Truly Expat Travel Podcast brings you the world's best travel destinations through conversations with expats who've made foreign countries their home. Discover hidden gems, local insider tips, and authentic travel experiences you won't find in guidebooks.
Each episode features expats sharing their favourite destinations, secret spots, cultural insights, and practical travel advice from cities and countries across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. From weekend getaways to bucket list adventures, food scenes to cultural experiences, our guests reveal what makes their adopted homes special.
Perfect for travellers seeking authentic local perspectives, digital nomads planning their next move, or anyone dreaming of exploring the world beyond tourist traps. Get real recommendations from people who live the expat lifestyle every day.
What you'll discover: • Hidden travel gems recommended by local expats • Insider tips for popular and off-the-beaten-path destinations • Cultural insights and authentic local experiences • Practical advice for international travel and living abroad • Real stories from expats around the world
🌍 New episodes weekly ✈️ Subscribe for authentic travel inspiration 📧 Collaborations: info@trulyexpat.com
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The Night a Whole Pub Emptied for the Northern Lights: Donegal's Best-Kept Secrets
Season 2 · Episode 34
Tuesday, October 13, 2026 • Duration 55:44
Planning a trip to Donegal, Ireland? Local fiddler Tara Connaghan shares where to hear real Irish music, see the Northern Lights and escape the tourist crowds.
Donegal is Ireland's wild northwest corner: fewer tourists, friendly locals and some of the best traditional music on the island. Paula chats with Tara Connaghan, a professional fiddle player, tour guide and podcaster from Glenties, about why serendipity is the best plan in Donegal, how to find an authentic Irish music session (and the etiquette visitors need to know), and where she'd take a friend for three days.
IN THIS EPISODE • Why you drive through Northern Ireland to reach Donegal • Best time to visit: September and May • Northern Lights and rare moonbows in Ireland • Why you need a car in Donegal • Finding trad music sessions and session etiquette • Irish dancing explained: sean-nos, step, ceili and set dancing • Is Donegal safe for solo travellers? • A 3-day itinerary: Arranmore Island, Sliabh Liag cliffs, Donegal Town • The Irish whiskey revival, Donegal tweed and Hanna Hats (as worn in Peaky Blinders) • Little Mamma's Gelato and the half-tub ice cream story
Real, honest conversations about what life abroad actually looks like — the culture shocks, the pivots, and the personal reinvention that comes with it. Host Al B, a retired U.S. Air Force veteran now based in Belgium, talks to expats who've built lives beyond their home country. If you're thinking about making the leap, this one's for you. Available wherever you listen to
Running this podcast takes a lot of coffee (and countless hours exploring every destination!). If you found this helpful and want to support more honest, detailed travel guides and itineraries, you can buy me a coffee. No pressure though – I'm just happy you're here and hope you have an incredible adventure! 🙂
Too Old to Travel Alone? What Nobody Tells You About Solo Travel After 50
Season 2 · Episode 33
Tuesday, October 6, 2026 • Duration 41:28
Scared to travel alone after 50? So was I. From hiding in a hotel at 21 to driving Sicily solo, here's how I learned to love solo travel, plus my safety tips.
This week it's just me, and it's personal. I share how I went from eating dinner alone in my hotel room to making solo dinners my favourite part of any trip. I also cover the fears that nearly stopped me: my age, loneliness and safety.
IN THIS EPISODE - The scary night in Wales at 21 that put me off solo travel for years - My first real solo trip: jet lag, rain and big trucks on the drive to upstate New York - Hauling four months of luggage over Sicily's cobblestones, and the backpack trick that fixed it - Walking the Camino alone and finding out I'm never really alone - A late-night taxi in Istanbul and the fake phone call I made - The apps and habits that keep me safe: TripIt, a printed itinerary, eSIMs, a VPN, sharing my ride-hail tracking, and only one earbud in - What solo travel taught me about not giving up
MY TIPS IF YOU'RE NERVOUS ABOUT YOUR FIRST SOLO TRIP 1. Start small: book a weekend away close to home. 2. Join a tour with people your own age and pace. 3. If your first trip goes wrong, give it another go. It usually clicks on the second or third trip.
TRAVEL WITH ME I host small-group trips for women over 50. My Taiwan trip this October has a few spots left. Taiwan was the first place I lived outside Australia, 19 years ago. A Bhutan trip for couples is planned for April/May next year. Get in touch to find out more.
Real, honest conversations about what life abroad actually looks like — the culture shocks, the pivots, and the personal reinvention that comes with it. Host Al B, a retired U.S. Air Force veteran now based in Belgium, talks to expats who've built lives beyond their home country. If you're thinking about making the leap, this one's for you. Available wherever you listen to
🚗 Skip the taxi stress. Pre-book your transfer in 120+ countries. Book here →Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Everything You Need to Know Before Your First Cruise
Season 2 · Episode 32
Tuesday, September 29, 2026 • Duration 43:23
Everything You Need to Know About Cruising — The Hacks, the Freebies & Why You're Doing It Wrong
If you've ever been cruise-curious but didn't know where to start, this episode is for you. Shannon and Anne from Travel Time Stories with Shannon have cruised everything from Alaska to Iceland and they're sharing the insider knowledge that most people only learn after their fourth or fifth sailing — including how they scored a 12-night cruise to Ireland, Scotland and Iceland for just $250 each.
We cover the real cost of cruising (spoiler: it's way cheaper than you think), how to get free cruise offers without being a high roller, why you should never book a cruise shorter than 7 days, and the packing hacks that mean you'll never need more than a carry-on. Plus: the truth about drink packages, booking excursions through locals instead of the cruise line, and which cruise size actually gives you the best experience.
🚢 Want to cruise with Shannon & Anne? They're hosting their first-ever group cruise — March 14–21, 2027 on Princess Cruise Lines from San Juan, Puerto Rico, stopping at Tortola, St. Kitts, Dominica, Grenada & Barbados. Only 6 cabins left. Deposit is just $250 per person, with the balance due December 15, 2026.
Real, honest conversations about what life abroad actually looks like — the culture shocks, the pivots, and the personal reinvention that comes with it. Host Al B, a retired U.S. Air Force veteran now based in Belgium, talks to expats who've built lives beyond their home country. If you're thinking about making the leap, this one's for you. Available wherever you listen to
🚗 Skip the taxi stress. Pre-book your transfer in 120+ countries. Book here →Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
South Carolina Will Surprise You — Here's Why It's America's Most Liveable State
Season 2 · Episode 32
Tuesday, September 22, 2026 • Duration 33:27
She lives on an island with palm trees, walks to world-class restaurants, and says the mountains are only an hour away. Shannon Bednarova moved to South Carolina's Isle of Palms — and makes a very convincing case that it's the most liveable place in America right now.
In this episode: the beaches most visitors never find, the Gullah Geechee food culture that makes Charleston's dining scene unlike anywhere else in the US, what hurricane season actually means for daily life, and the honest truth about costs if you're thinking of relocating.
🗺️ PLACES TO KNOW
Beaches: Isle of Palms, Sullivan's Island, Folly Beach, Hilton Head, Kiawah Island, Myrtle Beach
Cities: Charleston, Beaufort, Greenville, Columbia
Thinking of moving? Mount Pleasant, Fort Mill, and Tega Cay offer more affordable options near Charlotte
🍽️ EAT THIS
Shrimp and grits, perloo (low country rice with sausage and seafood), and benny wafers are the dishes to know. Charleston's restaurant scene rivals New York and New Orleans — Shannon recommends Slightly North of Broad (SNOB) and Lenore by Vivian Howard. Don't leave without visiting the historic Market Street for hand-woven Gullah Geechee seagrass baskets.
📋 GOOD TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
• Best seasons: spring and autumn — avoid the intense summer humidity
• Hurricane season runs 30 June – 30 November
• You'll need a hire car — public transport is very limited
• Charleston's airport is small and easy; an Uber gets you downtown in minutes
🎙️ THIS WEEK'S GUEST
Shannon Bednarova — podcast host, traveller, Isle of Palms local
Podcast: A Lady Well Traveled (all streaming platforms + YouTube)
Email: shannon@aladywelltraveled.com
🚗 Skip the taxi stress. Pre-book your transfer in 120+ countries. Book here →Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
San Miguel de Allende: Why This UNESCO Mexican City Has Been Voted #1 Small City in the World 7 Times
Season 2 · Episode 31
Tuesday, September 15, 2026 • Duration 36:31
Voted the #1 small city in the world seven times by Condé Nast Traveler. Spring-like weather 365 days a year. A Waldorf Astoria moving in next door. This isn't a fantasy — it's San Miguel de Allende, and today's guest has lived there for 17 years.
Greg is a real estate broker and owner of the first Berkshire Hathaway Home Services franchise in all of Mexico. He moved to San Miguel at 50, intending to semi-retire — and never looked back. In this episode he gives us the full insider's guide: where to eat, what to do, when to go, and everything you need to know before you arrive. Love Mexico? We have two more episodes you'll enjoy — Mexico Off the Tourist Trail: An Aussie Expat's Local Guide and Mérida Travel Guide: Cenotes, Flamingos & Hidden Gems in the Yucatán.
Mexico Off the Tourist Trail: An Aussie Expat’s Local Guide
In This Episode
Why San Miguel de Allende keeps beating out cities worldwide for the #1 small city title
Where to eat — including the world's #1 rooftop restaurant and a chef covered in tattoos who's held the #1 spot for 18 years
The one dish you must try (and you'll never find it in Australia or the US)
How to get there, get around, and why you should leave the hire car at home
Festivals: Day of the Dead, the Katrina Parade, the world's largest bilingual film festival, and 150 other celebrations a year
The "random Aztec parade factor" — and what mañana really means
Greg's top tips for planning your visit
About San Miguel de Allende
Location: Central Mexico, inland at 6,400 feet altitude — no humidity, no beach crowds
Climate: Spring-like year-round; 40°F diurnal swing in winter, never snows
Population: ~175,000 — compact, walkable, European village feel
Nepal Beyond Everest: The Hidden Himalayas Your Guide Doesn't Want You to Miss
Season 2 · Episode 30
Tuesday, September 8, 2026 • Duration 31:00
Everyone knows Everest. But Nepal has over 6,000 peaks near 6,000 metres — and most of them have never been climbed. This week, third-generation mountain guide and CEO of Everest Holiday, Shreejan Simkhada (call him Joe), takes us off the tourist trail and into the Nepal that most people never see.
From a 1,300-year-old monastery in Upper Mustang to a Christian village tucked into a Buddhist valley at 4,000 metres near the Tibet border — this episode will completely change how you think about the Himalayas.
In This Episode
The trekking routes Joe actually recommends — and why he steers people away from the crowded ones
Upper Mustang: the last piece of free Tibet, and why you might have 10 years left to see it as it is
Short treks for time-limited travellers (4 days to 10 days)
Best and worst seasons — and what the rainy season rule change means for you
Wildlife, safaris, paragliding, rafting, and 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in one city
The solo trekking rule that just changed
How to do Everest Base Camp on a budget — and what luxury looks like
Joe's one piece of advice before you book
About Joe & Everest Holiday
Shreejan Simkhada — Joe — is a third-generation tourism entrepreneur from Nepal, a practicing Kagyu Buddhist, and the CEO of Everest Holiday. His family has been in the industry for decades. Joe operates treks, climbs and tours across Nepal, India, Tibet and Bhutan, with a strong focus on social charity: his travel work began as a way to fund and support his charity projects on the ground.
Recommended Routes (Beyond Everest)
Off the beaten track:
Upper Dolpa — remote, raw, one of Joe's top picks
Upper Mustang — the last preserved piece of free Tibet; still a restricted area, 10-day packages, accessible by road but see it soon before roads change it forever
Ruby Valley — Joe's personal favourite; Buddhist and Hindu villages that became Christian, waterfalls in every direction in the wet season, 8–10 days
Bored of Singapore? These 3 Indonesian Islands Are Just a Ferry Ride Away
Season 2 · Episode 29
Tuesday, September 1, 2026 • Duration 18:33
If you're living in or visiting Singapore and craving an easy escape, you don't have to go far. Host Paula shares her personal experiences on three Indonesian islands you can reach by ferry — perfect for a day trip, a girls' weekend, or a full family getaway. Want to know more about Singapore? Listen to Season 2 Episode 1 - Discovering Singapore: More than just a stopover!
Batam is the go-to for spa lovers. The Tempat Senang Spa Resort picks you up right from the ferry pier and offers half-day or full-day treatment packages — think Balinese massages, facials, and gorgeous themed rooms inspired by countries across Asia. Bonus: there's golf too, and it's a fraction of Singapore prices. 👉 Read the full Batam guide here
Bintan is the resort island that really does tick every box — from Club Med and Marriott to boutique glamping tents and teepee hotels. Paula stayed in an air-conditioned glamping tent overlooking a massive man-made lagoon (apparently the largest in the Southern Hemisphere), with wakeboarding, kayaking, waterslides, and even fireworks at night. Best visited March to October.
Nikoi Island is the hidden gem — a tiny private eco-island with just 15 bungalows and treehouses, reachable via Bintan by a 20-minute transfer and speedboat. It's family-friendly and expat-run, with kayaking, zip-lining, snorkelling, nightly beach campfires with marshmallows, and some seriously good food at two very different restaurants. 👉 Read the full Nikoi Island review here
Whether you've got a single free day or a whole week, these islands offer a completely different pace from Singapore — and they're right on your doorstep.
Whether you've got a single free day or a whole week, these islands offer a completely different pace from Singapore — and they're right on your doorstep.
🚗 Skip the taxi stress. Pre-book your transfer in 120+ countries. Book here →Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Never Pay Full Price for a Hotel Again — The Points Strategy Explained
Season 2 · Episode 28
Tuesday, August 25, 2026 • Duration 44:13
Paula sits down with Todd Hata — content creator, food lover, and full-time traveller for the past three to four years — to talk about something every traveller should know more about: hotel loyalty programs. Todd has been working the points system for 25 years, recently hit Hyatt Globalist status, holds Marriott Lifetime Platinum, and has racked up enough nights to know exactly how to get the most out of every stay. This one is full of practical tips. Want to know more about Loyalty programs? Check out Season 2 Episode 23 How to earn Airline Status.
About Todd
Todd is a content creator based between Asia and Mexico City, originally from Southern California. He's been travelling full-time for three to four years, and before that lived in Mexico City for three and a half years. He travels largely for food — his stomach, he says, rules the travel plans.
Todd's short answer: pick one and go all in. His current focus is Hyatt — he hit Globalist (the top tier, requiring 60 nights) by June this year. He also holds Accor Platinum (also 60 nights), which is his top pick for Asia, where Accor properties often cost significantly less than comparable Marriotts. For flexibility across brands, the Chase Sapphire Reserve is worth considering. Marriott is the biggest network worldwide — and Todd holds Marriott Lifetime Platinum after 10 years of platinum status and 600 total nights.
Why Bother with Status?
The benefits that matter most: room upgrades (sometimes suites), early check-in, and late checkout. Todd makes the point that in Japan and South Korea, hotels enforce 3 pm check-in to the minute — status changes that completely. He's checked into a Bangkok Marriott at 7:30 am after a long-haul flight. Paula adds that her 4 pm checkout at the Singapore Marriott means she doesn't arrive at the airport hot and frazzled before an evening flight.
🚗 Skip the taxi stress. Pre-book your transfer in 120+ countries. Book here →Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Thinking of Visiting Dublin? A Local Tells You Everything the Guidebooks Miss
Season 2 · Episode 27
Tuesday, August 18, 2026 • Duration 33:51
If you think Ireland is just about rain and Guinness, this episode will change your mind. Paula sits down with Dani — a Dublin local and founder of Nomadeire— for an insider's guide to one of Europe's most underrated holiday destinations. From wild coastal hikes to cozy pub sessions with live music, Dani shares all the things only locals know that make Dublin and Ireland so special.
In this episode:
Why Dublin punches above its weight as a European capital — English-speaking, startup-friendly, and just a two-hour flight from most of Europe
The best coastal escapes within 30 minutes of the city, including Howth's cliff walk, Malahide beach, and the Bray-to-Greystones coastal path
Getting around without a car — what's easy on public transport and when you'll need to rent one (think Donegal and the Wild Atlantic Way)
The real Guinness debate: where locals actually drink it, what a drop of blackcurrant does to it, and why it tastes different outside Ireland
Hidden gems including Johnny Fox's pub in Wicklow, the Gravediggers pub, Cornucopia for vegetarian food, and the seafood chowder you'll still be thinking about
Why summer and September are surprisingly brilliant times to visit — sea swimming, saunas by the ocean, and the Wim Hof experience you didn't sign up for
Danny's dream three-day Dublin itinerary: coastal hiking + fish and chips, city centre history and free museums, and a night of live Irish music and dancing
Nomad Era's annual festival in Naas, County Kildare (1–3 September), where digital nomads pitch to investors, learn AI, go horse riding, and finish the evening in a local pub
Links mentioned:
NomadEire: nomadeire.com — Ireland's digital nomad community and annual conference
🚗 Skip the taxi stress. Pre-book your transfer in 120+ countries. Book here →Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Medellin Colombia: Safer Than You've Been Told
Season 2 · Episode 26
Tuesday, August 11, 2026 • Duration 32:31
Paula is joined by Neil H Solomon — entrepreneur, author, and nomad — who gave up everything in the US in 2018 to travel the world. Now based in Mexico City, his other great love is Medellin, Colombia. In this episode, he breaks down the myths, shares the real numbers on safety, and makes a compelling case for why Medellin belongs on your bucket list.
About Neil
Neil walked away from a corporate career at 35, built a business from scratch, scaled it 12x to 300 employees, then engineered himself out of the day-to-day so he could travel. In 2018, he became a full nomad, visiting around 70 countries. He now splits his time between Mexico City and Medellín.
Neil's answer: yes — with the same common sense you'd use anywhere. The stat that stops most people: Medellin has the same murder rate as Denver, Colorado. Most crime is opportunistic, so don't flash expensive jewellery or gadgets and you'll largely be fine.
What Makes Medellin Special
Medellin sits in a natural bowl surrounded by mountains, with over a million trees planted in the last decade. The locals call it the City of Eternal Spring — perfect weather year-round, cool and crisp higher up the mountain, warmer in the valley. And somehow, impossibly, no mosquitoes.
Where to Stay
Stay in Poblado — that's where expats, digital nomads and international visitors base themselves. Warmer in the valley, cooler with better views higher up the mountain.
Things to Do
Botero Museum — dedicated to Medellín's most famous son, Fernando Botero. Essential.
Comuna 13 — once the most dangerous neighbourhood in the city, now transformed into an open-air attraction with outdoor escalators, murals, food and music.
Sunday Ciclovía — streets close to cars and fill with walkers, runners and cyclists.
🚗 Skip the taxi stress. Pre-book your transfer in 120+ countries. Book here →Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Running this podcast takes a lot of coffee (and countless hours exploring every destination!). If you found this helpful and want to support more honest, detailed travel guides and itineraries, you can buy me a coffee. No pressure though – I'm just happy you're here and hope you have an incredible adventure! 🙂
Running this podcast takes a lot of coffee (and countless hours exploring every destination!). If you found this helpful and want to support more honest, detailed travel guides and itineraries, you can buy me a coffee. No pressure though – I'm just happy you're here and hope you have an incredible adventure! 🙂
Real, honest conversations about what life abroad actually looks like — the culture shocks, the pivots, and the personal reinvention that comes with it. Host Al B, a retired U.S. Air Force veteran now based in Belgium, talks to expats who've built lives beyond their home country. If you're thinking about making the leap, this one's for you. Available wherever you listen to
Running this podcast takes a lot of coffee (and countless hours exploring every destination!). If you found this helpful and want to support more honest, detailed travel guides and itineraries, you can buy me a coffee. No pressure though – I'm just happy you're here and hope you have an incredible adventure! 🙂
Closest airports: Querétaro (QRO) and León (BJX) — both ~75 minutes away
Where to Eat
The Restaurant — Greg's top pick for foodies; the chef (a tattooed local legend) has held the #1 spot for 18 years
Quince — voted #1 rooftop restaurant in the entire world; stunning views of 26 of the city's 28 cathedrals
Centro — the central neighbourhood where 90% of the city's 650 restaurants are concentrated; start here
The dish to try: Chiles en Nogada — a green chile stuffed with ground beef, raisins and nuts, topped with white sauce and pomegranate seeds (red, white and green = the Mexican flag). Available September through Christmas.
Things to Do
Walking tour with Patronato Pro Niños — a nonprofit that provides free healthcare for Mexican children; runs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday in Centro. No booking required. Covers history, architecture and culture.
Day trip to Nirvana — a boutique resort 10 minutes outside town. Day pass ($120 USD) includes a three-course lunch, massage, pool access and natural hot springs (water comes out of the ground at 104°F).
Atotonilco — the "Sistine Chapel of Mexico," a short drive north. Full of UNESCO-refurbished murals. You can tour it in 20 minutes.
Vineyard tours — 20–30 vineyards in the area; San Miguel is the second-largest wine district in Mexico. Food-paired wine tastings make for a great half day.
Natural hot springs — scattered around the region; water surfaces at hot-tub temperatures
Hot air balloon rides — a popular way to see the city and surrounds from above
ATV tours — for something more active
Local pyramid — uncovered about 12 years ago; a fun add-on if you've never seen one
This post contains affiliate links. If you book through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — it helps keep the podcast going. Thank you!
Running this podcast takes a lot of coffee (and countless hours exploring every destination!). If you found this helpful and want to support more honest, detailed travel guides and itineraries, you can buy me a coffee. No pressure though – I'm just happy you're here and hope you have an incredible adventure! 🙂
Kanchanjunga — a major trail that almost no one does; Joe calls it "amazing"
Rara lake & Jumla — stunning and deeply undervisited
Makalu — unique landscape, worth it for those who want something different
Great Himalayan Trail (GST) — one of the longest trekking routes in the world
For shorter trips:
Langtang Valley to Kyanjin Gompa — 7–8 days, beautiful mountain views, manageable for most fitness levels
Gosaikunda Lake Trek — 4–5 days, walk along a ridge to a lake at altitude; still in the main area but underrecognised
Ruby Valley — 8–10 days, cultural richness plus the landscape
Upper Mustang: Why It Matters
Upper Mustang was restricted to outsiders until the 1990s and required a $500/day permit (minimum two people, so $1,000 minimum) until recently. Permits are now $50/day and solo travellers are permitted. It is home to Ghar Gompa, one of the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in existence (1,300–1,400 years old), caves where yogis and masters have meditated for thousands of years, and a landscape unlike anywhere else — a cold desert with the Himalayas rising behind you. Joe describes it as a pilgrimage. Roads are now reaching the region, and he believes it has about 10 years left before it changes irrevocably.
Nepal Beyond the Mountains
Nepal is 147,000 square kilometres. It has:
7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu alone
The birthplace of the Buddha (Lumbini)
Thousands of Hindu and Buddhist temples
Chitwan National Park — jungle safari (Everest Holiday does not offer elephant rides on ethical grounds); 2–3 day packages available
Bardia National Park — the place to go if you want to see Bengal tigers in the wild
Paragliding, bungee jumping, white-water rafting
A photography tour option for wildlife
Even a hunting reserve (Joe doesn't operate it, but it exists)
The Golden Triangle: Kathmandu → Pokhara → Chitwan → Lumbini — 10–15 days, no trekking required, covers the highlights of Nepal's culture and wildlife.
You can now drive to Upper Mustang — no trekking required.
Joe's tips:
Start walking stairs up and down before you arrive — that's the main training you need
Bring hiking poles — essential for the knees on the descent
Follow the acclimatisation schedule, no matter how fit you are
A guide is required in restricted areas and strongly recommended everywhere else
Solo Trekking — What Changed
Nepal recently changed its rules. Previously, restricted areas required a minimum of two people. Now solo travellers can enter restricted areas. You still need a licensed guide, permit, and insurance — but the two-person minimum is gone. This opens up Upper Mustang and Upper Dolpa to solo travellers for the first time.
Practical Info
Getting there: Fly into Kathmandu (TIA). Some routes require onward domestic flights.
Guides: Required in restricted areas; strongly recommended everywhere. Joe's company connects you with experienced, vetted guides — including a former monk who has worked with his family for 40 years.
Poles: Yes, bring them or rent them — especially for the descent
Cold: Don't underestimate altitude temperatures. Layers are essential.
Heat: If you're doing jungle safaris, pack for tropical heat — it's a very different Nepal down in Chitwan
This post contains affiliate links. If you book through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — it helps keep the podcast going. Thank you!
Related Episodes Want more on the Himalayas? Go back to Season 1 Episode 2 where Paula's husband — a climber himself — talks about Everest and what draws people to the world's highest peak. A great companion listen to this episode.
Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to the Truly Expat Travel Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify and leave a review — it helps other travellers find the show.
Real, honest conversations about what life abroad actually looks like — the culture shocks, the pivots, and the personal reinvention that comes with it. Host Al B, a retired U.S. Air Force veteran now based in Belgium, talks to expats who've built lives beyond their home country. If you're thinking about making the leap, this one's for you. Available wherever you listen to
Running this podcast takes a lot of coffee (and countless hours exploring every destination!). If you found this helpful and want to support more honest, detailed travel guides and itineraries, you can buy me a coffee. No pressure though – I'm just happy you're here and hope you have an incredible adventure! 🙂
Running this podcast takes a lot of coffee (and countless hours exploring every destination!). If you found this helpful and want to support more honest, detailed travel guides and itineraries, you can buy me a coffee. No pressure though – I'm just happy you're here and hope you have an incredible adventure! 🙂
The Executive Lounge
Free breakfast, evening cocktail hour with drinks and food, and a quiet co-working space that beats sitting in your room or fighting for seats in a busy hotel lobby. Todd and Paula agree: once you've had lounge access, it's hard to go back.
Value Highlights Todd Has Unlocked
The Four Seasons Jakarta is reportedly one of the cheapest Four Seasons in the world. Booked through Chase, Todd got a rate just over $300 with a $100 food and beverage credit, free breakfast, suite upgrade, early check-in, and late checkout — using 25,000 points. Afternoon tea and dinner for two came to $10 out of pocket. He also rates the Hyatt Regency Yogyakarta highly: 5,000 points or $70 a night, with lounge access and a great pool.
Location Over Luxury
When it's 35+ degrees outside, Todd's non-negotiable is a hotel connected directly to a mall. In Bangkok, he's shifted from the St. Regis to the Moxie — not as grand, but right across the street from Central World Mall and 50 restaurants. In Kuala Lumpur, his go-to is the Moxie Putrajaya, attached to the IOI Mall — at one point just 3,500 Marriott points a night.
The Wink Hotel Hack
Hyatt recently acquired the Wink Hotels in Vietnam. Todd stayed in Haiphong for around $35 a night — counting toward his Globalist tally at a fraction of what a US Hyatt would cost. He upgraded to a suite for $10–15 a day extra. This is the move: rack up nights cheaply in Southeast Asia, then enjoy the status benefits at nicer properties elsewhere.
Getting Started
Todd's advice for beginners: look at the sign-up bonus first. Hyatt's business card currently offers around 50–60,000 points for hitting a spend threshold in the first three months. Put all your bills and auto-pay on the card, earn the bonus, and you're already looking at 10–12 free nights at a budget Hyatt property. From there, pick the program that fits where you travel most. Accor is the strongest in Asia; Marriott is the most global; Hyatt has fewer properties but strong value at the top end.
One Marriott trick: hold both the personal and business Amex cards and you get 30 automatic night credits plus two free nights — meaning you start the year already halfway to platinum.
Do Points Expire?
Most programs keep your points active as long as your account shows some activity — usually within a rolling two-year window. Airline frequent flyer points (like Qantas) are stricter. Hotel points are more forgiving.
Real, honest conversations about what life abroad actually looks like — the culture shocks, the pivots, and the personal reinvention that comes with it. Host Al B, a retired U.S. Air Force veteran now based in Belgium, talks to expats who've built lives beyond their home country. If you're thinking about making the leap, this one's for you. Available wherever you listen to
Running this podcast takes a lot of coffee (and countless hours exploring every destination!). If you found this helpful and want to support more honest, detailed travel guides and itineraries, you can buy me a coffee. No pressure though – I'm just happy you're here and hope you have an incredible adventure! 🙂
Real, honest conversations about what life abroad actually looks like — the culture shocks, the pivots, and the personal reinvention that comes with it. Host Al B, a retired U.S. Air Force veteran now based in Belgium, talks to expats who've built lives beyond their home country. If you're thinking about making the leap, this one's for you. Available wherever you listen to
Running this podcast takes a lot of coffee (and countless hours exploring every destination!). If you found this helpful and want to support more honest, detailed travel guides and itineraries, you can buy me a coffee. No pressure though – I'm just happy you're here and hope you have an incredible adventure! 🙂
Shopping — almost everything is made locally in Colombia; the malls are vast and full of things you won't find anywhere else.
Day trips — coffee plantations and mountains within a couple of hours.
Food & Cost
Neil's top food pick: chicharrón (deep-fried pork belly — Colombia does it best). The international food scene is strong. In Bogota, don't miss Leo — chef Leonor Espinosa's seven-course tasting menu, around $100 USD.
Tipping is 0 or 10% — restaurants will ask. Credit cards work almost everywhere; carry a little cash for beauty services.
Getting there: Uber or taxi from the airport, around $30–40 USD. Arrive at night if you can — coming out of the tunnel into a bowl full of lights is unforgettable.
The Beauty Scene
Manicures, massages, hair treatments — all delivered to your door for around $30–40 USD total. Neil gets his nails done on his balcony. Dental and cosmetic work is also world-class at a fraction of what you'd pay elsewhere.
Neil's Book
The 1% Door — about entrepreneurship, freedom, and building a life that doesn't require you to show up every day. the1percentdoor.com
Real, honest conversations about what life abroad actually looks like — the culture shocks, the pivots, and the personal reinvention that comes with it. Host Al B, a retired U.S. Air Force veteran now based in Belgium, talks to expats who've built lives beyond their home country. If you're thinking about making the leap, this one's for you. Available wherever you listen to
Running this podcast takes a lot of coffee (and countless hours exploring every destination!). If you found this helpful and want to support more honest, detailed travel guides and itineraries, you can buy me a coffee. No pressure though – I'm just happy you're here and hope you have an incredible adventure! 🙂
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