X8_Ep16 "Mission To Malta- The Easy Getaway!"

0:43: Welcome back to X8; thanks so much for joining us and subscribing!

1:46: Intro and welcome Michelle M. Buttigieg of the Malta Tourism Authority

2:20: Where is Malta and how do we get there from here?

3:29: Is the reputation Malta has for scuba diving still accurate?

4:10: What's the 'above ground' history like; Malta is about 7,000 years old right?

5:34: Ref: Knights of Malta/Valetta

6:19: Was Game of Thrones filmed in Malta also?

7:45: What should food lovers never miss while in Malta? Ref: Taste History Malta

10:41: Which side of the road is driven in Malta?

11:00: What types of hotels are available; any specific recommendations?

13:20: When you're on a quick trip; what's the best way to get around and in-between?

14:26: Would you say that Malta is a year-round destination?

16:08: Why is Malta such an easy choice for a get-a-way?

17:22 Thank you Michelle and thank you for joining us. Stay safe & keep traveling!!

You can find us and more info on the web at www.x8travelpodcast.com or email us at [email protected] Also on Instagram @theexplorateur and Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/theexplorateur

X8_Ep15 "Exploring the Myths and Legends of Prague at the Andaz"

0:43: Welcome back to X8! Happy New Year and thanks so much for joining us!

1:10: What is always in your travel bag? Or in Peter's case the ScottEVest

1:46: Hello & welcome Doris Hecht, General Manager of Andaz Prague!

2:25: So opening a hotel is difficult enough; tell us how you do it in a global pandemic?!

3:38: What were some unexpected issues and problems you've had to resolve?

5:20: Forwards and upwards right? How have you dealt with this continued Covid-19 and variant uncertainty?

6:32: What's it like being a female GM in such a male dominated industry?

7:48: On Doris' work vs life balance

10:04: We you merge the two as you do, do you find that everything just flows better?

12:17: I understand the hotel is a former palace; how do you balance and maintain it's history with modern/new design language?

15:13: For someone who is coming only for a short visit; what are the "must do" adventures?

17:47: Thank you very much Doris! Hey, we're coming to Prague and hope to be among the first to visit your hotel; good luck with the opening!

-How can people find you? Doris Hecht via LinkedIN or simply make a reservation at: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/czech/andaz-prague/prgaz

18:46 Thank you and thank you for joining us. Stay safe & keep traveling!!

You can find us on the web at www.x8travelpodcast.com or email us at [email protected] Also on Instagram @theexplorateur and Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/theexplorateur

X8_Ep14 "Arctic Truck Adventures!"

0:56: Hello & welcome Hjálmar Óskars from Arctic Truck Adventures! ATX.IS

1:40: What do people in Iceland do right before Christmas?

3:14: So how often do you find a brand new ice cave!?

3:45: How do you learn to live with 4 feet of snow and just drive through ANYthing?

4:47: It seems the entire country is an adventure!?

5:30: What else do you guys do that is unique to Iceland that visitors may enjoy?

6:20: What types of adventures are fun & safe for children?

8:24: You also take tours to Antartica; what kinds of tours are these?!

12:18: What's the largest amount of people you've ever taken on a tour?

13:04: Where can people find more info about you and these tours? ATX.IS and @arctictrucksexperience on INSTA

13:15 Thank you and thank you for joining us. Stay safe & keep traveling!!

You can find us on the web at www.x8travelpodcast.com or email us at [email protected] Also on Instagram @theexplorateur and Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/theexplorateur

X8_Ep13 "Iceland's Evolving Seven Wonders"

0:56: Hello & welcome ODDNÝ ARNARSDÓTTIR from the Iceland Visitors Bureau! www.VisitIceland.com

1:23: How do people from the mainland adjust to the long periods daylight in Iceland?

3:03: Many people seem to think that Iceland is full of ICE. What do American's need to understand about Iceland; in 5 sentences or less?

4:06: Is Iceland a place where travelers tend to dive out of their comfort zone? What's summer like?

5:30: The glaciers are massive.. and amazing.. and constantly evolving!

6:00: How guides are always on top of the ever-changing landscape

7:20: On how the guides know you will remain safe

7:50: Tell us your experience in a pre-tourism Iceland versus how things have been changing?

8:57: Showcasing Iceland as a year-round travel destination

9:30: What are some off-the-radar adventures that tourists may now know about?

11:14 Where can people find more info on Iceland travel? It is an endless source of resources! www.VisitIceland.com and on the socials @InspiredByIceland on YouTube INSTA Facebook and @Iceland on Twitter #InspiredByIceland

12:06: Is it true that most places in Iceland were named for what happens when a cat walks across a keyboard?

13:02: Thank you Oddny and thank you for joining us. Stay safe & keep traveling!!

You can find us on the web at www.x8travelpodcast.com or email us at [email protected] Also on Instagram @theexplorateur and Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/theexplorateur

X8_Ep12 "Springing into South Korea"

0:47: Welcome!

1:35: Hello & welcome Esther Cho from Korea Tourism!

2:05: For the first timer; tell us why someone would want to visit South Korea

2:54: How has Squid Game actually helped to increase tourism? Ref: BTS (for those of us sans tweens & teens)

4:00: Tell us about Jeju Island?

5:15: What do people love about the island, what do folks do? Ref: Haenyeo

6:32: Tell us about the underwater lava tubes?!

8:18: Have there been any new hotels that have opened recently that are really cool?

9:12: How long should people plan to stay in the city?

10:12: They do have nonstop flights to Korea from the United States, right?

10:38: What are the entry/Covid protocols for entry in to Soul as of December 2021?

11:28: Any new attractions or hidden areas you might recommend? Ref: TempleStay and Honuk

13:00: Who's your host in the temple; what are those accommodations like?

13:08: [Editor's note: Robots won this round of internet call connectivity, apologies] Ref: (CNN) — There are some 900 traditional Buddhist temples in South Korea and around 20,000 in total.

13:32: Visit https://eng.templestay.com for more info on Temple stays!

14:13: Where can people find more in fo on Korea travel? https://eng.templestay.com and on the socials @templestay on INSTA Facebook and Korean Templestay on YouTube More info also avail via https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/index.kto

14:42: Thank you Esther and thank you for joining us. Stay safe & keep traveling!!

You can find us on the web at www.x8travelpodcast.com or email us at [email protected] Also on Instagram @theexplorateur and Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/theexplorateur

X8_Ep11 "Welcome to the Planet of Jordan"

0:47: Intro and welcome!

1:02: Speaking of surprising destinations; what stood out about Iceland?

1:57: Welcome Omar Banihani of the Jordan Tourism Board

2:15: Where is Jordan?

2:57: People know the name, but they really don't know much about Jordan's story; how about a snapshot?

4:10: On a few experiences & recommended duration of stay

5:05: What are some of the adventures tourists experience; are people hospitable?

6:28: On Jordan's history and culture

7:54: It sounds like an amazing place for people who are on a fitness kick(?)

8:52: Tell us about your impressive coastline & what folks do when they go to the beach, the sea, etc?

10:35: If we have only 5 or 6 days to spend, what would you recommend? [So many experiences here!!]

13:38: So what exactly is a "bubble tent"?! Ref: The Martian (film) The Martian's tents

15:31: Visit Jordan, Grow Potatoes in Space!

15:38: What are the entry/Convid requirements for Americans as of December, 2021?

16:24: How can people find more information about Jordan? https://www.myjordanjourney.com and @VisitJordan on INSTA Twitter & Facebook "ahlan wa sahlan fi al'urdun" - Welcome to Jordan!

16:55: Thank you Omar and thank you for joining us. Stay safe & keep traveling!!

You can find us on the web at www.x8travelpodcast.com

or email us at [email protected]

Also on Instagram @theexplorateur and Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/theexplorateur

X8_Ep10 "Vilnius- The G-Spot of Europe!"

0:47: Intro and welcome!

1:05: Do you think Covid testing will be the 'wave of the future' permanently?

1:47: A quick tip about the Covid-19 self test kits

2:30: Welcome Kai Schukowski, General Manager at Grand Hotel Kempinski, Vilnius

2:52: So many Hollywood movie "super-rich-evil-billionaire-villain" characters seem to be hiding out in Vilnius Lithuania; what is it really like?!

4:18: What's the biggest surprise people experience when they first land in Vilnius?

5:40: Would you say your hotel is one of the first luxury brands in Vilnius, Lithuania? Ref: Grand Palace Hotel Riga, Latvia

6:52: Are you guys becoming a new hotspot for digital nomads, akin to Estonia perhaps?

8:06: Let's say we have 3 days… what's a must-see? Ref: Trakai Island Castle, pink soup

10:47: Would you say that it's still an affordable destination for USD?

12:20: What are some hidden secrets of the hotel that many people wouldn't know?

14:07: We're in for the holidays! Thank you Kai!

How can people find more information on the property? https://www.kempinski.com/en/vilnius/grand-hotel-kempinski/why-vilnius/ and @KempinskiVilnius on Facebook INSTA and at @Kempinski via Twitter and Kempinski Hotels on YouTube

14:33: Thank you for joining us!! Stay safe & keep traveling!

You can find us on the web at www.x8travelpodcast.com or email us at [email protected] Also on Instagram @theexplorateur and Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/theexplorateur

X8_Ep9 "Deep Within The Wilds of Alaska"

0:47: Intro and welcome Kirsten Dixon!

1:42: What's your story; how did you wind up in Alaska?

2:45: How did you decide you were going to become hoteliers?

5:15: You and your husband left the grid, moved into the wild, alone, with no running water; how did you not destroy each other?!

7:13: For what types of adventures should be we prepared; what should folks expect when they land on site? Ref: Sample Itineraries

10:11: Would you say this is sort of a "once in a lifetime" type of experience?

11:24: How are you furthering sustainability on your properties?

13:40: Do people typically stay at various lodges- since you have several different locations and experiences?

14:40: How can people find more information on the property? https://withinthewild.com and on the socials: @withinthewildak on Facebook @withinthewild on Twitter & INSTA

15:14: What's your weather like right now?

16:10: Thank you for joining us!! Stay safe & keep traveling!

You can find us on the web at www.x8travelpodcast.com

or email us at [email protected]

Also on Instagram @theexplorateur and Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/theexplorateur

X8 The Global Travel Podcast That Takes You Around The World, Beautifully

"Ep7 Thailand's Undiscovered Jewel: Rayavadee"

0:47: Intro and welcome! Ref: https://www.rayavadee.com/en/index.php

[Rayavadee is situated in the heart of Krabi's beautiful Phranang Peninsula on the border of Krabi Marine National Park, Thailand]

1:15: Peter, how did you fall in love with Thailand?

2:20: Intro and welcome General Manager of Rayavadee, Chumpol Chantaloon

2:58: So how does one 'arrive' to Rayavadee?

4:20: Can you speak a little about the accommodations?

5:20: It's such a beautiful, remote location; how long do your guests tend to stay?

6:08: How was the resort created; how do balance nature with the hotel?

7:22: It's a very 'green' resort. How does the hotel give back to the local community?

9:44: So you said the average stay is about 2 weeks. Can you describe your typical guest?

10:36: What is the protocol for coming to Thailand, especially during Covid?

11:52: So international flights direct to Krabi will be resuming Dec.1, 2021?

12:04: All the better time to use a travel agent!

12:22: What are some of your extra-special treats & experiences that most travelers may not know about?

13:42: How can people find more information on the property? www.rayavadee.com and on the socials: @RayavadeeKrabi on Twitter @ rayavadee_krabi on INSTA and Pinterest @rayavadeekrabithailand on Facebook and on YouTube

13:58: Thank you! And thank you for joining us!!

You can find us on the web at www.x8travelpodcast.com

or email us at [email protected]

Also on Instagram @theexplorateur and Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/theexplorateur

Ep8 Serenity in San Miguel de Allende at Casa de Sierra Nevada

0:48: San Miguel de Allende is not like Cozumel…

2:32: Welcome Eric Gonzales, General Manager of Belmond's Casa de Sierra Nevada

3:00: So set the stage; why is this property so different that the 'typical' Mexico experience?

3:53: What is the typical experience for the first time visitor?

4:28: What kind of a stay is it; you have so many different types of features!

5:05: What are the rooms like after all this time; after renovations and new amenities?

5:50: What are some of the different types of experiences people can expect when they visit? Ref: Mezcal and on property experiences

7:40: It's a very intimate and discreet place…

8:11: None of the Belmond properties are alike; what are some of the points that make Casa de Sierra Nevada a Belmond?

9:00: What has changed from pre-Covid times, versus now?

10:23: Is there a nearby 'wine scene' happening? Wine List from The Blue Bar

11:15: What should the first time visitor not miss?!

12:09: Where are you in Mexico? How do we get there?

13:18: How can people find more information on the property? https://www.belmond.com/hotels/north-america/mexico/san-miguel-de-allende/belmond-casa-de-sierra-nevada/ Also @casadesierranevada on Facebook and belmondcasadesierranevada on INSTA

13:48: Thank you Eric Gonzales! Any parting words?

14:38: Thank you! And thank you for joining us!!

You can find us on the web at www.x8travelpodcast.com

or email us at [email protected]

Also on Instagram @theexplorateur and Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/theexplorateur