Festivals: the world's most fascinating celebrations

Expect big skies and bigger energy on today’s special episode as we dive into the thrilling world of storms with veteran storm chaser Hank Schyma. Over three decades on the job, Hank has witnessed some of planet Earth’s most incredible weather shows. Today, he shares what it’s like to chase tornadoes, why lightning can appear blue and how he discovered the “green ghost”.Hank’s brand new book STORM is out on 28 October. Follow Hank on Youtube, Tiktok and Instagram @pecoshankGet Storm: https://geni.us/StormBook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week travel writer Dan Stables takes us on a thought-provoking journey through festivity, exploring some of the most eye-catching celebrations around the world from Gloucester's quirky cheese rolling contest to ritual mortification on the Thai island of Phuket. We discuss Spain's unmatched ability to party, Sulawesi's unique approach to death and whether or not you can visit the underworld from a shed in Lancashire.Dan's brand new book Fiesta is out now! Get it online and in all good book stores. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week DK Travel's very own cartographer James MacDonald shares the secrets of map-making. We discuss the reasons that every map holds an element of bias, how they can be used as powerful tools of propaganda and the role they play in an increasingly digital world. Tune in for cartographic follies, artistic liberties and the challenges of disputed borders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we're returning to Thailand with travel writer Lucie Grace. Together we explore the best islands for escaping the crowds, the beautiful landscapes of Khao Sok National Park and the country’s thriving wellness scene. Tune in for stays in floating bungalows, the magical celebrations of Loy Krathong and the ancient Tok Sen massage involving a hammer and wedge… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we're chatting to award-winning writer Shafik Meghji about Chile. Stretching almost a third of the length of South America, this narrow country is bursting with diverse landscapes, vibrant cities and incredible wildlife. Join us as we trek through the wilds of Torres del Paine, eat out in the buzzing port city of Valparaiso and journey to the mist-shrouded Chiloé Archipelago.Shafik's brand new book Small Earthquakes: A Journey Through Lost British History in South America is out July 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we’re joined by Mark Agnew, a writer, journalist and motivational speaker who made history as part of the first group to ever complete the Northwest Passage by kayak. We talk all about the resilience required to undertake the 2,000 mile trip, the unexpected joy of headwinds and close encounters with polar bears. We also discuss the true meaning of adventure and how you often don’t need to travel to a far-flung corner of the world to have a rewarding experience.Mark’s brand new book There Will be Headwinds is out 3rd July. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week travel writer Rebecca Hallett helps us dream up our perfect trip to Japan. Join us as we explore the lesser visited places across the archipelago and encounter a fire festival that feels like a fever dream, an 80 temple pilgrimage tracing the coastline and the bear mascot/happiness manager who has become a Japanese obsession.The fossilised tree museum mentioned is Sanbe Azukihara Buried Forest Museum.Get your copy of Ultimate Japan: https://geni.us/UltimateJapan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we’re off to Bologna with travel and culture writer Alex Sakalis. The capital of Emilia-Romagna is nicknamed la dotta (the learned) for its university, the oldest in Europe; la rossa (the red) for both the colour of its buildings and its political leanings; and la grassa (the fat) for its gluttonous cuisine. Join us on a tour of pretty piazzas, porticoed streets and pasta dishes as we uncover the city’s distinct identity, rich culinary heritage and surprising jazz pedigree.Discover The Italian Way: https://geni.us/TheItalianWay Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we're off to Istanbul, a unique city straddling two continents. Journalist Jennifer Hattam takes us on a tour of Byzantine monuments, Ottoman mosques and traditional taverns. Tune in for Turkish breakfast, hammam culture and island excursions... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we talked to travel writer Ben Aitken about his new book, Shitty Breaks: A Celebration of Unsung Cities. Over the course of a year, Ben opted to “travel in the wrong direction", visiting twelve of the least visited cities in the UK and Ireland. With an open mind and a rather unusual bucket list, Ben encountered alpacas in Bradford, tested ski slopes in Sunderland and drank in the only Wetherspoons without a name. In today's episode he demonstrates that, with the right approach, anywhere can make for a great holiday. After all, it's people who make a place. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.