Schonafinger is a certified Swiss travel expert, and talks to Kirstie about how Switzerland is leading the way in slow travel, including train travel, in this spectacular mountainous country, holidaystoswitzerland.com  We’re also getting hungry as we round up our favourite food festivals, including Taste Port Douglas, Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, and a special call out to Hokitika's Wildfoods festival in New Zealand. Thanks for listening, and don’t be shy about clicking to subscribe!    --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theworldawaits/message

We’ve hit double digits! We’re talking tourism that changes the lives of children in remote South African communities with Charles Street of Inkwazi Adventures, and caravanning around Australia with the queen of the caravans, author Catherine Best. We're also talking about how to avoid being hacked from an airport selfie and how bucket-list destinations have changed. Charles Street is the founder of Inkwazi Adventures, and he shares how you can make a genuine difference to the communities you mean. He explains to Kirstie how the simple act of giving a bike is transforming children’s lives in remote communities in South Africa. And you can be part of it. See  inkwaziadventures.com.au  Catherine Best is the author of Ultimate Caravan Trips: Australia, and she spills the hot tips for great vanlife in conversation with Belle. She also drops the names of her two favourite campsites - South Lefroy Bay camp, a low-cost camp on the Ningaloo coast in Western Australia, and Potato Point, near Narooma on the NSW South Coast.  See hardiegrant.com.au  Thanks for listening, and don’t be shy about clicking to subscribe! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theworldawaits/message

We're taking you to India, to the Victorian ski fields and to Italy. Life coach and tour leader Jo Langhorne of Soulful Escapes talks about how truly transformational travel can be, and why India tops her list for travel destinations that will change you, www.soulfulescapes.com.au Also, as the Australia ski season kicks off this weekend, we catch up with Vail International Resort’s Emily Smith from her base at Hotham ski resort in northern Victoria to hear what’s happening on and off the slopes, www.vail.com And finally, movie buff and our entertainment reporter Alaisdair Leith takes us to Italy and the filming locations that feature in the new movie Book Club: The Next Chapter, which stars Jane Fonda and the Trevi Fountain.Thanks for listening! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theworldawaits/message

Welcome to the very first podcast of The World Awaits, with travel journalists Kirstie Bedford and Belinda Jackson. This week, we take you to Rome, Tasmania and Champagne. This episode, actress Alicia Gardiner talks about the filming locations you can visit in Tasmania where her newest series, Deadloch, was filmed. To see more, visit instagram.com/aliciagardiner__ And Australian-Italian author Maria Pasquale tells us how to eat like a Roman. The author of The Eternal City also shares her tip for where to find Rome’s best gelato, see smithstreetbooks.com/catalogue/the-eternal-city/  Thanks for listening to our very first episode! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theworldawaits/message

It's the Switzerland of the Middle East, but unassuming Oman flies under the radar as a travel destination. This week co-host Belinda Jackson talks about why you should visit Oman - come for the evocative deserts, stay for the wild turtles and the rose harvest. We also take you on a quick run through the newly renovated boutique hotel The Lyall in South Yarra, and the four-star, wallet-friendly Dorsett Melbourne in central Melbourne, which just celebrated its first birthday, thelyall.com,⁠ dorsetthotels.com And which is the world’s best airport? Skytrax’ annual award for top airport in 2024 goes to ...[tune in to find out!], while Houston wins best art in an airport for its outstanding visual and performance art, and Melbourne was the highest of the Australian airports to make the list, at #19. Do you agree Melbourne is the best Aussie airport? https://www.worldairportawards.com/the-worlds-top-10-airports-of-2024/ Finally, we get to the bottom of gastro, revealing which countries where you’re most likely to suffer gastro (hint, it’s not called Bali Belly or Delhi Belly for nothing), according to healthnews.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theworldawaits/message

Do you go on holiday, only to come back feeling like you need ...another holiday? How do we come back rested from a getaway? Journalist, author and co-founder of Life Unhurried, Celeste Mitchell talks about how to slow down when you travel, and the best places to do it, lifeunhurried.com Also, new research on travellers' sleep habits shows how important a good night's sleep is, and we (over)share some rather ...precarious situations we've found ourselves in while trying to sleep on a holiday (hint: what ARE those people doing in next room?) And our tip this week is about how to maximise your European rail pass, thanks to Rail Europe, raileurope.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theworldawaits/message

What’s a tourism experience you can have nowhere in the world but here in Australia? Uluru is one of our great icons, and its tourist hub, Ayres Rock Resort, turns 40 this year. So it’s a great time to catch up with Matt Cameron-Smith, the CEO of Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia, which manages the resort. We talk about his favourite indigenous cultural experiences, with tips on where to eat, drink, see and experience country, voyages.com.au   Also, Kirstie and Belle set you up for a great little weekend away on the Bellarine Peninsula, just 90 minutes from Melbourne. It’s got it all – coastal walks, exceptional food, a cycle rail trail and some of the best wine in the country, visitgeelongbellarine.com.au  And with ANZAC Day just around the corner, our tip this week is about retracing history through some of the significant Commonwealth War memorial sites around the world, cwgc.org  Can’t get enough of travel? Why not buy us a coffee, so we can continue sharing great travel inspo with you, ko-fi.com/theworldawaits --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theworldawaits/message

How green is Tasmania? Lush mountainsides and emerald islands, but also farmers' markets and farmgates, and a story of pristine bays and innovative Indigenous experiences. The isle that is the apple of our eye lured Tourism Tasmania CEO Sarah Clark back home for the top job, and she tells Kirstie what makes Tassie different to anywhere else in the world, discovertasmania.com.au Also, the world's best economy, business and first classes are named by Australia's own AirlineRatings.com And our tip is how to soak up a destination via books - search TripFiction to find books set in the location you're travelling in, tripfiction.com And co-host Kirstie's got a new gig, check out her news here: Karryon-Luxury --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theworldawaits/message