Take a Wander with Shebs

In this episode, I spoke to travel blogger from Mia on the Map and teacher, Mia Townsend.
 
Our discussion was about how Mia started her career in teaching and why she wanted to pursue a career in the industry. We detail her studying abroad and specific destinations being significant factors in her decision to become a teacher and a blogger.

Mia talked to me about always having a blog. But, her new blog, Mia on the Map, has been derived from her teaching career, which is why she feels it's a great fit.

We also discussed slow travel and why she is a big champion of it.

One big talking point was Mia being adopted and trying to find her birth parents. We go into detail about the journey she went through trying to locate them.

Mia also talked to me about having ADHD and what impact this has on her life.

Fascinating interview, which I hope you all enjoy watching.

You can also watch the episode on my YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/BcSKr3NhBhw ). For people with hearing impairment, subtitles are available on YouTube.

#slowtravel #teachenglishabroad
... 
Chapters 

•  Intro 
• Welcome Mia 
•  Early life, being adopted and trying to find birth parents
•  Starting her teaching career
•  The reason for starting Mia on the Map, why Thailand is an influential place
•  Ulitmate goal for the blog & time management 
•  ADHD
•  Networking & working smartly 
•  Importance of slow travel
•  Hobbies
•  Summary & Outro

...
Stay connected with Mia.
Website
https://miaonthemap.com/
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/miaonthemap/
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/miaonthemap
Twitter
https://mobile.twitter.com/miaonthemap
Pinterest
https://www.pinterest.co.uk/miaonthemap/
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@miaonthemap
TikTok
https://www.tiktok.com/@miaonthemap
...
Stay connected with me
Website
https://shebsthewanderer.com/
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/shebsthewanderer/
Twitter
https://twitter.com/ShebsAlom
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/shebsthewanderer/

Support the show

In this episode, I spoke with award-winning author and journalist, Tharik Hussain. We discussed how Tharik journeyed to discover Muslim Europe, why he decided to write his book, Minarets in the Mountains, and what significance the book would have for the Muslim community and society.

We both discussed our Bangladeshi roots and went into detail about what it was like to grow up in the U.K. and travel to Bangladesh for the first time. What impact did it have on Tharik?

We discuss what the World Cup in Qatar in 2022 has done for the Arab Muslim world regarding tourism. Did it get fair coverage? Was the criticism justified?

We discuss Ramadan's importance, what it's like to travel during the holy month and the significance for a travel professional to fast during the month and work. 

Tharik also discussed what's on the agenda next for him.

#travelpodcast #muslim #ramadan2023

You can also watch the episode on my YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/8ut7TIl1q7E). For people with hearing impairment, subtitles are available on YouTube.
... 
Chapters 

• Intro
• Welcome Tharik
• Tharik's Bengali roots helped him fall into the travel industry
•  Where is home?
• Why was it essential to go down the niche Tharik chose
• Why has the Muslim narrative been neglected?
• How influential has Tharik's work been in the media?
• What is it like being of Bangladeshi origin in travel media?
• Coverage of the Qatar 2022 World Cup, was it fair?
• What is Ramadan? 
• What does Ramadan mean to Tharik 
• Travelling during Ramadan
• Recap of what Ramadan is
• What's next on the agenda for Tharik
• Summary & Outro

...
Please stay connected with Tharik.
Website
https://www.tharikhussain.co.uk/
Twitter
https://twitter.com/_TharikHussain
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/TharikHussainAuthor/
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/tharik_hussain/
...
Please stay connected with me.
Website
https://shebsthewanderer.com/
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/shebsthewanderer/
Twitter
https://twitter.com/ShebsAlom
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/shebsthewanderer/

Support the show

In this episode, I spoke to entrepreneur, David Castro. David is a hotel owner from La Fortuna, Costa Rica.

We talked in detail about his hotel, Hotel Bijagua, and what plans he has going forward.

We spoke about why La Fortuna was a destination many should consider visiting soon, as it is one of Costa Rica's most popular destinations. David detailed some activities people should consider on their visit and whether seeing the Arenal Volcano was worth the hype.

We also spoke about the cuisine people should try on their visit and when it was the best time of the year to visit.

A great insight into Costa Rica's most popular destination.
 
You can also watch the episode on my YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/BXC9RhlsHu4). For people with hearing impairment, subtitles are available on YouTube. 

#publicrelations #costarica #lafortuna

... 
Chapters 

• Intro 
• Welcome David, where he grew up & fell in love with travel
• Starting the hotel & challenges
• What type of hotel is it?
• What can people get from their visit to La Fortuna & is a must see
• Where to dine out
• What time of the year to visit & Arenal Volcano worth it?
• What feeling will people have during their time and when they leave La Fortuna
• Summary & outro

…
Stay connected with David & hotel
Hotel Bijagua website
https://hotelbijagua.com
Facebook David
https://www.facebook.com/DCQCR
Facebook hotel
https://m.facebook.com/HotelBijagua/
...
Stay connected with me
Website
https://shebsthewanderer.com/
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/shebsthewanderer/
Twitter
https://twitter.com/ShebsAlom
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/shebsthewanderer/

Support the show

*Warning* ⚠️ Readers may find the description distressing

Feed your soul with Spiritual Adventure

In this episode, I talked to an adventure designer and certified tour guide from Duruimity, Costa Rica, Mari Jiménez. Mari and I discussed various topics about how she has journeyed to the point of today.

Mari realised she wanted to be in nature while studying at University. We went into detail about how she made a breakthrough when she was selected to design the adventure path for the Channel 4 documentary in the U.K., 'Walking the Americas' with Levison Wood. This subsequently led to being appointed to guide Simon Reeve for his show on the BBC, 'The Americas with Simon Reeve.' Then being cast in a French documentary by Cyril Dion, 'Animal.'

Mari talked to me in great detail about how this was overwhelming and how it affected her mental state. We explore why this was the case, as she stated she didn't feel worthy of the recognition.

We also discussed a significant moment in her life at 28, when she was bit by a snake and died for a moment. Thankfully, Mari revived to tell me the tale of what happened and subsequently why this was a blessing for her to begin a new chapter in her life, which involved starting Tribu de Mujeres.   

Three other talking points which also played a big part in Mari's life, which she told me, are being bullied by her professor when studying for her guide badge. Reasons she fell into depression and had suicidal thoughts. Finally, she was over the moon about being pregnant but had a miscarriage. From all these discussion points, Mari tells me where her state of mind is today.

Mari tells me about what's ahead for her and her successful business.

Fascinating discussion, well worth a bag of popcorn to go with it.
 
You can also watch the episode on my YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/g9NVoDtHQxk). For people with hearing impairment, subtitles are available on YouTube.

#adventuretravel #duruimity #costarica
... 
Chapters 

• Intro
• Welcome Mari
• Early beginnings & Education
• How duruimity started & tv recognition 
• Overwhelmed? Not feeling worthy? 
• Pandemic perhaps was a blessing
• Biten by a snake & dying
• New lease of life, starting a women's tribe
• Getting bullied by a professor 
• House broken Into, burnout, depression & suicidal
• Core reasons for the women's tribe 
• Pregnancy period 
• Branching out & open to new opportunities 
• Summary, how to connect & outro

...
Stay connected with Mari.
Website
https://www.duruimity.com/
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/duruimity_adventures/
...
Stay connected with me.
Website
https://shebsthewanderer.com/
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/shebsthewanderer/
Twitter
https://twitter.com/ShebsAlom
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/shebsthewanderer/

Support the show

In this episode, I talked to the content manager for RatePunk, Kamilė Navikaitė. Kamilė is responsible for marketing strategies, campaigns, collaborations, texts, and blogs that all have to do with RatePunk for it to reach its success.

Justin Albertynas and Janis Možeiko founded RatePunk. As Kamilė explained to me, the business concept is for people to save money on hotels. Kamilė spoke to me about how people can add RatePunk to their browser in seconds and, by doing so, get the lowest price of the hotel on the market. She tells me why RatePunk feel it's a revolutionary tool that automatically compares hotel rates on the internet and finds the best price.

Kamilė also details the long-term strategy for the company.

We also talked about Kamilė as an individual and what made her fall in love with travelling.

Kamilė spoke to me about how she started writing for publications. We also talked about how she manages her time with the workload and being a student at the same time.

 You can also watch the episode on my YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/Zwu6exEnAaQ). For people with hearing impairment, subtitles are available on YouTube.

#savemoney #hotels #ratepunk 
... 
Chapters 

• Intro
• Welcome Kamilė &  love for travel
• The concept of RatePunk, how it started and how it compares to others
• Challenges for RatePunk 
• How to use RatePunk to save money
• Possible Apps?
• Funding of RatePunk & ebook for RatePunk
• How Kamilė started writing for publications
• How does Kamilė manage her time with the workload
• Meaningful travel experience for Kamilė
• Hobbies
• Summary & outro

...
Stay connected with Kamilė.
LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamil%C4%97-navikait%C4%97-37b77b1b9/?originalSubdomain=lt
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/kamile.navikaite
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/ka_mi_ly_te/
...
Get RatePunk browser and start saving money.
https://www.ratepunk.com/TakeAWanderWithShebs

...
Stay connected with me
Website
https://shebsthewanderer.com/
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/shebsthewanderer/
Twitter
https://twitter.com/ShebsAlom
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/shebsthewanderer/

Support the show

In this episode, I sat down and spoke to Traveling Greek, Kat Banks. Kat and I talked about how she fell into the travel space, travel writing and the influencer world.

Kat went into detail about why Twitter was such a game-changer for her and how that platform could take you down an avenue you are seeking if you can use it correctly today.

We talked about the influencer and social media space in general, whether that area needs improving, and how to survive long-term. We specifically talked about why a niche is pivotal in surviving.

I also spoke to Kat about her why she branched into Greek travel.  We spoke about her future goals as well.

You can also watch the episode on my YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/iCfmdoSF8UI). For people with hearing impairment, subtitles are available on YouTube.

#travelinggreek #publicrelations #socialmedia

... 

Chapters 

• Intro
• Welcome Kat & early travels
• Transition to travel writing with challenges 
• Importance of niche, utilising social media & engagements
• Is the influencer space healthy?
• Authenticity 
• Is it worth going into traditional media?
• How to juggle various jobs?
• Travel means to Kat
• One place Kat will pick to travel to
• Guilty pleasure 
• Summary & outro

...
Stay connected Kat.
Website
https://travelinggreek.com/
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/travelinggreek/
Twitter
https://twitter.com/TRAVELINGGREEK
Pinterest
https://www.pinterest.co.uk/travelinggreek/
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/travelwithkatvonb/
LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/travelinggreek/
...
Stay connected with me
Website
https://shebsthewanderer.com/
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/shebsthewanderer/
Twitter
https://twitter.com/ShebsAlom
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/shebsthewanderer/

Support the show

In this episode, I talked to one of the most eminent tour guides in Dubrovnik, Ivan Vukovic. 

We discussed in detail how he first gained a passion for becoming a tour guide, which has become a 20-year career. I went into detail about how he stays motivated and what makes him unique from his other colleagues.

We discussed how Dubrovnik has become one of the biggest tourist attractions in the world, thanks to the Game of Thrones, and whether it's good for Dubrovnik with the number of tourists flocking the city. 

We also talked about his work as a tour guide getting him recognition in the media. This has led to him getting work with some of the most significant networks in the world, like the BBC, CNN, National Geographic and PBS, to name a few.

I also discussed whether he sees himself working as a tour guide in the future and whether he has aspirations to do anything else.

Ivan also spoke to me about some of his travel experiences and what countries he has on his bucket list.

You can also watch the episode on my YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/yaukFOh2H24). For people with hearing impairment, subtitles are available on YouTube.

#travelpodcast #dubrovnik #tourguide 
...

Chapters 

• Intro
• Welcome Ivan, early days & love for travel
• Dubrovnik Tourist Guide, how he started, what makes him unique
• What makes him different to competitors
• How long are the tours and are they all in English?
• Does the work get repetitive?
• Success of Game of Thrones causing over-tourism
• How the media work started
• Time management & are there other aspirations
• Why should people visit Dubrovnik?
• Meaningful travel experience & travelling solo
• Where's next on Ivan's travel list
• Summary & outro

Stay connected with Ivan.
Website
https://dubrovnik-tourist-guides.com/
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/dubrovnik_tourist_guide/
Twitter
https://twitter.com/ToursDubrovnik
...
Stay connected with me.
Website
https://shebsthewanderer.com/
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/shebsthewanderer/
Twitter
https://twitter.com/ShebsAlom
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/shebsthewanderer/

Support the show

In this episode, I sat down and spoke to travel blogger Eve. Eve started a successful blog, Eminently Eve, which caters to people looking to travel to Zimbabwe on a budget and sustainably.

Eve goes into specifics on how people can save money.

I went into detail about why she wanted to help people travel in this way and what her intentions and goals for the blog are long-term.

We talked about whether the blog is full-time for her, whether she is making revenue from it, and how she has gotten this.

Fascinating discussion and well worth watching if you are heading out to Zimbabwe soon as the talk might just save you some money. 

You can also watch the episode on my YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/9XV1V9ac1Wg). For people with hearing impairment, subtitles are available on YouTube.

#journorequest #prrequest #publicrelations
... 

Chapters 

• Intro
• Welcome Eve, and her initial love for travel
• Starting her blog on conservation in Zimbabwe 
• How well has the blog been received 
• Is the blog full-time? Sponsors? 
• Blog being budget oriented-why? 
• Working with brands & consultation
• Where is the best place to travel Zimbabwe on a budget
• What’s it like to travel Zimbabwe today/safety 
• How to go about budgeting for Zimbabwe 
• What Eve does for fun & guilty pleasure
• Summary & outro 

...
Stay connected with Eve.
Website
https://www.eminentlyeve.com/
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/eve_intimacywithnature/
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/eveintimacywithnature/
Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/eminentlyeve/
...
Stay connected with me
Website
https://shebsthewanderer.com/
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/shebsthewanderer/
Twitter
https://twitter.com/ShebsAlom
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/shebsthewanderer/

Support the show

I look back at some of my memorable talks for my second year of podcasting on Take a Wander with Shebs!

Watch the full episode of my talk with Ash Bhardwaj on the link below.
https://youtu.be/sDO_Nb3iiQI

Watch the full episode of my talk with Sade on the link below.
https://youtu.be/lIlFOj2sktI

Watch the full episode of my discussion about Afghanistan.
https://youtu.be/Vbc63BTXVM8

You can also watch the episode on my YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/UDHH_0GNcFo). For people with hearing impairment, subtitles are available on YouTube.


#travelpodcast #highlightreel #publicrelations 
…
Chapters 

• Intro on 2nd year of podcasting 
• Ash Bhardwaj | lack of Asians in travel media
• Sade | importance of Sierra Leone at 60 
• My life under the Taliban
• Travellers' perspective on Afghanistan 
• Final words 

...
Stay connected with me.
Website
https://shebsthewanderer.com/
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/shebsthewanderer/
Twitter
https://twitter.com/ShebsAlom
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/shebsthewanderer/
...
Stay connected with Ash.
Website
https://www.ashbhardwaj.com/
Twitter
https://twitter.com/AshBhardwaj
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/ashbhardwaj
...
Stay connected with Sade.
Personal
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/sadesadesade/
Twitter
https://twitter.com/sadesierraleone
Sierra Leone at 60
Twitter
https://twitter.com/SIERRALEONEAT60
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/sierraleoneat60/
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/Sierra-Leone-at-60
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9eEkwb918i2yAv_bq1yNEg
...
Stay connected with Shane.
Website
https://www.thetravelcamel.com/
Twitter
https://twitter.com/thetravelcamel
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/thetravelcamel/
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/TheTravelCamel
Pinterest
https://www.pinterest.co.uk/thetravelcamel/
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/shanedallas

Support the show

In this episode, I sat down and spoke to, Jessica Lee, about her travel coaching business, The Wander Word.

Jess talked to me about after a decade of wandering; she noticed a massive problem for travellers – over-tourism. With her cultural immersion coaching service, she spoke to me about how she hopes to get people to learn how to connect with their destination and transform from being a tourist to a traveller through one-on-one coaching, language courses, and travel planning services.

Jess spoke to me about her target audience and the cost of her services. We also talked about how she differs from a travel agent.

We also discussed why she felt it was vital for her to be open about her domestic abuse in the past. She talked to me about the significance it has had on the person she has become now.

You can also watch the episode on my YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/jKPDCU4jgEg). For people with hearing impairment, subtitles are available on YouTube.

#travelcoach #domesticabuseawareness #travelpodcast
...
Chapters
0:00 Intro
0:35 Welcome Jess, early travels & solo travelling
3:28 The beginnings of The Wander Word
4:56 Time management & challenges faced
8:13 How competitive in the field
9:44 What some of the courses entail, the main selling point
12:20 Difference between a travel coach and a travel agent
13:58 Cost of the packages, target audience & retaining clients
18:23 Intention & goals for the future
21:38 Importance of social media in the business
23:12 Domestic abuse story
29:09 Guilty pleasures & Hobbies
32:02 Summary & Outro
...
Stay connected with Jess.
Website
https://thewanderword.com/
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/thewanderword/
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/thewanderword/
...
Stay connected with me.
Website
https://shebsthewanderer.com/
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/shebsthewanderer/
Twitter
https://twitter.com/ShebsAlom
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/shebsthewanderer/

Support the show