GoNOMAD Travel Podcast

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 Posada Hotel.

Along the way, Susmita visits the spectacular Meteor Crater, explores the astronomy heritage of Flagstaff, and takes a detour to the red rock landscapes of Sedona. The trip continues through Williams, gateway to the Grand Canyon, before reaching the famous towns of Seligman and Kingman, where Route 66 nostalgia comes alive through vintage cars, roadside attractions, museums, and the remarkable story of Route 66 champion Angel Delgadillo.

If you've ever dreamed of driving the Mother Road, this episode offers a perfect introduction to the history, landscapes, characters, and classic Americana that make Route 66 one of the world's great road trips.

• Exploring Petrified Forest National Park and the Painted Desert
• Visiting historic Winslow and La Posada Hotel
• Standing on the rim of Meteor Crater
• A side trip to the red rocks of Sedona
• Discovering Williams and the Grand Canyon Railway
• Meeting the spirit of Route 66 in Seligman
• Touring the Arizona Route 66 Museum in Kingman
• The enduring legacy of Angel Delgadillo and the preservation of Historic Route 66

Enjoying the GoNOMAD Travel Podcast? Please subscribe, rate, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. Your reviews help more travelers discover the show and support independent travel storytelling.

You can also explore hundreds of immersive audio travel experiences from around the world at Voyascape.com, home to travel podcasts that bring destinations to life through sound and storytelling.

Max Hartshorne is the founder of GoNOMAD Travel, one of the web's longest-running independent travel websites, featuring stories from writers around the world who seek authentic experiences and meaningful adventures.

For more travel stories, destination guides, and inspiration, visit GoNOMAD.com.

Discover more immersive travel podcasts and audio journeys at Voyascape.com.

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 hits travelers with full force the moment they arrive. The Ghats along the Ganges are a nonstop procession of pilgrims bathing, priests chanting, and funeral pyres burning day and night. The air is thick with smoke, incense, and the scent of the river. Narrow alleys twist between temples, cows, vendors, and crowds moving in every direction at once.

John describes Varanasi as a place where sanctity and spectacle collide. Anyone can declare himself a holy man and find followers. Tuk-tuks weave through traffic like bumper cars without the crashes. It is exhausting, unforgettable, and unlike anywhere else on Earth.

A short ride away, Sarnath offers a rare pocket of calm. This is where Buddha delivered his first sermon, and the gardens and monuments feel worlds away from Varanasi’s intensity.

Flying into Dharamshala feels like entering a different India entirely. The Himalayas rise in front of you, and the air is crisp and clean. In McLeod Ganj, red-robed monks walk between monasteries, prayer flags flutter, and the pace of life slows to a gentle rhythm. Portraits of the Dalai Lama hang in shops and cafés, not as decoration but as expressions of genuine affection. Locals describe him as compassionate and authentic, and his presence shapes the entire community. Even the monkeys seem to have their own personalities, swinging across wires and lounging in the sun.

The Dalai Lama’s temple is simple on the outside but beautifully decorated inside. Visitors sit quietly, many in traditional Tibetan dress, absorbed in prayer and reflection.

Varanasi is loud, raw, and overwhelming. Dharamshala is calm, reflective, and shaped by mountain silence. One city feels like a spiritual circus; the other feels like a sanctuary. Both reveal different sides of India’s spiritual identity.

Mathura, birthplace of Krishna, filled with peaceful temples and prayerful devotees. Amritsar, home of the Golden Temple, one of India’s most welcoming sacred spaces.

All temples in India require visitors to remove shoes and socks. Sandals make life easier.

If you enjoyed this journey through India’s spiritual contrasts, subscribe to the GoNOMAD Travel Podcast on Apple Podcasts and never miss an episode. You can also listen to all episodes and discover more travel storytelling on Voyascape, where new shows and bonus content are added regularly.

For more travel stories, photos, and inspiration, visit GoNOMAD.com and explore destinations around the world.

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.

• Korčula’s irresistible water — clean, clear, perfect for swimming and sailing
• A stone terrace overlooking the channel where ferries and luxury yachts glide past
• A tiny swimming platform just steps from the Airbnb
• Exploring Korčula Town — orange tile roofs, stone lanes, boat trips, and water taxis
• Day trips to Badija and Vrnik — quiet islands with beaches and restaurants
• Split’s glamorous waterfront (the Riva) and its super‑yacht scene
• A traditional konoba dinner at Konoba Matujuska — fresh fish, Adriatic squid, cocktails
• Travel costs & tips — menus, ferry rides, and the euro exchange rate
• Why Croatia deserves a spot next to Tuscany and Provence on your travel list

Watch John Malkovich in the official 9‑minute Croatia Tourism film: “I Hear It’s Beautiful” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2Uqg1va_pI

This episode captures the feeling of arriving by ferry, settling into a seaside terrace, and discovering why Croatia’s islands are becoming a favorite for American travelers. From the heat of August to the cool Adriatic, from Split’s nightlife to Korčula’s quiet coves, it’s a firsthand look at a country that truly earns its tagline.

• Korčula Island
• Split, Croatia
• Badija & Vrnik Islands
• Konoba Matujuska
• The Riva waterfront
• Klingo Ferry

Read Max’s travel writing on Substack: https://substack.com/@maxdeerfield

Watch the hilarious and poignant Video, "Croatia I Hear It's Beautiful," starring John Malcovich.

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 challenges, and the new distance‑based road tax. If you’re thinking about doing Iceland by campervan, this episode will save you money, stress, and a few headaches.

• Insurance in Iceland is different. Most credit cards don’t cover gravel, sand, ash, tires, and wind damage. Some claims — like wind‑blown doors — can cost hundreds of dollars.
• F‑roads require a 4x4. Taking a 2WD campervan onto an F‑road is illegal and can lead to a recovery bill of $3,215.
• Wind is no joke. Park nose‑into the wind and hold onto the doors.
• New road tax: Campervans pay about $0.05 per kilometer, adding roughly $66 for a full Ring Road loop.
• Fueling issues: Many pumps require a PIN‑enabled chip card. A temporary hold can run $157.
• Campsites only: You can’t sleep in a van anywhere you want. Expect $11–$18 per adult at most sites.
• Gas prices: Around $1.50–$1.60 per liter.
• Book early: Summer campervan rentals sell out months ahead.

Waking up next to fjords instead of hotel corridors. Cooking dinner with steam rising off the hills at Mývatn. Changing plans on a whim because the weather shifted. The freedom to roam — as long as you know the rules.

• Campstar — Campervan rentals and trip planning
• Road Conditions (Iceland) — Daily updates
• Vedur Weather — Iceland’s official weather service
• SafeTravel Iceland — Alerts and safety info

This episode is part of our ongoing series exploring road trips around the world. Iceland’s campervan culture is one of the most unique — and one of the most misunderstood. We break down everything you need to know before you go.

Find out more about Iceland camper vans at Campstar.com

Subscribe to the GoNOMAD Travel Podcast on Apple Podcasts.

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 podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world’s best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape Podcast Network For advertising or sponsorship opportunities on this show and across the network, email [email protected] or you can find more information at Voyascape Ads.

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.

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 We Cover in This Episode

• Placencia — A 16‑mile peninsula where beach life meets easy access to waterfalls, jungle, and reef. Walkable, social, and a practical starting point for first‑time visitors.
• Laughing Bird Caye — A protected reef habitat just offshore, offering some of the best accessible snorkeling in the south.
• Maya Beach & Seine Bight — Two very different communities north of Placencia, each with its own rhythm and identity.
• Hopkins — A small Garifuna village where drumming, food, language, and daily life form a living culture. Cooking lessons, drumming sessions, and slow conversations reveal more than any tour.
• Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary — Inland rainforest, rivers, and wildlife within reach of Hopkins.
• Toledo & Punta Gorda (PG) — Belize’s southernmost district and town, home to Maya, Garifuna, and East Indian communities. Markets, cacao, fishing, river trips, and Maya sites like Lubaantun show a side of Belize far removed from resort corridors.
• Why the South Matters — It’s not remote from culture or daily life — only from crowds. Travelers who rush through miss the region’s depth. Those who slow down understand it.

Key Takeaways

• Belize is not one place with one personality. Each region has its own pace and relationship with visitors.
• Southern Belize rewards travelers who move beyond the familiar beach‑and‑reef itinerary.
• Placencia offers balance, Hopkins offers culture, and Toledo offers time and space.
• Licensed local guides are essential for reef trips, rivers, wildlife areas, and archaeological sites.
• Respect local communities: ask before photographing people, carry cash for small businesses, and learn the names of the villages you pass through.

Guest Mentioned Will Mitchell, Regional Owner of RE/MAX Belize, who has spent nearly 15 years living in Belize and traveling the country extensively. Please contact Will Mitchell and visit his Belize website.

This podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world’s best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape Podcast Network For advertising or sponsorship opportunities on this show and across the network, email [email protected] or you can find more information at Voyascape Ads.

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

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 adrenaline, whitewashed fishing villages, tractor‑powered wine tastings, and a safari just two hours from Cape Town.

Reint recommends starting at Pienaar & Son, a small‑batch distillery at the V&A Waterfront Cruise Terminal. It’s “science meets spirit,” with gins inspired by the Cape’s history — like the cucumber‑and‑cardamom “Empire” gin and the spicy‑sweet “Orient.”

Walk the colorful streets of Bo‑Kaap, then step into a family home for a hands‑on Cape Malay cooking workshop. You’ll learn to fold samosas, mix masalas, and knead your own roti before sitting down for a communal feast.

Twelve square miles of shifting white dunes, the Atlantic on one side, Table Mountain on the other — a visceral, high‑speed way to feel the West Coast’s raw geography.

Strict building codes keep every house whitewashed with blue trim. Eat fresh rock lobster straight from the wooden boats and breathe in the cold West Coast air.

Aquila and Inverdoorn Game Reserves offer a full Big Five experience in the semi‑arid Ceres Karoo — lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, buffalo — plus unforgettable stargazing if you stay overnight.

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

Explore wine farms, legendary brandy distilleries, and the striking monument that honors the Afrikaans language.

Skip the bus. Ride an open‑air tractor between vineyards, sipping Chenin Blancs and Pinotages while the Stellenbosch mountains glow in the afternoon sun.

A dry‑stone engineering masterpiece from 1853, winding through cliffs, mountain pools, and the gateway to the Breede River Valley.

Reint’s own Harvest Table Bistro serves slow‑roasted meats, fresh vegetables, rustic sides, and baked pudding — the heart of Cape Country hospitality.

• Rent a car — South Africans drive on the left.
• Uber and Bolt are widely available.
• Best seasons: Autumn and Spring.
• Best time for wildflowers and fynbos: September to November.

Apple Podcasts

Voyascape: https://voyascape.com

https://ceresrestaurants.co.za/

https://www.facebook.com/winterbergmountaininn/

This podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world’s best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape Podcast Network For advertising or sponsorship opportunities on this show and across the network, email [email protected] or you can find more information at Voyascape Ads.

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 docks of Kitimat into remote estuaries, salmon‑choked creeks, and wildlife‑rich channels where bears, whales, sea lions, and otters animate one of Earth’s most dynamic ecosystems.

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

James describes the quiet, reverent approach to Riordan Creek on Gribbell Island, guided by Marvin Robinson of the Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation. The group waits silently on viewing platforms as the last salmon fight upstream — a ritual that draws bears from the forest.

Then it happens. A pale figure emerges from the trees:

The Spirit Bear moves with deliberate grace, fishing with what James calls “an old ceremony,” lifting her head with a salmon in her jaws as water streams from her muzzle. She glances toward the group — aware, but unbothered — before returning to the hunt.

Upstream, James encounters a black bear sow and cub approaching within ten feet. Marvin’s advice: stay calm. The bears pass by, focused entirely on salmon. It’s a moment of exhilaration and humility in the presence of wild animals.

The Swell becomes home for the eight‑day voyage — a restored 88‑foot tugboat with six cabins and a crew of five, including a whale scientist and a South African chef. Days unfold with kayaking, wildlife viewing, gourmet meals, and nights spent anchored under star‑filled skies.

The rainforest reveals its full cast:

• Grizzlies feeding in river estuaries
• River otters slipping through shallows
• Seals and sea lions hauled out on rocks
• Pods of dolphins surfing the bow
• Bald eagles, osprey, goshawks, murrelets, auklets, turnstones, shearwaters, cormorants
• Humpback whales bubble‑net feeding
• Orcas surrounding a sea lion colony in a dramatic natural standoff

James recalls the crew calling it “whale soup.”

The Great Bear Rainforest was nearly lost to industrial logging. Its protection came through a rare alliance between conservationists, Indigenous communities, and the timber industry — “one of the most significant conservation successes in modern Canadian history.”

But new threats loom: increased tanker traffic, noise, and ship strikes in whale feeding grounds. The balance between land and sea remains fragile.

As the Swell heads toward Bella Bella on the final morning, James watches sea otters drifting in kelp, mothers cradling pups on their bellies. He closes with a sentiment that defines the episode:

Maple Leaf Adventures offers small‑ship expedition cruises throughout coastal British Columbia and Alaska. Their philosophy: “People protect what they love, and you can’t love something until you’ve experienced it.”

Learn more at MapleLeafAdventures.com or call 1‑888‑599‑5323.

James Ross — travel, outdoor adventure, and ranch writer based in Muskoka, Ontario.

This podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world’s best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape Podcast Network For advertising or sponsorship opportunities on this show and across the network, email [email protected] or you can find more information at Voyascape Ads.

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 unfolds along the route.

Dining aboard the train is a communal affair where conversations flow and connections are made with fellow passengers.

The journey allows travelers to witness the vast landscapes of America, offering a different perspective compared to air travel.

Holloway's private train experience highlights the comfort and attentiveness of staff, enhancing the overall travel experience.

The Chicago to Emeryville expedition serves as a reminder of the joy of travel, focusing on the journey rather than just the destination. It costs $45,000 for the train trip.

Halloway Journeys, private railcar travels

This podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world’s best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape Podcast Network For advertising or sponsorship opportunities on this show and across the network, email [email protected] or you can find more information at Voyascape Ads.

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, chauffeured Suburbans, and private TSA checkpoints collide with basic‑economy boarding passes.

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 PS works — and why travelers never step inside the actual airport
• The private TSA checkpoint two miles from Miami International
• Riding across the airfield in a PS Suburban and boarding via the jetbridge stairs
• The “salon” vs. the $5,000 suites (yes, with free Apple accessories and minibars)
• Champagne and caviar service, Cubano sandwiches, and the Centurion Quiet Reserve cocktail
• Why tipping at a luxury terminal feels strange
• The joy and guilt of entering a commercial jet from the baggage‑handler door
• Whether this service is worth the money — and who it’s really for

Her visit included a 15‑minute private ride across the airfield, a gift bag, and the rare privilege of boarding an American Airlines 737 from the jetbridge door normally used by ramp workers. It’s commercial flying… but with a Hollywood twist.

PS is expanding fast — Miami, Dallas/Fort Worth, Atlanta, and Los Angeles — and it’s part of a growing trend: travelers paying for friction‑free airport experiences without going full private‑jet. Whether you’re curious, tempted, or just want to hear how the other half travels, this episode gives you the inside scoop.

Apple Podcasts:

Voyascape Podcasts: https://voyascape.com/podcasts

This podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world’s best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape Podcast Network For advertising or sponsorship opportunities on this show and across the network, email [email protected] or you can find more information at Voyascape Ads.

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

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.

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 small northeastern state bordered by Myanmar, Manipur is known for its vast rice plains, mountain ranges, and deep cultural diversity. It’s also the birthplace of modern polo and home to one of the most unusual ecosystems in the world.

The episode dives into the story of Loktak Lake, a 40‑square‑kilometer expanse dotted with floating islands called phumdi. These form the foundation of Keibul Lamjao National Park, the world’s only floating national park and the last refuge of the Sangai deer.

Declared extinct in the 1950s, the Sangai was rediscovered when just six individuals were spotted in 1953. Conservation efforts brought the population back to more than 260 by 2014. The deer’s distinctive behavior—pausing and looking back as if “in awaiting”—is woven into Manipuri folklore.

Held across the state, with major events in Imphal and Moirang, the festival showcases:

• Manipuri dance and music
• Bamboo dances from across Northeast India
• Tribal arts, textiles, and sculptures
• Exhibitions, food stalls, and sporting events
• Cultural performances at Bheigyachandra Open Air Theatre

It’s one of the biggest festivals in Northeast India, rivaling Nagaland’s Hornbill Festival.

Sushant Pandey arrived in Manipur exhausted after 30 days riding through remote northeastern states. The festival revived him, and he extended his stay from six to ten days. He visited Loktak Lake, spotted Sangai deer from a watchtower, and rode to Moreh, a border town where Indian citizens can cross 16 km into Myanmar without a visa.

The episode also touches on Imphal’s:

• Manipur State Museum
• Imphal War Cemetery
• Kangla Fort
• Mapal Kangjeibung, the world’s oldest polo ground

These sites deepen the understanding of Manipur’s layered cultural identity.

• Best time to visit: November–December (Sangai + Hornbill overlap)
• Best time to spot Sangai deer: early morning or evening
• Boat rides inside the national park reveal the floating phumdi
• Imphal offers affordable lodging (rooms around ₹500)
• Roads in Manipur are better than in many neighboring states

• Sangai Deer
• Keibul Lamjao National Park
• Moreh Border Town
• Imphal Travel Tips
• GoNOMAD article about Manipur and the Sangai Deer Festival

Explore 300+ GoNOMAD Travel Podcast episodes—each 5–8 minutes—at Voyascape.com or wherever you get your podcasts.

This podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world’s best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape Podcast Network For advertising or sponsorship opportunities on this show and across the network, email [email protected] or you can find more information at Voyascape Ads.