In conversation with tourists

This episode is a thoughtful chat with Jon, a traveler who truly pays attention to places, to people and the spaces in between.

We take a look at Eastern Europe through his eyes, including his reflections on Georgia and other destinations often seen as grey or uniform. Jon has a real fondness for public architecture : bus stations, communal spaces, metro, those overlooked structures which he feels embody the spirit, playfulness, and creativity of local communities.

Beyond the travel destinations, we also discuss how we travel: whether alone or with others, fast or slow, and what changes when we take the time to really see what’s already around us. It’s a warm, down-to-earth episode about curiosity, awareness, and the quiet joy of exploring with an open heart.

Different format, two short street interviews with tourists in Edinburgh in the summer of 2025. Delighted to find out what caught their attention and what they would recommend others to do in the city.

As the year slows down and many of us start reflecting rather than rushing, this conversation feels especially timely.

In this episode of In Conversation with Tourists, I sit down with Téa, a thoughtful traveler and researcher whose journeys have taken her through the Himalayas, Peru and many other places — and closer to home, Scotland.

Téa doesn’t travel to collect destinations. She travels to meet places. Through breath, body awareness, nutrition and a deep sense of presence, she explores how landscapes can be felt, not just visited. We talk about moving through powerful places gently, listening to your body on the road, and how travel can become a way of reconnecting — with yourself as much as with the world around you.

It’s grounding conversation, perfect for this reflective time of year.

Enjoy it!

In this uplifting episode of In Conversation with Tourists, I speak with Umar, a savvy and thoughtful traveler who knows how to make the most of every journey. From prioritizing what truly matters while traveling to uncovering unexpected experiences, Umar shares practical tips on planning ahead, finding affordable accommodations, and embracing the surprises that make travel unforgettable. He tells stories of being the only guest on a remote island, connecting with locals, and learning from the people and places he encounters along the way. Full of positivity, curiosity, and inspiration, this episode is a joyful reminder of why we travel and how we can travel thoughtfully.

This conversation with Nadia felt like paging through a living album of travel—full of warmth, laughter, and quiet reflection. She brought me into her childhood summers in Italy, her teenage adventures in Rhodes and the Swiss Alps, and the years of building new memories with her own family. What struck me most was how each trip wasn’t just about the destination, but about who she was at that stage of life. Now, in her fifties, Nadia is wondering what solo travel might awaken in her, if she can gather the courage to step into it. Sitting with her stories reminded me just how deeply travel shapes us, not only in the moment but across a lifetime.

At the Edinburgh Fringe, every street corner buzzes with possibility—and in this heartwarming episode of In Conversation with Tourists, I speak with Gabe, a young writer and actor from Chicago, who has brought his play to the Edinburgh Fringe. From his research to uncover the family history and heritage to memories of New Mexico, we explore how travel, performance and curiosity shape the way we see the world. A joyful, optimistic and deeply human episode about connection, gratitude, and the magic of stepping into new places with open eyes and an open heart.

This episode is with Erica, a wonderful performer from California whose soothing voice feels like it was made for storytelling. We talk about her show, of course, but also about how deeply she connected with Edinburgh—how the city feels beautiful, old, and alive, and why the Meadows quickly became her favorite place. I loved hearing what she would take home as souvenirs: her daily journal entries, written no matter how tired she was, so she’ll never forget this experience, and maybe a piece of locally crafted jewelry to treasure. Erica also shares her refreshing way of traveling—blending in, mingling with locals, soaking up the atmosphere without the need to “perform” as a tourist. She speaks so warmly about how much Edinburgh residents truly value theatre and how inspiring it was to be part of the Fringe this year. For her, every bit of time and effort it took to come here was completely worth it.

This week I’m joined by Evelyne, an incredible artist from California whose play Painkiller pushes boundaries both on the page and on stage. We explore the deeply personal inspirations behind her work, what it feels like to perform at the world’s largest cultural festival, and the surprising ways an international audience can shape an artist’s voice. Evelyne also shares her impressions of Edinburgh—its warmth, its multicultural vibrancy, and we discuss the city’s striking contrast of cobbled streets, grand Georgian architecture, and wild natural beauty. Evelyn’s story is both an artist’s reflection and a visitor’s love letter to Scotland’s capital.

On this episode of In Conversation with Tourists, I meet The Traveling Janes, an international band performing at the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe. With members from the U.S., France, and Scotland, they come together as a colective, blending diverse influences into what they call “dirty blues, wild vintage jazz and folk music.” We talk about their musical journeys, how they navigate the world while collaborating across borders and what the Fringe means to them as performers. From the thrill of impromptu street performances to the opportunities of playing for a global audience, this conversation explores the intersections of music, travel and the vibrant energy of one of the world’s most iconic festivals.

In this warm and curious conversation, I’m joined by Rossano—a Scottish traveller with deep Italian roots—as we explore the essence of what makes a journey truly memorable. From reconnecting with family across borders to soaking in the light, smell and sound of faraway places, Rossano shares his reflections on travel. We chat about travelling with companions, collecting keepsakes (yes, even the humble fridge magnet), and the often-overlooked details that stay with us long after we've returned home. It's an episode about presence, connection, and the small things that make big impressions. Join us for a beautifully human take on the meaning of travel.