Explore every episode of the podcast Travel For Curious Minds - The Travel Podcast from Jules Verne Stories Insight and Adventure
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| Trailer - Travel for Curious Minds | 21 Jan 2025 | 00:08:46 | |
In this trailer, we hear from Debbie O'Neill - Managing Director at Jules Verne, about this brand new podcast - Travel for Curious Minds. We find out:
For more information about travel for your curious mind: To subscribe to this podcast so you get each new fortnightly episode straight into your inbox the moment it goes live, you can either subscribe on your podcast app (search for Travel for Curious Minds) or go here: yDQFq0FzwCsK78cgcIHj | |||
| Jo Kessel: Climbing Mt Fuji, Expedition Cruising in Antarctica and Responsible Travel | 02 Feb 2025 | 00:40:12 | |
This week on Travel for Curious Minds, our host, Abbey Cousins, chats with Jo Kessel, a YouTuber and Travel Journalist. We hear all about where her passion for adventure came from and her top tips on how to truly immerse yourself in a country.
From family holidays to France as a young girl to venturing into the depths of Antarctica or observing local life along the banks of the Mekong River, Jo has spent her life travelling the world and is eager to inspire others to do the same. To find out more about Jo, you can head over to: For more information about travel for your curious mind: Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast Instagram - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast YouTube - Travel for Curious Minds For more about Jules Verne Travel: To subscribe to this podcast so you get each new fortnightly episode straight into your inbox the moment it goes live, you can either subscribe on your podcast app (search for Travel for Curious Minds) or go here: | |||
| Quickfire Questions with Jo Kessel | 16 Feb 2025 | 00:04:37 | |
Today we have YouTuber and Travel Journalist, Jo Kessel, in the 'Travel for Curious Minds' hot seat, revealing top travel tips and destinations in a round of quickfire questions. If you haven't yet listened to the full episode with Jo, it will be on your podcast feed if you've subscribed, or search 'Travel for Curious Minds' wherever you get your podcasts. To find out more about Jo, you can head over to: For more information about travel for your curious mind: Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast Instagram - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast YouTube - Travel for Curious Minds For more about Jules Verne Travel: To subscribe to this podcast so you get each new fortnightly episode straight into your inbox the moment it goes live, you can either subscribe on your podcast app (search for Travel for Curious Minds) or go here: | |||
| Eleanor Mills: Reframing the Conversation around Women and Travel | 02 Mar 2025 | 00:45:23 | |
Eleanor Mills joins Abbey Cousins in this edition of the Travel for Curious Minds podcast. Eleanor, an award-winning editor, writer and broadcaster, is the founder of NOON – a community focused on supporting, empowering and reframing the conversation around middle-aged women (aka Queenagers) Feel inspired as Eleanor discusses everything from NOON’s mission to get women excited about midlife and all the joys that come with it to her experiences of travel’s transformative power. To find out more about Eleanor, you can head over to: And you can e-mail Eleanor at: eleanor@noon.org.uk For more information about travel for your curious mind: Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast Instagram - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast YouTube - Travel for Curious Minds For more about Jules Verne Travel: To subscribe to this podcast so you get each new fortnightly episode straight into your inbox the moment it goes live, you can either subscribe on your podcast app (search for Travel for Curious Minds) or go here: | |||
| Eleanor Mills - Quickfire Questions | 16 Mar 2025 | 00:06:04 | |
Listen in as Eleanor Mills – the founder of NOON and an award-winning editor, writer and broadcaster – reveals her top travel destinations and tips when answering the Travel for Curious Minds podcast’s quickfire questions. If you haven't yet listened to the full episode with Eleanor, it will be on your podcast feed if you've subscribed, or search 'Travel for Curious Minds' wherever you get your podcasts. To find out more about Eleanor, you can head over to: And you can e-mail Eleanor at: eleanor@noon.org.uk For more information about travel for your curious mind: Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast | |||
| Charlie Mayhew: Conservation Wildlife and Travel | 06 Apr 2025 | 00:33:47 | |
This week, our host, Abbey, chats with Charlie Mayhew OBE, President and founder of Tusk, the UK’s leading African conservation NGO.
After witnessing the devastating impact of the illegal wildlife trade in his early twenties, Charlie has dedicated his life to supporting wildlife conservation across Africa. Join him as he shares insights on how to keep conservation at the forefront of your mind when planning your travels—and why he believes that, above all, a sense of humour is the most important thing to pack in your suitcase!
To find out more about Charlie, you can head over to:
For more information about travel for your curious mind:
Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast | |||
| Phoebe Smith - Wander Woman Travelling While Protecting the Natural World | 05 May 2025 | ||
This week, Travel for Curious Minds’ host Abbey Cousins chats with Podcast Host, Multi-Award-Winning Author and Adventurer Phoebe Smith, all about her lifelong pledge to be ‘a tourist in her own backyard’ and where her nickname ‘Wander Woman’ comes from.
Through the #WeTwo Foundation, her podcast and her books, Phoebe is determined to educate as many people as she can on the amazing impact travelling can have on your life and the ways we can all do our best to protect the natural world.
To find out more about Phoebe, head over to:
For more information about travel for your curious mind:
Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast
Instagram - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast
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| Charlie Mayhew - Quickfire Questions | 21 Apr 2025 | 00:07:01 | |
Today, we have Founder and President of Tusk, Charlie Mayhew, OBE, in the ‘Travel For Curious Minds’ hot seat, revealing top travel tips and destinations in a round of quickfire questions.
To find out more about Charlie, you can head over to:
For more information about travel for your curious mind:
Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast | |||
| Phoebe Smith - Quickfire Questions | 18 May 2025 | ||
Today, author, Podcast Host, and Adventurer Phoebe Smith is in the Travel for Curious Minds hot seat, revealing top travel tips and destinations in a round of quickfire questions.
To find out more about Phoebe, head over to:
For more information about travel for your curious mind:
Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast
Instagram - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast
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| Holly Rubenstein - Luxury Travel, Celebrities and Surprises | 06 Jul 2025 | ||
Listen in with Travel for Curious Minds host Abbey Cousins as she speaks with journalist and podcast host Holly Rubenstein. From interviewing the incredibly well-travelled Joanna Lumley to emotional conversations with guests moved by their travel experiences, as well as her affinity with Miami as a holiday destination, prepare to be inspired by Holly’s captivating storytelling. Revealing her recommendations on luxury hotels (she’s visited over 150!), the destinations that have surprised her, and sharing the countries on her bucket list, Holly will inspire you to experience places that might not appeal in the first instance.
To find out more about Holly, you can head over to:
The Travel Diaries Podcast Website
For more information about travel for your curious mind:
Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast
Instagram - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast
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| Sian Richardson - Quickfire Questions | 15 Jun 2025 | ||
This week, Sian Richardson – founder of The Bluetits Chill Swimmers – dives into a round of quickfire questions with Travel for Curious Minds host Abbey Cousins.
To find out more about Sian, head over to:
For more information about travel for your curious mind:
Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast
Instagram - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast
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| Sian Richardson - Cold Water Swimming Community and Laughter | 01 Jun 2025 | ||
Fancy a dip? In this episode of Travel for Curious Minds, take a plunge into the world of cold-water swimming with the founder of The Bluetits Chill Swimmers, Sian Richardson.
As it approaches its tenth year, learn how what began with one person, her swimsuit, and the sea has transformed into an international social enterprise anchored in the wonderful spirit of community and filled with laughter.
To find out more about Sian, head over to:
For more information about travel for your curious mind:
Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast
Instagram - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast
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| Lucy Meggeson - Incredible Solo Travel Experiences | 14 Sep 2025 | 00:28:47 | |
In this episode, Abbey is joined by Lucy Meggeson, the host of the ‘Thrive Solo’ podcast (formerly ‘Spinsterhood Reimagined’). Lucy is on a journey to change the narrative around what it means to be single and child-free.
With adventures shaped by her love of music, road trips, photography, maps and nature, hear how incredible travel experiences can happen because you are travelling solo – not in spite of it.
To find out more about Lucy, you can head over to:
The Book – Shiny Happy Singles
For more information about travel for your curious mind:
Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast
Instagram - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast
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| Pat Riddell - Quickfire Questions | 07 Sep 2025 | 00:05:13 | |
This week, Pat Riddell, Editor of National Geographic Traveller UK, is in the Travel for Curious Minds hot seat, answering host Abbey Cousins’ quickfire questions on all things travel.
To find out more about Pat, you can head over to:
For more information on National Geographic Traveller:
For more information about travel for your curious mind:
Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast
Instagram - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast
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| Pat Riddell - Travel Journalism La Dolce Vita | 31 Aug 2025 | 00:39:35 | |
On this week’s Episode of Travel for Curious Minds, Pat Riddell, Editor of National Geographic Traveller UK, joins host Abbey Cousins, taking listeners on a fascinating adventure around the world with the tales of his extensive travels.
From discussing what first gave him a taste for the world of travel, reflecting on his incredible experiences in destinations such as Jordan, Peru and Thailand, to explaining why he simply can’t get enough of la dolce vita and touching upon his career in travel journalism, the Episode covers a lot of ground (quite literally!) so buckle up and enjoy.
To find out more about Pat, you can head over to:
For more information on National Geographic Traveller:
For more information about travel for your curious mind:
Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast
Instagram - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast
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| Portia Jones - Quickfire Questions | 17 Aug 2025 | 00:07:42 | |
This week, Portia Jones – award-winning travel writer and podcaster – dives into a round of quickfire questions with Travel for Curious Minds’ host Abbey Cousins.
To find out more about Portia, you can head over to:
For more information about travel for your curious mind:
Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast
Instagram - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast
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| Portia Jones - Authentic Travel Storytelling from over 70 Countries | 03 Aug 2025 | 00:32:41 | |
Join host Abbey Cousins on Travel for Curious Minds as she learns about Portia Jones’ never-ending love affair with travel. Starting from a young age, Portia has visited over 70 countries. She adores meeting new people, experiencing new cultures, and writing about them to inspire others.
The host of her own travel podcast and an award-winning travel journalist, Portia’s relaxed and welcoming approach to travel and warm way of storytelling are infectious. Learn about her time in New Zealand, Uzbekistan, Japan, and Egypt and hear her tips on how to ensure an authentic and local experience on your next adventure.
To find out more about Portia, you can head over to:
For more information about travel for your curious mind:
Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast
Instagram - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast
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| Holly Rubenstein - Quickfire Questions | 20 Jul 2025 | ||
In the hot seat today is Holly Rubenstein – journalist, travel podcast host and self-confessed hotel aficionado. Holly reveals her top travel tips in a round of quickfire questions.
To find out more about Holly, you can head over to:
The Travel Diaries Podcast Website
For more information about travel for your curious mind:
Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast
Instagram - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast
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| David O'Neill - Adventure Far From the Beaten Track | 05 Oct 2025 | ||
After retiring from his position as Assistant Commissioner in the London Fire Brigade following over three decades of service, David O’Neill MBE joins host Abbey Cousins in this week’s episode of Travel For Curious Minds. David and Abbey chat about his incredible career so far and the life-changing adventures that have shaped it.
With moving tales from the frontlines of international rescue efforts, including when David led the UK response team in the 2023 Turkey-Syria earthquake, and fascinating stories that will transport listeners to the jungles of Bhutan, lakesides of Pakistan and mountains of Nepal, this episode takes listeners on an adventure far from the beaten track. To find out more about David and his work, you can head over to:
For more information about travel for your curious mind:
Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast
Instagram - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast
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| Lucy Meggeson - Quickfire Questions | 21 Sep 2025 | 00:05:57 | |
“All of the fabulous things in life are on the other side of our comfort zones” – Listen to today’s episode of Travel for Curious Minds as host of the ‘Thrive Solo’ podcast (formerly ‘Spinsterhood Reimagined’), Lucy Meggeson talks all things travel in a round of quickfire questions – including why people thinking about their first solo adventure should make the leap.
To find out more about Lucy, you can head over to:
The Book – Shiny Happy Singles
For more information about travel for your curious mind:
Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast
Instagram - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast
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| Deborah Stone and Nick Dalton - 30 years of Travel Journalism. Stories from Around the World | 30 Nov 2025 | 00:35:48 | |
On this week’s episode of Travel for Curious Minds, renowned travel journalists Deborah Stone and Nick Dalton join host Abbey Cousins to discuss how they started out wanting to “save the world” through journalism, working on national news desks, then becoming digital nomads in the 90s, travelling around the world working for various national and international publications.
From debunking misunderstandings about being a travel writer (it’s harder work than you think!) to the destinations etched in their memories, including Egypt, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, and the Great Wall of China, and what’s on their bucket lists for future adventures, listen in to hear about the couple’s unique and extraordinary journey over the past 30 years.
To find out more about Nick and Deborah, head over to:
For more information about travel for your curious mind:
Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast
Instagram - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast
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| Claire Ross - Quickfire Questions | 16 Nov 2025 | ||
Today, we have Director of Sustainability for DERTOUR UK, Claire Ross, in the Travel for Curious Minds hotseat, revealing top travel tips and destinations in a round of quickfire questions.
To find out more about Claire, and DERTOUR's approach to sustainability, head over to:
For more information about travel for your curious mind:
Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast
Instagram - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast
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| Claire Ross - Travelling Sustainably and Easing the Environmental Impact | 02 Nov 2025 | 00:34:15 | |
This week, Travel for Curious Minds’ host Abbey Cousins chats to Claire Ross, Director of Sustainability for one of the leading tourism groups in Europe, DERTOUR UK. Hear about everything from the small changes we can all make when travelling to ease our environmental impact to why Claire will never write off a destination based on its reputation again – and why you shouldn’t either!
To find out more about Claire, and DERTOUR's approach to sustainability, head over to:
For more information about travel for your curious mind:
Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast
Instagram - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast
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| Rachel Lankester Quickfire Questions | 26 Oct 2025 | 00:06:31 | |
Today, we have author, podcast host, and mid-life mentor Rachel Lankester in the Travel for Curious Minds hot seat, revealing top travel tips and destinations through a round of quickfire questions.
To find out more about Rachel, head over to:
Instagram | Instagram (@rachel_lankester) Facebook | Magnificent Midlife Linkedin | https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachellankester/ YouTube | Magnificent Midlife
For more information about travel for your curious mind:
Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast
Instagram - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast
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| Rachel Lankester Celebrating Mid-life from the Jungles of Peru to the Streets of Kazakhstan | 19 Oct 2025 | 00:31:17 | |
This week, Travel for Curious Minds host Abbey Cousins chats with Rachel Lankester, a New York Times recommended author, podcast host, and mid-life mentor, about why mid-life should be celebrated! As an advocate for embracing all that life has to offer, Rachel shares her perspective-shifting experience of early menopause along with stories from her many travel adventures, ranging from trekking through the jungles of Peru to exploring the bustling streets of Kazakhstan. To find out more about Rachel, head over to:
Instagram | Instagram (@rachel_lankester) Facebook | Magnificent Midlife Linkedin | https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachellankester/ YouTube | Magnificent Midlife
For more information about travel for your curious mind:
Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast
Instagram - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast
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| David O'Neill - Quickfire Questions | 12 Oct 2025 | ||
In today’s episode of quickfire questions, David O’Neill MBE reveals his top travel tips and details of his next adventure for the listeners of the Travel For Curious Minds podcast.
To find out more about David, you can head over to:
For more information about travel for your curious mind:
Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast
Instagram - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast
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| Deborah Stone and Nick Dalton Quickfire Questions | 07 Dec 2025 | 00:09:56 | |
This week, journalist duo Deborah Stone and Nick Dalton are in the Travel for Curious Minds hot seat, answering host Abbey Cousins’ quickfire questions on all things travel.
To find out more about Nick and Deborah, head over to:
For more information about travel for your curious mind:
Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast
Instagram - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast
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| Mahal and Egypt – The History of Mankind, Revolution and the Best Place to Travel to Today | 01 Feb 2026 | 00:28:06 | |
Here is the third in our trilogy of episodes about Egypt. This time, we meet Mahal. As one of Jules Verne’s most experienced and trusted guides in Egypt, Mahal has a wealth of knowledge and stories to share.
We learn about growing up in Egypt, and why becoming a guide isn’t always the easy option. Why Mahal loves sharing Egypt with people. The wonders of the amazing Grand Egyptian Museum. And how Mahal is proud to represent the modern Egypt of strong women, showcasing the remarkable things in store for people travelling there now, compared to how things used to be.
This is a video podcast also, and you can watch the video on the link here:
YouTube - Travel for Curious Minds And for more information for your curious mind, have a look at these:
Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast
Instagram - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast
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| Debbie O'Neill - Egypt and the Grand Egyptian Museum | 21 Dec 2025 | 00:27:01 | |
As promised on our last episode, here is a wonderful conversation with Debbie O'Neill, Managing Director at Jules Verne. Recently back from her 12th visit to Egypt, Debbie brings us up to date with this beautiful country, its people, and now, finally open, what to expect from the Grand Egyptian Museum. For more information about travel for your curious mind:
Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast
Instagram - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast
YouTube - Travel for Curious Minds The theme music for Travel for Curious Minds is provided courtesy of Artlist and Accord (the copyright holders) for this project. All rights reserved. | |||
| Unlocking the GEM - Stories of Egypt with Tarek and Rania | 14 Dec 2025 | 00:37:31 | |
This week on Travel for Curious Minds, we’re dipping into the archives with an episode from April 2022—originally recorded for our sister podcast. Abbey came live from World Travel Market, joined by our Egypt partners Tarek and Rania. They talked Nile cruises—both the classic routes and the little-known stretches of the river—and shared early insights on the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). Rania had even visited before it officially opened. Why bring it back now? Because our MD, Debbie O’Neill, has just returned from Egypt and visited the newly opened GEM herself. So think of this as part one. Next week, Debbie brings a fresh update on the museum, her tour, and what Egypt has in store for 2026. Hit subscribe so you don’t miss it.
For more information about travel for your curious mind:
Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast
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| Ben Boesch - Quickfire Questions | 29 Mar 2026 | 00:02:03 | |
This week, Ben is in the Travel for Curious Minds' hot seat, answering host Abbey Cousins’ quickfire questions on all things India This is a video podcast also, and you can watch the video on the link here:
YouTube - Travel for Curious Minds And for more information for your curious mind, have a look at these:
Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast
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| Ben Boesch on India - Travel Plus Surprise Equals Adventure | 11 Mar 2026 | 00:21:43 | |
Ben Boesch – Travel + Surprise = Adventure Unlock the secrets to meaningful travel with Ben Boesch, joint CEO of Dertour UK, as he reveals the adventurous spirit behind exploring India, Morocco, and beyond. Ever wondered how a seemingly simple trip can turn into a lifelong memory? Ben shares insider stories of unpredictable adventures - including how a motorcycle breakdown in Morocco sparked unforgettable encounters with locals and hidden experiences no itinerary could create. In this episode, you’ll discover: • Why India’s diversity makes it a travel paradise worth exploring 30+ times • How, despite all those trips, Ben still says, “he hasn’t seen it yet”! • Why safaris in India are still one of travel’s best-kept secrets • How to experience local life through markets, pickles, bookshops, and human connection • Big-thinking travel ideas: hikes in the Swiss Alps, skiing in France, or secret retreats in India This conversation is essential listening for anyone craving authentic, immersive, adventure-driven travel - whether you’re planning your first journey or seeking fresh inspiration. If you believe journeys should be about connection, discovery, and stories that stay with you forever, Ben’s perspective will ignite your wanderlust. Ben Boesch, joint CEO of Dertour UK, reminds us that the greatest trips aren’t just about seeing new places - they’re about feeling fully alive in the moment. Tune in and learn how to turn your next trip from routine to legendary by embracing the unexpected. Perfect for explorers, adventure lovers, or anyone in search of their next story worth telling. This is a video podcast also, and you can watch the video when it's published here: YouTube - Travel for Curious Minds For more information for your curious mind: | |||
| Mahal and Egypt - Quickfire Questions | 15 Feb 2026 | 00:03:03 | |
This week, Mahal is in the Travel for Curious Minds' hot seat, answering host Abbey Cousins’ quickfire questions on all things Egypt. This is a video podcast also, and you can watch the video on the link here:
YouTube - Travel for Curious Minds And for more information for your curious mind, have a look at these:
Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast
Instagram - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast
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