Welcome to A Sideways Life, where we uncover the hidden gems of the world, far away from the usual tourist hotspots!

Hey, Sideways Lifers! In today's episode, we're taking a detour from the usual travel guide. Forget Paris, New York, and Bali - we're diving into destinations that are equally enchanting but way less crowded. We're talking about places where you can truly immerse in local cultures, untouched nature, and unique experiences. Get ready to add some new spots to your travel bucket list!

 

First up, let's trade the iconic spires of Prague for the charming streets of Bratislava, Slovakia. Often overlooked for its more famous neighbour, Bratislava is a hidden jewel nestled along the Danube River. Imagine strolling through the compact old town, admiring the mix of medieval and communist-era architecture, and enjoying local delicacies at a fraction of the price you'd find in Prague. Don't miss the stunning Bratislava Castle, offering breathtaking views of the city. It's a culturally rich, yet relaxed alternative to the bustling tourist hubs

 

Next, let's swap the crowded beaches of Thailand for the serene shores of Laos. Ever heard of Luang Prabang? This hidden paradise in the Mekong River is where tranquility meets adventure. Imagine kayaking with river dolphins, exploring waterfalls, and watching sunsets on quiet riverbanks. It's the perfect place for a peaceful retreat

 

Listen for our 6 other recommendations!

 

That's a wrap for today's off-the-grid travel suggestions! Remember, the world is full of undiscovered wonders waiting for you. Stay curious and keep exploring! And don't go to Bali.

Hey there, listeners! We're back with "A Sideways Life" after a good nine-month break. Thanks for hanging in there with us – we've missed you all!

In our latest chat, we get real about the ups and downs of our nomadic life. Turns out, even we can get a bit tired of moving around all the time. We spill the beans on our recent Italian escapade, where we hopped around Italy and Sicily for 90 days. It's funny how life works – this trip unexpectedly led us back to a place we can't get enough of: the Balkans, especially Bosnia and Herzegovina.

We dive into why Bosnia has stolen our hearts, sharing stories and laughs about our adventures there. This episode is a mix of travel tales, a bit of nostalgia, and a lot of love for the places that have touched our souls.

So, grab your favourite drink, settle in, and join us for a laid-back, heartwarming journey through our lives and the places we adore. Here's to more adventures, more chats, and more unexpected joys in life. Let's get this journey restarted!

 

PS. Email us you fckers! Tell us what you've been up to the last 9 months. asidewayslife@gmail.com 

Welcome to day 19 of Podmas!! (25 days of podcasts in December).

We’re going to bring you an episode a day in December right through to Christmas Day...

Today we talk about the problems we leave at home when we live and work abroad.

Our guest is Kath (from our friends Kath & Dave) who explain that it's not quite as simple as getting in your car and driving to a new life.

Tune in tomorrow for Day 19! 

The sun was shining, the gin was flowing, and we so we thought we'd take a month off work and just enjoy the summer.

And we're not even sorry...

In this short trailer we'll tell you what to look forward to now we've dusted off the microphones and are back in the podcast saddle.

Spending a Sunday with a chef of Michelin star calibre was an absolute treat!

The star of this episode is Fanni, who worked with Tommy Banks in Roots, York and now travels the world, working as a private chef for families who love great food. 

Not only does Leanne talk about food (and watch Fanni make us an amazing lunch), but we talk about what it's like to work as a private chef abroad, and what life is like cooking in a van...

"A van..?", you ask.

Yep, Fanni is previous guest Andrew Bosomworth's partner (episode 23: How to drive around Europe in a campervan).

How did they end up at our house? We first interviewed Andrew remotely when he was in Hungary, and then they turned up in Pula, Croatia a few weeks later.

We immediately made up the spare bedroom, stocked up on beers, and sent an invite. We all got on so well, and Fanni was such a great chef, that Leanne had to record an episode.

So if you want to be a guest (and possibly end up drinking Gin & Tonic with us!), then drop us a DM on Instagram.

Nearly forgot... if you want the recipe card, go to ASidewaysLife.com/ep26. 

How to find Fanni:

Instagram: @jas.on.the.explore

TikTok: @jas.on.the.explore

Spending a Sunday with a chef of Michelin star calibre what’s an absolute treat.

The star of our next episode (out soon!) is still a secret, but this little teaser gives you some clues to her identity. (We’ll also be sharing her recipe so you can make fabulous food in your very own kitchen.)

And it’s vegan too!

The new episode is out in the next few hours...

 

ps. Did Leanne really just say 'the episode will drop'..? Embarrassing.

Welcome to another great interview with a lovely guy called Patrick, who left his hometown of Dallas, USA to live and work in South Korea.

Join us as Leanne talks about:

• How Patrick blew up on TikTok (thanks to literally wandering into a random house one day)
• Meeting KPop stars on the street
• The truth around mental health and living abroad
• Plus lots more...

Go follow Pat on:

• Instagram - @theexpatpat
• TikTok - @theexpatpat
• YouTube - YouTube.com/c/TheExpatPat

Sneak preview of our upcoming episode with Patrick from @ExPatPat (Insta, YouTube, TikTok).

He's a really interesting guy, so make sure you're subscribed to hear this upcoming episode.

Proving there is no age limit to becoming a digital nomad, Michael and Brent have been travelling the world as a gay digital nomad couple since 2017.

As active members of the LGBTQ+ community, Michael and Brent speak candidly about their experiences to date. Our conversation covers:

• The privilege of being being able to have this lifestyle.
• The realities of travelling the world as a gay couple.
• The opportunity we have to educate ourselves and others.
• The ups and downs of Airbnb living.
• Being conscious of your carbon footprint.
• Making friends around the world.
• Planning your travel
• The perils of fire (yes, you read that right!)

Join us for one of our most interesting and educational conversations to date, and if you want to find out more about this trailblazing couple, check out:

Website: https://www.brentandmichaelaregoingplaces.com/

Instagram: @brentandmichaelaregoingplaces

Newsletter: https://brentandmichaelaregoingplaces.substack.com/

 

One of the best things about travelling the world is meeting people... and we were over the moon to meet (and chat to) the wonderful couple Brent & Michael. They were so open about the challenges of travelling the world as a gay couple, and we also talked about what it's like to be a writer living abroad, how Istanbul has welcomed them with open arms, and why fire seems to follow them around. The full episode is out in the next day or so. I think you'll like it.

Meet Andrew, a Yorkshire lad who just couldn't get on board with the life that everyone told him he had to have.

So, he jacked it all in, sold his house, bought a van and has turned it into a luxury mini home-on-wheels (think memory foam mattress, oven and both indoor and outdoor shower!)

Join us today as we chat to Andrew about:

• What his favourite place is in Europe (I bet you can't guess) 
• What it's like travelling Europe with a dog
• His exact process for choosing the right van to convert
• What it's like crossing borders during a pandemic

Hope you enjoy listening as much as we did talking. 

Links:

Follow Andrew on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheUnpopularViews (@TheUnpopularViews)

Or if YouTube is more your bag, then subscribe here on YouTube.

 

 

Every wanted to hit the road and just drive? That's exactly what Andrew Bosomworth did in March 2019!

 

Full episode coming very, very* soon.

 

*In fact in about 3 mins, 'cos we forgot to upload this one two days ago.

Who spends £250k on a holiday? Some of Dan Salmon's clients do!

Join us today as we chat Dan about:

• What it's like to be WhatsApping people like Callum Best & Wayne Linekar
• What it's like running a travel business during the pandemic
• Where are the top 3 places to visit (when things open up again)
• Can Dan help if you have a smaller budget? (Hint: Yes he can!)

Hope you enjoy listening as much as we did talking. 

Links:

Follow Dan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/never_a_wasted_journey  (@NeverAWastedJourney)

Find out more about dan on his website: neverawastedjourney.com

 

 

Welcome to day 18 of Podmas!! (25 days of podcasts in December).

We’re going to bring you an episode a day in December right through to Christmas Day...

Today we talk about what to buy someone who lives and works abroad.

I don't think anyone ever reads these show notes. If you're reading this, send us a message on Instagram (@asidewayslife) and say 'Otter Offal' and we'll send something special to you. 

I bet no fucker sends us a message. 

Tune in tomorrow for Day 19! Help - what do we talk about?

Sneak preview of next week's episode where we talk to Dan Salmon, who arranges holidays for the likes of Callum Best and Wayne Linekar.

Don't miss this episode - you'll love it.

This week we chat to Paul Henning, who moved from Guernsey to Sotogrande and works in Gibraltar.

If you've ever fancied living somewhere where the commute is 20 mins and you can be in your private pool at 17:21, then listen as we unpack how Paul did it.

He's brutally honest too. It's not all sand and Sangria.

 

PS. Just checking - you have subscribed, haven't you? 

Sneak preview of the upcoming interview with Paul Henning, who moved from Guernsey to Andalucia and lives the ultimate ex-pat lifestyle.

Today we speak to Lucyna Bolan, who has been both an ex-pat and a digital nomad, and now helps people to transition to living abroad.

We chat about:

• Lucyna's experience moving 29 times in 20 years
• The downsides of leaving your home country to travel (real talk!)
• What she learnt from her recent research project into living abroad
• Why she stopped travelling (for now!)
• And loads more

Hope you enjoy it! (If you do, please subscribe!)

Resources

Lucy's website: https://www.lucynabolin.com

The free Thrive Abroad e-book: https://www.lucynabolin.com/thrive-abroad-free-e-book

Quick preview of the upcoming episode with the fabulous Lucy Bolin, who not only helps ex-pats live the life of their dreams, but she's been an ex-pat herself - about 29 times!

 

2 Years ago, we stumbled across an amazing Tiki Bar whilst were living on the tiny island of Gili Trawangan (just off the Bali coast).

The guys who own it are Called Tommy & Katherine and they're some of the coolest people you'll meet. 

Listen as we discuss the good times and the bad of opening a rum-based bar in a country that has one of the highest number of non-drinkers in the world!

We talk about rum, opening a bar, earthquakes and the amazing community of businesses on this special island.

 

>> See more of Tiki Grove on Instagram: @tiki_grove

>> See the menu and amazing origin 'story' on the Tiki Grove Facebook page.

 

PS. Subscribe to ensure future episodes slide into your podcast DMs... 

Hey there, Sidewayers*.

Sneak preview of episode 4 where we look back at our chat with Tommy & Katherine Milburn who left snowy Canada to open a Tiki bar on the tropical island of Gili Trawangan.

If you like stories, rum and ballsy Canadians, then you'll love this...

 

*we're trying that as a new name for you listeners. Do you like it? Let us know on Insta - @asidewayslife 

You're in for a treat this week! Not only do these guys have a unique way of planning holidays (and as they are both engineers, you'd be right in thinking it's well planned), but they love everything to do with wine,  and Dana moved to Florida from Bosnia & Herzegovina just after the conflict in the 90's (you'll already know that Bosnia & Herzegovina is one of our favourite places). If you like a good story, then let's get started!   >> Follow Kris & Dana on Instagram: @explore.with.wine   PS. You've subscribed already, haven't you? Phew. If you had not, I'd have to send Leanne round to kick you in the nipples.

A sneak preview of the upcoming episode where we talk to Kris and Dana, a pair of engineers who love to travel (and drink wine).

Can you see why we'd get on well?

When was the last time you had a 'F*ck it' moment? For Natalie & Daniel, it was quite recently.

Having already spent their vacations (that's 'holidays' for us Brits!) in cool places such as Georgia (the country not the state), they decided to change the direction of their life and move to Abu Dhabi.

Well, in actual fact, their shortlist was three countries (all very different), but all linked in some way (yep, you'll have to listen to find out which 3).

Anyway, fast-forward to 2021, and in this episode, you'll hear all kinds of stories about camels, desert camping, riddles, running in the relentless sun (Daniel's all kinds of crazy) and how it's not actually not that difficult to find a beer in the UAE.

Get stuck in!

 

>> Follow Natalie & Daniel on Instagram: @ourwaywardlife

>> See Daniel's leather work on Facebook

 

PS. Have you subscribed yet? Why the hell not? Click that button and make our day.

Welcome to day 16 of Podmas!! (25 days of podcasts in December).

We’re going to bring you an episode a day in December right through to Christmas Day...

Today we listen to a voice note from Fani, the other half of Andrew (from Day 16).

Today we cover:

• Offsetting Carbon for Podcasters
• The FOMO of a Christmas away
• Electrical Adapter hell
• The Catholic Church - yep, really...

Tune in tomorrow for Day 18! 

In this short episode, you'll get a preview of our first guests as Sideways Life podcast... they're pretty amazing people....

What the hell is going on? Is Thravellers dead? Why did you change the name? Where in the world are you now?

Calm down... In this episode, we answer all those questions (and more).

TL;DR... We're now A Sideways Life Podcast.

 

Follow us on Instagram: @asidewayslife

A quick preview of our upcoming episode where we discuss why we've changed our name, and what this means for you, our lovely listeners...

As you'll discover, we LOVED Brac, the Croatian island just off the Dalmatian coast.

Join us as we summarise our summer and talk about:

- Hvar, the island opposite Brac

- The food (lamb.... mmmm)

- The wine

- What it's like to live on Brac in the summer months (SPOILER ALERT: It's frickin' expensive!)

Let's get started!

Welcome to Croatia!

 

Our second stop on our tour of the Balkans takes us to Croatia, a beautiful central European country with an archipelago of more than a thousand islands and islets. Sitting on the Adriatic Sea, Croatia borders with Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Slovenia and Montenegro, making it the coastal playground of the region.

 

More than 4 million people call Croatia home, and millions more flock here all year round -  it's one of the most popular tourist destinations of the former Yugoslavia. And we can see why...

 

Join us as we travel to Rijeka, Opatija, Rovinj and Pula, with highlights including:

 

- Where is Croatia? 

- Where is Istria?

- A brief history

- Food glorious Istrian food (truffles!)

- Leanne loses is over the bill ($$$$)

- Boat trip hacks

- Sunsets

- City walks

 

So let's get started!

 

Welcome to Slovenia!

 

Our first stop on our tour of the Balkans takes us to Slovenia, a small central European country bordered by Italy, Austria, Hungary, Croatia and the Adriatic Sea. 

 

This place may be the third smallest country in the EU at only 7,800 square miles and a population of a little over 2 million, but it's got enough diversity to keep you coming back for more!

 

Join us, as we travel to Lake Bled, Maribor and Ljubljana, with highlights including:

• Where is Slovenia?
• A brief history
• Lake Bled - Castles, fairytales and 99 steps
• Ljubljana - Architecture, parks and beer (obvs)
• Maribor - San Martin, our bestie Igor, and why we come back here every year
• Food & Wine. And lots of it!

BONUS: Do you know which of these cities is home to the world's oldest grapevine?

 

Let's get started. 

Welcome to the Balkans!

Series 2 of the Thravellers podcast is here and we're dedicating it all to one of our favourite regions, The Balkans.

In this episode, we give you an overview of the full upcoming series, including a brief history of the area, our preconceptions (and how wrong they were!) and why we think you should add this incredible Southern European region to your travel bucket list.

Destinations include Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, Kosovo, Macedonia and Albania. 

So, let's dive in!

join us for live podcasts (from the car!) as we travel from the northern coast of Europe (Lithuania) to the southern coast (Croatia). We'll tell you about our route, border crossings and all the things you need to do to travel in Europe post COVID.

join us for live podcasts (from the car!) as we travel from the northern coast of Europe (Lithuania) to the southern coast (Croatia). We'll tell you about our route, border crossings and all the things you need to do to travel in Europe post COVID.

In today's show we chat to our good friend Paul Henning, who's living an amazing life in Sotogrande, Spain.

We were lucky enough to stay with Paul this week in his stunning 4 bed villa in Sotogrande. His story is really interesting, and we:

• Hear about his travels around Australia (and how this got him his first senior position)
• Learn about the tax situation in Spain vs Gibraltar (HINT: one is almost double the other, but it's not as simple as that)
• Discover why he chose chartered accountancy as a career
• Meet his two dogs as they ruin parts of the podcast with their barking and loud drinking!

Let's get started!

Welcome to day 16 of Podmas!! (25 days of podcasts in December).

We’re going to bring you an episode a day in December right through to Christmas Day...

Today we listen to a voice note from the amazing Andrew from Carbon Poditive (offset the carbon from your Podcast with him).

Today we cover:

• A man dressing up as a plant and jumping out at people
• Andrew's very stoic way he lives his life 
• Why Fani (Andrew's partner) is amazingly salty 
• Lea's attempt at a Forest Gump impression

Tune in tomorrow for Day 17! Oh my God... we're almost done. We will never complain about a weekly podcast schedule again...

In today's show we reminisce about our time in western Croatia. We didn't go to the more obvious places like Zagreb and Dubrovnik - instead we opted for the Italian-influenced border towns of Opatija and Rejika.

Listen as we chat about:

• How we looked stupid by getting both town names wrong
• How lovely the locals are (we were at a BBQ with a family within 72 hours!)
• The food and wine of the region

BONUS: Leanne told off a waiter at a soon-to-be Michelin star restaurant.

Let's get started.

We look back on our time in the magical kingdom that is Bled in northern Slovenia.

We talk about:

• The differences between Slovenia and the other former Yugoslavian counties we've been to
• How the scenery takes your breath away (and why it's the number 1 destination for giraffes in Europe...)
• The food and wine, obviously
• Important lesson on how to avoid a 500€ fine at the border

Let's get stuck in then.

Shownotes at Thravellers.com/07

Today we take our mini-recording studio on the road and talk to Abhi who's an Indian entrepreneur who's team have built a very unique hotel business in Baga Beach, Goa.

We talk about:

• His experience of the UK
• Doing business in India
• How bureaucracy works (makes the UK sound like a dream!)
• His plans for world domination!

Let's meet Abhi!

Shownotes at Thravellers.com/06 

Today is a special episode, as we meet two Canadians who've built a thriving bar from scratch and are having the time of their lives.

As I mention on the podcast, the audio is a bit funny today, because we did the interview actually in the bar (complete with neat rum all round!) However the story will drag you in.

So let's meet Tommy & Catherine.

Shownotes at: Thravellers.com/05

Join us for our fourth episode when we arrive in San Sebastian, northern Spain.

Today we talk about:

• Pinxos (they're delicious!)
• Politics of he Basque region (risky!)
• Cheese and steak
• Where (and what) to eat and drink 

All the show notes are at Thravellers.com/04.

Join us for our third episode when we arrive in Santiago de Compostela, northern Spain.

Today we talk about:

• Old food markets 
• Why Santiago is special to some religions
• Our new favourite white wine
• The history of this amazing city

All the show notes are at Thravellers.com/03.

Join us for our second episode when we arrive in Salamanca, northern Spain just in time for their annual, 3-day street party!

We talk about:

• Where to get the best Gin & Tonic
• What Feria actually means
• Jamon, jamon and more jamon
• Why cider is different here

All the show notes are at Thravellers.com/02.

Join us for our very first episode where you'll hear

• Where to get the best Brazilian styled roast chicken in Lisbon,
• Lot's of nervous laughter (it's out first episode after all)
• What you must do (and what to give a miss) when you're in Lisbon, Portugal
• What game we play when we buy tapas
• What happens to Al when he eats egg

All the show notes are at Thravellers.com/01.

Welcome to day 15 of Podmas!! (25 days of podcasts in December).

We’re going to bring you an episode a day in December right through to Christmas Day...

Today we listen to a voice note from the lovely Gal from @smoozitive who injects some much-needed positivity into our episode (poor Lea has a cold and is grumpy AF).

Today we cover:

• Why Leanne wants to move to Utah
• The Utah Saints (Leanne is too young)
• Why we're glad Sarah Beeny has gone through the menopause
• Why moving abroad is NOT going to fix your problems

Tune in tomorrow for Day 16! It's likely to be just as shit...

 

Welcome to day 14 of Podmas!! (25 days of podcasts in December).

We’re going to bring you an episode a day in December right through to Christmas Day...

It's the 100th episode and our other podcast is taking over A Sideways Life!

So today you get to hear our other (more serious) podcast and we ease you in gently with an interview on Al's background.

SORRY FOR THE AUDIO QUALITY: Somehow Al messed up editing this episode - our other podcast usually has much better audio quality. Can you tell Al is obsessed with audio quality..?

NOTE: Our other podcast is called 'Truth Lies & Workplace Culture'. You can find it in all the podcast apps or go to https://truthliesandwork.com/listen.

Tune in tomorrow for Day 15! 

 

Welcome to day 13 of Podmas!! (25 days of podcasts in December).

We’re going to bring you an episode a day in December right through to Christmas Day...

The first few episodes are themed around, 'Things We Wish We Knew Before We Moved Abroad'.

Today we talk about why starting a podcast can have such an impact when you live and work abroad. We also tease tomorrow's episode which is gonna be quite different.

NOTE: We mention our other podcast which is called 'Truth Lies & Workplace Culture'. You can find it in all the podcast apps or go to https://truthliesandwork.com/listen.

Tune in tomorrow for Day 14! TRIGGER WARNING: It's gonna be about an hour long!

 

Welcome to day 12 of Podmas!! (25 days of podcasts in December).

We’re going to bring you an episode a day in December right through to Christmas Day...

The first few episodes are themed around, 'Things We Wish We Knew Before We Moved Abroad'.

Today we talk about finding friends when you live and work abroad. As ever, it's a heady mix of idiocy, obvious advice and Leanne giggling in the corner.

Tune in tomorrow for Day 13! Will it be an amazing episode? Maybe, 'cos we have some guest segments...

 

Welcome to day 11 of Podmas!! (25 days of podcasts in December).

We’re going to bring you an episode a day in December right through to Christmas Day...

The first few episodes are themed around, 'Things We Wish We Knew Before We Moved Abroad'.

Today we have a guest segment from Austin & Monica who talk about what your friends and family say to you when you travel.

You can find their podcast on all the major networks: Search for 'Profitable Nomad Couple' or go to https://profitablenomadcouple.buzzsprout.com/

Tune in tomorrow for Day 12! Will it be another amazing episode? I somehow doubt it...

 

Welcome to day 10 of Podmas!! (25 days of podcasts in December).

We’re going to bring you an episode a day in December right through to Christmas Day...

The first few episodes are themed around, 'Things We Wish We Knew Before We Moved Abroad'.

Nothing to say really. Just watched England crash out from the World Cup in heartbreaking style. We're now officially Croatian fans.

Back tomorrow with a much more upbeat episode.

Tune in tomorrow for Day 11! It's gonna REMAIN messy.