Travel For Curious Minds - The Travel Podcast from Jules Verne Stories Insight and Adventure

Ben Boesch – Travel + Surprise = AdventureUnlock the secrets to meaningful travel with Ben Boesch, joint CEO of Dertour UK, as he reveals the adventurous spirit behind exploring India, Morocco, and beyond.Ever wondered how a seemingly simple trip can turn into a lifelong memory? Ben shares insider stories of unpredictable adventures - including how a motorcycle breakdown in Morocco sparked unforgettable encounters with locals and hidden experiences no itinerary could create.In this episode, you’ll discover:• Why India’s diversity makes it a travel paradise worth exploring 30+ times• How, despite all those trips, Ben still says, “he hasn’t seen it yet”!• Why safaris in India are still one of travel’s best-kept secrets• How to experience local life through markets, pickles, bookshops, and human connection• Big-thinking travel ideas: hikes in the Swiss Alps, skiing in France, or secret retreatsin IndiaThis conversation is essential listening for anyone craving authentic, immersive,adventure-driven travel - whether you’re planning your first journey or seeking freshinspiration. If you believe journeys should be about connection, discovery, and stories that stay with you forever, Ben’s perspective will ignite your wanderlust.Ben Boesch, joint CEO of Dertour UK, reminds us that the greatest trips aren’t just about seeing new places - they’re about feeling fully alive in the moment.Tune in and learn how to turn your next trip from routine to legendary by embracing the unexpected. Perfect for explorers, adventure lovers, or anyone in search of their next story worth telling.This is a video podcast also, and you can watch the video when it's published here:YouTube - Travel for Curious MindsFor more information for your curious mind:Website - Travel for Curious MindsInstagram - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast

This week, Mahal is in the Travel for Curious Minds' hot seat, answering host Abbey Cousins’ quickfire questions on all things Egypt.This is a video podcast also, and you can watch the video on the link here: YouTube - Travel for Curious MindsAnd for more information for your curious mind, have a look at these: Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast Instagram - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast 

Here is the third in our trilogy of episodes about Egypt. This time, we meet Mahal. As one of Jules Verne’s most experienced and trusted guides in Egypt, Mahal has a wealth of knowledge and stories to share. We learn about growing up in Egypt, and why becoming a guide isn’t always the easy option. Why Mahal loves sharing Egypt with people. The wonders of the amazing Grand Egyptian Museum. And how Mahal is proud to represent the modern Egypt of strong women, showcasing the remarkable things in store for people travelling there now, compared to how things used to be. This is a video podcast also, and you can watch the video on the link here: YouTube - Travel for Curious MindsAnd for more information for your curious mind, have a look at these: Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast Instagram - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast 

As promised on our last episode, here is a wonderful conversation with Debbie O'Neill, Managing Director at Jules Verne.Recently back from her 12th visit to Egypt, Debbie brings us up to date with this beautiful country, its people, and now, finally open, what to expect from the Grand Egyptian Museum.For more information about travel for your curious mind: Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast Instagram - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast YouTube - Travel for Curious MindsThe theme music for Travel for Curious Minds is provided courtesy of Artlist and Accord (the copyright holders) for this project. All rights reserved.

This week on Travel for Curious Minds, we’re dipping into the archives with an episode from April 2022—originally recorded for our sister podcast.Abbey came live from World Travel Market, joined by our Egypt partners Tarek and Rania. They talked Nile cruises—both the classic routes and the little-known stretches of the river—and shared early insights on the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). Rania had even visited before it officially opened.Why bring it back now?Because our MD, Debbie O’Neill, has just returned from Egypt and visited the newly opened GEM herself. So think of this as part one.Next week, Debbie brings a fresh update on the museum, her tour, and what Egypt has in store for 2026.Hit subscribe so you don’t miss it.   For more information about travel for your curious mind: Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast Instagram - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast YouTube - Travel for Curious Minds

This week, journalist duo Deborah Stone and Nick Dalton are in the Travel for Curious Minds hot seat, answering host Abbey Cousins’ quickfire questions on all things travel. To find out more about Nick and Deborah, head over to: Nick Dalton – Instagram Deborah Stone - Instagram  For more information about travel for your curious mind: Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast Instagram - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast YouTube - Travel for Curious Minds

On this week’s episode of Travel for Curious Minds, renowned travel journalists Deborah Stone and Nick Dalton join host Abbey Cousins to discuss how they started out wanting to “save the world” through journalism, working on national news desks, then becoming digital nomads in the 90s, travelling around the world working for various national and international publications. From debunking misunderstandings about being a travel writer (it’s harder work than you think!) to the destinations etched in their memories, including Egypt, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, and the Great Wall of China, and what’s on their bucket lists for future adventures, listen in to hear about the couple’s unique and extraordinary journey over the past 30 years. To find out more about Nick and Deborah, head over to: Nick Dalton – Instagram Deborah Stone - Instagram   For more information about travel for your curious mind: Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast Instagram - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast YouTube - Travel for Curious Minds

Today, we have Director of Sustainability for DERTOUR UK, Claire Ross, in the Travel for Curious Minds hotseat, revealing top travel tips and destinations in a round of quickfire questions. To find out more about Claire, and DERTOUR's approach to sustainability, head over to: LinkedIn - Claire Ross DERTOUR - Sustainability   For more information about travel for your curious mind: Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast Instagram - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast YouTube - Travel for Curious Minds

This week, Travel for Curious Minds’ host Abbey Cousins chats to Claire Ross, Director of Sustainability for one of the leading tourism groups in Europe, DERTOUR UK. Hear about everything from the small changes we can all make when travelling to ease our environmental impact to why Claire will never write off a destination based on its reputation again – and why you shouldn’t either! To find out more about Claire, and DERTOUR's approach to sustainability, head over to: LinkedIn - Claire Ross DERTOUR - Sustainability   For more information about travel for your curious mind: Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast Instagram - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast YouTube - Travel for Curious Minds

Today, we have author, podcast host, and mid-life mentor Rachel Lankester in the Travel for Curious Minds hot seat, revealing top travel tips and destinations through a round of quickfire questions. To find out more about Rachel, head over to: Instagram | Instagram (@rachel_lankester)Facebook | Magnificent MidlifeLinkedin | https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachellankester/YouTube | Magnificent Midlife  For more information about travel for your curious mind: Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast Instagram - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast YouTube - Travel for Curious Minds

This week, Travel for Curious Minds host Abbey Cousins chats with Rachel Lankester, a New York Times recommended author, podcast host, and mid-life mentor, about why mid-life should be celebrated!As an advocate for embracing all that life has to offer, Rachel shares her perspective-shifting experience of early menopause along with stories from her many travel adventures, ranging from trekking through the jungles of Peru to exploring the bustling streets of Kazakhstan.To find out more about Rachel, head over to: Instagram | Instagram (@rachel_lankester)Facebook | Magnificent MidlifeLinkedin | https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachellankester/YouTube | Magnificent Midlife   For more information about travel for your curious mind: Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast Instagram - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast YouTube - Travel for Curious Minds

In today’s episode of quickfire questions, David O’Neill MBE reveals his top travel tips and details of his next adventure for the listeners of the Travel For Curious Minds podcast. To find out more about David, you can head over to: David O'Neill - LinkedIn InSTR - LinkedIn Fire Aid - Facebook   For more information about travel for your curious mind: Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast Instagram - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast YouTube - Travel for Curious Minds

After retiring from his position as Assistant Commissioner in the London Fire Brigade following over three decades of service, David O’Neill MBE joins host Abbey Cousins in this week’s episode of Travel For Curious Minds. David and Abbey chat about his incredible career so far and the life-changing adventures that have shaped it. With moving tales from the frontlines of international rescue efforts, including when David led the UK response team in the 2023 Turkey-Syria earthquake, and fascinating stories that will transport listeners to the jungles of Bhutan, lakesides of Pakistan and mountains of Nepal, this episode takes listeners on an adventure far from the beaten track.To find out more about David and his work, you can head over to: David O'Neill - LinkedIn InSTR - LinkedIn Fire Aid - Facebook   For more information about travel for your curious mind: Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast Instagram - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast YouTube - Travel for Curious Minds

“All of the fabulous things in life are on the other side of our comfort zones” – Listen to today’s episode of Travel for Curious Minds as host of the ‘Thrive Solo’ podcast (formerly ‘Spinsterhood Reimagined’), Lucy Meggeson talks all things travel in a round of quickfire questions – including why people thinking about their first solo adventure should make the leap. To find out more about Lucy, you can head over to: Instagram The Thrive Solo Website The Book – Shiny Happy Singles   For more information about travel for your curious mind: Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast Instagram - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast YouTube - Travel for Curious Minds

In this episode, Abbey is joined by Lucy Meggeson, the host of the ‘Thrive Solo’ podcast (formerly ‘Spinsterhood Reimagined’). Lucy is on a journey to change the narrative around what it means to be single and child-free. With adventures shaped by her love of music, road trips, photography, maps and nature, hear how incredible travel experiences can happen because you are travelling solo – not in spite of it. To find out more about Lucy, you can head over to: Instagram The Thrive Solo Website The Book – Shiny Happy Singles  For more information about travel for your curious mind: Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast Instagram - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast YouTube - Travel for Curious Minds

This week, Pat Riddell, Editor of National Geographic Traveller UK, is in the Travel for Curious Minds hot seat, answering host Abbey Cousins’ quickfire questions on all things travel. To find out more about Pat, you can head over to: X Instagram LinkedIn For more information on National Geographic Traveller: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn   For more information about travel for your curious mind: Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast Instagram - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast YouTube - Travel for Curious Minds

On this week’s Episode of Travel for Curious Minds, Pat Riddell, Editor of National Geographic Traveller UK, joins host Abbey Cousins, taking listeners on a fascinating adventure around the world with the tales of his extensive travels. From discussing what first gave him a taste for the world of travel, reflecting on his incredible experiences in destinations such as Jordan, Peru and Thailand, to explaining why he simply can’t get enough of la dolce vita and touching upon his career in travel journalism, the Episode covers a lot of ground (quite literally!) so buckle up and enjoy. To find out more about Pat, you can head over to: X Instagram LinkedIn For more information on National Geographic Traveller: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn  For more information about travel for your curious mind: Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast Instagram - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast YouTube - Travel for Curious Minds

This week, Portia Jones – award-winning travel writer and podcaster – dives into a round of quickfire questions with Travel for Curious Minds’ host Abbey Cousins. To find out more about Portia, you can head over to: Instagram Pip and The City The Travel Goals Podcast  For more information about travel for your curious mind: Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast Instagram - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast YouTube - Travel for Curious Minds

Join host Abbey Cousins on Travel for Curious Minds as she learns about Portia Jones’ never-ending love affair with travel. Starting from a young age, Portia has visited over 70 countries. She adores meeting new people, experiencing new cultures, and writing about them to inspire others. The host of her own travel podcast and an award-winning travel journalist, Portia’s relaxed and welcoming approach to travel and warm way of storytelling are infectious. Learn about her time in New Zealand, Uzbekistan, Japan, and Egypt and hear her tips on how to ensure an authentic and local experience on your next adventure. To find out more about Portia, you can head over to: Instagram Pip and The City The Travel Goals Podcast   For more information about travel for your curious mind: Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast Instagram - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast YouTube - Travel for Curious Minds

In the hot seat today is Holly Rubenstein – journalist, travel podcast host and self-confessed hotel aficionado. Holly reveals her top travel tips in a round of quickfire questions. To find out more about Holly, you can head over to: Instagram TikTok The Travel Diaries Podcast Website   For more information about travel for your curious mind: Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast Instagram - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast YouTube - Travel for Curious Minds