Route 66: The Mother Road at 100

Route 66 turns 100, and there's no better place to experience this legendary highway than Arizona. In this episode, GoNOMAD travel writer Susmita Sengupta takes us on a memorable road trip along the longest preserved stretch of America's most famous highway, from Holbrook to Kingman.

The journey begins at Petrified Forest National Park, where 200-million-year-old fossilized trees and the colorful landscapes of the Painted Desert reveal some of Arizona's most striking scenery. From there, the road leads to historic Winslow, home to Native American artifacts, railroad history, and the beautifully restored La...

SHOW NOTES — Varanasi and Dharamshala: India’s Two Spiritual Worlds

Episode Summary

In this episode, Max joins John Wright, a travel writer from Seattle, who travels through two of India’s most powerful spiritual centers. Varanasi, a city that overwhelms every sense, and Dharamshala, a peaceful Himalayan refuge shaped by the Dalai Lama’s presence. They share a spiritual reputation, but the experience of each place feels like stepping into opposite worlds.

Varanasi

Varanasi hits travelers with full force the moment they arrive. The Ghats along the Ganges are a nonstop processi...

WHAT YOU’LL HEAR IN THIS EPISODE

A late‑August journey to Croatia, exploring the island of Korčula and the vibrant port city of Split. Crystal‑clear water, tiny beaches, stone towns, seafood feasts, and the easy rhythm of island life. This episode follows a simple, car‑free travel pattern: fly, ferry, relax — and let Croatia do the rest.

🌊 HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE EPISODE

SHOW NOTES —

BASED ON 140 ISK PER US DOLLAR

On this episode of the GoNOMAD Travel Podcast, we join experts in campervanning, who head to Iceland to find out why so many travelers swear by renting a campervan. After a week circling the Ring Road, they learned that the van is both the thing that makes the trip magical — and the thing that can derail it if you don’t know the rules.

We talk about the real‑world lessons from the road: insurance surprises, gravel hazards, wind‑blown doors, F‑roads, campsite rules, fueling chal...

Episode Summary: Southern Belize is often overlooked by travelers who arrive expecting beaches, reef trips, and resort life. In this episode, Max explores the part of Belize that doesn’t fit neatly into the brochure — a region defined by small coastal villages, Garifuna culture, Maya communities, rainforest rivers, and a pace that encourages travelers to slow down and pay attention.

Check out the new Smart Travel Podcast

This episode is supported by Smart Travel a new podcast from Nerd Wallet. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Follow Smart Travel wherever you get your...

SHOW NOTES — GoNOMAD Travel Podcast — Hosted by Max Hartshorne Featuring Senior Writer Chin Liang & guest Reint Grobler of Harvest Table Bistro

Episode Overview

Today we head to South Africa’s Western Cape — but not the version most travelers think they know. Yes, Cape Town is spectacular, but this episode is all about the offbeat, the gritty, the authentic experiences that lie just beyond the city limits.

Chin Liang sits down with Reint Grobler, owner of Harvest Table Bistro in Wolseley, to map out a road trip filled with spice‑laden cooking lessons, quad‑bike adrenal...

Show Notes and Episode Overview

In this episode, we travel deep into British Columbia’s Great Bear Rainforest — a 6.4‑million‑hectare expanse of fjords, islands, river estuaries, and ancient forest — to witness one of the planet’s rarest animals: the white‑furred Kermode bear, known to the Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation as the Spirit Bear. Fewer than 150 are believed to exist, making any encounter feel improbable, almost mythical.

Our guest, travel writer James Ross, recounts his journey aboard the historic tugboat MV Swell, an intimate expedition vessel operated by Maple Leaf Adventures. His story takes us from the dock...

Check out the new Smart Travel Podcast

This episode is supported by Smart Travel a new podcast from Nerd Wallet. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Follow Smart Travel wherever you get your podcasts. Smart Travel Podcast

Show Notes on Private Railcar Travel, with Halloway.

Traveling on a private train from Chicago to Emeryville offers a unique experience, blending luxury with nostalgia. Halloway Travel is making private rail travel possible for anyone.

This journey emphasizes the importance of slowing down and appreciating the scenery as it unfo...

Show Notes

Caviar on the Ground, Coach in the Air:

Inside the $1,300 PS Concierge Terminal in Miami

In this episode, Max dives into one of the most surreal, over‑the‑top travel experiences available to regular commercial passengers: PS, the luxury private terminal that lets you skip the airport entirely and board your flight from the tarmac like an A‑lister.

Travel columnist Dawn Gilbertson of The Wall Street Journal spent $1,300 to test the brand‑new PS Miami facility, and her story is a wild ride through a world where caviar, chauffeu...

Show Notes — GoNOMAD Travel Podcast Episode: Manipur’s Sangai Festival — A Deer, A Floating National Park, and a Journey Across India’s Jewel State

Episode Summary

In this episode, Max shares the story of Manipur’s extraordinary Sangai Festival—a ten‑day celebration dedicated to a deer once believed extinct. Based on Sushant Pandey’s travels, we explore Manipur’s floating national park, the revival of the Sangai deer, and the cultural richness of this lesser‑known northeastern Indian state.

Check out the new Smart Travel Podcast

This episode is supported by Smart T...

EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode, Max heads to the medieval hilltop town of Alquézar, in Northern Spain’s Sierra de Guara region, for an unforgettable canyoning adventure with Sally Adventures. Joined by a group of five travelers all over sixty, Max recounts the exhilaration of scrambling down limestone walls, sliding through narrow water channels, and leaping into cold mountain pools — proving that adventure has no age limit.

Check out the new Smart Travel Podcast

This episode is supported by Smart Travel a new podcast from Nerd Wallet. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from...

SHOW NOTES

Exploring the Quirky Hammond Castle of Gloucester, Massachusetts

On this episode of the GoNOMAD Travel Podcast, contributor Susmita Sengupta takes us to the rugged, wave‑carved coastline of Cape Ann, Massachusetts — home to one of New England’s most eccentric landmarks: Hammond Castle.

Built between 1926 and 1929 by inventor John Hays Hammond Jr., the castle rises dramatically above the Atlantic, its stone towers and arched windows overlooking the crashing surf. Hammond, known as the Father of Radio Control, held hundreds of patents and transformed his seaside home into both a medieval fantasy and a...

How an Irish‑Born Grandparent Could Change Your Life

On this episode of the GoNOMAD Travel Podcast, we explore a story that begins with a simple family rumor — the kind told at holiday tables and half‑remembered over generations. What if that old tale about your Irish grandmother isn’t just nostalgia, but a key that could change where you’re allowed to live, work, and travel for the rest of your life?

Check out the new Smart Travel Podcast

This episode is supported by Smart Travel a new podcast from Nerd Wallet. Tr...

SHOW NOTES Baguio: An American Hill Station in the Philippine Highlands

Today on the GoNOMAD Travel Podcast, Senior Writer Chin Liang takes us up into the cool, mist‑wrapped mountains of northern Luzon to explore Baguio (BAG‑ee‑oh), the Philippines’ original highland escape. While most of the country swelters in tropical heat, Baguio sits comfortably below 70°F year‑round — a climate that first drew American colonizers here in the early 1900s and still lures travelers today.

Check out the new Smart Travel Podcast

This episode is supported by Smart Travel a new podcast f...

Check out the new Smart Travel Podcast

This episode is supported by Smart Travel a new podcast from Nerd Wallet. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Follow Smart Travel wherever you get your podcasts. Smart Travel Podcast

Show Notes:

In this episode of the GoNOMAD Travel Podcast, Max shares his lifelong affection for ferries — the working boats that move commuters, islanders, day‑trippers, and football fans with the same steady indifference. Ferries don’t pamper or preen, but they offer something better: a front‑row seat to the water and th...

Check out the new Smart Travel Podcast

This episode is supported by Smart Travel a new podcast from Nerd Wallet. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Follow Smart Travel wherever you get your podcasts. Smart Travel Podcast

Host: Max Hartshorne, Editor of GoNOMAD Travel Episode: KÖKAR Island, Åland Archipelago, Finland Guest Insight: Natalie Björk of Brudhäll Hotel

Episode Summary

In this episode, Max travels to Kökar, a tiny island in Finland’s autonomous Åland archipelago, where silence feels alive, and the Nordic light seems...

Dharavi in Mumbai, India, is one of the most misunderstood places on Earth. For decades, the world has labeled it a slum, a word that flattens a million lives into a stereotype. But today on the GoNOMAD Travel Podcast, Senior Writer Chin Liang takes us deep inside this remarkable Mumbai neighborhood with the help of two longtime residents and guides: Mohammad Sadique of Inside Mumbai Tours and Krishna Pujari of Reality Tours & Travel.

This episode challenges everything you thought you knew about Dharavi. Instead of despair, you’ll find industry. Instead of chaos, community. Instead of...

What All Those Numbers on Your Boarding Pass Really Mean

In this episode, we break down the mysterious codes, letters, and numbers printed on every airline boarding pass. Inspired by a deep dive in Condé Nast Traveler, we look at what each part of your pass actually tells the airline about you, your ticket, and your trip.

What we cover in this episode

• Your six‑digit PNR code

The all‑caps alphanumeric identifier that unlocks your reservation, prints your boarding pass, and connects to your full passenger profile.

• Why the barco...

Meandering in Málaga, Spain

In this episode, we explore Málaga, a warm, walkable, art‑filled city on Spain’s Costa del Sol. GoNOMAD contributor Debbie Garrick shares her March adventure, a trip built on wandering without an agenda.

What we cover in this episode

• Arriving in Málaga A friendly taxi driver, avocado farm stories, and the first glimpse of a city far more elegant than its Costa del Sol stereotype.

• Old Town at night: The massive cathedral glowing above the plazas, the Roman amphitheatre lit from below, and dinner besi...

In this episode of the GoNOMAD Travel Podcast, Senior Writer Chin Liang takes us deep into the heart of Transylvania, a region forever linked to gothic legends, dark forests, and of course… vampires. But as Chin quickly shows us, the real Transylvania—and the real Brașov—is far more fascinating than any fictional horror story.

We begin with the scenic train ride from Bucharest, winding through the Carpathian Mountains before arriving in Brașov, a city of 250,000 people that still feels like a perfectly preserved medieval town. In the Old Town’s Council Square, Chin notices something...

In this episode, we head to Lower Manhattan to explore the layers of history hidden beneath the skyscrapers of Wall Street. Longtime GoNOMAD contributor Susmita Sengupta, a New Yorker with a sharp eye for the city’s past, takes us on a walking journey through the Financial District — revealing the colonial streets, early American landmarks, and sacred spaces that shaped the beginnings of the United States.

We begin at the New York Stock Exchange, but instead of watching the crowds, Susmita leads us to the Federal Hall National Memorial, the “Birthplace of American Government,” where George Washington took the...

In this episode, host Max Hartshorne takes listeners deep into Komodo National Park, exploring what it actually feels like to move through one of the world’s wildest island chains. This isn’t the postcard version—this is the lived version.

Drawing from on‑the‑ground insight in the uploaded script — “You start to realize Komodo National Park isn’t really a checklist kind of place. It’s something you feel your way through.” — the episode breaks down the rhythm, the slowness, the raw landscapes, and the moments in between that define the Komodo experience.

You’ll hear how t...

MOSTAR, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA — A RESILIENT CITY OF HISTORY, DIVING FEATS & ADVENTURE

In this episode, we travel to Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina — a city where beauty, bravery, and centuries of history meet on the stones of one of the world’s most iconic bridges.

Host Max Hartshorne takes listeners to the edge of the 79‑foot Stari Most, where divers have leapt into the emerald Neretva River for nearly 500 years, continuing a rite of passage that has become one of Europe’s most thrilling spectacles.

We explore the rebuilt 16th‑century Ottoman bridge, a UN...

On today’s episode of the GoNOMAD Travel Podcast, we’re unpacking a safety warning you’ve heard on every flight but may not have taken seriously: don’t reach for your phone if it slips between the airplane seats — call a flight attendant instead.

It sounds like a small thing, but as we explore in this episode, it’s a rule written in fire. Literally.

This story comes from reporting in Afar Magazine, and it reveals just how dangerous a crushed smartphone can be inside an aircraft cabin.

🔥 What You’ll Hear in This E...

We explore this vibrant region, known for its stunning landscapes, mountains, local vineyards, and a plethora of agri-tourism opportunities. Our journey takes us through charming towns like Dunham, Bromont, and Frelighsburg, where we stay at the welcoming Gite La Maison Bleu and dine at Espace Old Mill, enjoying meals crafted from locally sourced ingredients.

This episode includes many photos and short videos from this region of Quebec, edited by Teh Chin Liang, a GoNOMAD Contributor.

We also visit innovative cideries and partake in activities such as mountain biking and disc golf, all while soaking in...

This week, host Max Hartshorne takes you inside one of Europe’s most intense and iconic travel experiences: the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain. With insight from Pamplona resident Losu Values, we explore what it really takes to watch the event—not just survive it—and how first-time visitors can actually understand what they’re seeing.

Most travelers arrive with a cinematic image in mind: bulls charging, runners sprinting, adrenaline everywhere. But the reality is more layered. The route changes character from section to section, and your experience depends entirely on where you stand and how earl...

SHOW NOTES — GoNOMAD Travel Podcast PENANG, MALAYSIA's Miao Hui New Years

In this episode, we travel to the vibrant island of Penang, Malaysia, where Lunar New Year isn’t just a date on the calendar—it’s a living, breathing celebration that spills into the streets of George Town. Senior Writer Chin Liang Teh takes us home to his island to experience Miao Hui, a community‑driven festival that preserves the traditions many big cities have long forgotten.

🎧 What You’ll Hear in This Episode

SHOW NOTES — SKIING IN JASNÁ, SLOVAKIA

Episode Title: Skiing in Jasná: A Winter Adventure in Slovakia’s Low Tatras

Host: Max Hartshorne, GoNOMAD Travel Podcast

In this episode, Max takes listeners along on a winter journey through Slovakia, a country full of surprises — from affordable skiing and cozy chalets to wooden UNESCO churches and medieval castle ruins. Traveling with a small group of nine, Max explores the Low Tatras, skis the slopes of Jasná, and discovers why Slovakia is one of Europe’s most underrated winter destinations.

What You’ll Hear in This Episo...

Show Notes: Ho Chi Minh City — Then and Now

In this episode, Senior Writer Chin Teh Liang takes us to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s largest and fastest-changing metropolis. Once known as Saigon, the city still carries the echoes of its wartime past and its elegant French colonial heritage—yet today it’s a booming, modern powerhouse with a skyline that surprises first‑time visitors.

What We Cover in This Episode

A City of Layers: Colonial Beauty, War History, and Modern Energy

Chin arrives during the 50th anniversary of Vietnam’s reunificat...

GoNOMAD Travel Podcast: Humboldt County, California

Episode Title: Humboldt County: Redwoods, Oysters, and Coastal Charm

Host: Max Hartshorne, based on a story by Jerry Olivas. drolivas@hotmail.com

Episode Summary: In this episode, Max takes us to the far northern reaches of California to explore Humboldt County—a region defined by towering redwoods, rugged coastline, and laid-back towns like Eureka and Arcata. From oyster farms on Humboldt Bay to Victorian architecture and vibrant farmers' markets, this is a place where nature and culture intertwine.

What You'll Hear About:

Show Notes: Skiing Mt. Bachelor & Exploring Bend, Oregon

In this episode of the GoNOMAD Travel Podcast, Max heads to Central Oregon to explore one of the most surprising ski destinations in the United States: Mt. Bachelor. This massive, 9,065‑foot volcanic peak offers something rare in North America — true 360‑degree skiing from the summit. With more than 4,300 acres of terrain and plans for even more expansion, Mt. Bachelor is a mountain that keeps skiers coming back year after year.

But the story doesn’t end on the slopes. Just 25 minutes away sits Bend, Oregon, a high‑desert cit...

The New Year celebration in Chiang Mai, Thailand, is a rich tapestry of sights, sounds, and traditions that provides a unique experience for all who partake. The city is alive with energy as it transforms into a vibrant hub for festivities.

January 1 is not just a day but the beginning of a week-long holiday where locals and visitors alike engage in a variety of celebratory activities. The streets are bustling with life, illuminated by lanterns that glow softly against the backdrop of the night sky, while the scent of street food tantalizes the senses. This journey through...

📝 Episode Summary: In this episode of the GoNOMAD Travel Podcast, Max takes us deep into Brazil’s interior for a road trip to Chapada dos Veadeiros — a wild, luminous UNESCO wonderland of waterfalls, quartz-rich plateaus, and golden savanna skies. From the bureaucratic grid of Brasília to the rolling cerrado, this is Brazil at its most primal and beautiful.

We explore the three key bases — Alto Paraíso, São Jorge, and Cavalcante — each offering a different flavor of adventure, comfort, and access to Brazil’s best waterfalls. You’ll hear practical tips on logistics, car rentals, e-SIMs, and why yo...

NUQUÍ: COLOMBIA’S WILD PACIFIC COAST, THEN AND NOW

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode, we journey to Nuquí, one of the most remote and biodiverse corners of Colombia’s Pacific coast. It’s a place where the rainforest crashes into the ocean, where there are no roads, and where life moves to the rhythm of tides, rain, and community.

Our host revisits a 2008 expedition to the region—complete with a disastrous boat ride, rainforest hikes, dugout canoe journeys, and encounters with the pioneering eco‑lodges that helped shape sustainable tourism in Chocó.

We also exp...

Episode Title: Bishkek: The Green City Under Tian Shan

Episode Summary:

In this episode of GoNOMAD Travel Podcast, senior writer Chin Liang teams up with Talgat from Datka Travel to uncover the overlooked charms of Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. While most travelers rush to the countryside for horse riding and yurt stays, Bishkek rewards those who linger with leafy boulevards, Soviet‑era architecture, vibrant festivals, and mouthwatering Central Asian cuisine.

What You’ll Discover in This Episode:

SHOW NOTES: WILMINGTON BY RAIL – BIDEN’S HOMETOWN AND DELAWARE’S HIDDEN CHARMS

🚆 Episode Overview

In this episode, we journey by train from Massachusetts to Wilmington, Delaware—arriving at the Joseph R. Biden Station in the heart of the city. Wilmington may be small, but it’s packed with history, culture, and surprises. From the spotlight of the 2020 election to the legacy of the DuPont family, this city offers a fascinating blend of small‑town warmth and corporate power.

🌆 Highlights You’ll Hear About

Flighty is revolutionizing the way we manage our air travel by providing the world's fastest delay alerts and comprehensive flight tracking information. Unlike traditional airline apps that often leave passengers in the dark, Flighty predicts delays, tracks inbound aircraft, and delivers crucial weather updates, empowering travelers with timely information.

For frequent flyers and anxious travelers alike, this app offers not just data but peace of mind, allowing us to anticipate changes and adjust our plans accordingly. With features such as a connection assistant and calendar sync, Flighty enhances the overall travel experience by keeping us informed and...

Join us as we explore the vibrant capital of Spain, Madrid, through the eyes of fashion stylist Cathie Arquilla. In this episode, we delve into why Madrid is emerging as a premier destination for luxury shopping, world-class culture, and culinary delights that offer a distinctly Spanish flair.

Cathie shares her insights from a whirlwind three-day visit, highlighting key shopping neighborhoods like the upscale Calle Serrano and the eclectic El Rastro, where every style and taste can find something special. We also discuss standout spots such as Casa Loi, renowned for its modernist design and high-quality leather goods...

Kota Kinabalu serves as a vibrant gateway to the adventures awaiting in Sabah, Malaysia, where we explore the rich culture, stunning landscapes, and delectable cuisine. This coastal city, the capital of Sabah, offers a multitude of experiences, from bustling markets to breathtaking hikes.

We guide you through the local culinary delights, such as the soft boiled eggs and kaya toast, and the enticing pork noodle soup that define the region's breakfast offerings. As we delve deeper, we highlight the unique opportunity to climb Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in Southeast Asia, where the views await. Join us...

New Ulm, Minnesota, often referred to as America's Little Germany, is a town steeped in rich German heritage, with around 65% of its 14,000 residents tracing their roots back to Germany.

This episode, written by GoNOMAD writer Sarah Arkey, dives into the vibrant culture and history of New Ulm, where you can savor local delicacies like bratwurst and experience the lively polka music that fills the air.

We explore how the town celebrates its heritage through annual events such as Oktoberfest and Bock Fest, which attract visitors from around the region. In addition to its culinary offerings...