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Description
Truly Expat Travel Podcast brings you the world's best travel destinations through conversations with expats who've made foreign countries their home. Discover hidden gems, local insider tips, and authentic travel experiences you won't find in guidebooks.
Each episode features expats sharing their favourite destinations, secret spots, cultural insights, and practical travel advice from cities and countries across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. From weekend getaways to bucket list adventures, food scenes to cultural experiences, our guests reveal what makes their adopted homes special.
Perfect for travellers seeking authentic local perspectives, digital nomads planning their next move, or anyone dreaming of exploring the world beyond tourist traps. Get real recommendations from people who live the expat lifestyle every day.
What you'll discover:
• Hidden travel gems recommended by local expats
• Insider tips for popular and off-the-beaten-path destinations
• Cultural insights and authentic local experiences
• Practical advice for international travel and living abroad
• Real stories from expats around the world
🌍 New episodes weekly
✈️ Subscribe for authentic travel inspiration
📧 Collaborations: info@trulyexpat.com
37 Episodes
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Most people planning a trip to Holland for tulip season get the timing wrong. They book Keukenhof, they show up, and they either miss the peak bloom entirely or find themselves shoulder to shoulder with thousands of other tourists wondering why it doesn't look like the photos. Sound familiar? This week I'm joined by Gerrit from Hidden Holland — a specialist in Dutch travel and someone who knows the tulip fields better than almost anyone — and he's sharing exactly what most visitors get wrong,...
Paula Barnes lived in Seoul 15 years ago — and honestly? It was hard. The language barrier was real, the taxis were brutal, and getting around without Korean felt nearly impossible. So when she went back, she wasn't expecting to fall in love with it. She did. In this episode, Paula goes solo to unpack everything that's changed, everything that's stayed beautifully the same, and every reason why Seoul should be at the top of your travel list. From the DMZ to Dongdaemun, Korean BBQ to Olive You...
MADRID UNCOVERED: Insider Tips, Hidden Gems & La Movida – Life in Spain's Capital Join Paula as she chats with Kristin Montgomery, an international teacher who has lived and worked across Switzerland, Singapore, Colombia, Germany and beyond – and is now back in Madrid completing a master's degree in Spanish. Kristin first fell in love with the city as a young graduate on an English assistantship program nearly 20 years ago, and she's back to tell us exactly why Madrid keeps pulling people...
Join Paula as she chats with Jen and Brett from Expatsi about their expat journey from Birmingham, Alabama, to Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico. Discover practical tips for moving abroad, exploring local culture and cuisine, uncovering hidden gems, and how community support made their transition inspiring. Want more Mexico content, then you should listen to episode 16, where I chat with Carm about her experience in Mexico. Key Topics Expat journey from US to MexicoChoosing Merida as a destinationExplo...
In this engaging conversation, Paula Barnes interviews Stacy McCandless, an expat with extensive experience living in Vietnam. Stacy shares her journey from working at Tokyo Disney to navigating life in various Vietnamese cities, including Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Nha Trang. She discusses the challenges and joys of being an expat, including the cultural differences, the vibrant food scene, and the importance of community among fellow expats. Stacy also highlights the beauty of Vietnam's l...
Join Paula Barnes as she shares her personal journey and insights about Hong Kong, covering its neighbourhoods, attractions, food, and travel tips. Perfect for travellers and expats alike. Key Topics Hong Kong neighbourhoods and their unique vibesTop attractions including: The Peak, Big Buddha, and DisneylandLocal cuisine and shopping tipsSeasonal travel advice and public transport optionsNeighbourhood Diversity in Hong KongSeasonal Travel PlanningAction Items Plan a visit to Lantau Island an...
Join Paula Barnes in conversation with Oren Chazan, co-founder of Montino, a co-living space nestled in the stunning Lago Maggiore region of Italy. Oren shares his inspiring journey from urban life to creating a thriving community for digital nomads in the foothills of the Swiss Alps. Discover why Lago Maggiore remains one of Italy's best-kept secrets compared to its famous neighbors, Lakes Como and Garda. Oren reveals the magic of this region—from breathtaking hiking trails and pristine natu...
Join Paula Barnes as she speaks with Irene Vairo, manager of the remarkable Temple Tree Resort in Langkawi, Malaysia. Irene takes us on a journey from her roots in Italy to this tropical island paradise, revealing what makes Temple Tree so special—a collection of meticulously reassembled traditional Malaysian houses that offer guests an authentic heritage experience. In this conversation, Irene unveils the hidden treasures of Langkawi beyond the typical tourist trail. She shares insider knowl...
In this engaging conversation, Paula Barnes interviews Sophian Hoe, a Singaporean expat living in Madeira, Portugal. They discuss Sophian's journey to becoming an expat, his experiences in Madeira, and the unique aspects of the island, including its natural beauty, culinary delights, and community feel. Sophian shares insights on travel tips, the best times to visit, and recommendations for dining and local experiences. The conversation highlights the charm of Madeira and the importance of co...
In this episode, Paula Barnes shares her insights and experiences living in Singapore for nearly eight years. She emphasises the importance of viewing Singapore as a destination rather than just a stopover, highlighting its rich culture, diverse food scene, and numerous attractions. Paula provides practical tips for travellers, including the best time to visit, essential items to pack, and insider knowledge on navigating the city. She also outlines a perfect three-day itinerary for visitors, ...
Expat travel podcast | Hidden gems and insider tips | Best holiday destinations from expats living abroad | Authentic local travel experiences | International lifestyle and adventure stories Truly Expat Travel brings you the world's best travel destinations through conversations with expats who've made foreign countries their home. Discover hidden gems, local insider tips, and authentic travel experiences you won't find in guidebooks. Each episode features expats sharing their favourite des...
Episode 26: Christmas in Hakuba with Blaise and Kiara Barnes This Weeks Chat: Join me for the season finale as I chat with Blaise Barnes and Kiara Barnes, about their unforgettable Christmas holiday in Hakuba, Japan. From carving through powder snow to discovering the best après-ski spots, they share their insider tips for experiencing one of Japan's premier winter destinations. Whether you're a seasoned snowboarder or planning your first trip to the Japanese Alps, this episode is packed with...
Episode 25: Unwrapping Christmas in London with Karla This Week's Chat Join me as I chat with Karla Barreca about experiencing Christmas in London, and discover why this magical city transforms into a winter wonderland during the festive season. Whether you're dreaming of a proper British Christmas or planning your festive getaway, this episode will fill you with holiday cheer and wanderlust. What We Discuss Karla's Expat Story: Why she now calls London home. Her first Christmas living in Lo...
Episode 24 : A Belgian Christmas Dream: Debra's Winter Wonderland in Bruges This Week's Chat Join me as I sit down with Debra de Reeper, an Australian expat living in Singapore, who shares her absolute favourite Christmas destination: Bruges. We dive deep into what makes this enchanting Belgian city so magical during the festive season and why it's become her go-to winter escape. What We Discuss Debra's Expat Story: From Australia to Singapore and her passion for travel Discovering Bruges: ...
Episode 23: Christmas in Tokyo: Blaise & Tanisha Share Why they love Japan This Week's Chat This week, I'm chatting with Blaise Barnes and Tanisha Hall about experiencing Christmas in Tokyo! We dive into what makes Tokyo shopping so special during the holidays, the best seasonal foods you absolutely need to try, and why their Disney experience didn't quite live up to expectations. They share their most memorable meal at Tokyo's best restaurant, the mesmerising world of teamLab Borde...
Episode 22: My New York Christmas: Lights, Magic, and Holiday Cheer This Week's Chat This week kicks off our Christmas Special! It's just me, and I'm taking you along on my unforgettable trip to New York City during the holidays. From the iconic Rockefeller Center tree to Madison Square Garden entertainment, discover why New York at Christmas is pure magic..." What I Discuss Why New York at Christmas?: What makes this city the ultimate holiday destination The Magic Moments: From Rockefe...
Episode 21: Falling for Granada with Cassie Beardsly Join me as I chat with Cassie Beardsly about her beloved Granada, and discover why this stunning Spanish city has captured her heart with its rich history, vibrant culture, and unforgettable charm. In this episode, we chat about: - Must-see sights and hidden gems in Granada - Local flavours and where to find authentic Andalusian cuisine - The best times to visit and how to make the most of your stay It's a relaxed, conversational epis...
Episode 20: Tenerife Through Alexandra's Eyes: Join me as I chat with Alexandra Paucescu about her favourite holiday destination, Tenerife, and discover what keeps drawing her back to this captivating Canary Island year after year. In this episode, we chat about: 🍷 What to eat and drink in Tenerife 🗺️ The perfect 2-day itinerary for first-time visitors ☀️ Why the shoulder season is the best time to visit the island It's a relaxed, conversational episode filled with insider tips, local favouri...
Episode 19 – Wandering Through Quebec City: A Solo Traveller’s Perspective Description: This week, it’s just me—and I’m taking you along on my recent solo trip to Quebec City. From chocolate-dipped everything at Chocolats Favoris to sipping Coureur des Bois (Canadian maple cream whisky) I’m spilling all the details from one of the most charming destinations I’ve visited this year. In this episode, I chat about: 🍁 My favourite foodie finds (including a life-changing Impossible burger!) ...
Episode 18: Tim Leffel- Peru This Week's Chat Join me as I sit down with Tim Leffel, an American expat living in Mexico who shares his absolute favourite holiday destination: Peru. We dive deep into what makes this place so special and why it's become his go-to escape. What We Discuss Tim's Expat Journey: Tim is an award-winning travel writer, Tim is author of The World’s Cheapest Destinations, Travel Writing 2.0, and the living abroad book A Better Life for Half the Price. All have been ...
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