POPULARITY
Sometimes life can happen and your bag suffers wear and tear - but sometimes the airlines can be blamed for property damage too. If you've noticed an airline has damaged your bag, you can get repairs or a replacement by utilising your insurance, but it's important to fie a report before you leave the airport. BloggerAtLarge writer Megan Singleton unveiled the steps you need to take. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rome draws in millions of tourists every year - and with more travellers comes more people looking to take advantage of them. The shell game, the friendship bracelet, the Colosseum ticket tout and the fake police officer are just some of the scams groups run on tourists in order to steal their money. BloggerAtLarge's Megan Singleton reveals how to get ahead of these scams - read more about it here. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Megan Singleton was recently in New Orleans, and she's opening up about the best food she tried there. Brennan's is a historic institution best known for their Bananas Foster, and Megan's written down the recipe for the highly requested dish. Read more here. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Sunday 17 May 2026, investigative journalist Patrick Radden Keefe has spent his career bringing little known true crime stories into the mainstream. He joins Francesca to talk about his new book 'London Falling' which follows the parents of teenager Zac Brettler as they uncover the truth behind their sons death. Legendary guitarist Tommy Emmanuel performs live in studio and talks through is six decade long career. Education Minister Erica Stanford runs us through the new national secondary school qualification announced to replace NCEA, while Francesca discusses how funding Wegovy could be a gamechanger in New Zealand. And ever struggled to get a sun lounger on holiday? Well one fed up tourist has sued his tour operator over his inability to secure a sun bathing spot. Travel contributor Megan Singleton runs us through the case and why it has hotels and resorts cracking down on lounger hoggers. Get the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast every Sunday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Holidaymakers have revealed how some hotels and resorts are cracking down on people reserving sun loungers with towels, after a man won a payout over the practice. This follows the man successfully suing his tour operator for allowing the practice to take place while he was on holiday with his family in 2024, claiming he spent 20 minutes a day trying to find a sun lounger early in the morning. Bloggeratlarge writer Megan Singleton explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Travel expert Megan Singleton's been in New York seeing the sights, and making some unexpected discoveries. After she learned the Abyssinian Baptist Church was booked out, she checked out the spring blossoms in Central Park, explored the Met and visited Little Island - which is built on wine glass shaped stilts across 4 acres in the Hudson River. Read more of Megan's travel tips here. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BloggerAtLarge.com writer Megan Singleton's been exploring Nashville and taking in the city's history. She got to go to the Grand Ole Opry and listen to the Oakridge Boys singing Elvira - as well as take some studio tours. Read more about Megan's experience here. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Megan's on another visit to New Orleans and she's found some new spots to check out. She's being checking out the local cuisine and exploring the bars - and the historic Storyville Museum. Read more about her experiences here. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BloggerAtLarge's Megan Singleton has been exploring America, but she's noticed some extra security in Washington DC? She's staying near some of the city's biggest museums, but she's noticed extra police gathered around some key monuments. Read more about Megan's tips for Washington DC here. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Travel expert Megan Singleton's set to spend Easter in New York, and she's revealed her itinerary for making the most of the holiday. She's set to head to a gospel church in Harlem on Easter Sunday - the Abyssinian Baptist Church founded in 1808 where Martin Luther King and Malcom X attended. She plans to catch an afternoon game at Yankee Stadium, and then head to the Plaza hotel for an afternoon high tea. Read more about Megan's travel experiences here. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Travel expert Megan Singleton has revealed her secret trick for getting discounts on hotels. In the months before your trip, if you open Booking.com and reserve a refundable room and lock it in for the dates you need, come back and check about two days before your payment will be taken. Then, you go back into Booking.com and add your dates in again and see what the prices are, and it's likely you'll find that prices have dropped. Read more about Megan's travel tips here. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The conflict in the Middle East has continued for another week, and there's concerns from industry experts about it impacting tourism. Intrepid Travel's chief executive recently confirmed travellers are delaying their plans until the second half of the year in the hope disruption caused by the Iran war will be resolved. BloggerAtLarge.com writer Megan Singleton says people are concerned about the impact of fuel prices driving up the cost of flights. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's spring on the other side of the world, which means it's almost peak cherry blossom season in Washington DC. There's over 3000 cherry blossom trees in America's capital, and BloggerAtLarge writer Megan Singleton says timing is everything when it comes to seeing them in bloom. Megan outlined her travel tips - read more about what she recommends here. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Travelling can get expensive, but Megan Singleton's unveiled a solution to keep track of costs. The Splitwise app can add up expenses and reveal a total of who owes what to whom when you're travelling in a group. Megan explained further - read more of her travel tips here. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Megan Singleton recently took a staycation an hour and a half out of Auckland to check out the new Clements Hotel. The hotel is housed in the oldest commercial building in Cambridge and used to be the infamous old Masonic Hotel. Megan unpacked the new changes - check out the full review here. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The final piece of Barcelona's Sagrada Familia has been laid in place. This brings the church to its maximum final height 144 years after work began. BloggerAtLarge.com writer Megan Singleton explained the significance of this development. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Sunday 22 February 2026, acclaimed film director Baz Luhrmann is returning to the world of Elvis with a stunning new concert documentary. Baz talks about finding hours of unseen footage in old Warner Brothers salt mines and the arduous job of bringing the King back to life no the big screen. When Whakaari-White Island erupted in December 2019, tour guide Kelsey Waghorn thought she was going to die. She joins Francesca to talk about how she survived and her lengthy recovery from her burns. Former US Under Secretary of Commerce and Security talks about Donald Trump's reaction to his tariffs being ruled illegal, while Francesca calls for the US to take the UK's lead in investigating those involved with Epstein, so his victims can finally have justice. And after 144 years of construction, Sagrada Familia has hit a major milestone. Travel blogger Megan Singleton shares an update and some travel tips for anyone off to see Barcelona's famous church. Get the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast every Sunday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With the new year getting underway, blogger and travel expert Megan Singleton revealed how to make the most out of your next big trip. She's revealed how to save money on international bank fees, how to prepare for airport security and what to do if your luggage gets damaged. Read more of her tips and tricks here. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thai Airways recently confirmed the return of its non-stop flight route from Auckland to Bangkok - set to launch in the second half of 2026. The Covid-19 pandemic saw a halt to flights, which included the direct link between the two cities, shutting down in March 2020. BloggerAtLarge.com writer Megan Singleton explained further - and revealed her itinerary for a perfect four days in Thailand. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dolly Parton recently revealed her new SongTeller Hotel in Nashville will be open to the public this June. Fans can reserve their spots ahead of the opening, and pictures have been revealed - letting prospective travellers know what to expect. BloggerAtLarge.com writer Megan Singleton explained what the hotel has on offer, including a themed bar and I Will Always Love You romance packages. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There's a new trend emerging in the world of travel, and experts say it could help people recharge like never before. 'Skillcations' are designed to help people learn new skills while on vacation, allowing them to return to work feeling motivated without sacrificing relaxation time. BloggerAtLarge.com writer Megan Singleton explained the trend further, and opened up about her experiences with learning to surf at Bondi Beach and learning to tango in Buenos Aires. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2026 is getting under way, and prospective travellers have outlined their top spots for the new year. Bali, London and Dubai make up the top three, with Rome, Marrakech and New York rounding out the list. BloggerAtLarge.com writer Megan Singleton explained further - check out the full list here. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Everyone loves a Christmas market, and travel expert Megan Singleton's examining an unconventional method to explore some of the best overseas. Megan's explored some of the best Christmas markets from the cruise ships, and she's revealed whether or not she recommends the experience. Read more about Megan's travel tips here. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Megan's been exploring the US, and she's unveiling her travel hacks for getting around on the trains. She recently took the train from Boston to New York, and she weighed up the pros and cons of getting around the US on the train. Read more about Megan's experiences here. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Megan Singleton's been working her way through the US - and she concluded her latest adventure with a few days in New York. The winter season is getting underway, meaning people are flocking to the city to take in a New York Christmas. Megan unveiled her highlights, check out more here. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Megan Singleton's travelling through the US, and she spent some time in Boston before heading to New York. She started off in the historic Beacon Hill neighbourhood before moving down to the up and coming Seaport District, and she shared her highlights from both areas. Read more about Megan's experience here. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The US Government shutdown is continuing on with no end in sight, and it's starting to impact travel. While essential services will continue, air travel and passport renewals are among the services being disrupted, meaning travel in and out of the US is set to get more complicated. BloggerAtLarge.com Megan Singleton unpacks the delays further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Megan Singleton's been taking in Rarotonga, and she recently got the chance to try out a unique snorkelling experience. She got the chance to try out sea scooter snorkelling, and she recapped her 'amazing' experience. Read more about Megan's Rarotonga experience here. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Megan Singleton's latest travel adventure has taken her to Rarotonga, and she's noticed more people seem to be flocking to the islands. Between the variety of accommodation options, the bars and restaurants and wildlife - including crabs, whales, friendly dogs and turtles to snorkel with - there's plenty of options for all prospective travellers. Megan unveiled her personal highlights - read more about her travel tips here. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Holiday Inn Express recently unveiled a new morning alarm system that's designed to be more pleasant than a blaring clock. The Holiday Inn Express Breakfast Alarm Clock is designed to wake guests up with the smell of bacon, coffee or muffins. BloggerAtLarge's Megan Singleton got the chance to try it out to find out if this technology's worth the hype. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's common for people to want to build a trip around a big event, but waiting for the flights and hotels to line up can be tricky. Booking things at the last minute can add on a bunch of extra costs, so BloggerAtLarge writer Megan Singleton revealed how you can get ahead and make a booking. She also revealed how to make the most out of a cancellation policy - read more about her travel tips here. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Sunday 21 September 2025, former 'First Bloke' Clarke Gayford on his involvement in new documentary 'Prime Minister' and why he filmed candid footage of Jacinda Ardern's time in office. German investigative journalist Sonke Iwerson talks about his new book 'The Tesla Files' and how he came to investigate the Elon Musk firm. Republicans and right wing conservatives are speaking out with concerns over the suspension of late night host Jimmy Kimmel. Associate law professor Jacob Schriner-Briggs explains the situation. The panel debate whether Labour should rule out working with Te Pati Māori. And Travel blogger Megan Singleton gives us a flexi-care travel hack. Get the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast every Sunday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Turns out you can get more out of Air New Zealand's flexichange service than previously expected. BloggerAtLarge writer Megan Singleton recently revealed you can change the destination and date as part of the flexichange package on domestic flights - which can come in handy for unexpected events. Megan revealed how you can take advantage of this travel hack - read more here. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Destination Facebook groups are a useful tool to utilise while travelling - and they can help you be better prepared in the face of disaster. Between natural disasters, adverse weather conditions or mosquito outbreaks, online communities can be useful to get perspective from the locals to prepare for all kinds of scenarios. BloggerAtLarge writer Megan Singleton explained further - read more about it here. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Megan recently tried to fly to Hawke's Bay, but her travel plans ground to a halt after rolling sea fog stopped the flight in its tracks. Air New Zealand requested that the passengers line up and get booked on new flights, but Megan checked on her Air NZ app and found a way forward - on a flight that left later that day. She revealed her latest travel hack - so everyone else could be prepared. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Sunday 7 September 2025, after 15 years, the end of Downton Abbey is here. Key cast members join Francesca to talk about saying goodbye to the Crawley's and the Downton world. Biographer Andrew Lownie's explosive book 'Entitled' has been referred to as the final nail in the coffin for Prince Andrew. Andrew Lownie tells Francesca about the content of the book and reveals just how much the Queen knew about her sons behaviour. The All Blacks have defended their fortress Eden Park, former All Black Ant Strachan with his take on the victory over the Springboks. John Campbell talks about his investigation into Destiny Church and why he's continuing to look into Brian Tamaki and his followers. And got a delayed or cancelled flight? Travel blogger Megan Singleton has got the ultimate hack for you. Get the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast every Sunday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New Orleans was hit hard by Hurricane Katrina 20 years ago, and the damage didn't stop there. The levies around the city broke in the days after the Hurricane, flooding parts of the city and destroying countless buildings. BloggerAtLarge.com writer Megan Singleton has visited the city many times since, and says it's succesful recovery to a vibrant, musical city has been outstanding. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Japan is making significant changes to its tourism landscape, with new measures taking effect by late 2026. Japan will end tax-free shopping benefits for foreign visitors, estabish dual pricing and establish visitor caps at popular tourist spots. BloggerAtLarge's Megan Singleton explains further - and reveals whether these will make a dent in Japan's tourism figures. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Every day, thousands of items are confiscated from travellers everywhere, meaning it's important to remember what you can and can't pack before your next flight. Weapons and explosives are obviously a no-go, but there's plenty of lists to consult about what you can pack in your checked bag - and what has to stay in your carry-on. BloggerAtLarge writer Megan Singleton explains further - and reveals what can happen if you don't pack your power banks properly. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Megan Singleton's continued her travels, and she's recently taken in Thailand's Koh Samui. Koh Samui is an island in the Gulf of Thailand, about half-way down the country, and it's an easy destination for those looking to skip Bangkok. She recapped her highlights from the trip here. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BloggerAtLarge.com writer Megan Singleton's latest stop is in Bangkok, Thailand, and she's been taking it all in. Despite the muggy weather, Megan's been able to get around via water taxi, and it's allowed her to take in some shopping and dining - and she's also experienced the Sky Train. She recapped her experience further here today. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Let's talk Santa Monica. I've added lots of new content to this post with my favourite spots to dine with a view. Or just have a drink! I had 24 hours there but have also stayed about a dozen times all up. It's sad how many shops are shut along pedestrianised Third Street, but there are lots more restaurants and bars to try. https://www.bloggeratlarge.com/fab-rooftop-bars-around-santa-monica/ And I nailed a whipped aubergine dip recipe from famousElephanté restaurant and added a new post on that too. It tastes so good! https://www.bloggeratlarge.com/elephante-whipped-eggplant-dip-copycat-recipe-nailed-it/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Megan Singleton's continued her journey into Santa Monica, California - and she's been taking in the sights, sounds and rooftop bars. She's been working her way through the area's best-reviewed restaurants and eateries, and she's even experienced the infamous driverless taxis in the region. Read more about Megan's experience here. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
If you're in a position where you can upgrade your seat for a long haul flight, there's still a debate to be had about which seat is better. Air New Zealand's Skycouch allows travellers the freedom to lie down on the plane - but how does it compare to the reclining seats in Premium Economy? BloggerAtLarge's Megan Singleton compared the two - and wrote a review on her blog here. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
One of ZB's resident travel experts, Megan Singleton, has been taking in the sights of the US - and this week, she's opening up about her experience with Dollywood. Dollywood ppened in 1986 in Pigeon Forge on the site of former attractions dating back to the 1960s, and it's a must see for fans of Dolly Parton, or even fans of the old west. Megan Singleton detailed her experience - and revealed why she also recommends taking in the Smoky Mountains. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's an interesting time to be in the US, with protests erupting across the nation in response the the actions of the Trump administration. Tens of thousands have taken to the streets across all 50 states, with the aim of “rejecting authoritarianism, billionaire-first politics, and the militarisation of our democracy”. Megan Singleton is in Chicago at the moments - and she opened up about the realties of travelling through the US during a turbulent time. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The school holidays are coming up in a few weeks, and BloggerAtLarge's Megan Singleton has unveiled a fun travel hack powered by AI. Using ChatGPT or similar platforms, parents can now easily create scavenger hunt lists for any location, be it Rotorua or Sydney or even Ireland! Read more about Megan's ideas here. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
People are always looking to make the most of their trips - and BloggerAtLarge writer Megan Singleton revealed how you can find the undiscovered gems wherever you go. She recommends taking advantage of social media and Facebook community groups to discover what the locals enjoy. Read more of Megan's tips and tricks here. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BloggerAtLarge's Megan Singleton has been gallivanting through Mexico City - and she's outlined her 4-day itinerary full of recommendations for exploring the region. She highlighted the historic museums, the cathedral, the Pyramids of Teotihuacan - and a wide range of dining options. Read more about Megan's experience here. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Disney's latest theme park destination will be in the United Arab Emirates, on a relatively new tourist island already packed with amusement parks, a golf course, indoor skydiving and a stadium. Construction on the project hasn't started as of yet - and industry reports indicate it could take at least six years before the park opens to Disney fans. BloggerAtLarge.com writer Megan Singleton says the project will be an indoor park - a different look to the company's other parks. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.