The Radio Vagabond – Details, episodes & analysis

Join me in this episode of The Radio Vagabond travel podcast, where I visit the Acholi Quarter in Kampala, Uganda.  

Hear how 22STARS is helping the local people here.  

See pictures and read blog post here: www.theradiovagabond.com/267-uganda/ 

In this episode of The Radio Vagabond, I catch up with my good friend, Francis Tapon, in Toronto. Francis is an American author, world traveler, and podcaster known for his work with Wanderlearn. We dive into his incredible journeys, including visiting all 54 African countries without leaving the continent, climbing the highest peaks, and picking up 3000 hitchhikers.  

Francis has also completed the Triple Crown of Hiking and written a book, "The Hidden Europe." Tune in for an inspiring conversation about travel, culture, and the world around us. 

Today, we’re in Southern Bolivia for this leg of my South American journey in one of the most remarkable landscapes on earth. We’re in Uyuni Salt Flats.

But we start at "The Train Cemetery" to see the first locomotives in Bolivia. This train graveyard, locally known as "Cementerio de Trenes," is a fascinating and eerie attraction located just outside the town of Uyuni in Bolivia. It is where old, rusting train locomotives and railcars from the late 19th and early 20th centuries have been left to deteriorate and slowly decay in the harsh, arid landscape of the Bolivian Altiplano. 

And then we headed to one of Mother Earth's most surreal and breathtaking wonders: the Salar de Uyuni, also known as the Uyuni Salt Flats, in the southwest corner of Bolivia, near the crest of the Andes.

I’m here in the rainy season, meaning a thin layer of water covers the salt crust. It creates a seamless reflection of the sky above, and the boundary between the heavens and the Earth becomes blurred as clouds, sunsets, and even bodies are duplicated on the salt flats' mirror-like surface.

David and our driver set up a small table and some plastic chairs in the middle of all this. And with our feet in the salty water, we had a wonderful and surreal lunch.

As night falls, the Salar de Uyuni takes on a new personality. The colours of the sunset were nothing less than spectacular. And by far the most amazing sunset I’ve ever witnessed in my life. Again, we went nuts with taking pictures and videos.

Exploring the Salt Flats is an adventure like no other. It's a photographer's dream come true, where every angle reveals a new perspective. Make sure you go to the blog post for this episode and @Radiovagabond on Instagram to see the pictures.

The next morning, we continued our trip to the southwestern part of the country, nearer to the border with Chile. First, we drive through “The High Flats” and then into the “High Andes” and Siloli Dessert. Being between 4500 and 4700 meters above sea level, it’s the highest desert in South America.

We make a stop at a lake called Laguna Q'ara and then continue a bit south to another high-altitude lake named Laguna Colorada. It’s another one of Bolivia's most captivating natural wonders. One of the most iconic features of these lakes is its resident population of flamingos.

On the last morning of the tour, our alarm clock was set to 4 am. We’re greeted by the breathtaking sight of Laguna Salada. Their still waters reflect the early morning sky with hues of orange, pink, and gold.

Here, geysers are natural wonders that erupt with bursts of steam and hot water, putting on a mesmerizing show. The geysers add an exciting element to our morning as we watch them spout their steam into the crisp air.

At Termas de Polques at Laguna Salada, we get in the pool of the natural hot springs. As we’re in the water, we can watch the rocky formations and the rugged beauty of the Andes as the sun rises. These pools offer a soothing warmth that's especially inviting on a chilly morning like this one.

At the end of the trip, the car was driving back to Uyuni, but we asked to be dropped off at the border to Chile and continue our South American journey that way. It was indeed three remarkable days in this picturesque part of the world.

Join me in a city with (almost) more statues than people. At least it seems like that. I also get interviewed and it seemed like some things got lost in translation.

Discover the Insider's Guide to Thriving as a Digital Nomad

Have you heard these myths about the digital nomad lifestyle?

• Myth #1: It's all about lounging on the beach with a laptop.
• Myth #2: You need to have a lot of money saved up to start.
• Myth #3: It's impossible to have a stable income.

In this last episode of this miniseries, my guest experts will reveal the truth and provide valuable tips for aspiring digital nomads. You will discover the secrets of the digital nomad lifestyle in this riveting episode. As the seven experienced nomads share their tips and advice, you'll be on the edge of your seat, eagerly awaiting the next nugget of wisdom. 

Again, my special panel of digital nomads is Ranika Koneru, Shaun Busuttil, Nora Dunn, Chris Cerra, Gianni Bianchini, Jason Robinson, and Mr. Derek Smith.

In the episode, you will hear there's no right or wrong way to be a digital nomad. Just listen to your gut feeling and do what's right for you.

You can also read the blog post on TheRadioVagabond.com/282-seven-nomads-7.

THE KEY MOMENTS

• 00:00 - Welcome to the last episode in this miniseries
• 03:17 - Starting Small and Testing the Waters
• 05:19 - The Importance of Planning and Networking
• 07:55 - Understanding the Challenges and Benefits
• 10:07 - Taking Baby Steps and Constant Progress
• 14:47 - The Importance of Stability in Digital Nomadism
• 15:51 - Overcoming Fear and Embracing the World
• 17:45 - Finding Your Own Path as a Digital Nomad
• 19:39 - Learning from Past Mistakes
• 26:57 - The Cost of Digital Nomadism
• 29:33 - Reviews and Definition of Digital Nomad
• 32:06 - Labels and Definitions of Digital Nomad
• 34:28 - The Future of Nomadic Life
• 35:18 - Individual Choices in Nomadism
• 36:19 - Future of the Radio Vagabond

NOMAD LINKS

• Visit Jason Robinson's travel blog, TheNomadExperiment.com and follow him on Instagram as @TheNomadExperiment.
• Follow Nora Dunn’s YouTube channel with tips on travel and travel gear, her blog, TheProfessionalHobo, and on Instagram as @TheProfessionalHobo.
• Follow travel writer Shaun Busuttil on his blog “ShaunBusuttil.com“ and on Instagram as  @TheShaunBusuttil.
• Subscribe to Chris Cerra's email newsletter, RemoteBase.co, for the best accommodation deals for digital nomads. Use promo code VAGA20 to get 20% off on his Premium Newsletter forever. He’s @nomadaccommodationguy on Instagram.
• Check out Mr. Derek Smith’s website on public speaking. He’s @Mr_Derek_Smith on Instagram.
• Check out Ranika Koneru's company, Cloud Connections, for inspiring group travel experiences to the world's greatest festivals. She’s on Instagram as @RainbowRani_.
• Explore Gianni Bianchini’s travel blog, Nomad Is Beautiful, YouTube channel, and podcast for digital nomad advice and insights. On Instagram as @Gianni.Bianchini.
• Connect with Palle Bo on YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. See all the links here.

Join me in a luxurious place in a jungle in the little West African country, The Gambia.

See pictures and read the blog post here.

Imagine a life where work and adventure seamlessly blend, and you can explore the world while building a successful career. That's the power of being a digital nomad! 

In this episode, I had the pleasure of (again) chatting with seven incredible individuals who have embraced this nomadic lifestyle, and this time they have unforgettable memories to share. 

It's the enchantment of swimming beside a blind elephant in the heart of Thailand, the intrigue of being caught in the spotlight of a reality show tailor-made for globetrotters, and the unexpected camaraderie found with not one but two fearless Albanian grannies. 

How about forming friendships with locals from every corner of this spinning planet through stand-up comedy, and then, the spark of revelation at the moment the bulb over your head illuminates, revealing that the digital nomad life wasn't just a pipe dream? 

Also, prepare to be touched by the golden hearts of wanderers as they extend a hand to a struggling family in Manila. Hold your curiosity as we delve into the tale of a shaman in Peru, rendering aid to fellow souls on Ayahuasca ceremonies.

Read the full article and see some pictures on www.TheRadioVagabond.com/281-Seven-Nomads-6 – and start your journey towards the digital nomad lifestyle. 

NOMAD LINKS

• Visit Jason Robinson's travel blog TheNomadExperiment.com and follow him on Instagram as @TheNomadExperiment.
• Follow Nora Dunn’s YouTube channel, with tips on travel and travel gear, her blog, TheProfessionalHoboand on Instagram as @TheProfessionalHobo.
• Follow travel writer on his blog “ShaunBusuttil.com“ and on Instagram as  @TheShaunBusuttil.
• Chris Cerra's email newsletter, RemoteBase.co, for the best accommodation deals for digital nomads. Use promo code VAGA20 to get 20% off on his Premium Newsletter forever. He’s @nomadaccommodationguy on Instagram
• Check out Mr. Derek Smith’s website on public speaking. He’s @Mr_Derek_Smith on Instagram.
• Check out Ranika Koneru's company, Cloud Connections, for inspiring group travel experiences to the world's greatest festivals. She’s on Instagram as @RainbowRani_
• Explore Gianni Bianchini’s travel blog, Nomad Is Beautiful, YouTube channel, and podcast for digital nomad advice and insights. On Instagram as @Gianni.Bianchini.
• Connect with Palle Bo on YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook, and twitter. See all the links here

Join me in Tirana, Albania, as I make a local friend.

This episode was first released in September 2020.

I’m currently in Playa del Carmen, staying at a co-living space. I will be here for a month, and for the last two weeks, I’ve been joined by my oldest daughter, Amanda Bo.  

On her last day, we talked about our time together in this tropical paradise. I’m sure you will get some inspiration on what to do if you get to this part of the world – with or without a beautiful ginger daughter.

This episode is also available on YouTube and on The Radio Vagabond on Facebook:

https://youtu.be/_CtUMKHyBGs?si=-vmGQ5e0gon1TDz8

https://fb.watch/n25gvrLUeP/

Hey there, global explorers. Welcome back to another episode of this miniseries with the seven nomads on The Radio Vagabond. Today, we're diving into something every traveler understands – feeling alone in a world full of new places.

Imagine hopping from one exciting spot to another, soaking in new cultures, and living life on your terms. But in between all that excitement, loneliness can sneak in. In this episode, I'm again joined by the seven experienced nomads, each with a trick or two up their sleeves to beat loneliness and create a real sense of community.

From bustling markets in India to chasing the magical Northern Lights, our group of seasoned nomads has cracked the code to making friends no matter where you are. We're talking about turning chance meetings into lifelong friendships, how to blend online pals with real-life bonds, and how to build a support system that truly gets your nomadic lifestyle.

So, whether you're tuning in from a beachside hammock in Thailand or a cozy corner of a café in Portugal, this episode is your guide to making friends on the move. Get ready to swap loneliness for connections that span the globe.

The seven digital nomads are back. Ranika Koneru, Shaun Busuttil, Nora Dunn, Chris Cerra, Gianni Bianchini, Jason Robinson, and Mr. Derek Smith. So, let's conquer digital nomad loneliness – together!

KEY MOMENTS

·      00:00 - The Tension Between Freedom and Social Connection

·      03:13 - Becoming the Nucleus of Your Own Community

·      06:04 - Building Support Systems and Cultivating Relationships

·      09:32 - The Dance Between Freedom and Belonging

·      14:19 - The Benefits of Co-living Spaces

·      19:48 - The Commonality of Digital Nomads

·      22:50 - Balancing Social Needs

·      26:10 - Connecting Through Shared Interests

·      28:56 - The Challenges of Dating as a Digital Nomad

·      30:58 - Loneliness and Building Communities

·      34:25 - Home Base for Digital Nomads

·      36:44 - Advice for Aspiring Digital Nomads

·      37:13 - Conclusion and Call to Action

NOMAD LINKS

• Visit Jason Robinson's travel blog TheNomadExperiment.com and follow him on Instagram as @TheNomadExperiment.
• Follow Nora Dunn’s YouTube channel, with tips on travel and travel gear, her blog, TheProfessionalHoboand on Instagram as @TheProfessionalHobo.
• Follow travel writer on his blog “ShaunBusuttil.com“ and on Instagram as  @TheShaunBusuttil.
• Chris Cerra's email newsletter, RemoteBase.co, for the best accommodation deals for digital nomads. Use promo code VAGA20 to get 20% off on his Premium Newsletter forever. He’s @nomadaccommodationguy on Instagram
• Check out Mr. Derek Smith’s website on public speaking. He’s @Mr_Derek_Smith on Instagram.
• Check out Ranika Koneru's company, Cloud Connections, for inspiring group travel experiences to the world's greatest festivals. She’s on Instagram as @RainbowRani_
• Explore Gianni Bianchini’s travel blog, Nomad Is Beautiful, YouTube channel, and podcast for digital nomad advice and insights. On Instagram as @Gianni.Bianchini.
• Connect with Palle Bo on YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook, and twitter. See all the links here