This week, I’m joined once again by travel writer, YouTuber, and author Dave Seminara to explore a country rarely found on bucket lists — Suriname. Tucked between Guyana and French Guiana on South America's northern coast, this former Dutch colony is bursting with untouched jungle, rich multicultural heritage, and wildly underrated adventure experiences.

Dave recently spent eight days solo travelling across Suriname, from the capital, Paramaribo, to the remote Maroon villages deep in the rainforest. He shares everything — how to get there, where to stay, why the Upper Suriname River is a must-do journey, and why it may just be the friendliest country in the world.

We dive into:

• The colonial history and ethnic diversity that make Suriname one of the most culturally layered countries in the Americas
• Unique cultural practices like polygamy and menstruation houses in Maroon communities
• Why Suriname is known as the most Asian country outside Asia and the most African country outside Africa
• Incredible food: from roti to Indonesian cuisine — and why Suriname is a hidden foodie destination
• The realities of getting around Suriname, including limited flights, overland routes, and remote access points
• Visiting remote villages via dugout canoe and navigating rivers that cut through untouched rainforest
• Why Paramaribo is worth a short visit — plus tips on markets, accommodation, and cultural etiquette
• An honest take on safety, infrastructure, friendliness, and why the locals are genuinely curious about travellers

This episode is full of inspiration for anyone dreaming of a more authentic, remote, and meaningful travel experience. Dave’s storytelling is full of insight, humour, and practical tips — and by the end, you might be planning your own trip to Suriname.

Thanks to Dave for coming on again, and he is welcome back anytime, as he is a much-loved guest on the podcast.

🎙️ Hosted by James Hammond | Part of the Voyascape Network

🌐 Explore more episodes + content at voyascape.com

☕ Support the show: buymeacoffee.com

📺 Watch Dave's Suriname vlogs on YouTube: Mad Traveler

🌐 Visit Dave's website to buy his books or read his work: website

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro: Where is Suriname?

02:30 – Dave’s travel style and why he chose Suriname

04:45 – Suriname’s location, Dutch colonial past & unique geography

06:55 – The most diverse small country in the world

09:00 – Maroon tribes, escaped slavery & cultural preservation

11:30 – Polygamy, menstruation houses & village customs

13:45 – Food in Suriname: Caribbean, Indian, Indonesian & more

15:50 – Is Suriname the world’s friendliest country?

17:00 – Can white travellers visit every village? The Dahomey debate

19:20 – How to get to Suriname (flights from the US & Europe)

21:30 – Suriname’s surprising lack of tourism infrastructure

23:00 – Visa tips, borders with Guyana & French Guiana

25:00 – Safety, yellow fever, currency & costs

27:30 – Paramaribo: What to do in the capital

30:15 – Maroon Market & cultural etiquette with cameras

32:00 – Languages spoken & how much English is used

34:40 – Upper Suriname River journey begins

37:10 – Dugout canoe rides, jungle breeze & remote villages

40:00 – Organised trip logistics: where to stay & how far to go

42:15 – Meeting locals, learning traditions & polygamy explained

45:30 – Funeral customs, marriage symbols & menstruation rules

48:10 – Do locals ask about your life? Curious about the US

50:00 – Dave visits a village school & shares what happened

52:10 – Booking info: Kanini Paatie, tour companies & great guesthouses

54:30 – Excursion to Jodensavanne: Jewish history in Suriname

58:10 – Why day trips from Paramaribo are ideal

59:50 – A visit to a former plantation and jungle cycling paradise

1:02:00 – Hard truths about slavery, resistance & Suriname’s past

1:04:00 – Off-topic but relevant: Safety in El Salvador

1:08:00 – Final thoughts: Is Suriname safe to travel to?

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Winging It Travel Podcast Credits

Host/Producer/Creator/Composer/Editor - James Hammond

Contact me - [email protected] 

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Cheers, James.

Mentioned in this episode:

Check out the new Smart Travel Podcast

This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:

Check out the new Smart Travel Podcast

This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below: