Shows
One Off Travel StoriesAsking Icelandic Strangers About Their Happiest Memories – Anne Marie's Travel ExperimentIn this episode, Andrew sits down with Anne Marie Wells to hear about her solo hitchhiking trip across Iceland, where she spent weeks asking strangers one question: “What is your happiest memory?”. From there, she would venture out to visit the scene of the memory. Anne Marie shares the emotional highs and quiet moments that defined her trip and how curiosity and courage opened doors she never expected.Guest: Anne Marie WellsPoet, playwright, and authorCreator of the books Write Some Cool Sh!t and Mommy, Why am I a Bird?Upcoming memoir Happy IcelandWebsite: annemariewellswriter.com2025-07-3049 minOne Off Travel StoriesNiamh McAnally's Sailing Scare in the Leeward IslandsIn this episode, Andrew sits down with Niamh, an Irish-born author and traveler, who tells the story of meeting her husband through sailing and of their harrowing experience sailing from Antigua towards the USA. After 18 months away from sailing due to the global pandemic, when they took to the seas from Antigua, they didn’t expect to find themselves caught in a high risk situation. A floating ball of rope tangled around the boat's propeller in the open ocean, forcing Niamh to dive beneath the waves to attempt an emergency fix. Guest: NiamhIrish-born bestselling author an...2025-06-2648 minOne Off Travel StoriesLavender Fields Forever: Rachael’s Trip to ProvenceWhen Rachael Rogers traveled through the south of France, her Airbnb host offered to show her around the area, and it turned into one of her most memorable experiences. In this episode, Andrew chats with Rachael about her road trip through Provence, the beauty of taking your time, and the joy of visiting a lavender field in full bloom.Guest: Rachael RogersFounder of For the Story VacationsFormer actor turned travel advisorSpecializes in curated European experiencesTopics Covered:Rachael’s shift from acting to travel planningSolo travel and navigating the backroads of ProvenceStumbling up...2025-05-2841 minOne Off Travel StoriesFrom Typhoon to Tranquility: Peter Moore's Trek Through NepalIn this episode, Andrew sits down with Peter Moore, writer, editor, illustrator, and former Men's Health editor, to talk about a work trip to Nepal that went off-script in all the best ways. Originally planning to trek to Everest Base Camp for a radio segment, Peter’s journey was rerouted by a typhoon, leading him instead on the Langtang-Gosainkunda trail. Along the way, he faced monsoons, illness, altitude, and moments of spiritual awe. From recording radio interviews in the rain to taking a ritual cleansing dip in a sacred lake, Peter reflects on transformation through travel and how getting lo...2025-04-2446 minOne Off Travel StoriesThrough the Crowd: Danika’s Giza AdventureIn this episode, Andrew sits down with Danika Duarte Smith, a dancer, educator, and travel writer, to talk about her unforgettable first trip to Egypt during Eid. While living and teaching in Iraqi Kurdistan, Danika took a week off to explore Cairo, including a chaotic and crowded day at the Giza pyramid complex. From refusing overpriced horse carriage rides to navigating mayhem at the ticket booth, Danika shares how a random act of kindness and a stroke of luck got her and her travel companions through the chaos—and into one of the most iconic ancient sites on Earth....2025-03-2542 minOne Off Travel StoriesDelia Swims with Sharks in the Galapagos IslandsIn this episode, Andrew sits down with Delia, a full-time solo traveler and digital nomad who has been exploring the world for nearly a decade. A certified freediver and adventure traveler, Delia shares her incredible experience diving with hammerhead sharks in the Galápagos Islands. From breathtaking underwater encounters to unexpected challenges, she recounts how this journey became one of the most unforgettable moments of her life. Along the way, she reflects on the balance between exploration, conservation, and personal growth.Guest: DeliaFull-time solo traveler and digital nomad for nearly 9 yearsCertified freediver, scuba diver, and a...2025-02-1847 minOne Off Travel StoriesSaujeet's Unexpected Challenge in DarjeelingIn this episode, Andrew sits down with Saujeet Mondal, a passionate solo traveler, motorcycling enthusiast, and visual storyteller from Kolkata, India. Saujeet shares the story of his unforgettable trip to Darjeeling, known as the "Queen of Hills." From navigating steep, narrow roads and breathtaking mountain views to overcoming a dislocated elbow in the middle of an offbeat destination, Saujeet’s tale is one of resilience, adventure, and the kindness of strangers.Guest: Saujeet MondalCreator of Saujeet Trails on InstagramVisual storyteller on YouTube: Saujeet TrailPassionate about offbeat travel and motorcyclingTopics Covered:Introduction to...2025-01-2046 minOne Off Travel StoriesAlice's Unforgettable Safari in ZambiaIn this episode, Andrew sits down with Alice, an intrepid traveler and author, to hear about her unforgettable safari experience in Zambia's South Luangwa National Park. Alice recounts her encounters with majestic lions, a mother leopard, and her unforgettable night camping in the wild. From the tense moments of a lion hunt to the quiet lessons learned from nature, Alice’s story is a fascinating blend of beauty, danger, and self-discovery. She also shares how this experience inspired her travel memoir and shaped her approach to storytelling and publishing.Guest: AliceAuthor of Take My Breath Fa...2024-12-1943 minOne Off Travel StoriesTara's Motorcycle Excursion in ColombiaGuest: TaraSolo traveler, US Marine Corps veteran, and outdoor enthusiastCreator of travel and adventure content at AdventaraEpisode Summary:In this episode, Andrew chats with Tara, a solo traveler and outdoor enthusiast based in Hawaii, about her adventurous weekend trip to Minca, Colombia. Tara shares how a work exchange program led her to explore the region on the back of a motorcycle with a fellow traveler, navigating muddy mountain roads and unexpected challenges. From a harrowing ride through narrow, slippery paths to a serene cacao farm experience and a heartwarming encounter with a...2024-11-2743 minOne Off Travel StoriesJames Dorsey Encounters the Hadza Tribe in Western TanzaniaGuest: James Michael DorseyAward-winning author, explorer, and lecturerHas spent over three decades researching remote tribal cultures in over 50 countriesResident naturalist for 22 years at a whale sanctuary in Baja, MexicoEpisode Summary:In this episode, Andrew speaks with James Michael Dorsey, an award-winning author and seasoned explorer. James shares a remarkable travel story from his journey to western Tanzania, where he encountered the Hadza, one of Africa's last true hunter-gatherer tribes. From facing thrilling tests of trust with the tribe to becoming "bait" in a dramatic hunt, James' experiences reveal the deep cultural insights...2024-10-3139 minOne Off Travel StoriesJR Harris' Solo Trek Across Baffin IslandGuest: J.R. HarrisLong-distance wilderness trekker with 60 years of experienceAuthor of Way Out There: Adventures of a Wilderness TrekkerBoard member of the Explorers Club, and chair of its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committeeFounder of J.R. Harris Marketing ServicesEpisode Summary:In this episode, host Andrew sits down with J.R. Harris, a lifelong New Yorker and legendary wilderness trekker who has explored some of the most remote and challenging terrains in the world. J.R. recounts his solo trek across Baffin Island in the Canadian Arctic, sharing the mental and physical trials...2024-09-1158 minOne Off Travel StoriesNaveen's World Cup Adventure in ParisEpisode Title: Serendipity in Paris: Naveen Rana’s World Cup AdventureGuest: Naveen RanaCanadian based in TorontoPassionate about photography and creative expressionEpisode Summary:In this episode, Andrew chats with Naveen Rana, a Canadian technology professional with a creative side. Naveen shares a captivating story about his spontaneous trip to Paris in 2006, where he unexpectedly found himself amidst the excitement of the World Cup. On this trip, Naveen used his photography skills to bond with travelers and make new friends. From capturing candid moments on the streets of Paris to celebrating wi...2024-08-1439 minOne Off Travel StoriesMarc's impromptu exam in EgyptGuest: Marc GerversEpisode Summary:In this episode, Andrew chats with Marc Gervers, an international arbitration lawyer based in Europe, about his trip impromptu trip to Cairo, Egypt, to write the UK bar exam. Marc is a lifelong traveler, has lived in many countries, and can speak 5 languages. We hear about his encounters with locals who provided a genuine cultural experience, his valuable tips on exploring Cairo, and of course, his exam experience. Marc's tales offer a captivating glimpse into the highs and lows of travel, emphasizing the importance of local interactions and of staying...2024-07-0344 minOne Off Travel StoriesDon gets the VIP treatment in KuwaitGuest: Don BurnsEpisode Summary:In this episode, Andrew welcomes Don Burns, a seasoned traveler from Toronto, Canada. Don shares an intriguing story about his spontaneous trip to Kuwait, highlighting the incredible hospitality he experienced and the surprising insights he gained about Kuwaiti culture. From world class restaurants to private parties, Don’s journey offers a captivating glimpse into a lesser-known travel destination. Key Points:Introduction to Don BurnsInitial Impressions of KuwaitA Warm WelcomeExploring Local Markets and the CityAn Unforgettable Night OutInsights into Kuwaiti CultureReflections on an Unforgettable ExperienceCalls to...2024-06-1944 minOne Off Travel StoriesSophie's mad dash across UzbekistanGuest: Sophie RoyEpisode Summary:In this episode of One Off Travel Stories, host Andrew sits down with Sophie Roy, an avid traveler and startup builder, to delve into her adventure in Uzbekistan. Sophie shares her unique experiences exploring the country before getting to her one off story. From navigating flight challenges to discovering the hidden gems of Uzbek culture, this episode is packed with captivating moments and insightful reflections. Tune in to learn about Uzbekistan's rich history, its warm hospitality, and a surprising encounter with Uzbek techno music.Topics Covered:Introduction...2024-06-1239 minOne Off Travel StoriesMichael's attempt to meet the King of BhutanGuest: Michael BervellIn this episode of One Off Travel Stories, host Andrew welcomes Michael Bervell to the show. An accomplished entrepreneur, angel investor, and author, Michael shares a captivating travel story from his recent trip to Bhutan. He discusses the fascinating concept of Gross National Happiness, Bhutan's unique cultural preservation efforts, and of course his one off story that involves the King of Bhutan. Tune in for an engaging conversation about Bhutan's breathtaking landscapes, cultural richness, and Michael's personal experiences.Topics Covered:Introduction to MichaelHarvard Business School TreksBhutan: The Land of Gross National...2024-06-1247 minOne Off Travel StoriesOne Off Travel Stories TrailerWelcome to "One Off Travel Stories," the podcast where each episode features a different guest recounting an extraordinary event that happened while they were traveling. Join us as we dive into personal narratives that highlight the spontaneity and unpredictability of travel. From off-the-beaten-path destinations to unexpected encounters, get ready to be inspired, entertained, and sometimes even astonished by the stories shared by our diverse lineup of travelers.2024-05-2501 min