Podcasts about travel show

"The world has changed around Thailand since Covid, whereas Vietnam appears more in control of its destiny." As we race toward the midpoint of 2026, it was another week with plenty of travel talking points in ASEAN and beyond. The week, Gary and Hannah visit Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos and China to decipher the top takeaways. We begin in the Philippines with the latest reports from the devastating earthquake in Mindanao, and send our very best wishes to people across the nation for Philippine Independence Day. Next up is IATA's State of the Global Air Transport Industry report, with some scything parting words from Director General, Willie Walsh, regarding policies around sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which he says have put progress "under pressure." We then deconstruct the merits and debits of a detailed article comparing the tourism policy trajectories of Thailand and Vietnam - written from a Thai travel industry perspective (TLDR: Pinch. Of. Salt.) Plus. we look at how Malaysia has enticed a Chinese cruise operator to establish a regional home port on the west coast, address the reasons why Vietnamese airlines are attempting to expedite orders of Boeing planes - and we delve into our media headline of the week: "Five days, unlimited durian, zero apologies."

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As we accelerate towards the mid-point of 2026, the warning signs continuing showing up. On our Start the Weekend show, Gary and Hannah discuss new data analysis about the impacts of airline cuts in South East Asia - and what this might mean through October and beyond. And, then... El Niño is coming! The UN Meteorological Office has issued new details about the warming sea temperatures and shifting air currents we can expect from June onwards. These will bring hotter temperatures and prolonged dry periods to South East Asia and India, and, potentially, larger rainfalls in China, South Korea and Japan. So, what could this mean for daily living and travelling across the Asia Pacific region? Plus, we look at why Cambodia has referred its maritime border dispute with Thailand to the United Nations, mixed signals for inbound and outbound travel in Indonesia, and a long-running financial dispute between the Philippines and AirAsia appears to be settled. Plus, we dig into the reasons why Singapore is teaming up with Chinese digital mapping service Amap.

Morning Show 05-22-26 Hour 2 Travel Show by The Watchdog

On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), Victoria Burch of the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau shares what makes Chautauqua County a memorable year-round destination for travelers of all ages. Located in Western New York near Lake Erie, Chautauqua County offers a unique mix of outdoor recreation, cultural attractions, history, wine country experiences, and family-friendly fun. The conversation highlights the region's scenic lakes, hiking trails, winter sports, and charming small towns, along with its thriving craft beverage scene through the Grape & Grain Trail. Discover attractions such as the National Comedy Center, the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum, and the renowned Chautauqua Institution, known worldwide for its arts, education, and cultural programming. The episode also explores outdoor adventures like boating on Chautauqua Lake, discovering the natural beauty of Panama Rocks Scenic Park, and experiencing local history at destinations like the Robert H. Jackson Center. Whether you're interested in wine tasting, comedy, history, arts, or nature escapes, Chautauqua County offers something for every traveler. LINKS & RESOURCES - Plan your visit: https://www.tourchautauqua.com/  - Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/  - Follow this podcast: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/  - Check out the Big Blend Radio "Travel Food & Wine" Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ekxy/#p=1 

Improve your foiling skills in paradise! Join us in Montanita Ecuador May 23-30, 2026 for a foil drive / tow / prone foil camp with Ecuador Foil, KT Foiling & Julia Castro. Learn MoreOn this episode, Luc Moore sits down with Charles Dasher and Ladina Van Swoll from Seazen Wind, Wellness & Water on the beautiful island of Bonaire to dive deep into wing foiling, island life, and their unique teaching approach.Fresh off another busy high season, Dasher shares how Seazen has grown in its first full year under the new name, blending high-performance wing foiling with wellness practices like yoga, mobility, breathwork, and meditation tailored specifically for foilers. The conversation covers everything from Bonaire's legendary flat water at Lac Bay — with its unique mix of steady 15–25 knot winds, protected deep-water sections, and safe learning conditions — to the incredible variety of activities both on and off the water.Dasher and Ladina discuss what makes Bonaire special for families and non-watersports partners: world-class snorkeling and scuba right from the beach, rugged desert landscapes with wild donkeys, flamingos and parakeets, Klein Bonaire drift snorkel trips, sunset cruises, and more. On the water, they break down their teaching philosophy across all levels — from complete beginners getting on foil to advanced riders polishing jibes, tacks, backwind 360s, and flag-out foil riding — plus exciting new additions like boat-assisted wake winging and para-winging sessions.The duo also highlights their collaboration with Duotone at Franz Paradise, video analysis on a solar-powered beach TV, Bluetooth coaching headsets, custom private group camps, and the powerful wellness component that helps students stay injury-free, focused, and progressing faster. Plus, a sneak peek at their special August camp with acro-yoga, slacklining, kiting, and SUP options from their Puerto Rico partners.Episode Highlights:Why Lac Bay offers some of the flattest, safest learning water in the Caribbean for wing foilingSeazen's signature blend of wing lessons + targeted yoga, mobility, breathwork & mental trainingIsland activities for families and non-riders: snorkeling, wildlife, tours & moreTeaching styles, gear rentals through Duotone, safety boat support, and custom group experiencesUpcoming camps, including the unique all-inclusive August wellness & watersports packageReal student transformations — going from zero to confident upwind foil riding in one weekWhether you're dreaming of your first wing foil session, looking to level up your transitions in perfect conditions, or planning a wellness-focused watersports getaway with your partner or family, this episode is packed with practical info, inspiration, and Bonaire stoke.

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On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), Noah Howard of Tour Cayuga shares the flavors, history, and scenic beauty that make Cayuga County a standout destination in the Finger Lakes region. Known as “History's Hometown,” Cayuga County offers a rich blend of wine tourism, craft beverages, local cuisine, outdoor recreation, and community-driven experiences. The conversation explores the area's wineries, breweries, distilleries, and artisan food producers, while highlighting the growing importance of sustainable tourism and authentic local connections. Hear about charming small towns, scenic road trip routes, lakeside picnics, fishing adventures, culinary festivals, and farm-to-table dining experiences that showcase the region's creativity and hospitality. Noah also shares insights into the Finger Lakes wine culture, local craft beer scene, and why travelers are increasingly drawn to slower, more meaningful travel experiences. The episode even imagines what a culinary journey through Cayuga County might have looked like for Anthony Bourdain, celebrating the stories and passion behind the region's food culture.

"There's a significant amount of downplaying the risk level to the public, but those striking disembarkation scenes with hazmat suits and water showers on the MV Hondius cruise ship tell us how seriously the WHO is taking this outbreak." Zoonotic viruses are back in the headlines six-and-a-half-years after Covid was identified in China. So too are terms like "Contact Tracing," "Mask Wearing" and "Breaking the Chains of Transmission". Gary and Hannah kickstart the week by taking a closer look at the unresolved questions and issues around the Hantavirus outbreak. We move on to Manila, where the ASEAN leaders discussed - and kicked down the road - a proposal to create a shared South East Asian fuel reserve to mitigate future energy shocks. Meanwhile, Singapore launched its annual swathe of new tourism initiatives and investments and AirAsia played coy about its coded intentions in the hotel world. And finally, we head to Bangkok were Pokemon is taking its IP tourism play to mainland South East Asia. Are countries simply adopting each others' ideas? All this and much more... NB: There have been 6 confirmed cases (plus 2 probable) and 3 confirmed deaths so far - correcting the mortality figure mentioned in the podcast.

Despite the rising cost of living, growing fuel prices and ongoing concerns about inflation, the demand for travel still hasn't dropped. The Auckland Travel Show is on this weekend, and it's clear demand is alive and well, but there are some new trends emerging. Founder Rob Eliott says people have redirected their plans - with plenty still planning trips for Asia and the Pacific Islands. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite the rising cost of living, growing fuel prices and ongoing concerns about inflation, the demand for travel still hasn't dropped. The Auckland Travel Show is on this weekend, and it's clear demand is alive and well, but there are some new trends emerging. Founder Rob Eliott says people have redirected their plans - with plenty still planning trips for Asia and the Pacific Islands. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Morning Show 05-08-26 Amelia Knisely-Jenifer Travel Show by The Watchdog

On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel Show" with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), travel writer, photographer, and author Amy Piper shares some of the hidden gems, scenic waterfronts, historic sites, and charming small towns that make Michigan such a rewarding travel destination. From Great Lakes adventures and shipwreck history to culinary experiences, festivals, and outdoor recreation, Amy highlights the authentic character and beauty found throughout the state. The conversation explores destinations like Mackinac Island, known for its car-free charm and historic atmosphere, along with unique attractions such as Kitch-iti-kipi, the state's largest freshwater spring. You will also hear about Michigan's maritime heritage, picturesque lighthouses, local food and wine experiences, and the importance of small-town storytelling in travel writing. Amy is the author of "Secret Michigan: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure," and her new book, "Small Town Michigan," releases on May 15, 2026.

Travel is always a challenge, but right now, the war with Iran has added a whole new layer of turbulence and uncertainty especially for those who plan to fly. Airlines around the globe are raising prices, adding fees, and cutting flights.Planning your trip now requires extra care because of travel scams fueled by AI. It's also becoming more difficult to get the lowest prices for plane tickets, hotel rooms, and rental cars without choosing a non-refundable rate that requires an advance purchase.In this episode, we dive into the unique challenges facing travelers, possibly for the rest of the year, and how to deal with them.Other Consumerpedia travel episodes:106 – Avoid a Vacation Rental Nightmare89 – Avoid a Hotel Horror Show60 – How to Avoid a Big Cell Phone Bill When Traveling Abroad⁠41 – Hotel Intel: Finding the Best RatesAdditional Resources:On Travel is a weekly consumer travel column that offers information and advice for people planning a business or leisure trip. Elliott Advocacy⁠ is a nonprofit consumer advocacy organization that empowers consumers to solve their problems and helps those who can't.Not a Checkbook member? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Rob Eliott from Auckland Travel Show spoke to John Campbell about this weekend's event at the new convention centre.

Why is Thailand considering a second tourism tax? Could the Philippines rescind its decision to scrap an outbound air travel fee? Which ASEAN airlines are cutting the most flights from May-July? And is India's outbound growth story hitting an energy-crunch roadblock? Those are four of the key questions Gary and Hannah ask and answer on our Start the Week show. To kickstart the May holiday week, we head to Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines and Myanmar via India and South Korea to tackle the 6 top regional talking points. En route, we also discuss the implications of Thai Air Asia's domestic flight cuts - and the downgrading of its two-hub model in Bangkok. Changi T3 undergoes a major makeover as a tech-enhanced testbed for T5, and Grab begins cross-border ride-hailing services. Plus, Malaysia makes a play for healthcare tourists from Myanmar, and - much to Hannah's delight - Baby Shark arrives in Singapore for new IP Tourism collabs.

How high can airfare surcharges go in the Philippines? Is a 30% drop in Chinese flights to Thailand a short-term adjustment, or a long-term shift? Is Indonesia serious about levying ships in the Malacca Strait? And will oil deals with Russia give it more influence in South East Asia? These are four central questions in Part 2 of our Start the Week show, as Gary and Hanna break down the radiating effects of two months of war in the Middle East for travel and tourism in ASEAN and beyond. The show looks at the fuel cost increases affecting not just airport development in Vietnam, but infrastructure build-outs region-wide. Meanwhile, air travel fuel surcharges in the Philippines have almost topped out at level 19 on its scale, or have they? Plus, will the stratospheric cost of subsidising petrol and diesel pump prices for consumers force an early general election in Malaysia? All this, and much, much more...    

Morning Show 04-24-26 Hour 2 Greenbrier-restaurants-Travel show by The Watchdog

Max Jolliffe joins the podcast for his third appearance, two weeks out from his return to Cocodona 250. After dropping at mile 238 in 2025 with cellulitis, Max is back for redemption, and this time he's doing it as a full-time professional athlete after leaving Hurley in November following nearly 15 years at the company.We get into his training block, gear and nutrition strategies, and an upcoming week of course recon out of Mike Versteeg's place in Prescott. Max also walks through his experience at the BPN Backyard Ultra in the Texas hill country and makes the case for why the backyard format deserves more attention from the sport's top names.Other topics:How 15 years in graphic design and apparel at Hurley shapes the value he brings to brand partners beyond race resultsWhy race merch across the sport is a missed opportunity and what needs to changeHis new travel show concept, Weekend Training Camp, and the Salt Lake City pilot he's editing nowWhen he stopped idolizing effortless talent and started respecting visible work, and how that shift rewired what he looks for in athletesWhy he doesn't actually love racing and what draws him to multi-day events and backyard ultras insteadTime goal for Cocodona, day-one pacing philosophy, and why he's staying off the front earlyPrize money at 200s and why the math might need to changePartners:Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next orderNorda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever madeRaide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains Janji - premium trail running apparelKodiak Cakes - my favorite oatmeal and pancakes Support the show

"The challenges around jet fuel and flight cuts are going to get worse in the region before they get better." As South East Asian countries face up to tough economic choices from the  Middle East war fallout, Gary and Hannah head to Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines and China to tackle this week's big travel questions. We begin by discussing Vietnam's radical reshaping of its travel landscape and the MoUs signed last week by President To Lam with China related to cross-border railway development and Chinese COMAC planes. Next to Malaysia, where another KLIA service mishap is making headlines - this time related to the breakdown of its luggage delivery system. We look at how Singapore tourism and passenger numbers on Singapore Airlines proved resilient during a challenging first quarter of the year. Plus, we address different environmental issues for the Komodo National Park in Indonesia and the Chocolate Hills in the Philippines. Finally, we return to Singapore to discuss the role of heritage in society and its travel industry as rising costs, an ageing population and general disinterest among younger generations question the viability of traditional businesses brought to the city-state by immigrants from across Asia that are an integral part of the Singapore story.

"I wouldn't want to be either of them... What a mess to inherit" On this week's kickstarter show, Gary and Hannah head to Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines in search of answers to the region's big travel and tourism questions. As the Middle East war's economic impacts bite, Malaysia considers extending its year-long Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign into 2027, an arrivals slump in Boracay adds gloom to the Philippines' tourism outlook, and Thailand considers a mandate to make travel insurance mandatory for all visitors. Meanwhile, ASEAN SuperApp Grab eases into the AI travel space with a focus on hotel booking, local food and, its major play, cross-border e-payments. Plus, what's behind Garuda Indonesia's huge 2025 financial loss? ("It's still melded to its past problems"), and new Tourism Ministers are appointed in Thailand and the Philippines.

"Could South East Asia's travel landscape look different in 12-18 months time?" The economic impacts of war in the Middle East are writ large. The region imports huge quantities of oil, LNG, jet fuel, petrochemicals and fertilisers, which support businesses across many sectors. Fuel shortages are impacting the cost and supply of electricity, and governments are encouraging people and businesses to reduce energy usage. Some countries are implementing work-from-home policies, and food price inflation is already evident. But what about the travel sector? The cost and scarcity of jet fuel are among the many factors that travel and tourism players must contend with in the coming months. This week, Gary and Hannah start the weekend by addressing some of the broader outcomes of war for travel across South East Asia, Asia Pacific and beyond. What are the key lessons to be learned? How do they compare, or differ, to the Covid pandemic? And how might we be talking about these issues in 12 months time?

Morning Show 04-10-26 Hour 2 Wheeling Symphony Star Wars--Travel Show by The Watchdog

Improve your foiling skills in paradise! Join us in Montanita Ecuador May 23-30, 2026 for a foil drive / tow / prone foil camp with Ecuador Foil, KT Foiling & Julia Castro. Learn MoreOn this Foil Life Travel Show episode, Jelle Stoop — owner of Foil School Nederland — returns to catch up with Luc Moore about building and running a successful foil school in the Netherlands, the explosion of new foiling disciplines, and how to create a thriving watersports business with purpose.Jelle shares the story behind Foil School Nederland at the iconic Brouwersdam, the unique conditions that make it a favorite spot for wing foilers and kiters, and how the school has evolved with the rapid development of para-winging, foil assist, and e-foiling. He dives into teaching methodology, gear choices, why para-winging is taking off so quickly for experienced wing foilers, and how they're adapting lesson programs for the new season. The conversation also covers his popular foiling camps across Europe and the meaningful foundation work the school does with organizations like the BBL Mentel Foundation and Kite for Life.Episode Highlights:- Why “Foil School Nederland” remains a perfect, searchable name and how they split the local school from the international Foiling Camps brand.- Brouwersdam conditions: flat water options, chop, small waves, wind patterns, and the best months for visiting riders.- The rise of para-winging — how quickly experienced wing foilers progress, ideal conditions, gear recommendations, and why it feels so addictive.- Foil assist and e-foiling in the school program: what's working, what's growing, and how they fit into the bigger picture.- Building a purpose-driven school — working with Make-A-Wish, cancer survivors, and people with disabilities, and why giving back strengthens the business.- Camp destinations for 2026: Tenerife downwind camps, Denmark wave camps, Ireland, and more.- Advice for riders visiting the Netherlands and what the future holds for foiling in Europe.This is a practical, inspiring conversation for anyone interested in wing foiling, starting a school, traveling for foiling, or simply improving their sessions in variable conditions. Jelle's grounded approach and long-term vision make this a must-listen for the foiling community.Tune in to hear how one of Europe's busiest foil schools stays ahead of the curve while keeping the stoke and community at the center of everything they do.This episode is brought to you by Waterspeed. Download the app — live tracking, deep analytics, and community vibes for every watersport adventure.

"Fuel now accounts for 50-55% of its operating costs. That previously was 30-35%". As we commence Week 6 of war in the Middle East, airline strategies are shifting as cost pressures intensify. South East Asia's LCCs are once again facing the financial strain. Gary and Hannah start the week in Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore, plus Türkiye, Bahrain and Taiwan, in search of answers to the region's big travel questions. En route, we discuss Batik Air's decision to cut 35% of flights in April, following flight route and frequency retrenchments by VietJet, AirAsia and Cebu Pacific. Plus, we mull over Tony Fernandes' teaser comments about a tie-up with "a very large Turkish airline," and look at why start-up carrier SunPhuQuoc Airways has chosen Taipei for its first international route. We finish with another fascinating fashion and travel collab from Singapore, where the brilliant Asian Civilisations Museum is partnering with Japanese retail brand Uniqlo.

Morning Show 04-03-26 Hour 2 Brad NcElhinny, Greenbrier--Travel show Royal Carribean by The Watchdog

As we enter a decisive week for Middle East warfare and diplomacy, South East Asia is watching with deepening collective and national economic concerns. Gary and Hannah start the week in Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines and Malaysia in search of answers to South East Asia's big travel questions. What are the implications of the upcoming ASEAN Leaders' Summit being cut to "the bare bones"? As Singapore delays implementation of its Sustainable Aviation Fuel Levy, is now the right time for Thailand to revive its THB300 Tourism Tax? Plus, cruise terminal development is a hot topic in Malaysia's Sarawak state on the island of Borneo, and Thailand wants to construct cruise terminals on the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman coast. Plus, we head to Singapore's beautifully fragrant Flower Dome, where robot smart dogs will provide new accessible tourism services.

Improve your foiling skills in paradise! Join us in Montanita Ecuador May 23-30, 2026 for a foil drive / tow / prone foil camp with Ecuador Foil, KT Foiling & Julia Castro. Learn MoreOn this episode, Robert Ross (owner of Ecuador Foil and the ME Hotel & Villas - Montañita Estates in Montañita, Ecuador) joins Luc Moore (host of the Foil Life Podcast) for a practical Q&A answering all the common questions about the upcoming Ecuador Foil Retreat.Robert breaks down the world-class foiling setup in warm, consistent Pacific waters: the legendary “Laboratory” reef spot with its easy conveyor-belt rip, straight takeoffs on mushy crumbly waves, high wave count (50–70 waves per session), boat launches into point breaks, and options for prone, tow, and foil drive sessions. The retreats cater to all levels—from beginners chasing their first reps to experienced wingers and surfers looking to add tow foiling or get more volume in uncrowded conditions.The conversation covers prevailing conditions (waist to double overhead, works on all swell sizes), ideal gear recommendations, no-wetsuit warm water (around 80°F), daily sessions adjusted for tides and wind, transfers to multiple breaks, and why this spot is exceptionally beginner- and intermediate-friendly thanks to the forgiving wave shape and current assistance.They also dive into logistics: airport pickups from Guayaquil with driver Henry, boutique hotel accommodations (private rooms or shared villas with kitchens, pools, Jacuzzis, and on-site restaurant/bar), nearby seafood spots, family-friendly options for non-foilers, safety in the area, and a typical retreat day blending early morning sessions, downtime in hammocks, and group dinners.Episode Highlights:- The “Laboratory” and boat-access spots — easy launches, rip-assisted paddles, high repetition, and conveyor-belt wave access ideal for learning or racking up waves.- Conditions & versatility — all swell sizes, warm water, prone/tow/foil drive options, tide- and swell-dependent spot rotations (beach breaks to reefs).- Who it's for — beginners to advanced, wingers transitioning to tow, lake/wake experienced riders, and groups; gear rentals available.- Retreat practicalities — two-week window with flexible daily sessions, hotel details (pools, Jacuzzis, no mandatory shared rooms), food (fresh seafood, group dining options), sun protection, and family activities.- Travel tips — Guayaquil arrivals, WhatsApp communication, safety notes, and why warm water + easy access makes everything more fun and less exhausting.If you're on the fence about a tropical foiling getaway with consistent warm-water waves, easy learning conditions, boat-assisted tow sessions, and a relaxed boutique hotel base in a vibrant surf town, this episode delivers the exact details you need—plus plenty of stoke for high-volume, uncrowded foiling in paradise.Robert Ross / Ecuador Foil — https://www.ecuadorfoil.com  ME Hotel & Villas (Montañita Estates) — https://www.montanitaestates.com  Foil Life Podcast — https://foillifepodcast.com/camps  Check https://foillifepodcast.com/camps or www.ecuadorfoil.com for retreat dates (including the May sessions), booking info, and to reach out directly. They're ready to customize your Ecuador foil adventure.

Morning Show 03-27-26 Hour 2, part 2, Travel show by The Watchdog

Improve your foiling skills in paradise! Join us in Montanita Ecuador May 23-30, 2026 for a foil drive / tow / prone foil camp with Ecuador Foil, KT Foiling & Julia Castro. Learn MoreOn this episode, Matt Lennert (operating partner and lead instructor at NC Foil School in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina) joins Luc Moore (host of the Foil Life Podcast) for a highly informative conversation about one of the most versatile foiling destinations on the East Coast.Matt shares how NC Foil School was founded with partners Dale and Carolyn (fresh from 10+ years guiding tow-foiling and working with Lift eFoils in Puerto Rico). Based at the iconic Trailborn Surf & Sound resort in Riceville Beach—just 15 minutes from Wilmington airport—the school offers protected flat water for beginner e-foiling, ocean surf, thermal winds for winging, downwind runs, and inlet/beach breaks all in one spot.The conversation dives into their proven teaching method: starting every rider on Lift eFoils with BB Talkin headsets for real-time coaching from an elevated dock. Most beginners are flying and standing in their first 60-minute session. Matt explains how they customize lessons to each person's goals, schedule, and lifestyle—whether pure e-foiling fun or progressing into winging, SUP foiling, or wave riding.They also cover the location's advantages: warmer water than Hatteras (boardshorts by late May), a long season from April through early December, and family-friendly resort vibes perfect for mixed-ability groups and vacations.Episode Highlights:- Beginner-to-advanced progression — Why e-foiling is the fastest, safest gateway, then transitioning into other disciplines based on conditions and personal fit.- Conditions & seasons — Flat sound water, thermal winging, ocean swell, beach/inlet surf—plus wetsuit guidance month by month.- Lesson formats — Private or small-group sessions (60 or 90 min), multi-day Emerging Camps, and custom family adventures.- Puerto Rico retreats — Upcoming tow-foiling + e-foil trips to uncrowded North Shore waves with all-inclusive options.- Demo center & gear — Try the latest Lift eFoils and wings before you buy to make smart equipment choices.- Coaching edge — BB headsets, tight real-time feedback, fatigue management, and why coached sessions accelerate progress dramatically.If you're looking to learn e-foiling the right way, add winging or wave foiling, or plan a fun family foiling getaway on the East Coast, this episode is packed with practical tips, location insights, and pure stoke.Matt Lennert - https://www.instagram.com/matt_lennertNC Foil School - https://www.instagram.com/ncfoilschool/Visit https://www.ncfoilschool.com for lessons, camps, and Puerto Rico retreats. Reach out directly—they love creating custom adventures.This episode is brought to you by Waterspeed. Download the app—live tracking, deep analytics, and community vibes for every watersport adventure.

Our fast-paced Monday morning Start The Week show is back. This week, Gary and Hannah stop over in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines in search of the answers to South East Asia's big travel questions. We look at the Eid holiday trends across the region and even into China, and assess an intriguing new flight service connecting Vietnam, Kazakhstan and Czech Republic. Plus, we deconstruct the reasons why Thailand's government wants to merge the Ministries of Tourism and Culture, and summarise the findings of a new report about the challenges of tourism infrastructure development in the Philippines. Plus, why hasn't the Philippines' President named a successor to the departed Secretary of Tourism? And why has an electricity pole in the Laotian capital Vientiane become a viral hit on social media? 

Morning Show 03-20-26 Hour 2 Guthrie-Highlights-Travel show by The Watchdog

"We don't know when this war is going to end, but already we are seeing a great degree of uncertainty return to travel and tourism in South East Asia." One week after the US and Israel began attacking Iran and Lebanon, what are the short-term outcomes for travel in the region - and what are the risks waiting up ahead? This week, Gary is in Seoul and he asks some of the structural questions the travel industry will be thinking about as a major economic shock looms. Is connective global air travel too centralised? Will Lufthansa's new Frankfurt-KL service stimulate more direct connectivity between European and South East Asian markets? How resilient is Vietnam's tourism sector beneath the bullish forecasts? Is now the right time to transition away from visitor arrivals and tourist spending as the competitive metrics? Will travel conference programmers take geo-strategy and geo-economics more seriously and start discussing them in the same detail as AI and sustainability? Above all, are regional travel economies implementing the risk mitigation strategies they should have been preparing during Covid?

Improve your foiling skills in paradise! Join us in Montanita Ecuador May 23-30, 2026 for a foil drive / tow / prone foil camp with Ecuador Foil, KT Foiling & Julia Castro. Learn MoreOn this episode, Robert Ross (owner of Ecuador Foil and the ME Hotel & Villas - Montañita Estates) joins Luc Moore (host of the Foil Life Podcast) to share his journey from LA surfer to building a thriving life and foiling paradise in Montañita, Ecuador, where he's lived for over 15 years.Robert recounts his surf travels across Central and South America (including epic pre-internet Nicaragua missions and VW bus adventures to Costa Rica), how the 2008 financial crisis ironically set him up financially via Green Dot's prepaid debit card success, and why he chose Montañita in 2011 as his new home—describing it as feeling like "Costa Rica in 1999" with lively vibes, chaos he embraced, and unbeatable year-round foiling conditions.They dive deep into Ecuador as a hidden gem for prone, tow foiling, and winging: glassy protected coves, soft reef waves reminiscent of Trestles, no crowds or surfer competition, warm 80°F+ water, consistent Pacific swells (north and south), and spots accessible by boat or short drives.Episode Highlights:- Robert's path to foiling: From addicted surfer to kitesurfing in windy northern Peru (Mancora vibes), then kite foiling, prone, tow, and now winging—plus his excitement for upcoming parawing adventures- Montañita's setup: A vibrant surf town (bamboo bars, hammocks, piña coladas, lively nightlife with thousands on weekends) built around a main point break; his boutique hotel (15 condos, 15 rooms, pools, restaurant, gym on 2.5 acres overlooking town) doubles as base for foiling—gear stored in his boat, family-friendly with safe pools and nearby activities- World-class foiling paradise: Year-round waves (340+ foilable days), easy-learning "laboratory" reef for beginners (whitewater push like longboarding, straight takeoffs, reforms for pumping/connecting 10-20 waves), hidden offshore reefs for advanced riders, tow spots, and a protected glassy cove; seasonal wind spot 2 hours north (June-Dec thermals 14-18 knots, perfect for winging on left points with 5m wings/65L boards)- Operations and guiding: Customized tours via Ecuador Foil—airport pickups from Guayaquil/Quito, guided transfers to secret spots (tides are extreme, so local knowledge essential), prone lessons with top local instructor Mentol (anti-motor, drops double overhead like surfing), tow sessions with Robert/crew, rentals (Code, Axis Surge/Code 810x/A10x, various wings/boards for ~80kg riders), ~$125/day for 2-3 hours including guide/transport- Multi-discipline flexibility: Combine prone/tow in glassy Montañita with winging/downwind up the coast; intermediate/advanced wing tours; no full beginner wing lessons (recommends local schools for big boards), but epic for those with experience; family perks (non-foilers enjoy beaches, restaurants, snorkeling/scuba to islands, Galapagos trips nearby)- Why Ecuador stands out: Safer/more tropical/family-oriented than remote Peru spots like Chicama (better for non-riders/spouses/kids); no crowds, warm water, variety (prone, tow, wing, potential downwind/parawing); Robert's global foiling travels (Peru, Brazil, DR, Philippines, Australia, CA, Vietnam) always lead him back missing home's accessibility and consistency- Future stoke: Conquering a Chicama-length right point (tow-required, big south swells), more winging videos, group clinics (Luc eyeing a trip!), and sharing uncrowded perfectionIf you're chasing uncrowded warm-water wave foiling, easy prone entry, tow freedom, seasonal winging, or a laid-back tropical escape with family vibes and no crowds—this chat is packed with real inspiration, insider tips, and serious envy-worthy conditions.Check out Ecuador Foil at www.ecuadorfoil.com (tours, lessons, details), the ME Hotel & Villas at www.montanitaestates.com, reach Robert via Instagram @ecuadorfoil, or @robertxross1, YouTube @ecuadorfoil for prone/tow footage, or WhatsApp (linked on IG). Highly recommended for off-the-beaten-path foiling adventures!Listen now and start planning your Ecuador foil escape—warm waves and empty reefs are waiting!

"Vietnam's international air market is the biggest story in South East Asia." ASEAN's breakout travel and tourism star leads the bullish projections about air travel, but structural issues in South East Asia's biggest market, Indonesia, drag down the overall 2026 outlook. Longer-term, sustained growth is predicted, but where are the hotspots to watch, and which are the slow-motion markets? This week, Gary is joined by Singapore-based aviation consultant Brendan Sobie to dissect the travel outlook from the skies above ASEAN. En route, we discuss domestic and regional market growth factors, yields and profitability for long-haul carriers, and the divergence between peak and off-peak demand, fares and load factors. While aircraft manufacturers classify South East Asia as the world's fastest growing air market, we check the pulse of key markets, like Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines and Thailand - and assess the evolving influences of Asia's two mega-markets, China and India 

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