Mariam Amini has been travelling through the Balkan region during the Covid-19 pandemic. Mariam provides first-hand knowledge of travelling in Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia and North Macedonia, from January to April 2021. Find out more about these offbeat destinations, including what it's like to travel in the Balkans during Covid. Mariam talks about taking a risk and just going for it. Get more inspiration from Mariam on IG at #budget.backpackers.

Amsterdam can be delectable and enchanting, as narrow canals and cobblestone streets weave through a remarkable city. Yet Amsterdam can also be overcrowded, very expensive and not that different to other big European cities. Host Stephen Bailey spent 12 months living in the Netherlands and he reveals how to get off the tourist trail and discover a more authentic side to Amsterdam. Explore neighbourhoods, attractions and experiences in today's episode!

Iran? A country of nuclear terrorists or one of the warmest and most welcoming destinations on the planet? Your host Stephen Bailey thinks the latter. He recalls a trip to Iran and the people he met, along with Iran's sights and experiences. Travel to Esfahan, Yazd, Persepolis, Tabriz and Mashhad, as Stephen explains how and why to visit Iran.

Alberta, a stunning corner of the world, home to Banff, Calgary, six World Heritage sites and so much more. Today's guest is Dalene Heck from the excellent Road Trip Alberta. She's take us on a journey around her home province, including the Northern Lights, Jasper, Edmonton, and a series of lesser-known Alberta destinations. This is a great destination guide from the number one Alberta expert - it's sure to put Alberta on your travel bucketlist.

Find yourself in New Zealand, cruising through the mist of Milford Sound. It's not a sound but a fjord. And it's one of the finest natural wonders in the Southern Hemisphere. Join your host Stephen Bailey in exploring Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound, in Fjordland National Park. Discover different experiences inside these fjords.

Travel to Rwanda with your host Stephen Bailey and discovers there's a lot more than gorillas in this tiny African nation. Find the big five, search for chimpanzees, discover the Nyanza kings and find rare Congo Basin monkeys. Rwanda has a fascinating history and has changed for the good since the terrible genocide in 1994. It's an up and coming destination, and yes, by listening to this episode you'll also learn about gorilla trekking.

Nora Dunn has been travelling full time for the best part of 15 years! She's trained as a shaman in South America, taking epic train challenges across the world, and explored many of the world's unexplored countries. Nora and Stephen talk about long-term travel, including how to overcome the challenges and fears that hold people back from travelling. This is a fascinating insight into the opportunities that arise when you travel slow, as also showcased in Nora's superb The Professional Hobo blog.

Get up close with humpback whales then meet southern right whales in South Africa. Travel the world in search of the world's biggest creatures, with ideas for whale watching on all the continents. Your host Stephen Bailey recalls a whale getting dangerously close to his boat along with some whale watching that requires a lot of patience.

Majestic Mayan cities, seductive Shaman traditions, open Pacific beaches, roaring volcanoes and beautiful old towns...there's a lot to admire about Guatemala and it's amazing how the country remains under the radar. Explore Guatemala with your host Stephen Bailey, on a short journey through a series of highlights and experience ideas. You'll visit Lake Atitlan, Antigua, Tikal, along with places you've probably never heard of.

Luxury travel is changing and Gabriela Markova is at the forefront of this change. She takes us behind the scenes of the ultraluxe travel industry, from private islands to experiential travel, upcoming destinations and her own remarkable travel experiences. Gabriela was formerly Head of Sales at Mandarin Oriental and opened Velaa Private Island in the Maldives. She now operates the ultra-luxe sales representation agency GM Selection, along with industry tradeshow Luxury Bloc.