The Ultimate Adventure Travel Podcast

Are trekkers really being “poisoned” on Everest… or is there more to the story? In this episode of the Ultimate Adventure Travel Podcast, Jake Field breaks down the recent headlines surrounding alleged helicopter rescue scams in the Everest region. With reports suggesting that trekkers may have been made ill to trigger insurance-funded evacuations, this topic has created understandable concern amo...

There’s no perfect time to travel. Only trade-offs. In this episode of the Ultimate Adventure Travel Podcast, Jake Field breaks down one of the most common questions in adventure travel: “When is the best time to go?” But more importantly, he answers the question most people don’t ask… “When should you NOT go?” From Everest Base Camp and Kilimanjaro to Machu Picchu, Morocco, India, and Turkey, Jak...

What happens when you stop waiting… and just go? In this episode of the Ultimate Adventure Travel Podcast, Jake Field is joined by Sebastian Brandt, a listener who went from having no trekking experience to completing Everest Base Camp via the Gokyo Lakes route with just four weeks of preparation. Seb shares how redundancy became the catalyst for a major life shift, leading him from cycling across...

In this episode of the Ultimate Adventure Travel Podcast, Jake Field breaks down what travellers should actually do when global events cause travel disruption. With conflict in the Middle East creating uncertainty across air routes, many travellers are facing delayed flights, rerouted journeys, and confusion about their rights. Rather than focusing on the headlines, Jake provides a clear, practica...

In this episode of the Ultimate Adventure Travel Podcast, Jake Field is joined by traveller Eric to reflect on their journey through India’s famous Golden Triangle. Together they explore the cultural, historical, and sensory experience of travelling through Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, along with a wildlife safari in Ranthambore National Park. Jake and Eric discuss first impressions of India, the scal...

In this episode of the Ultimate Adventure Travel Podcast, Jake Field tackles one of the most common but rarely voiced fears in adventure travel: what happens if you are the slowest person in the group? Using real experience from leading treks to Everest Base Camp, Kilimanjaro, Machu Picchu, and Mount Toubkal, Jake explains how group pace actually works in the mountains. He breaks down why trekking...

In this episode of the Ultimate Adventure Travel Podcast, Jake Field breaks down one of the most common but least clearly answered questions in adventure travel: how much spending money you actually need once your trip is booked. Using real examples from Everest Base Camp, Kilimanjaro, Machu Picchu, Morocco, India, and Turkey, Jake explains what is typically included in adventure travel packages a...

In this episode of the Ultimate Adventure Travel Podcast, Jake Field breaks down what you can realistically expect to eat on adventure travel trips. From expedition-style meals on Everest Base Camp and Kilimanjaro, to cooked trail food on the Inca Trail, and full cultural cuisine experiences in Morocco, India, and Turkey, Jake explains how food plays a practical role in performance, recovery, and...

In this episode of the Ultimate Adventure Travel Podcast , expedition leader Jake Field shares a complete, no-nonsense guide to what to pack for Machu Picchu . Drawing on years of experience leading groups along the Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek, and the Short Trail, Jake explains exactly what to bring and what to leave behind. He covers everything from acclimatisation in Cusco and building the r...

In this episode of the Ultimate Adventure Travel Podcast , expedition leader Jake Field shares his expert advice on what to pack for two of the world’s most iconic treks — Everest Base Camp and Kilimanjaro . Drawing from years of guiding experience, Jake explains how to prepare for both expeditions with confidence — from layering systems and sleeping bags to boots, hygiene kits, and first-aid esse...

In this episode of the Ultimate Adventure Travel Podcast , expedition leader Jake Field shares a complete, experience-driven packing guide for anyone preparing to climb Mount Toubkal , North Africa’s highest peak. From layering systems and footwear to daypack essentials and what not to bring, Jake explains how to strike the perfect balance between comfort, warmth, and practicality. Drawing on year...

In this episode of the Ultimate Adventure Travel Podcast , host Jake Field welcomes back Amanda Black to explore how adventure travel can genuinely improve mental health. Together, they discuss how time outdoors, connection, and shared experiences create meaningful change in both body and mind. Amanda, founder of the Solo Female Traveler Network , offers her perspective on the confidence and heali...

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&...