Winging It Travel Podcast

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Winging It On Location – Days 12-17 - UK + Paris: A 30k Step Day In Paris, 4 English Breakfasts in 4 Days + Thoughts on Home

In this episode, I wrap up my latest trip with Days 12–17 taking me from the UK to Paris before finally heading back home to Vancouver.

I spend some time back in...

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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

Winging It On Location – Days 9-11 - Finnish Lakelands: A Deserted Resort By The Lake, Epic Morning Drone Views + Helsinki Airport Chaos

In Days 9–11 of the Finland road trip, we continue north along Route 62 through the Finnish Lakelands, leaving our remote lakeside cabin behind and heading towards Puumala, where we cross the spectacular Puumalan...

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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

Winging It On Location – Days 7-8 - Finnish Lakelands - Mökki Life, More Saunas and Our Own Little Cabin Along Route 62

Days 7 and 8 take us properly into the Finnish Lakelands as we leave Helsinki behind and hit the road along Route 62.

After an early train from Helsinki to Lappeenranta, we pick up...

Winging It On Location – Days 4-6 - Helsinki: Our First Sauna, Trendy Coffees and Dancing On The Street

In this on-location episode of Winging It, I continue the Estonia-to-Finland road trip and spend three packed days exploring Helsinki — a city that quickly became one of my favourite capital cities in Europe.

From the ferry across the Gulf of Finland to trendy speciality coffee shops, a free walking tour, and our first proper Finnish sauna experience, this episode captures the atmosphere of Helsinki in real time. I share practical travel tips, food recommendations, transport advice, and the...

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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

Winging It On Location – Days 2-3-Tallinn: A Trendy Old Town, Estonian History and Monopoly Deal

In this second instalment of my Winging It On Location series from the Baltics, I spend two full days exploring Estonia’s capital beyond the first evening impressions. From avocado toast in one of Tallinn’s trendiest cafés to a...

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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

Winging It On Location – Day 1: 5-Hour Layover in Amsterdam & Arriving in Tallinn

The European tour is officially underway.

In this first on-the-road episode, I take you through my journey from Toronto to Tallinn via Amsterdam, including what you can realistically do with a 5-hour layover at Schiphol Airport. I share the exact...

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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

A year ago, my partner Emma was diagnosed with celiac disease, completely changing the way we think about travel. In this special episode, I'm sharing my conversation with Leigh Francis from The Gluten Free Advocate Podcast about what it's really like adapting to gluten-free travel while still chasing adventure.

We discuss the emotional side...

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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

Some travel memories fade over time, but others stay with you forever.

In this solo episode of the Winging It Travel Podcast, I'm sharing ten very specific travel moments from the past 15 years that instantly take me back whenever I think about them. These aren't just favourite countries or famous landmarks—they're the unexpe...

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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

Five years ago, I recorded one of the earliest solo episodes of Winging It, sharing ten pieces of travel advice that I wished someone had told me before I set off exploring the world. Since then, I've visited many more countries, built a travel podcast, launched a YouTube channel, started a podcast production business and expe...

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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

Why the World Cup Proves Travel Brings People Together | My Updated 2026 Travel Plans & Recovering From Kidney Stones

This week I'm sharing a more personal update as I recover from kidney stones, reflect on the incredible atmosphere surrounding the FIFA World Cup, and look ahead to an exciting second half of the year packed with...

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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

This week is a little different.

I went back through the Winging It archives and handpicked 15 previous guests, asking each of them the same quick-fire question:

"What would you say to someone who's nervous about travelling and why they should go?"

Their answers are honest, inspiring, funny and thought-provoking. Whet...

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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

Why You Should Stop Waiting for the “Right Time” to Take a Career Break (Taking A Career Break with Katrina Crossover)

This week on Winging It, I'm sharing a special crossover episode from my other podcast, Taking A Career Break with Katrina McGhee. I really feel our two audiences do crossover, so I am shari...

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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

Why Travel Changes Everything - A Deep Dive with James Hammond on the Island Vacation Travel Podcast

Hello guys!

Another guest appearance on another travel podcast today, and this time it is the Island Vacation Travel Podcast with Al Philogene, as we take a deep dive into the impact of travel on o...

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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

Wellington Travel Guide: Why I Spent a Year Living in New Zealand's Capital

Wellington is one of my favourite cities in the world, and in this episode I'm sharing exactly why.

I first visited New Zealand's capital in 2013 on the Kiwi Experience and instantly connected with the city. In 2017, when Emma and...

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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

Welcome to this special episode where I am on the other side of the mic!

I recently joined the Temporary Locals Podcast to share my experience travelling through the fascinating Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan. In this conversation, we dive into what makes Bhutan one of the most unique travel destinations on Earth, from its...

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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

Gabriola Island Travel Guide: British Columbia’s Peaceful Gulf Island Escape + Camping, Cafes & Beaches

In this immersive episode of the Winging It Travel Podcast, I head over to beautiful Gabriola Island in British Columbia for a peaceful weekend of camping, beaches, coffee shops, sunsets, ferries, and slow island living. Located just off the coast...

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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

Why Waiting Until Retirement To Travel Will Be Your Biggest Regret

Have you ever said to yourself, “I’ll travel when I retire”? In this solo episode of the Winging It Travel Podcast, I dive into why I believe waiting until retirement to travel could become one of your biggest regrets.

After trav...

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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

IMMERSIVE - The Soundscapes of Oaxaca, Mexico - Colourful Streets, The Zocalo, Busy Markets + A Local Food Tour

Oaxaca, Mexico, had been on my travel list for years, and in 2024, I finally got the chance to experience it for myself. In this immersive soundscape episode of the Winging It Travel Podcast, I take you...

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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

10 EPIC Campervan Road Trips We’re Planning Around the World

In this episode of the Winging It Travel Podcast, I’m sharing 10 incredible campervan road trips that are firmly on our bucket list for the next decade. From the dramatic fjords of Norway and the remote highways of Northern Canada to the deserts of Utah...

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

Ep 193 w/ Amanda Kendle - Should You Travel to Antarctica? Ethical Travel & The Cruel Reality of Wildlife Tourism

In this thought-provoking episode of the Winging It Travel Podcast, I’m joined by Amanda Kendle from The Thoughtful Travel Podcast to unpack two of the most controversial topics in modern travel: Antarctica tourism and wildli...

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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

What if a song could take you somewhere you've never been? Or transport you straight back to a beach, a bus ride, or an open road on the other side of the world?

In this solo episode I'm sharing the songs that have shaped my travel life — from the early days of dreaming about...

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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

In this deeply personal solo episode, I take you through my full travel journey—from growing up in Norwich with no real concept of travel, to building a life around it in Vancouver and around the world.

This isn’t just a story about where I’ve been—it’s about how my mindset around...

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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

How to Spend 3 Days in Victoria, BC | Ultimate Walkable Travel Guide

In this episode of the Winging It Travel Podcast, I take you through a full 4-night-3-day, no-car travel guide to Victoria, BC—perfect for a long weekend on Vancouver Island. From ferry mishaps and transport hacks to standout brunch spots, coffee cultur...

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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

REVISITING Episode 2 - One Week In Lub D, Bangkok, Thailand.

Bangkok Then vs My Trip in December 2025

In this episode of the Winging It Travel Podcast, I go back to where it all began—Bangkok, Thailand. Originally recorded as Episode 2 in 2021, this was my first real taste of long-term travel back in 201...

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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

What does a day in Bhutan actually sound like?

In this immersive episode of the Winging It Travel Podcast, I take you through a full day exploring the Kingdom of Bhutan—from peaceful sunrise views over Thimphu to the powerful sounds of monks in morning ritual, vibrant Himalayan festivals, and unforgettable Bhutanese cuisine.

Y...

Planning to visit Vancouver for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and wondering where to stay? In this episode of the Winging It Travel Podcast, I share a local’s guide to the 8 best areas to base yourself during the tournament.

Having lived in Vancouver for nearly seven years, I break down the pros, cons, transport links, and overall vibe of each neighbourhood so you can decide which one suits your travel style.

From beach neighbourhoods like Kitsilano and the relaxed waterfront of Olympic Village, to nightlife hubs like Yaletown and historic Gastown, you’ll get a clea...

Bhutan Travel Guide: Days 8-11, Travelling Solo, Flight To Bangkok With The Royal Family, Costs & Final Thoughts

In this penultimate episode of my Bhutan Series on Winging It, I wrap up my 11-day trip to Bhutan and share my final experiences exploring Thimphu and Paro, plus my biggest takeaways from travelling through one of the most fascinating countries in the world.

After originally planning a trek in the Haa Valley, I changed my itinerary and spent my final days wandering Bhutan’s capital Thimphu, experiencing Bhutan’s National Day celebrations, visiting local cafés, exploring marke...

Bhutan Itinerary Days 4–7: Druk Wangyel Festival, Punakha Dzong + Phobjikha Valley

In this episode of the Winging It Travel Podcast, I continue my Bhutan travel series covering Days 4–7 of my guided journey through one of the most unique and spiritual countries in the world.

These were some of the most immersive days of the entire trip.

It begins high in the mountains at the Druk Wangyel Festival, held annually at Dochula Pass. Surrounded by 108 chortens and Himalayan peaks, this patriotic festival honours Bhutan’s Fourth King and celebrates peace, unity, and national identity. Wearing the tr...

What is it really like to stay in a traditional homestay in Bhutan?

In this episode of the Winging It Travel Podcast, I’m coming to you from rural Bhutan, where I sit down with Ama Om — the owner of a traditional Bhutanese homestay located in a small village outside Punakha. With the help of a translator, Ama Om shares her life story and what it truly means to welcome travellers into her home.

Ama Om has been hosting guests for over a decade, offering far more than just accommodation. We talk about daily village life...

My Top 10 Lowest Moments On My Travels So Far

Travel isn’t always sunsets, summit views, and perfect Instagram moments — and in this episode, I get honest about the other side of life on the road.

Before diving in, I acknowledge just how much of a privilege travel is, especially in a world where many people face conflict, instability, and restrictions on movement. This episode isn’t about criticising countries, cultures, or places — it’s about the very human moments that unfold while traveling.

From getting violently sick at sacred sites, to terrifying border cro...

In this episode, I take you along for one unforgettable day in Bhutan that perfectly captures the country’s culture, spirituality, and everyday life.

The day begins dressed in a traditional gho before heading high into the Himalayas for the Druk Wangyel Festival at Dochula Pass. With clear skies, snow-capped peaks in the background, and vibrant performances by the Royal Bhutan Army, this festival is one of Bhutan’s most visually striking and patriotic celebrations.

After the festival, we descend into the Punakha Valley, stopping for lunch before setting off on a walk through authentic Bhut...

Bhutan Series w/ Breathe Bhutan Interview with Nun at Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery - Life as a Buddhist Nun in Modern Bhutan

In this episode of the Winging It Travel Podcast, I visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery, an all-female Buddhist nunnery located above the Punakha Valley in Bhutan. This episode offers a rare look into the lives of Buddhist nuns and the important role this nunnery plays in supporting women within Bhutan’s monastic system.

Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery was established to provide both religious and practical education to nuns from across Bhutan, many of wh...

After experiencing Bhutan — a destination that sat at the very top of my travel list for years — I found myself in an unexpected place. Not rushing to plan the next trip, not chasing the next highlight, but sitting in a quiet lull and asking myself a simple question: what places won’t leave my mind now?

In this episode of the Winging It Travel Podcast, I share 16 places I can’t stop thinking about travelling to right now — not as a bucket list, not as recommendations, but as an honest reflection on how travel inspiration shifts over time.

Solo Episode - Bhutan Series w/ Breathe Bhutan - Days 1–3: Everest Views, Sand Mandala Art, Epic Walks & A Breakfast with a Lama

In this solo episode of the Winging It Travel Podcast, I take you through Days 1 to 3 of my journey in Bhutan, sharing the sounds, stories, and real travel context behind one of the world’s most fascinating destinations.

From the unforgettable flight into Paro Airport with Himalayan views stretching all the way to Mount Everest, to my first encounters with Bhutanese food, culture, and daily life — this episode is designed to give you a true...

IMMERSIVE – Bhutan Series w/ Breathe Bhutan – Hiking to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang) EPIC

In this immersive, audio-only episode of the Winging It Travel Podcast, I take you with me as I hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang) in Bhutan — one of the most iconic and spiritual hikes in the world.

This episode starts early in the morning in Paro, with pre-hike nerves, breakfast, and my first distant glimpse of Tiger’s Nest clinging to the mountainside. From there, we journey to the trailhead and begin the steady uphill climb through pine forests, ope...

Bhutan Series w/ Breathe Bhutan - A Conversation with Ugyen Rinzin - Bhutan's History, Buddhism Basics + Modern Bhutanese Culture

In this opening episode of my Bhutan Series, I sit down for a deep, thoughtful conversation with Ugyen Rinzin, a Bhutanese local from Paro, to explore the heart and soul of one of the world’s most fascinating countries.

Recorded in Thimphu, Bhutan, this episode is a beginner-friendly introduction to Bhutan’s history, Buddhist philosophy, and modern Bhutanese culture, told through the lived experience of someone who grew up before television and the internet arrived in the...

My 2025 Review of My Travels, Winging It, Personal Goals + What Is To Come in 2026.

In this bonus New Year’s Day episode of Winging It, I’m taking a deep dive into my 2025 travel year, the evolution of the podcast, and what’s coming next in 2026.

I break down the numbers behind my travels — 22 flights, 90,000km flown, nine countries, three new destinations — but more importantly, I reflect on the moments that shaped me as a traveller and storyteller. From seeing wild elephants in India to sharing breakfast with a Bhutanese monk overlooking Thimphu, this episode is about perspective...

Ep 192 w/ Melissa Rodway (Fly Travel Radio) - The People You Meet While Travelling: Melissa on Stories, Meaning & Modern Travel

In this episode of the Winging It Travel Podcast, I’m joined by fellow traveller, podcaster, and author Melissa Rodway for a deep, honest, and refreshingly real conversation about travel, purpose, and why simply “wandering” isn’t always enough anymore.

Melissa shares how her early travels — including growing up in Australia, moving across Canada, and later long-term adventures — shaped her outlook on life. We talk about why travel doesn’t magically fix everything, how purpose can completely c...

15 Best Travel Podcasts 2026: Top Shows for Backpackers, Digital Nomads & Responsible Travellers

Welcome to the Winging It Travel Podcast's list of top travel podcasts in 2026.

Every year the travel podcast world explodes with new voices, but which ones are actually worth your time? In this episode, I'm sharing my handpicked list of the 15 best travel podcasts to follow in 2026—shows that consistently deliver authentic stories, practical advice, and that feeling of being transported somewhere new.

Whether you're into budget backpacking, cultural deep dives, responsible tourism, or just want an audio escape for your commute, I...

Ep 191 w/ Mark Phipps (Lost In Paradise Travel) – Off-Grid Mongolia & Southwest Africa: Reindeer Tribes, Wild Roads & Namibia Safaris

In this week's episode, I'm rejoined by Mark Phipps—author, avid traveller and owner of Lost in Paradise Travel—who returns with stories from two incredible journeys: a solo winter adventure to Mongolia and an epic three-week road trip through Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe. This conversation is packed with logistics, unforgettable moments and plenty of wanderlust-inducing content that should seriously inspire your next big trip.

We start with Mongolia, where Mark travelled completely solo during peak winter, experi...