The Ultimate Adventure Travel Podcast

In this episode of The Ultimate Adventure Travel Podcast , host Jake Field reveals the ten most common mistakes people make when trekking overseas — and how to avoid them. From altitude and fitness misconceptions to overpacking, mental preparation, and the importance of solid travel insurance, Jake shares the lessons learned from years of guiding treks across the Himalayas, Andes, and Africa. Whet...

In this episode of The Ultimate Adventure Travel Podcast , host Jake Field breaks down the seven most common mistakes people make when trekking to Machu Picchu and how to avoid them. From altitude challenges and overpacking to poor footwear choices and underestimating the trek’s difficulty, Jake shares insider tips learned from years of guiding groups through the Peruvian Andes. This is a must-lis...

In this episode of The Ultimate Adventure Travel Podcast , host Jake Field sits down with experienced expedition leaders Gemma Popejoy and Jemima Crathorne to have an honest, no-taboos conversation about women’s health and hygiene on expeditions . From dealing with periods at altitude to managing hydration when toilet access is limited, this episode is packed with practical advice, funny stories,...

In this episode of the Ultimate Adventure Travel Podcast , host Jake Field lifts the lid on one of the most overlooked parts of adventure travel — group dynamics . What really happens when a group of strangers come together to take on a challenge like Kilimanjaro, Everest Base Camp, or Mount Toubkal? Jake explores the emotions, the nerves, and the breakthroughs that turn strangers into lifelong fr...

In this brutally honest episode of The Ultimate Adventure Travel Podcast , expedition leader Jake Field pulls back the curtain on what really goes on behind the scenes of adventure travel companies — and the details most operators won’t tell you. Drawing on eight years of experience leading treks to Everest Base Camp, Kilimanjaro, and Mount Toubkal, Jake breaks down what separates a safe, professi...

In this episode of The Ultimate Adventure Travel Podcast , host Jake Field is joined by Amanda Black , founder of The Solo Female Traveler Network , to unpack one of the most interesting questions in modern travel: What actually counts as adventure? From diving in Honduras to climbing Kilimanjaro, Jake and Amanda explore the spectrum of hard vs soft adventure — and how travel can challenge you phy...

In this episode of The Ultimate Adventure Travel Podcast , Jake Field dives into one of the least glamorous but most important topics in travel — ATOL protection . Jake breaks down what ATOL actually means, why it exists, and how misunderstanding it has left travellers stranded and out of pocket. Drawing on real industry examples, he explains how to check if a company is properly protected, what y...

Are you fit enough for Everest Base Camp or Kilimanjaro? Spoiler: Probably more than you think. In this episode, Jake breaks down exactly how fit you need to be to take on these iconic treks—and what kind of training really works. Whether you're just getting started or already smashing 10Ks, this episode gives practical, honest guidance on how to physically and mentally prepare for multi-day...

In this no-filter episode of the Ultimate Adventure Travel Podcast , Jake lifts the lid on the topic nobody wants to talk about — but everybody wants to know. From squat toilets in Nepal to shower scarcity on Kilimanjaro, this episode reveals the real hygiene realities of multi‑day treks at altitude. Jake breaks down what toilets actually look like, how to stay clean without showers, common hygien...

What’s on the List for 2026? In this episode, Jake reveals the full lineup of Ultimate Adventure Travel trips for 2026 — including one brand‑new, never-before-announced expedition. From soft adventure to high-altitude challenges, Jake shares why each trip made the list and what makes these destinations truly unforgettable. If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to book an adventure… this migh...

What’s really included in your trekking package? And what extra costs might you get stung by once you’re already out there? In this episode of The Ultimate Adventure Travel Podcast , I (Jake Field) break down the real costs of high-altitude trekking — from Everest Base Camp to Kilimanjaro — and call out the misleading pricing tactics used by some travel companies that leave trekkers unprepared and...

In this solo episode, Jake answers a question he usually asks his guests: What has adventure travel taught you that nothing else in life has? What follows is an honest, raw, and inspiring deep dive into his personal journey — from failing to find direction at college, to survival training in the Costa Rican jungle, to launching his own adventure travel company. He shares stories from Kilimanjaro,...

Thinking about tackling Mount Toubkal or the Inca Trail? In this deep-dive solo episode, Jake Field breaks down the key differences between two of the world’s most rewarding adventure travel experiences. From altitude and terrain to culture, climate, cost, and crowd levels — Jake walks you through every factor to help you decide which trek suits your goals, timeline, and travel style. Whether you&...

What if you trained for months, travelled halfway across the world, and then couldn’t summit? In this solo episode, expedition leader Jake Field explores what really happens when adventure doesn’t go to plan and why that’s okay. Jake shares real client stories from treks where things didn’t go as expected, offers practical advice on how to prepare mentally for these moments, and breaks down how Ul...

Why does adventure travel cost what it does? In this episode, Jake Field breaks down one of the most common questions he’s asked: why do trips like Kilimanjaro, Everest Base Camp, or Machu Picchu cost what they do — and what are you actually paying for? Jake unpacks the reality behind adventure travel pricing, from permits and local staff to safety gear and logistics, and explains how to spot hidd...

What’s it really like to climb Mount Toubkal when it’s your first experience of trekking in Morocco? In this episode of the Ultimate Adventure Travel Podcast , Jake Field is joined by James Shoebridge to unpack their recent climb of Mount Toubkal (4,167m) with the StrongMen Charity. For James, the adventure felt like stepping into a whole new world: the noise and colour of Marrakech, the culture s...

Thinking about trekking to Everest Base Camp or the Gokyo Lakes — but not sure which one’s right for you? In this solo episode, expedition leader Jake Field draws on his six treks to Nepal to compare the classic Everest Base Camp route with the quieter, more scenic Gokyo Lakes alternative. He breaks down everything from difficulty levels and altitude to route options, fitness requirements, accommo...

What kit do you really need for an adventure travel holiday, and how do you choose the right gear without wasting your money? In this practical, no-nonsense episode, expedition leader Jake Field walks you through the three most essential pieces of kit you’ll need for almost any trip: boots , jackets , and rucksacks . Whether you’re gearing up for Kilimanjaro, Everest Base Camp, or just getting sta...

In this episode of the Ultimate Adventure Travel Podcast , Jake Field breaks down the biggest myths holding people back from booking their dream trip — starting with the idea that you need to be “super fit” to go on an expedition. From Kilimanjaro to Everest Base Camp, Jake shares first-hand experience leading countless trips with people of all fitness levels. He explains why it’s about preparatio...

In this solo episode of the Ultimate Adventure Travel Podcast, Jake Field explores why group adventures can offer so much more than just an epic destination. Drawing on years of leading expeditions across the globe, Jake shares the psychological, emotional, and practical benefits of travelling with others, from unexpected friendships to newfound confidence. Whether you’re a solo traveller consider...

Podcast Description: In this episode of the Ultimate Adventure Travel Podcast, Jake Field breaks down everything you need to know about climbing Mount Kilimanjaro — specifically, how to choose the right route for your adventure. From the popular Machame and Marangu routes to lesser-known options like the Northern Circuit, Jake shares honest insights into what makes each route unique — including te...

Not all roads to Machu Picchu are the same and choosing the right one can shape your entire adventure. In this episode, Jake Field breaks down the key differences between the iconic Inca Trail and the stunning, remote Salkantay Trek. From altitude and difficulty to culture, scenery, and comfort, Jake shares everything you need to know to decide which route is best for your next Peruvian adventure....

Why do we sometimes feel low after the high of an epic adventure? In this solo episode, Jake Field opens up about the very real — and often unspoken experience of post-expedition blues . Drawing on personal experiences from returning home after big trips, he shares the emotional rollercoaster that can follow a powerful adventure, as well as practical ways to navigate it. From the psychological dro...

What if one of the world’s most underrated adventure destinations was hiding in plain sight, right in the heart of Europe? In this episode of the Ultimate Adventure Travel Podcast , Jake Field is joined by Slovakian guide and local expert Alena , who shares why Slovakia is a paradise for adventure lovers all year round. From hiking in the High Tatras to husky sledding through snow-covered forests...

What happens when endurance racing meets purposeful travel? In this episode, Jake Field is joined by endurance athlete and race organiser Brett Harrison to explore how adventure travel can go far beyond personal goals — and directly benefit the communities it touches. From organising races on Kilimanjaro to leading community development projects in Tanzania, Brett shares how immersive experiences...