Sitting on the slopes of the Pichincha volcano, the Ecuadorian capital of Quito is renowned for being a melting pot of Indigenous and European culture. Step beyond the northwest city limits, however, and it is draped in natural beauty and brimming with wildlife, much of which can be seen here, and nowhere else on Earth. 

From hummingbirds to condors, the cock-of-the-rock to the spectacled bear, today we’re travelling to the Andean Chocó, to explore the cloud forests on Quito’s doorstep. 

Joining host Aaron Millar are:

Karen Edwards, a regular Wanderlust contributor, and sustainability consultant, who just returned from an assignment there. Instagram: @karennedwards_writer

Klaus Fielsch, a Quito local and product manager at Metropolitan Touring, Ecuador’s destination experts. www.metropolitantouring.com

Highlights include:

• Exploring the wildlife-rich cloud forests of the Mashpi Reserve, Bellavista, Santa Lucia and more

• Watching the dancing cock-of-the-rock displays, one of the most unusual birding experiences on the planet

• Discovering the ‘culuncos’ of Yunguilla: the ancient trekking paths of the Yumbo people

You’ve probably heard about Quito’s history and culture before, but not many people know about the natural beauty that surrounds the city on all sides. We think the Andean Chocó is one of the most special regions in the country, and should be on the list of any Ecuadorian adventure. Listen to hear why!

For more inspiration, go to: www.visitquito.ec 

WANDERLUST: OFF THE PAGE

Take the road less travelled with us and subscribe to the show so you never miss an adventure! 

WANDERLUST MAGAZINE

Wanderlust is the UK’s leading independent travel magazine which has been taking the road less travelled since 1993. Find out more at wanderlustmagazine.com

Become a Wanderlust Club Member to join our community of serious travellers for just £35 a year (or about $50). This will get you six beautiful collectible issues, exclusive member- only competitions and events, access to our entire online archive back to 2010, and heaps of other benefits.

CREDITS

This episode was produced by Armchair Productions, the audio experts for the travel industry. Lyn Hughes and Laura Field introduce the show. Aaron Millar is the interviewer and script editor. Audio production by Charles Tyrie. 

Historic, cultured, and delicious. Wetlands, bayous and the glittering Gulf coast. Today we’re going to Mobile, Alabama, otherwise known as the ‘Paris of the South’.

This pioneering port city has a deep cultural history, a buzzing food scene and the oldest Mardi Gras in the States – that’s right,  Mobile’s Carnival pre-dates New Orleans’.

But, it’s still largely unknown to visitors outside of the States. If you haven’t thought about Mobile as a travel destination before, then good! Introducing you to new places that we love, and think you will too, is what this show is all about. And today we have three expert guests – all Mobile locals – to show us around.

Ester de Aguiar: Executive Director of the Mobile International Festival

Cart Blackwell: Historian and curator for the Mobile Carnival Museum

Chris Andrews: Founder of Bienville Bites, Mobile’s tastiest food tour company

Highlights include:

• Learning the history of the oldest Mardi Gras celebration in the country – 300 years and counting!

• Heading out on a food tour to try local delicacies such as Gulf Coast oysters, West Indies salad, King Cake and more.

• Discovering the Clotilda heritage in Africatown, and the story of the last transatlantic slave ship.  

We think Mobile, Alabama should be on the itinerary of every Deep South road trip. Listen in to hear why and get inspired for your next USA adventure. 

For more inspiration, go to: mobile.org 

WANDERLUST: OFF THE PAGE

Take the road less travelled with us and subscribe to the show so you never miss an adventure! 

WANDERLUST MAGAZINE

Wanderlust is the UK’s leading independent travel magazine which has been taking the road less travelled since 1993. Find out more at wanderlustmagazine.com

Become a Wanderlust Club Member to join our community of serious travellers for just £35 a year (or about $50). This will get you six beautiful collectible issues, exclusive member- only competitions and events, access to our entire online archive back to 2010, and heaps of other benefits.

CREDITS

This episode was produced by Armchair Productions, the audio experts for the travel industry. Lyn Hughes and Laura Field introduce the show. Aaron Millar is the interviewer and script editor. Audio production by Charles Tyrie. 

In this episode, we’ve teamed up with the experts at Audley Travel and award-winning Singapore Airlines to bring you all the inspiration and information you need to start planning a romantic road trip around the state of Victoria in Australia.

We will be journeying through Victoria, from the Great Ocean Road to the Grampians, taking in the central areas around Victoria’s coastal capital of Melbourne as well as Wilsons Promontory National Park. With everything from wonderful wildlife and relaxing wineries to exciting cultural experiences, we explore the best places to pit stop along the way.

Featured guests and highlights:

Justin Meneguzzi

Award-winning journalist, author and photographer Justin is from Australia and is a real local expert. During this episode, Justin talks to us about why he thinks Melbourne is such an exciting city, reminisces about his memories of the Great Ocean Road, and shares highlights of other incredible road trips around the state.

Charlotte Cooper

Charlotte certainly knows a thing or two about Victoria! As a Senior Australia County Specialist for Audley Travel, Charlotte has real, on-the-ground experience in Victoria and a real passion for Australia and its incredible highlights. In this episode, we ask Charlotte for her advice, travel tips, and practicalities to make your dream visit to Victoria a reality.

Singapore Airlines

With multiple daily connections from London Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester to Singapore, and five daily non-stop services from there to Melbourne on Singapore Airlines’ ultra-modern fleet, getting to Victoria has never been easier or more enjoyable. Named the World’s Best Airline Cabin Staff by Skytrax 2024, Singapore Airlines’ in-flight service is next level and the comfort a cut above thanks to wider seats with more legroom in Economy Class and a huge choice of in-flight entertainment, plus unlimited complimentary Wi-Fi.

The food is another big reason to fly with Singapore Airlines. Thanks to the partnership with Monica Galetti, Business Class and Suites/First Class passengers flying from the UK can enjoy her curated, seasonal menus. Those flying in premium cabins can pre-order gourmet meals using the Book the Cook offering. And, if you’re looking to explore more of Oz, Singapore Airlines’ partnership with Virgin Australia means you can seamlessly connect to airports all around the country, fly into one gateway and out of another.

Find out more

Enjoy the ultimate freedom of an immersive road trip in Victoria with Audley and Singapore Airlines.

Learn more

Listen now on Spotify or Apple Podcasts

Colombia is home to nearly 10% of the world’s biodiversity, and in today’s episode we’ll be exploring it from the Amazon to the Andes. In the company of three expert guests, our journey will take us deep into each of Colombia’s five distinct regions, revealing the unique ecosystems, rare wildlife, and cultural connections to nature that define them. From birdwatching in cloud forests and listening to humpback whales sing to meeting indigenous communities and searching for giant snakes, this is Colombia: Biodiversity Beyond Borders.

Featured Guests & Highlights:

Chris Bell
Wildlife guide, birding expert and Bogotá local Chris Bell discusses why Colombia is a dream destination for bird lovers.

• Over 1,900 bird species—more than any other country
• Spotting endemic species in Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and Andean cloud forests
• Birdwatching in the Amazon Basin and along the Pacific coast

Shafik Meghji
Author and travel writer Shafik Meghji explores Colombia’s biodiversity through the lens of culture, history, and nature.

• Los Llanos: vast savannahs teeming with capybaras, caimans, and cowboys (llaneros)
• Cartagena & Caribbean coast: where mangroves, colonial history, and vibrant culture meet
• San Andrés & Providencia: coral reefs, pirate treasure, and a unique island heritage unlike anywhere else

Angela Posada-Swafford
Science journalist Angela Posada-Swafford explains how Colombia’s climate and topography make it one of the most ecologically varied places on Earth.

• Amazon rainforest: spotting pink river dolphins and jaguars
• Pacific coast: whale migrations and remote rainforests
• Humpback songs: listen to a special 1min clip of a collaboration Angela worked on between humpback whales and a live orchestra

Listen Now and let your imagination wander from the Andes to the Amazon.

FIND OUT MORE

For more information on how to plan your trip go to procolombia.co

Chris Bell: birding-experience.com, @chrisbellbirding

Shafik Meghji: shafikmeghji.com, @shafikmeghji

Angela Posada-Swafford: angelaposadaswafford.com, @aposadaswafford

WANDERLUST MAGAZINE

Wanderlust is the UK’s leading independent travel magazine which has been taking the road

less travelled since 1993. Find out more at wanderlustmagazine.com

Become a Wanderlust Club Member to join our community of serious travellers for just

£35 a year (or about $50). This will get you six beautiful collectible issues,

exclusive member- only competitions and events, access to our entire online

archive back to 2010, and heaps of other benefits.

This episode was produced by Armchair Productions, the audio experts for the travel industry. Aaron Millar hosts the show and Charles Tyrie produces it. Find our other shows at armchair-productions.com

In this episode, we explore the transformative impact of Indigenous-led tourism in British Columbia, where every journey fosters deep connections with the land and its people. Join us as we travel from the pristine Great Bear Rainforest to the rich waters of Desolation Sound, discovering experiences that inspire and transform.

Highlights Include:

• Witnessing the Spirit Bear: Experience the magic of the Great Bear Rainforest and learn about conservation efforts that protect this rare species. Spirit Bear Lodge
• Coastal Rainforest Adventures: Join guided wildlife tours that connect you with the ecology and Indigenous stories of the coastal rainforest. Coastal Rainforest Safaris
• Marine Wildlife Encounters: Explore the waters with Sea Wolf Adventures, focusing on orca watching and cultural insights from Indigenous guides. Sea Wolf Adventures
• Cultural Heritage Tours: Engage with the Homalco First Nation through wildlife tours that highlight local culture and history. Homalco Wildlife and Cultural Tours
• Luxurious Wilderness Retreats: Discover Klahoose Wilderness Resort, where comfort meets authentic Indigenous experiences in stunning natural settings. Klahoose Wilderness Resort
• Unforgettable Bear Viewing: Experience the renowned Knight Inlet Lodge, known for exceptional bear viewing and insights into Indigenous conservation. Knight Inlet Lodge
• Rustic Ranch Experiences: Visit Big Bar Guest Ranch for horseback riding and cultural immersion, surrounded by picturesque landscapes. Big Bar Guest Ranch
• Mountain Serenity: Relax at Nemiah Valley Lodge, where outdoor adventures meet the rich culture of the Tsilhqot’in people. Nemiah Valley Lodge

FIND OUT MORE

For more information on planning your Indigenous tourism adventure, visit Indigenous Tourism BC and hellobc.com.

Thank you to our sponsors for supporting this episode. Explore the beauty and diversity of British Columbia with the guidance of Indigenous-led experiences.

WANDERLUST MAGAZINE

Wanderlust is the UK’s leading independent travel magazine, dedicated to exploring the road less travelled since 1993. Discover more at wanderlustmagazine.com.

Become a Wanderlust Club Member to connect with a community of passionate travelers for just £35 a year (about $50). Enjoy six collectible issues, exclusive competitions, access to our online archive, and more.

This episode was produced by Armchair Productions, the audio experts for the travel industry. Aaron Millar hosts the show, with production by Charles Tyrie. Discover our other shows at armchair-productions.com.

When it comes to natural wonders Queensland, Australia has it all. From the largest reef in the world, the Great Barrier Reef, to the oldest rainforest on the planet, the Daintree, this is a place to re-connect with nature, have an adventure and be inspired by the indigenous cultures that have lived here for thousands of years. 

Taking us there are travel writer Karen Edwards, who’ll be recounting tales from her latest trip, and Queensland local Sarah Thomson, who’ll be giving us the insider secrets on the places she loves the most (there are a lot of them!).

These are the colours of Queensland: Ocean blue, forest green and outback red. 

Highlights include:

• Peering under the waves into the technicolour world of the Great Barrier Reef

• Going on an aboriginal led walking tour through the more than 180-million year old Daintree Rainforest

• Exploring the food, stars and legendary local characters of the outback 

• Getting the lowdown on three ‘dream sleeps’ - bucket list places to stay for each colour, including a hotel under the waves.

• Finding out what our expert’s ultimate Queensland itinerary is - two perfect weeks in one of the most diverse destinations on the planet.

FIND OUT MORE

For more information on how to plan your trip go to queensland.com 

Thanks also to Qatar Airways for supporting this episode. They were voted the world’s best airline 2024 by Skytrax, for the 8th time, and are the most comfortable way to get to Queensland. Find out more and book your tickets at qatarairways.com

Instagram: @karennedwaards_writer

WANDERLUST MAGAZINE

Wanderlust is the UK’s leading independent travel magazine which has been taking the road less travelled since 1993. Find out more at wanderlustmagazine.com

Become a Wanderlust Club Member to join our community of serious travellers for just £35 a year (or about $50). This will get you six beautiful collectible issues, exclusive member- only competitions and events, access to our entire online archive back to 2010, and heaps of other benefits.

This episode was produced by Armchair Productions, the audio experts for the travel industry. Aaron Millar hosts the show and Charles Tyrie produces it. Find our other shows at armchair-productions.com

There are few places in the world that pack in more ancient wonders than Türkiye. From Ephesus, one of the most magnificent cities of the Roman Empire, to Göbeklitepe, the world’s earliest known human-made structure, Türkiye offers a rare insight into early civilisations.

In this comprehensive episode we will be exploring Türkiye’s ancient wonders in the company of the woman who literally wrote the book on it. Pat Yale has lived in Türkiye for over 30-years, visited all 81 provinces and penned numerous guidebooks about her adopted home in that time. From the ancient city of Troy  to the ruins of Aphrodisias this is a journey through time into the heart of one of the most fascinating countries on Earth. 

But that’s not all. As a local resident, Pat is also going to reveal her inside tips on how to see Istanbul like a local.  From which Bosphorus cruise to take and how to tackle the Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya) to where to get the best coffee and the tastiest meal in town, this is your guide to Istanbul’s path less travelled.

Highlights include:

• Visit the architectural marvel of Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya), the Ottoman-era Topkapi Palace, and Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar.

• Getting local tips on the best of Istanbul’s food scene including Istiklal Avenue and Neviz Sokak where you can sample meze and sip on raki, Türkiye’s national spirit. 

• Taking a journey through time to explore Türkiye’s ancient cities of Ephesus, Troy, Aphrodisia and more.

• Exploring Cappadocia, famous for its moon-like landscapes, underground cities and spectacular rock-carved churches. 

• Discovering our expert guests’ ultimate 2-week ‘Journey Through Time’ itinerary exploring the ancient wonders, and UNESCO heritage sites of Türkiye.

FIND OUT MORE

For more information and to start planning your own trip visit: https://goturkiye.com/  

 Connect with Pat Yale on X @patyale

WANDERLUST MAGAZINE

Wanderlust is the UK’s leading independent travel magazine which has been taking the road less travelled since 1993. Find out more at wanderlustmagazine.com

Become a Wanderlust Club Member to join our community of serious travellers for just £35 a year (or about $50). This will get you six beautiful collectible issues, exclusive member- only competitions and events, access to our entire online archive back to 2010, and heaps of other benefits.

This episode was produced by Armchair Productions, the audio experts for the travel industry. Aaron Millar hosts the show and produces it; Charles Tyrie does the audio editing and sound design. Find our other shows at armchair-productions.com

Tokyo is a city where you can go back to the future, where the ancient and the futuristic are seamlessly entwined.

You might visit a shiny new shopping centre to pick up traditional snacks and souvenirs. Or perhaps you’ll stroll along streets where centuries-old temples rub shoulders with neon-drenched skyscrapers. Or of course, you could explore a cutting-edge contemporary art gallery then grab dinner at a restaurant founded generations ago.

You’ll find this intoxicating blend of old and new everywhere in the city, but perhaps it’s most evident in its architecture and green spaces.

Taking us to explore them today is travel writer Rebecca Hallett. A regular contributor to Wanderlust, Rebecca specializes in Japan, and Tokyo is a place she has visited many times and knows incredibly well.

There are probably only a handful of truly great cities in the world, the cities that are on everyone’s bucket list: Paris, London, New York … but perhaps the most unique of all is Tokyo. 

The capital of Japan is a roller coaster for the senses, and a place every traveller who loves culture, good food and a taste of the unknown should visit once in their lives. And today, we’re going to give you a a little teaser of what you might expect

Highlights include:

Exploring Sumida, a neighbourhood with a very shitamachi feel which is also home to the spectacular Skytree.

Walking through the Waseda/Sekiguchi areas, by the Kanda River, a unique combination of modern architectural design, such as the incredible concrete St Mary's Cathedral, but also the Ana Hachiman-gu (shrine) and Toyama Park.

Experiencing the Shibuya Scramble Crossing under the light of multi-story video billboards - one of the city’s iconic images. But this hyper-modern district has been a popular entertainment area for a long time, and you can still find retro corners to explore even now.

Taking a day trip to Mt Takao’s mountain hiking trails, temples and shrines.

FIND OUT MORE
For more information and to start planning your own trip exploring Tokyo's ancient and modern sides, head to the official tourist board website. tokyotokyo.jp

Rebecca Hallett's website is https://rebeccahallett.com/, her instagram is @becca.hallett https://www.instagram.com/becca.hallett/

WANDERLUST MAGAZINE
Wanderlust is the UK’s leading independent travel magazine which has been taking the road less travelled since 1993. Find out more at wanderlustmagazine.com

Become a Wanderlust Club Member to join our community of serious travellers for just £35 a year (or about $50). This will get you six beautiful collectible issues, exclusive member- only competitions and events, access to our entire online archive back to 2010, and heaps of other benefits.

This episode was produced by Armchair Productions, the audio experts for the travel industry. Aaron Millar hosts the show and produces it; Charles Tyrie does the audio editing and sound design. Find our other shows at armchair-productions.com

When you hear the name Qatar, you might think about the 2022 World Cup, or picture a business hub, or even have some trepidation about visiting. This episode is here to blow away those pre-conceptions and reveal the real Qatar; and, spoiler alert, it’s way better than you might think. 

Taking us there are photographer Will Gray, who at the time of recording had just come back from an assignment in Qatar for Wanderlust; Hazel Plush, a regular Wanderlust contributor and Middle Eastern travel expert; and Siham Haleem, a local freelance guide who has been showing off Qatar to travellers for more than 13 years.

Highlights include:

• Getting the low-down on the ultimate itinerary for experiencing capital cuty Doha’s rich cultural offerings.

• Visiting Souk Waqif to sample local delicacies, and learn the “delicate dance of the haggle”.

• Exploring Qatar’s UNESCO World Heritage site, Khor al Adaid, the Inland Sea, one of the most beautiful and unique eco-systems in the world.

• Going to the Shahaniya Racecourse where thoroughbred camels are ridden by robots, not humans.

• Discovering the art installations, historic sites, and unbounded beauty of the desert.

• Connecting with the people of Qatar, described by our guests as one of the most hospitable and welcoming in the region.

FIND OUT MORE

Check out VisitQatar.com more information

Check out more of Will Gray’s photography on Instagram @willgrayphotography, and his website william-gray.co.uk

Connect with writer Hazel Plush on Instagram @hazel.plush, and her website hazelplush.co.uk

You can book Siham Haleem as your Qatar guide. He recommends searching ‘Siham Haleem Qatar Guide’ on Google to connect directly. His Instagram is @siham_qatarguide

WANDERLUST MAGAZINE

Wanderlust is the UK’s leading independent travel magazine which has been taking the road less travelled since 1993. Find out more at wanderlustmagazine.com

Become a Wanderlust Club Member to join our community of serious travellers for just £35 a year (or about $50). This will get you six beautiful collectible issues, exclusive member- only competitions and events, access to our entire online archive back to 2010, and heaps of other benefits.

This episode was produced by Armchair Productions, the audio experts for the travel industry. Aaron Millar hosts the show and produces it.  Find our other shows at armchair-productions.com

The Amazon rainforest is the largest tropical rainforest on Earth, encompassing more than 2 million square miles and seven South American countries. Brazil is home to the largest swathe with roughly 60% of the total area, and is arguably the most accessible too, with some of the best and most varied adventure opportunities on offer.

Seeing the Amazon with your own eyes is rightly on the bucket list of many travellers. But with so much to see, it’s hard to know where to start.
In today’s episode, Wanderlust contributor Alex Robinson, who has been to and written about the Brazilian Amazon numerous times, shares his top tips for where to go, what to see and how to get the most out of this once-in-a-lifetime trip.
If you’re curious about one of the great wonders of the natural world, or dreaming of where to go next, this is your ultimate guide to the Brazilian Amazon.

Highlights include:

- Discovering the city of Manaus, your gateway to Amazon adventures.

- Exploring the state of Amazonas, Brazil’s largest state and almost entirely
covered in lush green tropical forest.

- Finding out the most authentic and sustainable ways to connect with indigenous
communities, including the best eco-lodges and river tours.

- Learning about the food and culture of the historic city of Belém, in Pará.

- Partying at the Boi Bumba festival in Parintins - the carnival of the Amazon, as
exuberant and colourful as Rio carnival.

- Taking the road less travelled to lesser-known places including the white sand
beaches of Alto do Chao, and Ilha do Marajo - a Denmark sized island where the
police ride buffalo.

FIND OUT MORE

You can find out more about everything mentioned in this episode at visitbrasil.com

Connect with Alex Robinson on Instagram @alexrobinsonphotography

Alex’s top tips:

- Manaus hotel - Casa do Bispo
- Indigenous led Amazon cruises -The Earth Trip
- Alter Do Chao treehouse hotel - Casa do Arvore
- Belém Hotel – Grand Mercure

WANDERLUST MAGAZINE

Wanderlust is the UK’s leading independent travel magazine which has been taking the road less travelled since 1993. Find out more at wanderlustmagazine.com

Become a Wanderlust Club Member to join our community of serious travellers for just £35 a year (or about $50). This will get you six beautiful collectible issues, exclusive member- only competitions and events, access to our entire online archive back to 2010, and heaps of other benefits.

This episode was produced by Armchair Productions, the audio experts for the travel industry. Aaron Millar hosts the show and produces it; Charles Tyrie does the audio editing and sound design. Find our other shows at armchair-productions.com