Kayaking the Northwest Passage

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.

Last summer Rachel set off on the North Coast 500, travelling through some of Scotland’s most spectacular scenery, interviewing locals and writing about her experiences for DK's brand new guide. On today's episode we're talking whisky distilleries doing their bit for the environment, the art of patience in puffin watching and beaches that could fool you into thinking you were in the Caribbean (at least until you get in the water). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week travel writer and digital content creator Wendy Watta shares why Kenya is such a richly rewarding place to explore. Tune in for dramatic landscapes that harbour a staggering variety of wildlife, delicious dishes influenced by a history of migration and an island home to the best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week travel writer Pavlo Fedykovych regales us with Poland’s many charms. We discuss the historic sites of Kraków and Warsaw, outdoor adventures in the Tartra Mountains and the unsung pleasures of the country’s Baltic beaches. Tune in for an unlikely paradise called Hel, dragon festivals and pierogi. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we're off to the heart of Italy with travel writer Toni De Bella. From exploring Orvieto's ancient underground cave system and wandering around rose-coloured Assisi, to taking part in the olive harvest and celebrating medieval festivals, Toni shares Umbria's diverse offerings. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.