Wanderlust: Off the Page

Mobile, Alabama: The Birthplace of US Mardi Gras

Historic, cultured, and delicious. Wetlands, bayous and the glittering Gulf coast. Today we’re going to Mobile, Alabama, otherwise known as the ‘Paris of the South’. This pioneering port city has a deep cultural history, a buzzing food scene and the oldest Mardi Gras in the States – that’s right,  Mobile’s Carnival pre-dates New Orleans’.But, it’s still largely unknown to visitors outside of the States. If you haven’t thought about Mobile as a travel destination before, then good! Introducing you to new places that we love, and think you will too, is what this show is all about. And today we have three expert guests – all Mobile locals – to show us around. Ester de Aguiar: Executive Director of the Mobile International Festival Cart Blackwell: Historian and curator for the Mobile Carnival Museum Chris Andrews: Founder of Bienville Bites, Mobile’s tastiest food tour companyHighlights include:Learning the history of the oldest Mardi Gras celebration in the country – 300 years and counting!Heading out on a food tour to try local delicacies such as Gulf Coast oysters, West Indies salad, King Cake and more.Discovering the Clotilda heritage in Africatown, and the story of the last transatlantic slave ship.  We think Mobile, Alabama should be on the itinerary of every Deep South road trip. Listen in to hear why and get inspired for your next USA adventure. For more inspiration, go to: mobile.org WANDERLUST: OFF THE PAGETake the road less travelled with us and subscribe to the show so you never miss an adventure! WANDERLUST MAGAZINEWanderlust is the UK’s leading independent travel magazine which has been taking the road less travelled since 1993. Find out more at wanderlustmagazine.comBecome a Wanderlust Club Member to join our community of serious travellers for just £35 a year (or about $50). This will get you six beautiful collectible issues, exclusive member- only competitions and events, access to our entire online archive back to 2010, and heaps of other benefits.CREDITSThis episode was produced by Armchair Productions, the audio experts for the travel industry. Lyn Hughes and Laura Field introduce the show. Aaron Millar is the interviewer and script editor. Audio production by Charles Tyrie. 

A Journey Along Victoria's Great Ocean Road and Beyond

In this episode, we’ve teamed up with the experts at Audley Travel and award-winning Singapore Airlines to bring you all the inspiration and information you need to start planning a romantic road trip around the state of Victoria in Australia.We will be journeying through Victoria, from the Great Ocean Road to the Grampians, taking in the central areas around Victoria’s coastal capital of Melbourne as well as Wilsons Promontory National Park. With everything from wonderful wildlife and relaxing wineries to exciting cultural experiences, we explore the best places to pit stop along the way.Featured guests and highlights:Justin MeneguzziAward-winning journalist, author and photographer Justin is from Australia and is a real local expert. During this episode, Justin talks to us about why he thinks Melbourne is such an exciting city, reminisces about his memories of the Great Ocean Road, and shares highlights of other incredible road trips around the state. Charlotte CooperCharlotte certainly knows a thing or two about Victoria! As a Senior Australia County Specialist for Audley Travel, Charlotte has real, on-the-ground experience in Victoria and a real passion for Australia and its incredible highlights. In this episode, we ask Charlotte for her advice, travel tips, and practicalities to make your dream visit to Victoria a reality.Singapore AirlinesWith multiple daily connections from London Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester to Singapore, and five daily non-stop services from there to Melbourne on Singapore Airlines’ ultra-modern fleet, getting to Victoria has never been easier or more enjoyable. Named the World’s Best Airline Cabin Staff by Skytrax 2024, Singapore Airlines’ in-flight service is next level and the comfort a cut above thanks to wider seats with more legroom in Economy Class and a huge choice of in-flight entertainment, plus unlimited complimentary Wi-Fi.The food is another big reason to fly with Singapore Airlines. Thanks to the partnership with Monica Galetti, Business Class and Suites/First Class passengers flying from the UK can enjoy her curated, seasonal menus. Those flying in premium cabins can pre-order gourmet meals using the Book the Cook offering. And, if you’re looking to explore more of Oz, Singapore Airlines’ partnership with Virgin Australia means you can seamlessly connect to airports all around the country, fly into one gateway and out of another.Find out moreEnjoy the ultimate freedom of an immersive road trip in Victoria with Audley and Singapore Airlines.Learn moreListen now on Spotify or Apple Podcasts

Colombia: Biodiversity Beyond Borders

Colombia is home to nearly 10% of the world’s biodiversity, and in today’s episode we’ll be exploring it from the Amazon to the Andes. In the company of three expert guests, our journey will take us deep into each of Colombia’s five distinct regions, revealing the unique ecosystems, rare wildlife, and cultural connections to nature that define them. From birdwatching in cloud forests and listening to humpback whales sing to meeting indigenous communities and searching for giant snakes, this is Colombia: Biodiversity Beyond Borders.Featured Guests & Highlights:Chris BellWildlife guide, birding expert and Bogotá local Chris Bell discusses why Colombia is a dream destination for bird lovers.Over 1,900 bird species—more than any other countrySpotting endemic species in Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and Andean cloud forestsBirdwatching in the Amazon Basin and along the Pacific coastShafik MeghjiAuthor and travel writer Shafik Meghji explores Colombia’s biodiversity through the lens of culture, history, and nature.Los Llanos: vast savannahs teeming with capybaras, caimans, and cowboys (llaneros)Cartagena & Caribbean coast: where mangroves, colonial history, and vibrant culture meetSan Andrés & Providencia: coral reefs, pirate treasure, and a unique island heritage unlike anywhere elseAngela Posada-SwaffordScience journalist Angela Posada-Swafford explains how Colombia’s climate and topography make it one of the most ecologically varied places on Earth.Amazon rainforest: spotting pink river dolphins and jaguarsPacific coast: whale migrations and remote rainforestsHumpback songs: listen to a special 1min clip of a collaboration Angela worked on between humpback whales and a live orchestraListen Now and let your imagination wander from the Andes to the Amazon.FIND OUT MORE For more information on how to plan your trip go to procolombia.co Chris Bell: birding-experience.com, @chrisbellbirdingShafik Meghji: shafikmeghji.com, @shafikmeghjiAngela Posada-Swafford: angelaposadaswafford.com, @aposadaswafford WANDERLUST MAGAZINE Wanderlust is the UK’s leading independent travel magazine which has been taking the roadless travelled since 1993. Find out more at wanderlustmagazine.com Become a Wanderlust Club Member to join our community of serious travellers for just£35 a year (or about $50). This will get you six beautiful collectible issues,exclusive member- only competitions and events, access to our entire onlinearchive back to 2010, and heaps of other benefits.This episode was produced by Armchair Productions, the audio experts for the travel industry. Aaron Millar hosts the show and Charles Tyrie produces it. Find our other shows at armchair-productions.com

Transformative Journeys: Discovering Indigenous-led Tourism in British Columbia

In this episode, we explore the transformative impact of Indigenous-led tourism in British Columbia, where every journey fosters deep connections with the land and its people. Join us as we travel from the pristine Great Bear Rainforest to the rich waters of Desolation Sound, discovering experiences that inspire and transform.Highlights Include:Witnessing the Spirit Bear: Experience the magic of the Great Bear Rainforest and learn about conservation efforts that protect this rare species. Spirit Bear LodgeCoastal Rainforest Adventures: Join guided wildlife tours that connect you with the ecology and Indigenous stories of the coastal rainforest. Coastal Rainforest SafarisMarine Wildlife Encounters: Explore the waters with Sea Wolf Adventures, focusing on orca watching and cultural insights from Indigenous guides. Sea Wolf AdventuresCultural Heritage Tours: Engage with the Homalco First Nation through wildlife tours that highlight local culture and history. Homalco Wildlife and Cultural ToursLuxurious Wilderness Retreats: Discover Klahoose Wilderness Resort, where comfort meets authentic Indigenous experiences in stunning natural settings. Klahoose Wilderness ResortUnforgettable Bear Viewing: Experience the renowned Knight Inlet Lodge, known for exceptional bear viewing and insights into Indigenous conservation. Knight Inlet LodgeRustic Ranch Experiences: Visit Big Bar Guest Ranch for horseback riding and cultural immersion, surrounded by picturesque landscapes. Big Bar Guest RanchMountain Serenity: Relax at Nemiah Valley Lodge, where outdoor adventures meet the rich culture of the Tsilhqot’in people. Nemiah Valley LodgeFIND OUT MOREFor more information on planning your Indigenous tourism adventure, visit Indigenous Tourism BC and hellobc.com.Thank you to our sponsors for supporting this episode. Explore the beauty and diversity of British Columbia with the guidance of Indigenous-led experiences.WANDERLUST MAGAZINEWanderlust is the UK’s leading independent travel magazine, dedicated to exploring the road less travelled since 1993. Discover more at wanderlustmagazine.com.Become a Wanderlust Club Member to connect with a community of passionate travelers for just £35 a year (about $50). Enjoy six collectible issues, exclusive competitions, access to our online archive, and more.This episode was produced by Armchair Productions, the audio experts for the travel industry. Aaron Millar hosts the show, with production by Charles Tyrie. Discover our other shows at armchair-productions.com.

The Colours of Queensland: Ocean Blue, Rainforest Green and Outback Red

When it comes to natural wonders Queensland, Australia has it all. From the largest reef in the world, the Great Barrier Reef, to the oldest rainforest on the planet, the Daintree, this is a place to re-connect with nature, have an adventure and be inspired by the indigenous cultures that have lived here for thousands of years. Taking us there are travel writer Karen Edwards, who’ll be recounting tales from her latest trip, and Queensland local Sarah Thomson, who’ll be giving us the insider secrets on the places she loves the most (there are a lot of them!).These are the colours of Queensland: Ocean blue, forest green and outback red. Highlights include:Peering under the waves into the technicolour world of the Great Barrier ReefGoing on an aboriginal led walking tour through the more than 180-million year old Daintree RainforestExploring the food, stars and legendary local characters of the outback Getting the lowdown on three ‘dream sleeps’ - bucket list places to stay for each colour, including a hotel under the waves.Finding out what our expert’s ultimate Queensland itinerary is - two perfect weeks in one of the most diverse destinations on the planet.FIND OUT MOREFor more information on how to plan your trip go to queensland.com Thanks also to Qatar Airways for supporting this episode. They were voted the world’s best airline 2024 by Skytrax, for the 8th time, and are the most comfortable way to get to Queensland. Find out more and book your tickets at qatarairways.comInstagram: @karennedwaards_writerWANDERLUST MAGAZINEWanderlust is the UK’s leading independent travel magazine which has been taking the road less travelled since 1993. Find out more at wanderlustmagazine.comBecome a Wanderlust Club Member to join our community of serious travellers for just £35 a year (or about $50). This will get you six beautiful collectible issues, exclusive member- only competitions and events, access to our entire online archive back to 2010, and heaps of other benefits.This episode was produced by Armchair Productions, the audio experts for the travel industry. Aaron Millar hosts the show and Charles Tyrie produces it. Find our other shows at armchair-productions.com