Exploring Berlin – Where History and Creativity Collide

Berlin is a city like no other. From Cold War watchtowers and Prussian palaces to punk clubs and street art-covered sections of the Berlin Wall, this episode dives into one of Europe's most dynamic capitals. David and Tim explore how the city’s past and present intersect, offering a unique travel experience full of culture, complexity, and creativity.In This EpisodeBerlin Then and Now: The story of a once-divided city reunitedCold War Landmarks: Visiting Checkpoint Charlie, the Palace of Tears, and the East Side GalleryIconic Sites:Brandenburg GateThe ReichstagTiergarten ParkHidden Gems in East Berlin:Karl-Marx-Allee's preserved Soviet-era architectureTränenpalast Museum and its powerful historyEast Side Gallery's open-air art and riverfrontWhat makes Berlin feel youthful, energetic, and unlike anywhere else in GermanyWhy Tim keeps returning to the city, and how his first impression as a backpacker changed over timeWhy ListenWhether you're a Cold War history buff, a first-time visitor, or a seasoned traveler returning to Berlin, this episode offers practical insights and thoughtful reflections on what makes the city worth exploring in depth.Next Episode: Part 2 will cover the best places to eat and stay in Berlin, plus tips on how to navigate the city like a local.Note: Some of the above links may be affiliate links. Booking through them comes at no additional cost to you but helps support the production of this podcast.

In part two, David and Tim dive into the practicalities of a Lisbon trip: where to eat, where to stay, and how to get around. Plus, they share their “Can’t Miss” Lisbon experiences.🚍 Getting AroundAffordable Ubers, historic trams, and why downhill walking is key🍴 Where to EatTime Out Market – Ideal for first-timers to sample Portuguese dishesLX Factory’s Cantina – Elevated Portuguese “worker food” in an industrial-chic spaceCura at Four Seasons Ritz – A Michelin-starred tasting menu with local ingredients🛏️ Where to StayFour Seasons Hotel Ritz – Grand, historic, with a rooftop running track and world-class spaTivoli Avenida Liberdade – Chic, central, and ideal for rooftop drinksCorpo Santo Historical Hotel – A 5-star gem with free walking tours, snacks, and even an ice cream machine!🌊 Day Trip “Can’t Misses”Sintra – A fairy-tale palace town with UNESCO status and romantic architectureCascais – A charming beach town with 17 different coves and a rich royal historyPastéis de Belém – The gold standard of custard tarts (get them hot from the oven!)Send us your travel questions and suggestions! We love to feature listener ideas—like last week’s Galápagos trip planning segment.Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voyascapemediaWatch travel features on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@voyascapeExplore more destinations at: https://www.voyascape.comNote: Some future links may be affiliate links. If you book through them, it supports the podcast at no extra cost to you.

Lisbon: Cobblestones, Culture, and Coastal CharmIn this week’s episode of Travel in 10, David Brodie and travel writer Tim Johnson head to one of Europe’s most underrated capitals—Lisbon. While it might not be top of mind for a first or even second trip to Europe, Portugal’s seaside capital rewards travelers who love slow discovery, local flavour, and old-world charm mixed with modern energy.In This Episode:Why Lisbon is a City That Reveals Itself SlowlyIt may not have the landmark checklist of Paris or Rome, but Lisbon offers a unique rhythm. Cobblestone streets, pastel buildings, tiled façades, and a coastal breeze make it a place to explore without an agenda.Must-Visit Sites & NeighborhoodsCastelo de São Jorge: Hilltop castle with panoramic city views and live Fado performancesExpo 98 Site & Oceanarium: A modern contrast to the historic core—great for families, cycling, and architecture buffsBelém Tower: 16th-century ceremonial gateway, now a relaxed riverfront gathering spot with music and street foodBaixa & Barrio Alto: The bohemian heart of the city, with vintage shops, music venues, bookshops, and endless places to explore on footFado: Portugal’s Melancholic SoundtrackFado, the traditional Portuguese music filled with emotion and longing, is everywhere in Lisbon—especially in castle courtyards and cozy venues. Tim gives his honest take (not for every mood), while David highlights how it captures the soul of the city.Take the TramHop on Tram 15 for a scenic ride along the Tagus River toward Belém—passing Christ the King, Lisbon’s answer to Rio’s Christ the Redeemer, and soaking in sweeping water views.Elevador de Santa JustaAn iconic 1902 neo-Gothic elevator connecting Lisbon’s lower and upper old towns. Come for the convenience, stay for the skyline views (especially at night when it's lit up).Final Thoughts:Lisbon isn’t a city that tries to impress with immediate grandeur—it’s a place that gets under your skin the longer you stay. From its layered history to its dynamic neighborhoods and warm affordability, it’s a European capital you’ll want to revisit again and again.Resources & More:Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voyascapemediaWatch travel features on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@voyascapeExplore more destinations at: https://www.voyascape.comNote: Some future links may be affiliate links. If you book through them, it supports the podcast at no extra cost to you.

In this special bonus episode we're headed to Oregon with the our friends the hosts of the Hidden Trails of Oregon Podcast.“It’s part action movie, part rock show blurring into the superbowl. It feels modern, but bull riding itself goes back to the bronze age. And that’s true for rodeo contests in general: bull riding, barrel racing or wild cow milking, they’re all based on tradition, and in keeping those traditions alive.‘Let ‘Er Buck’ makes a lot of sense from the back of a bull. But as we find out, it’s much more than a rodeo shout: it’s a way of life.”We’re leaping headfirst into the rodeo to end all rodeos, the 115 year-old Pendleton Roundup! In this episode, host Aaron Millar tests his mettle on a massive mechanical hog, before climbing into the stands for a (literally) explosive ‘Xtreme Bulls’ finale. We’ll lean over the bucking chutes and get clobbered by dirt flung from bronco hooves. But the roundup isn’t all spectacle, it’s also about family and tradition. We’ll step back in time to learn about the history of the event while sipping whiskey in the notorious ‘Let ‘er Buck’ room. Stories of champions, princesses, suicide-racers and steer-wrestlers wait around every corner.We’ll meet a generational indigenous horse relay racing team, hand them microphones, and listen in on their insane bare-back bid for victory. And through it all explore the western ties that bring all these groups to rodeo together each September.LET ‘ER BUCK!Remember you can see all of this yourself. Go to PendletonRoundup.com for details and take our advice: book early!Plan your next Oregon adventure at TravelOregon.com and you can find the full Hidden Trails of Oregon Podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.Thank you to all guests featured on the show: Toni Minthorn, Scott and Dylan Abramson, Pat Nogle and Butch Knowles A special thank you to Greg and Petra for showing us such a great time, we can’t wait to come back. Brian Thacker led our pre-production, Charles Tyrie assisted on audio editing, and the episode was recorded by Jason Paton who also wrote and co-produced along with host Aaron Millar.

In the second part of our Rome series, Travel in 10 host David Brodie reconnects with award-winning travel writer Tim Johnson, who shares fresh insights from his recent visit to the Italian capital. From smart tips on navigating the city to unforgettable pasta spots and hotel recommendations, this episode focuses on the practicalities of planning a great first trip to Rome—especially if you want to avoid the crowds, find the perfect meal, and stay somewhere memorable.In This Episode:Arriving in Rome: What to KnowFiumicino (Leonardo da Vinci) Airport is located outside the city—expect a 45+ minute transferPublic transit works well but doesn’t reach everywhere due to underground ruinsUber operates as a taxi-hailing service; local taxis are plentifulDon’t let transit logistics ruin your day—sometimes a cab is worth itWhen to VisitMay and September are ideal: fewer crowds, great weatherBe mindful of Italian holidays—some local businesses may close in AugustRome is always busy, but some shoulder-season planning can ease the experienceWhere to Eat: Rome’s Food SceneTrastevere: A bohemian neighborhood beyond the river, full of narrow laneways and packed with locals and hidden gems50 Kalò di Ciro Salvo: Neapolitan-style pizza, named one of Italy’s best by The New York TimesTrattoria della Stampa: Small, atmospheric Roman eatery known for its classic pastas: carbonara, cacio e pepe, and amatriciana. Affordable and beloved by locals—reserve ahead!Where to StayHotel Hassler: Iconic, family-owned hotel at the top of the Spanish Steps with panoramic views of the Vatican and central RomeThe Edition Rome: Sleek, modern, design-forward luxurySt. Regis Rome: Classic elegance with historic character and excellent serviceWaldorf Astoria Rome (Rome Cavalieri): A hillside retreat with resort vibes—perfect for escaping the city buzzCan’t-Miss Hidden GemsBasilica Santa Maria del Popolo: A lesser-known church with two original Caravaggio masterpieces. Open limited hours. Bring a €2 coin to light up the artwork.Insider Tip: Ask locals—concierges, tour guides, shopkeepers—for under-the-radar finds. Rome has layers of history and culture waiting to be uncovered.Explore more at: https://www.voyascape.comNext up: We head to Lisbon, Portugal, followed by a special guest episode from Paris with Oliver Gee of The Earful Tower. Stay tuned—and don’t forget to send us your travel questions and destination requests.Note: Some links may be affiliate links. If you book through them, there’s no added cost to you, but it helps support the podcast. Thanks!

In this first of two special episodes on Rome, Italy, hosts David Brodie & Tim Johnson explore the Eternal City as it stands in 2025—where timeless beauty meets the buzz of modern travel. From the Colosseum to the Vatican, and from hilltop gardens to hidden sovereign territories, this episode offers an insightful and entertaining look at how to make the most of your time in Rome, especially if you're visiting during peak season.In This Episode:Is Rome Worth Visiting in High Season?Why the crowds and heat are worth it—and how to stay cool with tips like filling up at the city’s free nasoni fountains.Iconic RomeColosseum: Why booking ahead and joining a guided tour transforms your experienceTrevi Fountain & Spanish Steps: Expect crowds, but don’t skip them—coin tosses and city views awaitVatican Museums & Sistine Chapel: Must-see masterpieces—book timed tickets in advanceSt. Peter’s Basilica: No ticket required, but take time to explore quieter corners for moments of peaceKeykeeper Tour Tip: Be the first inside the Vatican by joining a private early-morning opening tourOff-the-Beaten-Path HighlightsAccess Italy’s Golf Cart Tour: A customizable and stylish way to explore the city’s hidden gemsGiancarlos Beneditti Corcus: A local artist painting in the laneways near Piazza NavonaVilla Borghese Gardens: Shady paths, scenic views, and quiet cafés—perfect for escaping the crowdsKnights of St. John (Sovereign Military Order of Malta): A quirky micro-nation in Rome with its own flag, passports, and even UN observer statusHow Many Countries Can You Visit in a Day?Rome lets you check off three countries in a single day—Italy, Vatican City, and (unofficially) the Sovereign Military Order of MaltaFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voyascapemediaWatch more travel content on our Voyascape YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@voyascapeDiscover more travel tips at https://www.voyascape.comStay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll cover where to stay, what to eat, and how to get around the Eternal City.Note: Some upcoming links may be affiliate links. If you book using them, there's no additional cost, but a small portion helps support this podcast. Grazie!

In this special bonus episode of Travel in 10, host David Brodie brings back a listener favorite from the archives: a first-time family trip to London, England. Originally recorded in 2011, this episode is packed with immersive sounds from the city and timeless recommendations for how to spend 3–4 days in London with kids—including markets, museums, restaurants, and iconic attractions.This episode was previously only available as a video on our Voyascape YouTube Channel, but we’re bringing it back to the podcast feed due to popular demand.In This Episode: What to See & Do on a First Trip to LondonExplore London’s Best Markets:Old Spitalfields Market – An all-weather indoor market with food, fashion, and a great local vibeBrick Lane – Pop-up stalls, record vendors, vintage fashion, and the iconic Vibe BarColumbia Road Flower Market – A Sunday staple with tons of personalityThe Sunday UpMarket – Local designers, vintage finds, and fantastic global street foodFamily-Friendly Museums:Museum of Childhood – A hands-on, free museum featuring toys from the 1800s to todayBritish Museum – Antiquities from Egypt, Greece, and beyondNational Gallery – See masterpieces by Van Gogh, Picasso, and moreTop London Landmarks:London Eye – A 30-minute ride offering stunning views of the cityBig Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, 10 Downing Street – All within walking distanceGetting Around:Use an Oyster Card for access to the Tube and busesClassic double-decker buses and bike rentals also availableWhere to StayW London – Leicester Square: Stylish and modern with a central location steps from Chinatown, Piccadilly Circus, and Trafalgar Square. A perfect base for your first visit.Where to EatThe Spice Market (formerly in W London) – Flavorful pan-Asian cuisineJamie Oliver’s Catherine Street – A new flagship replacing the now-closed Jamie’s FifteenBocca di Lupo – Fantastic Italian fare in the theatre districtGelupo – Fresh gelato and imported Italian productsGordon Ramsay’s Plane Food at Heathrow – Elevated airport dining and gourmet picnic baskets to-go🎧 Listen to more episodes from around the world on:Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music📸 Follow us on Instagram: @voyascapemedia📺 Watch more on YouTube🌍 Explore our full network at Voyascape.comNote:...

In Part 2 of our Travel in 10 London series, co-hosts David Brodie and Tim Johnson dive into where to eat, where to stay, and what you absolutely shouldn’t miss on your next visit to one of the world’s most iconic cities.From rooftop pools and Michelin-starred hot dogs to hologram concerts and bustling food markets, this episode is packed with smart travel tips for repeat visitors ready to explore a deeper side of London.In This Episode:🥘 Where to Eat in LondonDishoom Shoreditch – A stylish, modern Indian restaurant inspired by Bombay cafés. Famous for its bacon naan roll breakfast and vibrant evening dining.Smokestak – A legendary East London BBQ spot with brisket, ribs, and an unforgettable sticky toffee pudding.Harrods Food Hall – A gourmet emporium that’s part food court, part culinary theatre—from fish and chips to Kobe beef and a Michelin-starred hot dog stand.Restaurant Gordon Ramsay – The world-famous chef’s original fine-dining flagship, still holding three Michelin stars since 1998.🛏️ Where to StayThe Hoxton, Shoreditch – A boutique hotel with stylish rooms, a buzzy lobby bar, and prime East London vibes.Mondrian Shoreditch – Chic, design-forward luxury with a rare rooftop pool.Andaz London Liverpool Street – A Hyatt property blending high style with history, located on the former site of “Bedlam.”The Savoy – Timeless luxury in the West End, near theatres and cultural landmarks, with impeccable service and heritage charm.🌟 Can’t-Miss ExperiencesBorough Market – London’s most beloved food market, bursting with artisan eats, gourmet produce, and street food.ABBA Voyage – A state-of-the-art, holographic concert experience in a custom-built stadium. A truly unforgettable night out.🎧 Listen to the episode on:Apple Podcasts |Spotify |Amazon Music📸 Follow us on Instagram: @voyascapemedia🌍 More curated travel content at <a href="https://www.voyascape.com" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

In this week’s episode of Travel in 10, co-hosts David Brodie and Tim Johnson explore what to do on your second (or third!) trip to London, England. If you’ve already checked Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and Westminster Abbey off your list, this episode dives deeper—exploring the city’s creative corners, lesser-known museums, and one-of-a-kind experiences.From the street art of Shoreditch to the war bunkers of Winston Churchill, this is your essential guide to uncovering London beyond the tourist trail.In This Episode:Shoreditch Uncovered – Why this East London neighborhood is perfect for return visitors:Cutting-edge art, fashion, and nightlifeA visit to Boxpark Shoreditch, a pop-up market of food stalls, bars, and shops made from shipping containersStreet art walking tours, including murals by Banksy and insights from local graffiti artistsTim’s Favorite Hidden Museums:The Crime Museum at New Scotland Yard – A rare and haunting collection usually closed to the public. Original Jack the Ripper letters, counterfeit printing plates, and historic murder weapons.Churchill War Rooms – The underground wartime HQ of Britain’s WWII leadership. Walk through the map room, Churchill’s personal bedroom, and experience a powerful look at history in motion.Tate Modern – Why even non-art lovers should experience one of the world’s best modern art museums. Housed in a massive converted power station and offering free entry.Who This Episode Is For:Travelers returning to London for a second (or third) timeBusiness travelers with time to exploreAnyone curious about art, history, or London's local cultureFans of hidden gems and offbeat attractions🎧 Listen to the episode on:Apple Podcasts |Spotify |Amazon Music📸 Follow us on Instagram: @voyascapemedia🌍 Discover more episodes and our global podcast network at Voyascape.comNote: Some of the above links are affiliate links. By booking your hotels and activities through them, there’s no additional cost to you—but a small portion of your booking helps support this podcast. Thank you!

This week on Travel in 10, co-hosts David Brodie and Tim Johnson take you to Sydney, Australia—a city where golden beaches meet global cuisine, where the Sydney Opera House glows against a skyline of steel, and where ferry rides, bush tucker tours, and surf lessons are all just part of a typical day.With decades of travel experience between them and firsthand stories from multiple visits—including one trip they shared together—David and Tim offer a traveler’s-eye view of one of the world’s most vibrant and liveable cities.In This EpisodeThe best ways to experience the Sydney Opera House—from performances to fine dining at Bennelong and budget-friendly bites at House CanteenWhy Circular Quay is the perfect home base for exploring the city’s icons like the Harbour Bridge, Royal Botanic Garden, and ferry terminalsClimbing 1,300+ steps on the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb for the most epic views of the skylineRiding the ferry to Camp Cove for a beach break with a skyline view—Tim’s personal favorite “Can’t Miss” in SydneySnorkeling in the Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve and Shelly Beach for a truly unique way to see Sydney’s marine lifeA deeper look at Aboriginal culture through the Bush Tucker Tour in the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Art Gallery of New South WalesWatching a live rugby or Aussie rules football match—because Sydney’s sports fans are in a league of their ownWhere to Stay in SydneyThe Langham Sydney – Five-star luxury with personalized service in The RocksSofitel Sydney Darling Harbour – Soak in skyline views from one of the world’s best bathtubsSydney Harbour Marriott – Steps from Circular Quay, perfect for views of the Opera HouseFour Points by Sheraton Sydney Central – Mid-range comfort with access to Surrey Hills and Spice AlleyOvolo Woolloomooloo – A boutique Australian brand blending style, creativity, and locationWhere to Eat in SydneyBennelong – Fine dining inside the Opera House with views to matchHouse Canteen – Budget-friendly eats with a front-row seat to the HarbourSydney Fish Market – A classic waterfront lunch spot with some of the freshest seafood in AustraliaLong Chim – Tim and David’s top pick for Thai street food meets upscale vibesSpice Alley – A must-visit for Pan Asian street food lovers in Surrey HillsCan’t MissDavid’s Pick: Snorkeling in the heart of the city at Cabbage Tree BayTim’s Pick: Riding ferries from Circular Quay to hidden beaches like Camp Cove, where you can swim with a skyline viewFollow &amp; SubscribeListen on:<a...