Explore every episode of the podcast Travel Devil – Guilt-free Sustainable Travel for Adventure Seekers
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
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| 49- How to Explore Scotland by Train: Sleeper Trains, Hogwarts Express & Hidden Gems w/ TheNonFlyingScotsman | 19 Feb 2026 | 00:55:04 | |
What if you could explore Scotland without flying and experience some of the most beautiful train journeys in Europe? In this episode of Travel Devil, yout host Clara talks to James, also known as The Non-Flying Scotsman, who has been travelling the world without planes for over 10 years. After a frustrating experience with an airline, he made it his mission to prove that you can explore the world by train, ferry, and sleeper trains instead. We dive deep into Scotland’s incredible rail network and discover:
If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring Scotland by train, this episode is your ultimate guide. Follow James:
Write us your thoughts on the show Want more?
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| 48- Germany train travel guide 2026 🇩🇪 | Deutsche Bahn Explained (Tickets, Delays & Deutschlandticket) | 12 Feb 2026 | 00:53:26 | |
Thinking about traveling Germany by train in 2026? In this episode of Travel Devil, host Clara Francken breaks down everything you need to know: from ICE vs regional trains, booking tickets step-by-step, how to save money, seat reservations, BahnCard discounts, the Deutschlandticket, and even how to get refunds when your train is delayed. Clara lives in Germany for 5+ years and has been traveling across the country regularly ever since. In this episode, you’ll learn:
Whether you're a first-timer in Germany or already living here, this episode will help you travel smarter, cheaper, and more sustainably. Write us your thoughts on the show Want more?
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| 39- Best Travel Hacks for Vegetarians & How Eco-Tourism Works w/ Caroline Muller from Veggie Wayfarer | 28 Aug 2025 | 00:47:20 | |
How do you survive as a vegetarian traveler in a world where menus are often heavy on meat? And what’s the real story behind eco-tourism and “green” hotels? In this episode of Travel Devil, I sit down with Caroline from Veggie Wayfarer, a sustainable travel blogger who has been exploring the world as a vegetarian for years. She shares her best hacks for finding veggie-friendly food on the road, why eco-hotels are more than just a buzzword, and how conscious choices can transform the way we travel. We talk about:
We cover everything from food tips to choosing accommodations that actually respect the planet. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian, a curious flexitarian, or simply interested in more sustainable ways to explore the world, this episode is packed with insights you can use on your next trip. Connect with the Caroline Muller, the girl behind Veggie Wayfarer: vegetarian travel tips · vegetarian food abroad · eco-tourism explained · sustainable travel podcast · eco-hotels · veggie travel hacks · plant-based travel · sustainable tourism trends · conscious travel choices · Travel Devil podcast Write us your thoughts on the show Want more?
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| 38- Spiritual travel as a path to healing? Discover yourself w/ Julia from Soulwisdom | 14 Aug 2025 | 00:50:52 | |
In this episode of Travel Devil, host Clara Francken talks to Julia Weigert from Soulwisdom about her transformative journey through life, travel, and spirituality. Julia shares how her own challenges led her to create Soulwisdom, a platform helping people reconnect with themselves and find deeper meaning in their lives. We dive into her experiences living abroad, how travel shaped her spiritual path, and the lessons she’s learned about trusting intuition, slowing down, and embracing the unknown. Julia also gives insights into creating more soul-aligned travel experiences and how connecting with different cultures can inspire inner growth. Whether you’re curious about self-discovery, spirituality, or mindful travel, this conversation will leave you inspired to follow your inner compass. Connect with Julia: @soul_wisdom_by_julia Write us your thoughts on the show Want more?
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| 37- How Finland Became a Biker’s Paradise – EuroVelo 10 w/ Henna Palosaari | 07 Aug 2025 | 00:52:14 | |
Ever dreamed of cycling across Finland? In this episode of Travel Devil, Clara Francken chats with Henna Palosaari from Bikeland about one of Europe’s most stunning long-distance cycling routes — the EuroVelo 10, also known as the Baltic Sea Cycle Route. We cover everything from riding along Finland’s beautiful coastlines to exploring Lapland’s wild nature by bike. Henna shares tips on how to plan your trip, the best seasons to ride, how the EuroVelo 10 connects to Finland’s wider Bikeland network, and what makes Finland a unique cycling destination. We talked about…
Whether you’re an experienced bikepacker or just dreaming about your first cycling holiday, you’ll get practical insights, inspiring stories, and reasons why Finland should be your next adventure. More about today's episode: Write us your thoughts on the show Want more?
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| 36- Why I love trains & Childhood memories with grandma in Belgium | 24 Jul 2025 | 00:20:30 | |
In this solo episode of Travel Devil, your host Clara Francken takes you on a journey through memory lane. All the way from hometown Ghent to the seaside, to Christmas markets in Germany. Clara reflects on why she loves train travel, how it shaped her growing up, and shares a few of her favorite (and funniest) moments on the rails, including a sweet story told directly by her grandma. This episode is about the beauty of slow travel, the joy of strangers, and why we shouldn’t let angry internet comments take away the magic of meaningful moments. What to Expect in This Episode:
Please rate the show wherever you listen to your podcast! 🙏 Write us your thoughts on the show Want more?
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| 35- Why whale watching isn't always ethical & dolphins research w/ Joana Castro, AIMM | 17 Jul 2025 | 00:50:02 | |
In this episode, we’re diving into the world of dolphins, whales, and what it really means to observe marine life responsibly. Guest Joana Castro is marine biologist and founder of AIMM – Marine Environment Research Association. She has spent over two decades researching cetaceans (whales and dolphins) along the coast of Portugal and beyond. We often think of dolphin and whale watching as harmless, even educational, but Joana reveals why that’s not always the case. From noise pollution to chemical contamination, and from plastic to tourism overload, this conversation sheds light on how human presence, even well-meaning tourists, can deeply affect marine mammals. She also shares the inspiring story of how seeing dolphins as a child shaped her career, what AIMM is doing to bridge research and conservation, and how tourists like you can spot red flags and make better choices. In this episode, we talked about:
Whether you're passionate about marine life or simply planning a trip involving the ocean, this episode offers real insight, clear solutions, and powerful motivation. 🎧 Listen now on all podcast platforms Write us your thoughts on the show Want more?
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| 34- Why 12 Students drove a bus to Guinea-Bissau to become teachers w/ Raquel Dinis | 10 Jul 2025 | 01:13:15 | |
What if your teaching degree included crossing continents in a DIY travel bus? In this episode, your host Clara Francken chats with Raquel Dinis, who shares her experience with DNS Teacher Training College. She talks about where the classroom is the world and Guinea-Bissau was the final stop. We dive into how a group of student-teachers from Denmark rebuilt a bus and hit the road to West Africa, learning from communities, each other, and the world outside a textbook. Raquel tells us what it's really like to live and study on the move, how it shaped her worldview, and what challenges (and joy!) come with living in a bus with your classmates. We talked about
This episode is all about purpose-driven travel, education without borders, and saying yes to uncomfortable, unforgettable learning. Listen now on your favorite platform 🔗 More about DNS: dns-tvind.dk 🔗 Raquel's blog: raqueljadee.medium.com Write us your thoughts on the show Want more?
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| 33- Flixbus to Slovenia & Ouigo Train to Paris – Storytime | 03 Jul 2025 | 00:24:35 | |
Ever wonder what slow travel really looks like when you’re trying to avoid planes? In this solo episode of Travel Devil, host Clara Francken gets personal about the highs and lows of her sustainable travel choices. From the Eurostar train to Paris to smelly Flixbus rides across Europe, Clara shares the truth behind trying to lower her carbon footprint. This week’s chat isn’t about perfect eco-friendly travel, it’s about real, sometimes messy choices:
Clara also reflects on how her travel habits have changed over the years, from automatically booking cheap flights to prioritizing trains and buses, even if it means more adventure (and chaos) along the way. Stories:
If you’re curious about sustainable travel, slow mobility, or just want an honest look behind the scenes of a travel podcast, this episode is for you. sustainable travel • slow travel • train vs plane • bus travel Europe • Flixbus stories • eco-friendly travel • travel diary podcast • Travel Devil podcast • Clara Francken • low carbon travel • cheap European trains • travel podcast • overland travel • ethical travel choices • travel sustainability Write us your thoughts on the show Want more?
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| 32- Marine Conservation Without a Degree? How to Do It w/ Maddie Howarth | 19 Jun 2025 | 00:52:51 | |
Have you ever dreamed of working in marine conservation or diving with manta rays? But you don't have a science degree? In this episode, your host Clara Francken speaks with Maddie Howarth, a passionate scuba diver, content creator, and ocean advocate, who proves you don’t need a marine biology degree to make waves for the planet. From a high school dream to filming dolphin research and marine wild life in Greece to diving Australia’s Great Barrier Reef - Maddie shares her journey of combining creativity and conservation. We talk about finding ethical conservation programs, what greenwashing looks like, how social media can support ocean activism, and what to do when you're seasick but still obsessed with the sea. This episode is a beautiful mix of inspiring stories, practical advice, and honest conversations about purpose, privilege, and protecting what we love. If you're curious about ocean work and need tips on how to get into volunteering and conservation opportunities, this episode is for you! Connect with Maddie Howarth Write us your thoughts on the show Want more?
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| 31- Why American Trains Are Worth Your Time w/ Simply Railway | 29 May 2025 | 01:13:00 | |
Thibault Constant, the creator behind the YouTube channel Simply Railway, talks about the reality of traveling by train across the U.S. In this episode of Travel Devil, host Clara Francken sits down with Thibault to talk about Amtrak, the national railway company in the United States. Thibault has crisscrossed North America by rail, documenting night trains, scenic sleepers, and cross-country chaos. Together, we explore how Amtrak compares to European rail systems, what it’s like to sleep in a coach seat for two nights straight, and why the slow train might just be the most soul-nourishing form of travel out there. In this episode:
If you're curious about sustainable travel in North America, the future of slow mobility, or just want to hear train stories from a true rail enthusiast, this episode is for you. Connect with the man behind Simply Railway: american train travel • amtrak experience • simply railway • train podcast • train travel usa • sustainable travel podcast • slow travel america • train travel stories • amtrak sleeper car • cross country train usa • travel devil podcast • clara francken podcast • thibault constant interview • us rail travel • amtrak vs europe • train enthusiast podcast • eco travel usa • night trains america • travel by train in the us • train travel tips usa • long distance trains usa Write us your thoughts on the show Want more?
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| 30- Sustainable Travel in Greece: How to Make Local Impact w/ Joanna Kalafatis | 24 Apr 2025 | 00:51:56 | |
When we talk about sustainable travel, we often focus on carbon footprints and eco-hotels. But what about the local people? In this episode of Travel Devil, your host Clara Francken talks to Joanna Kalafatis. Joanna is a travel writer, photographer, and author of the Best of Greece Moon Guide. Today we talk about what it really means to travel responsibly in Greece. Together, we explored how to support local economies and go beyond the typical tourist experience. With insights from Joanna’s Greek background and her work in publishing, this episode is a deep dive into conscious travel practices in one of the world’s most visited countries. What we cover in this episode:
Whether you’ve been to Greece, are planning a trip, or just want to travel more consciously, this episode offers grounded, realistic advice for making a positive impact without going off-grid. More of Joanna Kalifatis: sustainable travel greece • responsible tourism greece • eco tourism greece • ethical travel greece • conscious travel podcast • travel podcast greece • overtourism santorini • island hopping greece • travel devil podcast • support local businesses greece • slow travel greece • greek islands travel tips • eco friendly travel • sustainable tourism podcast • local food greece • green travel greece • travel ethics greece Write us your thoughts on the show Want more?
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| 47- This Steam Train Changed How I See Travel in Germany | 22 Jan 2026 | 00:33:52 | |
In this solo episode of Travel Devil, host Clara Francken takes you along on her winter steam train adventure through Germany - from snowy train platforms in Saxony to wooden vintage carriages, smoky landscapes, and a behind-the-scenes look inside the locomotive cabin. You’ll hear and see what it feels like to travel on a coal-powered steam train, how these historic trains actually work, and why slow travel experiences like this can make you appreciate modern train travel even more. Clara also shares practical tips for affordable train travel in Germany, including how to use the Deutschland Ticket, Sachsen Ticket, and smart booking hacks for Deutsche Bahn. This episode blends storytelling, travel inspiration, and practical tips for anyone curious about slow travel, sustainable transport, and unique train journeys in Europe. In this episode, we cover:
You can get €10 discount on your first purchase of train tickets on Omio: https://go-refer.omio.com/oVAM15 - Or if you prefer to use a code, enter this code when you pay: claraf2z3v6f 📍This journey took place on the Lößnitzgrundbahn between Radebeul Ost and Radeburg - 20 minutes by train from Dresden - 1h30 by train from Leipzig. Whether you’re a train lover, a slow travel fan, or just looking for a unique weekend trip idea in Germany, this episode will inspire you to travel differently. Write us your thoughts on the show Want more?
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| 29- Vanlife in Canada is fun, but can it be sustainable? w/ Alise from Outdoor Nerds | 27 Mar 2025 | 01:13:12 | |
Vanlife offers freedom, adventure, and breathtaking landscapes, but what about its environmental impact? In this episode, your host Clara Francken sits down with Alise from Outdoor Nerds to dive into the reality of vanlife in Canada. Beyond the Instagram-worthy views, we explore what it takes to live on the road while keeping sustainability in mind. What we cover in this episode:
If you've ever considered hitting the road in a van but wondered how to do it responsibly, this episode is for you. We break down the realities, and compromises needed to make vanlife in Canada both fun and sustainable. Listen now to uncover what vanlife in Canada is really like—beyond the filtered Instagram posts. More of this: Write us your thoughts on the show Want more?
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| 28- From Pro Cyclist to Bicycle Touring Mom w/ Fatima Berton | 27 Feb 2025 | 01:12:14 | |
Can you be a cyclist, a mother, and a content creator—all at once? Fatima Berton (@bertoniiii) proves that you can. In this episode of Travel Devil, we dive into bike touring as a family, the realities of women in professional cycling, and how Fatima balances life on two wheels with motherhood. From competing at a pro level while working full-time to challenging stereotypes about what’s possible as a mom, Fatima shares her inspiring journey of resilience, adventure, and passion.
This episode is for anyone who loves cycling, is curious about family bike travel, or wants to hear an honest take on what it means to be a woman in cycling. More of this: Write us your thoughts on the show Want more?
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| 27- Safety for Girls on Trains: We Need to Talk About This | 20 Feb 2025 | 00:27:28 | |
When we talk about sustainable travel, we often focus on the environment, but what about personal safety? In this episode of Travel Devil, we explore the challenges women face when using public transport, particularly trains. With real-life experiences and eye-opening statistics - like the fact that 93% of s3xual violence victims on Parisian public transport are women, and 26% are underaged girls - this episode sheds light on an issue that affects millions of travelers worldwide. We’ll discuss:
Drawing on research from the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights and safety initiatives by SNCF, this episode aims to raise awareness and share actionable advice to help create safer journeys for all. Sources & data about France: The guide I'm referring to: a guide to female safety on public transport. Listen now and join the conversation. Write us your thoughts on the show Want more?
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| 26- Cycling to the Climate Conference: A Ride for Change w/ Guillaume Otrage | 30 Jan 2025 | 01:08:55 | |
Would you cycle 6,500 km to highlight climate change? For Guillaume Otrage, the answer was yes. Instead of hopping on a plane to attend the COP29 Climate Conference, he went on a six-month bicycle journey from Paris to Baku. Together with a team of volunteers and participants, the aim was to deliver 10 proposals to leverage cycling for climate protection.
This episode is packed with adventure, activism, and insights into what it takes to turn a simple bike ride into a movement.
Write us your thoughts on the show Want more?
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| 25- Beyond Cleanups: Creative Action to Save our Oceans w/ The Trash Traveler | 16 Jan 2025 | 00:53:35 | |
They picked up 650,000 cigarette butts and piled them in the city center. Why? To take a striking stand against trash & pollution. In this episode, I chat with Andreas Noe, aka The Trash Traveler, who’s changing beach cleanups into powerful awareness campaigns. From creating trash art to organizing massive cleanups, Andreas is on a mission to show that small actions can lead to big change. We discuss:
If you’ve ever wondered how to make an impact while traveling sustainably, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable insights. Write us your thoughts on the show Want more?
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| 24- What High School in Turkey is Really Like as an Exchange Student - Christmas Edition | 24 Dec 2024 | 00:57:16 | |
Attending Turkish high school as foreigners? This is our personal experience during the winter time in Turkey. This episode is my Christmas gift to all the international students abroad. Host Clara Francken and her best friend Debbie talk about attending high school in Turkey as an exchange student. We reflect on our year living and studying in Izmir and Mersin, Turkey. We talk about everything from skipping class (yes, it happened!) to celebrating Christmas and New Year in a new culture. Write us your thoughts on the show Want more?
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| 23- Walking 1,000 km: Eco-Mobility & Climate Action in Botswana | 05 Dec 2024 | 00:40:43 | |
How far would you go to raise awareness about climate change? Reuben Ntuluki walked 1000 km through Botswana to prove that sustainable travel is possible and necessary. In this episode of Travel Devil, your host Clara Francken uncovers the challenges, triumphs, and lessons from Reuben’s inspiring journey. Topics covered:
This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about sustainability, travel, and the power of grassroots advocacy. Write us your thoughts on the show Want more?
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| 22- Portugal to Germany by Train: The Truth About Sustainable Travel | 28 Nov 2024 | 00:34:55 | |
In this solo episode, your host Clara Francken shares her firsthand experience traveling from Portugal to Germany by train - an epic 4-day journey filled with highs, lows, and important lessons. From breathtaking views in southern France to logistical nightmares at border crossings, Clara unpacks the realities of choosing sustainable travel over cheap flights. This episode is sharing real stories about how to embrace the joys - and frustrations! - of eco-friendly travel. Discover answers to these questions:
If you’ve ever considered making your travels more sustainable, this episode will inspire and prepare you for the journey ahead. Write us your thoughts on the show Want more?
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| 21- Crossing borders by train, EU politics & upcoming changes w/ Jon Worth | 21 Nov 2024 | 01:11:03 | |
From funny and awkward border-crossing moments to the occasional frustrating delays, this episode is packed with relatable and entertaining train tales. Host Clara Francken welcomes Jon Worth, an independent EU policy commentator and expert on sustainable transport, for an engaging discussion on European train travel. It's not just about stories, this episode dives into the bigger picture of sustainable travel across Europe. Discover how EU policies are shaping the future of rail travel, how we can solve the ticketing issue, and how Europe wide data sharing can solve the hassle of finding the best train connections. Whether you're navigating international rail systems for the first time or you're a pro at deciphering timetables, this episode is full of useful tips, policy insights, and a sprinkle of humor to inspire your next journey by train. Don't miss this episode if you're curious about how railways are driving Europe's push for sustainability and a greener future! Contact Jon Worth: Write us your thoughts on the show Want more?
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| 20- Can we Feed Monkeys and Why Not? This is Primate Tourism w/ Connie Needham | 14 Nov 2024 | 01:03:42 | |
Can we take selfies with monkeys? Can I feed apes? Why are macaques aggressive towards humans? Can I eat primates? In this episode of Travel Devil, we're exposing the wildlife exploitation in southeast Asia's tourism culture - with Connie Needham. Write us your thoughts on the show Want more?
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| 46- He Runs to the Train And Picks Up Everything Along the Way — Plogging with Paul Waye | 08 Jan 2026 | 00:41:53 | |
Train travel is often praised as a sustainable alternative to flying. In this episode of Travel Devil, host Clara Francken sits down with Paul Waye, the world’s first professional plogger - someone who runs and picks up litter at the same time. Recorded on location in the Netherlands, this conversation talkes about why public spaces around trains are so polluted, why cigarette butts are one of the biggest hidden problems, and what behavior change really looks like in everyday life. Paul shares how plogging started during his daily run to the train station, how it grew into a full-time job, and why the first piece of trash you pick up matters more than how much you collect. Together, Clara and Paul talk about train stations, commuter behavior, deposit systems, smoking bans, and why infrastructure alone isn’t enough if habits don’t change. In this episode, we talk about:
This episode is a reminder that sustainable travel isn’t only about how you move; it’s also about how you behave once you arrive. sustainable travel • train travel europe • slow travel • eco travel • cigarette butts pollution • microplastic pollution • sustainable transport • green travel myth • train stations europe • environmental impact travel • travel devil podcast • Clara Francken • plogging • plastic pollution travel • sustainable mobility • public transport sustainability • climate conscious travel • ethical travel europe • travel podcast europe • Paul Waye • plogging train stations More about Paul 👇
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| 19- 50,000km by Train! Spies, Border Control & more w/ Victor Figèra, La Route Du Soja | 06 Nov 2024 | 01:08:30 | |
In this episode of Travel Devil, I sit down with Victor Figèra from La Route du Soja to discuss his incredible long-distance train journey from Paris to Taiwan with his partner Léa. Victor shares how his childhood shaped his passion for sustainable travel and how they navigated a route that emits five times less CO2 than flying. We dive into their most memorable experiences—crossing breathtaking landscapes in China and Kyrgyzstan, a heartwarming arrival in Hong Kong, and culinary adventures in Taiwan. Victor also opens up about the challenges they faced, including illness in China and navigating central Asia as vegetarians. Tune in to hear the highs and lows of their epic two-month journey and how they managed to finance their trip through sponsorships. Write us your thoughts on the show Want more?
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| 18- From Refugee Shipwreck to Ocean Cleanup w/ Daniel Angelis | 26 Sep 2024 | 01:00:29 | |
Today's episode is all about beach cleanups, sharing the story of the coastal and marine management expert and founder Daniel Angelis, who got started during the refugee crisis. Daniel shares his journey of how the refugee boats impacted his home island Lesbos in Greece, and how they dealt with the trash. In this episode, you’ll hear about:
Whether you’re passionate about ocean cleanup, curious about the intersection of travel and sustainability, or interested in the refugee crisis, this episode offers powerful stories and insights that will inspire you to make a difference. Write us your thoughts on the show Want more?
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| 17- Solutions for over tourism in Portugal w/ Marta Domingues | 29 Aug 2024 | 00:49:59 | |
How can we visit Portugal in a more sustainable way? Today's guest is the portages Marta Domingues, a founder of eco-projects and a biodiversity activist. Marta explains the problems she faces on a daily basis living in Portugal. Over tourism caused her not to visit Lisbon anymore, taking the bus can take a long time, visiting beautiful beaches with her kids became a 3-hour-queue experience by car... But all of those negatives make room for positive solutions. How can we do eco travel in Portugal? Take the bicycle, visit locals, support communities, find small businesses to do your activities.. Marta shares very valuable information on how to find these activities and inspires you thanks to a great amount of examples. You'll get inspired, listen to stories and get lots of useful tips! TOPICS DISCUSSED:
Connect with Marta?
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| 16- Red flags for WILDLIFE safari & volunteer tourism w/ Margreen | 16 Aug 2024 | 01:07:29 | |
Many tourists prefer fun facts and experiences over the heavy truths of wildlife conservation, leading to a tourism model that often neglects the needs of the animals and the environment. Margarita Samsonova, an unconventional GREENfluencer and the founder of Behind The Greens media, explains the big differences between fancy safaris and real conservation efforts. She shares how luxury safaris often care more about tourists than animals, leading to poor treatment of wildlife. Margarita's love for animals and nature pushes her to support eco-friendly travel and reveal the true impact of these trips on the environment and local people. We discuss the importance of transparency in where your money goes and the red flags to watch out for, such as companies promoting selfies with animals or overemphasizing the "big five" sightings. Learn about the green flags that indicate a positive impact, like eco-friendly practices and community involvement. You'll get inspired, listen to stories about wildlife conservation camps, stories of beautiful interactions and of bad examples of safaris, laugh and get chills. TOPICS DISCUSSED:
Connect with Margarita Samsonova? Write us your thoughts on the show Want more?
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| 15- Bikepacking or Workpacking? Home Office on your Bicycle w/ Gunnar Fehlau | 01 Aug 2024 | 00:55:38 | |
Bikepacking or work 'n holiday? Mix both to get workpacking. This week's guest decided to leave his office and make it mobile. Gunnar Fehlau started working from his e-cargobike, as he calls it "workpacking". Gunnar shares tips on how to start your own bicycle touring workpack journey and explains how his start wasn't the best. Our host Clara Francken talks with him about the difficulties he faced and the solutions he found. How Gunnar arranged his one-year trip from idea to the start to the power to continue. Which insights did he learn? What advice can he give us? Find all of that out in this episode. Write us your thoughts on the show Want more?
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| 14- Why I Should Stop My Sea Shell Collection? w/ Praneetha Monipi | 11 Jul 2024 | 01:05:06 | |
Responsible travel means that we need to be aware of our impact. And to say that this conversation is a wake up call, is an understatement. Today's guest Praneetha Monipi explains all the do's and don'ts when touching nature. The goal is to keep the biodiversity alive. Write us your thoughts on the show Want more?
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| 13- Recreating my parents migration on a cargo ship | 16 May 2024 | 00:32:21 | |
In the 1950s, Klaus' parents left Germany on a ship, aiming for a better life in Canada. In this episode, our host Clara Francken talks to Klaus about his travel dreams. Klaus wishes to travel back to Germany and sail back to his roots. Write us your thoughts on the show Want more?
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| 12- Cycling across the border of The Netherlands w/ Vincent Wever | 01 May 2024 | 00:34:22 | |
1500km of cycling around the Dutch border & crossing to neighbor countries hundreds of times. Bicycle touring around your own country while following strict rules. Vincent Wever cycled around his homecountry The Netherlands. His rules? Write us your thoughts on the show Want more?
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| 11- Free Public Transport in Richest Country Luxembourg w/ Joé Voncken | 17 Apr 2024 | 00:52:38 | |
Luxembourg, the world's richest country, made public transport free. Today we're talking about Luxembourg and its buses, tramway and train system - with Luxembourgish guest Joé Voncken. The Luxembourgish railway system is called the SNL (Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer Luxembourgeois). Free transportation is great for the environment, very practical and reduces the amount of traffic. Write us your thoughts on the show Want more?
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| 10- Europe by Train: Cheap Tickets, Tips and Stories | 28 Mar 2024 | 00:50:33 | |
How to find cheap train tickets? How to travel comfortably? Which countries should you visit by train? Join our host Clara Francken as she shares expert tips, insider secrets, and captivating stories from the rails, guaranteed to elevate your European train travel experience. Stories from delayed journeys through Belgium and Germany to sun-soaked escapades in Spain and a four-day trip to Greece, this episode is your ultimate guide to mastering European train travel. Discover how to snag budget-friendly tickets, unlock exclusive insights on packing essentials, engaging with locals, and unleashing the full potential of your Interrail pass. But it's not just practical advice—immerse yourself in the stories and unforgettable encounters that await you on the tracks. Whether it's chance meetings with fellow travelers or breathtaking views outside your window, each journey is a story waiting to be told. And don't forget to stay tuned until the end, where Clara Francken answers your burning questions about train travel sent in through Instagram. Get ready to experience Europe like never before. Get ready to find the inspiration you need to start planning your summer holidays! Write us your thoughts on the show Want more?
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| 45- I Traveled from Greece to Germany Without Flying - Here’s the Full Route & Cost! (Train, Ferry, Bus) | 04 Dec 2025 | 00:36:11 | |
Is there anything more beautiful than arriving at your destination by land instead of air? In this solo episode, host Clara Francken shares exactly how she traveled from Greece to Germany without flying - using ferries, regional trains, high-speed trains, and even the most stunning Flixbus ride of her entire life. This episode is a mix of stories, practical tips, cost breakdowns, and slow-travel inspiration. Whether you dream of doing an Interrail trip, want to reduce your travel footprint, or simply love hearing about chaotic but wholesome journeys… this one’s for you. ✨ Total cost: €254.80 What we cover:
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| 9- Long Distance Bicycle Touring & 14,000 km From England To India w/ William Spencer | 21 Mar 2024 | 00:34:14 | |
What is it like to go long-distance bicycling? This week’s guest William Spencer biked from the U.K. to India in less than one year, experienced culture shock, danger and profound friendship on the road. Now he's older, but still traveling by bike. He explains which life lessons he learned from being on the road, why age doesn't matter, which challenges he faced and how he overcame those. William cycled more than 100.000 km across 23 countries. He even wrote a bestselling book about his 14.000 km journey to India called “Far Sweeter Than Honey”. You will laugh, get inspired and learn a lot from this conversation! Write us your thoughts on the show Want more?
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| 8- Top 9 Ecoleaders & Travelers ft. Women's Day | 14 Mar 2024 | 00:24:57 | |
These female ecoleaders are changing the travel industry by raising their voice. 9 women who will inspire you to travel differently and show that there are many solutions.
First, I talk about my past interview partners (1-3) who have inspired my own travel journey: long distance cycling, hitchhiking and local travel. Write us your thoughts on the show Want more?
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| 7- 80.000 km To The Highest Mountains Worldwide w/ Jelle Veyt | 29 Feb 2024 | 00:30:30 | |
This guy is traveling to every continent of the world using his own human power. No plane, no car, no engine was used for his journey. He takes us back on his road in Oceania where he took the rowing boat to sail between Java and Papua. He rowed 4.00 km in Indonesia and is the first one rowing this long road. In total he rows and sails 12.000 km and cycles 70.000 km to reach his ultimate goal: the summits of Puncak Jaya (Oceania), Mount Everest (Asia), Kilimanjaro (Afrika), Mount Vinson (Antarctica), Aconcagua (South America), Denali (North America), Mount Elbrus (Europe). Write us your thoughts on the show Want more?
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| 6- Spending Christmas Abroad As An Expat | 21 Dec 2023 | 00:18:07 | |
In this week's solo Christmas special, Clara is talking about her experience celebrating Christmas for the firs time abroad. Spending Christmas away from the family, in a place surrounded by new friends only. Social life is already hard during winter times, let alone finding people to celebrate Christmas with. Your host Clara Francken explains how her family Christmas tradition looks like, how she spent her Christmas in Turkey, and answers your questions about spending these days away from home. Get ready to laugh and to get cozy!! Write us your thoughts on the show Want more?
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| 5- My Gap Year In Turkey | 07 Dec 2023 | 00:30:07 | |
Everything you need to know about a gap year, and more. What is living in Turkey like? Living in a host family? Learning a new language? Travel Devil host Clara shares her own experience in this week's episode. She answers your questions about her year abroad, and explains how she chose to travel with the exchange organization AFS. At first, she opens up about the process of deciding the country Turkey and shares insights of AFS camps. Then she dives into how living in Turkey, Izmir, changed her perspective on life. After that, she answers all your questions which were sent in via Instagram. Write us your thoughts on the show Want more?
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| 4- How To Weekend Trip w/ EmmasRoadmap about Belgium | 23 Nov 2023 | 00:36:22 | |
How to explore your home country? Can you travel close to home and have fun? See beautiful destinations? Travel Devil host Clara talked about weekend trips and micro adventures with Emma. She started exploring Belgium when the pandemic hit, and shares her experience on Instagram on @emmasroadmap. In this episode, she'll share the top beautiful destinations in Belgium, how to find micro adventures close to your home, how to plan your weekend trips, and more. This episode is full of fun tips and will inspire you to start explore your own home country. Write us your thoughts on the show Want more?
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| 3- Cargo Ship Travel: Everything You Need To Know w/ CptnZeppos | 16 Nov 2023 | 00:27:30 | |
Is cargo ship traveling better than boarding a cruise ship? Travel Devil host Clara talked to Joris, he traveled the Atlantic Ocean as a passenger on a container ship. After that life-changing experience, he started his own travel agency CptnZeppos. In this episode, Joris shares everything you need to know about being a passenger on a cargo ship. I promise you will feel good, inspired, and laugh during this episode. Want to watch the podcast-related video? Go to https://youtu.be/vJIZgIryJes Write us your thoughts on the show Want more?
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| 2- Solo Bikepacking As A Woman: Is It Dangerous? w/ Tania Muxima | 09 Nov 2023 | 00:41:44 | |
Is it really dangerous to go bike packing solo as a woman? Travel Devil host Clara talked to Tania, full-time traveler on her bicycle about 8 month a year! Tania did a 10.000 km tour in South America, 9.000 km in Afrika and many more km's on other trips. Her story isn't only very strong, she's extremely inspiring and was a big inspiration to start Clara's own bicycle touring journey. Write us your thoughts on the show Want more?
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| 1- My Flixbus Horror Story | 31 Oct 2023 | 00:25:06 | |
Join Clara for her first solo episode where she opens up about her Flixbus experiences and tells you about this new travel podcast. In the theme of Halloween this is a horror story which takes place at the bus station in her home town. Clara shares her personal experience with Flixbus and reacts to other's bad experiences on Reddit. If you're asking yourself if you should travel by bus... This episode is for you! Write us your thoughts on the show Want more?
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| 43- Will ChatGPT save or destroy sustainable travel? | 13 Nov 2025 | 00:56:07 | |
AI is transforming the way we travel, from how we plan our trips to how we book hotels and trains. But is it really sustainable? In this solo episode of Travel Devil, host Clara Francken explores the climate footprint of artificial intelligence and its growing role in tourism. From ChatGPT to Gemini, she looks at how AI tools can both harm and help our planet - AND how travelers can use them responsibly. We break down:
This episode is for curious travelers, digital nomads, and eco-conscious listeners who want to explore smarter, without guilt. Write us your thoughts on the show Want more?
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| 44- Camping in Gardens: The Belgian Platform Changing Travel w/ Manon, Welcome To My Garden | 30 Oct 2025 | 00:46:04 | |
Have you ever imagined camping for free in someone’s backyard? In this episode of Travel Devil, host Clara Francken talks to Manon from "Welcome To My Garden", the Belgian non-profit platform that connects travelers with locals who offer their gardens as camping spots. Together, we talk about how the project started, why it’s revolutionizing slow travel, and what it means for the future of sustainable tourism in Europe. Clara also shares her own experience cycling across Belgium and staying at Welcome To My Garden spots. 📌 In this episode:
Whether you’re a cyclist, hiker, or just someone who loves meaningful travel, this episode will inspire you to slow down and reconnect, with nature and people. 🎧 Episode 44 of Travel Devil is out now on all podcast platforms! sustainable travel • slow travel podcast • welcome to my garden • WTMG • eco travel • belgium travel • free camping europe • green travel ideas • cycling in belgium • responsible tourism • community-based travel • travel differently • backyard camping • local travel tips • travel devil podcast • clara francken podcast More about Manon 👇
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| 42- What Every Traveler Should Know About Microplastics w/ Dana Zhaxylykova | 09 Oct 2025 | 00:53:57 | |
When we think about sustainable travel, we often picture avoiding flights or packing eco-friendly gear. But what if the real danger lies in something we can’t even see - in microplastics? In this episode of Travel Devil, host Clara Francken talks to Dana Zhaxylykova, a microplastic researcher from Kazakhstan and co-founder of the Microplastic Free app, about how travel habits contribute to microplastic pollution. We discuss topics from tire dust on roads to the “paper” cups we drink from on planes. Dana shares her journey from the Aral Sea region to studying microplastics across Europe, uncovering how even our most “harmless” travel routines leave invisible traces behind. In this episode we cover:
Episode 42 of Travel Devil is out now on all podcast platforms. More of Dana’s work: Write us your thoughts on the show Want more?
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| 41- Why the Bus Beats the Train in Thailand & Laos w/ Eva & The Planet | 25 Sep 2025 | 01:04:20 | |
When you think of traveling through Southeast Asia, do you imagine hopping on a quick flight between islands? In this episode of Travel Devil, host Clara Francken sits down with Eva Werners from Eva & The Planet to talk about the real side of slow and sustainable travel in Thailand and Laos. Eva shares her stories from night buses, VIP buses, overnight trains, and the legendary two-day slow boat along the Mekong River. Together we dive into what it means to travel like a local and why the bus so often beats the train. In this episode you’ll hear about:
Whether you’re planning a trip to Thailand or Laos, or just curious about slow, conscious travel, this episode will inspire you to rethink how you move across borders. More from Eva: Write us your thoughts on the show Want more?
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| 40- Cruise Industry Exposed: Greenwashing & Alternatives w/ Joe Sills | 04 Sep 2025 | 01:01:03 | |
From documenting the world’s largest sailing ship, the Royal Clipper, to walking on mega cruise liners with thousands of passengers, Joe Sills has seen both sides of the ocean travel spectrum. In this episode of Travel Devil, host Clara Francken sits down with Joe Sills, journalist and photographer, to dig into one of travel’s most controversial industries: cruises. Together, they explore the environmental cost of cruising, the rise of greenwashing in tourism, and whether sailing ships and boutique cruises could offer a better way forward. What we cover in this episode:
If you’ve ever wondered “are cruises worse than flying?”, or if sailing ships could really be a sustainable option compared to regular cruises, this episode gives you a deep dive into the truth. More about Joe 👇
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| 50- Flight shame debunked: sustainable travel tips for when you can’t avoid flying w/ Lotte, The Sustainable Travel Guide | 19 Mar 2026 | 00:56:18 | |
Is flying always bad? Should you feel guilty for boarding a plane? And most importantly, what can you actually do if flying is unavoidable? Together, Clara and Lotte explore the reality behind flight emissions, compare flights vs train travel, and explain why aviation has such a large environmental impact, sometimes up to 30 times higher than electric trains. But this episode is not about perfection, it’s about realistic, accessible sustainable travel. You’ll learn:
From choosing direct flights and flying economy, to supporting local businesses and rethinking how we travel, this episode gives you practical, non-judgmental advice for traveling more responsibly. Because sustainable travel isn’t about being perfect, it’s about making better choices, step by step. About the guest:
light shame explained · how to fly sustainably · sustainable flying tips · how to reduce carbon footprint travel · is flying bad for the environment · eco travel tips 2026 · alternatives to flying Europe · train travel vs plane emissions · short haul flights impact · how to travel more sustainably · climate conscious travel · green travel tips · aviation climate impact · should you feel flight shame Write us your thoughts on the show Want more?
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