Winging It Travel Podcast

Check out the new Smart Travel Podcast

This episode is supported by Smart Travel a new podcast from Nerd Wallet. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Follow Smart Travel wherever you get your podcasts.Smart Travel Podcast

Ever dreamed of trading the hustle of Tahiti for powder-white sands, turquoise lagoons, and the slowest, most magical pace of island life? In this episode of The Winging It Travel Podcast, I take you along on my unforgettable three-day,three-night escape to Moorea, French Polynesia—just a breezy 30-minute ferry ride across the channel from Tahiti.

If you are planning your own South Pacific getaway, this episode is your ultimate, no-nonsense travel guide. I’m breaking down everything you need to know about navigating the local ferry crossing, why booking your rental car with Auto Rent Moorea ahead of time is an absolute must, and how to avoid getting stranded in high season!

From sipping the best local coffee French Polynesian coffee at Le Ma'a Dan's Le Bocal and tracking down cheap roadside local eats to chasing epic sunset happy hours at Le Cook's Restaurant and the iconic Hilton Moorea overwater bungalows (complete with nighttime shark sightings!), I leave no stone unturned. Plus, I share my honest take on where to stay, the best public beaches like Plage de Tiahura and Plage de Ta'aheamanu for drone flying and snorkeling, and why the people of Moorea make it one of the most welcoming islands on earth.

Pack your bags, grab a cold drink, and let's go wing it in Moorea!

• Car Rental: Book with Adrien at Auto Rent Moorea (book months in advance for vehicles in the high season!)
• Ferry Booking: Aremiti Ferry
• Coffee Spots: Le Ma'a Dan's Le Bocal & Api Coffee
• Where We Ate & Drank: Le Cook's Bar and Restaurant, Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa, Roulette Teavaro and Champion Supermarket
• Beaches - Plage de Tiahura & Plage de Ta'aheamanu

If you enjoyed this episode:

• ⭐ Leave a 5-star rating or review on your podcast app
• ☕ Support the show at buymeacoffee.com/wingingit
• 🌍 Explore more episodes at wingingittravelpodcast.com
• ✈️ Check out more great travel podcasts at https://voyascape.com
• 📺 Now also on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@wingingittravelpodcast

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to the Moorea 3-day itinerary

02:04 Booking the ferry, getting a coffee in Tahiti, and the crossing to Moorea

06:21 Picking up the rental car with Adrien at Auto Rent Moorea and checking into our Airbnb

09:20 Dinner, happy hour, and sunset views at Le Cook's Bar and Restaurant

11:51 Exploring the quiet southern road and relaxing at Plage de Tiahura

13:42 Discovering the best coffee in French Polynesia at Le Ma'a Dan's Le Bocal

14:52 Grabbing lunch, visiting Plage de Ta'aheamanu, and a rainy afternoon check-in

17:31 Day three: Morning views, Toatea Lookout, and drone flights at the beach

20:47 Sunset drinks, shark sightings, and dinner at the Hilton Moorea

23:19 Final morning coffee at Api Coffee, dropping off the car, and final thoughts on Moorea

--------------------------------------------------------------

Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com⁠

Voyascape: Travel Podcast Network - https://voyascape.com/

Winging It Travel Podcast - Website

--------------------------------------------------------------

Winging It Travel Podcast Credits

Host/Producer/Creator/Composer/Editor - James Hammond

Contact me - [email protected] or [email protected]

Social Media - follow me on:

Instagram

TikTok

Facebook

--------------------------------------------------------------

Affiliate Links

If you click one of the below to book something, I get a tiny commission, which helps the podcast.

Book Flights with Skyscanner - Here

Use Revolut Travel Card - Here

Book Hostels With Hostelworld - Here

Booking.com - Here

Book Experiences With Viator - Here

Discovery Car Hire - Here

Book Buses With Busbud - Here

Book Trains With Trainline - Here

Travel Insurance with SafetyWing - Here

Book Flights With Expedia Canada - Here

--------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks for supporting me and the podcast!

Cheers James.

This podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world’s best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape Podcast Network . For advertising or sponsorship opportunities on this show and across the network, email [email protected] or you can find more information at Voyascape Ads.

Check out the new Smart Travel Podcast

This episode is supported by Smart Travel a new podcast from Nerd Wallet. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Follow Smart Travel wherever you get your podcasts.Smart Travel Podcast

Welcome to the ultimate first-time travel guide to Tahiti, the dramatic heart, political hub, and main international gateway of French Polynesia! Visiting this island has been ten years in the making for me and Emma, ever since we first met and dreamed of making the journey to the South Pacific. Finally, this year, we made it!

In this episode, I’m kicking off our three-part island trilogy—covering Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora—with a comprehensive, ground-level travel guide to Tahiti's rugged landscapes, black sand beaches, and vibrant local culture.

Whether you're planning a bucket-list multi-island itinerary or looking for practical tips on how to navigate local car rentals, currency exchange, and island logistics, this episode has you covered. Tune in as I share my authentic experiences, unexpected travel challenges, and everything you need to know before touching down in paradise.

Tahiti Travel Planning & Logistics: How to get around, car rental advice for high season, local currency tips (getting XPF local money from airport ATMs), and using the Tāpe'a Taxi app.

Top Sightseeing Highlights & Itinerary Stops:

• Strolling through the bustling Papeete Market and relaxing by the oceanfront breeze at Les Jardins de Pa'ofa'i
• Discovering the historic black sand coastlines, lighthouse, and Captain Cook landing site at Point Venus.
• Checking out a local black sand beach called Plage de Haapoponi a Tiarei
• Walking through dense tropical jungle to the stunning, easily accessible Cascades de Faramai interior waterfalls.
• Watching local surfers and bodyboarders tackle massive, epic waves at Taharuu Beach.
• Exploring the crystal-clear, water-filled limestone caverns at Grottes de Mara'a.
• Sunset views at Mahana Park and Parc Vaipoopoo
• Diving into local history, marine wildlife, and Polynesian traditions at the Museum of Tahiti and the Islands.

Where to Eat & Drink: Finding incredible French-inspired specialty coffee at spots like Kofi and Kon Tiki Café, budget-friendly supermarket lunch hacks like massive tuna baguettes at Carrefour, and navigating celiac-friendly gluten-free dining.

Accommodation: We stayed at Tamanu Lodge which is a super awesome local guesthouse in the Punaʻauia area which is known as the 'Gold Coast' known for its sunset views and views of Moorea in the distance.

Flight Delay Realities & Backup Plans: How I handled a canceled United Airlines flight, what to expect when stranded in Tahiti, and a review of the Tahiti Lagoon Resort.

If you enjoyed this episode:

• ⭐ Leave a 5-star rating or review on your podcast app
• ☕ Support the show at buymeacoffee.com/wingingit
• 🌍 Explore more episodes at wingingittravelpodcast.com
• ✈️ Check out more great travel podcasts at https://voyascape.com
• 📺 Now also on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@wingingittravelpodcast

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to the French Polynesia Trilogy: Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora

02:15 Tahiti Background: Geography, History, and Planning Your Itinerary

04:30 Arrival, Airport Tips, and Checking into Tamanu Lodge

07:00 Day 2: Exploring Papeete Market, the Waterfront, and Local Cafes

09:30 Point Venus: History, Black Sand, and Exploring the Coast

11:20 Cascades de Faramai: Visiting Tahiti's Epic Interior Waterfalls

13:40 Lunch at Tahiti Pearl Beach Resort & Sunset at Mahana Park

17:00 Podcast Support & Break

17:53 Day 3: Coastal Road Trips, Grottes de Maraa, and Big Surf at Taharuu Beach

21:30 Belvedere de Taraveo Viewpoint & Lunch by the Waves

24:30 Heading to the Ferry Port & Café Culture in Papeete

26:00 Flight Cancellation Drama: Dealing with United Airlines and Staying at Tahiti Lagoon Resort

29:30 Final Day Extra: Exploring the Museum of Tahiti and the Islands

31:45 Tahiti Summary & Travel Guide Verdict

--------------------------------------------------------------

Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com⁠

Voyascape: Travel Podcast Network - https://voyascape.com/

Winging It Travel Podcast - Website

--------------------------------------------------------------

Winging It Travel Podcast Credits

Host/Producer/Creator/Composer/Editor - James Hammond

Contact me - [email protected] or [email protected]

Social Media - follow me on:

Instagram

TikTok

Facebook

--------------------------------------------------------------

Affiliate Links

If you click one of the below to book something, I get a tiny commission, which helps the podcast.

Book Flights with Skyscanner - Here

Use Revolut Travel Card - Here

Book Hostels With Hostelworld - Here

Booking.com - Here

Book Experiences With Viator - Here

Discovery Car Hire - Here

Book Buses With Busbud - Here

Book Trains With Trainline - Here

Travel Insurance with SafetyWing - Here

Book Flights With Expedia Canada - Here

--------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks for supporting me and the podcast!

Cheers James.

This podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world’s best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape Podcast Network . For advertising or sponsorship opportunities on this show and across the network, email [email protected] or you can find more information at Voyascape Ads.

Check out the new Smart Travel Podcast

This episode is supported by Smart Travel a new podcast from Nerd Wallet. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Follow Smart Travel wherever you get your podcasts.Smart Travel Podcast

Get ready for the ultimate masterclass in African adventure travel. In this packed installment of the Winging It Travel Podcast, I catch up with author, filmmaker, and the Mad Traveler himself, Dave Seminara, for Part 2 of our in-depth exploration of East Africa. Moving past the urban rhythms of Nairobi and the coastal history of Lamu we covered last week, this episode plunges listeners straight into the dust, drama, and breathtaking beauty of a bucket-list Kenyan safari.

If you have ever wondered what it actually takes to plan, book, and execute a high-end trip to the cradle of wildlife, we lay out the exact blueprint. Dave walks me through a transparent, 14-night luxury family itinerary spanning three world-renowned ecosystems: the wildlife-dense Masai Mara, the elephant-rich Amboseli National Park, and the rugged, legendary terrain of Tsavo.

We break down the vital logistics of Kenyan travel, comparing the seamless convenience of private bush charter airlines like Safari Link against the bureaucratic headaches of booking tickets through state-run operations like Kenya Railways. Along the way, the conversation delivers incredible wildlife storytelling—from tracking active lion prides on foot in private conservancies and witnessing intense predator interactions, to coming face-to-face with "TJ," the world's largest living super-tusker elephant in the Kimana Conservancy.

We also tackle the realities of luxury travel head-on, revealing the grand total price tag for a multi-family ultra-luxury safari, exploring the critical importance of local anti-poaching security forces, and even sharing a hilarious travel hack story about how a cross-country courier service in Kenya managed to safely return a pair of lost $500 prescription sunglasses across the country for just $4.50.

Whether you are actively saving up for your own dream trip or feeding a severe case of wanderlust from home, this is an essential listen for every traveller.

Everything we have discussed on this episode and the previous episode is available to watch on Dave's YouTube channel so be sure to click below, subscribe and watch Dave's journey in Kenya, it is an awesome series!

Dave Seminara

Website - https://daveseminara.com

MadTraveler YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@MadTraveler

If you enjoyed this episode:

• ⭐ Leave a 5-star rating or review on your podcast app
• ☕ Support the show at buymeacoffee.com/wingingit
• 🌍 Explore more episodes at wingingittravelpodcast.com
• ✈️ Check out more great travel podcasts at https://voyascape.com
• 📺 Now also on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@wingingittravelpodcast

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction: Tracking lions in the Lumo Conservancy

03:01 – Episode Intro & Setting Up the Ultimate Kenyan Safari Itinerary

04:20 – Safari Dream Itinerary: Masai Mara, Amboseli, and Tsavo

06:02 – Logistics 101: Booking Bush Planes vs. Kenya Railways

06:54 – Stop #1: Mara Bushtops in the Masai Mara (Luxury Tents & Gourmet Dining)

13:39 – Morning Game Drives, Hyenas at Night, and Lion Pride Dynamics

17:43 – Bush Breakfasts & Kenya Wildlife Service Walking Safaris

19:16 – Understanding Safari Costs, Conservancy Fees, and Park Permits

21:00 – Stop #2: Angama Amboseli & Scenic Air Safaris

25:37 – Tracking "TJ," the World's Largest Super-Tusker Elephant

31:12 – Pro-Tip: How to Watch African Wildlife Live via Webcams (Africams)

33:19 – Stop #3: Lions Bluff in Tsavo / Lumo Conservancy (Train Travel & Treehouse Lodges)

36:32 – Seasonality: Pros and Cons of Visiting Before the Great Migration

42:25 – Anti-Poaching Success Stories and Strict Conservation Laws in Kenya

45:07 – The Reveal: The Grand Total Cost of a 14-Night Luxury Family Safari

50:02 – The Kenya Coast, Tolo the Guide, and the $4.50 Sunglasses Miracle

53:42 – Where to Find Dave Seminara (Mad Traveler)

--------------------------------------------------------------

Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com⁠

Voyascape: Travel Podcast Network - https://voyascape.com/

Winging It Travel Podcast - Website

--------------------------------------------------------------

Winging It Travel Podcast Credits

Host/Producer/Creator/Composer/Editor - James Hammond

Contact me - [email protected] or [email protected]

Social Media - follow me on:

Instagram

TikTok

Facebook

--------------------------------------------------------------

Affiliate Links

If you click one of the below to book something, I get a tiny commission, which helps the podcast.

Book Flights with Skyscanner - Here

Use Revolut Travel Card - Here

Book Hostels With Hostelworld - Here

Booking.com - Here

Book Experiences With Viator - Here

Discovery Car Hire - Here

Book Buses With Busbud - Here

Book Trains With Trainline - Here

Travel Insurance with SafetyWing - Here

Book Flights With Expedia Canada - Here

--------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks for supporting me and the podcast!

Cheers James.

This podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world’s best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape Podcast Network . For advertising or sponsorship opportunities on this show and across the network, email [email protected] or you can find more information at Voyascape Ads.

Check out the new Smart Travel Podcast

This episode is supported by Smart Travel a new podcast from Nerd Wallet. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Follow Smart Travel wherever you get your podcasts.Smart Travel Podcast

Join me, James Hammond, on the Winging It Travel Podcast as I welcome back my returning guest, Dave Seminara, the creator of the Mad Traveler YouTube channel, for part one of our epic Kenyan adventure. Moving far beyond the standard tourist tracks, we dive deep into the heart, culture, and coastal paradises of Kenya, covering the bustling streets of Nairobi, a raw and eye-opening look inside Africa's largest slum, and a breathtaking, James Bond-style speedboat arrival at a luxury island retreat.

The conversation begins around as I introduce Dave and set the stage for our two-part series on Kenya, before exploring why he chose Kenya as his next major African destination at, drawing on stories from a twenty-year friendship with a native Kenyan. At, we discuss the stressful booking process, breaking down flight costs from the US, Middle East transits through Doha, and navigating travel insurance and local health headlines. By, Dave shares his surprising layover experience in Doha, highlighting the ghost-town Souk Waqif, outdoor street air conditioning, and his favorite airport transit.

We land in Nairobi at 3 AM around, where a friendly Kenyan soldier provides a seamless welcome into the bustling capital. At, we settle into the posh suburb of Karen at the lush House of Wayne and explore the Karen Blixen Museum using cheap, English-speaking Ubers. Shifting gears at, Dave explains why he prefers to end his luxury trips with raw, earthy cultural explorations, leading right into our deep dive at into Kibera, Africa's largest informal settlement, where a tour with Kevin’s Kibera Slum Tour shatters Western stereotypes and reveals unexpected optimism among locals.

At, Dave shares a fascinating revelation on how local currency transfers and Bitcoin are helping everyday Kenyans save on transaction fees, followed at by a heartwarming visit to an orphanage school where we observe how the children's immediate world frames their perspective of the globe. At, we debate the ethics of slum tours, debunking Lonely Planet warnings and explaining how responsible tourism directly funds local education and NGO charities. Things get wonderfully chaotic at when Dave attempts to buy breakfast for a couple of kids at Muthurwa Market and ends up feeding twenty people alongside local vendor Joanne.

We transition to the Kenyan coast at, heading to Manda Island and Lamu, an 800-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Swahili trading port completely free of cars. At, Dave recounts the ultimate James Bond arrival involving luggage on a wheelbarrow and speeding through mangrove channels on a high-speed boat to Manda Bay. By, we soak in the beachfront paradise of five-star luxury thatched-room cottages, fresh seafood, and a hilarious guided walk through the conservative, donkey-powered alleys of Lamu. We wrap up the episode at by reflecting on the genuine warmth, friendliness, and welcoming spirit of the Kenyan people before diving into next week's safari episode.

Dave Seminara

Website - https://daveseminara.com

MadTraveler YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@MadTraveler

If you enjoyed this episode:

• ⭐ Leave a 5-star rating or review on your podcast app
• ☕ Support the show at buymeacoffee.com/wingingit
• 🌍 Explore more episodes at wingingittravelpodcast.com
• ✈️ Check out more great travel podcasts at https://voyascape.com
• 📺 Now also on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@wingingittravelpodcast

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction & Overview

02:30 – Why Kenya?: Dave explains why he chose Kenya as his next major African destination after South Africa

04:30 – The Stress of Booking

08:50 – Layover in Doha

10:35 – Landing in Nairobi at 3 AM

11:35 – The Posh Suburb of Karen

14:30 – Finishing the Trip on the Nitty-Gritty

15:45 – Inside Kibera Slum

19:50 – Bitcoin in the Slums

21:40 – Orphanage School Visit

23:15 – The Ethics of Slum Tours

25:20 – Feeding 20 Kids at a Market "Hotel"

29:33 – Heading to the Kenyan Coast

31:15 – The Ultimate James Bond Arrival

33:30 – Beachfront Paradise & Ancient Alleys

36:35 – Final Thoughts: Reflecting on the genuine warmth, friendliness, and welcoming spirit of the Kenyan people

--------------------------------------------------------------

Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com⁠

Voyascape: Travel Podcast Network - https://voyascape.com/

Winging It Travel Podcast - Website

--------------------------------------------------------------

Winging It Travel Podcast Credits

Host/Producer/Creator/Composer/Editor - James Hammond

Contact me - [email protected] or [email protected]

Social Media - follow me on:

Instagram

TikTok

Facebook

--------------------------------------------------------------

Affiliate Links

If you click one of the below to book something, I get a tiny commission, which helps the podcast.

Book Flights with Skyscanner - Here

Use Revolut Travel Card - Here

Book Hostels With Hostelworld - Here

Booking.com - Here

Book Experiences With Viator - Here

Discovery Car Hire - Here

Book Buses With Busbud - Here

Book Trains With Trainline - Here

Travel Insurance with SafetyWing - Here

Book Flights With Expedia Canada - Here

--------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks for supporting me and the podcast!

Cheers James.

This podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world’s best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape Podcast Network . For advertising or sponsorship opportunities on this show and across the network, email [email protected] or you can find more information at Voyascape Ads.

This podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world’s best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape Podcast Network . For advertising or sponsorship opportunities on this show and across the network, email [email protected] or you can find more information at Voyascape Ads.

Check out the new Smart Travel Podcast

This episode is supported by Smart Travel a new podcast from Nerd Wallet. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Follow Smart Travel wherever you get your podcasts.Smart Travel Podcast

I'm heading back to one of my absolute favourite places in Canada for an updated 2026 travel guide to Hornby Island. Often dubbed the "Hawaii of the North," this gorgeous Gulf Island features world-class white sand beaches, dramatic sandstone cliffs, and a uniquely laid-back artisan culture. Whether you're returning for another summer or planning your first trip, I break down the exact, up-to-date 2026 costs, how to navigate the complex double-ferry route from the BC mainland, and share a wild, unexpected traffic drama story you won't want to miss!

In this episode, I cover:

• The Route & Costs: Navigating the Horseshoe Bay ferry, the double-ferry shuffle via Denman Island, and updated 2026 pricing for cars and passengers.
• Where to Stay: An honest look at the newly redesigned, BC Parks-operated campground at Tribune Bay, plus alternative camping options like Bradsdadsland.
• Top Beaches: Unwinding at the squeaky white sands of Tribune Bay and exploring the rugged, crowd-free tide pools of Whaling Bay.
• Must-Do Activities: Enjoying local craft ciders, legendary potato salad, and live music at Fossil Beach Farm, browsing the vibrant Saturday Farmers Market, and hiking Mount Geoffrey.

If you enjoyed this episode:

• ⭐ Leave a 5-star rating or review on your podcast app
• ☕ Support the show at buymeacoffee.com/wingingit
• 🌍 Explore more episodes at wingingittravelpodcast.com
• ✈️ Check out more great travel podcasts at https://voyascape.com
• 📺 Now also on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@wingingittravelpodcast

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction: Welcome to the Updated 2026 Hornby Island Travel Guide

02:37 – Location & Geography: Why Hornby is Called the "Hawaii of the North"

03:22 – Getting There Part 1: The Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo Ferry Route & Costs

05:16 – Getting There Part 2: The Double-Ferry Shuffle, Denman Island, and a Close Call Road Drama

08:14 – Where to Stay: The New BC Parks Campground at Tribune Bay & 2026 Booking Tips

10:14 – Alternative Accommodation: Brad's Dad's Land Campground Rates & Amenities

12:52 – Best Beaches: Tribune Bay (Little Hawaii) vs. The Rugged Local Favorite Whaling Bay

14:52 – Top Activities: Fossil Beach Farm's Famous Burgers, Cider, and Live Music

17:15 – Local Culture: The Hornby Island Saturday Farmers Market & The Hub

18:25 – Outdoor Adventures: Hiking Mount Geoffrey and Exploring Ford's Cove & Helliwell Provincial Park

20:29 – Practical Tips: Packing for the Sun, Ferry Timing, and Heading Home

23:14 – Final Thoughts & Outro

--------------------------------------------------------------

Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com⁠

Voyascape: Travel Podcast Network - https://voyascape.com/

Winging It Travel Podcast - Website

--------------------------------------------------------------

Winging It Travel Podcast Credits

Host/Producer/Creator/Composer/Editor - James Hammond

Contact me - [email protected] or [email protected]

Social Media - follow me on:

Instagram

TikTok

Facebook

--------------------------------------------------------------

Affiliate Links

If you click one of the below to book something, I get a tiny commission, which helps the podcast.

Book Flights with Skyscanner - Here

Use Revolut Travel Card - Here

Book Hostels With Hostelworld - Here

Booking.com - Here

Book Experiences With Viator - Here

Discovery Car Hire - Here

Book Buses With Busbud - Here

Book Trains With Trainline - Here

Travel Insurance with SafetyWing - Here

Book Flights With Expedia Canada - Here

--------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks for supporting me and the podcast!

Cheers James.

This podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world’s best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape Podcast Network . For advertising or sponsorship opportunities on this show and across the network, email [email protected] or you can find more information at Voyascape Ads.

Check out the new Smart Travel Podcast

This episode is supported by Smart Travel a new podcast from Nerd Wallet. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Follow Smart Travel wherever you get your podcasts.Smart Travel Podcast

Back in 2014, I was working my way through the Caribbean as a solo traveller and my last stop was Puerto Rico. It was an interesting time to say the least!

In this episode of the Winging It Travel Podcast, I'm taking you back to an unexpected four-day trip I took to San Juan, Puerto Rico. Moving away from a standard travel guide, I'm sharing a raw, storytelling experience as I can't remember anything else from this trip bar the stories, ha!

Tune in as I recount comforting a fellow traveler after a shocking hostel heartbreak over the best Oreo cheesecake I’ve ever had in Starbucks, bar-hopping through local residents' makeshift rum-houses, dodging torrential downpours during the rainy season, and sharing a dorm with an Irish solicitor who was drunkenly managing his criminal clients over the phone.

A weird and wonderful experience in Puerto Rico and I wouldn't have it any other way!

If you enjoyed this episode:

• ⭐ Leave a 5-star rating or review on your podcast app
• ☕ Support the show at buymeacoffee.com/wingingit
• 🌍 Explore more episodes at wingingittravelpodcast.com
• ✈️ Check out more great travel podcasts at https://voyascape.com
• 📺 Now also on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@wingingittravelpodcast

Timestamps

00:00 — Introduction: Recalling My Strange, Unscripted 2014 Trip to Puerto Rico

00:40 — Welcome to Winging It with James Hammond

02:17 — Why Puerto Rico? Navigating Complex Territories and Finding Cheap Flights

05:05 — Hostel Drama: Helping a Crying Traveler & Finding Legendary Starbucks Oreo Cheesecake

09:40 — Local Rum Bars: Drinking in Residents' Living Rooms in San Juan

11:15 — Sunday Morning Rain: Running Through Town to Track Down a Football Match

12:20 — Exploring Culture: Visiting Castillo San Felipe del Morro & Walking Old San Juan

13:50 — Enter the Irish Solicitor: Relentless Jokes and Taking Phone Calls from Criminal Clients

15:40 — Live Salsa Bands, Trip Highlights, and Heading Off to Toronto

17:05 — Next Week's Teaser: Heading to St. Kitts and Nevis

17:47 — Outro & Where to Find More Content at WingingItTravelPodcast.com

--------------------------------------------------------------

Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com⁠

Voyascape: Travel Podcast Network - https://voyascape.com/

Winging It Travel Podcast - Website

--------------------------------------------------------------

Winging It Travel Podcast Credits

Host/Producer/Creator/Composer/Editor - James Hammond

Contact me - [email protected] or [email protected]

Social Media - follow me on:

Instagram

TikTok

Facebook

--------------------------------------------------------------

Affiliate Links

If you click one of the below to book something, I get a tiny commission, which helps the podcast.

Book Flights with Skyscanner - Here

Use Revolut Travel Card - Here

Book Hostels With Hostelworld - Here

Booking.com - Here

Book Experiences With Viator - Here

Discovery Car Hire - Here

Book Buses With Busbud - Here

Book Trains With Trainline - Here

Travel Insurance with SafetyWing - Here

Book Flights With Expedia Canada - Here

--------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks for supporting me and the podcast!

Cheers James.

This podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world’s best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape Podcast Network . For advertising or sponsorship opportunities on this show and across the network, email [email protected] or you can find more information at Voyascape Ads.

Check out the new Smart Travel Podcast

This episode is supported by Smart Travel a new podcast from Nerd Wallet. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Follow Smart Travel wherever you get your podcasts.Smart Travel Podcast

The Post-Trip Hangover, Notriphobia, and Chasing Your Travel Self

Ever find yourself late at night, staring at a video timeline or scrolling through old photos from a past adventure, hit with a strange, hollow ache? In this solo episode of the Winging It Travel Podcast, I dive deep into the psychological weight of returning home from the road.

Tune in as I explore if we aren't actually homesick for a physical location, but are instead mourning our untethered "vacation self" or could it be both? Plus, I tackle notriphobia—the low-grade panic of looking at an empty calendar with no next adventure booked—and share practical ways to bridge the gap between routine daily life and your next big getaway.

I for sure suffer from a trip which could either be a long weekend or six months, going back home is a constant struggle for me and I cannot see that changing in the near future. So I thought I would lay out my ramblings in this episode to see if other travellers feel the same thing. Let me know your thoughts on it too.

• The Post-Trip Hangover: I break down the dopamine crash, the physiological shift of "travel fitness," and the shocking transition back to mundane domestic life.
• Mourning Your Vacation Self: Why we feel lighter and more alive on the road, and the fallacy of trying to recreate past memories or return to the exact same spots.
• Notriphobia & The Blank Calendar: I define the anxiety of having zero upcoming trips, and look at why re-watching old clips can sometimes feel like self-torture or living backward.
• Breaking the Loop: How I close the chapter on past travels, smuggle micro-curiosities into my everyday routine, and cure notriphobia without breaking the bank.

If you enjoyed this episode:

• ⭐ Leave a 5-star rating or review on your podcast app
• ☕ Support the show at buymeacoffee.com/wingingit
• 🌍 Explore more episodes at wingingittravelpodcast.com
• ✈️ Check out more great travel podcasts at https://voyascape.com
• 📺 Now also on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@wingingittravelpodcast

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction: Editing drone footage from Finland and the strange, hollow ache of wanting to go back.

01:24 – Podcast Intro: Welcome to the Winging It Travel podcast, part of the Voyescape Network.

03:03 – The Post-Trip Hangover & Dopamine Crash: Shifting from high-stimulus travel fitness to the shock of the mundane.

05:43 – The Archive Trap: Why editing old footage from Finland, Bhutan, or New Zealand brings back an intense desire to return.

07:49 – Mourning Your Travel Self: Shedding your routine identity and realizing you miss the person you were on the road.

09:31 – The Fallacy of Return: Why going back to the exact same place rarely matches your memories.

11:08 – Mid-Roll / Support the Show: How you can support the podcast through reviews, YouTube subscriptions, and Buy Me a Coffee.

11:52 – Notriphobia & The Blank Calendar Panic: The anxious feeling of having zero upcoming trips and using past clips as a digital security blanket.

15:08 – Closing the Chapter: How to finish your travel projects, sign off on past trips, and move forward.

16:47 – Smuggling Travel into Daily Life: Micro-curiosities at home, reading travel books, and planning future adventures to cure notriphobia.

18:50 – Wrap-Up & Next Episodes: A look ahead to my upcoming stories covering Puerto Rico and Hornby Island.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com⁠

Voyascape: Travel Podcast Network - https://voyascape.com/

Winging It Travel Podcast - Website

--------------------------------------------------------------

Winging It Travel Podcast Credits

Host/Producer/Creator/Composer/Editor - James Hammond

Contact me - [email protected] or [email protected]

Social Media - follow me on:

Instagram

TikTok

Facebook

--------------------------------------------------------------

Affiliate Links

If you click one of the below to book something, I get a tiny commission, which helps the podcast.

Book Flights with Skyscanner - Here

Use Revolut Travel Card - Here

Book Hostels With Hostelworld - Here

Booking.com - Here

Book Experiences With Viator - Here

Discovery Car Hire - Here

Book Buses With Busbud - Here

Book Trains With Trainline - Here

Travel Insurance with SafetyWing - Here

Book Flights With Expedia Canada - Here

--------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks for supporting me and the podcast!

Cheers James.

This podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world’s best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape Podcast Network . For advertising or sponsorship opportunities on this show and across the network, email [email protected] or you can find more information at Voyascape Ads.

Check out the new Smart Travel Podcast

This episode is supported by Smart Travel a new podcast from Nerd Wallet. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Follow Smart Travel wherever you get your podcasts.Smart Travel Podcast

Winging It for 7 Months in Melbourne: From $0 to $14K in Savings, South Melbourne Living & Grim Infections

In this episode of the Winging It Travel Podcast, I break down my seven-month stint living and working in Melbourne, Australia during my working holiday visa. Arriving on the East Coast with virtually no money left after months of backpacking, I took a leap of faith on a job tip from Magnetic Island, called a payphone from Noosa, and flew straight down to Victoria to rebuild my travel funds. From securing a $30/hour temp job to recovering my bank account from zero up to $14,000 AUD, I share an honest, detailed look at the financial realities of working abroad.

Beyond the workplace, I dive deep into what day-to-day life looked like base-camped in South Melbourne. I walk through spending three months living in Urban Central Hostel, navigating long-term hostel culture, playing Monday night poker, and eventually moving out to an apartment in Kensington. Along the way, I reflect on a major digital turning point in my travels—buying my first smartphone, an iPhone 5C, which completely transformed how I navigated cities, stayed connected, and documented my journey on the road.

I've also packed this episode with vibrant local stories and real traveler mishaps. I share memories of getting into Australian Rules Football (AFL) at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), picking the Richmond Tigers as my team, and playing acoustic guitar for my boss's secret garden wedding in Daylesford. I also get candid about the darker sides of long-term budget travel, including a nightmare medical battle with severe ear and tooth infections that led to a late-night trip to A&E.

To wrap up, I give a full local guide to South Melbourne, highlighting why it remains one of my absolute favorite areas to live in Victoria. I break down the best neighborhood spots, from the historic South Melbourne Market and Agathé Pâtisserie to St Ali Coffee and 5k runs around Albert Park Lake. Whether you're planning your own Australian working holiday, looking for budget travel tips, or just love raw, authentic storytelling, tune in to hear what it was really like making a home on the other side of the world.

Key Highlights

• Australia Working Holiday Visa: Practical insight on landing temporary work, pay rates, and saving money in Australia.
• South Melbourne Living: Neighborhood highlights, including the South Melbourne Market, Clarendon Street, and St Ali Coffee.
• Budget Travel & Hostels: What it’s actually like spending three months long-term at Urban Central Hostel.
• Melbourne Culture & Sports: Experiencing AFL games at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and the Crown Casino precinct.

If you enjoyed this episode:

• ⭐ Leave a 5-star rating or review on your podcast app
• ☕ Support the show at buymeacoffee.com/wingingit
• 🌍 Explore more episodes at wingingittravelpodcast.com
• ✈️ Check out more great travel podcasts at https://voyascape.com
• 📺 Now also on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@wingingittravelpodcast

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro: The 7-Month Melbourne Stint & Landing a Job via Payphone

00:53 – Welcome to the Winging It Travel Podcast

02:32 – Arriving Broke: Rebuilding a Travel Budget from $0 to $14,000

04:10 – Living at Urban Central Hostel in South Melbourne

06:05 – Moving to Kensington & Commuting into the City

06:50 – Buying an iPhone 5C: How Smart Technology Changed Travel

08:10 – Working in Australia: $30/Hour Temp Jobs & Visa Rules

09:00 – Discovering AFL at the MCG & Supporting Richmond

11:54 – Mid-Episode Break & Supporting the Show

12:38 – Playing Guitar at a Boss's Wedding in Daylesford

13:40 – A Night in A&E: Dealing with Ear & Gum Infections on the Road

15:00 – Exploring South Melbourne: South Melbourne Market, Albert Park & St Ali Coffee

19:00 – The Missing $10,000 Bonus & Ending the Job

20:00 – Full Circle Moment: The Ashes at the MCG & Planning South America

22:00 – Road Trip Prep: Great Ocean Road to Adelaide & Final Melbourne Wrap-Up

--------------------------------------------------------------

Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com⁠

Voyascape: Travel Podcast Network - https://voyascape.com/

Winging It Travel Podcast - Website

--------------------------------------------------------------

Winging It Travel Podcast Credits

Host/Producer/Creator/Composer/Editor - James Hammond

Contact me - [email protected] or [email protected]

Social Media - follow me on:

Instagram

TikTok

Facebook

--------------------------------------------------------------

Affiliate Links

If you click one of the below to book something, I get a tiny commission, which helps the podcast.

Book Flights with Skyscanner - Here

Use Revolut Travel Card - Here

Book Hostels With Hostelworld - Here

Booking.com - Here

Book Experiences With Viator - Here

Discovery Car Hire - Here

Book Buses With Busbud - Here

Book Trains With Trainline - Here

Travel Insurance with SafetyWing - Here

Book Flights With Expedia Canada - Here

--------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks for supporting me and the podcast!

Cheers James.

This podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world’s best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape Podcast Network . For advertising or sponsorship opportunities on this show and across the network, email [email protected] or you can find more information at Voyascape Ads.

Check out the new Smart Travel Podcast

This episode is supported by Smart Travel a new podcast from Nerd Wallet. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Follow Smart Travel wherever you get your podcasts.Smart Travel Podcast

Grab a pair of headphones, find a quiet space, and step onto a wooden jetty in the heart of Finland.

In this special soundscape episode, we’re slowing things down completely. Taken from a continuous recording on the shores of Lake Maunolanselkä, this episode captures the pure, uninterrupted ambient sounds of Finnish nature—gentle water movement, birds, and the deep stillness of the summer mökki (cabin) life.

After a brief reflection on what it takes to make your dream trip happen, the commentary steps away to let the environment take over for the remainder of the episode.

In this episode:

• A short, reflective intro on slowing down and making travel happen.
• Authentic, unedited ambient audio recorded live at Lake Maunolanselkä, Finland.
• High-quality ASMR nature sounds designed for relaxation, focus, meditation, or sleep.

Best experienced with headphones.

If you enjoyed this episode:

• ⭐ Leave a 5-star rating or review on your podcast app
• ☕ Support the show at buymeacoffee.com/wingingit
• 🌍 Explore more episodes at wingingittravelpodcast.com
• ✈️ Check out more great travel podcasts at https://voyascape.com
• 📺 Now also on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@wingingittravelpodcast

--------------------------------------------------------------

Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com⁠

Voyascape: Travel Podcast Network - https://voyascape.com/

Winging It Travel Podcast - Website

--------------------------------------------------------------

Winging It Travel Podcast Credits

Host/Producer/Creator/Composer/Editor - James Hammond

Contact me - [email protected] or [email protected]

Social Media - follow me on:

Instagram

TikTok

Facebook

--------------------------------------------------------------

Affiliate Links

If you click one of the below to book something, I get a tiny commission, which helps the podcast.

Book Flights with Skyscanner - Here

Use Revolut Travel Card - Here

Book Hostels With Hostelworld - Here

Booking.com - Here

Book Experiences With Viator - Here

Discovery Car Hire - Here

Book Buses With Busbud - Here

Book Trains With Trainline - Here

Travel Insurance with SafetyWing - Here

Book Flights With Expedia Canada - Here

--------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks for supporting me and the podcast!

Cheers James.

This podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world’s best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape Podcast Network . For advertising or sponsorship opportunities on this show and across the network, email [email protected] or you can find more information at Voyascape Ads.

Check out the new Smart Travel Podcast

This episode is supported by Smart Travel a new podcast from Nerd Wallet. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Follow Smart Travel wherever you get your podcasts.Smart Travel Podcast

In this episode, I wrap up my latest trip with Days 12–17 taking me from the UK to Paris before finally heading back home to Vancouver.

I spend some time back in Norwich catching up with friends and family, but being back in the city where I grew up also gets me thinking about what “home” actually means to me these days. After living in Vancouver for almost a decade, could I see myself moving back to Norwich one day?

There’s also a chaotic train journey to London, a long-overdue catch-up with an old travelling friend, a visit to Wokingham and, somehow (quite easily to be fair), four English breakfasts in four days!

Then I head to Paris for a couple of days, partly because it was actually cheaper to fly home from Paris than London. After surviving some airport chaos, I settle into the 10th arrondissement and set out to explore one of my favourite cities in the world.

I run along Canal Saint-Martin, hunt down some great coffee and croissants, wander through the streets of Paris, visit the Palais Garnier and Place de la Madeleine, walk along the Seine and finally meet fellow travel creator and former Winging It guest Jay Swanson for coffee.

I then spend hours walking across Paris towards Jardin du Luxembourg before getting absolutely soaked in a huge downpour. By the end of the day, I've clocked up 30,000 steps — including my morning run — and I'm completely exhausted.

Finally, I look back on the whole trip: almost three weeks, six countries, countless cities, coffees and plenty of adventures. I also talk about why I enjoy podcasting on the road and what's coming next, including my upcoming trip to French Polynesia.

It’s the end of another Winging It On Location series — thanks for coming along for the ride!

Jay's episode - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/winging-it-podcast/id1559489384?i=1000633040744

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2gdjWp82iVfGD3jRFnEpiX?si=6lkGVVmbRdKesbDePj2Gaw

If you enjoyed this episode:

• ⭐ Leave a 5-star rating or review on your podcast app
• ☕ Support the show at buymeacoffee.com/wingingit
• 🌍 Explore more episodes at wingingittravelpodcast.com
• ✈️ Check out more great travel podcasts at https://voyascape.com
• 📺 Now also on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@wingingittravelpodcast

00:00 Welcome to the final days of the trip

01:38 Back in Norwich and thinking about home

03:20 Could Norwich become home again?

04:50 The chaotic journey from Norwich to London

06:20 Catching up with old travelling friends

07:40 Heading to Paris

08:30 Four English breakfasts in four days

09:00 Paris airport chaos

10:30 Arriving in the 10th arrondissement

11:20 Running along Canal Saint-Martin

12:20 Coffee, croissants and exploring Paris

14:00 Palais Garnier and Place de la Madeleine

15:00 Meeting Jay Swanson

16:15 Walking through Paris to Jardin du Luxembourg

17:30 Notre-Dame and torrential rain

18:30 The 30,000-step day

19:30 Final morning in Paris

20:15 Three weeks, six countries and the end of the trip

22:00 Podcasting on the road and what's next

23:00 Listener review and final thoughts

--------------------------------------------------------------

Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com⁠

Voyascape: Travel Podcast Network - https://voyascape.com/

Winging It Travel Podcast - Website

--------------------------------------------------------------

Winging It Travel Podcast Credits

Host/Producer/Creator/Composer/Editor - James Hammond

Contact me - [email protected] or [email protected]

Social Media - follow me on:

Instagram

TikTok

Facebook

--------------------------------------------------------------

Affiliate Links

If you click one of the below to book something, I get a tiny commission, which helps the podcast.

Book Flights with Skyscanner - Here

Use Revolut Travel Card - Here

Book Hostels With Hostelworld - Here

Booking.com - Here

Book Experiences With Viator - Here

Discovery Car Hire - Here

Book Buses With Busbud - Here

Book Trains With Trainline - Here

Travel Insurance with SafetyWing - Here

Book Flights With Expedia Canada - Here

--------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks for supporting me and the podcast!

Cheers James.

This podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world’s best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape Podcast Network . For advertising or sponsorship opportunities on this show and across the network, email [email protected] or you can find more information at Voyascape Ads.