The JPost Podcast - Travel Edition

Missing a flight is usually the ultimate travel nightmare, but for us, a botched connection at Frankfurt Airport turned absolute misery into an unexpected creative opportunity. Stranded and staring down hours of unexpected downtime, we decided to do what any adventurous travelers would do: turn a logistical disaster into a brand-new podcast episode. What started as an airport ordeal evolved into a deep dive into a fascinating European city, revealing that Frankfurt is far more than just a major transit hub. Beyond its glittering modern business district lies a stunning destination defined by its picturesque river, a lovingly  recreated medieval center, and a profound, 850-year-old Jewish heritage waiting to be uncovered.

This time:

• What to do when you miss your plane: Turning travel disaster into an urban adventure.
• Getting to downtown Frankfurt: Fast and easy transit from the airport to the city center.
• Tom Jones and the street fines: A quirky musical encounter and unexpected street discoveries.
• Surprising flags on the Rathaus Town Hall: Uncovering the Israel connection at the historic seat of government.
• Frankfurt's Parliament and its Jewish connections: Democratic roots and deep ties to the city's Jewish story.
• Walking the Ghetto Street: Retracing centuries of history along the historic Judengasse.
• The Jewish Museum, Cemetery and Holocaust Memorial: Visiting poignant memorials and world-class institutions.
• Frankfurt's famous Jewish sons: Spotlight on Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch and the Rothschild dynasty.
• The Jewish community of today: A look at contemporary Jewish life thriving in modern Frankfurt.
• Hot chocolate and rhubarb juice: Pausing to refuel with local café favorites.

Our podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.

Over the next few months, three new major routes are going to open, giving direct access from Israel to the Philippines, Korea, and Argentina.

Coming up in this episode:

• The Philippines: We hear from the Philippine Ambassador to Israel about the country's island vibe, its unique Jewish connection, and its vibrant food scene.
• Argentina: We catch up with the Argentinian Ambassador to Israel, who discusses the country's diverse regions, its Jewish community, and culinary delights that go far beyond the classic Argentinian steak.
• Korea: We speak with the Deputy Chief of Mission of the Korean Embassy to Israel about the deepening connections between the countries, fascinating must-visit areas of Seoul, and the wonders of Korean cuisine.
• All you need to know: The low down on the airports, transport, climate, currence, acommodation, the kosher scene and much more

Our podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.

Nestled at the southern end of the Grand Canal, Hangzhou is a city where ancient aesthetics seamlessly blend with the pulse of the future. Famed for the breathtaking West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site that has inspired poets and artists for centuries, Hangzhou is more than just a scenic escape.

It has rapidly transformed into China's silicon hub, serving as the headquarters for tech titans like Alibaba and a growing ecosystem of AI innovators.

Beyond the boardroom, the city remains a profound culinary destination, celebrated for its delicate Hangzhou cuisine and deep-rooted tea culture. In this episode, we dive into the dual identity of a city that honors its poetic past while driving the digital revolution.

In this episode, we cover:

• The Long Road to Hangzhou: Navigating travel logistics and the adventure of getting there.
• City Background: Hangzhou’s historical roots and evolution into a global powerhouse.
• Robots & AI: Exploring the cutting-edge tech and robotics shaping the region.
• Travel Essentials: Getting there, local climate details, and top accommodation picks.
• Alibaba & Jack Ma: Inside the tech giant's headquarters and Jack Ma's economic legacy.
• The Glorious West Lake: The hills, the water, the silk, and the beautiful people
• Souvenir Streets: Experiencing the charm and buzz of a local Chinese souvenir strip.
• Night Markets: A sensory dive into the vibrant atmosphere of a local night market.

Mark and David were guests of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Israel.

Our podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.

We draw back the curtain on the mysterious land locals call Pridnestrovie – better known to the world as The Transnistrian Region or Transnistria.Join Mark, David and special guest JC as they explore this beautiful and little-understood corner of southeastern Moldova.

This time on the podcast:

• Crossing three borders in 100 metres
• Learning how not to take a shower
• Hotel beds: hard, soft, and everything in between
• A mystical Hasidic burial site
• Exploring Bender Fortress – ghosts included
• Vodka at 11 a.m.
• Lunch in a Soviet-era canteen
• "I do love a nice bit of gefilte fish"
• Going native: honey, pickles and herbal remedies
• Fun with Flags in Tiraspol
• Kosher, yes kosher brandy from KvintA fascinating journey into one of Europe's most intriguing and least-visited destinations.
Mark and David were assisted by Visit Pridnestrovie.


Our podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.

Welcome to a very special edition of The Jerusalem Post Podcast – Travel Edition, coming to you live from Netanya in front of a wonderful audience as we celebrate five years of journeys, discoveries, and unforgettable conversations. 

Over the past half-decade we’ve travelled far beyond the departure board – exploring the Jewish and Israeli story across the globe, and meeting the people who make every destination come alive.

In this anniversary episode we look back at some of our most remarkable stops: from the soaring skylines of the United Arab Emirates to the layered history of Poland, from vibrant Panama to the crossroads of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, and of course the endlessly surprising landscapes of Israel and Europe.

Pack your bags – this is a journey through five years of travel, culture, and connection.  

Our podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Moldova is one of Europe's most delightful surprises. Blessed with rolling vineyards, picturesque countryside, welcoming cities, and a fascinating blend of cultures, this small nation offers visitors an authentic and unforgettable experience.

Renowned for producing some of the world's finest wines, Moldova is also home to a remarkable Jewish heritage that spans centuries. From the elegant boulevards and lively markets of Chișinău to ancient monasteries carved into the cliffs of Old Orhei, this journey uncovers a country where history, tradition, and hospitality combine to create one of Eastern Europe's most captivating destinations.

This time:
• Discovering the contrasting sides of Chișinău, from lively markets to elegant parks and boulevards.
• Moldova's Jewish community and learning about Jewish life today.
• Exploring Chișinău's unique Jewish Cemetery Museum project.
• Visiting three renowned wineries, including Carlevana, a producer of outstanding kosher wines.
• Exploring Old Orhei and its solitary cave-dwelling monk.
• Learning about Orhei's Jewish heritage and historic cemetery.
• Experiencing the Eurovision Song Contest the Moldovan way. 
 
Mark and David were assisted by the National Tourism Office of Moldova.

Our podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.

Vienna isn’t just grand palaces and classical music—it’s a city layered with stories, ideas, and unexpected discoveries. In this episode, we explore a more thoughtful side of Austria’s capital, weaving together a powerful Jewish story with fascinating museums and a standout culinary experience. From philosophy and identity to language and innovation, this Vienna journey offers something genuinely different.This time:

• A powerful visit to the Viktor Frankl Museum — exploring meaning, resilience, and life’s deeper questions
• Discovering the newly reimagined Vienna City Museum and its take on the city’s past and present
• Stepping into a world of globes and exploration
• Esperanto, where language meets idealism
• A culinary highlight at Tian Restaurant Wien — a Michelin-starred vegetarian experience that surprises and delights

Mark and David were guests of Vienna Tourist Board.

Our podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.

Step into the flavors, stories, and nightlife of south Tel Aviv as Mark and David explore the vibrant Levinsky Market by day before heading out for a lively pub crawl after dark. From old-world delicatessens and fragrant spice shops to trendy gazoz drinks and buzzing bars packed with locals, this episode captures the unique mix of tradition and modern energy that makes the Levinsky area one of Tel Aviv’s most fascinating neighborhoods.  This time on the podcast:• We're just wild about Harry
• A visit to a traditional Turkish deli filled with Balkan and Ottoman flavors
• Exploring a Persian spice shop overflowing with aromas and history
• Fresh baked treats from one of Levinsky’s beloved bakeries
• Herring and chrayne - classic Ashkenazi comfort food
• Creative modern gazoz soda drinks inspired by a forgotten classic
• Discovering the remarkable synagogue that never opens on Saturdays
• Avital may possibly have the world's best job
• A nighttime pub crawl through the lively streets around Levinsky Market
• Meeting both young Tel Aviv partygoers and longtime locals enjoying the nightlife.
• David, the busspotter

Mark and David were guests of Harry's Baked Israel Food Tours and D-TLV Pub Crawl.

Our podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.

Budapest is a city that constantly reinvents itself—where grand imperial history, cutting-edge culture, and world-famous wellness experiences exist side by side. From sprawling green parks filled with architectural wonders to underground caves that tell the story of centuries past, and from historic castles to modern-day spa innovations, the Hungarian capital offers a journey through time unlike anywhere else in Europe. In this episode of The Jerusalem Post Podcast – Travel Edition, Mark and David explore a city where every corner reveals a new layer of discovery, blending heritage, resilience, and relaxation into one unforgettable experience.This time:

• Liget Budapest City Park – Discover one of Europe’s most ambitious urban cultural developments, where lush parkland meets world-class attractions, including striking new museums, the Budapest Zoo, a historic castle, and even a traditional circus—all in one vibrant setting.
• Budapest Castle & the Caves of Buda – Learn about the fascinating cave system under Buda Castle, uncovering stories from medieval times through the communist era, and discover how this historic area is being carefully restored and reimagined today.
• Ensana Thermal Spa, Margaret Island – Experience the cutting edge of wellness in a serene island setting, with unique treatments such as red cord therapy, menthol  ultrasound therapy, and therapeutic salt caves, all rooted in Budapest’s legendary thermal spa culture.

Mark and David were guests of Visit Hungary.

Our podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.

Snow-capped peaks, world-class skiing, and a rich cultural tapestry—Slovakia’s High Tatras offer far more than just a winter (and year-round) escape.

In this episode, Mark and David explore breathtaking alpine landscapes, glide above the mountains on ski lifts, and uncover the region’s fascinating Jewish history.

From historic spa traditions and modern thermal resorts to a luxurious stay at the iconic Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras, this journey blends adventure, heritage, and indulgence in one unforgettable destination.  

This time on the podcast:

• A scenic ski lift ride over the High Tatras
• The geography, beauty, and stories of Slovakia’s majestic mountain range
• How skiing began as everyday transportation
• Preparing Slovakia’s national dish
• Explore Kežmarok’s former synagogue and Jewish cemetery
• Experience AquaCity Poprad, a cutting-edge thermal water park and spa complex
• Reflect at the Holocaust memorial at Poprad’s train station
• Marvel at stunning ice sculptures high in the mountains
• Hear the latest updates on flights connecting Tel Aviv to the High Tatras region
• Step inside the luxurious Kempinski hotel and discover alpine elegance at its finest

Mark and David were guests of Slovakia Travel.