Talking Travels and Other Stuff with Sara Darling

Some hotels say they are sustainable, but Jaya House Rive Park, Siem Reap practices what it preaches and it was a treat to grab some time with Manager, Christian de Boer. Have a listen to hear about how little changes that we can all do as travellers and consumers will make a big difference to the planet, and get excited about the new wave of eco-luxury. For more info on this luxury boutique hotel, check out the website here:https://www.jayahouseriverparksiemreap.com/

I certainly got tempted to visit some new destinations after chatting to this week's podcast guest, Jonny Bealby, from specialist, sustainable, tour operator, Wild Frontiers. Having had many adventures himself, the trips are created from personal experience and solo travellers or small groups can immerse themselves in extraordinary trips with like minded people, where the community and immersion is the main focus. Find out more about the trips here:https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/en_GBand follow Jonny's adventures here:https://www.instagram.com/jonnybealby/

It was a delight to get some time with Chef Rob Connoley during his flying visit to the UK, coinciding with the National Geographic Food Festival.Based in the unique Ozarks, which covers Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Illinois, his restaurant, Bulrush, is committed to creating sustainable eating Ozark cuisine, using inventive, seasonal ingredients.By celebrating the previously neglected communities of indigenous people, Euro-Appalachian immigrants and slaves from Arkansas and southern Missouri, he is able to provide a Reparative Restauranting business model, which focuses on those who have been harmed in the past by giving them a voice and platform to celebrate their rich heritage and to preserve their legacy, so you can enjoy food with a conscience. It is also super interesting to find out what prompted this move into caring and sharing with his loyal fan base. Enjoy and check out the restaurant hereand Rob's Instagram here

It's been a while, but I've been travelling! However I have bounced back with bang and really enjoyed chatting to Laura Montesanti,  founder of The Synergy Show- which brings together the very best in luxury hotels, spas, retreat leaders, practitioners, and luxury travel designers, for an exclusive showcase for three days in beautiful Mexico.  Along with the fully immersive trade show, Laura has extended the programme of events with The Synergy Immersions – an expertly curated three-day retreat for Synergy attendees to join following the show, which will deepen their personal wellness journey.Have a listen and you'll find out all about Laura's personal journey and travel background, and hopefully you'll get some inspiration for your next wellbeing adventure. Synergy - The Retreat Show returns for its second year this October on the sandy shores of the Riviera Maya at Palmaïa The House of AIA in Mexico, from 24-27 October 2023.And to find out about her luxury lifestyle clients, click here

I'll be the first to admit, I am not a natural on the tennis court, but after chatting to Steve Davies, Founder of Active Away holidays, I may be tempted to pick up a racket and have another go at Padel, which I am assured is going to be the next big thing in the UK.Have a listen and find out more about the 'resting' holidays which also include plenty of mingling and of course,  lessons from the experts. With 85% repeat business it's no wonder all the Google reviews are good! For more information on Steve and his team, check out the breaks at ActiveAway - you don't need a partner either! 

It's been a while, but it was great to back into the pod-seat and chat to Erika De Santi, from WeRoad who are pioneers in organising safe and sociable group travel all around the world. With experts in over 150 destinations, I found out why travelling with WeRoad is fun, and I was welcomed into the community which keeps on growing.Find out more and get inspiration for your next adventure here:https://www.weroad.co.uk/

After a short and very busy hiatus, I am back! This week's podcast I transported myself (alas not literally) to the beautiful Swiss village of Vals, where I chatted to Thomas Wieser,  the Director of Sales and Marketing of 7132 Hotels.Celebrating the 25th anniversary of its iconic thermal baths, the 7132 concept fuses design with nature and the results and there are lots of exciting things in the pipeline.Have a listen, and check out the hotel's website to get inspired!

On this week's show, I chatted to Tamryn Stowell, founder and CEO of the newly launched Socially Conscious (So Co) App.Designed for an online community of likeminded people who care about the planet,  it offers users access to a fun, interactive task to help them in 'Changing Habits to Change the World'.  Check in everyday for achievable challenges that unlock feel-good rewards and encourage a more socially conscious way of living.Filled with titbits of shareable statistics, SoCo is targeted to millennials who have the biggest influence of the decision-making of our future, and with treats and prizes from a carefully curated selection of green suppliers it's set to revolutionise our collective awareness, and provide fun ways on how to carve a better and  more sustainable lifestyle. I chat to Tammy about how she started, and the increased demand for sustainable lifestyle.Download SoCo from your App store and start helping the planet and earning rewards. 

On this week's show, I managed to pin down James South, international jet setter, and founder of revolutionary hotel booking app, IGOROOM,  a virtual online travel agency, which is set to take the luxury hotel world by storm. If you're looking for a once in a lifetime vacation in an exotic destination such as the Indian Ocean, Bali, Maldives or SE Asia, IGOROOM will be your one stop shop to view your accommodation and surroundings in 3D. You can transport yourself to your private overwater bungalow and see the sun rise, and drone footage will show you exactly how clear the sea is. Take a tour around the whole property and try before you book your dream holiday.James- a self-confessed serial entrepreneur has nailed aspirational travel, and this exciting venture will be launching in February.  Believing that immersive marketing is the future, I am tempted to agree! Check out the website to be in with a chance of winning a trip to the Maldives!

Happy New Year! May 2022 be filled with adventures for one n all. Here to provide you with inspiration on exciting destinations and industry news, I kick off this season's podcasts by chatting to Mario Mikowski, one of the Board of Directors at Tabacon Grand Spa & Thermal Resort in Costa Rica. Not only is he a Costa Rica native (although he is self-confessed globetrotter), the Tabacon Resort is the lovechild of his architect father, who designed this unique and magical property in the nineties. Situated at the base of the Arenal Volcano,  guests can enjoy the purity of the natural rainforest surroundings, and hot springs whilst enjoying an open air massage, and much much more. I know you're tempted!Check out more about the property and how you can enjoy Costa Rica's pura vida here 

After a brief visit to Kazakhstan's newly named capital city NurSultan, I caught up with the name on everyone's lips when you mention the burgeoning contemporary art scene, Dina Baitassova. Since returning to Kazakhstan three years ago after 11 years in Paris, Baitassova has focused on supporting the regional art scene. She set up TSE Art Destination —an art gallery, educational centre and "experimental laboratory" in the capital and tells me what to expect in the name of art. Keep up to date with Dina and the global art scene here

Pull up a pew and listen to this week's pod where I chat all things camper van with Octavia Coates,  entrepreneur and founder of The Well Heeled Hippy which offers a bespoke rental service which sleeps two (or with a tent up to four).When the whole world is concerned about travelling, Octavia has designed a stunning home on wheels with her first project, Roaming Delilah. Find out more about what it's like on the road, and why Octi loves waking up in the great outdoors, watching a film on the van's projector and the pros of being free, exploring and learning new things.With a second camper van due to join her fleet in November,  there are plenty of exciting collaborations to watch out for, such as foraging weekends in West Wales or star gazing in Devon. Who knew road trips and slow travel could be so much fun ? #leavenotraceFor more information, check out the well heeled hippyAnd follow her Insta for inspiration...

If the thought of a five day chocolate fiesta fills you with glee, pull up a pew and enjoy my chat with Magdalena Fielden, the founder of Grenada's unique Chocolate Festival and go on an adventure with the island chocolatiers.You can sample everything from seven course chocolate infused dinners, to picking the cocoa directly from the plantations or even enjoy a chocolate yoga and meditation sensation or  sunset cruise with chocolate rum! The next event is pencilled in for May 2022, so why not start saving and check out the images from Magdalena's hotel,  True Blue Bay and the Instagram from this year's event for inspo.And don't worry about  eating too much chocolate- there's plenty of hiking, swimming and water sports to burn off any extra calories if you have one chunk too many!Visitors are welcome to Grenada, and if you can't wait until next year,  the mini museum, celebrating all things chocolate is open all year round in the capital.  Get inspired for your next trip to Grenada here:Grenada Chocolate Festival InstagramTrue Blue Bay Eco HotelHouse of Chocolate Mini Museum 

In this week's podcast, I chat about luxury, eco safaris, endangered animals and how we all have a responsibility to look after our beautiful planet. My very knowledgable and passionate guests, Dereck and Beverly Joubert are on a mission to spread the word and have just released a stunning coffee table book 'Rhinos without Borders: Blood Moon', which tells the story of an extraordinary effort to rescue rhinos who would otherwise be poached and move them to safer locations. They have also launched a charity 'Project Ranger' with the aim to fill the critical gap and help fund wildlife conservation which has been halted due to Covid. As well as filming for National Geographic, there is a children's picture book and comic in the pipeline! I am so pleased they managed to squeeze in time for me. If you care about the planet and our wildlife, this episode is bound to inspire. Check out more herehttps://greatplainsfoundation.com/https://www.instagram.com/greatplainsconservation/

With slow travel taking a front seat, Denmark have jumped on board to create a new product for 2022- the world's tiniest cruise.  It was great to find out more in this week's podcast with Helle Berthold Rosenberg, Director at Destination Kystlandet.The teeny rib will only accommodate 12 people,  who will be entertained by a local skipper, who knows everything about the seas and the Vikings on their three day adventure- which will also stop for seals, seaweed and rabbits. Guests will get to explore the stunning Danish islands of Endelave, Tunø and Samsø, which all have a unique USP on their once in a lifetime experience, and this is the only route available for visitors who want to explore all three islands and meet the locals.Find out more herehttps://www.verdensmindstekrydstogt.dk/en/

Imagine lying on a white sand beach with the only sound the rustling of palm trees, and the lapping on waves on the shore, and you might be close to what it's like on  the Caribbean's hidden gem of Anguilla.  Have a listen to me chatting about this slice of paradise with Mr Jameel Rochester, and get inspired for your next vacay. I'll definitely join you for a cocktail! To find out more about this sunshine state, check out the website for up to date info on entry requirements and drool over Instagram here.

Koala bears, kangaroos, wallabies, platypus, glow-worms, kookaburras ... the list of amazing Australian animals goes on and on! I really enjoyed talking founder of Victoria's Conservation Ecology Centre and Wildlife Wonders, Lizzie Corke on this week's pod (and meeting her gorgeous dog Teddy). The planet is delicate, and creatures are becoming extinct day by day, so it was lovely to chat to someone so enthusiastic (and award winning) about how she is making progress and pioneering for change in the beautiful Otways region of Australia .Travellers and locals who visit the Great Ocean Road should not miss out on the conscious design (courtesy of Brian Massey, Art Director of the Hobbit films) of the Wildlife Wonders park, and have a guide show you all kinds of natural wonders, which will hopefully give you inspiration to take care of the planet too.For more information, check out https://www.conservationecologycentre.org/https://wildlifewonders.org.au/

Imagine escaping to a private forest which welcomes everyone, and gives back to nature.  This was the dream of Ivona Ercegovic, who has spent the last few years working tirelessly to create a zero-waste, plastic-free, treehouse retreat just ninety minutes from the capital of Croatia, resulting in a magical woodland,  self-sufficient retreat. With three luxury treehouses, and the main lodge, it is her aim to deliver an ecological, sustainable and socially aware way to explore the local environment, whilst connecting to nature and reviving the soul.  Expect yoga, meditation and wellness workshops, organic food, wildlife and skills sharing.  With the hope to inspire more businesses and travellers to consider the planet,  Ivona's Tree Elements will no doubt be an inspiration. Find out more here:https://www.tree-elements.co/https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/tree-elements/treehouses

Talking Travels and other stuff chats grizzly bears and witnessing the Northern Lights  with adopted local, and Tourism Yukon's Market Development Manager (Europe/UK),  Emilie Thibeault-Maloney. I don't think I am the only person who has a bucket list wish to see aurora borealis at least once in their life (mid August to mid April fact fans) or behold the invigorating midnight sun (June to September).  But if you miss both of these phenomenon, the Yukon region is stuffed to the brim with history and nature. Have your hiking boots and drivers licence on standby, and hope you enjoy the show.For more information on Yukon, visit the website. 

On this week's episode of Talking Travels and other stuff, I chatted to Isabella Moroni, Vice President, Leisure Sales Europe of Preferred Hotel Group.  If you have never stayed in one of the Preferred properties, I suggest you look them up immediately! With a ginormous selection all around the globe, I got the lowdown from Isabella on what we can look forward to as soon as we can travel. With sustainability one of the hottest topics in travel at the moment, the Preferred Group has been working behind the scenes with eco tourism pioneer, Beyond Green and has added a collection of hotels, resorts and lodges that show sustainable tourism leadership – as part of its aim to transform travel into a force for good. I'll see you in Bora Bora! For more information, check outBeyond Green  Preferred Hotels And the loyalty card link is here

In this week's episode of Talking Travels and other stuff, I find out about Canada's capital city, Ottawa, and chat all things art and culture with the Alexandra Badzak, Director and CEO of the Ottawa Art Gallery.Who knew that this modest,  and often overlooked city would be the home of a dazzling modern cube of art, spanning five floors showcasing a vast programme of creativity (with free entry natch?)Not only is downtown landmark, it embraces the local and international talent and is a community hub for all. Watch this space for the Black Women mural exhibition, where selected local artists will be mentored by professionals in a gallery setting.  Fingers crossed we'll all be able to fly by then! Click here for or more information on the Ottawa Art Gallery. 

Come and join me talking travels and truffles, whilst getting transported into the magical land of the Toscana Resort in the medieval village of Castelfalfi in central Tuscany. If the idea of endless olive trees and vineyards don't tickle you,  how about a dip in the enchanting outdoor pool with views for miles over the cypress studded mountains, or unwinding in the fully equipped spa.  Whether you want to learn the basics of Italian cookery, drink wine fresh from the organic vineyards, or visit the bee hives where your morning honey comes from, the options at the luxury Toscana property are endless. I hope you enjoy my chat with Elisa, and the drone footage on the website is really worth a gander- or see you there with my best truffle snuffling hat on!The Instagram is also inspirational... 

On this week's episode of Talking Travels and other stuff, I was looking forward to  finding out exactly what "chill meets thrill" meant, and really enjoyed catching up the one and only DT Minich, President and CEO of Experience Kissimmee in Florida. From theme parks to private mansions to a singing Spider Man and adventures on the Everglades headwater on an air boat, this city just below Orlando has a lot going for it. And when you're done with whooping with delight at the rides (and alligators) you can dig out your Cuban heels for some dancing at Gloria Estefan's restaurant 'Estefan Kitchen'. Please bring me back some Minnie ears! Get inspired hereAnd let the photos do the talking on Instagram 

To celebrate International Women's Day, I earmarked two fabulous females- Tayna Rose and Maria Pajares, to chat about life at luxury, boutique communications and sales agency Mason Rose.  Representing travel, hotels, lifestyle and wellness clients around the globe, I found out how the agency has stayed on top of things in lockdown,  what it takes to make a good PR, and what we can all look forward to beyond Covid (fingers and toes crossed).Check out the website and follow their socials for some superb visuals and updates, and hope you enjoy the show! InstagramTwitter

Welcome to series 2 of Talking Travels and other stuff. Have a listen to me talking all things tech and travel with the (very clever) founder of Sherpa Tours, which is a walking app that all the cool cats will be using to explore new cities. No more parrot fashion history and misinformation from bored (and boring) leaders, Michael Suskind has ensured he has pro guides and all the hotspots. Choose a tour that suits you, and get inspired before you travel, or sign up for a year and you can use the GPS version IRL!Find out more hereAnd follow on socials herehttps://www.facebook.com/sherpatoursARhttps://www.instagram.com/sherpatoursar/?hl=en

Before the January blues take hold, pop in your ear buds and have a listen to me chatting all things comedy with witty jokester and international jet setter Nik Coppin. Not only does he have me in stitches, he shares anecdotes from his book 'Comedy World' which you can snap up here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nik-Coppins-Comedy-World-1/dp/1910614149Follow him on his socials too- he really is a card! https://twitter.com/nikcoppinhttps://www.facebook.com/nikcoppin

However much the wifi gremlins were against us, we persevered and I had a lovely catch up with my favourite Belgian (controversial for any sprout lovers at this time of year..), Kris Clerckx. Not only is he super fit- he cycles, runs and partakes in as many outdoor activities as he can, he also writes about his travels for news outlets and Kris Crosses the World. Have a listen and find out what you're missing! Oh, and keep up with his adventures on Insta - although you might need a little sit down afterwards! 

It was a pleasure to find out more about the delightfully tagged "scoundrels and scholars" bolthole, the Harrison Chambers of Distinction in the Queens Quarter, Belfast. I chew the fat with proprietress Melanie Harrison who has big plans to turn the one of a kind premises with its sixteen unique character rooms into a place to make memories. With a spa and club room on the way, there are lots of big things coming in 2021. In the meantime, if you're in the area- or online on 4th, join in with socially distanced carols with the team on their socials. Ho ho ho!https://www.facebook.com/The-Harrison-belfast-465933187574844https://www.chambersofdistinction.com/

This week you will have to excuse my dreadful Italian accent as I discuss the beautiful Emilia Romagna region in Norther Italy, with the self-confessed child of a holiday romance, Silvia Mazza.We talk the food, fast cars, history and panorama that make up the cities of Bologna, Ferrara and Ravenna and I find out more about the region's plans as City of Culture in Parma.  For more information, check out https://www.parmaincomingtravel.com/events-parma/parma-italian-capital-culture-2020.aspx

Rather than sit on her laurels and brood over the disaster of 2020,  Creative Director, Chenine Bathena and her team have been busy beavering away to make Coventry, City of Culture 2021 something spectacular! I chat to Chenine about the imminent plans for  immersive events, get some sneaky peeks of the programme and generally find out more about the birth place of Two-Tone. If Coventry isn't on your staycation list already- it really should be for 21. Find out the more on https://coventry2021.co.uk/

Social entrepreneur and co-founder of Singapore Sidecars, Simon Wong spotted an opportunity not to be missed, and his initial charity work has led to a nationwide hit with locals and tourists alike. Join Sara Darling as she finds out all about his journey, and life in the fast lane as they chats all things Singapore and what's happening next on this delightful island.Find out more about the vintage sidecar tours here

Sara Darling chats to abstract artist, event producer and fashion designer, Abi Fantastic and gets all the goss on relocating to Barca, the best places to hang out like a local and the creative juices that flow at The Collaboration Station. Keep up to date with all her news here:www.abifantastic.comwww.fashionsbyfantastic.comwww.collaborationstation.art And follow her on Insta here 

This week I talk sushi and sumo with Japan National Tourist Office's Marketing Manager and all round karaoke king, Matt Joslin. We cover food, skiing, beaches and getting about; and who knew, Japan has its own version of our pound shops?! Have a listen, and get inspired! 

Sara Darling gets her dose of wanderlust from her lounge with founder and entrepreneur Heeral Pattni, who is about to launch the exciting travel App Amica.They talk faraway places, women in tech, female travellers and girl power. Also, if you need to know where the best flea markets, pedi spots, art galleries or sushi places, around the globe are- you need Amica!Sign up for launch of Amica here and in the meantime,  join female globetrotters for inspo on Travel Plugs here 

Sara Darling chats to this week's guest live from her apartment in the mountains of Japan. Have a listen and find out how Carmen Roberts turned her career as a newsroom journalist in to a globe trotting TV presenter for the BBC's Travel Show. 

Sara Darling chats about the joys of being a travel writer in lockdown, and other stuff with Lottie Gross and Steph Dyson, founders of the fabulous Talking Travel Writing newsletter. Steph is a freelance journalist, blogger and author, and an expert on South America; her first guide book on Chile is out  now - buy it here Lottie has worked for a broad spectrum of clients and has bylines in The Telegraph, Nat Geo Traveller, AFAR, Tripsavvy, Lonely Planet, Rough Guides amongst others. Have a listen for some fab insider advice on how they got into the travel biz, and sign up for the weekly newsletter here

There's no doubt I could chat to Andrew Forbes all day. Travel journalist and total inspiration, he moved to Spain many moons ago, which makes the last time I saw him seem very far away... Enjoy his enthusiasm for Spain as much as I do. And apologies in advance if it makes you want to go there with this blasted quarantine as I type! 

Sara Darling chats international festivals, working in the music biz and what goes on behind the scenes with pal, MD of Global Publicity and co-founder of the Press Trip Club, Nikki McNeil.

Sara Darling catches up with fellow travel writer and Francophile Janine Marsh, who snapped up a falling down property in deepest darkest Normandy fifteen years ago. She has now renovated her property and written two books about her life as an "Anglais" in France. Follow her adventures here:https://www.facebook.com/goodlifefrance/https://twitter.com/lifefrancehttps://www.instagram.com/thegoodlifefrance/?hl=en

Sara Darling chats to old friend Julie Caxton from the picturesque island of Nevis. From mangoes to wellness to yoga and welcoming visitors back to Nevis and St Kitts, there is lots to inspire explorers. 

Pod 4, sees travel and fashion journalist Sara Darling, talking with friend- author and travel journo Katie Monk; Mostly about solo female travel, but some there's some extra bits in there too! 

Sara Darling chats fashion, lifestyle and lots of other stuff with Brit in New York- Creative Director, Heather Falconer.

Sara calls on her friends in the travel biz for the insider updates at travel in the time of Corona.This week, she chats to Lotus PR Director, Minty Woolgar, to discuss how the pandemic is affecting travel, and what future travel will look like. 

Sara Darling, travel writer calls in the first of her travel industry friends to talk about travel in the time of Coronavirus. Natalie J Watts is a photographer with over twenty years experience, and now specialises in destination weddings and elopments.

Welcome to the pilot episode, where founder and travel writer Sara Darling reminisces about Brighton.