One Off Travel Stories

In this episode, Andrew sits down with intrepid traveler and language enthusiast Ben Jovic to hear about his 2012 study abroad year. Ben skipped the typical sunny Spanish beaches his classmates preferred for a Soviet-style apartment in Yaroslavl. Surviving -40 degree winters and an endless supply of his host's homemade beetroot soup, Ben talks about culture shock and daily life in Russia at the time. He also shares some unforgettable stories that he picked up along the way. It's a funny, fascinating look at jumping headfirst into an entirely different way of life.Guest:British-born and currently living in the United States.An avid language learner. He has studied Russian, Spanish, French, and German.Chapters:00:00:00 Introduction and the origins of Ben's travel bug.00:04:36 Ben's linguistic background and learning multiple languages.00:09:14 The decision to study abroad in Russia.00:14:58 Arriving in Yaroslavl and eating the babushka's beetroot soup.00:24:36 Moving to Saint Petersburg and adjusting to Russian life.00:28:44 A late-night adventure getting a ride home from strangers.00:32:09 Encounters with metro security and the resilient local snow shovelers.00:36:39 Reflecting on the adventure and touring Moscow.00:40:55 Recent trips to Asia and future plans to visit China.Resources and Links:Yaroslavl, Russia, a city known for its Orthodox churches.Saint Petersburg, Russia, where Ben spent his second semester.Interrail Pass, which Ben used to travel Central Europe.Novodevichy Cemetery, located in Moscow.Lenin's Mausoleum, located in Red Square.Call to action:Check out our website at oneofftravelstories.com. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.

In this episode of One Off Travel Stories, Andrew sits down with editorial travel photographer and writer Mark Eden. Mark shares his transition from corporate life to globetrotting photography, which inspired his book Global Village, a collection of "little stories" celebrating the everyday lives of people worldwide. The conversation then shifts to a journey back in his home country of Australia, where Mark accompanied a First Nations elder, also named Mark, to Kangaroo Island. Through this trip, Mark Eden uncovers the island's spiritual significance, hears powerful firsthand accounts of the Stolen Generations, and learns how Indigenous culture is being reclaimed and shared today.Guest:Editorial travel photographer and writer based in Melbourne, Australia, who focuses on highlighting lesser-explored regions and the "little stories" of everyday people.Author of the photography book Global Village, which features visual stories exploring shared humanity across roughly ten countries.Currently working on a new long-term book project documenting traditional Japanese crafts.Chapters:Introduction and Mark's journey from corporate life to photographyThe inspiration behind "little stories" and the Global Village bookThe decision to explore Australian roots and First Nations historyMeeting a first nations elderThe spiritual significance and creation stories of Kangaroo IslandThe beauty of Kangaroo IslandMark's Future projectsResources and Links:Mark Eden's Official WebsiteGlobal Village (Mark Eden's book)Kangaroo Island, South Australia

In this episode, host Andrew sits down with adventure travel writer Michelle to discuss her expedition to the Yemeni island of Socotra. Sparked by a photograph of a blooming bottle tree, Michelle joined a guided group to explore the island's rare flora, including the endangered Dragon's Blood tree. The conversation covers the realities of off-grid desert camping, the memorable connections the group made, and the benefits of stepping out of your comfort zone.Guest:Michelle is an adventure travel writer, content creator, and the founder of the travel blog No Place Like Roam, having explored over 90 countries.Born in Nepal and raised in Papua New Guinea and Australia, she developed a deep, lifelong connection to global exploration from a very young age.Her writing and travels focus heavily on under-the-radar destinations, sustainability, and the unique logistics of adventuring alongside her 13-year-old son.Chapters:Growing up across the globe and early travel roots 00:00:01Balancing a corporate career with international adventures 00:07:35Raising a global citizen and traveling with kids 00:09:56Discovering Socotra through a photograph 00:15:04The logistics of flying to a remote Yemeni island 00:20:15Embracing the challenges of off-grid desert camping 00:24:27Breathtaking landscapes and the endangered Dragon's Blood trees 00:33:14Stargazing under one of the world's darkest skies 00:40:44Experiencing local hospitality and bonding during Ramadan 00:44:58Upcoming diving adventures off the coast of Borneo 00:48:25Resources and Links:No Place Like Roam - Michelle's official travel blog.Destination Chaser - Andi's Instagram and travel group that organized the Socotra expedition.One-Off Travel Stories - The podcast's official home on the web.

In this episode of One Off Travel Stories, Andrew sits down with Mark Mustian, a seasoned traveler and author, to discuss his 2008 journey through Turkey and Syria. Mark traveled to the region to conduct firsthand research for his historical fiction novel, The Gendarme, which centers around the topic of the Armenian Genocide. Mark shares vivid memories of navigating tense border crossings, exploring the ancient Citadel in Aleppo, and navigating sensitive cultural topics during his travels.Guest:Mark is a professional lawyer who primarily practices contract law. He is an avid lifelong traveler who has visited over ninety countries. He is the author of three historical fiction books, including The Gendarme.Chapters:Introduction to Mark Mustian and the roots of his travel passionBalancing a legal career with global exploration and family lifeDiscovering heritage and the research process behind The GendarmeThe 2008 trip to Turkey and a difficult Syrian border crossingVisiting the ancient Citadel and the Armenian quarter in AleppoNavigating sensitive historical topics and experiencing a tense border exitMark's future travel plans to Argentina, Uruguay, and RwandaResources and Links:Mark Mustian's Official WebsiteThe Gendarme by Mark MustianThe Black Dog of Fate by Peter Balakian (Mentioned Book)Call to action:Check out my website at oneofftravelstories.com. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.

Legendary investor and traveler Jim Rogers joins the show to share wisdom from his two epic global journeys, one by motorcycle and one by car, that set world records. Jim discusses how he retired early from Wall Street to see the world, sharing insights on how on-the-ground travel informs his investment strategy and why he chose to drive a bright yellow Mercedes through 116 countries. From being held "hostage" by a police chief in the Congo to his philosophy on exploring the unknown, Jim encourages listeners to embrace the uncomfortable and go where they haven't been before.Guest:Legendary investor and traveler who retired early from Wall Street to hit the open road.World record holder for land travel, having driven over 100,000 km across six continents on a motorcycle and over 245,000 km in a car.Author of Investment Biker and Adventure CapitalistChapters:From smalltown Alabama to retiring early from Wall Street Seeing the world through an investor's lens Being held hostage by a police chief in the Congo Using a yellow Mercedes convertible as a safety precautionNavigating border crossings and curiosity versus greed Economic models: Seeing countries change for the better Why Chad is next on the travel list Jim’s advice: Go somewhere, especially if it is not comfortable Resources and Links:Jim Rogers WebsiteCall to Action:Check out our website at oneofftravelstories.com. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.

When a last-minute invitation took Matt Wilson to Iceland to document climate change and adventure tourism, it started out as a typical outdoor adventure. He met a backcountry guide, rode “super jeeps” across rivers, and climbed a glacier at midnight. However, while sitting with new friends above the clouds admiring volcano peaks in the distance he also hatched the idea that became his future business.Guest: Matt WilsonCo-founder & CEO, Under30ExperiencesAuthor of The Millennial Travel GuidebookLongtime digital nomad; based in Puerto RicoTopics Covered:New York grind to unexpected Iceland inviteMeeting Siggi and exploring Iceland’s backcountrySuper jeeps, river crossings, and glacier sunsetsSeeing climate change at the glacier’s edgeThe mountaintop brainstorm that sparked Under30ExperiencesStartup Iceland, the U.S. Embassy, and the President’s houseFrom one retreat to a global travel communityWhat’s next: new trips and building impact through travelResources and Links:Under30Experiences: under30experiences.comCall to Action:Check out our website at oneofftravelstories.comIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Share your favorite travel stories with us on social media using #OneOffTravelStories.

In this episode, Andrew sits down with Anne Marie Wells to hear about her solo hitchhiking trip across Iceland, where she spent weeks asking strangers one question: “What is your happiest memory?”. From there, she would venture out to visit the scene of the memory. Anne Marie shares the emotional highs and quiet moments that defined her trip and how curiosity and courage opened doors she never expected.Guest: Anne Marie WellsPoet, playwright, and authorCreator of the books Write Some Cool Sh!t and Mommy, Why am I a Bird?Upcoming memoir Happy IcelandWebsite: annemariewellswriter.comTopics Covered:Why Anne Marie chose to spend her 30th birthday in IcelandThe origin of her “happiest memory” questionConversations with strangers across Iceland’s landscapesUnplanned encounters and the kindness of localsThe emotional impact of traveling solo with purposeHow the experiment became a forthcoming bookLessons on spontaneity, reflection, and joyful connectionResources and Links:Anne Marie’s website: annemariewellswriter.comCall to Action:Check out our website at oneofftravelstories.comIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Share your favorite travel stories with us on social media using #OneOffTravelStories.

In this episode, Andrew sits down with Niamh, an Irish-born author and traveler, who tells the story of meeting her husband through sailing and of their harrowing experience sailing from Antigua towards the USA. After 18 months away from sailing due to the global pandemic, when they took to the seas from Antigua, they didn’t expect to find themselves caught in a high risk situation. A floating ball of rope tangled around the boat's propeller in the open ocean, forcing Niamh to dive beneath the waves to attempt an emergency fix. Guest: NiamhIrish-born bestselling author and speakerFormer TV director turned full-time traveler and cruise speakerWebsite: The Writer on the WaterChapters:Island life and remote explorationSailing and scuba divingThe unexpected love story on the open oceanNear-disaster rescue at seaTrusting instincts while travelingAdapting travel passions into new career pathsResources:The Writer on the WaterNiamh’s books: Following Sunshine, Flares Up, and Stories of PlaceCall to Action:Check out our website at oneofftravelstories.comIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Share your favorite travel stories with us on social media using #OneOffTravelStories.

When Rachael Rogers traveled through the south of France, her Airbnb host offered to show her around the area, and it turned into one of her most memorable experiences. In this episode, Andrew chats with Rachael about her road trip through Provence, the beauty of taking your time, and the joy of visiting a lavender field in full bloom.Guest: Rachael RogersFounder of For the Story VacationsFormer actor turned travel advisorSpecializes in curated European experiencesTopics Covered:Rachael’s shift from acting to travel planningSolo travel and navigating the backroads of ProvenceStumbling upon a breathtaking, secluded lavender fieldThe joy of slow, immersive travelReflectionsStarting her boutique travel agencyResources and Links:Rachael's Website: For the Story VacationsCall to Action:Check out our website at oneofftravelstories.comIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Share your favorite travel stories with us on social media using #OneOffTravelStories

In this episode, Andrew sits down with Peter Moore, writer, editor, illustrator, and former Men's Health editor, to talk about a work trip to Nepal that went off-script in all the best ways. Originally planning to trek to Everest Base Camp for a radio segment, Peter’s journey was rerouted by a typhoon, leading him instead on the Langtang-Gosainkunda trail. Along the way, he faced monsoons, illness, altitude, and moments of spiritual awe. From recording radio interviews in the rain to taking a ritual cleansing dip in a sacred lake, Peter reflects on transformation through travel and how getting lost—literally and figuratively—can be the greatest gift of all.Guest: Peter MooreFormer Editor at Men’s Health and host of Men’s Health LiveWriter, illustrator, and editor at The Colorado SunCreator of Road to Elsewhere, a Substack combining writing and original cartoonsAuthor or ghostwriter of three New York Times bestsellersTopics Covered:Peter’s Early Love for Travel and National Geographic MemoriesLeaving the Magazine World and Embracing the UnknownThe Plan to Hike to Everest Base Camp—and the Typhoon That Changed EverythingTrekking the Langtang Region in Monsoon SeasonCultural Insights: Hospitality, Porters, and Pink PantsA Sacred Bath at Gosainkunda Lake and Its Lasting ImpactGetting Lost (and Found) in KathmanduReflections on Flow, Aging, and Travel as TransformationResources and Links:Peter’s Substack: Road to ElsewhereLearn more about Gosainkunda Lake and Langtang Trekking.Call to Action:Check out our website at oneofftravelstories.comIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Share your favorite travel stories with us on social media using #OneOffTravelStories.