TRIPOLOGY: The Travel Podcast

We hiked through the ancient rice terraces of Banaue, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that's been dubbed the 8th Wonder of the World. Carved into the mountains of Banaue on the main island of Luzon, Philippines, these 2000 year old rice terraces are well worth the 10 hour night bus north of Manila. As predicted, Adam falls victim to heatstroke, but who's to blame? Was it the midday sun? Was it the questionable hiking gear? Or was it the work of the Engkanto?Adam also flirts with the idea of changing career, as he tells the story of him being approached by a model scout whilst showering; a meeting that was "unprofessional at best."We'd love to hear from you! Send us a message using the contact form on our website: ⁠tripologypodcast.com⁠Need travel insurance? We recommend SafetyWing! Click here to get started: ⁠⁠⁠https://safetywing.com/?referenceID=26035801&utm_source=26035801&utm_medium=AmbassadorRequire an onward flight? Please use this fantastic flight rental service: ⁠⁠⁠https://onwardticket.com/tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠Join our Patreon community: patreon.com/tripologypodcastFollow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/tripologypodcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to our YouTube channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/@tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Please rate the show and help us grow! Recommend the podcast to family & friends (all of them). It makes a HUGE difference. Thank you for your continued support. It means the world.

No trip to the Philippines would be complete without eating the controversial Filipino delicacy, Balut. This popular street food has been trending on social media for some time, due to its shocking appearance and questionable ethics, so we decided to give it a try. Is it good? Is it wrong? Join the debate!We also discuss the Philippines' other defining features: incredibly slow elevators and the infamous mode of public transport, the Jeepney.Sign up to Patreon for this week's Lost & Found section, as we continue the food theme. We put Manila's local desserts to the test in what is quite possibly the most underwhelming food experience we've had in Southeast Asia.We'd love to hear from you! Send us a message using the contact form on our website: ⁠tripologypodcast.com⁠Need travel insurance? We recommend SafetyWing! Click here to get started: ⁠⁠⁠https://safetywing.com/?referenceID=26035801&utm_source=26035801&utm_medium=AmbassadorRequire an onward flight? Please use this fantastic flight rental service: ⁠⁠⁠https://onwardticket.com/tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠Join our Patreon community: patreon.com/tripologypodcastFollow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/tripologypodcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to our YouTube channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/@tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Please rate the show and help us grow! Recommend the podcast to family & friends (all of them). It makes a HUGE difference. Thank you for your continued support. It means the world.

Join this week's Filipino Pop Quiz, as Adam tests Alun's knowledge of the Philippines! If Alun scores less than 3 out of 5 he'll have to eat a controversial Filipino delicacy!We also discuss the supernatural Filipino spirits: Engkantos. Often associated with the natural world, could they be delivering signs from above in the form of ripe mangoes?We'd love to hear from you! Send us a message using the contact form on our website: tripologypodcast.comNeed travel insurance? We recommend SafetyWing! Click here to get started: ⁠⁠⁠https://safetywing.com/?referenceID=26035801&utm_source=26035801&utm_medium=AmbassadorRequire an onward flight? Please use this fantastic flight rental service: ⁠⁠⁠https://onwardticket.com/tripologypodcastJoin our Patreon community: patreon.com/tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/tripologypodcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to our YouTube channel: youtube.com/@tripologypodcastPlease rate the show and help us grow! Recommend the podcast to family & friends (all of them). It makes a HUGE difference. Thank you for your continued support. It means the world.

Yes, you read that right! We're back together again and this time it's in the Philippines! Currently melting in the country's hot and humid capital city, Manila, we discuss Adam's journey from Queenstown.After two flights, via Sydney, Adam describes his series of unfortunate events, including an overweight carry-on bag and the moment he had his phone stolen, only to have it mysteriously return back into his bag.It's exciting times ahead for Tripology! Come join the adventure!We'd love to hear from you! Send us a message using the contact form on our website: https://www.tripologypodcast.comNeed travel insurance? We recommend SafetyWing! Click here to get started: ⁠⁠⁠https://safetywing.com/?referenceID=26035801&utm_source=26035801&utm_medium=AmbassadorRequire an onward flight? Please use this fantastic flight rental service: ⁠⁠⁠https://onwardticket.com/tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠Join our Patreon community: https://www.patreon.com/tripologypodcastFollow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/tripologypodcast/Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@tripologypodcast⁠⁠Please rate the show and help us grow! Recommend the podcast to family & friends (all of them). It makes a HUGE difference. Thank you for your continued support. It means the world.

Alun employs ChatGPT as his local travel guide, as he tests the latest travel hack trend. On his way to the Philippines but with a 12-hour layover in Shanghai, Alun turns to ChatGPT for his layover travel itinerary. Working smart and not hard, we hear Alun's experience of using AI as a travel companion. Artificial Intelligence has many uses but controlling the weather isn't one of them!We'd love to hear from you! Send us a message using the contact form on our website: ⁠tripologypodcast.com⁠Need travel insurance? We recommend SafetyWing! Click here to get started: ⁠⁠⁠https://safetywing.com/?referenceID=26035801&utm_source=26035801&utm_medium=AmbassadorRequire an onward flight? Please use this fantastic flight rental service: ⁠⁠⁠https://onwardticket.com/tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠Join our Patreon community: patreon.com/tripologypodcastFollow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/tripologypodcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to our YouTube channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/@tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Please rate the show and help us grow! Recommend the podcast to family & friends (all of them). It makes a HUGE difference. Thank you for your continued support. It means the world.

It's a spooky special this week, as Adam relives his trip to the Czech Republic, where he visited the infamous Sedlec Ossuary aka The Church of Bones. Just 80kms east of Prague, in the town of Kutna Hora, Central Bohemia, stands a church like few others. Dating back to the 15th century and decorated with over 40,000 skeletons, this dark and macabre tourist attraction is for those seeking something a little more surreal.Stay tuned for the second half as we tackle a question from a fellow Tripologist. This week's Hostel Common Room sees us recommending mini adventures to a family looking to backpack together for the very first time!We'd love to hear from you! Send us a message using the contact form on our website: ⁠tripologypodcast.com⁠Need travel insurance? We recommend SafetyWing! Click here to get started: ⁠⁠⁠https://safetywing.com/?referenceID=26035801&utm_source=26035801&utm_medium=AmbassadorRequire an onward flight? Please use this fantastic flight rental service: ⁠⁠⁠https://onwardticket.com/tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠Join our Patreon community: patreon.com/tripologypodcastFollow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/tripologypodcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to our YouTube channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/@tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Please rate the show and help us grow! Recommend the podcast to family & friends (all of them). It makes a HUGE difference. Thank you for your continued support. It means the world.

BIG NEWS! Alun's been successful in his application for this fourth and final Working Holiday Visa, and the country he's chosen is Japan! Alun explains the Japan Working Holiday Visa application process and it's all very Japanese; we discuss the Japan WHV requirements, Alun's experience of applying, and the joyous moment he received his passport back with that all important visa!If you're interested in Japan and would love the opportunity to work there, be sure to tune in!In the Lost & Found section we discuss travel hacks such as 'skiplagging' (hidden city ticketing), which involves booking a multi-city flight but stopping at the layover destination, resulting in huge savings!We'd love to hear from you! Send us a message using the contact form on our website: ⁠tripologypodcast.com⁠Need travel insurance? We recommend SafetyWing! Click here to get started: ⁠⁠⁠https://safetywing.com/?referenceID=26035801&utm_source=26035801&utm_medium=AmbassadorRequire an onward flight? Please use this fantastic flight rental service: ⁠⁠⁠https://onwardticket.com/tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠Join our Patreon community: patreon.com/tripologypodcastFollow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/tripologypodcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to our YouTube channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/@tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Please rate the show and help us grow! Recommend the podcast to family & friends (all of them). It makes a HUGE difference. Thank you for your continued support. It means the world.

New Zealand introduces crazy alcohol laws across the Easter Weekend, making it impossible for some businesses to trade. Adam describes the chaos and confusion of not being able to celebrate Easter Weekend the only way an Englishman knows how. Tune in and let us know if you agree!In the second half, Adam and Alun open up about the difficulties of finding work as a backpacker on a Working Holiday Visa. If you're looking for advice regarding this topic, please get in touch. We'd love to help!Send us a message using the contact form on our website: ⁠tripologypodcast.com⁠Need travel insurance? We recommend SafetyWing! Click here to get started: ⁠⁠⁠https://safetywing.com/?referenceID=26035801&utm_source=26035801&utm_medium=Ambassador⁠⁠⁠Require an onward flight? Please use this fantastic flight rental service: ⁠⁠⁠https://onwardticket.com/tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠Join our Patreon community: patreon.com/tripologypodcastFollow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/tripologypodcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to our YouTube channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/@tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Please rate the show and help us grow! Recommend the podcast to family & friends (all of them). It makes a HUGE difference. Thank you for your continued support. It means the world.

All aboard the RRS Discovery! Alun's transported back in time as he's invited onto the legendary ship that set sail in 1901 to explore Antarctica!The RRS Discovery was the last traditional wooden three-masted ship built in the United Kingdom, and its first mission was the highly successful 'British National Antarctic Expedition', carrying explorers Robert Falcon Scott and Ernest Shackleton. Now moored in Dundee, Scotland, tourists are welcomed aboard to experience what life would have been like more than 100 years ago. Would Adam & Alun have thrived in such conditions? Have we passed the age of discovery?The second half promises to wet your appetite as Hostel Common Room returns! We answer a question from a listener regarding food choices whilst travelling. If food & drink is a focus of yours, be sure to tune in!As always, if you have any questions, we'd love to hear from you. Send us a message using the contact form on our website: ⁠tripologypodcast.com⁠Need travel insurance? We recommend SafetyWing! Click here to get started: ⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/tripsafetywing⁠⁠⁠Require an onward flight? Please use this fantastic flight rental service: ⁠⁠⁠https://onwardticket.com/tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠Big thanks to Discovery Point Dundee: https://www.dundeeheritagetrust.co.uk/attraction/discovery-point/Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/tripologypodcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to our YouTube channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/@tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Please rate the show and help us grow! Recommend the podcast to family & friends (all of them). It makes a HUGE difference. Thank you for your continued support. It means the world.

Adam's New Zealand adventure continues with stories from the South Island. Whilst cruising around Milford Sound, Fiordland National Park, Adam's boat is chased by a wild dolphin having the time of its life!Adam also hikes through Abel Tasman National Park, where he's forced to speed-run 25kms of beautiful coastline or risk being stranded in the dark.As always, if you have any questions, we'd love to hear from you. Send us a message using the contact form on our website: ⁠⁠tripologypodcast.com⁠⁠Need travel insurance? We recommend SafetyWing! Click here to get started: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/tripsafetywing⁠⁠⁠⁠Require an onward flight? Please use this fantastic flight rental service: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://onwardticket.com/tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our Patreon community: patreon.com/tripologypodcastFollow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/tripologypodcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to our YouTube channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/@tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Please rate the show and help us grow! Recommend the podcast to family & friends (all of them). It makes a HUGE difference. Thank you for your continued support. It means the world.The 11 Great Walks of New Zealand: Lake Waikaremoana, Tongariro Northern Circuit, Whanganui Journey, Abel Tasman Coast Track, Heaphy Track, Paparoa Track, Routeburn Track, Kepler Track, Milford Track, Hump Ridge Track, Rakiura TrackAbel Tasman National Park: https://www.abeltasman.com/abel-tasman-national-park/Cleopatra's Pool, Abel Tasman National Park: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/new-zealand/nelson-tasman/cleopatra-s-pool-from-anchorageMitre Peak Cruises: https://www.mitrepeak.com/

Don't hold your breath! Adam's road trip around New Zealand was just as adventurous as it was law-abiding. This week he relives an embarrassing interaction with a New Zealand Police Officer, and tells the story of him picking up a French hitchhiker who's all too happy to put his French to the test!As always, if you have any questions, we'd love to hear from you. Send us a message using the contact form on our website: ⁠tripologypodcast.com⁠Need travel insurance? We recommend SafetyWing! Click here to get started: ⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/tripsafetywing⁠⁠⁠Require an onward flight? Please use this fantastic flight rental service: ⁠⁠⁠https://onwardticket.com/tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠Join our Patreon community: patreon.com/tripologypodcastFollow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/tripologypodcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to our YouTube channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/@tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Please rate the show and help us grow! Recommend the podcast to family & friends (all of them). It makes a HUGE difference. Thank you for your continued support. It means the world.

Have you ever played ‘What Are The Odds?' It's a game both loved and feared by backpackers the world over. When taken seriously, it can result in some embarrassing but hilarious stories! Tune in to hear Alun's moment of genius whilst playing the game in an Italian restaurant in Brazil. Challenge accepted!Alun's broadcasting from the UK, having returned for a quick family visit, before setting off on yet another adventure. Adam's back in New Zealand's largest city, Auckland, after driving his beloved rental car all the way from Queenstown: 1600kms, 48 hours, one ferry, and nowhere near enough sleep!As always, if you have any questions, we'd love to hear from you. Send us a message using the contact form on our website: ⁠⁠tripologypodcast.com⁠⁠Need travel insurance? We recommend SafetyWing! Click here to get started: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/tripsafetywing⁠⁠⁠⁠Require an onward flight? Please use this fantastic flight rental service: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://onwardticket.com/tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/tripologypodcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to our YouTube channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/@tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Please rate the show and help us grow! Recommend the podcast to family & friends (all of them). It makes a HUGE difference. Thank you for your continued support. It means the world.

Kia Ora! Adam's in Queenstown after making the big move to New Zealand. He's currently road tripping around the country, visiting both the North and South Islands, in search of somewhere to base himself. Issues with a rental vehicle see Adam receive a double upgrade, resulting in him travelling in more luxury than he's used to.Tripping Point's back with a New Zealand special. Alun may have an impressive record but how much does he know about New Zealand? You'll find no kiwis but plenty of Fergburgers!As always, if you have any questions, we'd love to hear from you. Send us a message using the contact form on our website: ⁠tripologypodcast.com⁠Need travel insurance? We recommend SafetyWing! Click here to get started: ⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/tripsafetywing⁠⁠⁠Require an onward flight? Please use this fantastic flight rental service: ⁠⁠⁠https://onwardticket.com/tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠Looking for accommodation in Queenstown, New Zealand? Stay with Nomads: https://nomadsworld.com/new-zealand/nomads-queenstown/Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/tripologypodcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to our YouTube channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/@tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Please rate the show and help us grow! Recommend the podcast to family & friends (all of them). It makes a HUGE difference. Thank you for your continued support. It means the world.

It's party time! Alun's been dancing the days away at Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Expect bright colours and elaborate outfits, street parades, all the caipirinhas, and lots of dancing (and kissing).Alun shares information and advice about Carnival. He also recounts the story of him getting completely lost, with no phone, no money, and no sun cream. Was he able to charm his way out? Tune in to hear what goes on at the biggest party on earth!As always, if you have any questions, we'd love to hear from you. Send us a message using the contact form on our website: tripologypodcast.comLooking for travel insurance? We recommend SafetyWing! Click here to get started: ⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/tripsafetywing⁠⁠Need an onward flight? Please use this fantastic flight rental service: ⁠⁠https://onwardticket.com/tripologypodcast⁠⁠Join our Patreon: patreon.com/tripologypodcastFollow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/tripologypodcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to our YouTube channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/@tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Please rate the show and help us grow! Recommend the podcast to family & friends (all of them). It makes a HUGE difference. Thank you for your continued support. It means the world.

Adam's love affair with bath houses continues as he visits the city of Budapest, Hungary's vibrant capital. Unfortunately, whilst at the renowned Széchenyi thermal baths, he loses his cherished silver necklace and pendant, both of which were gifts from his Grandmothers.Hoping for the best and preparing for the worst, the search begins to recover his family treasure. Tune in to an episode of mixed emotions!As always, if you have any questions, we'd love to hear from you. Send us a message using the contact form on our website: tripologypodcast.comLooking for travel insurance? We recommend SafetyWing! Click here to get started: ⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/tripsafetywing⁠⁠Need an onward flight? Please use this fantastic flight rental service: ⁠⁠https://onwardticket.com/tripologypodcast⁠⁠Join our Patreon: patreon.com/tripologypodcastFollow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/tripologypodcast/⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to our YouTube channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/@tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠Please rate the show and help us grow! Recommend the podcast to family & friends (all of them). It makes a HUGE difference. Thank you for your continued support. It means the world.

Get your exclusive 15% discount on a Saily eSim: https://saily.com/tripologyIt's turtlenecks and heads this week, as Alun gets caught short in the Brazilian rainforest! After feeling a 'rumble in the jungle', he makes a snap decision that leaves him 'at one with nature'. Even the most experienced traveller would never guess this plot twist!Alun also imparts his travel wisdom, after almost making his biggest travel mistake to date. Backpacking through Brazil and arriving at a major crossroads, he leans on the advice of some friends and is rewarded by the universe.As always, if you have any questions, we'd love to hear from you. Send us a message using the contact form on our website: ⁠tripologypodcast.com⁠Looking for travel insurance? We recommend SafetyWing! Click here to get started: ⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/tripsafetywing⁠⁠⁠Need an onward flight? Please use this fantastic flight rental service: ⁠⁠⁠https://onwardticket.com/tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠Join our Patreon: patreon.com/tripologypodcastFollow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/tripologypodcast/⁠⁠Subscribe to our YouTube channel: ⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/@tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠Please rate the show and help us grow! Recommend the podcast to family & friends (all of them). It makes a HUGE difference. Thank you for your continued support. It means the world.

Get your exclusive 15% discount on a Saily eSim: ⁠https://saily.com/tripology⁠It's party time! Alun's suited and booted in Brazil, fresh from the wedding of his best mate and friend of the show, Wagner. Making the journey all the way from Scotland to São Paulo, and then onto Santos for the wedding, this is one celebration Alun wouldn't miss for the world.Adam & Alun also discuss every frequent flyer's worst enemy: the carry-on cage of doom. If only our backpacks squeezed into the cage as neatly as Alun squeezed into his suit...Here's a link to the episode with the groom, Wagner: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6wKvnFYamNrYB28nVoFnys?si=7mWIRYAFTESqMWCrvk1RqQAs always, if you have any questions, we'd love to hear from you. Send us a message using the contact form on our website: tripologypodcast.comLooking for travel insurance? We recommend SafetyWing! Click here to get started: ⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/tripsafetywing⁠⁠Need an onward flight? Please use this fantastic flight rental service: ⁠⁠https://onwardticket.com/tripologypodcast⁠⁠Join our Patreon: patreon.com/tripologypodcastFollow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/tripologypodcast/⁠Subscribe to our YouTube channel: ⁠⁠youtube.com/@tripologypodcast⁠⁠Please rate the show and help us grow! Recommend the podcast to family & friends (all of them). It makes a HUGE difference. Thank you for your continued support. It means the world.

Adam's East Asia trip reaches its grand finale with an incredible 650km cycle ride around the Seto Inland Sea, including Japan's most famous cycle route: the Shimanami Kaido. Highlights include the historically important city of Hiroshima, eating the world's best beef in Kobe, and a drunken night in Marugame involving a lot of free wine and whisky!It's not all fun and games, especially when it comes to immigration. In the second half of the episode, Adam describes a layover in Beijing to remember. When entering China, sometimes following all the rules isn't enough.As always, if you have any questions, we'd love to hear from you. Send us a message using the contact form on our website:tripologypodcast.comLooking for travel insurance? We recommend SafetyWing! Click here to get started: ⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/tripsafetywing⁠⁠⁠Need an onward flight? Please use this fantastic flight rental service:https://onwardticket.com/tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠Join our Patreon: patreon.com/tripologypodcastFollow us on Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/tripologypodcast/⁠⁠Subscribe to our YouTube channel:⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/@tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠Please rate the show and help us grow! Recommend the podcast to family & friends (all of them). It makes a HUGE difference. Thank you for your continued support. It means the world.

This week's special guest is Alun's loyal backpack 'Lucky'. Alun's heading to Brazil for a friend's wedding and, as 'Lucky' would have it, his departure coincides with us receiving an email from a listener enquiring about the contents of our backpacks.We take the opportunity to rummage through Alun's backpack in fine detail, discussing which packs we use and why, the essential items we can't live without, and share our advice on which products we think you should consider.As always, if you have any questions, we'd love to hear from you. Send us a message using the contact form on our website:tripologypodcast.comLooking for travel insurance? We recommend SafetyWing! Click here to get started: ⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/tripsafetywing⁠⁠Need an onward flight? Please use this fantastic flight rental service: ⁠⁠https://onwardticket.com/tripologypodcast⁠⁠Join our Patreon: patreon.com/tripologypodcastFollow us on Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/tripologypodcast/⁠Subscribe to our YouTube channel:⁠⁠youtube.com/@tripologypodcast⁠⁠Packing list below - These are not affiliate links and we get absolutely nothing for recommending these products, apart from the satisfaction of promoting quality products we believe in. We aim to help you streamline your pack, become more efficient and better organised.Osprey Farpoint 40L Backpack:https://www.osprey.com/farpoint-40-travel-pack-farpont40f22-296?srsltid=AfmBOooHdWeiYOUkb19RW9hzwQQ0ROs6oW2def7MVPmn7kuMzLerHjsJ&size=O%2FS&color=Muted+Space+BlueEagle Creek Packing Cubes:https://www.amazon.com/Eagle-Creek-Pack-Specter-Brilliant/dp/B00OY893Z2Osprey Travel Kit:https://www.snowleader.co.uk/en/ultralight-zip-organizer-black-OSPR01551.htmlUltralight Travel Towel:https://www.matadorequipment.com/collections/travel-towels/products/ultralight-travel-towel-largeOsprey Daypack:https://www.osprey.com/ultralight-stuff-pack?srsltid=AfmBOorJRG3_1FWVyqKTjTy_QSLLlntvJKuYGSDb2CT9nfW_XoBlhpGvPlease rate the show and help us grow! Recommend the podcast to family & friends (all of them). It makes a HUGE difference. Thank you for your continued support. It means the world.

Adam reveals all, as his South Korean adventure continues but with far less clothes than before! The South Korean capital Seoul has many public baths (known as a 'Jjimjilbang' in Korean) which include traditional saunas, steam rooms, heated pools, restaurants, and even amusement arcades. Public Baths form part of East Asian culture and visiting one is a popular pastime. Adam describes visiting the bath houses of Seoul and encourages you to do the same, whether you need some alone time to relax or if you want to ‘hang out' with friends. Remaining bare and vulnerable, in the second half of the episode the boys discuss Adam's recent breakup. Travelling evokes many emotions and when a serious relationship enters the fold, there's the potential for those feelings to be amplified. Is travelling an effective way of dealing with a breakup? Tune in to hear our thoughts and experiences, in an episode that's naked in more ways than one. Looking for travel insurance? We recommend SafetyWing! Click here to get started: ⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/tripsafetywing⁠⁠Need an onward flight? Please use this fantastic flight rental service: ⁠⁠https://onwardticket.com/tripologypodcast⁠⁠ Head to our website: tripologypodcast.comFollow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/tripologypodcast/⁠Subscribe to our YouTube channel: ⁠⁠youtube.com/@tripologypodcast⁠⁠ Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/tripologypodcast Please rate the show and help us grow! Recommend the podcast to family & friends (all of them). It makes a HUGE difference. Thank you for your continued support. It means the world.

It's a little tense this week, as Adam describes life on the North Korean border. Popular as a tourist attraction, visiting the DMZ isn't as dangerous as it may sound, unless you have someone in your tour group who insists on taking photographs! The Korean Demilitarized Zone is a heavily militarized area that runs between North and South Korea, dividing the peninsula in half. Established in 1953 as a result of the Korean Armistice agreement, the DMZ stretches 250 kilometres and is around 4 kilometres wide. The situation has flared up many times, with civilian and military casualties on both sides. Adam also shares highlights of his first week in South Korea, including spending the night in Incheon airport, and eating live octopus! Over in the Patreon section, we hear how buying a bagel turned into the "least enjoyable shopping experience" of his life! Inspired to sleep in an airport? Check this website beforehand: https://www.sleepinginairports.net/ Looking for travel insurance? We recommend SafetyWing! Click here to get started: ⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/tripsafetywing⁠⁠Need an onward flight? Please use this fantastic flight rental service: ⁠⁠https://onwardticket.com/tripologypodcast⁠⁠ Visit our website: tripologypodcast.com Join our Patreon: patreon.com/tripologypodcast Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/tripologypodcast/⁠ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: ⁠⁠youtube.com/@tripologypodcast⁠⁠ Please rate the show and help us grow! Recommend the podcast to family & friends (all of them). It makes a HUGE difference. Thank you for your continued support. It means the world.

Alun made it home for Christmas but not before squeezing Greece & Italy into his already packed itinerary! Tune in to hear all about his escapades in the ancient city of Athens, and the chic fashion mecca Milan. The trip might not have made sense but at least it was expensive. Highlights include the charming ancient ruins of Athens, a brilliant free walking tour of Milan, almost seeing Jesus Christ's death cloth, and trying to eat as much pizza as possible without arousing a dear friend's nut allergy! Speaking of nuts, if ever there was a week to join our Patreon community, it's this one! Cultures collide, as Alun attempts to peel a pistachio with chopsticks! If you have any travel questions or even if you'd just like to say hello, please contact us using the snazzy form on our website: ⁠⁠⁠tripologypodcast.com⁠⁠ City Walkers (Milan): https://www.citywalkers.eu/en/tours/milan-freetour-english/ A dangerous neighbourhood in Athens: Omonia Square, and for good measure, Milan's neighbourhoods to be wary of: Stazione Centrale, Corvetto, Quarto Oggiaro, San Siro and Rogoredo. Looking for travel insurance? We recommend SafetyWing! Click here to get started: ⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/tripsafetywing⁠⁠Need an onward flight? Please use this fantastic flight rental service: ⁠⁠https://onwardticket.com/tripologypodcast⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/tripologypodcast/⁠Subscribe to our YouTube channel: ⁠⁠youtube.com/@tripologypodcast⁠⁠ Please rate the show and help us grow! Recommend the podcast to family & friends (all of them). It makes a HUGE difference. Thank you for your continued support. It means the world.

Reunited, once again, for an episode filled with ancient mysteries! Alun's in his element, reliving his travels in Turkey, in particular the neolithic archaeological site of Göbekli Tepe. Created between 9600 and 8200 BCE, along with neighbouring Karahan Tepe, Göbekli Tepe is one of the oldest permanent human settlements ever discovered, resulting in the megalithic structures being dubbed the "world's first temple". Alun also explored the underground city of Derinkuyu, in the region of Cappadocia. This ancient multi-level labyrinth of tunnels and chambers once housed 20,000 people! Forget the hot air balloon rides and the acrophobia; suffer from claustrophobia instead! Alun's last stop was the ancient Greek city of Ephesus, including the famous Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Alun recounts spending a full day meandering through the streets, marvelling at the well preserved city ruins. Tune in for ancient mystery and wonder, in an episide that asks more questions than it answers. What was Göbekli Tepe used for? Did the Christians dig the tunnels of Derinkuyu? And just when was ancient Greece?! If you have any travel questions about Turkey and its ancient civilisations, please contact us using the snazzy form on our website: ⁠⁠⁠tripologypodcast.com⁠⁠ Join our Patreon community: patreon.com/tripologypodcast Looking for travel insurance? We recommend SafetyWing! Click here to get started: ⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/tripsafetywing⁠⁠Need an onward flight? Please use this fantastic flight rental service: ⁠⁠https://onwardticket.com/tripologypodcast⁠⁠Check out a recent review by Playpodcast.net: https://www.playpodcast.net/podcast/tripology-podcast-travel-backpacking-digital-nomadism-expat-life/Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/tripologypodcast/⁠Subscribe to our YouTube channel: ⁠⁠youtube.com/@tripologypodcast⁠⁠ Please rate the show and help us grow! Recommend the podcast to family & friends (all of them). It makes a HUGE difference. Thank you for your continued support. It means the world.

Alun relives his two months spent in the increasingly popular Georgia. After visiting Sesikeli Winery and getting drunk the ancient way, he describes the staggering 8000 year-old winemaking techniques and gives Adam a run for his money! Alun also explored the town of Gori, located in central Georgia. Infamous for being the birthplace of the locally celebrated Joseph Stalin, the experience was as strange as it was uncomfortable. Add Gori to your Dark Tourism bucket list! If you have any travel questions about Georgia, please send us an email at tripologypodcast@gmail.com Looking for travel insurance? We recommend SafetyWing! Click here to get started: ⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/tripsafetywing⁠⁠Need an onward flight? Please use this fantastic flight rental service: ⁠⁠https://onwardticket.com/tripologypodcast⁠⁠Check out a recent review by Playpodcast.net: https://www.playpodcast.net/podcast/tripology-podcast-travel-backpacking-digital-nomadism-expat-life/ Take a look at our website: ⁠⁠⁠tripologypodcast.com⁠⁠ Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/tripologypodcast/⁠⁠ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: ⁠⁠youtube.com/@tripologypodcast ⁠⁠Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/tripologypodcast Please rate the show and help us grow! Recommend the podcast to family & friends (all of them). It makes a HUGE difference. Thank you for your continued support. It means the world.

The last episode of 2024 rounds off Adam's cycling trip around Taiwan. Having cycled 1000kms over 3 weeks, Adam explains the challenges of bikepacking and shares his travel advice for anyone interested in travelling Taiwan. Rice For Breakfast returns with the most delicious edition yet! Adam claims he's found the world's best street snack. How can one island produce such a diverse range of incredible food? If you consider yourself a foodie, this one's not to be missed! If you have any questions or if you'd just like to say hello, please send us an email at tripologypodcast@gmail.com Looking for travel insurance? We recommend SafetyWing! Click here to get started: ⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/tripsafetywing⁠⁠Need an onward flight? Please use this fantastic flight rental service: ⁠⁠https://onwardticket.com/tripologypodcast⁠⁠ Check out a recent review by Playpodcast.net: https://www.playpodcast.net/podcast/tripology-podcast-travel-backpacking-digital-nomadism-expat-life/ Take a look at our website: ⁠⁠⁠tripologypodcast.com⁠⁠ Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/tripologypodcast/⁠⁠ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: ⁠⁠youtube.com/@tripologypodcast ⁠⁠Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/tripologypodcast Please rate the show and help us grow! Recommend the podcast to family & friends (all of them). It makes a HUGE difference. Thank you for your continued support. It means the world.

Adam's fulfilled his boyhood dream of bike-packing in Asia but, true to form, he's bitten off more than he can chew. 'Fresh' from hospital, Adam shares stories of his cycling trip around Taiwan, including a spectacular crash, followed by an intimate moment with a car mechanic. Tripping Point returns with a Taiwanese edition and the stakes are higher than ever. If Alun scores 4/5, Adam's agreed to fly to Scotland to be with him at Christmas. One thing's for certain: a sponsorship deal from the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company is out the window. The Huandao, meaning 'around the island' in Chinese, is a legendary cycle route around Taiwan, and should be at the top of your list if you enjoy travelling by bicycle; although, many people also walk the route! If you have any questions about cycling in Taiwan, please send us a message at tripologypodcast@gmail.com Looking for travel insurance? We recommend SafetyWing! Click here to get started: ⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/tripsafetywing⁠⁠Need an onward flight? Please use this fantastic flight rental service: ⁠⁠https://onwardticket.com/tripologypodcast⁠⁠ Check out our website: ⁠⁠⁠tripologypodcast.com⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/tripologypodcast/⁠⁠Subscribe to our YouTube channel: ⁠⁠youtube.com/@tripologypodcast⁠⁠ Please rate the show and help us grow! Recommend the podcast to family & friends (all of them). It makes a HUGE difference. Thank you for your continued support. It means the world.

It's Alun's turn this week and he's travelling Armenia! Part of the Caucasus region and wedged between Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Iran, this alternative tourist destination is steeped in history. Using the capital Yerevan as a base, he's conceded that joining a tour group is sometimes the best option. Stay tuned for the second half, as Alun describes the worst hostel guest he's ever encountered! How can one solo traveller cause so much chaos? Send us a message if you'd like information on backpacking around Armenia: tripologypodcast@gmail.com Looking for travel insurance? We recommend SafetyWing! Click here to get started: ⁠https://tinyurl.com/tripsafetywing⁠ Need an onward flight? Please use this fantastic flight rental service: ⁠https://onwardticket.com/tripologypodcast⁠ Check out our website: ⁠⁠tripologypodcast.com⁠ Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/tripologypodcast/⁠ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: ⁠youtube.com/@tripologypodcast⁠ Please rate the show and help us grow! Recommend the podcast to family & friends (all of them). It makes a HUGE difference. Thank you for your continued support. It means the world.

Ethics go out the window this week, as Adam's not only riding camels but he's doing it without underwear! Continuing his road trip around Rajasthan, Adam arrives in the 'Golden City' of Jaisalmer, where he embarked on a camel safari that both he and the camel will never forget. We also hear of a treacherous journey involving some of the rudest hotel staff Adam's ever encountered. Stranded at midnight, in the middle of nowhere, and with the staff refusing to help, Adam had to think fast. Looking for travel insurance? We recommend SafetyWing! Click here to get started: https://tinyurl.com/tripsafetywing Need an onward flight? Please use this fantastic flight rental service: https://onwardticket.com/tripologypodcast Searching for accommodation in Jaisalmer? Stay here! https://openroadadventures.in/open-road-hostel-and-cafe-jaisalmer-hostel If you'd like travel tips or travel advice for India, please send us an email at tripologypodcast@gmail.com Check out our website: ⁠tripologypodcast.comFollow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/tripologypodcast/Subscribe to our YouTube channel: youtube.com/@tripologypodcast Please rate the show and help us grow! Recommend the podcast to family & friends (all of them). It makes a HUGE difference. Thank you for your continued support. It means the world.

Visiting historic forts, temples and palaces, as one tends to do in Rajasthan, can get a bit 'samey'... so why not head out into the desert and attend an opium ceremony? The Bishnoi community of northern India, known for their love and respect for nature and wildlife, practice a ceremony involving the consumption of opium. Adam describes meeting the Bishnoi people as part of a rather interactive tour. Need travel insurance? We recommend SafetyWing! Click here to get started: https://tinyurl.com/tripsafetywing If you're interested in experiencing life in the Thar Desert, check this out: ⁠https://salawashomestay.com/⁠ We'd love to hear from you! Send us an email at ⁠tripologypodcast@gmail.com⁠ Check out our website: ⁠⁠tripologypodcast.com⁠ Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/tripologypodcast/⁠ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: ⁠youtube.com/@tripologypodcast⁠ Join our Patreon: patreon.com/tripologypodcast Please rate the show and help us grow! Recommend the podcast to family & friends (all of them). It makes a HUGE difference. Thank you for your continued support. It means the world.

Alun's been travelling for 12 months and was in need of a travel reset, so decided to rent an apartment in the trendy city of Tbilisi, Georgia. Routine and relaxation turned into chaos when Alun's Airbnb flooded during the night. High pressure jets of water spraying all over the house at 3am? Just the authentic Georgian experience he was hoping for! We'd love to hear from you! Send us an email at tripologypodcast@gmail.com Check out our website: ⁠tripologypodcast.comFollow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/tripologypodcast/Subscribe to our YouTube channel: youtube.com/@tripologypodcast Please rate the show and help us grow! Recommend the podcast to family & friends (all of them). It makes a HUGE difference. Thank you for your continued support. It means the world.

Fancy a surprise vacation? Click the Journee link: https://journee1.pro.typeform.com/to/ASLAjq#source=tripology Historical forts and palaces but the world's most advanced food-delivery service? Rajasthan, The Land of Kings, once consisted of more than 20 states and boasts a rich, colourful history. Where better to begin a road trip around India's largest state than its pink capital, Jaipur? Living like a King, Adam's racked up large bills on private drivers, tourist attractions, and cow conservation taxes... Yep, you read that right. We'd love to hear from you! Send us an email at tripologypodcast@gmail.com Check out our website: ⁠tripologypodcast.com Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/tripologypodcast/ Join our Patreon: patreon.com/tripologypodcast Subscribe to our YouTube channel: youtube.com/@tripologypodcast Please rate the show and help us grow! Recommend the podcast to family & friends (all of them). It makes a HUGE difference. Thank you for your continued support. It means the world.

It's the first episode of a new era, as we part ways and the podcast goes remote, again! The recording was fraught with technical issues and poor wifi connections, hence the creative video work! Alun's exploring Azerbaijan and discovering firsthand that not every country is backpacker-friendly. Whether it's the lack of backpacking infrastructure for solo travellers, the limited and expensive transport options, or the encounters with creepy-crawlies, travelling Azerbaijan presents some challenges. Alun shares the highlight of his trip: visiting Gobustan, where he viewed the famous petroglyphs and rock art; carvings which are an incredible 40,000 years old! He also tells of a nightmare taxi ride involving a collapsed bridge and an intense altercation with the taxi driver which resulted in Alun receiving a bottle to the head! We'd love to hear from you! Send us an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠tripologypodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit our website: tripologypodcast.com Join our Patreon: patreon.com/tripologypodcast Follow us on Instagram: instragram.com/tripologypodcast Subscribe to our YouTube channel: youtube.com/@tripologypodcast Please rate the show and help us grow! Recommend the podcast to family & friends (all of them). It makes a HUGE difference. Thank you for your continued support. It means the world.

Fancy a surprise vacation? Click the Journee link: https://journee1.pro.typeform.com/to/ASLAjq#source=tripology Prepare to resonate... Inspired by the blunt advice of a drunk man in Lisbon, this episode contains soundbites which might make you reflect. Adam turns 35 but the celebrations are cut short. Is he too old to travel? Are you too old to travel? We discuss the challenges of backpacking in your 30s. Existential crisis, here we come! We'd love to hear from you! Send us an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠tripologypodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Check out our website: ⁠tripologypodcast.com Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/tripologypodcast/ Join our Patreon: patreon.com/tripologypodcast TripSavvy article: https://www.tripsavvy.com/backpacking-as-a-40-something-5069435 Please rate the show and help us grow! Recommend the podcast to family & friends (all of them). It makes a HUGE difference. Thank you for your continued support. It means the world.

Fancy a surprise vacation? Click the Journee link: https://journee1.pro.typeform.com/to/ASLAjq#source=tripology The ever-unsuspecting Alun was set upon by a swarm of deadly wasps! Suffering intense pain and completely blacking out, we managed to record this episode just hours after Alun coming round- his commitment to the podcast is unparalleled! As the road trip around Oman continues, Alun's concerned his driving isn't being appreciated. Alun's Miscellaneous Travel Item returns, involving Adam's detailed review of Alun's driving so far. And things get too close for comfort, as we encounter a late-night mystery beast. We're almost certain it was an enormous wolf. Or a donkey. Probably a wolf, though. Check out the images on the video version of the podcast and send us an email with your thoughts! What did you think of the episode? Send your emails to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠tripologypodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Check out our website: ⁠tripologypodcast.com Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/@tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Please rate the show and help us grow! Feel free to recommend the podcast to family & friends (all of them). It makes a HUGE difference. Thank you for your continued support. It means the world.

Nature lovers and coffee addicts! After a few days in Muscat, Oman's capital city, we hit the road to begin our wild camping road trip. Bucket-lists in hand, we set up camp at Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve. Watching the endangered green turtles make their nests and lay their eggs was a National Geographic documentary brought to life! Is budget travel possible in Oman? We share our travel tips and advice. One thing we do know is recording a podcast in the back of a car comes with its challenges and the Middle Eastern heat is one of them. Adam's phone melted and the video was unusable; we hope you enjoy the carousel of psychedelic images. Send your travel stories to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠tripologypodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Check out our website: ⁠tripologypodcast.comFollow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to our YouTube channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/@tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join our Patreon: patreon.com/tripologypodcast Please rate the show and help us grow! Feel free to recommend the podcast to family & friends (all of them). It makes a HUGE difference. Thank you for your continued support. It means the world.

Fancy a surprise vacation? Click the Journee link: https://journee1.pro.typeform.com/to/ASLAjq#source=tripology We ended our Pakistan adventure in one of Asia's great food cities: Lahore. Welcomed by a flash flood that turned the streets into rivers, we swam upstream to taste the city's delights. Have you ever eaten so much food you've vomited? No? Just Adam, then. We also attended the Attari-Wagah border ceremony, performed by the Indian and Pakistani security forces. Imagine extraordinarily tall men, in uniform, kicking their legs to patriotic music. But which country's army can get their legs the highest? Rice for Breakfast returns with a Pakistan special: 5 Must-try Foods in Pakistan. Come hungry, and please let us know if you spot a vegetable! Send your travel stories to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠tripologypodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Check out our website: ⁠tripologypodcast.com Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/@tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Please rate the show and help us grow! Feel free to recommend the podcast to family & friends (all of them). It makes a HUGE difference. Thank you for your continued support. It means the world.

An 8-hour drive quickly turned into 18 on this rollercoaster of a hitchhiking journey! Travelling from Fairy Meadows in the Gilgit-Baltistan region, all the way to Islamabad, we were lucky to be picked up by an enormous truck. No amount of road blocks, traffic police, or exploding tires could stop us! Hostel Common Room is back with some very useful travel advice. How can you earn money and further your career whilst travelling? Tune in to find out! Do you have travel stories to share? Send your messages to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠tripologypodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Check out our website: https://tinyurl.com/tripologywebsite Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/@tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join our PATREON: patreon.com/tripologypodcast Please rate the show and help us grow! Feel free to recommend the podcast to family & friends (all of them). It makes a HUGE difference. Thank you for your continued support. It means the world.

Dangerous jeep rides, night trekking, and perhaps the shortest shorts in Pakistan! Fairy Meadows is a popular tourist destination for travellers in Pakistan but is it worth the hype? Hitchhiking through the Hunza Valley, all the way to Fairy Meadows, we were excited to discover what all the fuss was about. What we discovered was a nonsensical transport system and a distinct lack of unicorns! Let us know what you think of the show! Send your messages to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠tripologypodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/@tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join our PATREON: patreon.com/tripologypodcast Feel free to recommend the podcast to family & friends (all of them). Please rate the show and help us grow! It makes a HUGE difference. Thank you for your continued support. It means the world.

We're in high spirits this week, at 4300m! We hiked to Patundas Meadows and lived to tell the tale… just! Jaw-dropping scenery and a few near-death experiences ensured this was a trek we'll never forget. Touted as Pakistan's most beautiful hike, this stunning route crosses the unpredictable Passu glacier, before ascending to the serene and expansive Patundas Meadows. It's a real challenge reaching the summit but neither altitude sickness nor the local wildlife could stop us! Let us know what you think of the show! Send your messages to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠tripologypodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Check out SafetyWing's fantastic travel cover here! https://safetywing.com/?referenceID=26035801&utm_source=26035801&utm_medium=Ambassador Hunza Mountain Tours & Homestay - Connect with Ali, Rehman & Sitara on Instagram: @hunzamountaintours @explore.with.umair Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: ⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/@tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join our Patreon: patreon.com/tripologypodcast Please rate the show and help us grow! It makes a HUGE difference. Feel free to recommend the podcast to family & friends (all of them). Thank you for your continued support. It means the world.

Adventurous, risky, and a little bit stupid; we tried crossing a glacier with no guide and no daylight. Tune in to find out what happens if you descend onto a moving glacier with nothing but a rough idea! Pakistan contains significant amounts of glacial ice and some of the world's most beautiful glaciers, and hiking these glaciers is a highlight of any trip to Pakistan. The stakes are high as we also test Alun on his wildlife knowledge, in the return of everyone's favourite travel quiz: Tripping Point. Play along, with a can of bear spray at the ready! Send your messages to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠tripologypodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: ⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/@tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join our Patreon: patreon.com/tripologypodcast Feel free to recommend the podcast to family & friends (all of them). Please rate the show and help us grow! It makes a HUGE difference. Thank you for your continued support. It means the world.

You get what you pay for! This week, we jumped aboard the NATCO bus service travelling from Mastuj to Gilgit, via the Shandur Pass and the world's highest polo ground. Breakdowns, landslides, and multiple flat tires ensured we arrived 8 hours later than scheduled. Continuing the theme, we checked ourselves into what is almost certainly the worst hotel in Pakistan. Like a pair of Backpacking Bargain Hunters, the electricity shortages, insects, and strong smell of smoke couldn't prevent us snagging a deal! How cheap are you? Send your messages to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠tripologypodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: ⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/@tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join our Patreon: patreon.com/tripologypodcast Feel free to recommend the podcast to family & friends (all of them). Please rate the show and help us grow! It makes a HUGE difference. Thank you for your continued support. It means the world.

This week we received hospitality and kindness like never before! Taken in by a Pakistani local, treated like family and sent on our way, Pakistani people really are special. However, the Pakistan Police Force showing a keen interest in a foreigner's whereabouts is also to be expected when travelling Pakistan, even if that means deploying armed officers to sleep in the room next door! Have you experienced security like this whilst travelling? Send a message to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠tripologypodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: ⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/@tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join our Patreon: patreon.com/tripologypodcast Feel free to recommend the podcast to family & friends (all of them). Please rate the show and help us grow! It makes a HUGE difference. Thank you for your continued support. It means the world.

After a brief tea break where we almost converted to Islam, we made our way to Kalash Valley, to stay with the indigenous Kalash people: an ancient tribe residing in the area for thousands of years. Kalash Valley is both beautiful and peaceful, and if you stay there long enough, you may just get invited to a wedding! The Kalash people are considered unique among the people of Pakistan; with a population of around 4000, they traditionally practice a form of ancient Hinduism. The women are known for wearing incredibly bright and decorative handmade garments, which you may have already seen on a documentary or two! Thought to be the descendants of Alexander the Great's warriors, some Kalash people have fair skin, blonde hair and blue eyes. Have you encountered an ancient civilization? Send your stories and messages to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠tripologypodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen on Pocketcasts: https://pocketcasts.com/tripologypodcast Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: ⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/@tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join our Patreon: patreon.com/tripologypodcast Feel free to recommend the podcast to family & friends (all of them). Please rate the show and help us grow! It makes a HUGE difference. Thank you for your continued support. It means the world.

Surreal and excessive! This week we were escorted to the Pakistan/Afghanistan border by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police. Leaving Islamabad and heading west, we spent 3 days in Peshawar: a great city just 50kms from the Afghanistan border. We tried our best to blend in and move around with some degree of freedom; however, we were informed by our hotel staff that armed security was essential. Travelling in a convoy towards the Khyber Pass and accompanied by a team of heavily armed policemen, we arrived at Jamrud Fort- built in 1836 by Hari Singh Nalwa, Commander-in-chief of the Sikh Khalsa Army, the army of the Sikh Empire. Keep a low profile and listen from a safe space! What did you think of the episode? Send a message to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠tripologypodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen on Pocketcasts: https://pocketcasts.com/tripologypodcast Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: ⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/@tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join our PATREON: patreon.com/tripologypodcast Feel free to recommend the podcast to family & friends (all of them). Please rate the show and help us grow! It makes a HUGE difference. Thank you for your continued support. It means the world.

It's farewell to India and hello to Pakistan! After an exceptional 6 months travelling India, we reflect on our time there, discuss what we've learnt, and get all excited about landing in Islamabad: Pakistan's modern capital. Islamabad is a city that's really taken us by surprise! Peaceful, calm, and extremely clean, Islamabad is a breath of fresh air; the city's a great starting point for a tour around Pakistan. We also play a game of Tripological Reasoning and bus rides are the theme. Make sure you've eaten your breakfast before listening! Have you travelled Pakistan? Send a message to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠tripologypodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/tripologypodcast⁠⁠ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: ⁠⁠youtube.com/@tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠ Join our PATREON: patreon.com/tripologypodcast Feel free to recommend the podcast to family & friends (all of them). Please rate the show and help us grow! It makes a HUGE difference. Thank you for your continued support. It means the world.

Alun's quest to see wild tigers continues as we head to Sundarbans mangrove forest in the Bay of Bengal. Rickshaws, taxis, trains and many boats took us to the largest mangrove forest on planet earth. Wildlife enthusiasts travel from all over the world to spot tigers here. Did we get lucky? Tune in to find out! The Sundarbans, located in the south-west of Bangladesh and eastern India, is the largest contiguous mangrove forest in the world; 60% of the property lies in Bangladesh and 40% in India. The site supports exceptional biodiversity in its terrestrial, aquatic and marine habitats, and is considered a core breeding area for a number of endangered species: the Royal Bengal Tiger, Ganges and Irawadi dolphins, estuarine crocodiles, and the critically endangered endemic river terrapin. Have you seen an endangered species in the wild? Send a message to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠tripologypodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/tripologypodcast⁠ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: ⁠youtube.com/@tripologypodcast⁠⁠ Join our PATREON: patreon.com/tripologypodcast Feel free to recommend the podcast to family & friends (all of them). Please rate the show and help us grow! It makes a HUGE difference. Thank you for your continued support. It means the world.

We've left India! Live from Dubai airport, and thwarted by a 14-hour delay, we recorded our first ever airport special. Spoiler alert: we're on our way to Pakistan, but not before enjoying everything Dubai airport has to offer. Tired, drunk, and duty-free, this episode is sure to spark your wanderlust. What's wrong with taking advantage of the perfume testers? Would a fly be able to board a plane and settle in a new destination? And does landing in an airport mean you've visited the country? Tune in to hear all this and more! What's your favourite airport? Send a message to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠tripologypodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/tripologypodcast⁠ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: ⁠youtube.com/@tripologypodcast⁠⁠ Join our Patreon: patreon.com/tripologypodcast Listen on Castbox: tinyurl.com/tripologycastbox Feel free to recommend the podcast to family & friends (all of them). Please rate the show and help us grow! It makes a HUGE difference. Thank you for your continued support. It means the world.

We're in high spirits and back together again, but this time in the east Indian city of Kolkata! Alun's been on a pilgrimage of sorts, following in the footsteps of Buddha himself. Tune in to hear Alun's tales of visiting three very important Buddhist sites- Bodh Gaya: Buddha's place of enlightenment, Sarnath: where Buddha taught his first sermon, and Kushinagar: Buddha's final resting place. Stay tuned for the second half of the episode, as Alun shares an unfortunate event in which both him and his phone go swimming in some rather dirty waters! Have you embarked on a pilgrimage? Send a message to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠tripologypodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠instagram.com/tripologypodcast Subscribe to our YouTube channel: youtube.com/@tripologypodcast⁠ Join our PATREON: patreon.com/tripologypodcast Check out our profile on Castbox: tinyurl.com/tripologycastbox Feel free to recommend the podcast to family & friends (all of them). Please rate the show and help us grow! It makes a HUGE difference. Thank you for your continued support. It means the world.

This week we disclose our most embarrassing travel moments! Expect plenty of nudity, vomiting, and an intimate encounter with a Bolivian squirrel monkey- A literal eargasm, if you will. We also discuss how 10 years of travel has changed us, and share the advice we give to new travellers. This episode is not to be missed! What's your most embarrassing travel moment? Send a message to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠tripologypodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/tripologypodcast⁠ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: ⁠youtube.com/@tripologypodcast⁠⁠ Join our Patreon: patreon.com/tripologypodcast Feel free to recommend the podcast to family & friends (all of them). Please rate the show and help us grow! It makes a HUGE difference. Thank you for your continued support. It means the world.

'Hostel Common Room' returns with a fantastic question from a fellow Tripologist. We discuss the moral dilemma of owning pets and travelling for extended periods. Is there a right answer? We also recount a recent hiking adventure, involving diverse landscapes, wrong turns, and a chocolate brownie induced panic attack! What's your view on travel & pets? Send a message to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠tripologypodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠instagram.com/tripologypodcast Subscribe to our YouTube channel: youtube.com/@tripologypodcast⁠ Join our Patreon: patreon.com/tripologypodcast Feel free to recommend the podcast to family & friends (all of them). Please rate the show and help us grow! It makes a HUGE difference. Thank you for your continued support. It means the world.

Taxi scams and dangerous mountain roads a plenty, in this hellish episode that covers a journey we don't want to repeat in a hurry! Cab drivers falling asleep whilst listening to a live performance of TRIPOLOGY? How rude! Travelling in a group has its perks, and one of those is splitting costs to help extend the ol' travel budget. However, private vehicles and taxis aren't always safe and stress-free, as we found out on our journey from Dehradun in Uttarakhand, to Shimla in Himachal Pradesh. Stay tuned for the second half of the episode, where Alun introduces a cheeky and potentially unhygienic edition of ‘Tripological Reasoning' that we're sure will resonate with many of you! We'd love to hear from you! Send a message to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠tripologypodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠instagram.com/tripologypodcast Subscribe to our YouTube channel: youtube.com/@tripologypodcast⁠ Join our Patreon: patreon.com/tripologypodcast Feel free to recommend the podcast to family & friends (all of them). Please rate the show and help us grow! It makes a HUGE difference. Thank you for your continued support. It means the world.