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Trevor Ranges and Scott Coates are two intrepid characters with a love for Asia and travel. They’ve lived and worked throughout the region since the late 1990s, dabbling in everything from teaching, to writing guidebooks, voicing radio ads, to running a travel company. This podcast is a pet project…

TalkTravelAsia


    • Dec 7, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 36m AVG DURATION
    • 209 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from TalkTravelAsia

    ArAnna 4 Ever - Amazon Launch

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2024 2:24


    Book 2 of Trevor's supernatural rom-com mystery drops on December 8, 2024. If you've enjoyed Q1, The Einstein Event, please go to Amazon and leave a review. Otherwise, the second installment, ArAnna 4 Ever is available for $2.99 - visit TalkTravelAsia.com for links to the books or search for ArAnna on Amazon.

    The Einstein Event - Part 6

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 30, 2024 41:22


    Trevor takes over the podcast for six weeks to read the first quarter of his fictional saga: ArAnna, the millennium mom-and-dad supercouple who change the world. The embodiment of the all-American family, the Joneses of New Hope, Virginia stand at the fulcrum of human history. Caught at the center of an unexplainable global phenomenon, their search to solve a supernatural mystery leads them to every continent, where the lessons of traditional cultures present themselves as guideposts toward the survival of the human species –if the bonds of love are strong enough to keep their family together. Exploring the crossroads of magic, science, and religion, including the power of belief, the limitations of technology, and the wisdom of indigenous cultures, ArAnna is a supernatural mystery that reimagines the American dream.

    The Einstein Event - Part 5

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2024 39:37


    Trevor takes over the podcast for six weeks to read the first quarter of his fictional saga: ArAnna, the millennium mom-and-dad supercouple who change the world. The embodiment of the all-American family, the Joneses of New Hope, Virginia stand at the fulcrum of human history. Caught at the center of an unexplainable global phenomenon, their search to solve a supernatural mystery leads them to every continent, where the lessons of traditional cultures present themselves as guideposts toward the survival of the human species –if the bonds of love are strong enough to keep their family together. Exploring the crossroads of magic, science, and religion, including the power of belief, the limitations of technology, and the wisdom of indigenous cultures, ArAnna is a supernatural mystery that reimagines the American dream.

    The Einstein Event - Part 4

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2024 38:06


    Trevor takes over the podcast for six weeks to read the first quarter of his fictional saga: ArAnna, the millennium mom-and-dad supercouple who change the world. The embodiment of the all-American family, the Joneses of New Hope, Virginia stand at the fulcrum of human history. Caught at the center of an unexplainable global phenomenon, their search to solve a supernatural mystery leads them to every continent, where the lessons of traditional cultures present themselves as guideposts toward the survival of the human species –if the bonds of love are strong enough to keep their family together. Exploring the crossroads of magic, science, and religion, including the power of belief, the limitations of technology, and the wisdom of indigenous cultures, ArAnna is a supernatural mystery that reimagines the American dream.

    The Einstein Event - Part 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2024 31:33


    Trevor takes over the podcast for six weeks to read the first quarter of his fictional saga: ArAnna, the millennium mom-and-dad supercouple who change the world. The embodiment of the all-American family, the Joneses of New Hope, Virginia stand at the fulcrum of human history. Caught at the center of an unexplainable global phenomenon, their search to solve a supernatural mystery leads them to every continent, where the lessons of traditional cultures present themselves as guideposts toward the survival of the human species –if the bonds of love are strong enough to keep their family together. Exploring the crossroads of magic, science, and religion, including the power of belief, the limitations of technology, and the wisdom of indigenous cultures, ArAnna is a supernatural mystery that reimagines the American dream.

    The Einstein Event - Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2024 31:31


    Trevor takes over the podcast for six weeks to read the first quarter of his fictional saga: ArAnna, the millennium mom-and-dad supercouple who change the world. The embodiment of the all-American family, the Joneses of New Hope, Virginia stand at the fulcrum of human history. Caught at the center of an unexplainable global phenomenon, their search to solve a supernatural mystery leads them to every continent, where the lessons of traditional cultures present themselves as guideposts toward the survival of the human species –if the bonds of love are strong enough to keep their family together. Exploring the crossroads of magic, science, and religion, including the power of belief, the limitations of technology, and the wisdom of indigenous cultures, ArAnna is a supernatural mystery that reimagines the American dream.

    SPECIAL EPISODE: Introducing ArAnna, Trevor's Fictional Saga

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2024 2:14


    The embodiment of the all-American family, the Joneses of New Hope, Virginia stand at the fulcrum of human history. Caught at the center of an unexplainable global phenomenon, their search to solve a supernatural mystery leads them to remote corners of Earth, where the lessons of  traditional cultures present themselves as guideposts toward the survival of the human species –if the bonds of love are strong enough to keep their family together.

    The Einstein Event - Part I

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2024 30:32


    Trevor takes over the podcast for six weeks to read the first quarter of his fictional saga: ArAnna, the millennium mom-and-dad supercouple who change the world. The embodiment of the all-American family, the Joneses of New Hope, Virginia stand at the fulcrum of human history. Caught at the center of an unexplainable global phenomenon, their search to solve a supernatural mystery leads them to every continent, where the lessons of traditional cultures present themselves as guideposts toward the survival of the human species –if the bonds of love are strong enough to keep their family together. Exploring the crossroads of magic, science, and religion, including the power of belief, the limitations of technology, and the wisdom of indigenous cultures, ArAnna is a supernatural mystery that reimagines the American dream.

    Ep 200: A Look Back

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2024 32:50


    When Scott and Trevor started this podcast back in 2014 they didn't think much about where the show would take them. A decade later, celebrating the 200th episode of Talk Travel Asia, they have discussed nearly every country in Asia, with over 100 experts on the region. Join them as they take a look back over 200 episode of Talk Travel Asia!!

    Ep. 199: Adding Pizzazz to your Asian Trip with Daniel Fraser

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2024 48:53


    Some of us travel more than others. A few are blessed with a career in travel and learn the ins and outs so well that sometimes the exotic can become ordinary. Many have far less time to travel, particularly for fun, and must dream and plan for that special adventure for years. Today, we'll share experiences of the former to enhance those of the latter, sharing tips and tricks to add some memorable pizzazz to your next Asian holiday with our guest and good friend, Daniel Fraser.

    Ep. 198: Snakes in Asia with Mark Dainty

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2024 48:19


    Snakes are abundant in much of Asia, particularly SE Asia. Visitors to the region might be seeking them out as part of a wildlife holiday, but likely many more persons at some point during their journey are thinking about how they can avoid snakes during a trip. But alas, snakes are likely not as dangerous as some might think and even if you're not here to see snakes, perhaps there are some good rules of thumb you can follow to see them, or avoid them. On this episode we'll talk with a man who works with snakes in Cambodia for his living, Mark Dainty, to get the inside scoop. This is bound to be a slithery episode!

    Ep. 197: Traveling Iraq with John Fiddler

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2024 39:11


    When one thinks of Iraq, they likely aren't considering it as their next holiday destination. Those more familiar with the country know its location in the Fertile Crescent was responsible for the earliest human civilizations to call Iraq home. But one must also wonder if decades of war has left any remaining history of ancient Babylonia available for tourists to visit. Is it even secure enough to explore the sites along the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers or the more mountainous regions of the north, where ethnic Kurds offer altogether different cultural experiences. Today we'll find out when we discuss Travelling Iraq with John Fiddler.

    Ep. 196: How Asia has had a Lasting Impact on Us

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2024 39:14


    Between the two of us, Trevor and I have lived and worked in Asia for nearly 50-years. This has also coincided with most of our adult years, when people tend to discover more about who they really are and more fully form as individuals. But damn, 50-years is a long amount of time to live in what was a foreign land and is now simply ‘home'. This got us reminiscing about how we've changed while living in Asia, mostly for the better. There have been some life-changing items, we feel we're now better citizens of the world, and want to share some of these with you. Giddy up!

    Ep. 195: Harry Mitsidis - ‘The World's Most Traveled Man' - on his travels to Tajikistan

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2024 38:44


    Tajikistan, one of several former Soviet republics located along the Silk Road linking Europe and Asia, may be one of the least well known — and least visited — tourist destinations in Asia. Over several episodes touching on the central Asian nations colloquially known as ‘the Stans' we've explored Tajikistan briefly, including an episode with Lonely Planet writer Bradley Mayhew about Central Asia. This week, we'll chat with a man some consider the ‘World's most traveled' and we'll put his knowledge of obscure Asian destinations to the test by talking with him about little-known Tajikistan.

    Ep.194: Exploring Asian UNESCO World Heritage Sites Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2024 36:48


    When we travel, many of us hope to experience an exotic culture or visit a spectacular natural attraction. Often these are chosen based on recommendations from family and friends or may be long-awaited bucket list destinations. Little do many of us know, however, that the United Nations has already selected more than 1000 such sites, hundreds of which are in Asia. These World Heritage Sites are some of the most impressive destinations on Earth, and we'll discuss some today that you may wish to consider adding to your next Asian adventure, on our second episode about UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Asia.

    Ep. 193: Sri Lanka's Tamil-majority provinces with Ryan Ver Berkmoes

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2024 34:33


    One of the world's most exotic islands, Sri Lanka boasts diverse culture and religious beliefs, as well as considerable natural beauty. After five decades of civil war, peace in Sri Lanka opened the island to international travel in 2009; a decade later, a burgeoning tourism was nipped in the bud by COVID. Today, we'll have a guest with great knowledge about the island – from a tourism perspective, in particular – who will share some of his top tips for visitors looking to explore this exotic island off the southeast coast of India, particularly Sri Lanka's Tamil-majority provinces.

    Patron Bonus: Traveling Japan by Phone w Chris Rowthorn

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2024 16:25


    On this Patron bonus episode (usually only for Patrons of the show but we're sharing with everyone this time) we chat with Inside Kyoto and Chris Rowthorn Tours.com founder, Chris Rowthorn, about an experiment where he tried to travel Japan just using his phone. And he shares tips on how you can setup your phone for travel in the country.

    Ep. 192: Royal Palaces of Asia (with BKK Podcast)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2024 52:39


    As expats who have lived in Asia for almost 25-years each - how's that possible! - we recently got thinking about our proximity to famous, royal palaces. Scott is not so far from Bangkok's Grand Palace and Trevor for many years lived very close to Cambodia's Khemarin Palace. That got us thinking about other royal palaces we've been to throughout Asia, along with ones we have not yet visited. Then we wondered what constitutes a royal palace? We bumped into our friends Greg & Ed from the Bangkok Podcast, mentioned this to them, and realized we had a good episode on our hands, but it would be a heck of a lot more fun to chat about this as a foursome. So here we are, our second crossover episode together, where we'll explore the royal palaces of Asia.

    Ep. 191: Patron Adventures in Asia - David Rockman on Family Travel Bali

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2024 28:15


    From time to time we receive messages from Talk Travel Asia listeners about their travels in Asia and we're glad to have inspired or assisted them with their experiences. After some recent back and forths with several patrons about their Asian adventures, we decided to David Rockman to come on the show and share about his adult family trip to Bali so you can learn about it and perhaps find some inspiration for your next journey there.

    Ep. 190: Japan by Train with Ryan Ver Berkmoes

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2024 32:34


    Ryan Ver Berkmoes has authored over 130 guidebooks to destinations worldwide, including Lonely Planet guidebooks for Oahu, Hawaii, Indonesia, Crete, and Sri Lanka. Today he joins us from Greece to talk about traveling Japan by train on Talk Travel Asia podcast with Scott Coates and Trevor Ranges.

    Ep. 189: Sneak Preview of Upcoming Episodes

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2024 25:14


    As we near 200 episodes of Talk Travel Asia, on one hand we sometimes wonder what we could possibly still talk about, and on the other, we're continually looking to up our game, think of topics we have not yet considered, and get even more interesting guests to share with us. We hope you have enjoyed the travel chat thus far and we have good news - we're not slowing down. As we move further into 2024, we have a pretty sweet lineup of episodes ahead and thought it might be fun to share what's coming with you.

    Ep. 188: Patron Adventures in Asia - Donna Kitchen

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2024 30:32


    Donna Kitchen and her husband recently returned from a 3 month trip through Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Koh Lanta, Thailand. It was their first trip to all but Thailand, where they traveled previously in 1994. As a couple in their 50s who use the IG handle (notsogreytravellers.com), Donna and her companion traveled as glampackers, using local transport as much as possible. Donna started a blog about her travels, but never finished it, so she's hoping we can help document her adventures on our podcast. Donna joins us from her home in Perth, Western Australia.

    Ep. 187: Trevor's First Trip to Asia

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 2024 38:59


    One's first trip to Asia. It's something few forget. The smells, the sounds, the crowds, big cities, wild landscapes, exotic food, a sometimes frenetic pace, tropical beaches, incredible mountains - you're in Asia! We recently got chatting about our early trips to the continent, started to feel old, or perhaps well-experienced, and thought it might be fun to recount our initial journeys here. Reflect on those initial impressions and contrast it to our current lives and how we see things now. In these two parts, Scott then I will recount their first visits to Asia. Here we go for part 2…

    Ep. 186: Slow Travel with Stuart McDonald of Travelfish

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2023 51:48


    Slow travel is a buzzword that's been kicking around a while. A “trend” in the travel industry, some might say, in the vein of ecotourism. Just as the terminology has evolved from global warming to climate change, however, more humans are increasingly considering their footprint, both on the environment and on the destinations they visit, often in an economic way. If slow travel means more than massive exhaust output of air travel – if slow travel means picking one particular destination instead of dozen and then using local means of transportation, bikes or hiking even, to explore an area more in depth, at a more leisurely pace, then I'm all for it. Today, we have a returning guest and longtime friend of the destinations he lives and works in, Stuart McDonald, to give us his understanding of and experiences with slow travel in Asia.

    slow travel stuart mcdonald travelfish
    Ep. 185: Scott's First Trip to Asia

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2023 30:54


    One's first trip to Asia: it's something hard to forget. The smells, the sounds, the crowds, big cities, wild landscapes, exotic food, a sometimes frenetic pace, tropical beaches, incredible mountains - you're in Asia! We recently got chatting about our early trips to the continent, started to feel old, or perhaps well-experienced, and thought it might be fun to recount our initial journeys here, reflect on those first impressions and contrast it to our current lives and how we see things now. In these two parts, I then Trevor will recount our first visits to Asia. Here we go…

    Ep. 184: Wild Journey to Kashmir and Ladakh with Dave Stamboulis

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2023 50:04


    Those are the opening lines of Led Zeppelin's Kashmir, a “musical and metaphorical drive toward some irresistible far-off horizon”. The song has long-enticed me with it's melodic mysticism, and when former guest Dave Stamboulis told me that he'd, quote, “Just completed a rather wild journey to Kashmir and Ladakh,” I knew that we had to have him back on the show to tell us more about these spectacular areas of India, a country we've been eager to explore more on Talk Travel Asia.

    Ep. 183: Georgia, Armenia & Azerbaijan

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2023 42:24


    When most people think of Asia, the countries that come to mind aren't likely to be those we're about to discuss today. Located in Western Asia, on the border of Eastern Europe, Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan are countries most westerners are largely unfamiliar with at all. That's all the more reason to learn a bit about them, as each has unique cultures, history, and tourist attractions that make them fascinating destinations. Today, show co-host Scott Coates will share his experience traveling through these interesting West Asian nations.

    Ep. 182: Travel in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2023 29:43


    A.I. - Artificial Intelligence. It's almost the only thing anyone is talking about in some circles. AI seems to be everywhere nowadays and creative industry workers are panicking over being replaced. On the other end of the spectrum, those already using it to produce grant proposals or file TPS reports rave about AI's efficiency and accuracy, saving them countless hours on otherwise tedious chores. But what about travel? Are AI travel agents, AI-generated travel guidebooks, and AI trip planners about to revolutionize travel? Or is this technology as far from replacing travel professionals as it from replacing movie stars: eventually, perhaps, but not quite yet. Today we'll discuss AI and the travel industry.

    Ep. 181: Myanmar to Holland by Car with Edwin Briels

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2023 46:11


    Road trips are one of travel's great forms of adventures. From the Griswald's cross-country family vacation to Wally World to my own explorations of Eastern Cambodia to design tours for international visitors, the road trip is a time-honored tradition. Nowadays, one might imagine traveling by camper-van to Mexico or Central America, or even renting a car in the north of Japan and driving it south from island to island, but who would ever imagine taking a road trip by car from Myanmar to Holland? Well, our guest Edwin Briels did just that, and today he's going to share how it all went down. Buckle up!

    Ep. 180: Exploring Asian UNESCO World Heritage Sites

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2023 34:52


    When we travel, many of us hope to experience an exotic culture or visit a spectacular natural attraction. Often these are chosen based on recommendations from family and friends or may be long-awaited bucket list destinations. Little do many of us know, however, that the United Nations has already selected more than 1000 such sites, hundreds of which are in Asia. These World Heritage Sites are some of the most impressive destinations on Earth, and we'll discuss some today that you may wish to consider adding to your next Asian adventure.

    Ep. 179: Cycling Taiwan's East Coast with Simon Foster

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2023 37:09


    Taiwan is a country? - is it..? Okay, let's start again… Taiwan is a territory that traditionally has way less people traveling it than should do so. Sitting off the east coast of China, there are few spots hotter geopolitically that Taiwan. But what's there? Are the people the same as those from mainland China? What's the terrain like? Is it safe? Friendly? Food decent? Well, you can say ‘yes' to all of those things but today we're not only going to touch on Taiwan as a travel destination for the second time on this show, but focus on cycle its east coast. So, pour yourself a cup of Oolong tea, steam some dumplings and let's dream of what was once known as Fermosa.

    Ep. 178: Scott & Trevor's Excellent Travel Dreaming Adventure

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2023 32:41


    Suppose I told you that you were stranded on a deserted island? What's the first thing you think of? Mine was, which island should it be? A random one in the south Pacific or a specific one I've long dreamt of returning to. Suppose you found a genie bottle there? What three wishes would you ask for? To be rescued, perhaps, or use one of the wishes to keep the island your secret hideaway. We've all had such thoughts, I hope – as Scott and I both have. Today, we thought it would be fun to pose such questions on an episode about Travel Fantasies and Future predictions.

    Ep.177: Cambodian Artisanal Handicrafts with Pierre Andre Romano

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2023 37:44


    We chat with Pierre Andre Romano about artisanal crafts in Cambodia.

    Ep. 176: Trans-Siberian Railway+

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2023 39:30


    When it comes to mammoth, legendary train journeys, the Trans-Siberian Railway is up there. Coming in at 9,289 kilometers, simply put, it's the longest railway line in the world. Starting in Moscow, it chugs east to its terminus, Vladivostok, but has another interchange where it then forks south to Mongolia and continues to Beijing, ultimately linking two of the world's great cities. So, nearly 180 episodes in to Talk Travel Asia, we're going to finally talk about this epic journey, what's entailed and hopefully give you enough background to either inspire or give you the idea that this journey is not for you. All aboard - here we go!

    Ep. 175: Frisbee in Asia with Jared Cahners

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2023 40:06


    According to the History Channel, the Frisbee story started in 1871 when William Frisbie opened the Frisbie Pie Company. Students from Connecticut universities were soon throwing the tin pie plate to each other, yelling “Frisbie!” as they did so. In 1958, Wham-O (the company responsible for the Hula-Hoop, Super Ball and Water Wiggle) changed its name to the Frisbee disc (with two “ee”s at the end). By aggressively marketing Frisbee-playing as a new sport, Wham-O sold over 100 million discs by 1977. In 2023, while neither frisbee golf nor Ultimate frisbee have yet to become Olympic sports, both games played with frisbees are popular across the world, including in Asia, where our guest today will shed some light on the two sports, the itinerant character of many game players, and how you can make it a part of your trip to the region.

    Ep. 174: Exploring Hoi An and Hue, Vietnam

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2023 30:32


    Vietnam is a fascinating country that continues to get busier by the year as more and more travelers become intrigued and visit this country on the move. With a coastline of more than 3,000km, a varied landscape, and incredible food, it's hot on many levels. Two destinations in the middle of the country, Hoi An and Hue are mainstays of a full Vietnam travel experience and have been famous for decades. Scott recently visited and today we'll dive into what a trip to these neighbouring cities has to offer and what you can expect.

    Ep. 173: Lesser Known Laos with Jason Rolan Pt. 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2023 33:32


    Part 2 of our conversation with Jason Rolan - Sandwiched in between Thailand, Vietnam, China, and Cambodia, The Lao People's Democratic Republic is one of SEA's most lesser known tourist destinations. Landlocked, mostly mountainous, with rivers and waterfalls nearly everywhere in between, Laos is most famous for its natural beauty and friendly, laid-back locals.

    Ep. 172: Asian Toilet Stories

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2023 38:24


    Everyone poops. There's a book about it. Here in Siem Reap, Cambodia, there's a blog that will direct you to the best nearby public toilet (which, incidentally is the preferred English word for a bathroom in Asia). Most people don't plan their holidays around their trips to the toilet, but the experience is undoubtedly, and not always pleasantly, an unavoidable experience on every trip to Asia. Today, we're going to share some of our experiences, offer a few tips to help you navigate the water closets of Asia, and hopefully give you a good laugh in the process.

    Ep. 171: Lesser Known Laos with Jason Rolan Pt. 1

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2023 33:39


    Sandwiched in between Thailand, Vietnam, China, and Cambodia, The Lao People's Democratic Republic is one of SEA's most lesser known tourist destinations. Landlocked, mostly mountainous, with rivers and waterfalls nearly everywhere in between, Laos is most famous for its natural beauty and friendly, laid-back locals. For those who may have heard a bit about it or have traveled there before, the mystical ancient capital of Luang Prabang or the rubber-tube river rafting party town of Vang Vieng spring to mind. But to those who listen to the show, you already know there's so much more. We've covered a number of great destinations in Laos before, but today we're going deeper, exploring Lesser Known Laos with Jason Rolan.

    Ep. 170: Interesting Asian Festivals

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2023 38:24


    Part of the charm of Asia are the many cultures and along with those, the many, many festivals, which can add a very deep and rich dynamic element to your trip, whether you happen to stumble upon one, or make taking part in a festival a planned, key part of your trip. Today we're going to share a few of the region's key festivals, some which we've been to and some which we hope to one day witness.

    Ep. 169: Environmental Educational Tourism & Khao Sok

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2023 42:03


    Some people travel to relax, unwind, and forget about the trials and tribulations of everyday life; some travel to expand their knowledge of the world; and others travel to make a contribution to the destination, or at least maximize the positive impact of travel while minimizing the negative impacts on local cultures, the environment, and economy. We've touched on the topic of responsible tourism a number of times on the show; but today we'll talk about Environmental Educational Tourism and the impact tourism and tourism revenue has on the local people, their environment, and the regional economy, particularly in Khao Sok, Thailand, where our guests, Marius Herman and Mike Horrocks are working to turn tourism into a beneficial experience for everyone involved.

    Ep. 168: Gory and Gruesome Attractions

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2023 39:48


    Some people are drawn to the macabre. Others make a life of it. Such fascinations cross cultures but they're rarely the same in any given destination. There's a long history of various religions and spiritual beliefs across Asia, along with many cultures believing in ghosts and spirits, which can lend themselves to some spooky sites that tourists sometimes seek out. On this episode we're going to share some of the region's scary and out-there spots you can visit. Turn on the lights as this one's bound to give you the heebie-jeebies.

    Ep. 167: Kristina's Exploration of SEA by Motorcycle

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2023 38:41


    In 2020, longtime listener Kristina Tague packed up and set off for Asia with the intention to live in the region. In January 2023, she came on Ep. 163 to talk about how that decision was made, where she journeyed to, and why she settled in the city she did: Bangkok. Since being on the show, she's traveled across Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, exploring largely by motorcycle, which she purchased in Laos. Today, Kristina returns to the show to share her adventures.

    Ep. 166: Asian Bus Adventures

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2023 35:53


    One of the best features of traveling in Asia is the broad variety of transport options that exist. From private cars, to motorbikes, planes, trains, and of course buses – Asia is one of the easiest continents to get around. Buses play an integral role in most journeys, from getting to and from an airport, sightseeing within a city, or moving between cities and provinces, buses can be one of your fastest and most affordable options. On this episode, we'll cultivate our many, many years traveling Asia by bus, share some memorable stories, tips, and hopefully help to ensure you use buses to their fullest on your next journey to the region.

    Ep. 165: Planning an Indonesia Wildlife Experience with Mark Eveleigh

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2023 37:24


    Experiencing wildlife in Asia is one of the world's great natural adventures. Few countries can compete with Indonesia for its diversity of terrain, flora, and fauna that thrive on soaring volcanoes, sandy beaches, humid jungles, and everything in between. Today we're going to chat with travel journalist and Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, Mark Eveleigh, about what Indonesia has to offer those in search of wildlife and how to best approach this sort of trip.

    Ep. 164: Interesting Movies About Asia

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2023 27:40


    Movies can do that magical thing of transporting us to another part of the world. As children, movies shape our opinion of a far-away destination, its people, geography, customs and food. As adults, movies often inspire us, whetting our appetite to travel somewhere or perhaps scaring us off that destination entirely. As we did several episodes earlier, discussing books about Asia that influenced our impressions of the region, on this episode we'll chat about some noteworthy and most memorable movies about Asia or set in Asia. Get your popcorn ready!

    Ep. 163: Taking the Plunge - Moving to Asia on Whim with Kristina Tague

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 2023 36:02


    What inspires people to pick up and move to the other side of the world? How many modern-day adventurers travel to a foreign destination with the intention to stay and try to establish a life there? This week's guest did just that. In 2020, longtime listener Kristina Tague packed up and set off for Asia with the intention to live in the region. Today we'll learn how that decision was made, where she journeyed to, and why she settled in the city she did.

    Ep. 162: Family Travel in Asia featuring Alyson Long

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2022 44:46


    Travel is one of life's great eye-openers, teaching us about other cultures and many often unexpected things about ourselves. Some of us are fortunate enough to travel often as children, providing us with this insight at an early age. Other's worry that, once a baby is on the way, that's the end of their ability to travel often and enjoy themselves. As neither of your Talk Travel Asia co-hosts have children of their own, we've invited an expert to share her years on the road, traveling with children in Asia.

    Ep. 161: Exotic Accommodation in Asia

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2022 34:49


    As we discussed in early 2022 in Episode #147: Most Memorable Hotel Experiences, Hotels can make or break a trip. Sometimes they bring you closer to a destination, sometimes they elevate your experience, sometimes they ruin it, and other times they are the destination themselves. Scott and I have been lucky enough to stay at a lot of interesting types of hotels in Asia over the years: today, we're going to share some of those hotel experiences with you, as well as note various styles of hotels you should consider experiencing while in the region. From hostels to homestays, restored colonial mansions to tented camps, and ones over water, there's a wide range of options for resting your head while on holiday in Asia.

    Ep. 160: Life as a Travel Content Creator with Joel Friend

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2022 36:02


    Dreaming of and planning travel in the 21st century continues to evolve but there has been no greater change, perhaps, than the growth of traveler-curated content. From blogs and user reviews on popular travel websites and forums to Instagram and Youtube, travelers no longer rely entirely on travel publications or word of mouth to discover or design their next holiday. Perhaps the pinnacle of this evolution is the traveler literally making their way around the world by creating inspiring travel content to share with others and earning money in the process. Today we'll chat with one such traveler to learn what life as a travel influencer on YouTube and Instagram is all about.

    Ep. 159: Unique and Unusual Asian Spa Experiences

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2022 42:46


    If there's one thing that is almost always on visitors' To-Do' lists when traveling to Asia, it's a visit to the spa: whether it's a punishing Thai massage amidst the aroma of Tiger Balm or a hot stone therapy overlooking Balinese rice fields, pampering oneself should be high on the holiday agenda. While a massage is almost always less expensive here in Asia, there is such a variety of spa and massage experiences across the region that one could receive a different treatment each day and only begin to scratch the surface. Today we'll discuss some of our most memorable and interesting spa and massage experiences in Asia.

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