Twenty-five years of travel with Els De Smet

I love speaking with people who've made travel a central part of their life. Whether that’s regular trips to various corners of the world, or in the case of today’s guest, spending the last 20 years in near constant motion. Patrick Shulte, who has been blogging about his travel experiences on his long running travel blog Bumfuzzle.com, joins me just before setting off for his next adventure. Patrick isn't planning your regular international trip, however. Patrick and his wife are about to sail around the world for the second time - this time taking their two children along for the ride.  I loved having this conversation, and I think you will too. Connect with Patrick: For his travel blog, head over to: https://www.bumfuzzle.com/ To learn Patrick’s investment strategy, head to: https://wandererfinancial.com/ Have you read Kathmandu? You visit a restaurant in a far-away city, only to find you’re on the menu. When young backpackers go missing on the trail through Nepal, no one bats an eyelid. After-all, high in the Himalayan mountains, Kathmandu’s a haven for those who want to “get lost.” Back in England, Leo’s down on his luck. He’s jobless, crippled by anxiety and obsessed with an ex-girlfriend he hasn’t seen in years. Asked to track down a wealthy politician’s daughter in Kathmandu, Leo thinks his fortunes are on the turn. Escaped from her family and travelling the world, all Allissa wants is to be left alone. Running a hostel for the victims of people traffickers, she hopes the surrounding mountains will keep the world away. In a bid to prove himself, Leo sets off on a twisting train through Kathmandu’s labyrinthine streets. But, when the investigation leads to a sinister backstreet restaurant and a storm makes escape impossible, he may have bitten off more than he can chew. KATHMANDU is the first of Luke Richardson’s international thriller series. If you like fast-paced mysteries, then you’ll love this explosive debut. READ KATHMANDU TODAY

Podcast host and tour guide Ted Cragg joins me today to talk about his homeland, Canada. Ted hosts the TRAVEL PODCAST THE WORLD SHOW. He talks with to other travel podcasters about their shows, their inspirations and the behind the scenes process that make their shows complete. Ted had me on his show a few weeks ago, and I enjoyed the conversation so much that I wanted to have him to talk to you. During this episode, we talk through a whole fictional trip to eastern Canada, taking in the cities, the wilderness, mountains and lakes. You can tell, during this conversation that I come from a such small country, as I don’t think I really understood quite how large Canada actually is. It really seems like you’d need several trips to do it justice, unless you’re going for multiple weeks or even months. We talk about some cultural highlights of a trip around the country; how you’d be best to get around the place; what corners you might want to explore depending on what you’re looking for; and why Canada makes such an interesting travel destination. To learn more about Ted and his podcast:  Search your favourite podcast app for 'Travel Podcast the World' or CLICK HERE to listen to our conversation on Spotify.  Have you read Kathmandu? You visit a restaurant in a far-away city, only to find you’re on the menu. When young backpackers go missing on the trail through Nepal, no one bats an eyelid. After-all, high in the Himalayan mountains, Kathmandu’s a haven for those who want to “get lost.” Back in England, Leo’s down on his luck. He’s jobless, crippled by anxiety and obsessed with an ex-girlfriend he hasn’t seen in years. Asked to track down a wealthy politician’s daughter in Kathmandu, Leo thinks his fortunes are on the turn. Escaped from her family and travelling the world, all Allissa wants is to be left alone. Running a hostel for the victims of people traffickers, she hopes the surrounding mountains will keep the world away. In a bid to prove himself, Leo sets off on a twisting train through Kathmandu’s labyrinthine streets. But, when the investigation leads to a sinister backstreet restaurant and a storm makes escape impossible, he may have bitten off more than he can chew. KATHMANDU is the first of Luke Richardson’s international thriller series. If you like fast-paced mysteries, then you’ll love this explosive debut. READ KATHMANDU TODAY

Inlexca is a non-profit organisation, placing volunteers across Central American and India. In this episode I talk with Diego Colombi, about how Inlexca insures their volunteers are carefully placed, how it’s a beneficial set up for both the volunteer and more importantly the community into which they’re going, the process of becoming a volunteer with Inlexca, and what you should expect, should you be interested.  This conversation is especially interesting as a few weeks back in episode 33 I spoke with Susan Gibson about how to be an amazing volunteer - I feel like this episode continues that conversation, giving you a starting point for your volunteer experience.  As an ex-English high-school teacher, and a writer, I would love to see how English is taught in other places around the world. As with all these plans, they won’t happen immediately, but maybe one day soon! Learn more about Inlexca:  https://www.inlexca.org/ https://www.instagram.com/inlex_ca/ Have you read Kathmandu? You visit a restaurant in a far-away city, only to find you’re on the menu. When young backpackers go missing on the trail through Nepal, no one bats an eyelid. After-all, high in the Himalayan mountains, Kathmandu’s a haven for those who want to “get lost.” Back in England, Leo’s down on his luck. He’s jobless, crippled by anxiety and obsessed with an ex-girlfriend he hasn’t seen in years. Asked to track down a wealthy politician’s daughter in Kathmandu, Leo thinks his fortunes are on the turn. Escaped from her family and travelling the world, all Allissa wants is to be left alone. Running a hostel for the victims of people traffickers, she hopes the surrounding mountains will keep the world away. In a bid to prove himself, Leo sets off on a twisting train through Kathmandu’s labyrinthine streets. But, when the investigation leads to a sinister backstreet restaurant and a storm makes escape impossible, he may have bitten off more than he can chew. KATHMANDU is the first of Luke Richardson’s international thriller series. If you like fast-paced mysteries, then you’ll love this explosive debut. READ KATHMANDU TODAY

The Tuk Tuk Club run ten-day trips through the largely undiscovered and beautiful highlands of northern Thailand. Bruce Haxton talks with me about how he came up with the idea for the off-the-beaten-track adventure, how his trips support local communities, and what exactly the experience involves.  During my travels there's always been something really fun about travelling by tuk tuk - their bleating noise, the way the drivers always seem to modify them with booming sound systems, and the smell of the city as you pass by. In my experience, they’re as much a part of Thailand as the food, temples and beaches. Learn more about the Tuk Tuk Club at:  https://www.thetuktukclub.com/ https://www.instagram.com/tuktukclubthailand/ Have you read Kathmandu? You visit a restaurant in a far-away city, only to find you’re on the menu. When young backpackers go missing on the trail through Nepal, no one bats an eyelid. After-all, high in the Himalayan mountains, Kathmandu’s a haven for those who want to “get lost.”   Back in England, Leo’s down on his luck. He’s jobless, crippled by anxiety and obsessed with an ex-girlfriend he hasn’t seen in years. Asked to track down a wealthy politician’s daughter in Kathmandu, Leo thinks his fortunes are on the turn.   Escaped from her family and travelling the world, all Allissa wants is to be left alone. Running a hostel for the victims of people traffickers, she hopes the surrounding mountains will keep the world away.   In a bid to prove himself, Leo sets off on a twisting train through Kathmandu’s labyrinthine streets. But, when the investigation leads to a sinister backstreet restaurant and a storm makes escape impossible, he may have bitten off more than he can chew. KATHMANDU is the first of Luke Richardson’s international thriller series. If you like fast-paced mysteries, then you’ll love this explosive debut. READ KATHMANDU TODAY

Based in Belgium where she works as a counsellor for refugees, Els has been regularly taking to the road for the last 25 years. She travels in a very simple style, carrying just one small bag, using public buses, and often staying with the local people she meets on the way. It’s fascinating to me how she travels with absolutely no fear such an open heart. This is the final conversation from my trip to Albania a few weeks ago. As I said at the start of the last episode, one of my favourite things about travel, is the people you meet on the way. There's something totally unique about discussing the shared experiences you’ve both had when you meet someone in a country that isn’t your own – I love it. Meeting Els was totally like this. Perry and I were waiting for the bus to Kruja, as was Els, we got talking and ended up spending the day together exploring a new place and drinking a couple of beers in the sunshine. Travel tends to bring out conversations like this, and I love it. Have you read Kathmandu? You visit a restaurant in a far-away city, only to find you’re on the menu. When young backpackers go missing on the trail through Nepal, no one bats an eyelid. After-all, high in the Himalayan mountains, Kathmandu’s a haven for those who want to “get lost.” Back in England, Leo’s down on his luck. He’s jobless, crippled by anxiety and obsessed with an ex-girlfriend he hasn’t seen in years. Asked to track down a wealthy politician’s daughter in Kathmandu, Leo thinks his fortunes are on the turn. Escaped from her family and travelling the world, all Allissa wants is to be left alone. Running a hostel for the victims of people traffickers, she hopes the surrounding mountains will keep the world away. In a bid to prove himself, Leo sets off on a twisting train through Kathmandu’s labyrinthine streets. But, when the investigation leads to a sinister backstreet restaurant and a storm makes escape impossible, he may have bitten off more than he can chew. KATHMANDU is the first of Luke Richardson’s international thriller series. If you like fast-paced mysteries, then you’ll love this explosive debut. READ KATHMANDU TODAY

Mantha and Dan, seeking a gap year before starting university, set off from England in their Fiat 500 with the aim of exploring Europe. Five months later, 15 counties in, and still only halfway through their trip, we met up in Albania where they've been spending a few days before heading on and into North Macedonia. I absolutely love their dedication travel, their take it as it comes attitude, and how they make the whole thing sound easy. We talk about what it takes to plan a trip like theirs, what things they’ve learned on the road, and why they didn’t choose the gap-year meccas like Southeast Asia. Connect with Dan and Mantha  https://www.instagram.com/mad__travel_/ The podcast is sponsored by Bookitlist If you’re looking for unique travel adventures both near and far, make bookitlist.co your first port of call. While you’re there, if you like the sound of anything you see, you can add it to your online book-it-list to take advantage of great discounts when you book. Have you got a story to share? Have you planned the trip of a lifetime and want to tell me about it? [email protected] www.instagram.com/lukerichaa Read my book, Koh Tao, for free Leo’s looking for the perfect place to propose to the love of his life. When they arrive in the Thai tropical paradise of Koh Tao, he thinks he’s found it. But before he gets an answer, she’s nowhere to be seen. www.lukerichardsonauthor.com

Nestled on the Adriatic between Greece, Italy and Montenegro, Albania has been on my "to visit" list for some time. I've always loved the idea of travelling through unusual and interesting places - and Albania is certainly this. Join me and my friend Perry as we spend eleven days exploring this largely unchartered part of Europe. Looking for an authentic experience, we travelled exclusively by public bus, stayed in guests houses run by local people, and (of course) ate and drank our way through a lot of the region's food and drink.  Whether you're planning a visit or not (although I totally recommend you do), this podcast shows you how travelling by public transport can be chaotic, a leap of faith, but totally rewarding; you'll learn how not to sample a local, super-strong, sprit called raki; and you'll discover why I now think Albania is one of Europe's hidden highlights.  The podcast is sponsored by Bookitlist If you’re looking for unique travel adventures both near and far, make bookitlist.co your first port of call. While you’re there, if you like the sound of anything you see, you can add it to your online book-it-list to take advantage of great discounts when you book. Have you got a story to share? Have you planned the trip of a lifetime and want to tell me about it? [email protected] www.instagram.com/lukerichaa Read my book, Koh Tao, for free Leo’s looking for the perfect place to propose to the love of his life. When they arrive in the Thai tropical paradise of Koh Tao, he thinks he’s found it. But before he gets an answer, she’s nowhere to be seen. www.lukerichardsonauthor.com

Having just finished her studies at New York University, Veena is making the most of a few months off before she starts the next phase of her working life. I’ve been following Veena on Instagram at @NYCtoNomad, and to say she’s making the most of the time is an understatement. She’s ticking off some serious bucket list trips including: Saudi Arabia, Patagonia, Nepal, and the topic of today’s conversation, Uzbekistan. I love Veena’s seize the day attitude – something I would definitely like to have more of. As well as her willingness to prioritize travel. We also discuss how she managed to visit several countries as part of her studies at NYU. One of the world’s great under explored destinations, Uzbekistan has been on my radar for a couple of years. I talk frequently about the benefits of visiting “off the beaten track” sort of destinations, and Uzbekistan is definitely one of those. We talk about what it’s like as a tourist destination, how Veena found it as a solo female traveller, and why using local tour guides are a great way to support the local economy and maximise your time in a destination. Connect with Veena https://www.instagram.com/nyctonomad/ The podcast is sponsored by Bookitlist If you’re looking for unique travel adventures both near and far, make bookitlist.co your first port of call. While you’re there, if you like the sound of anything you see, you can add it to your online book-it-list to take advantage of great discounts when you book. Have you got a story to share? Have you planned the trip of a lifetime and want to tell me about it? [email protected] www.instagram.com/lukerichaa Read my book, Koh Tao, for free Leo’s looking for the perfect place to propose to the love of his life. When they arrive in the Thai tropical paradise of Koh Tao, he thinks he’s found it. But before he gets an answer, she’s nowhere to be seen. www.lukerichardsonauthor.com

Sophia Bartolini's got a very unusual life for a 16-year-old - she travels the world with her mum and sister, teaching yoga and mindfulness along the way.  In this inspiring conversation we talk about how travel is its own education, how plans changing are never something worth worrying about, and how all you need to travel with your family is a bit of compromise and understanding.  I loved this conversation and now feel pretty inspired to embark on some adventures of my own.  Here's the video I mention of Sophia volunteering in Tanzania which I mentioned in the intro.  Connect with Sophia online Instagram Website YouTube The podcast is sponsored by Bookitlist If you’re looking for unique travel adventures both near and far, make bookitlist.co your first port of call. While you’re there, if you like the sound of anything you see, you can add it to your online book-it-list to take advantage of great discounts when you book. Have you got a story to share? Have you planned the trip of a lifetime and want to tell me about it? [email protected] www.instagram.com/lukerichaa Read my book, Koh Tao, for free Leo’s looking for the perfect place to propose to the love of his life. When they arrive in the Thai tropical paradise of Koh Tao, he thinks he’s found it. But before he gets an answer, she’s nowhere to be seen. www.lukerichardsonauthor.com

Luke and Martha take to the rails for a trip on Scotland's West Highland Line.  Connecting Glasgow with Fort Williams and Mallaig, the West Highland Line is the UK's highest railway. Claimed by many to be one of most beautiful railways in the world, the line passes several notable highlights including Loch Lomond, Faslane and Ben Nevis.  It's a beautiful journey surrounded my snow covered moors, mountains and icy lochs.  Come with us :D  The podcast is sponsored by Bookitlist If you’re looking for unique travel adventures both near and far, make bookitlist.co your first port of call. While you’re there, if you like the sound of anything you see, you can add it to your online book-it-list to take advantage of great discounts when you book. Have you got a story to share? Have you planned the trip of a lifetime and want to tell me about it? [email protected] www.instagram.com/lukerichaa\ Read my book, Koh Tao, for free Leo’s looking for the perfect place to propose to the love of his life. When they arrive in the Thai tropical paradise of Koh Tao, he thinks he’s found it. But before he gets an answer, she’s nowhere to be seen. www.lukerichardsonauthor.com