One Off Travel Stories

In this episode, Andrew sits down with intrepid traveler and language enthusiast Ben Jovic to hear about his 2012 study abroad year. Ben skipped the typical sunny Spanish beaches his classmates preferred for a Soviet-style apartment in Yaroslavl. Surviving -40 degree winters and an endless supply of his host's homemade beetroot soup, Ben talks about culture shock and daily life in Russia at the ti...

In this episode of One Off Travel Stories, Andrew sits down with editorial travel photographer and writer Mark Eden. Mark shares his transition from corporate life to globetrotting photography, which inspired his book Global Village, a collection of "little stories" celebrating the everyday lives of people worldwide. The conversation then shifts to a journey back in his home country of Australia,...

In this episode, host Andrew sits down with adventure travel writer Michelle to discuss her expedition to the Yemeni island of Socotra. Sparked by a photograph of a blooming bottle tree, Michelle joined a guided group to explore the island's rare flora, including the endangered Dragon's Blood tree. The conversation covers the realities of off-grid desert camping, the memorable connections the grou...

In this episode of One Off Travel Stories, Andrew sits down with Mark Mustian, a seasoned traveler and author, to discuss his 2008 journey through Turkey and Syria. Mark traveled to the region to conduct firsthand research for his historical fiction novel, The Gendarme, which centers around the topic of the Armenian Genocide. Mark shares vivid memories of navigating tense border crossings, explori...

Legendary investor and traveler Jim Rogers joins the show to share wisdom from his two epic global journeys, one by motorcycle and one by car, that set world records. Jim discusses how he retired early from Wall Street to see the world, sharing insights on how on-the-ground travel informs his investment strategy and why he chose to drive a bright yellow Mercedes through 116 countries. From being h...

When a last-minute invitation took Matt Wilson to Iceland to document climate change and adventure tourism, it started out as a typical outdoor adventure. He met a backcountry guide, rode “super jeeps” across rivers, and climbed a glacier at midnight. However, while sitting with new friends above the clouds admiring volcano peaks in the distance he also hatched the idea that became his future busi...

In 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 exp...

In 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 bal...

When 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 Rogers Founder of For the Story Vacations Forme...

In 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...

In 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 boot...

In 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 m...

In 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...

In 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 b...

Guest: Tara Solo traveler, US Marine Corps veteran, and outdoor enthusiast Creator of travel and adventure content at Adventara Episode 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...

Guest: James Michael Dorsey Award-winning author, explorer, and lecturer Has spent over three decades researching remote tribal cultures in over 50 countries Resident naturalist for 22 years at a whale sanctuary in Baja, Mexico Episode 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 jo...

Guest: J.R. Harris Long-distance wilderness trekker with 60 years of experience Author of Way Out There: Adventures of a Wilderness Trekker Board member of the Explorers Club, and chair of its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee Founder of J.R. Harris Marketing Services Episode Summary: In this episode, host Andrew sits down with J.R. Harris, a lifelong New Yorker and legendary wilderness t...

Episode Title: Serendipity in Paris: Naveen Rana’s World Cup Adventure Guest: Naveen Rana Canadian based in Toronto Passionate about photography and creative expression Episode 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 hi...

Guest: Marc Gervers Episode 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...

Guest: Don Burns Episode 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 int...

Guest: Sophie Roy Episode 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...

Guest: Michael Bervell In 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 in...

Welcome 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 a...