Podcasts about off the beaten track

After playing it safe following the Covid-19 pandemic, Australian travellers are spreading their wings and rediscovering their passion for travelling to destinations far and wide. 

Kennedy discusses the short film Think Like a Forest, screening on TVNZ+. The film expresses the vision of Recloaking Papatuanuku, an ambitious environmental restoration proposition aimed at restoring our indigenous forests and wetlands.

Kennedy joins Nine to Noon from the Twin Coast Cycle Trail, among the mangroves of the Waikare Inlet near Opua. 

Kennedy joins Nine to Noon from the windswept Northland coast. He's been exploring the Whananaki Track, which runs between Whananaki (a coastal settlement opposite the Poor Knights Islands) and Sandy Bay, part of the Tutukaka Coast.

In today's Czechia in 30 Minutes: Brno's Masaryk circuit gearing up for Moto GP race weekend; Texas flood disaster: Czech rescue team joins search for missing; and, for our feature, another edition of our series, Prague Off the Beaten Track. This time, we bring you to Dívčí hrady. Enjoy!

In today's Czechia in 30 Minutes: Brno's Masaryk circuit gearing up for Moto GP race weekend; Texas flood disaster: Czech rescue team joins search for missing; and, for our feature, another edition of our series, Prague Off the Beaten Track. This time, we bring you to Dívčí hrady. Enjoy!

Kennedy brings us up to date on some mid-winter happening, including Glenorchy's 'creatures of the night' fancy dress community dinner, and the annual Garden Bird Survey, now in its 18th year.

This program ventures into corners of Africa we rarely hear from, guided by adventurous field recordists and crate diggers. The Zomba Prison Project is a set of recordings by inmates at a maximum security prison in Malawi, one of the poorest nations on earth. The project's debut CD was nominated for a Grammy Award. Here, we speak with the producer, Ian Brennan, and hear tracks from a volume of soulful, even heartbreaking, songs from the prison. We then go back to the 1960s and ‘70s in the city of Bobo-Dioulasso in Burkina Faso (then Upper Volta) to sample a gorgeous set recordings by Volta Jazz, Dafra Star, Les Imbattables Leopards and more. We hear from Florent Mazzoleni, the author and intrepid vinyl collector behind the new box set, Bobo Yéyé: Belle Époque in Upper Volta. Produced by Banning Eyre APWW #738

This morning is devoted to the endangered kokako, which have maintained a population in Hunua Ranges Regional Park, on the eastern edge of Auckland. 

Kennedy joins from Adelaide, but keeps the story-telling local. He discusses the recent supposed sightings of moose in Fiordland: two in the space of two months, in approx the same location. Kennedy tells the story of how moose came to NZ, and thoughts on whether these recent sightings could actually be the elusive ungulate.

Simon Morris goes off the beaten track this week, including two features found on streaming services – Netflix's Havoc and Prime Video's My Old Ass. He also finds a surprising number of self-funded New Zealand movies this month, including romantic comedy The People We Love. He talks to director Mike Smith about the pros and cons of independence.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

On today's show: News; plans unveiled for Prague's Philosopher Quarter; treasure worth unearthed in north-eastern Bohemia; and for our feature, we bring you another edition of our series, “Prague Off the Beaten Track” with Vit Pohanka.

On today's show: News; plans unveiled for Prague's Philosopher Quarter; treasure worth unearthed in north-eastern Bohemia; and for our feature, we bring you another edition of our series, “Prague Off the Beaten Track” with Vit Pohanka.

Kennedy Warne  on parachuting spiders, mice attacking albatross on Marion Island and  Pope Francis -  a voice for the Earth.

The magnificent new book about huia and the artist who has been painting them for 60 years. 

Kennedy discusses a new home-grown climate-change musical that debuts in Auckland this coming Friday.

Kennedy Warne  talks about the Hukerenui settler museum, started by a local dairy farmer that features everything from a 1950's dental clinic to a collection of carved Kauri gum.

Kennedy talks about the Hukerenui settler museum, one of New Zealand's many early settler museums.

My guest is Will Wardrop, otherwise known as 'Will in Brazil' over on Instagram. He's based in the capita, Brasilia, and we're discussing groundhopping in Brazil *outside* of the two main cities of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. We discuss matches in Brasilia, Belo Horizonte, Goiânia, and Bahia in the north of the country. Will gives us his groundhopping tips for foreign visitors to Brazil, plus a few anecdotes from his time out there.

Off the beaten track with Kennedy Warne

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the biggest travel trends of 2025, inspired by Travel Trends 2025: Going Off the Beaten Track, AI, and Sustainable Trips. The travel industry is undergoing a massive transformation, and we explore how shifting traveler priorities, technology, and sustainability efforts are reshaping the way people experience the world.We break down the rise of intentional travel, the growing popularity of detour destinations over crowded tourist hotspots, and the increasing role of AI in travel planning. We also discuss event-based tourism, wellness travel, and how climate change is impacting where and how we travel. Whether you're an adventure seeker, a sustainability advocate, or someone looking to make the most of your vacations, this episode has something for you.What You'll Learn in This Episode:1. The Shift Toward Intentional Travel:How travelers are choosing experiences that align with their values.Why people are saving for one epic trip rather than frequent, short getaways.2. Detour Destinations: The Rise of Under-the-Radar Hotspots:How travelers are avoiding overcrowded places like Paris or Rome for lesser-known gems like Reims, France, and Brescia, Italy.The role of TikTok and social media in influencing travel choices.3. AI & the Future of Travel Planning:How AI-powered tools are transforming trip planning, from personalized itineraries to predictive pricing.The impact of AI on airlines, hotels, and travel agencies behind the scenes.4. The Boom in Event-Based and Wellness Travel:The rise of "event tourism"—traveling for concerts, sports events, and natural phenomena.The growth of wellness travel, including digital detox retreats and sleep tourism.5. Sustainable Travel & Climate-Conscious Choices:The increasing popularity of eco-friendly travel options and carbon-conscious tourism.The return of train travel as a sustainable alternative to flying.How "coolcations" (traveling to cooler destinations due to climate change) are impacting tourism trends.Key Takeaways:Travel in 2025 is about experiences over material things, with a focus on sustainability and personalization.AI is reshaping how we plan and experience travel, offering smarter, more efficient solutions.Travelers are opting for off-the-beaten-path destinations and experiences that align with their personal values.Climate change is directly affecting travel trends, from the return of train travel to the rise of coolcations.Subscribe to our podcast for more deep dives into the biggest trends in travel and beyond. Visit The Future of Commerce for more insights, and share this episode with fellow travelers and industry professionals to stay ahead of the curve!

What's your bird of the year? According to birding tradition, the first bird you see on New Year's morning is your theme bird for the year.

Kennedy Warne discusses the connection between architecture and the human spirit

With Christmas just around the corner, Kennedy reflects on the Sami people, from whom we get the idea of Santa and his reindeer. 

Kennedy joins Kathryn from Waitangi this Remembrance Day to talk about the Te Rau Aroha museum that stands next to the Treaty House and is a stone's throw from the whare runanga. 

Kennedy is on a National Geographic expedition called "Roots of the Pacific", a voyage from Honiara in the Solomons to Auckland via Vanuatu, New Caledonia, and Norfolk Island.

Area/TopicWorldwide, Trip Planning, Shared AdventuresRichard CampbellFounder & CEO10AdventuresRichard is the founder and CEO of 10Adventures, a platform to book customizable and private active vacations. With trips in 85+ countries and travellers from 35+ countries, 10Adventures is a global platform that enables people to create meaningful travel experiences with the people that matter most in their lives. These shared experiences end up as the photos on their walls, the stories that are told at family reunions, and the memories that last a lifetime. Richard has spent his 25-year career in high-growth start-ups and scale-ups, having worked across three continents, and worked in English, French, and Spanish.  In addition, Richard is an adventure traveler himself, and now spends his weekends exploring the Rocky Mountains with his wife and 3 children.https://www.10adventures.com/summaryRichard Campbell, founder and CEO of 10 Adventures, shares his journey from running a consulting company to starting a hiking website and eventually launching 10 Adventures. He discusses the importance of travel and the joy of exploring different cultures and places. Richard explains how technology has impacted the travel industry, with an abundance of information and options available to travelers. He highlights the value of simplicity and personalized experiences in adventure travel, where local tour operators can provide insider knowledge and create unique trips. Richard also emphasizes the benefits of slow travel and immersing oneself in a destination. The conversation explores the phenomenon of the 'Instagramization' of travel, where people are influenced by popular travel photos on social media and seek to visit the same places. However, this often leads to overcrowding and a lack of authentic experiences. The speakers discuss the importance of getting off the beaten track and exploring lesser-known destinations to have more meaningful and unique experiences. They also highlight the benefits of adventure travel, such as walking or cycling holidays, which provide opportunities for physical activity, mental health benefits, and quality time with loved ones. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the power of travel to create lasting memories and connections.takeawaysRichard Campbell started 10 Adventures after running a consulting company and realizing his passion for creating and helping people.Technology has provided travelers with an abundance of information, but it has also made travel planning more complex and overwhelming.10 Adventures simplifies adventure travel by offering personalized trips planned by local tour operators, providing insider knowledge and unique experiences.Slow travel allows for a deeper connection with a destination and a more authentic experience.Adventure travel offers the opportunity to explore off-the-beaten-path locations and engage with local cultures. The 'Instagramization' of travel can lead to overcrowding and a lack of authentic experiences.Getting off the beaten track and exploring lesser-known destinations can provide more meaningful and unique experiences.Adventure travel, such as walking or cycling holidays, offers physical and mental health benefits.Travel provides an opportunity for quality time with loved ones and the creation of lasting memories and connections. Learn more about the Big World Made Small Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers at bigworldmadesmall.com.

Kennedy joins Kathryn with a food theme today - talking about bananas and tips for growing them in New Zealand.

Dome glamping, farm tours and jetting up the Hurunui River supplements income and highlights cultural heritage at a traditional sheep and beef farm in North Canterbury.

Kennedy joins Kathryn to talk about walking the Golden Stairs track at the entrance of the Whangape Harbour on Northland's west coast. 

Today Kennedy joins Kathryn to talk about how technology is being harnessed in the fight against New Zealand's pests and predators. He's been looking at eradication projects in Northland, including Bay Bush Action, which is trying to free 2500 ha of Opua State Forest of predators, and Backyard Kiwi, which has been targeting stoats - and might be contributing to the health of kauri in the area in the process.

Kennedy joins Kathryn to talk about recent research into humpback whales, and how researchers are now able to use an AI tool to identify individual whales using an online platform called Happywhale. 

Kennedy takes us into the mind of a Search and Rescue searcher and discusses the meaning of mana.

Kennedy joins Kathryn to talk about the springtime activity of backyard birds - particularly the song thrush, beloved of poets and musicians. He also looks at an author whose book sparked a major fear of one particular animal, and who spent his lifetime trying to counter what he started!

A momentous decision in Canada as the government of British Columbia passes legislation recognising the Haida Gwaii islands, near the Alaskan border, belong to the indigenous Haida people. And, the curious case of the amputating ants: it's been discovered the Florida carpenter ant can remove a fellow worker's leg if it is injured, to save its life.

Kennedy Warne is in Bali, to talk about his recent National Geographic expedition along the Kimberley coast of north-western Australia and onwards through several Indonesian islands.

Kennedy is on a ship steaming towards the Kimberley Coast of Australia from Darwin. He joins Kathryn to talk about what is in store during the expedition, and to share some experiences from a couple of days in Perth, including seeing an Aboriginal dance performance at the Western Australian Museum.

We go off the beaten track with Kennedy Warne, who has just returned from an expedition in Scotland. He will detail what he got up to, and talk about the life and writing of Nan Shepherd - a mountain walker in the Cairngorms, whose memoir The Living Mountain is a classic of outdoors literature.

Kennedy is on Northland's east coast to discuss the issue of kina barrens in the area, and some new proposals from Fisheries New Zealand to deal with the problem.

Today Kennedy Warne discusses the proposed Te Kuha opencast coal mine in the hills above Westport getting an invite to have consent considered under the fast-track regime.

Kennedy Warne has paid a visit to the Kiwi Coast Project - 250,000 hectares of coastal Northland under sustained predator control by no fewer than 227 volunteer groups, with the aim of making Northland safe for kiwi again.

Reba Hylton from Haines joins Jennie to share her favorite things to do in Haines.Contribute to our tip jar and help keep Alaska Uncovered Ad free! (no account or commitment needed)Grab Jennie's NEW Hidden Gems Workshop!Shop all our Alaska Travel planners and premade itinerariesVisit HainesJennie's article about HainesBook a trip planning session with JennieLet Jennie plan your trip for you!Follow Jennie on InstagramMusic credits:  Largo Montebello, by Domenico Mannelli, CC.

Kennedy Warne discusses why Waipu, where he spent St Patrick's Day, is possibly New Zealand's most Scottish town. While he's on the Northland coast, Kennedy also looks at Significant Natural Areas, and why identifying them is crucial to avoid further loss of native diversity.

Kennedy Warne discusses the journey of trans-Pacific rower Tom Robinson, and Cole Brauer, who is days away from finishing one of the most demanding solo yachting events: the Global Solo Challenge. Kennedy also discusses a strange new art installation on Waiheke Island's Sculpture on the Gulf Exhibition.

Kennedy Warne discusses the newly opened Pike 29 Memorial Track - the last portion of the Paparoa Track to be opened.

Kennedy is in Palau on the final day of an eight-day National Geographic expedition, snorkelling and kayaking around Palau's Rock Island World Heritage Site - some 300 islands, large and small, all drenched in tropical forest and bathed by coral-rich seas.

Kennedy discusses the future of atolls, ahead of a visit to the Micronesian nation of Palau. 

In this month's archive, we go back 10 years for three episode where Blake & Sal completely broke format and had crazy and fun conversations. Tune in to hear audio that hasn't been help since original airings in 2013. Enjoy the show!

In this episode, we learn about Meghan J. Ward, a writer based in Banff, Canada, who is passionate about outdoor adventure and travel. Meghan is a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, and the author of Lights to Guide Me Home: A Journey Off the Beaten Track in Life, Love, Adventure, and Parenting.  Meghan has written several books, as well as produced content for films, anthologies, blogs and some of North America's top outdoor, fitness and adventure publications. Meghan shares her journey as a writer, her love of travel, and how she balances parenting with her passion for exploration.  Meghan also provides practical advice for new moms who want to continue travelling and going on adventures with their children. We also learn about her current project, a documentary film about early 20th-century mountain explorer Mary Schäffer Warren. Finally, Meghan shares some words of advice for women who want to spend more time travelling and going on adventures. *** New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Hit the subscribe button so you don't miss out.  You can support the mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast Thank you.   Show notes Who is Meghan Being based in Banff, Canada Having 2 daughters aged 4 and 10 Being a writer and releasing her first travel memoir  Her passion for travel and for being outside  Growing up in Ottawa, Canada Her love of travel and where it came from  Being inspired by National Geographic Magazines  Meeting her husband, Paul in the summer of 2005  Starting a writing career after university  Being encouraged to pursue writing  Her writing process while travelling  Book: Lights to Guide Me Home: A Journey Off the Beaten Track in Life, Love, Adventure, and Parenting Advice for new mums who have children and want to continue travelling and going on adventures Practical pieces of advice for travelling with children Travelling with children on planes Travelling in a way which is good for the environment Slower travel and making micro adjustments  Artists for Air - Brave travellers cleaning up carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.  Raising awareness for carbon removal and carbon offsets  Working on a documentary film about 20th-century mountain explorer, Mary Schäffer Warren  Going on a road trip through the Baltic Nations How to connect with Meghan Final words of advice for women who want to spend more time travelling and going on adventure.   Social Media Website: meghanjoyward.com Substack: meghanjward.substack.com Instagram: @meghanjward Twitter: @meghanjward Facebook: @meghanjoyward Book: Lights to Guide Me Home: A Journey Off the Beaten Track in Life, Love, Adventure, and Parenting Documentary - www.wildflowersfilm.ca