Low Season Traveller Insider Guides

In this insightful episode of the Low Season Traveller podcast, host Ged interviews Stuart McDonald, founder of Travelfish, a comprehensive online travel resource focused on Southeast Asia. Stuart shares the evolution of Travelfish from its humble beginnings in 2004 to becoming a trusted guide for independent travelers, his journey into responsible tourism through his master's degree, and his upcoming ambitious 64-day overland journey from Bali to the UK.Guest Profile: Stuart McDonald is the founder of Travelfish, an independent online travel guide focused on Southeast Asia. With nearly three decades of experience traveling in the region since 1993, Stuart has transformed from a backpacker and guidebook writer to an advocate for "less bad travel" - his term for more sustainable and responsible tourism practices. He recently completed a Master's degree in Responsible Tourism Management at Leeds Beckett University in the UK.Notable Quotes"Travel fish is like an old school guidebook, like a Lonely Planet or Rough Guide or whatever. But only online." "The pandemic wasn't great for business. I went back to school, back to do my masters at Leeds in the UK in responsible tourism management, and that sort of turned me on to a lot more of the stuff around sustainable tourism and responsible travel." "A lot of the issues that we face today in tourism are not new... they were writing about them in the seventies in academia... This knowledge has sort of been sitting around for perhaps 50 years, half a century. And the industry side of things, they're only just sort of starting to think about maybe getting on board with some of these concepts in the last decade." This episode offers valuable insights into the evolution of sustainable tourism in Southeast Asia through the lens of Stuart McDonald's extensive experience. His journey from traditional guidebook writer to advocate for responsible tourism practices demonstrates how the industry is slowly shifting toward more sustainable models. Stuart's upcoming overland journey represents his commitment to "less bad travel" and provides a fascinating case study in making more responsible travel choices despite the inconveniences they may present. Listeners interested in sustainable tourism, Southeast Asia travel, or alternative modes of transportation will find this conversation both informative and inspiring.Resources Mentioned:Travelfish website: A comprehensive online travel guide for Southeast AsiaCouch Fish Newsletter: Stuart's regular updates on travel and tourism in the regionGlass: The photo-sharing platform Stuart now uses instead of InstagramSeat61: Helpful resource for train travel planningCaravanistan: Resource for travel in Central AsiaUncornered Market: Development work in Uzbekistan and Central Asia

In this episode of Low Season Traveler Insider Guides, host Ged Brown sits down with Angelo Carotenuto, the founder of LivTours. Angelo shares his unconventional journey, from a performing arts background and early days as a tour guide to establishing a boutique travel company that champions sustainable, intimate, and truly immersive experiences. Listeners will hear firsthand how small-group tours can transform the way we experience cultural heritage and local traditions, especially during the low season.Key Topics Covered:Angelo's Journey:The LivTours Difference:Sustainability and Authenticity:Unique and Immersive Experiences:The Emotional Connection:Memorable Moments:Angelo's humorous take on oversized tour groups versus the intimacy of small-group experiences.The detailed recounting of a football match tour where guests, including a couple from Finland, experienced local passion and vibrant traditions firsthand.Anecdotes that underline the importance of experiencing destinations in a way that allows travelers to truly “live” the local culture rather than just observe it.For more information on LivTours and to explore their curated experiences, visit livtours.com.Don't forget to leave a rating and review if you enjoyed this episode, and follow Low Season Traveler Insider Guides on social media for more inspiring travel stories and tips.

In this episode of 'Low Season Traveller Insider Guides,' host Ged Brown explores the historical and cultural wonders of Girona, located in Northeast Spain. Joined by Margarita Alburna, a passionate local guide, they delve into Girona's medieval architecture, vibrant culinary scene, and rich history, including its Jewish heritage and Roman origins. Learn why visiting during the low season offers a unique experience, from quiet afternoons roaming cobblestone streets to enjoying local festivals and gastronomic delights like tomato bread and calçots. Margarita also highlights lesser-known spots in the region, such as the volcanic area and the coastal trails of Costa Brava. Tune in for a comprehensive guide on making the most of Girona, especially during its tranquil and less crowded months.

Low Season Vietnam - Insider Insights and Adventures in Vietnam Discover the hidden gems of Vietnam with exclusive insights from Chum Pham, the sales and partnerships manager of ITS Vietnam. From the tranquil beauty of Hanoi to the vibrant culture of Saigon, explore the diverse landscapes, people, and cuisine of this captivating country. Uncover the secrets of low season travel and immerse yourself in the authentic experiences that make Vietnam a must-visit destination. Join us on a journey through the sights, sounds, and flavors of Vietnam on this special episode of the Low Season Traveller Insider Guides podcast.

The Underrated Beauty of Low Season Paris: An Insider's Guide with Ged Brown and Jay Swanson In this episode of Low Season Traveller Insider Guides, host Ged Brown is joined by Jay Swanson, the creator of Paris In My Pocket, to discuss the overlooked allure of low season tourism in Paris. Jay provides unique insights into Paris, revealing the charm of local experiences, under-the-radar spots, and the inviting café culture characteristic of the city. He discusses the importance of integrating oneself into the rhythm of life in Paris, recommending the simple pleasure of people-watching. Jay also touches on the significance of French food and wine as he points out the city's international food scene. He offers tips for first-time travellers, focusing on the balance between tourist attractions and hidden gems, and encourages exploration as the key to a fulfilling Parisian trip. 00:06   Introduction and Welcome 00:30   Getting to Know Jay Swanson 01:21    Jay's Journey to Paris 03:16    Becoming a French Citizen 05:04   The Appeal of Paris 05:33   The Parisian Lifestyle 10:51    Language and Communication in Paris 13:01    Visiting Paris in the Low Season 17:13    Exploring Paris: Must-See and Overrated Attractions 22:27   Hidden Gems in Paris 24:07   Food and Drink Recommendations in Paris 27:11    Final Tips for Visiting Paris

Today I'm delighted to be joined by Claire French who's the Chief Copywriter of our very own Low Season Traveller Magazine. In this episode I caught up with Claire on a beautiful Autumn day to find out a little more about life in travel and in particular the background to her wonderful article in this months magazine edition where she endured or enjoyed 9 consecutive days of Ayurvedic massage in Goa. It sounded like heaven to me but as Claire explains, there is a lot more to it than that... I must admit, I'd be very tempted to go for an experience like this and it may just be what we all need right now… The latest edition of the magazine is available now in hard and electronic copies on lowseasontraveller.com/magazine and I'm sure you'll agree, it's a wonderful edition. Huge thanks to Claire for all of her contributions to the magazine and for sharing her insights with us today. But That's our show for this week. Thanks as always, for your company, and if you enjoyed this podcast, please do leave us a positive rating and review on your podcast app and also don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to be the first to hear our latest low season stories, articles and guides. Have a great week wherever you are and remember that travel is always better and fairer for the planet, the local communities and you the travellers, when it's without the crowds…

In this episode, we catch up with Ryan Maley, Editor in Chief of Low Season Traveller Magazine to find out a little more about the stories and features which readers can enjoy in this latest edition as we gain a little insight into how the stories and features came about. We are talking about Madrid, Ethiopia, Cambodia, Barbados, Sifnos, fascinating Cultural Heritage and much more besides…. If there are any destinations you'd like us to cover for future editions, please reach out to Ryan directly at ryan@lowseasontraveller.com But That's our show for this week. Thanks as always, for your company, and if you enjoyed this podcast, please do leave us a positive rating and review on your podcast app and also don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to be the first to hear our latest low season stories, articles and guides.

Today I'm delighted to be joined by a #1 Best Selling Author and leading Spa and Wellness expert, Sonal Uberoi, to learn more about Spa and Wellness breaks. I don't know about you but I've always thought of Spa and Wellness as being a luxurious and extravagant pursuit of the relatively wealthy. In this episode I wanted to learn more about the concept of Wellness, the types of people who engage in Wellness travel, how Spa and Wellness link to a destination's cultural heritage and of course, whether there are any advantages to this form of travel in the low season months. I started the conversation mildly sceptical as to whether Spa and Wellness is for people like me, and by the end this delightful conversation I was left questioning why on earth I don't invest more of my time in the pursuit of mental wellbeing?  Have a listen to one of the most inspiring people I've met and let me know if your opinion and perception has changed as a result of listening to Sonal. And if you'd like to learn more about Sonal and her work, you can visit https://spa-balance.com where you will also find links to Sonal on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. But That's our show for this week. Thanks as always, for your company, and if you enjoyed this podcast, please do leave us a positive rating and review on your podcast app and also don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to be the first to hear our latest low season stories, articles and guides. Have a great week wherever you are and remember that travel is always better and fairer for the planet, the local communities and you the travellers, when it's without the crowds…

Today we're heading over to Cape Town to join our good friend and legendary safari guide, Warren Pearson, to learn more about a new venture which Warren and his friends have created called Safarious. Designing and guiding meticulously crafted journeys to wilderness areas across Africa and beyond and creating extraordinary experiences in extraordinary places, Warren and the team believe that being entrusted with a safari is an honour and a profound responsibility – to both their guests and the natural world into which they venture together. Safarious harnesses over eight decades of collective guiding experience and industry relationships to create meaningful travel experiences, benefiting local communities, wildlife and conservation initiatives as much as it enriches the traveller. With this in mind, Warren strives for the adventures they create to be an authentic, layered experience matching the individuality of their clients with the magic of the wild to ultimately foster a deeper connection with nature. Having recently returned from Kenya where I had no guide to assist me, I certainly intend to be a Safarious client in the future.  If you haven't caught them yet, Warren and Rou did an amazing series of videos for us on a host of African destinations during their low season months and you can find them on the “Live Talks” section of lowseasontraveller.com. And you can learn more about Safarious by visiting https://www.safarious.com If you are considering a safari in Africa any time soon, you should absolutely reach out to Warren as he is genuinely the most knowledgeable person I know and he is super passionate about the low season experience too. But That's our show for this week. Thanks as always, for your company, and if you enjoyed this podcast, please do leave us a positive rating and review on your podcast app and also don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to be the first to hear our latest low season stories, articles and guides. Have a great week wherever you are and remember that travel is always better and fairer for the planet, the local communities and you the travellers, when it's without the crowds…

Today we head over to Kenya where I recently provided the keynote talk at the Sustainable Africa Tourism Summit.  After a week of meetings I took the opportunity to visit Tsavo National Park which is the largest national park in Kenya and also happens to be in its lowe season right now.  Located just a 2 hour drive from Mombasa, Tsavo in the low season months has everything which you would expect to find of a major national park in East Africa with just one exception – crowds. In this episode recorded live at Voi Wildlife Lodge in Tsavo East, I talk through my experience of the low season here in Kenya and, as you will hear, got a little too close to the wildlife for my liking, in the process!  And you can learn more Kenya during the low season months in a forthcoming article in Low Season Traveller Magazine as well as a new guide which we will be producing at a later date. To learn more about Voi Wildlife Lodge, please visit https://voiwildlifelodge.com Next time, we head over to Kilifi in Kenya to visit one of the most eco-conscious properties I have ever stayed in, Distant Relatives. But That's our show for this week. Thanks as always, for your company, and if you enjoyed this podcast, please do leave us a positive rating and review on your podcast app and also don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to be the first to hear our latest low season stories, articles and guides. Have a great week wherever you are and remember that travel is always better and fairer for the planet, the local communities and you the travellers, when it's without the crowds…

Today we're heading over to Dubai which has it's low season from May through September.  I was in Dubai for the Arabian Travel Market, a gathering of the travel industry's leaders from all across the Middle East and beyond and I was keen to experience one of the newest properties on The Palm, The Taj Exotica Resort and Spa. Taj have been superb advocates and supporters of low season travel and we have worked closely with many of their properties recently.  The Taj Exotica is different from the other properties we have featured recently, in that it is very clearly a leisure focused property with the same emphasis on incredible customer service or Taj-ness as they put it. I caught up with Director of Sales and Marketing, Dorsai Khaghani to learn more about this exceptional property. And you can learn more about this fabulous property by visiting https://www.tajhotels.com/en-in/taj/taj-exotica-dubai/ If you are considering Dubai during the low season summer months, I would urge you not to be deterred by the heat.  A stay in the Taj Exotica with it's climate controlled pool and outstanding facilities coupled with service levels which I have quite honestly rarely experienced before, you are sure to have an incredible experience which will last long in the memory.  And of course, the prices are approximately 40% lower than during the other times of the year – what an opportunity to experience the height of service at a great price! But That's our show for this week. Thanks as always, for your company, and if you enjoyed this podcast, please do leave us a positive rating and review on your podcast app and also don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to be the first to hear our latest low season stories, articles and guides.

Today we head back over to India where I spent some time recently learning more about what the low season experience is like in the heat of the North Indian summer. Last week we featured the fabulous Rambagh Palace in Jaipur and this week we are in arguably one of the finest hotels in Delhi, The Taj Mahal.  I've had the pleasure of staying in this property many times over the years and I came to think of it as my home in Delhi. The attentiveness of the staff is second to none and I was always amazed how they all remembered my name even if I hadn't visited for 2 or 3 years!  The Taj Mahal is perfectly located in the heart of Delhi and whilst it has always attracted a good business clientele, it is fair to say it never really got the tourism market in the past.  Well, after an extensive renovation during the covid years, the Taj Mahal is back open and is now absolutely perfect for tourists eager to experience the best of Delhi in a truly classic and iconic property. After a tour of the hotel, I sat down with the General Manager, Mr Satyajeet Krishnan to learn more about the property and some of the new initiatives which they have been implementing recently to further enhance the guest experience. And you can learn more about this fabulous property by visiting https://www.tajhotels.com/en-in/taj/taj-mahal-new-delhi/ If you are planning to visit Delhi during the low season summer season, you will be hard pushed to find a finer property with a more welcoming team than the Taj Mahal. And I can confirm that the new pool and spa are absolutely amazing! Next week, we head over to Dubai to stay in one of the newest Taj properties, The Taj Exotica Resort and Spa on The Palm, where we met the team and found an outstanding property in every way. But That's our show for this week. Thanks as always, for your company, and if you enjoyed this podcast, please do leave us a positive rating and review on your podcast app and also don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to be the first to hear our latest low season stories, articles and guides.

Today we're heading over to India where we've spent some time recently in Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur and Ranthambore to learn more about what the low season experience is like in the heat of the North Indian summer. India has some incredible palatial hotels and perhaps one of the most iconic of these is the stunning Taj Rambagh Palace in Jaipur. There is truly no bad time to experience the Rambagh Palace and arguably, the low season summer months are optimal due to the relaxed and quiet ambiance coupled with the significantly lower prices. Last week I met up with the General Manager, Mr Ashok Rathore, who kindly gave me a tour of the property and some of the amazing initiatives which they have been implementing recently to further enhance the guest experience. After our tour, Mr Rathore sat down with me in the lavish Suvarna Mahal dining room so that I could learn more about this incredible property. And you can learn more about this fabulous property by visiting https://www.tajhotels.com/en-in/taj/rambagh-palace-jaipur/ I can say with all honesty that this hotel is one of the very finest we have ever been in and you can only truly “feel” the experience by visiting it for yourself. Next week, we head over to Delhi to stay in one of the most iconic properties in the city as we meet the General Manager of the famous Taj Mahal Palace Hotel which has recently undergone an astonishing makeover. But That's our show for this week. Thanks as always, for your company, and if you enjoyed this podcast, please do leave us a positive rating and review on your podcast app and also don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to be the first to hear our latest low season stories, articles and guides.

Today we're heading back over to Southeast Asia to join our roving reporter Nikki as she travels the world during the low seasons. What does it mean to be an eco-friendly hotel? Sadly the tourism business is flooded with green-washing. On major booking sites, many hotels and resorts simply compile a tick list without necessarily giving any proof of their environmental credentials. As we've discussed several times on the Climate Friendly Travel Podcast, being truly green means more than asking guests to re-use their towels.   This week Nikki meets Duc Bui who is relatively new to the hotel business having spent a decade working as a civil engineer before buying the Amanaki Hotel, a 43 room boutique hotel in the heart of Ho Chi Minh. He's one of a small number of Vietnamese hoteliers trying to make a positive change in Vietnam. Nikki Morrison has been exploring the Low Seasons for us on her own Low Season Adventure, you can hear the hum of the city as she chats to Duc about the challenges of trying to bring an environmental awareness to a country like Vietnam. And you can learn more about The Amanaki Hotel by visiting https://www.amanakihotels.com/ But That's our show for this week. Thanks as always, for your company, and if you enjoyed this podcast, please do leave us a positive rating and review on your podcast app and also don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to be the first to hear our latest low season stories, articles and guides. Have a great week wherever you are and remember that travel is always better and fairer for the planet, the local communities and you the travellers, when it's without the crowds…

Today we're heading over to Borneo to join Nikki as she travels the world during the low seasons. Orangutans are one of the three species of great ape and - along with gorillas and chimpanzees - our closest cousins.  Their plight is such that the Orangutan Foundation International estimates that at current rates they will be extinct in 50 years; pressures from illegal logging and the palm oil industry being their greatest threats. Despite that, one place where you are almost guaranteed to see them in the wild is Indonesian Borneo - also known as Kalimantan. As ever, tourism provides a vital role in saving these remarkable creatures by both protecting their environment and providing alternative sources of income for local people. Former BBC journalist, Nikki Morrison, has been travelling the world during the low seasons for us and a highlight of her trip so far has been a four day river cruise with the eco-tourism organisation, Local Guides: It does what it says on the tin, cutting out the middle man and putting you the traveller in direct contact with a community of local experts who promote responsible travel in off-the-beaten-path destinations throughout Indonesia. Guides like Teguh Prakoso, who Nikki spoke to as their journey drew to a close on what also transpired to be his 27th birthday! And you can learn more about Local Guides by visiting www.local-guides.org/ and you can also find out what they're up to over on Instagram at instagram.com/localguidesadventures/ Nikki tells us that the High Season is June July August and September, so the low season is effectively the rest of the year from October through to May. At peak times before the pandemic there could be as many as 100 people at a feeding station to see the orangutans. The number of klotok (boats) working the river has halved since the pandemic from 100 to 50 so again there's urgent need to support Borneo tourism regardless of season. But That's our show for this week. Thanks as always, for your company, and if you enjoyed this podcast, please do leave us a positive rating and review on your podcast app and also don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to be the first to hear our latest low season stories, articles and guides. Have a great week wherever you are and remember that travel is always better and fairer for the planet, the local communities and you the travellers, when it's without the crowds…

For this week's episode we're heading back over to Southeast Asia as we catch up with Nikki in Bangkok, Thailand where she meets an incredible woman called Nok. Nok is a rarity, a Thai woman who started her own tourism business and made a great success of it. She comes from humble beginnings, a rural farming community in Isaan where she jokes she never grew because her mum had to go back to working the fields soon after she was born and her grandmother fed her on Carnation as a milk substitute. As a result, she claims that both her younger siblings are much bigger than her! Nevertheless, Nok has made a big impact in her own way. She started as a guide for an internationally owned cycle tour company that is very big across SE Asia, before eventually breaking away to start her own tours with just four bikes. Before the Pandemic, she had grown to have 50 bikes and a team of five guides working for her. However, the pandemic was tough, with little to no financial cushion, she had to return to Isaan to live with her elderly parents. But…now she's back! Nok is a bundle of energy who always goes the extra mile and Low Season Traveller is happy to support her. Nikki took part in her “Back Streets of Bangkok” tour as part of her Low Season Adventure and managed to find a relatively quiet corner of Bangkok to chat afterwards.... And you can learn more about Nok and her brilliant tours by visiting https://www.justnoktours.com/ - it's definitely on our bucketlist for our next visit to Bangkok! But That's our show for this week. Thanks as always, for your company, and if you enjoyed this podcast, please do leave us a positive rating and review on your podcast app and also don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to be the first to hear our latest low season stories, articles and guides. Have a great week wherever you are and remember that travel is always better and fairer for the planet, the local communities and you the travellers, when it's without the crowds…

Welcome to this week's episode of Low Season Traveller Insider Guides brought to you in partnership with our good friends at Tourism Ireland Today we head back over to Dublin one last time, where I spent a wonderful 3 days in the low season of January earlier this year.  With clear blue skies, low crowds and plenty of things to experience and do, Dublin rarely disappoints in the winter months.  And what better way to pass the time than meeting up with some wonderful people like today's guest, Simon O'Connor who is the Director of the Museum of Literature Ireland or MoLI as it's better known. MoLI is a museum of literature for the world's greatest storytellers.  A tranquil oasis on St Stephen's Green in the heart of Dublin, MoLI is where visitors from all over the world come to discover Ireland's rich literary heritage from past to present via it's immersive exhibitions and rare treasures from the National Library of Ireland. And it is an utterly inspiring place which I had the pleasure of passing a few hours in before meeting up with Simon in his curator's office when we met up to find out more about Ireland's literary past. And if you're interested in learning more about the Museum or indeed would like to plan a visit during your next trip to Dublin, you can learn more by visiting moli.ie. But That's our show for this week. Thanks as always, for your company, and if you enjoyed this podcast, please do leave us a positive rating and review on your podcast app and also don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to be the first to hear our latest low season stories, articles and guides. Have a great week wherever you are and remember that travel is always better and fairer for the planet, the local communities and you the travellers, when it's without the crowds…

Welcome to this week's episode of Low Season Traveller Insider Guides brought to you in partnership with our good friends at Tourism Ireland Today we return to Dublin where I spent a wonderful 3 days in the low season of January earlier this year.  With clear blue skies, low crowds and plenty of things to experience and do, Dublin rarely disappoints in the winter months.  And what better way to pass the time than meeting up with some wonderful people like today's guest, Ronan Lynch. Ronan is a 3rd generation Dublin publican, who's family have been running the Swan Bar in Aungier Street for the past 85 years.  And as The Swan has been standing here since 1661, it is, as you would expect, like stepping back in time to set foot in a true Irish pub.  And Ronan pointed out to me that his is a drinking pub. It's a place for drinking, conversation, craic and perhaps a little rugby banter. So grab a pint and join us for this short conversation in one of the oldest, least touristy pubs in the whole of Dublin – it's an absolute gem! And you can learn more about The Swan by visiting theswanbar.com where you will be able to see the pub for yourself and indeed later this year, you'll be able to stay at The Swan when they open their new accommodation which promises an experience true to the style of this old world pub.  In the next episode, we continue our low season Dublin trip as we head over to meet Simon from the Museum of Literature Ireland in a fascinating conversation where we learn more about Ireland's rich history of writers and try to find out just how it came to be that such a small nation with modest population was able to produce such an incredible number of literary legends. But That's our show for this week. Thanks as always, for your company, and if you enjoyed this podcast, please do leave us a positive rating and review on your podcast app and also don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to be the first to hear our latest low season stories, articles and guides. Have a great week wherever you are and remember that travel is always better and fairer for the planet, the local communities and you the travellers, when it's without the crowds…

Welcome to this week's episode of Low Season Traveller Insider Guides brought to you in partnership with our good friends at Tourism Ireland For this episode we head over to Dublin where I spent a wonderful 3 days in the low season month of January. With clear blue skies, low crowds and plenty of things to experience and do, Dublin rarely disappoints in the winter months.  And what better way to pass the time than meeting up with some wonderful people like today's guest, Eveleen Coyle. Following a long (and happy) career in book publishing working with some of the world's leading international publishers, Eveleen founded Fab Food Trails in 2006. Her aim is to celebrate the local food produce, reflecting the traditional and contemporary Irish table across the island of Ireland. While all trails are food led, guests also delight in shared curiosities relating to Ireland's culture, history and architecture as they walk, chat, explore and taste the produce that has become an inherent part of Ireland's story. So sit back and relax as we head over to join Eveleen over a freshly baked Scone at the Powerscourt Townhouse just off Grafton Street… And you can learn more about the fab food trails which Eveleen and her team run by visiting fabfoodtrails.ie where you'll be able to see for yourself some of the wonderful experiences which Eveleen spoke about in this episode. Next episode, we continue our low season Dublin trip as we head over to meet the owner of one of the oldest pubs in Dublin which you've never heard of!  I do hope you'll join us. But That's our show for this week. Thanks as always, for your company, and if you enjoyed this podcast, please do leave us a positive rating and review on your podcast app and also don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to be the first to hear our latest low season stories, articles and guides. Have a great week wherever you are and remember that travel is always better and fairer for the planet, the local communities and you the travellers, when it's without the crowds…

Today we're joined by Anthony Lark who is the Executive Director of Shinta Mani Hotels in Asia. I met Anthony just before Christmas when I interviewed him for the Climate Friendly Travel Podcast as Shinta Mani perfectly encapsulates the principles of responsible travel, tourism and hospitality practices.  At the end of a fascinating podcast which you can find here, I just knew that we had to welcome Anthony back for this low season traveller podcast as Anthony very much shares our passion for low season travelling. Delivering experiences that change lives for their guests and in surrounding communities alike, Shinta Mani Hotels are designed by co-owner Bill Bensley whom Architectural Digest calls “a pioneer in sustainable hotel design.” Each of their small and unique properties reflects its natural and cultural environment, providing heartfelt hospitality that supports the people, animals and ecosystems of Cambodia through the Shinta Mani Foundation. So sit back, and relax as we head over to Cambodia and meet one of the most passionate, knowledgeable and experienced hospitality experts in the world today… And you can learn more about Shinta Mani by visiting shintamani.com where you will be able to see for yourself the incredible properties which Anthony spoke about in this episode as well as the video of the zipline entranceat Shinta Mani Wild and more information about the work of the Shinta Mani Foundation. But That's our show for this week. Thanks as always, for your company, and if you enjoyed this podcast, please do leave us a positive rating and review on your podcast app and also don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to be the first to hear our latest low season stories, articles and guides. Have a great week wherever you are and remember that travel is always better and fairer for the planet, the local communities and you the travellers, when it's without the crowds…

Today we're joined by Paula Martin from First Class Holidays who are our new strategic partners for Canada.  Some of our regular followers will have noticed that at the end of last year, we launched our very first guides to Canada when we released our low season guides to Vancouver, Quebec and Toronto. Well we were able to do that because we are delighted to have partnered with the absolute Canada experts at First Class Holidays.  We could see that their passionate team of management and staff have a genuine love for what they do: which is making people's dream holidays become a reality. And they have first-hand experience of the destinations they offer; the advice and tips they can give to their clients are based on a reliable wealth of knowledge that they've garnered from their own extensive travels.  So, to kick off our partnership with the First Class Holidays Team, I headed over to their Head Office in the shadow of Old Trafford in Manchester to speak with Paula who is clearly the most passionate Canada expert you could ever hope to meet.  Sit back, and relax as we hear from Paula just what makes Canada so special during the wonderful low season months.  And you can learn more about the low season months in Canada by visiting lowseasontraveller.com and of course, if you have any specific queries about Canada in the low season months, you can visit fcholidays.com or give Paula a call on 0161 888 5630   But That's our show for this week. Thanks as always, for your company, and if you enjoyed this podcast, please do leave us a positive rating and review on your podcast app and also don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to be the first to hear our latest low season stories, articles and guides.  Have a great week wherever you are and remember that travel is always better and fairer for the planet, the local communities and you the travellers, when it's without the crowds… 

This past month we were invited over to the Islands of Tahiti by our good friends at Tahiti Tourisme so that we could learn exactly what the experience is like for visitors during the low season period. The islands of Tahiti are arguably among the most stunningly beautiful in the world. Formed from the demise of 3 volcanoes, these islands not only have an incredible natural beauty, but they have an ancient, rich and diverse cultural heritage which remains strong to this day. In this series, We seek to learn more about the traditions, beliefs, culture and heritage as We set out to discover the true essence of Tahiti when we ‘Meet the Tahitians'… Episode 12 - Heimata Heimata Hall is passionate about food.  And that's just as well, as Heimata is Tahitian Food Tour Guide with the strong belief that food is a leveller which transcends hierarchy and social constraints - it is a universal thing which connects us in ways which are simply not possible with any other activity. I met up with Heimata in the Municipal Market in Papeete where, after a delicious lunch of Poisson Cru, we enjoyed a lively discussion about the local dishes in Tahiti, how food is perhaps the most universal element of culture and we equally pondered the future of tourism in Tahiti and Moorea. Does tourism protect and preserve cultural heritage or in fact, does cultural heritage protect and preserve tourism? Enjoy! You can connect with Heimata via: Website: https://tahitifoodtour.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tahitifoodtours Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tahitifoodtours/

This past month we were invited over to the Islands of Tahiti by our good friends at Tahiti Tourisme so that we could learn exactly what the experience is like for visitors during the low season period. The islands of Tahiti are arguably among the most stunningly beautiful in the world. Formed from the demise of 3 volcanoes, these islands not only have an incredible natural beauty, but they have an ancient, rich and diverse cultural heritage which remains strong to this day. In this series, We seek to learn more about the traditions, beliefs, culture and heritage as We set out to discover the true essence of Tahiti when we ‘Meet the Tahitians'… Episode 11 - Manureva Manu is a local Tahitian tatoo artist who specialises in the traditional designs and styles of tatoo found throughout Tahiti and the islands. Manu welcomed me into his private design studio which is adorned with local artefacts, designs, tradtional instruments and all manner of both tradtional and modern polynesian inspiration. During our conversation Manu explains how he approaches each client's tatoo design, the difference between the traditional and modern inking and how the tatoo's are an intricate part of the Tahitian culture. Look out for the video of this conversation which we will be releasing soon, as the designs which Manu creates are incredibly intricate and visually stunning. Enjoy! You can connect with Manureva via: Facebook: https://fr-fr.facebook.com/Tattoosbymanureva/

This past month we were invited over to the Islands of Tahiti by our good friends at Tahiti Tourisme so that we could learn exactly what the experience is like for visitors during the low season period. The islands of Tahiti are arguably among the most stunningly beautiful in the world. Formed from the demise of 3 volcanoes, these islands not only have an incredible natural beauty, but they have an ancient, rich and diverse cultural heritage which remains strong to this day. In this series, We seek to learn more about the traditions, beliefs, culture and heritage as We set out to discover the true essence of Tahiti when we ‘Meet the Tahitians'… Episode 10 - Peva Peva is well known to everyone in Teahupo'o. He and his family have lived for generations in the lush green valley and it's immediately clear that Peva himself has a deep connection with the land and ocean here. I spent some time staying in the incredible seafront house which Peva built himself, using only natural materials from the valley. And it is one of the most amazing places I have ever stayed in! I can certainly see why the surf legend Kelly Slater stays here when he comes to surf and be at one with nature. In this short conversation I had with Peva as the sun started to set on Teahupo'o, I asked him about the history of Teahupo'o, how he came to build this wonderful house here and he also explained the significance of his intricate and beautiful tattoos. Enjoy!

This past month we were invited over to the Islands of Tahiti by our good friends at Tahiti Tourisme so that we could learn exactly what the experience is like for visitors during the low season period. The islands of Tahiti are arguably among the most stunningly beautiful in the world. Formed from the demise of 3 volcanoes, these islands not only have an incredible natural beauty, but they have an ancient, rich and diverse cultural heritage which remains strong to this day. In this series, We seek to learn more about the traditions, beliefs, culture and heritage as We set out to discover the true essence of Tahiti when we ‘Meet the Tahitians'… Episode 9 - Aimata & Hitinui Aimata, Hitinui and their family have their home in a wonderful location at the end of the road (quite literally) at Teahupo'o.  And what a home it is! Located metres from the ocean and with a back garden which is practically the most beautiful valley in the whole of Tahiti.  It is here that Aimata and Hitinui lovingly share their home stay with travellers from all over the world who come to be at one with nature and live like the locals do in this corner of paradise. I had the pleasure of staying with Aimata and Hitinui recently and after we enjoyed the most amazing home cooked meal of perfectly fresh ingredients from their garden, we sat down to discuss how and why they share their lives with new found friends from all over the world... Enjoy! You can connect with Aimata and Hitinui via: Website: https://www.ahiotomoua.com/ourhome Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AHioToMoua/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahiotomoua/

This past month we were invited over to the Islands of Tahiti by our good friends at Tahiti Tourisme so that we could learn exactly what the experience is like for visitors during the low season period. The islands of Tahiti are arguably among the most stunningly beautiful in the world. Formed from the demise of 3 volcanoes, these islands not only have an incredible natural beauty, but they have an ancient, rich and diverse cultural heritage which remains strong to this day. In this series, We seek to learn more about the traditions, beliefs, culture and heritage as We set out to discover the true essence of Tahiti when we ‘Meet the Tahitians'… Episode 8 - Cindy Cindy Drollet grew up in the shadow of Teahupo'o.  A fully licensed captain, Cindy and the team at Tahiti Surfari are without a doubt the very best team to help you to learn about and understand the ocean and reef around the famous Teahupo'o break. I joined Cindy for a surfari tour around Teahupo'o where we body surfed the famous break, swam in pristine waterfalls only accessible by lava tubes, swung out over the river in the lush clearings and engaged in surf stories of Kelly Slater, Rob Machado and more after a fabulous barbecue lunch. I arrived at the conclusion that there is a reason the world's top surfers work with Cindy and the team at Tahit Surfari - no-one knows this place like they do. Enjoy! You can connect with Cindy and The Tahiti Surfari Team via: Website: https://www.tahitisurfari.com/en/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tahitisurfari Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teahupoo_surfari/

This past month we were invited over to the Islands of Tahiti by our good friends at Tahiti Tourisme so that we could learn exactly what the experience is like for visitors during the low season period. The islands of Tahiti are arguably among the most stunningly beautiful in the world. Formed from the demise of 3 volcanoes, these islands not only have an incredible natural beauty, but they have an ancient, rich and diverse cultural heritage which remains strong to this day. In this series, We seek to learn more about the traditions, beliefs, culture and heritage as We set out to discover the true essence of Tahiti when we ‘Meet the Tahitians'… Episode 7 - Matehau Matehau Tetopata was born and raised in the shadow of the world's most feared wave break in Teahupo'o.  As this is is home break, I wanted to know equally what it's like to ride this wave and what it's like to wipeout on it. As the soft rains fell around us with the lush green Teahupo'o Valley behind us, and the feared surf break in front of us, Matehau explained that to surf this wave is humbling privilege which he prepares for every day.  An experience which he never takes for granted and in return it brings him closer to the life-force or "Mana" Enjoy!

This past month we were invited over to the Islands of Tahiti by our good friends at Tahiti Tourisme so that we could learn exactly what the experience is like for visitors during the low season period. The islands of Tahiti are arguably among the most stunningly beautiful in the world. Formed from the demise of 3 volcanoes, these islands not only have an incredible natural beauty, but they have an ancient, rich and diverse cultural heritage which remains strong to this day. In this series, We seek to learn more about the traditions, beliefs, culture and heritage as We set out to discover the true essence of Tahiti when we ‘Meet the Tahitians'… Episode 6 - Maui Maui Ciucci is the epitome of a water man.  Larger than life, Maui runs Corallina Tours, a local company on Moorea which welcomes guests to experience a variety of wonderfully immersive tours around the waters of his beautiful home island. I joined Maui for a low season tour where we swam in the world's most feared wave break, snorkelled with black tipped sharks, were approached by enormous rays, watched the turtles play around us and generally made the most of the incrediblely abundant wildlife all around us.  And all of this was set during the low season when bizarrely, few people visit and had the lagoon to ourselves... After lunch I chatted to Maui about all that we had just experienced. Enjoy! You can connect with Maui via: Website: https://www.corallinatours.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Corallinatours Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corallina_tours/

This past month we were invited over to the Islands of Tahiti by our good friends at Tahiti Tourisme so that we could learn exactly what the experience is like for visitors during the low season period. The islands of Tahiti are arguably among the most stunningly beautiful in the world. Formed from the demise of 3 volcanoes, these islands not only have an incredible natural beauty, but they have an ancient, rich and diverse cultural heritage which remains strong to this day. In this series, We seek to learn more about the traditions, beliefs, culture and heritage as We set out to discover the true essence of Tahiti when we ‘Meet the Tahitians'… Episode 5 - Mareva Mareva Leu is the Director of the International Oceanic Documentary Film Festival which is held every year in Tahiti.  Running on the 4-12 February, FIFO Tahiti as the festival is known, sees documentary filmakers from all over the Pacific region and beyond, gathering together to share their films and in so doing, challenge the status quo of Polynesian life, history and culture. I caught up with Mareva in one of the beautiful parks in Papeete in order to learn more about the work of FIFO and how it is a medium which challenges us all to consider all facets of Pacific life whilst also challenging the stereotypes and prejudices which still exist. As Mareva explains to me in this episode, FIFO is helping Pacific Islanders to truly tell their own story... Enjoy! You can connect with Mareva via: Website: https://www.fifotahiti.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fifo.officiel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fifo.officiel/

This past month we were invited over to the Islands of Tahiti by our good friends at Tahiti Tourisme so that we could learn exactly what the experience is like for visitors during the low season period. The islands of Tahiti are arguably among the most stunningly beautiful in the world. Formed from the demise of 3 volcanoes, these islands not only have an incredible natural beauty, but they have an ancient, rich and diverse cultural heritage which remains strong to this day. In this series, We seek to learn more about the traditions, beliefs, culture and heritage as We set out to discover the true essence of Tahiti when we ‘Meet the Tahitians'… Episode 4 - Matahi Matahi Tutavae is a journalist, cultural guide and proud Tahitian who works with a wonderful organisation called Haururu. We caught up with Matahi during a day out with him at the home of the Haururu organisation deep in the Papenoo Valley to learn more about the work of Haururu and why it has a vitally important role in ensuring that the next generation learn about and embrace their polynesian cultural heritage. As Matahi tells me in this episode, we cannot think too much about the immense cultural heritage which has been lost already, but must instead focus on protecting and preserving what is left... Enjoy! You can connect with Matahi via: Website: https://www.haururu.pf Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/haururu/

We were recently invited over to the Islands of Tahiti by our good friends at Tahiti Tourisme so that we could learn exactly what the experience is like for visitors during the low season period. The islands of Tahiti are arguably among the most stunningly beautiful in the world. Formed from the demise of 3 volcanoes, these islands not only have an incredible natural beauty, but they have an ancient, rich and diverse cultural heritage which remains strong to this day. In this series, We seek to learn more about the traditions, beliefs, culture and heritage as We set out to discover the true essence of Tahiti when we ‘Meet the Tahitians'… Episode 3 - Mateata Mateata is joyful! She has an infectiously warm, powerful and energetic presence and is indeed a force of nature! Mateata is proudly Moorean. Born and raised on this smaller and quieter island just 30 mins from Tahiti, Mateata was called by the ocean at a young age. She has sailed all over the world with her passion for seafaring always ensuring that she bore the true colours of her polynesian identity along the way.  Now back at her ancestral home in Moorea, I caught up with Mateata at the peaceful bay where Captain Cook first landed in Tahiti - a fitting location to learn more about the true polynesian culture of Tahiti and perhaps a short history lesson. Enjoy! You can connect with Mateata via: Website: https://www.mooreayachtservices.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mooreayachtservices/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mahanayachtservices/

This past month we were invited over to the Islands of Tahiti by our good friends at Tahiti Tourisme so that we could learn exactly what the experience is like for visitors during the low season period. The islands of Tahiti are arguably among the most stunningly beautiful in the world. Formed from the demise of 3 volcanoes, these islands not only have an incredible natural beauty, but they have an ancient, rich and diverse cultural heritage which remains strong to this day. In this series, We seek to learn more about the traditions, beliefs, culture and heritage as We set out to discover the true essence of Tahiti when we ‘Meet the Tahitians'… Episode 2 - Teuai Olivier Lenoir or Teuai as he is known locally, is known for his fascinating and exhilerating 4x4 tours of the Papenoo Valley in Tahiti's lush tropical interior. Originally from Tahiti's Austral Islands, Teuai is well known for his knowledge of the cultural traditions of the Tahitian islands and he plays a vital role in keeping his cultural ancestry alive through his tours and through his acclaimed dance troupe. In this episode, I caught up with Teuai during our expedition with him in the Papenoo Valley where he spoke with me about his concerns for the future of the Tahitian culture and how tourism is playing an increasingly vital role in the protection and preservation of their cultural heritage. Enjoy! You can connect with Teuai via: Website: https://www.iaoranatahitiexpeditions.com/votre-guide Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iaoranatahitiexpeditions/

This past month we were invited over to the Islands of Tahiti by our good friends at Tahiti Tourisme so that we could learn exactly what the experience is like for visitors during the low season period. It may have been the rainy season, but we only saw rain on 2 days and to be honest, it was a refreshing welcome from the warmth of the Tahitian Summer. The islands of Tahiti are arguably among the most stunningly beautiful in the world. Formed from the demise of 3 volcanoes, these islands not only have an incredible natural beauty, but they have an ancient, rich and diverse cultural heritage which remains strong to this day. In this series, We seek to learn more about the traditions, beliefs, culture and heritage as We set out to discover the true essence of Tahiti when we ‘Meet the Tahitians'… Episode 1 - Torea Colas Torea is the Marketing and Communications Director for Air Tahiti Nui, the national carrier of French Polynesia and he has the role of ensuring that the essence of Tahiti is captured and felt whenever anyone first sets foot aboard the national carrier of Tahiti. In this first episode, recorded in the Air Tahiti Nui head office on our first full day in Tahiti, we asked Torea to help us to understand what “Mana” is and how Air Tahiti Nui brings the “Mana” to their flights.

This week I caught up with Harshil Khurmi who is a pilot for our friends at SkySafari. SkySafari delivers you directly into world-class wilderness. Their carefully designed trips, fly non-stop and in style between the best camps, with the best guides and the best wildlife watching in Kenya and Tanzania, without so much as a second wasted – which gives you longer to revel in the sights, smells, sounds and sensations of the African bush. And when you go on a safari with them, they ensure that all of your SkySafari flight emissions, road transfers and our operational head office power consumption are compensated for through their partnership with Carbon Tanzania. Finally, the team at SkySafari understand that it's the little details which can make a big difference: from giving you a greater luggage allowance to knowing how you take your G&T, they've got everything covered. So sit back, and relax as we head over to East Africa to learn how to safari in style… And you can learn more about SkySafari in the low season months by visiting lowseasontraveller.com/skysafari or of course, skysafari.com where you will be able to see for yourself the incredible views and vistas which Harshil spoke about in this episode. But That's our show for this week. Thanks as always, for your company, and if you enjoyed this podcast, please do leave us a positive rating and review on your podcast app and also don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to be the first to hear our latest low season stories, articles and guides.

Today we're heading over to Vietnam to join Nikki as she travels the world during the low seasons. As consumers many of us are increasingly thinking about where our food comes, whether to buy an electric car, who makes our clothes etc, but how many of us have made the leap to thinking about how our holiday is put together? As regular listeners will know, Nikki Morrison is currently travelling the world for Low Season Traveller. After a long career with BBC News, the world of tourism is new to Nikki and she says it's been eye-opening. With supply chains to rival any supermarket, so-called Destination Management Companies (or DMCs) are vital links in the tourism chain but who outside the industry knows much about them? Understanding what they do is key to understanding how ethical or sustainable your next holiday might be. As ever covid revealed some of the worst practices among some DMCs but has also created opportunities to do things differently. One such group is the Global Travel Collective – a group of small operators who are working together to try and find some clout in a market which is ruled by the big, global, players. In this latest episode, Nikki was in Hoi An, Vietnam, to learn more from Tuan Pham, one of the co-founders of Travel Neutral who helped create the Collective. And you can learn more about The Travel Collective and Travel Neutral by visiting the pages below: https://travelneutral.travel/about https://www.globalcollective.travel/ But That's our show for this week. Thanks as always, for your company, and if you enjoyed this podcast, please do leave us a positive rating and review on your podcast app and also don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to be the first to hear our latest low season stories, articles and guides. Have a great week wherever you are and remember that travel is always better and fairer for the planet, the local communities and you the travellers, when it's without the crowds…

Today we're bringing you a special episode of Insider Guides. I was recently asked to provide a keynote on Sustainability for the tourism and hospitality professionals at the Best Stay Event which was held in Croatia. As you can probably tell, I'm very passionate about sustainability and the issues surrounding climate change and so I wanted to ensure that everyone in the audience had some of the scientific facts which are known as of today and also let them know what they can do to help. The feedback has been really positive and so I thought I would share this with you, our loyal podcast audience to see if you have any thoughts on this. Have a listen and let me know what you think at the end by dropping me a line at ged@lowseasontraveller.com or send me a whatsapp message once you've listened on +44 7572 612 602 But That's our show for this week. Thanks as always, for your company, and if you enjoyed this podcast, please do leave us a positive rating and review on your podcast app and also don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to be the first to hear our latest low season stories, articles and guides. Have a great week wherever you are and remember that travel is always better and fairer for the planet, the local communities and you the travellers, when it's without the crowds…

Welcome to this week's episode of Low Season Traveller Insider Guides, the podcast where we speak to the locals to learn what the experience is like for travellers during the low season months in their destination. I'm Ged Brown your host for this week's episode and today we return to Northern Thailand where Nikki Morrison has been on location near the Myanmar border. As regular listeners will know, we've been working with Nikki Morrison as she travels the world during the low seasons to help Low Season Traveller in our mission to draw more attention to the challenges of overtourism and seasonality whilst extolling the virtues of low season travel. Nikki met up with Sarah Blaine whilst on her journey through Northern Thailand recently to learn more about her work with the elephant mahouts. The Mahouts Elephant Foundation is a unique organisation in Thailand working to re-wild captive elephants and allow them to return to the cloud forest along the northern Myanmar border. It is only possible with the support of the elephant owners and mahouts who in the past would have had few options but to sell elephants into the tourist trade. Tourism is still vital to the success of this project, and by visiting the village as a guest of the Karan tribes who live there you both help to sustain a way of life and liberate elephants who have lived captive lives, in some cases for decades. Sarah is the woman behind the idea, and she invited Nikki to experience it for herself as part of her Low Season Adventure. And you can learn more about Chiang Mai and what it's like during it's low season months here. But That's our show for this week. Thanks as always, for your company, and if you enjoyed this podcast, please do leave us a positive rating and a review on your podcast app – it really helps…and also please do follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn so you'll be the first to hear our latest low season stories, articles and guides.

Today we're heading over to Lucerne in Switzerland to join Marco Thali and Fabienne Zemp from Mount Pilatus. Mount Pilatus is Lucerne's landmark mountain.  Standing at 2,182 metres, Pilatus offers her visitors and overnight guests a whole host of winter activities which allow those of us who don't ski, to enjoy the gloriously clear, crisp mountain air of a snowy winter wonderland with all of the typical Swissness one might expect. Grab a warm mug of cocoa, sit back, and relax as we head over to one of Switzerlands premier mountain experiences.  This, is how you can truly enjoy a true winter break...in the low season of course.... And you can learn more about Mount Pilatus by visiting lowseasontraveller.com  or indeed pilatus.ch where you will be able to see for yourself the incredible views and vistas which Marco and Fabienne spoke about in this episode.

Today we're heading over to Saas Fee which is known as the Pearl of The Alps, to join Florian Leven who is the General Manager of The Capra Hotel. The Capra is a luxury boutique wellness hotel which combines five star luxury with the warm cosiness of an alpine swiss chalet.  A favourite with ski connoisseurs every winter, Saas Fee is known as one of the most charming and beautiful regions in the Swiss Alps and has the advantage of being a perfect low season escape during the fall months of September through November when the plethoroa of 4,000 metre peaks surrounding the resort, explode with colour as the browns, reds, and yellows of the autumn appear. Join us as we hear from Florian, why The Capra makes a perfect low season, luxury break.

We have been working with Nikki Morrison as she travels the world during the low seasons to help Low Season Traveller in our mission to draw more attention to the issues of overtourism and seasonality whilst extolling the virtues of low season travel. Nikki met up with John Borthwick whilst on her journey through Northern Thailand recently. John Borthwick is one of Australia's leading travel writers, his work is published by leading newspapers around the world and his photos have graced the covers of no fewer than five editions of the Lonely Planet.  He has been Australian Travel Writer of the Year and awarded the Pacific Asia Travel Association Gold Award. When he turned out to be sharing Nikki Morrison's Low Season Adventure with the Tuk Tuk Club in Northern Thailand she couldn't have been more delighted. In her own words, it was her first rodeo and John, as you will hear has five decades of experience to share.  Enjoy.. And you can learn more about Chiang Mai and what it's like during it's low season months here. But That's our show for this week. Thanks as always, for your company, and if you enjoyed this podcast, please do leave us a positive rating and a review on your podcast app – it really helps…and also please do follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn so you'll be the first to hear our latest low season stories, articles and guides. Have a great week and remember that travel is always better and fairer for the planet, the local communities and you the travellers, when it's without the crowds…  

Today we're talking about equitable and responsible tourism. James Nadiope is the founder and CEO of The Justice Tourism Foundation in Uganda and their vision is of a world where tourism brings greater benefits for local communities which in turn can participate in terms of job creation, poverty reduction and environmental management. It's an incredible organisation and perhaps, this is what the future of tourism looks like in a world where the benefits are more evenly distributed. Have a listen and let us know what you think… We've been following James and the Justice Tourism Foundation for a while now and we are really loving watching the movement grow.  Please do visit justicetourism.co.ug to find out more about the projects and experiences which they operate in Uganda and perhaps you could join them this year for a truly immersive and equitable tourism experience which will surely be the trip of a lifetime. And you can learn more about Uganda and what it's like during it's low season months here. But That's our show for this week. Thanks as always, for your company, and if you enjoyed this podcast, please do leave us a positive rating and a review on your podcast app – it really helps…and also please do follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn so you'll be the first to hear our latest low season stories, articles and guides.

Today we head over to Northern Thailand. Our regular listeners will know that we have been collaborating with former BBC journalist, Nikki, as she travels around the world during the low season months in each destination.  She is currently in Thailand where she met up with Bruce Haxton from the Tuk Tuk Club as she joined their 10 day adventure. Here she speaks with Bruce as the tour came to it's conclusion. And if you like the sound of Northern Thailand you can learn more about the region and what it's like during it's low season months on https://lowseasontraveller.com/destination/chiang-mai/ and thetuktukclub.com to book your place....

Today we're speaking with a renowned travel writer about the Greek island of Rhodes which is just starting to enter it's quieter low season months of September, October and November. Rebecca Hall loves Greece. Not only does she eat, sleep and drink Greece, but she has now lived in Greece for many years. And, as a testament to her knowledge of Greece and indeed Rhodes, Rebecca writes the guides for some of the world's leading travel publications including The Rough Guides and Lonely Planet among many others. So, join myself and Rebecca and let's discover why Rhodes is the perfect low season getaway this autumn… -------- Have you been to Rhodes during the low season months?  Would you like to share your experiences, tips and tricks with the low season travelling community?  If so, drop us a line at editor@lowseasontraveller.com and perhaps we can feature your story in the next edition of Low Season Traveller magazine. And if, youd like to learn more about the many wonderful experiences you can have in Rhodes during the quieter low season months, then you can read our guide to the low season in Rhodes. But until then, please do check out our pages on Facebook and Instagram so you can see for yourself what the low season experience is like around the world.  

Today we're talking to one of our readers of the Low Season Traveller Magazine, Lea Lohmueller, a 23 year old sustainable tourism student from Germany who wanted to share her experiences of the low season months in Albania. You can read the full account of Lea's experiences in Albania and indeed see some of Lea's wonderful images taken during the low season months in this month's edition of the low season traveller magazine. Have a listen and don't forget, if you've had any amazing low season experiences on your travels, Drop me a line at editor@lowseasontraveller.com We'd love to feature you in the magazine and who knows, it could be you featuring in this podcast next time! But for now, have a listen to Lea and let's learn a little more about amazing Albania!

Today we're taking a trip to what is arguably the true soul of South Africa - KwaZulu-Natal. Tucked away on the tropical eastern coast, this fascinating region promises a real African adventure in a beautiful and accessible environment. If a visit to the huge nation of South Africa feels a bit overwhelming, KZN (as it's affectionately known) offers a more pocket sized experience with so much to discover in an area spanning roughly the same size as Portugal. Here you can immerse yourself in breath-taking Drakensberg mountain scenery, natural wildlife habitats, crashing waves, historic battlegrounds and Durban's cool surfer vibes without needing to cover large distances. Culturally distinct from the rest of South Africa, KZN is a true melting pot, mixing African, European, and Indian cultures, and it's here that the South African Rainbow Nation really comes into its own. Crucially the name means ‘the place of the Zulu' reflecting the power and the majesty of this formidable tribe, and their fiercesome fighting in the 1879 Anglo-Zulu War. In this episode we catch up with KZN local and friend of Low Season Traveller, Helen Bolton from New Frontiers Tours, to learn more about her home destination...

Today we're bringing you one of the most important podcast episodes we've recorded in a while. We've all seen images of Sri Lanka on the news recently amid the turmoil of the ongoing economic crisis which the island is going through, but what is the reality behind the click bait headlines?  Are there any tourists in Sri Lanka now? What is the experience like? Is it safe to travel to Sri Lanka? And indeed, is it right to travel to Sri Lanka at the moment? We caught up with Sri Lankan local, Chalana Perera from Retrace Hospitality who is on the ground in Sri Lanka as he paints an accurate picture of the blossoming, truly regenerative, tourism which is happening just now. Have a listen and prepare to be very pleasantly surprised… Huge thanks as always to Chalana for his brilliant insights today and if, like me, you are seriously tempted by the tourism offering which Chalana spoke about, then please do ask your travel agent or tour operator about their trips to Sri Lanka just now.  It may lead to the greatest journey of discovery you have ever had… And if you'd like to learn more about the low season summer months in Sri Lanka, check out the latest edition of Low Season Traveller Magazine which releases in the coming days right here on lowseasontraveller.com Have a great week wherever you are, stay healthy, stay safe, keep your travel dreams alive and don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to be the first to hear our latest low season stories and guides.

Today we're bringing you once again to beautiful Barbados as we catch up with the inspirational Tom Hinds of Naniki Barbados. We recently visited Tom at Naniki to learn more about his particularly special part of the island.  He brought us on a trail around the verdant forests of Naniki, we enjoyed forest bathing, yoga and breakfast accompanied by the sounds of nature and sumptuous views of the Atlantic Ocean in the distance. We caught up with Tom to learn a little more about Naniki and his approach to responsible tourism. We highly recommend Naniki Barbados as the perfect antidote to the stresses of modern life and can't wait to visit Tom and the team again next time. And You can learn more about Naniki by visiting nanikibarbados.com Thanks as always, for your company, and if you enjoyed this podcast, it would mean the world to us if you could leave us a positive review on your podcast app.

Today we're bringing you once again to Barbados in this second special episode. We were recently invited over to Barbados by our wonderful partners at Barbados Tourism to experience the low season on the island for ourselves. We had to fit in quite a lot but we recorded our final thoughts on the last day of our trip before heading out the the wonderful Primo Restaurant at St Laurence Gap. This is the second part of our overview and we will be releasing a lot more content which we recorded in the coming weeks. Have a listen and let us know what you think. Next week we catch up with the super knowledgeable Tom Hinds of Naniki Barbados to learn more about his particular approach to nature and eco tourism on this wonderful island. The low season experience really is absolutely wonderful in Barbados during the summer and I can tell you that there are some amazing deals out there so do check with your local travel agent. We're currently working on issue 2 of the Low Season Traveller magazine and we are looking for your low season stories.  Have you had any amazing experiences whilst visiting destinations during their low seasons? Perhaps you had an amazing local interaction which would not have been possible in the busy peak season? Let us know your story by dropping us a line at editor@lowseasontraveller.com and you may well find yourself in the next edition of Low Season Traveller Magazine and a guest on this show. But That's our show for this week. thanks as always, for your company, and if you enjoyed this podcast, it would mean the world to us if you could leave us a positive review on your podcast app – we know there are 50,000 of you out there all over the world and it would make our day to have a good review. Episode Links: Cool Runnings Catamaran Tours Naniki Barbados Fusion Rooftop Restaurant Primo Bar and Restaurant Southern Palms Beach Resort: Visit Barbados:

Today we're bringing you to Barbados in this special episode. Last week myself and Kevin were kindly invited over to Barbados by the wonderful team at Barbados Tourism to experience the low season on the island for ourselves. We had to fit in quite a lot but we recorded our thoughts on our first impressions before our meal at the fabulous La Cabane Restaurant on the beachfront. This is part one of our overview and we will be releasing a lot more content which we recorded in the coming weeks. Oh, and it must have been the Rum Punch, but whenever we say East Coast we mean West Coast and vice versa! Have a listen, let us know what you think & please do leave us a good review! ☺️

Hidden deep in the Amazon jungle is the little known and laid back destination called Alter do Chao which has some of Brazil's most amazingly pure, powder white sandy beaches. One of our listeners, Bec, visited in the wet season which traditionally sees little in the way of tourists so we were keen to learn more about Bec's experiences. You can read Bec's account of her travels to Alter Do Chao in next month's edition of Low Season Traveller Magazine which you will find on lowseasontraveller.com or direct to your inbox if you are one of our lovely subscribers! We're currently working on issue 2 of the low season traveller magazine and we are looking for your low season stories.  Have you had any amazing experiences whilst visiting destinations during their low seasons? Perhaps you had an amazing local interaction which would not have been possible in the busy peak season? Let us know your story by dropping us a line at editor@lowseasontraveller.com and you may well find yourself in the next edition of low season traveller magazine! If you enjoyed this podcast, it would mean the world to us if you could leave us a positive review on your podcast app – we know there are 50,000 of you out there all over the world and it would make our day to have a good review – think of it as your good deed for the day where you are truly making a small and passionate team really happy

This week we're super excited to be talking about Israel in the low season months as we are joined by Sharon Bershadsky who is the Director of the Israel Government Tourist Office based in London.  Israel is a popular destination and we were keen to speak with Sharon to find out what the experience is like for visitors to Israel and learn more about this fascinating country which has an incredibly rich culture and heritage. Have you visited Israel n the low season months? Do you have any particular recommendations we should know about – especially Hummus Hangouts… Let us know your top tips by dropping us a line at ged@lowseasontraveller.com. And if you'd like to know more about Israel in the low season months, then please do check out our new Israel Section for more excellent recommendations from our friends at Israel tourism. We're currently working on issue 2 of the low season traveller magazine and we are looking for your low season stories.  Have you had any amazing experiences whilst visiting destinations during their low seasons? Perhaps you had an amazing local interaction which would not have been possible in the busy peak season? Let us know your story by dropping us a line at editor@lowseasontraveller.com and you may well find yourself in the next edition of low season traveller magazine! If you enjoyed this podcast, it would mean the world to us if you could leave us a positive review on your podcast app – we know there are 50,000 of you out there all over the world and it would make our day to have a good review – think of it as your good deed for the day where you are truly making a small and passionate team really happy