In conversation with tourists

In this episode of In Conversation with Tourists , I speak with travel consultant Lindsay Nielsen about what really goes into planning a memorable holiday. Drawing on her experience in travel consultancy, tourism boards and her own journeys around the world, Lindsay shares how she helps clients shape holidays around their interests, preferences, budgets and personalities. We discuss the many diffe...

n Conversation with Tourists explores how people travel, what they notice, what they love, and what makes a place stay with them long after the trip ends. In this episode, Yana shares stories from travelling through more than 20 countries, from her love for the Philippines to her fondness for cloudier places, unusual foods, and the small personal rituals that make travel feel like her own, includi...

In this episode of In Conversation with Tourists , I speak with Salma , a student from Chicago spending a semester in Edinburgh. We explore the ideas of mindful tourism, sustainable travel practices and what it means to truly be present while exploring a new place. One moment that stayed with me is when Salma said, “It's fun to go to places that don't exist anywhere other than the new place you're...

In this episode of In Conversation with Tourists , I’m joined by Charlie for an unexpected follow-up to our recent trips to Stockholm. By pure coincidence, we found ourselves on the same departure flight , and we've decided to record an episode of experiencing the city in completely different ways. Charlie’s trip was shaped by friends, gym, some quirky bars and exploring Stockholm’s more youthful,...

I’m in love… with this conversation! Just in time for Valentine’s Day, I’m sharing one of the most heartwarming episodes we’ve ever recorded. For the first time, I interviewed a newlywed couple, an adventurous duo from the U.S., who are traveling the world together and spending a few months in Edinburgh. From meeting in New York, to discovering Scotland (Robert Burns, haggis, whiskey, and the Bord...

This episode is a thoughtful chat with Jon, a traveler who truly pays attention to places, to people and the spaces in between. We take a look at Eastern Europe through his eyes, including his reflections on Georgia and other destinations often seen as grey or uniform. Jon has a real fondness for public architecture : bus stations, communal spaces, metro, those overlooked structures which he feels...

Different format, two short street interviews with tourists in Edinburgh in the summer of 2025. Delighted to find out what caught their attention and what they would recommend others to do in the city.

As the year slows down and many of us start reflecting rather than rushing, this conversation feels especially timely. In this episode of In Conversation with Tourists , I sit down with Téa , a thoughtful traveler and researcher whose journeys have taken her through the Himalayas, Peru and many other places — and closer to home, Scotland. Téa doesn’t travel to collect destinations. She travels to...

In this uplifting episode of In Conversation with Tourists , I speak with Umar , a savvy and thoughtful traveler who knows how to make the most of every journey. From prioritizing what truly matters while traveling to uncovering unexpected experiences, Umar shares practical tips on planning ahead, finding affordable accommodations, and embracing the surprises that make travel unforgettable. He tel...

This conversation with Nadia felt like paging through a living album of travel—full of warmth, laughter, and quiet reflection. She brought me into her childhood summers in Italy, her teenage adventures in Rhodes and the Swiss Alps, and the years of building new memories with her own family. What struck me most was how each trip wasn’t just about the destination, but about who she was at that stage...

At the Edinburgh Fringe, every street corner buzzes with possibility—and in this heartwarming episode of  In Conversation with Tourists , I speak with Gabe, a young writer and actor from Chicago, who has brought his play to the Edinburgh Fringe. From his research to uncover the family history and heritage to memories of New Mexico, we explore how travel, performance and curiosity shape the way we...

This episode is with Erica, a wonderful performer from California whose soothing voice feels like it was made for storytelling. We talk about her show, of course, but also about how deeply she connected with Edinburgh—how the city feels beautiful, old, and alive, and why the Meadows quickly became her favorite place. I loved hearing what she would take home as souvenirs: her daily journal entries,...

This week I’m joined by Evelyne, an incredible artist from California whose play  Painkiller  pushes boundaries both on the page and on stage. We explore the deeply personal inspirations behind her work, what it feels like to perform at the world’s largest cultural festival, and the surprising ways an international audience can shape an artist’s voice. Evelyne also shares her impressions of Edinbu...

On this episode of  In Conversation with Tourists , I meet The Traveling Janes, an international band performing at the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe. With members from the U.S., France, and Scotland, they come together as a colective, blending diverse influences into what they call “dirty blues, wild vintage jazz and folk music.” We talk about their musical journeys, how they navigate the world while col...

In this warm and curious conversation, I’m joined by Rossano—a Scottish traveller with deep Italian roots—as we explore the essence of what makes a journey truly memorable. From reconnecting with family across borders to soaking in the light, smell and sound of faraway places, Rossano shares his reflections on travel. We chat about travelling with companions, collecting keepsakes (yes, even the hu...

In this podcast episode, Lucy, born and bread in Edinburgh, delves into the transformative changes the city has undergone over the years. We touch on Edinburgh's identity, community spirit, and the effects of increased tourism and festivalization. Despite the changes, the pandemic offered a silver lining, fostering community connections in unexpected ways and prompting reflections on the city’s du...

In this episode of  In Conversation with Tourists , Oana sits down with Jake—a traveler who’d happily swap a must‑see monument for a quiet chat over a neighborhood café table. Jake explains why the real itinerary begins where the guidebook ends: on unbeaten paths, in spur‑of‑the‑moment detours, and in the stories locals share when you bother to listen. Their conversation ranges from Edinburgh’s cl...

In this reflective solo episode, I explore how our travel behaviors shape the meaning and depth of our holiday experiences. From navigating group dynamics and compromising on activities, to overcoming fears around solo travel—especially for women in midlife—I invite listeners to pause and question the why behind their travels. We’ll also unpack the idea of moving beyond mass urban tourism to embra...

In this episode of  In Conversation with Tourists , my guests trade the library for lochs, greenery and calm. They explain how climbing with a mixed group of friends turned a tough ascent into a lesson in teamwork, and why they want to learn from Scots to celebrate small wins. This dynamic travel duo discuss about warm welcomes and the surprise of a 10 p.m. alcohol curfew and nightlife that slips...

Jo travelled to Australia, America and in Europe, but one place changed everything for her: India. In this episode, Jo - now 66- opens up about the transformative power of travel. We talk about her experiences in India - learning from artisans, observing the rhythm of daily life and building warm and lasting connections with locals. Whether you've been around the world or are still dreaming of you...

What happened to the magic of travel? In this trailer for In conversation with tourists, host Oana reflects on how we've lost the spark of discovery, buried under over-planning, bucket lists and Instagrammable moments. This podcast isn't about giving travel tips. It's about listening to real stories from tourists around the world: what surprised them, what moved them and what they truly remember....