Truly Expat Travel Podcast
Join Paula as she chats with expats from around the world about their favourite travel destinations. From hidden gems to bucket-list experiences, each episode dives into the stories, tips, and insider knowledge only expats can offer. Whether you're planning your next getaway or love hearing about incredible places, this podcast will spark your wanderlust and offer a fresh perspective on travel.
Mexico
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Episode 16: Carm Gleeson - Mexico
This Week's Chat Join me as I sit down with Carm Gleeson, an Aussie expat living in Singapore, who shares her absolute favourite holiday destination: Mexico. We dive deep into what makes this place so special and why it's become her go-to escape.
What We Discuss
Why Mexico is her favourite destination: How she ended up on the food tourDiscovering Mexico: The story behind her first visit and what drew her back<...The Silk Road
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Episode 15: Julie Talbot -A Modern Journey Along the Ancient Silk Road
This Week's Chat Join me as I sit down with Julie Talbot, a British expat travelling the world, who shares her incredible journey along the legendary Silk Road. We dive deep into what makes this historic route so captivating and why it's become one of her most transformative travel experiences.
About Julie: is an ex-expat turned global nomad. After spending 12 years in the UAE with her husband’s work, Julie and her fa...
Nîmes
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Episode 14: Paula's Solo Adventure - Nîmes
Join me as I share my recent solo travel experience to Nîmes, the stunning Roman city in southern France. I'll take you through my latest trip to this incredible destination and explain why this ancient city has captured my heart.
Episode Overview In this episode, I share my personal travel experience exploring Nîmes, from the spectacular Roman monuments to the charming Provençal atmosphere. I'll give you all the insider tips I picked up during my visi...
Salemi
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Episode 13: Amanda Dunbar on the Enchanting Town of Salemi
This Week's Chat
Join me as I sit down with Amanda Dunbar, an American expat living in Sicily, who shares their absolute favourite holiday destination: Salemi. We dive deep into what makes this place so special and why it's become their go-to escape.
What We Discuss
Amanda's Expat Journey: How she ended up in Salemi and her travel backgroundDiscovering Salemi: The story behind her first visit and what...Amsterdam
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Episode 12: Gerrit Van den Berg - Amsterdam & The Netherlands
This Week's Chat Join me as I sit down with Gerrit van den Berg, a Dutch local and founder of Hidden Holland, who shares his passion for showing travellers the authentic Netherlands beyond the tourist traps. We dive deep into what makes Amsterdam and the wider Netherlands so special and why authentic local experiences trump typical tourist activities every time.
What We Discuss
Gerrit's story: What makes HiddenHolland different to other...Sri Lanka
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Episode 11: Sri Lanka Adventures with Patsy Tranter
In this episode, I chat with Patsy Tranter about our amazing group trip to Sri Lanka in January. We share our experiences exploring this incredible island nation and why it's a must-visit destination.
What I Discuss
Our Sri Lankan adventure highlights including visits to Sigiriya Rock Fortress, ancient temples, tea plantations, and stunning beaches. We discuss the group tour experience and our unforgettable visit to the world-famous Smoke & Bitters bar in Hiriketiya.
Practical Bits<...
Malta
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Episode 10: Malta's Hidden Treasures - A Mediterranean Gem
In this episode, I'm sharing my recent adventure to Malta, Europe's best-kept secret that completely stole my heart. From ancient temples older than Stonehenge to crystal-clear lagoons that rival the Caribbean, Malta packs an incredible amount of history and beauty into just 316 square kilometres.
What I Discuss
Exploring Valletta's Baroque splendour as Europe's smallest capitalStepping back in time in the Silent City of MdinaExploring the historic Three Cities - Vittoriosa, Senglea, and CospicuaPractical...
Turkey
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Episode 9: Exploring Turkey with Kylie Tchebykin
This Week's Chat Join me as I sit down with Kylie Tchebykin who shares her absolute favourite holiday destination: Turkey. We dive deep into what makes this place so special and why it's become their go-to escape.
What We Discuss
Kylie's Journey: How her love of travel brought her to Turkey (over and over again)Discovering Turkey: The story behind her first visit and what drew her backThe Highlights...Kaeng Krachan National Park
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Episode 8: Sue and Reggie visit Kaeng Krachan National Park, Thailand
This Week's Chat Join me as I sit down with Sue and Reggie from Travel for Life now who share why they gave Thailand another go after a disappointing visit many years ago. This time, their destination was the spectacular Kaeng Krachan National Park during butterfly migration season - and it completely changed their perspective on the Land of Smiles.
What We Discuss
Sue and Reggie's Journey: How they ended up in...Bhutan
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Episode 7: Exploring Bhutan: Insights from an Expat
In this episode, we sit down with Linda Leaming, an expat who has spent nearly three decades in Bhutan. Linda, an accomplished author, shares her journey to Bhutan, her experiences living in this unique country, and her travel recommendations.
What I Discuss
Linda's Travel Philosophy and ExperiencesLiving in Bhutan: Culture and CommunityDistinctive Bhutanese ArchitecturePractical Bits:
Travelling to Bhutan: Tips and InsightsThe Slow Pace of Life in BhutanPacking Tips for BhutanLocal Insights<...
Morocco
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Episode 6: From Marrakech to the Sahara: Jo Hunter’s Morocco Love Affair
Join me as I sit down with the incredible Jo Hunter to explore her ultimate favourite destination: Morocco. From the bustling souks of Marrakech to the endless dunes of the Sahara Desert, Jo shares her most memorable moments and insider tips for experiencing the magic of Morocco.
Key Highlights
•Jo’s first Morocco moment that changed everything
•Why Morocco beats every other destination on her travel list
•Cultural insightsÂ
•Practical tip...
Vancouver
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Episode 5: Vancouver Adventure - Flying Air Canada from Singapore
Episode Overview
In this episode, I share my recent travel experience flying Air Canada from Singapore to Vancouver, along with highlights from my time exploring this beautiful Canadian city.
What I Discuss
Discovering Vancouver: Why I recently visited VancouverThe Highlights: Must-visit spots and hidden gemsLocal cuisine Best time to visit and seasonal tipsPractical Bits: Getting there and where to stayLocal Insights: What I wish I knew be...Maldives
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Episode 4: Maldives Magic with Kiara Barnes
In this special episode, I chat with Kiara Barnes about our incredible trip to the Maldives together! We share behind-the-scenes stories from our paradise adventure, from overwater bungalows to crystal-clear lagoons.
Kiara and I dive into what it's really like traveling to one of the world's most stunning destinations, the highlights that took our breath away, and those perfect moments that made this trip unforgettable.Â
Get ready for some serious wanderlust as we relive our tropical paradise adventure a...
Greek Island Hopping
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Episode 3: Greek Island Hopping with Petros from Blue and White Dream Tours
In this special episode, Rachel Beausang and I sit down with Petros from Blue and White Dream Tours to talk all things Greek island hopping! We dive into the magic of exploring Greece's stunning islands, from insider tips on the best routes to hidden gems that most tourists never discover.
Petros shares his local expertise on what makes each island special and how to make the most of your Greek adventure.Â
W...
Mount Everest Base Camp
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Troy Barnes on Everest Base Camp & His 7 Summits Mission
In this episode, I chat with Troy Barnes about his incredible journey to Everest Base Camp and his mission to climb the Seven Summits – the highest peaks on each continent.
Troy shares what it's really like trekking to base camp, the challenges of high altitude, and how this adventure fits into his goal of conquering all Seven Summits. He travelled with Peak Potential Adventures and gives us the inside scoop on this epic experience.
Whether yo...
Sicily Road Trip
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Welcome to Truly Expat Travel! Episode 1: Sicily Road Trip
Welcome to the very first episode of Truly Expat Travel! I'm kicking off this podcast with my recent Sicily adventure – an island that completely stole my heart.
Sicily had everything: winding coastal roads with incredible views, life-changing food (hello, arancini and pistachio gelato!), and destinations ranging from ancient Greek temples to charming seaside towns. The driving was an adventure itself, and every meal was unforgettable.
For detailed guides and other recommendations
1 Website - Tr...
Truly Expat Travel Trailer
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Welcome to Truly Expat Travel - Coming Soon!
Get ready to pack your bags for the journey of a lifetime! Join host Paula Barnes as she introduces Truly Expat Travel, the podcast that takes you inside the minds of expats who've made the world their home.
In this exciting trailer, Paula shares her vision for intimate conversations with fellow expats about the destinations that have captured their hearts. From hidden gems in Southeast Asia to charming European villages, each episode will reveal the personal stories behind why these places...
