The Curious Traveller

Namibia is often described as one of Africa's last great wildernesses. A country of vast deserts, extraordinary wildlife, dramatic landscapes and endless horizons. But what is it really like to experience it for yourself?In this episode, I'm joined by Stuart and Carolyne Hyde, who recently returned from an incredible Namibian adventure that they booked through me, working alongside one of my trusted Africa specialists. From the towering dunes of Sossusvlei and the remarkable wildlife of Etosha to luxurious safari lodges and unforgettable encounters along the way, we'll be exploring every stage of their journey.Carolyne described the trip as 'the essence of Africa', and during this podcast we'll discover exactly why. We'll talk about the highlights, the surprises, the accommodation, the wildlife, and the moments that made this such a special experience. So grab a brew, sit back, and join us as we venture into one of the world's most captivating destinations.

In this episode I am joined by Charlie Orr from InsideAsia Tours, the award winning travel company behind the celebrated InsideJapan brand. As a certified B Corp, InsideAsia is part of a global movement of businesses using travel as a force for good, balancing cultural sensitivity, community benefit, and unforgettable guest experiences.Charlie gives us a rare behind the scenes insight into how InsideAsia crafts its journeys across Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, South Korea, and beyond. We explore what makes their approach different, including deep cultural immersion, long standing local partnerships, and a philosophy that prioritises people and place over mass market tourism.From the meticulous detail behind InsideJapan’s iconic itineraries to the wider mission driving InsideAsia’s responsible travel framework, Charlie shares how their teams work, what inspires them, and why thoughtful sustainable travel matters more than ever.If you are curious about the future of Asian travel, the craft behind exceptional itineraries, or what it truly means to be a B Corp in the travel world, this conversation is full of insight, storytelling, and inspiration.

Explore Worldwide has built its reputation on crafting small‑group adventures that feel genuinely connected to the places they visit. With more than 350 trips across over 100 countries, they specialise in experiences that go beyond the guidebook, meeting local communities, travelling with expert leaders, and uncovering the kind of cultural and natural highlights that reward a curious mindset. They’re also known for their long‑standing commitment to responsible travel, putting sustainability and positive local impact at the heart of what they do. It’s a brand for travellers who want their journeys to feel meaningful, memorable, and just a little bit adventurous, which makes chatting with Emma their Business Development Manager all the more exciting for this episode.

In this episode, Sarah Kewley from Wendy Wu joins me to talk about their incredible offering; from everything-included touring options to tailormade bespoke tours. She shares the origin story of Wendy Wu, explains why their tours are not a holiday and gives details about an exclusive Designer Travel trip to China.

In this episode, I’m joined by Gemma Pinder‑Davison from luxury tour operator If Only. Gemma shares her journey through the travel industry, from starting out as an HND student to becoming Head of Sales for the North of England. She offers practical tips, industry insight, and honest reflections that will inspire anyone curious about travelling the world and experiencing in luxury and understanding how exceptional journeys are created.