In conversation with tourists

In this podcast episode, Lucy, born and bread in Edinburgh, delves into the transformative changes the city has undergone over the years. We touch on Edinburgh's identity, community spirit, and the effects of increased tourism and festivalization. Despite the changes, the pandemic offered a silver lining, fostering community connections in unexpected ways and prompting reflections on the city’s dual nature of being both a beloved hometown and a global attraction.

In this episode of In Conversation with Tourists, Oana sits down with Jake—a traveler who’d happily swap a must‑see monument for a quiet chat over a neighborhood café table. Jake explains why the real itinerary begins where the guidebook ends: on unbeaten paths, in spur‑of‑the‑moment detours, and in the stories locals share when you bother to listen.

Their conversation ranges from Edinburgh’s close to American city grids, pausing where prayer calls mingle with military drills to prove a place can hold seeming opposites without losing its charm. 

Expect insights on forging your own destinations, finding the lesson you need in the moment you need it, and discovering how urban spaces—old or new—offer fresh perspectives when you approach them with open eyes. If you’re ready to trade “seen it, snapped it” for genuine human connection, press play and follow Jack’s lead down the side street.

In this reflective solo episode, I explore how our travel behaviors shape the meaning and depth of our holiday experiences. From navigating group dynamics and compromising on activities, to overcoming fears around solo travel—especially for women in midlife—I invite listeners to pause and question the why behind their travels. We’ll also unpack the idea of moving beyond mass urban tourism to embrace authentic, sustainable experiences that connect us with local communities. What would it mean to plan a holiday not by what we should see, but by how we want to feel and who we wish to become in the process? Join me for a thoughtful journey into reimagining travel with purpose and presence.

In this episode of In Conversation with Tourists, my guests trade the library for lochs, greenery and calm. They explain how climbing with a mixed group of friends turned a tough ascent into a lesson in teamwork, and why they want to learn from Scots to celebrate small wins.

This dynamic travel duo discuss about warm welcomes and the surprise of a 10 p.m. alcohol curfew and nightlife that slips away at midnight like Cinderella’s coach. They laugh about the eternal debate over what (if anything) lurks beneath a kilt and the local habit of sunbathing in beachwear the moment clouds part above the Meadows. One guest even arrived with an empty suitcase of flavours, determined to discover her new favourite foods on Scottish soil. With engaging stories about culture, Scottish weather, and breathtaking scenery, their journey underscores the power of friendship and discovery. Each learns valuable lessons about moving at one’s pace and the importance of companionship during travels.

If you’re curious how newcomers decode culture—and how a short break can reshape a student’s sense of home—press play.

Jo travelled to Australia, America and in Europe, but one place changed everything for her: India.

In this episode, Jo - now 66- opens up about the transformative power of travel. We talk about her experiences in India - learning from artisans, observing the rhythm of daily life and building warm and lasting connections with locals.

Whether you've been around the world or are still dreaming of your first trip, Jo's story is a beautiful reminder that travel is not always about the destination... it's about who you become along the way if you give yourself time and space to reflect and embrace different perspectives.

What happened to the magic of travel? In this trailer for In conversation with tourists, host Oana reflects on how we've lost the spark of discovery, buried under over-planning, bucket lists and Instagrammable moments. This podcast isn't about giving travel tips. It's about listening to real stories from tourists around the world: what surprised them, what moved them and what they truly remember. Based in Edinburgh and open to the world, this show invites you to rethink what it means to travel and rediscover the joy of the unexpected. Please subscribe now and join the conversation.