The most played episodes among Podcast App listeners.

1. 1
   Number 1: In Search of Unicorns

   Unicorns. Not usually the kind of mythical thing you'd think a travel writer would be on assignment to find. Yet in the Canadian Arctic of the territory of Nunavut, on Baffin Island, a sea creature who inspired these fabled creatures lingers beneath the waves. We're talking the narwhal - a small whale that sports a twisted ivory tusk that to this day still baffles scientists. Accompanied by her Inuit guides Phoebe battles whiteouts and icy seas on a mission to find these marina mammals. Along the way she climbs icebergs, learns how to track polar bears and is privileged to hear, first hand, the indigenous legends of the creation of the first narwhal. Will she find one? There's only one way to find out... Also coming up: How to keep your batteries and devices going in cold climates - with this month's travel hack; Discover 10 flying alternatives for your next adventure; fresh from launching his new BBC series Wilderness, I meet TV presenter and author Simon Reeve, to talk wild places, his ultimate travel gear and... testicles? In our regular gear chat you can learn all about the joy of using gaiters (the little shoe and boot covers that can make all the difference); join us for a heart-to-heart with ice swimmer Kate Steels who shares some of the best swimming spots around the planet; and prepare to be amazed by our Wander Woman of the Month - Brigid of Ireland. Contact Wander Woman www.Phoebe-Smith.com; @PhoebeRSmith

   February 07, 2024·40min
   Play
2. 2
   Number 2: Calm in the Chaos

   Think Thailand and you usually think two things. The first is the vibrancy and hedonism of the capital city of Bangkok. The second is The Beach - the book-turned-film featuring Leonardo DiCaprio that sent scores of backpackers to a tiny island off the coast of Phuket. I pay the Land of Smiles a visit (in association with the Tourism Authority of Thailand) to uncover a different side to the world's busiest city and the country beyond. From visiting the Green Lung of the capital where monks ask for recycling rather than alms, to journeying by sleeper train to Chiang Mai to check out sustainability projects already underway, and interviewing a ranger about the initiatives that have been introduced to tackle overtourism on the beach from The Beach - wander with me to discover a side to the country that is distinctly green. Also coming up: Learn how to prevent and treat sea sickness on all your water-based adventures; Dip into the 10 Best Travel Books to fuel your wanderlust; meet itinerant TV presenter, author and farmer Kate Humble to talk Interrailing, Africa and... magic string; Understand how to buy the best sun cream for your travels - whether in warm or cold climates; join us for a chat with Urban Explorer Greg Abandoned as he reveals some of the most fascinating places in the world; and prepare for a polar expedition with our Wander Woman of the Month - Arnalulunguak. Contact Wander Woman www.Phoebe-Smith.com; @PhoebeRSmith

   January 10, 2024·50min
   Play
3. 3
   Number 3: I, Pilgrim

   Want to escape the chaos of the festive season? Join Phoebe Smith as she undertakes a micro-pilgrimage in Sussex, England, on the recently discovered Old Way. But here's the twist - although she's joined by 15 others they walk in complete and total silence... As a non-religious soul, Phoebe wonders what brings people to complete a pilgrimage and learns the value of time spent outside without speaking a single word. The event was run by the British Pilgrimage Trust whose motto is BYOB (Bring Your Own Beliefs) and people definitely did... Also coming up: Learn how to Beat the Blisters with our expert Travel Hack of the Month; Discover the 10 best pilgrim paths around the world; meet the BBC Correspondent and Barrister, turned nuns - turned tour guides who mapped out a series of 'Caminos' in their native Northern Ireland; Discover the joys of walking poles in our regular gear section; Gen up on Canada's Ojibwe Spirit Horses, a rare and endangered breed - and the woman working to save them; and be left in awe by our Wander Woman of the Month - Egeria aka the world's first pilgrim. Contact Wander Woman www.Phoebe-Smith.com; @PhoebeRSmith

   December 05, 2023·45min
   Play
4. 4
   Number 4: Tales from the Riverbank: An Ireland Special

   Many of us have been to Ireland before – bought a pint of Guinness in Dublin, gazed at the Atlantic from Galway and maybe kissed the Blarney stone in Cork, but few of us - Phoebe included – have taken the time to explore the central valleys and hills of the Hidden Heartlands, which are home to the River Shannon – the longest river in the country. Desperate to see what stories would flow she jumps on a train, then ferry and heads to the source to follow the waterway all the way to sea… Also coming up: Learn how to enjoy Ireland for free with our Travel Hack of the Month; Discover the 10 best stops on the Wild Atlantic WayHear from Timmy Donovan, barman at the oldest pub in the world, who’s about to front a new series on Netflix about the origins of whiskeyWhat to pack if you are travelling in the ‘shoulder season’ in changeable weatherHear from the inspiring Access for All Lough Ree who are working to ensure everyone can enjoy the outdoorsWander Woman of the Month - Gráinne ni Mhaille aka Grace O’Malley - Ireland’s Pirate QueenCome wander with her… #WanderWomanWednesday Contact Wander Woman www.Phoebe-Smith.com; @PhoebeRSmith

   November 01, 2023·51min
   Play
5. 5
   Number 5: The More the Merrier?

   The invite came in bright red letters from Intrepid Travel: Sabah Adventure – climb Mt Kinabalu and head into the jungle to find Borneo’s iconic wildlife. It promised to be a trip to rival all other trips. The catch? It was a group trip. That would mean Phoebe – an avid solo traveller – would have to share her experience (not to mention bedroom) with others. How would it effect the trip? There was only one way to find out... Also coming up: Learn how to survive room sharing on your adventures with our regular Travel Hack of the Month; Discover the 10 best places in the world where you can travel solo;­Hear from climber and adventurer Leo Houlding about why 'big pointy mountains' make for the most memorable holidays - even with kidsWhich are best - walking boots or shoes? We find out... Hear from the inspiring Matricia Bauer, an Indigenous guide in Jasper and owner of Warrior WomenWander Woman of the Month - Jemima Anne Morrell - the first modern tourist in 1832Come wander with her… #WanderWomanWednesday Contact Wander Woman www.Phoebe-Smith.com; @PhoebeRSmith

   October 04, 2023·53min
   Play