Jonathan van Bilsen

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A collection of lifestyle articles about people, events and travel by photographer, author and journalist Jonathan van Bilsen

Jonathan van Bilsen


    • Sep 4, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 26m AVG DURATION
    • 68 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Jonathan van Bilsen

    Giethoorn, Little Venice of the Netherlands

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2024 3:22


    Giethoorn, a serene village near Amsterdam, is often called the 'Little Venice' of the Netherlands. With its winding canals, charming wooden bridges, and historic farmhouses crowned with thatched roofs, the village exudes a fairy-tale charm. Home to around 2,620 people, Giethoorn's enchanting beauty is further accentuated by its traditional boats and 18th-19th century farmhouses.

    Portugal, Something for Everyone - July, 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2024 29:24


    Join Jonathan van Bilsen as he explores the northern half of Portugal, including Lisbon, the Douro Valley and the spectacular monasteries from days gone by.

    Bears and Gold - June, 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2024 29:20


    Northern Canada is a massive area of pristine forests, wildlife, mountains and waterways. In this episode, Jonathan van Bilsen explores the Yukon wilderness and then head east to Churchill Manitoba. Find out about the Klondike gold rush and meet some polar bears in their natural habitat.

    Canals of Europe - May, 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2024 29:42


    Two of Europe's oldest cities have one thing in common. They both consist of a network of canals. In days gone by, these waterways were used for transportation but today they are primarily for tourism and enjoyment. Join Jonathan van Bilsen as he visits Amsterdam and Venice

    Georgia, an Invitation to Explore - April, 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2024 29:11


    One of the most picturesque nations on earth is the Caucasus country of Georgia. Stunning landscapes, majestic mountains and very friendly people make this an incredible destination to add to your bucket list. In this episode, Jonathan van Bilsen explores the entire country and climbs one of the highest mountains, discovers ancient monasteries and visits major cities.

    The Gulf from San Antonio to New Orleans - March, 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2024 29:20


    The Gulf of Mexico has always been a tourist haven. In this episode, Jonathan van Bilsen explores San Antonio, home of Davy Crockett, Daniel Boone and the Alamo, and then travels east to New Orleans to discover the excitement and bling of this amazing city.

    Germany, Berlin to Bavaria - February, 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2024 29:32


    Germany has long been at the centre of European history. From the Prussian wars of the 1600s to the world wars of the 20th century to the main economic power of the European Union. In this episode Jonathan van Bilsen explores Berlin and Potsdam and then travels south to Dresden, ending his trek in Bavaria, visiting Heidelberg and Neuschwanstein Castle.

    The Middle East - January, 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 7, 2024 29:18


    Since the beginning of time, the Middle East has witnessed turmoil, amid history and beauty. In this episode, Jonathan van Bilsen explores the ancient wonders of Petra, the bustling old city of Jerusalem as well as the birthplace of Christianity, Bethlehem.visit https://www.photosntravel.com/ for more information

    Greece, Land of History and Culture - December, 2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2023 30:29


    Greece is an amazing country, nestled in the Mediterranean Sea and surrounded by beautiful islands, beaches and weather. Its turbulent history dates back to the dawn of civilization and in this episode, Jonathan van Bilsen explores the Pelepinesian Peninsula, including Athens.

    The Danube, Mozart to Strauss - November, 2023 Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2023 30:29


    The Danube is Europe's second longest river, after the Volga. In this episode, Jonathan van Bilsen visits the Austrian cities of Vienna and Salzburg and then makes his way along the Danube to explore Budapest, the capital of Hungary. Visit cathedrals, castles and the wonderful cities, home to Mozart, Strauss and countless other composers

    Rome, the City of Seven Hills - October, 2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2023 29:28


    Rome offers a rich historical and cultural experience. From magnificent ancient ruins like the Colosseum to exquisite art and delicious cuisine, the Eternal City is a must-visit destination. Join Jonathan van Bilsen as he explores the top 12 sites of Italy's capital city.

    Turkiye, Bridging Two Continents - September, 2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2023 29:24


    Turkey, now known as Turkiye, is a fascinating country to visit and explore. Join Jonathan van Bilsen as he treks through Cappadocia, discovers the history at Ephesus and learns about the battle of Gallipoli.

    Ireland, the Emerald Isle - August, 2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2023 29:34


    In this episode, Jonathan van Bilsen travels to Ireland. Known as the Emerald Isle, Ireland is a country steeped in rich history and natural beauty. From its stunning rugged coastline to ancient castles and vibrant cities, Ireland offers visitors a warm welcome, lively pub culture, traditional music, and a deep connection to its Celtic roots.

    Vietnam, Timeless Charm - July, 2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2023 29:23


    Vietnam, a fantastic country to visit and explore, has gone through years of turmoil. Finally, stability has allowed tourism to thrive. Although a communist country, when travelling one quickly becomes immersed in the wonderful culture and cuisine.

    Galapagos, Islands Lost - June, 2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2023 29:29


    The Galapagos Islands are among the most remote locales on our planet. Popularized by Charles Darwin, they have been the centre of many controversies and discoveries.In this episode, #JonathanvanBilsen visits six different islands and photographs a variety of unique species of wildlife and marine life, native to this incredible place.He also spends a few days in Quito, the capital of Ecuador, as well as Guayaquil, the country's largest city.

    Helsinki to Stockholm - May, 2023

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2023 29:25


    The cities of Helsinki and Stockholm represent true Scandinavian architecture, people and picturesque scenery. In this episode, Jonathan van Bilsen explores the beautiful harbours, interesting architecture and a few smaller towns nearby. Join him as he visits this part of Scandinavia, allegedly home to the happiest people in the world.

    Bulgaria, a Discovery of Change - April, 2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2023 29:17


    Bulgaria is one of the Balkan countries, that is often overlooked. It is rich in history and beauty and in this episode Jonathan van Bilsen visits the capital, Sofia, explores Roman ruins in Plovdiv and visits castles and fortresses in the countryside. He ends his adventure with a trip to the Black Sea.

    American South East - March , 2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2023 29:01


    The American South East is filled with history and culture. In this episode, Jonathan van Bilsen visits the historic cities of Charleston and Savannah, the tourist towns of Mount Dora and St. Armand's and takes a detailed look at Walt Disney World, before venturing off to Key West.

    Russia, Home of the Tsars - February, 2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2023 28:52


    Russia has long been a land of suppression and aggression. Steeped in History, Jonathan van Bilsen peels off the outer layer to discover the beauty of this nation. Discover the rigidity of Moscow and the history of the Tsars in St. Petersburg in this episode as he visits the world's largest country.Info@photosNtravel.com

    Easter Island, the Truth Behind the Statues - January, 2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 2023 29:35


    One cannot get further from civilization and still experience hotels, electricity and automobiles.The most well known, and probably the only identifying symbol of the island are the famous statues or “moai”. Their interesting history, contrary to popular opinion, does not lie in magical myth.To truly experience the splendour of the island one must first realize the history. Easter Island is one of the most isolated islands in the world, but 1,200 years ago a double-hulled canoe filled with seafarers from a distant culture landed upon its shores.Comments or questions concerning the show should be addressed to info@photosNtravel.comClick 'Subscribe' to receive notices of our monthly episodes

    Rio de Janeiro and Iguacu Falls - December, 2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2022 29:17


    Rio de Janeiro is one of South America's, if not the world's, most vibrant cities. In this episode, Jonathan van Bilsen will showcase the city, carnival and the smaller town of Petropolis. In the second half, a two hour flight will take us to explore Iguaçu Falls Falls, the world's largest waterfall... a spectacle not to be missed.

    Korea, a Historic Empire - November, 2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2022 28:41


    South Korea is a country steeped in history and turmoil, with an extremely resilient people. The countryside is spectacular and the cities are vibrant. Visiting the country would never give you an indication they are constantly under threat from their northern neighbour. In this episode, Jonathan van Bilsen, spends time on Jeju Island, the eastern coast and the cities of Seoul and Busan, along with a visit to the DMZ.

    Northern Italy and the Wine region - October, 2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2022 29:21


    In this episode, Jonathan van Bilsen visits the wine region of Lake Garda, in Northern Italy. We have a chance to chat with local vintners and see their operations, as well as explore some fantastic scenery. Visit small Italian villages, castles and countryside, as you delve into a unique new adventure.

    Western Canada - September, 2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2022 28:18


    Canada is the second largest country in the world and exploring it is quite a challenge. It stretches 9,300 Km or 5,800 miles from coast to coast and has some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. In this episode, Jonathan van Bilsen is going to visit the Rocky Mountains as well as a few of the cities, Canada is famous for.

    New York, New York - August, 2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2022 28:38


    One of the most vibrant cities in the world is New York. Join Jonathan van Bilsen as he explores this metropolis on foot in only four days. Visit the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building, discover eateries in Soho and trek through Central Park.

    Bavaria and the River Rhine - July, 2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2022 29:01


    Southern Germany is often referred to as the land of fairytales. The Black Forest in Bavaria is a traveller's paradise. Join Jonathan van Bilsen as he explores Neuschwanstein Castle, discovers some interesting facts about Octoberfest, visits Frankfurt and Munich and travels along the Rhine

    Belarus and Moldova and the world's largest winery, June 2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2022 29:26


    The countries of Belarus and Moldova are unique in that they are both former Soviet nations that are now independent. Join Jonathan van Bilsen as he explores both countries and surprisingly, discovers the largest winery in the world.

    Italy, From Top to Bottom - April, 2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2022 29:17


    In this episode, #Jonathan van Bilsen treks through the entire country of Italy, with stunning views of Venice and Florence in the north, #Rome and the# Almalfi Coast in the west, #Bari and #Calabria in the east and south and a visit to #Mount Etna and the coastal towns of Sicily.Discover the beauty of this wonderful, Meditteranean land

    India, the Northern Half - March, 2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2022 29:44


    #India is the seventh largest country in the world, and is very diverse in culture and religion. Join #Jonathan van Bilsen as he explores the capital of #Delhi, the holy Ganges River, the #Taj Mahal and the beauty of #Rajasthan. We may even see a tiger in the north

    Alaska and the Yukon - February, 2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2022 29:10


    #Alaska and the #Yukon have long been the North American frontier for adventure and wilderness. Coupled with amazing wildlife viewing opportunities make this a fantastic locale to visit. Join Jonathan van Bilsen as he travels through the interior of both regions, meeting #moose, #grizzly bears and a great deal more.

    Namibia, Sands of the Kalahari - January, 2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 2, 2022 29:29


    #Namibia is one of west #Africa's most interesting countries. It is home to the second largest canyon in the world and has the highest sand dunes on the planet. The wildlife is abundant, with thousands of #elephants, giraffes and antelope. There are leopards and rhinos and even cheetahs. Join #JonathanvanBilsen as he travels across this vast land, in the middle of the #Kalahari Desert.

    Churchill and the Polar Bears - December, 2021

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2021 29:26


    the Canadian town of #Churchill lies near the northern border of #Manitoba and is known for its gathering of polar bears, just before the ice on Hudson Bay freezes.Join #Jonathan van Bilsen as he explores the area and comes face to face with several of the big white bears.

    Monaco and the French Riviera - November, 2021

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2021 28:41


    In this episode, #JonathanvanBilsen visit's Canada's largest city, #Toronto, known affectionately as Toronto the Good. The reason for the nickname dates back to the city's Victorian propensity for moral stiffness. The term was coined by former mayor William Howland who, in the words of the #TorontoStar, was "an anti-vice, anti-gambling, anti-liquor, Bible-thumper."Today Toronto has grown to a bustling, multicultural melting pot of 7 million people and boasts some of the finest theatres and restaurants in the world. Join Jonathan as he discovers some hidden gems of this popular city.Comments or questions concerning the show should be addressed to info@photosNtravel.comClick Subscribe to receive notices of our monthly episodes

    Toronto the Good - October, 2021

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2021 29:11


    In this episode, #JonathanvanBilsen visit's Canada's largest city, #Toronto, known affectionally as Toronto the Good. The reason for the nickname dates back to the city's Victorian propensity for moral stiffness. The term was coined by former mayor William Howland who, in the words of the #TorontoStar, was "an anti-vice, anti-gambling, anti-liquor, Bible-thumper."Today Toronto has grown to a bustling, multicultural melting pot of 7 million people and boasts some of the finest theatres and restaurants in the world. Join Jonathan as he discovers some hidden gems of this popular city.Comments or questions concerning the show should be addressed to info@photosNtravel.comSubscribe' to receive notices of our monthly episodes

    Malta, Centre of the Mediterranean - September, 2021

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2021 29:31


    Malta is a tiny, island nation, in the centre of the beautiful Mediterranean. It is filled with history and a fantastic place to explore the past, as well as enjoy the warmth of one of the nicest places on earth.

    The New Seven Wonders of the World - August, 2021

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2021 29:51


    The original Seven Wonders of the World were chosen by a few individuals, when most of the planet was not yet discovered. Between 2000 and 2007, tens of millions of people around the globe offered their opinion on what the new Seven Wonders of the World should be. Jonathan van Bilsen visits each one of them in this episode of photosNtravel

    Easter Island, the Truth Behind the Statues - July, 2021

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2021 29:23


    One cannot get further from civilization and still experience hotels, electricity and automobiles.The most well known, and probably the only identifying symbol of the island are the famous statues or “moai”. Their interesting history, contrary to popular opinion, does not lie in magical myth.To truly experience the splendour of the island one must first realize the history. Easter Island is one of the most isolated islands in the world, but 1,200 years ago a double-hulled canoe filled with seafarers from a distant culture landed upon its shores.Comments or questions concerning the show should be addressed to info@photosNtravel.comClick 'Subscribe' to receive notices of our monthly episodes

    New Orleans, The Big Easy - June, 2021

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2021 29:46


    New Orleans, located near the Mississippi River delta, in Louisiana, is+ known for its round-the-clock nightlife, vibrant live-music scene and spicy, singular cuisine reflecting its history as a melting pot of French, African and American cultures. Embodying its festive spirit is Mardi Gras, the late-winter carnival famed for raucous costumed parades and street parties.Comments or questions concerning the show should be addressed to info@photosNtravel.comClick 'Subscribe' to receive notices of our monthly episodes.

    Estonia, Positively Suprising - May, 2021

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2021 29:58


    The Baltics, especially Estonia is a region shrouded with turmoil. Having been constantly possessed by other nations, it is no wonder the freedom they achieved in 1991 is so dear to the people. The slogan 'Positively Surprising' is very accurate and seeing this country in detail is a rewarding experience.

    London, from Kings to Druids - April, 2021

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2021 30:03


    London and the surrounding area is always an interesting area to visit. In this episode, we will expl9ore the city itself, as well as Stonehenge, Oxford, castles and cathedrals. We'll also make a special visit to see the studios where the Harry Potter series was filmed.

    2021-03 - Travel News Update

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2021 10:04


    In times like these, when travel is next to impossible Jonathan van Bilsen takes us on a whirlwind tour around the world to some of his favourite places

    Amsterdam and Surrounding Area - March, 2021

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2021 30:01


    Amsterdam is one of Europe's most fascinating cities and a visit is certainly worth the trip. Many visitors never have a chance to see the surrounding countryside and in this episode, Jonathan van Bilsen takes us, not only to the city itself, but we also explore the many windmills of Zaanse Schans, taste some cheese in Edam, ride the canals of Giethoorn and go souvenir hunting in Volendam, as well as tasting some paling.Comments or questions concerning the show should be addressed to info@photosNtravel.comClick 'Subscribe' to receive notices of our monthly episodes

    2021-02 - Travel News Update

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2021 10:10


    An in-depth overview of all the current travel information, from around the world, you need to know

    Armenia, One Nation, One Culture - February, 2021

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2021 29:56


    Armenia is a developing country, which has some of the most spectacular scenery and picturesque villages of western Asia. It is filled with history, religion and culture, being the first nation in the world to embrace Christianity. The people have lived in turmoil most of their existence which, instead of defeating them has made them stronger.Join Jonathan van Bilsen, as he explores the entire country, its ancient monuments, beautiful landscapes and interesting sites.Click 'Subscribe' to receive notices of our monthly episodes.Comments or questions concerning the show should be addressed to info@photosNtravel.com'Next is Armenia' tour contact: lucine.m@live.com

    2021-01 - Travel News Update

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2021 10:01


    An in-depth overview of all the current travel information, from around the world, you need to know

    Paris, City of Lights - January, 2021

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2021 29:02


    Paris has long been a destination visited by millions, and France is the most visited country in the world. Join Jonathan van Bilsen, as he takes you on an in-depth tour of the City of Lights.

    Israel, a Land of Paradox - December, 2020

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2020 29:22


    Israel is a country, long the victim of internal strife. Itis also a land rich in history, for Christians, Muslims and Jews. Join Jonathan van Bilsen as he explores this Middle Eastern country from Nazareth to Bethlehem with a trip to Palestine and some interesting discoveries.PREVIOUS PHOTOSNTRAVEL EPISODE TO JERUSALEM: https://youtu.be/902t7BK9k24Comments or questions concerning the show should be addressed to info@photosNtravel.comClick Subscribe to receive notice of our monthly episodes

    Travel News Update - December, 2020

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2020 10:00


    An in-depth overview of all the current travel information, from around the world, you need to know

    Travel News Update - November, 2020

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2020 10:03


    Even though travelling is difficult, there are many things happening when we can once again visit our favourite locales. This is an in-depth overview of all the current travel information, from around the world, you need to know.

    Dubai, Jewel of the Desert - November, 2020

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2020 29:09


    Dubai has long been an exciting and adventurous locale, filled with vast riches and 'push the envelope' architecture. Join Jonathan van Bilsen as he explores this unique jewel in the middle of the desert.Comments or questions concerning the show should be addressed to info@photosNtravel.comClick Subscribe to receive notice of our monthly episodes

    San Antonio, Deep in the Heart of texas - October, 2020

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2020 28:53


    Deep in the heart of Texas lies the picturesque village of San Antonio. Most everyone will appreciate its vast history of Davy Crockett and the Alamo and tourists enjoy walking along the River on the River Walk.

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