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Episode 13: Amanda Dunbar on the Enchanting Town of Salemi

This Week's Chat

Join me as I sit down with Amanda Dunbar, an American expat living in Sicily, who shares their absolute favourite holiday destination: Salemi. We dive deep into what makes this place so special and why it's become their go-to escape.

What We Discuss

• Amanda's Expat Journey: How she ended up in Salemi and her travel background
• Discovering Salemi: The story behind her first visit and what drew her back

The Highlights:

• Must-visit spots and hidden gems 
• Local cuisine and dining recommendations
• What made the decision to move there
• What makes the local community so special.
   
• Practical Bits: Getting there, where to stay
• Local Insights: What the guidebooks don't tell you

Key Takeaways

• Amanda's top tip for first-time visitors to Salemi
• The one thing you absolutely mustn't miss
• How to experience Salemi like a local
• Common mistakes travellers make and how to avoid them
• Busiate pasta festival information

Mentioned in This Episode

• Live like a local: If you are considering moving to Salemi, Amanda takes you through some homes for sale along with places to visit, and things to do
• Must Try Local Cuisine: Busiate pasta and Salemi Spritz
• Attractions: Segesta Archeological Park 

Useful Websites and Apps:

• Evisa option
• Airalo for your esim 
• DiscoverCars for your Car hire options

Connect with Amanda Dunbar

• Tiktok - Amanda in Italy
• Youtube - Abcuinitaly
• Instagram - aadst11

Next Week

I'll be chatting with Julie Talbot about their love affair with this part of the world - you won't want to miss her stories about The Silk Road.

Are you an expat with a favourite holiday destination you're passionate about? Drop me a line at podcast@trulyexpattravel- I'd love to hear your story!

Subscribe & Review: If you're enjoying these chats, please leave a review on your podcast platform- it really helps other expats discover the show.

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Website: Truly Expat Travel

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Episode 12: Gerrit Van den Berg - Amsterdam & The Netherlands

This Week's Chat Join me as I sit down with Gerrit van den Berg, a Dutch local and founder of Hidden Holland, who shares his passion for showing travellers the authentic Netherlands beyond the tourist traps. We dive deep into what makes Amsterdam and the wider Netherlands so special and why authentic local experiences trump typical tourist activities every time.

What We Discuss

• Gerrit's story: What makes HiddenHolland different to other tours 
• Discovering the Real Netherlands: Why real authentic experiences are what motivates him
• The Highlights:
  • Hidden gems in Amsterdam away from the crowds
  • Charming medieval cities like Amersfoort and Deventer
  • Cultural insights into Dutch directness and local customs
  • Postcard-perfect photography spots tourists miss
• Practical Bits: Where to find authentic experiences along with local tips
• Local Insights: "Those things you only know when you live somewhere" - the insider knowledge that transforms ordinary trips

Key Takeaways

• The one thing you absolutely mustn't miss: Exploring beyond Amsterdam to discover medieval Dutch cities
• Discovering the best time to travel to the Netherlands.
• How to experience the Netherlands like a local: Focus on authentic cultural experiences rather than tourist clichés
• Common mistakes travellers make and how to overcome them.

Mentioned in This Episode

• Best time to travel: Most people do not realise that it is a all year round destination.
• Attractions: Medieval cities, the (real) Tulip season, hidden Amsterdam gems.
• Useful Apps/Websites: 
  • Hidden Holland - hiddenholland.com - Comprehensive guide to authentic Dutch experiences
  • Truly Expat Travel - My 7 day Itinerary

Connect with Gerrit van den Berg

• Website: hiddenholland.com
• Services: Travel advice, vacation coaching, private tours
• Contact: Available for 1-on-1 video calls to create personalised Netherlands itineraries

Next Week I'll be chatting with Amanda about her love affair with Salemi - you won't want to miss her story about how she ended up moving there fulltime. 

Are you an expat with a favourite holiday destination you're passionate about? Drop me a line at [email protected] - I'd love to hear your story!

Subscribe & Review: If you're enjoying these chats, please leave a review - it really helps other expats discover the show.

Find me on:

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Episode 11: Sri Lanka Adventures with Patsy Tranter

In this episode, I chat with Patsy Tranter about our amazing group trip to Sri Lanka in January. We share our experiences exploring this incredible island nation and why it's a must-visit destination.

What I Discuss

Our Sri Lankan adventure highlights including visits to Sigiriya Rock Fortress, ancient temples, tea plantations, and stunning beaches. We discuss the group tour experience and our unforgettable visit to the world-famous Smoke & Bitters bar in Hiriketiya.

Practical Bits:

• Best time to visit
• What to pack
• How to get to Sri Lanka
• Things we wish we knew before visiting

Local Insights:

• Must-try Sri Lankan cuisine 
• Cave temples
• Wildlife safari opportunities
• Village experiences
• Our experience at Smoke & Bitters - ranked No. 14 on Asia's 50 Best Bars 2025

Key Takeaways

Sri Lanka offers incredible diversity in a compact area - from ancient culture to pristine nature. The friendly locals and rich heritage make it perfect for group travel, and spots like Smoke & Bitters show how the country is gaining international recognition.

Useful Apps/Websites:

• Truly Expat Travel 
• E-Visa Option
• Airalo for your esim option
• TourRadar for group tours

Next Week I'll be chatting with Gerrit Vandeberg from Hidden Holland to chat  about Amsterdam, where he runs personalise tours, so you get the best out of your time in the Netherlands. 

Are you an expat with a favourite holiday destination you're passionate about? Drop me a line at [email protected] I'd love to hear your story!

Subscribe & Review: If you're enjoying these chats, please leave a review- it helps others discover the show.

Find me on:

Website: Truly Expat Travel

Facebook: Truly Expat

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Episode 10: Malta's Hidden Treasures - A Mediterranean Gem

In this episode, I'm sharing my recent adventure to Malta, Europe's best-kept secret that completely stole my heart. From ancient temples older than Stonehenge to crystal-clear lagoons that rival the Caribbean, Malta packs an incredible amount of history and beauty into just 316 square kilometres.

What I Discuss

• Exploring Valletta's Baroque splendour as Europe's smallest capital
• Stepping back in time in the Silent City of Mdina
• Exploring the historic Three Cities - Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua

Practical Bits:

Ferry from Sicily:

• Virtu Ferries operates the main route from Pozzallo to Valletta
• Up to 4 daily crossings in summer, 3 in winter, with crossing time of 1 hour 45 minutes
• Book in advance for best prices, especially during summer months

Best Time to Visit:

• May through October for warmest weather (25-30°C)
• Shoulder months (April-May, September-October) for fewer crowds
• Malta enjoys over 300 days of sunshine annually

Local Insights:

Language & Culture:

• Both Maltese and English are official languages - super accessible for English speakers
• Predominantly Catholic with conservative values - dress modestly in churches
• Sunday mornings see many attractions closed for church services

Food & Drink:

• Cheese pastizzi
• Maltese Ravioli
• Try local specialties and enjoy generous portions at reasonable prices

Key Takeaways

1. Malta exceeds expectations - incredible history and beauty packed into a tiny area
2. Book prehistoric sites in advance - Hypogeum allows only 80 visitors daily
3. Three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in just 316 square kilometres
4. Perfect for island hopping - Malta, Gozo, and Comino each offer unique experiences
5. Excellent value destination compared to other Mediterranean hotspots
6. Ferry from Sicily is easy - great way to combine both destinations

Useful Apps/Websites:

• Truly Expat Travel - 10 of Malta's Hidden Gems
• Ferryscanner - Sicily to Malta ferry bookings
• GetYourGuide - tours and skip-the-line tickets
• Airalo - for an automatic 15% discount for all new users

Next Week

I'll be chatting with Patsy about our "girls" trip to Sri Lanka, why she fell in love with the destination and why this trip was different to anything she's been on before? 

Are you an expat with a favourite holiday destination you're passionate about? Drop me a line at [email protected] - I'd love to hear your story!

Subscribe & Review: If you're enjoying these chats, please leave a review - it helps others discover the show.

Find me on:

Website: Truly Expat Travel

Facebook: Truly Expat

Instagram: Truly Expat Travel

TikTok: Truly Expat

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Episode 9: Exploring Turkey with Kylie Tchebykin

This Week's Chat Join me as I sit down with Kylie Tchebykin who shares her absolute favourite holiday destination: Turkey. We dive deep into what makes this place so special and why it's become their go-to escape.

What We Discuss

• Kylie's Journey: How her love of travel brought her to Turkey (over and over again)
• Discovering Turkey: The story behind her first visit and what drew her back
• The Highlights:
  • Must-visit spots and hidden gems
  • Local cuisine and dining recommendations
  • Cultural experiences not to miss
  • Best time to visit and seasonal tips
• Practical Bits: Getting there and where to stay.
• Local Insights: What the guidebooks don't tell you

Key Takeaways

• Kylie's top tip for first-time visitors to Turkey
• The one thing you absolutely mustn't miss
• Common mistakes travellers make and how to avoid them

Mentioned in This Episode

• Istanbul: Tour of Istanbul
• Cappadocia: Hotel air balloon
• Bodrum: Turkish Baths

Connect with Kylie Tchebykin

• Just_enough_sparkle

Next Week I'll be chatting about my latest trip to Malta - you won't want to miss my stories about the highlights of my trip.

Are you an expat with a favourite holiday destination you're passionate about? Drop me a line at [email protected] I'd love to hear your story!

Subscribe & Review: If you're enjoying these chats, please leave a review on your favourite podcast platform - it really helps others discover the show.

Find me on:

Website: Truly Expat Travel

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Episode 8: Sue and Reggie visit Kaeng Krachan National Park, Thailand

This Week's Chat Join me as I sit down with Sue and Reggie from Travel for Life now who share why they gave Thailand another go after a disappointing visit many years ago. This time, their destination was the spectacular Kaeng Krachan National Park during butterfly migration season - and it completely changed their perspective on the Land of Smiles.

What We Discuss

• Sue and Reggie's Journey: How they ended up in Singapore and their initial Thailand travel disappointment
• Discovering Kaeng Krachan: Why they decided to give Thailand another chance and what drew them to this lesser-known national park
• The Butterfly Migration: Timing their visit perfectly for one of nature's most spectacular displays
• The Highlights:
  • Witnessing thousands of butterflies during peak migration season
  • Bird watching at dawn and dusk
  • Best viewing spots for butterfly photography
  • Other animals that were a welcome surprise
• Practical Bits: Getting there, park accommodation options, and what to budget for
• Local Insights: Hiring a guide from the National Park to visit it's surroundings.

Key Takeaways

• Sue and Reggie's top tip: Visit during the dry season (November-February) for the best butterfly activity
• The one thing you absolutely mustn't miss: The migration of the butterflies.
• How to experience Kaeng Krachan like a naturalist: Hire local guides and respect wildlife viewing etiquette
• Common mistakes travellers make: Staying in the wrong place or visiting at the wrong time.

Mentioned in This Episode

• Accommodation: Kaeng Krachan Boat House Paradise Resort 
• Attractions: Why Visit Kaeng Krachan National Park, Thailand?

Connect with Sue and Reggie

• Follow their travel journey on 
• Travel Awaits
• Travel for Life Now
• Pinterest 
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Twitter: @travel4lifenow

Next Week I'll be chatting with Kylie Tchebykhin about her love affair with the Turkey - you won't want to miss her stories about why she keeps returning and places she has been.

Are you an expat with a favourite holiday destination you're passionate about? Drop me a line at [email protected] I'd love to hear your story!

Subscribe & Review: If you're enjoying these chats, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts - it really helps other expats discover the show.

Find me on:

Website: Truly Expat Travel

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Episode 7: Exploring Bhutan: Insights from an Expat

In this episode, we sit down with Linda Leaming, an expat who has spent nearly three decades in Bhutan. Linda, an accomplished author, shares her journey to Bhutan, her experiences living in this unique country, and her travel recommendations.

What I Discuss

• Linda's Travel Philosophy and Experiences
• Living in Bhutan: Culture and Community
• Distinctive Bhutanese Architecture

Practical Bits:

• Travelling to Bhutan: Tips and Insights
• The Slow Pace of Life in Bhutan
• Packing Tips for Bhutan

Local Insights:

• Must-See Places and Activities in Bhutan
•  Bhutanese Cuisine and Festivals
• The Warmth of Bhutanese Hospitality

Key Takeaways

• The Magic of Bhutan
• The Joy of Slow Travel
• Cultural Experiences Beyond Festivals

Useful Articles:

1. The Secret Himalayan Wellness Diet
2. 10 Things You Should Know About Bhutan
3. A spiritual journey through the land of Happiness

Useful Websites:

• Phurba Namgay's art work
• Linda Leamings Bhutan
• Linda Learming Books

Next Week

I'll be chatting with Sue and Reggie from Travel for Life Now about their recent trip to Southern Thailand and why they fell in love with this part of the country.

Are you an expat with a favourite holiday destination you're passionate about? Drop me a line at [email protected] I'd love to hear your story!

Subscribe & Review: If you're enjoying these chats, please leave a review- it helps others discover the show.

Find me on:

Website: Truly Expat Travel

Facebook: Truly Expat

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Episode 6: From Marrakech to the Sahara: Jo Hunter’s Morocco Love Affair

Join me as I sit down with the incredible Jo Hunter to explore her ultimate favourite destination: Morocco. From the bustling souks of Marrakech to the endless dunes of the Sahara Desert, Jo shares her most memorable moments and insider tips for experiencing the magic of Morocco.

Key Highlights

•Jo’s first Morocco moment that changed everything
•Why Morocco beats every other destination on her travel list
•Cultural insights 
•Practical tips like where to shop and what to shop for!

Jo Hunter is a long term expat and seasoned traveller who is currently living in Singapore. You can find her on instagram here.

Morocco Tours  

• TImeless Morocco 
• Around Morocco Tour
• Morocco Tours 10 Day tour
• 9 Days Tour from Casablanca

Check out Truly Expat's Social Media Pages

• Truly Expat Travel Instagram 
• Truly Expat TikTok
• Truly Expat Facebook

Next Week

Next week we chat with Linda Leaming an American expat who calls Bhutan home. We get to hear from a local what Bhutan is really like!

Are you an expat with a favourite holiday destination you're passionate about? Drop me a line at [email protected] I'd love to hear your story!

Subscribe & Review: If you're enjoying these chats, please leave a review- it helps others discover the show.

Find me on:

Website: Truly Expat Travel 

Facebook: Truly Expat

Instagram: Truly Expat Travel 

TikTok: Truly Expat 

Find me on:

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Episode 5: Vancouver Adventure - Flying Air Canada from Singapore

Episode Overview

In this episode, I share my recent travel experience flying Air Canada from Singapore to Vancouver, along with highlights from my time exploring this beautiful Canadian city.

What I Discuss

• Discovering Vancouver: Why I recently visited Vancouver
• The Highlights: 
  • Must-visit spots and hidden gems
  • Local cuisine 
  • Best time to visit and seasonal tips
• Practical Bits: Getting there and where to stay
• Local Insights: What I wish I knew before I went

Key Takeaways

• My top tips for first-time visitors to Vancouver
• Visa Requirements for Canada
• How to get to Vancouver

Mentioned in This Episode

• Airlines: Air Canada 
• Accommodation: Time Square Suites Hotel and Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre
• Restaurants/Cafés: Beavertails
• Attractions: Horse-Drawn Tours; Vancouver Aquarium; False Creek Ferry; Vancouver Lookout; City and Seal tour; Toonie Tours and Capilano Suspension Bridge
• Useful Apps/Websites: 

Check out Truly Expat's Social Media Pages

• Truly Expat Travel Instagram 
• Truly Expat TikTok
• Truly Expat Facebook

Next Week

I'll be chatting with Jo Hunter about their love affair with Morocco - you won't want to miss her story.

Are you an expat with a favourite holiday destination you're passionate about? Drop me a line at [email protected] I'd love to hear your story!

Subscribe & Review: If you're enjoying these chats, please leave a review- it helps others discover the show.

Find me on:

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Episode 4: Maldives Magic with Kiara Barnes

In this special episode, I chat with Kiara Barnes about our incredible trip to the Maldives together! We share behind-the-scenes stories from our paradise adventure, from overwater bungalows to crystal-clear lagoons.

Kiara and I dive into what it's really like traveling to one of the world's most stunning destinations, the highlights that took our breath away, and those perfect moments that made this trip unforgettable. 

Get ready for some serious wanderlust as we relive our tropical paradise adventure and give you all the insider details on why the Maldives should be at the top of your bucket list!

Accomodation Review: W Maldives

Planning a trip to the Maldives? This article has everything you need.

Find me on:

Website: Truly Expat Travel

Facebook: Truly Expat

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