The Pod Well Travelled

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.

Join Penny Thomas, Megan French and Stephen Scourfield as they explore October’s biggest travel trends. Stephen kicks off the show with highlights from the National Travel Industry Awards in Sydney, where he shares stories from the night and celebrates some of the well-deserved winners. From there, the team dives into the latest industry happenings — from ALDI’s surprise launch of holiday packages and Uber’s new safari experiences, to insights on the cultural challenges plaguing Boeing. They also unpack what makes Singapore Airlines an industry leader and share details on a new mountain biking trail in New Zealand. At the end of the show, Megan and Stephen go head-to-head in another lively round of ‘This or That.’ + 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.

On this week’s episode, the travel team discuss different ways to dive deeper into local cultures and create more meaningful travel moments. Stephen Scourfield shares his fascinating experience with the women divers of Jeju Island from his recent visit to South Korea. While Penny Thomas tells us about a spontaneous encounter at an izakaya in Tokyo. We also hear about a hands-on workshop Penny did in the scenic mountain village of Yoshino in Japan’s Nara Prefecture. Plus, Megan French considers why travellers are increasingly drawn to seeking out authentic experiences and whether social media helps or hinders these moments. The episode wraps up with yet another round of “this or that,” which raises some eyebrows but guarantees a good laugh. + 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. + The story links from our Authentic Travel Guide in The West Australian will be added to the show notes on Monday Oct 28.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For some travellers, planning a trip to Europe can be stressful, confusing and overwhelming. So, for today’s episode of The Pod Well Travelled, we’re breaking it all down for you.  From how to score the best travel deals, to popular destinations and even which countries offer the most bang for your buck, we’ve got all the tips to make your upcoming European adventure a stress-free experience.  During the show, we mention Stephen Scourfield’s recent European Guide that was published in The West Australian’s travel section on Saturday October 12, which you can read here. And don’t miss our fun quick-fire round at the end of the show, where we pit iconic European spots against each other.  + 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.

From building schools in remote villages to conserving wildlife habitats, volunteer tourism promises to be an enriching way to travel. But how can you be sure the work you’re doing is really helping? During today’s show, we cover the key things you need to know when it comes to travelling with a purpose, like how to choose responsible programs, the impact of the work you’re doing, plus the personal rewards and challenges of this growing trend. We also hear from Valentina Raffel, who shares her insights on responsible volunteering and the establishment of her organisation, Statera Collective. + 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.

On this week’s episode, Penny Thomas, Megan French and Stephen Scourfield recap the recent Jackets Of The World exhibition, which took place in Fremantle last month and featured over 50 hand-sewn jackets from Stephen’s travels. During the show, we also hear a special live recording from the event, where Stephen performed a moving piece about Africa accompanied by the captivating rhythms of musician and composer Steve Richter. 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.

Earlier this month, Old Customs House in Fremantle was transformed into a vibrant gallery for Stephen Scourfield’s Jackets Of The World exhibition, which featured an impressive collection of hand-sewn denim jackets that Stephen stitched together with fabrics, tapestries and other bits and bobs he’s collected from his travels. As part of the two-day event, The Pod Well Travelled hosts Penny Thomas and Megan French recorded a live Q&A session with Stephen, where they answered questions from the audience on a wide range of travel-related topics, including insurance options for over-80s, the challenges and benefits of travelling solo, plus age limits for car rentals and why you should consider booking direct with certain travel companies to avoid hidden costs. They also discuss the Jackets Of The World exhibition, with Stephen sharing details on how he sourced many of the unique materials on display and the emotional significance behind each piece. Thank you to everyone who attended the live podcast recording during the Jackets Of The World exhibition. It was a pleasure to see you, and we thank you for coming. As promised, below are the links we reference throughout this week’s show. Insurance options for over-80s + Consider companies like NIB, COTA or Chubb. + Comparetravelinsurance.com.au is Australia’s leading comparison site solely focused on travel insurance. + Probus Clubs are clubs for retired or semi-retired people that often provide good insurance for their members. It’s also worth noting that you can get insurance through Probus, even if you’re not a full member.   Quality tour operators we recommend using, especially for solo travellers + Of course, our own West Travel Club tours are great for solo travellers. + Another nice little company based here in Western Australia is called Travel with Me (TWME). They cater to individuals, couples, friends and groups. + If you’re after a European tour specialist, Albatross Tours are brilliant at what they do. + Intrepid Travel is another reputable company from Australia that provide small group tours in over 100 countries that we can happily recommend. + Collette offer an incredible range of small group tours. They are a third generation family-owned business and the longest-running tour operator in North America, with a history dating back to 1918. + To get the latest travel deals and offers, the best thing you can do is sign up to the newsletters of preferred travel companies.   Travel Tips for ageing travellers + Listen to our previous podcast episode on how to survive a long-haul flight here. + Consider train travel. Europe, the US, India and Australia all have great train journeys. Broadly speaking, there are two main types of train journeys — the sort where you buy a pass or ticket to get from A to B and touring trains. + River cruising in Europe is a really good way to see a lot, really easily. + Travelling to Vietnam has never been easier or more affordable with both VietJet Air and Vietnam Airlines flying direct between Perth and Ho Chi Minh City. If you do, consider visiting Hoi An and Hanoi, they offer more charm than Ho Chi Minh. Car Hire and International Driving Permits Read Stephen Scourfield’s story on navigating car hire & its many pitfalls here.   THE POD WELL TRAVELLED 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 a new episode of The Pod Well Travelled, hosts Penny Thomas and Megan French chime into the airport hotel conversation. Penny shares her experience staying at the Novotel & ibis Styles Melbourne Airport hotel — Victoria’s most significant hotel development being the first new-build internationally branded hotel to open at Melbourne Airport in two decades. The duo also discuss what factors make an airport hotel not just good but great, and debate if a bathtub truly is a hotel travel necessity. + Subscribe and listen 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.

Packing too much. Packing too little. Forgetting to label your case. Toiletries exploding. Leaving it to the last minute. Using the wrong bag. These are packing mistakes we’re all guilty of at some point, no matter how experienced a traveller we are. But sometimes you just have to learn the hard way. Tune into the latest episode of The Pod Well Travelled’s Packing Series with co-hosts Penny Thomas and Megan French as they explore the contentious topic of packing mistakes, confessing their worst packing blunders and offering tips on how to avoid common mistakes we can all succumb to along the way. The duo cover everything from cultural and weather considerations to travel hacks from the travel veteran himself, Stephen Scourfield, that have unsurprisingly proven successful. + Subscribe and listen 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.

The Pod Well Travelled team Penny Thomas, Stephen Scourfield and Megan French tackle the great outdoors in a new episode of their Packing Series. Penny seeks packing tips ahead of her trip to Japan to hike one of the world’s premier spiritual roads — the Kumano Kodō, ancient pilgrimage routes which crisscross the Kii Peninsula. Outdoors-man travel editor Stephen and fashion writer Megan present a brief overview on the history of outdoor gear and how fabrications evolved as popularity for hiking and outdoor exploring gained momentum throughout time. From the importance of layering to what a hiking day pack should contain, the trio cover extensive ground on the topic. + Subscribe and listen 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 our dedicated travel podcast, hosts Penny Thomas and Megan French are joined by The West’s TV editor and columnist Clare Rigden, who recently returned from a big European adventure. As a self-confessed bargain hunter, Clare tells us about the cheap travel accessories she bought from a popular online store that is renowned for selling almost every product imaginable for dramatically low prices. During the show, we get Clare’s honest opinion on the budget-friendly items she took with her, and we find out whether or not they enhanced her trip. 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.

Fresh from exploring Australia’s Coral Coast on a four-day road trip, travel writer Penny Thomas chats with fashion writer and stylist Megan French about her trip and the basic travel essentials she took with her. They also discuss their favourite things to listen to during a long drive, why you should always double-check you have everything before you head off on an adventure, the importance of having roadside assistance, and why you should always know how to change a tyre. 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.