The Pod Well Travelled

In this week’s show, we discuss one of the world’s most renowned overnight tourist trains, The Ghan. Having recently travelled on the train from Adelaide in South Australia to Darwin in the country’s Northern Territory, Penny Thomas chats with Megan French about the experience and all the places you visit along the way. Later on in the show, we hear from Journey Beyond’s food and beverage general...

Host Penny Thomas speaks with The West’s travel editor Stephen Scourfield and fashion writer Megan French about the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris, and whether you should visit the host city when the world’s greatest athletes gather there to compete. During the show they unpack how local Parisians feel about hosting the upcoming event, the rising cost of accommodation and public transport fares,...

In this week's episode, Stephen Scourfield and Megan French join Penny Thomas and share their expert packing tips.  During the show, they reveal everything from how to pack efficiently and effectively for big and small trips, the packing techniques they swear by and what to do if your bags are overweight at the airport terminal.  They also unpack the different type of travel bags they use for carr...

On this week’s episode of The Pod Well Travelled, we delve into the wonderful world of Formula One and how to witness the racing spectacle live. Host Penny Thomas is joined by Travel and Motoring Editor Stephen Scourifled and Fashion Writer Megan French, who provide expert travel advice on how to plan and attend an F1 race in-person. From the glamour of Monaco to the electric atmosphere of Singapo...

After a long wait, W Sydney has officially opened its doors — and we have the inside scoop about what went down at its premiere launch party.  Join Penny Thomas and Megan French as they unpack the star-studded event, plus we hear what it’s like to stay overnight at the new Darling Harbour property, which is the biggest and boldest W-branded hotel in the world.  Later on in the episode, we hear fro...

Last week, we devoted an entire episode to the rise and influence of Taylor Swift. This week, it’s all about the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll – Elvis Presley. Known for his charismatic stage presence, distinctive voice and pioneering fusion of rockabilly, country and rhythm and blues music, Elvis was a performer who captivated audiences around the globe and remains an indomitable figure. Join Stephen Sco...

Now that the Taylor Swift Eras Tour has come to an end in Australia, we discuss the pop megastar’s global influence and what happens when she comes to town.  Whether you’re a fan of Taylor Swift or not, it’s hard to deny the cultural and financial juggernaut she’s become. Join travel writer Penny Thomas and lifestyle reporter Megan French as they unpack what makes Taylor Swift such a powerful icon...

Join Stephen Scourfield and Penny Thomas as they discuss the magical Margaret River region in Western Australia’s South West. During the episode, we also hear from Smith Beach Resort marketing manager Gemma O’Loughlin, who tells us her top things to see and do in the region and why she decided to call this place home.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us as we reveal our list of safe places to travel and why it’s important to remain vigilant when exploring unfamiliar environments, particularly for solo female travellers. During the show, travel writers Penny Thomas and Megan French share personal anecdotes and practical tips to empower fellow travellers seeking peace of mind when in a foreign country. + Subscribe to The Pod Well Travelled...

Whether you’re flying to Sydney or Santiago, there are some things you just can’t leave home without. Join travel writer Penny Thomas and lifestyle reporter Megan French as they reveal the must-have items they always pack in their suitcase — beyond basic necessities like your passport, toothbrush and wallet — in the latest episode of The Pod Well Travelled. Subscribe to The Pod Well Travelled wher...

In this week’s episode, Penny Thomas and Leyanne Baillie discuss a different way to experience Antarctica.  Having recently enjoyed a daytrip over the frozen continent, Leyanne tells us about the “fly-over” experience and whether she thinks it’s worth doing.  Subscribe to The Pod Well Travelled where you get your podcasts — and share it to your family and friends. Sign up for eTravel via  thewest....

In this week’s episode, we chat about the unique blend of history, architecture and cosmopolitan flair on offer in Buenos Aires. Join Penny Thomas and Stephen Scourfield as they unpack a list of things to see and do in Argentina’s bustling and vibrant capital city. Throughout the show they reveal what makes Buenos Aires so special, why it’s often referred to as the “Paris of South America” and how...

Following on from an earlier podcast we did about preparing for Antarctica, in this week’s episode we reveal what it’s like once you're there. Having recently returned from the southernmost continent, Penny Thomas chats with Stephen Scourfield about her travels and what the experience was like on Hurtigruten’s MS Fridtjof Nansen. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the latest episode of The Pod Well Travelled, Stephen Scourfield and Leyanne Baillie celebrate the recent coronation in Denmark of King Frederik and Queen Mary by discussing all things royal and what royalty does for tourism.  More than 100,000 visitors were in Copenhagen for the coronation, and it has been estimated that the 2023 coronation of King Charles III in Britain brought the UK up to £...

Join Writing WA CEO Will Yeoman and Mogens Johansen as they discuss how he became a travel writer after several decades working as a press photographer. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Penny Thomas and Stephen Scourfield as they discuss one of the greatest natural wonders of the world, Uluru. Throughout the show they cover everything from when to visit, how to get there, what to expect once you’re there, plus so much more. Subscribe to The Pod Well Travelled where you get your podcasts — and share it to your family and friends. Sign up for eTravel via  thewest.com.au/manage...

In this week’s episode, Penny Thomas and Stephen Scourfield look beyond the obvious packing necessities and reveal the top five items they never travel without. Subscribe to The Pod Well Travelled where you get your podcasts — and share it to your family and friends. Sign up for eTravel via thewest.com.au/manage-email-preferences . It’s our free digital edition of travel that gets delivered to you...

In the latest episode of The Pod Well Travelled, Penny Thomas chats with business reporter Cheyanne Enciso and features reporter and stylist Megan French, who just got back from Virgin Voyages’ maiden cruise in Australia.  Throughout the show, they reveal what it was like sailing from Melbourne to Tasmania and back, their likes and dislikes about the overall experience, plus whether or not they no...

Join Stephen Scourfield as he unpacks the big travel trends for 2024 and shares some invaluable tips for the year ahead. From emerging destinations, leisurely touring plans and the added perk of more stable airfares — there’s lots to look forward to. Subscribe to The Pod Well Travelled where you get your podcasts — and share it to your family and friends. Sign up for eTravel via thewest.com.au/man...

In today’s episode, Penny Thomas gets advice from Stephen Scourfield ahead of her upcoming trip to Antarctica. Having already been to the world’s southernmost continent, Stephen shares plenty of useful travel tips like what to pack, how to avoid getting seasick, the type of camera gear you should consider taking, plus why it’s essential to secure comprehensive travel insurance early on for a trip...

Join Penny Thomas and Stephen Scourfield as they discuss India’s Golden Triangle, a popular tourist route in the country’s north that consists of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Stephen, who just got back from India, shares practical travel tips throughout the episode like when to go, what to expect and the places you can’t miss. The show ends with a sitar performance recorded during Stephen's latest trip...

In the latest episode of The Pod Well Travelled, Penny Thomas chats to Western Force scrum-half Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, who was part of the Wallabies squad at the recent Rugby World Cup in France. During the episode, the 28-year-old reveals what the atmosphere was like during the tournament despite the Wallabies enduring their biggest loss in cup history when they lost to Wales in Lyon. He also rev...

In this week’s episode, Penny Thomas and Mogens Johansen chat about the charming yet confounding Kingdom of Cambodia. After two recent travel assignments to the South-East Asian nation, Mogens tells us what to do, where to stay and why he thinks you should add Cambodia to your list of places to visit. Earlier episodes of The Pod Well Travelled are also available to stream, including our recent two...

The Pod Well Travelled is back for another season. In today’s episode, join host Penny Thomas and Stephen Scourfield as they discuss the beautiful island of Mauritius. Subscribe to The Pod Well Travelled wherever you get your podcasts — and share it to your family and friends. Sign up here for eTravel, our digital edition. It comes free to your inbox once a week and is full of new stories, fresh p...

In the second episode of our two-part Cruising Special, Stephen Scourfield and Michael Ferrante, Australia and New Zealand’s cruise writer of the year, continue their conversation about the wonderful world of cruising. Special guest Joel Katz, from Cruise Lines International Association, also joins the show and tells us what’s in store for Australia and New Zealand. And Jason Flesher, from Scenic...