Explorations All Over

Trains. Most people think of them as part of the daily grind — commuting, delays, and crowded cars. But rail travel can also be magical, maddening, and unforgettable.

In this episode of Explorations All Over, Russ takes you along on four very different train journeys:

🚆 VIA Rail “Yellow and Blue” (Canada) – A cross-country ride through the Rockies and across endless prairies.
🚆 Paris to Barcelona Overnight (Spain) – A smoky, surly, less-than-romantic night on rails.
🚆 Hiram Bingham (Peru) – A splurge from Machu Picchu to Cusco that promised elegance but delivered a mariachi-fueled conga line.
🚆 The Ghan (Australia) – A luxury run from Darwin to Adelaide with Outback stops, champagne sunsets, and even a cattle-truck mishap.

From cramped cabins to unexpected entertainment, from outstanding meals to meh service, this episode is all about the romance — and the reality — of train travel. Russ also shares tips and tricks for booking, what to expect onboard, and why “going with the flow” is the best mindset to have when riding the rails.

✨ Highlights:

• The highs and lows of service and food on long-distance trains
• Off-train adventures in the Australian Outback
• Unexpected mishaps (including a near trip-ending collision)
• Practical tips for planning your own rail journey

🎧 Whether you’re dreaming of crossing Canada, exploring Peru, or gliding through the Australian Outback, this episode will help you decide if train travel deserves a spot on your bucket list.

👉 Don’t miss the next Far Flung Adventures subscriber episode — we pick up in Africa, leaving Sanctuary Swala for the Ngorongoro Crater and on to the Serengeti. Subscribe today so you don’t miss a moment!

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Japan is a country where the past isn’t left behind—it walks alongside you. In this first part of my Far Flung Adventure, join me as I uncover the timeless beauty of Kyoto and the vibrant contrasts of Tokyo.

We’ll slip off our shoes at a centuries-old ryokan in Gion, savor a kaiseki dinner that’s as much art as cuisine, and wander through vermilion gates that seem to climb into the clouds. You’ll hear about the rituals, the surprises, and the quiet moments that made this trip unforgettable.

And just when you’ve fallen under Japan’s spell, I’ll leave you at the water’s edge—gazing up at the most luxurious ship I’ve ever boarded, ready to carry us even deeper into this land of tradition and transformation.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• The magic of Kyoto’s historic Gion district and our unforgettable stay at a traditional ryokan
• Dining on a kaiseki feast—why it’s more than just dinner
• Exploring Tokyo’s neon energy and serene temples in equal measure
• The moment we first laid eyes on the Silver Muse, setting the stage for Part 2

Subscribe to hear Part 2:
Part 2 of this journey—our voyage aboard the Silver Muse, through Kanazawa’s samurai heritage, Hiroshima’s moving memorials, and culinary adventures along Japan’s coast—is exclusively available to Far Flung Adventures subscribers. Subscribe right from your podcast app to join us.

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🌴 Thinking about your first cruise? Or maybe you’re wondering what all the fuss is about? In this episode of Explorations All Over, host Russell Gibson breaks down everything you need to know before you set sail on a Caribbean cruise.

From choosing the right cabin and cruise line to understanding shore excursions, dining options, motion sickness remedies, and those sneaky hidden fees—this is your no-nonsense, highly entertaining intro to cruise life. You’ll also hear stories from Russell’s own cruising adventures and learn why a travel advisor might be your best travel companion.

💡 Whether you're packing for your first cruise or planning your fifth, this episode is full of smart tips, a few laughs, and even a lightning round of cruise do’s and don’ts.

🎧 Subscribe so you don’t miss our next episode—a journey to Japan in our second Far Flung Adventures installment!

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Behind the Binoculars — Ethical Safaris with James Ward

In this episode, Russ talks with James Ward, Chief Explorations Officer at Rewild Safaris, about what makes a safari truly meaningful. From red flags in booking to supporting conservation and finding hidden gems like Zambia and Botswana, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone planning (or dreaming of) a safari.

Highlights:
– What to look for—and what to avoid—when booking
– The Big Five, greenwashing, and ethical travel
– Planning with kids, choosing the right time of year
– The emotional power of seeing wildlife in the wild

About James:
James Ward is the Chief Explorations Officer at Rewild Safaris and a seasoned conservation photographer. With decades of experience guiding travelers through some of the world’s most remote landscapes, James is a passionate advocate for ethical tourism, community investment, and meaningful wildlife encounters. Learn more at rewildsafaris.com or follow Rewild on Instagram and Facebook at @rewildsafaris.

💬 “You may leave Africa, but Africa never leaves you.” — James Ward

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Into Africa: Elephants, Giraffes & Gin & Tonics
We dreamed of a safari for years—and finally made it happen. Come with us to the remote Tanzanian bush, where the wildlife is wild, the beds are five-star, and the gin is perfectly chilled.

In this debut Far Flung Adventures episode, we land in Tarangire National Park, settle into our luxurious tented camp, and experience the magic of the African bush—from morning game drives to evening sundowners. Whether you’re planning your own safari or just dreaming for now, this episode brings you front-row to the elephants, the sounds of the savannah, and the warmth of Sanctuary Swala.

This full-length episode is free to everyone—subscribe to unlock the rest of the safari series, bonus content, and more.

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Just back (ish) from a 19-night adventure to, around, and back from Hawaii, I’m sharing the best moments, biggest surprises, and everything in between. From snorkeling with manta rays to discovering Spam musubi (yes, it’s delicious), to watching steam rise from the edge of a sleeping volcano—this isn’t your average island recap. 

Hear what makes each Hawaiian island unique, how sea days on SilverSea’s Silver Moon became a highlight, and why one taxi driver left us speechless (and not in a good way). If you’ve ever dreamed of Hawaii or wondered if cruising’s the way to do it—this episode’s for you.

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Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, anniversary trip, or just a much-needed escape, this episode breaks down what makes each island special—and how to do it right.

I'm just back (ish) from a 19-night adventure to, around, and back from Hawaii, I’m sharing the best moments, biggest surprises, and everything in between. From snorkeling with manta rays to discovering Spam musubi (yes, it’s delicious), to watching steam rise from the edge of a sleeping volcano—this isn’t your average island recap. Hear what makes each Hawaiian island unique, how sea days on SilverSea’s Silver Moon became a highlight, and why one taxi driver left us speechless (and not in a good way). If you’ve ever dreamed of Hawaii or wondered if cruising’s the way to do it—this episode’s for you.

What happens when a cruise stop turns into one of your favorite resort vacations ever?

In this episode of Explorations All Over, Russ shares how a brief visit to Grand Case, St. Martin during a cruise led to not just one return trip — but several. From lazy mornings at the Grand Case Beach Club to unforgettable meals on a street lined with 40 gourmet restaurants, this story is about more than just palm trees and sunsets. It’s about finding a place that sticks with you long after the suitcase is unpacked.

Plus, a hilarious dinner mishap involving shrimp, finger bowls, and a new phrase you’ll never forget: shrimp dip.

🧭 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• How a cruise stop first introduced us to Grand Case
• Why we returned — and how we made it our own
• Tips for booking, saving, and getting around the island
• The daily rhythm of a perfect beach vacation
• Favorite restaurants, local gems, and cheese smuggling
• One unforgettable dinner story that still makes us laugh
• A teaser for the upcoming Far Flung Destinations series

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Why We Return to the City of Light Again and Again

In this deeply personal episode, Russ invites you along on a multi-decade love story with the City of Light. From a whirlwind 24-hour first visit in 2006 to slow, immersive returns in 2019, 2021, and 2023, discover how Paris evolved from a stopover into a beloved second home.

Whether you're a first-time traveler or a frequent flyer, you’ll find inspiration in the art, food, and unexpected magic of returning to a place that keeps unfolding its secrets.

You’ll Hear About:

• [00:00] Why land travel can be as enriching as cruising
• [01:30] The first trip to Paris in 2006
• [03:00] Returning in 2019: flights, food, hotel, and private tours
• [08:00] Why private tours can elevate a travel experience
• [10:00] Dinner cruise and the perfect end to a Paris return
• [11:30] Traveling with friends and family in 2021
• [15:00] Splitting up: Versailles vs. Fontainebleau & Vaux-le-Vicomte
• [17:00] Exploring the Loire Valley: Chenonceau & Chambord
• [19:00] Capping the trip with a VIP dinner cruise
• [20:00] A quick return in 2023 and seeing Paris through friends’ eyes
• [22:30] The joy of returning again and again
• [24:00] Final reflections: Why favorite places are worth revisiting

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Hotel Le Bourdonnais – Inwood Hotels
• Le Florimond – TripAdvisor
• Fermin Le Barbier – Official Site
• Babylon Tours – Private Museum Tours
• Normandy Melody – Versailles Day Trips
• La Compagnie – Business-Class Airline

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Ever wondered what makes cruise vacations so magical or why they inspire such passionate loyalty among travelers? Award-winning cruise consultant Kurt Oswald pulls back the curtain on the cruise industry, sharing the insider knowledge you need before booking your first (or next) voyage at sea.

Kurt addresses the most common concerns of first-time cruisers head-on - from fears about seasickness to worries about crowded ships. "The ships are so technology advanced now... you don't hear many people getting seasick at all," he explains, dispelling one of cruising's most persistent myths. Even on massive ships carrying thousands of passengers, Kurt assures listeners that "you're never around crowds - there's always a place to go," whether you're seeking excitement or tranquility.

Choosing the right cruise experience is about understanding your own travel style and expectations. Kurt walks through the matching process he uses with clients, considering everything from family dynamics to dining preferences when recommending specific cruise lines. The wisdom in his advice becomes apparent as he explains how vastly different two cruise experiences can be depending on the ship and itinerary selected. His recommendation to book at least a year in advance might surprise some listeners, but makes perfect sense when he details the benefits of early planning.

The conversation ventures into practical territory with discussions about cabin selection (why that balcony might be worth every penny), the true cost of cruising beyond advertised rates, and the crucial importance of travel insurance. Kurt's passion for creating perfect vacation experiences shines throughout, especially when he shares simple tips for enhancing your onboard experience - like his strategy of greeting cabin stewards with a small tip on day one to ensure exceptional service throughout your voyage.

Ready to explore the world from the comfort of a floating luxury hotel? Email Kurt at [email protected] and discover why so many travelers find themselves returning to the seas year after year.

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Thanks for listening. Check back in 2 weeks for the next episode. Don't forget to subscribe and make sure to "like" the Explorations All Over" Facebook page, too!