A journey through Skye and a return to the mountains after stroke recovery

In this episode of Travel Our World, Martin travels solo to Scotland's Isle of Skye for one of the most personal journeys of Season 2. Flying from London to Inverness, he follows the famous A82 through the Scottish Highlands, passing Loch Ness and stopping at Urquhart Castle, Invermoriston Falls and Eilean Donan Castle before crossing the Skye Bridge and arriving in Portree. The purpose of the trip is to share an adventure with his oldest friend, Andy, who is returning to the mountains 17 months after suffering a stroke.Together they attempt Blà Bheinn, one of Skye's most celebrated peaks. Battling snow, poor visibility, strong winds and challenging conditions, they make the difficult decision to turn back just short of the summit, prompting a conversation about recovery, judgement, resilience and what it really means to keep moving forward. In this episode we explore:<ul><li>Driving through the Scottish Highlands</li><li>Loch Ness, castles and Highland history</li><li>Portree and first impressions of Skye</li><li>Climbing Blà Bheinn</li><li>Friendship, recovery and resilience</li><li>Why turning back can be the right decision</li><li>The Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing</li><li>Future adventures including the Stubai High Trail and a possible Kilimanjaro expedition</li><li>The history, geology and culture of the Isle of Skye</li></ul> We also discuss the latest Travel News &amp; Tech, including updates on the EU Entry/Exit System (EES), the rise of "coolcations", and useful travel tools such as offline maps. Follow the podcast and come along for the journey.Real stories. Real journeys. One trip at a time. Episode Chapters00:00 Skye Adventure Begins01:53 Why Scotland Now02:45 Andy's Comeback Story03:50 Inverness to Highlands Drive05:07 Loch Ness Legends06:14 Castles and Waterfalls Stops08:57 Crossing to Skye09:57 First Night in Portree11:46 Cottage Chat Setup15:37 Blà Bheinn Attempt19:30 Outdoor Roots and Friendship21:43 Stroke Recovery Mindset23:43 Pub Memories and Support24:24 Not Reaching the Summit25:22 Rivalry After the Stroke26:31 Coco Joins the Chat26:54 Old Man of Storr Tips27:58 Next Adventures and Canoeing30:09 Skye Plans and Austria Prep31:05 Recovery Perspective and Pride33:47 Isle of Skye Overview34:56 Geology and Iconic Landscapes37:06 History and Gaelic Roots40:03 How to Experience Skye41:19 Travel News &amp; Tech43:08 Final Reflections and Updates

Isle of Skye: Mountains, Friendship & The Road Back

Discovering the world one voice at a time

Something new is here 🎙️ Introducing Travel Our World Extra — a brand new extension of the podcast. Alongside our main destination episodes, Travel Our World Extra gives us space to dive deeper into the people, stories and experiences behind travel.New voices. Different journeys. More stories from the road. 🎧 Trailer out now.🎙 Bonus episodes dropping throughout Season 2. Follow the podcast and join us as we continue.Discovering the world one voice at a time.

Introducing Travel Our World Extra

Friendships, altitude and the journey to Everest Base Camp

In Part Two of this special Nepal series, Travel Our World continues the journey from Lukla to Everest Base Camp. After days stranded by monsoon flooding and flight cancellations, Martin, Sara and Tom finally begin their compressed nine-day trek through the Khumbu Valley, with limited acclimatisation and little room for error.From suspension bridges and prayer wheels to high-altitude teahouses and glacier crossings, this episode follows the emotional and physical reality of trekking to Everest Base Camp. In this episode we explore:<ul><li>The atmosphere and chaos of Lukla</li><li>Trekking through Namche and Tengboche</li><li>Teahouse life, dal bhat and mountain routines</li><li>Altitude struggles, illness and acclimatisation</li><li>The Khumbu Glacier and final push to Base Camp</li><li>Emotional moments at Everest Base Camp</li><li>Friendships formed on the mountain</li><li>The long journey back down the valley</li></ul> The group also reflects on what the experience meant to them personally, from challenge and resilience, perspective and lifelong memories.We also discuss practical trekking advice, Nepal travel updates and lessons learned from the experience. Follow the podcast and come along for the journey.Real stories. Real journeys. One trip at a time. Episode Chapters00:00 Back in Lukla01:39 Lukla Airport Buzz02:46 Trail Begins03:30 Day One to Monjo04:03 Reality Check Climb05:39 Namche Views Missed07:06 Porters and Perspective08:45 Tengboche Monastery10:37 Tea Houses and Dal Bhat11:38 Sunrise and Goodbyes12:50 Dingboche to Lobuche14:38 Illness and Turnarounds16:24 Push to Base Camp16:58 Khumbu Glacier Awe22:05 Arriving at Base Camp24:17 What Base Camp Means26:18 Friendships After Trek26:49 Kili Next Adventure27:01 Base Camp Silence28:02 Proud Summit Moments29:11 Celebrity Base Camp Pitch30:48 Namche Pub Night32:52 Donkeys and Hornets35:10 Hemraj Gets Us Home35:41 Bittersweet Return37:10 Travel News and Tech42:51 Would You Do It Again44:02 Wrap Up and Thanks46:25 Packing Lessons and Tips50:12 Final Gratitude Outro

Everest Base Camp Stories – Part 2: Lukla to Base Camp

A special two-part Everest Base Camp journey

In this special two-part episode of Travel Our World, Martin is joined by fellow trekkers Sara and Tom to look back on their unforgettable Everest Base Camp trek in September 2024. What began as a planned 12-day trek through the Himalayas quickly became something very different. After arriving in Nepal with Intrepid Travel, the group found themselves stranded in Ramechhap for three days due to monsoon flooding, washed-out roads and cancelled flights into Lukla, forcing a complete rethink of the trek and compressing the route into just nine days. In Part 1, the group reflect on:<ul><li>Why they signed up for Everest Base Camp</li><li>Arriving in Kathmandu and first impressions of Thamel</li><li>Meeting the trekking group and guides</li><li>The chaos and uncertainty of the Ramechhap delays</li><li>Monsoon flooding and the reality of Himalayan travel</li><li>Replanning the trek in just nine days</li><li>Altitude fears, Diamox and mental preparation</li><li>Finally boarding the flight to Lukla</li></ul> Along the way, they discuss travel motivations, challenges, resilience and the friendships that began forming before the trek had even properly started.This episode captures the uncertainty, humour and emotional build-up before setting foot on the trail. Part 2 continues the journey from Lukla through Namche, Tengboche and ultimately Everest Base Camp itself. Follow the podcast and come along for the journey.Real stories. Real journeys. One trip at a time. Episode Chapters01:23&nbsp;Meet Sara and Tom01:48&nbsp;Why We Signed Up05:25&nbsp;Arriving in Kathmandu07:37&nbsp;Thamel and First Day Jitters11:09&nbsp;Meeting the Trek Group15:20&nbsp;Guide Hemraj Spotlight17:31&nbsp;First Dinner and Packing Rules20:01&nbsp;Packing Mistakes20:41&nbsp;Ramechhap Road Trip22:26&nbsp;Airport Waiting Game24:41&nbsp;Why Lukla Flights Stop26:49&nbsp;Storms Floods and Doubt30:38&nbsp;Miracle Weather Break33:06&nbsp;Nine Day Trek Plan35:37&nbsp;Finally Flying to Lukla40:12&nbsp;Touchdown and Trail Begins41:23&nbsp;Part One Wrap Up

Everest Base Camp Stories – Part 1: Delays, Floods & Lukla

A walking tour of London, from London Bridge to Soho and Seven Dials

London on Foot: Pubs, Markets and Hidden Corners from London Bridge to Seven Dials In this episode of Travel Our World, Martin is joined by friends Owen and Chris for a walking tour through the heart of London, from London Bridge to Covent Garden and Seven Dials. Starting at The George, a historic 1600s coaching inn tucked beneath The Shard, they explore the city step by step, sharing the places they love and the stories behind them.From the buzz of Borough Market and hidden railway arches to riverside pubs and iconic skyline views, this is London through a local lens, full of character, contrast and discovery. In this episode we explore:<ul><li>Borough Market and London’s street food scene</li><li>Hidden arches, side streets and independent spots</li><li>Riverside pubs along the South Bank</li><li>Crossing the Thames and London skyline views</li><li>Covent Garden, Seven Dials and Theatreland</li><li>Coffee stops, pastries and local favourites</li><li>What makes London such a walkable and diverse city</li></ul>Along the way, they cover everything from Uber Boats on the Thames and skyline viewpoints like Sky Garden and The Shard, to theatre ticket tips, transport options and the ever-present London pub culture.After 13,000 steps, the journey finishes in Seven Dials, reflecting on what makes London one of the world’s great cities to explore on foot. Back in the studio, Martin is joined by Damian to reflect on London as both a destination and a place to call home.We also discuss the latest travel news and tech, and check in with regular contributors to the show. Real stories. Real journeys. One trip at a time. Episode Chapters00:00 Intro 01:13 Meet at The George 03:16 London Roots and First Memories 05:30 Borough Market Food Buzz 09:28 Hidden Arches and Side Streets 12:19 South Bank Pubs 12:53 Waterloo Tap and South Bank Culture 18:03 Crossing Hungerford Bridge 18:59 Thames Tales and Skyline Views 24:31 Somerset House Winter Skate 25:54 Getting Around London 27:19 Tuk Tuks Versus Black Cabs 28:41 Theatreland Ticket Tips 30:10 Covent Garden Museums 30:50 Covent Garden Buzz &amp; Coffee Stops 32:56 Pubs and Street Culture 34:36 Pastel de Nata Stop 35:11 Food and History Follows 37:20 Seven Dials Finale 39:12 Wrap Up – London Love 45:42 Post-Trip Chat with Damian46:04 Living in Soho 47:56 Pubs and Soho Origins 49:35 London Facts and Figures 51:31 Hidden London Tips 53:08 Canals and East London Vibes 55:17 London Gripes and Love 56:41 Travel News – Border Biometrics 58:00 Travel Tech Updates 59:56 Wrap Up and Next Episode&nbsp;&nbsp;

London - Our City

From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City – culture, food and contrasts across Vietnam

In this episode of Travel Our World, we explore Vietnam, a country of contrasts where ancient traditions and modern life exist side by side. Martin is joined by Damian, who leads the conversation as they unpack a journey taken in January 2026, travelling the length of the country from the bustling streets of Hanoi to the energy of Ho Chi Minh City,From dramatic landscapes and historic cities to unforgettable food and local experiences, Vietnam delivers something new at every turn. In this episode we explore:<ul><li>First impressions of Hanoi and northern Vietnam</li><li>Ha Long Bay and life on the water</li><li>The Reunification Express overnight train</li><li>Huế and Vietnam’s imperial history</li><li>Hoi An, lanterns and coastal life</li><li>Ho Chi Minh City and its modern energy</li><li>The Mekong Delta and rural Vietnam</li><li>Why Vietnam surprises so many travellers</li></ul>This episode focuses on the human side of travel, the people, the pace and the constant shift between old and new. We also discuss the latest travel news and tech, and check in with regular contributors to the show. Lauren joins us with another Postcard from the Road, while Hannah shares the latest entry from The Mountain Diaries. Follow the podcast and come along for the journey. Real stories. Real journeys. One trip at a time.

Vietnam - Old, New & Everything in Between

Street food, history and culture in Sicily’s vibrant capital

In this episode of Travel Our World, we head to Palermo, the vibrant and chaotic capital of Sicily. Recorded on location, Martin is joined by friend of the pod Owen as they explore a city full of history, culture and incredible street food, where every corner tells a story.From bustling markets and grand architecture to raw, authentic neighbourhoods, Palermo offers a completely different side of Italy. In this episode we explore:<ul><li>Palermo’s street food scene and local flavours</li><li>The city’s rich and complex history</li><li>Walking through Palermo’s old town</li><li>The contrast between beauty and grit</li><li>Why Sicily feels so different from mainland Italy</li></ul> Back in the studio, Martin is joined by Damian, who brings a fresh perspective having not been on the trip but having been to another part of this beautiful island.We also discuss the latest travel news and tech, with a focus on Italy and European travel. Lauren joins us with another Postcard from the Road, while Hannah shares the latest entry from The Mountain Diaries. Follow the podcast and come along for the journey.Real stories. Real journeys. One trip at a time. <h3>Episode Chapters</h3>00:00 Palermo Destination Focus (On Location with Owen)36:01 Post-Trip Chat with Damian40:39 Travel News &amp; Tech45:38 Postcards from the road50:36 Wrap up and Next Episode

Palermo – Sicilian City of Stories

Exploring Spain’s vibrant Mediterranean city, food, beaches, golf and culture.

In this episode of Travel Our World, we head to Valencia, one of Spain’s most vibrant and underrated Mediterranean cities. Martin and Damian are joined by friends Chris and John as they explore a city where historic streets, golden beaches and incredible food meet the relaxed rhythm of the Mediterranean.From the birthplace of paella to golf courses along Spain’s eastern coast, Valencia offers a brilliant mix of culture, cuisine and outdoor lifestyle. In this episode we explore:• Valencia’s historic old town and atmosphere• The story behind authentic Valencian paella• Golf on Spain’s Mediterranean coast• Beaches, sunshine and relaxed city living• Why Valencia is becoming one of Europe’s most exciting travel destinations We also check in with regular contributors to the show.Lauren joins us with another Postcard from the Road, while Hannah shares the latest entry from The Mountain Diaries, recording from life working in a Canadian ski resort.We also discuss the latest travel news and tech shaping the industry. Follow the podcast and come along for the journey. Real stories. Real journeys. One trip at a time. <h3>Episode Chapters</h3>00:00 Valencia Destination Focus33:27 Post-Trip Reflections34:25 Travel News &amp; Tech38:02 Mountain Diaries – Hannah42:31 Postcards from the Road – Lauren44:27 Get in touch &amp; Next Episode

Valencia - Paella, Golf & City Coast Vibes

Travel Our World Returns

Travel Our World returns for Season 2. After a break that felt longer than planned, Martin and Damian are back behind the microphones to relaunch the podcast and share what’s coming next.In this episode:• Where we’ve been since Season 1• What’s changing in Season 2• New voices joining the podcast - including Postcards from the Road and Mountain Diaries• A quick look at travel news and technology shaping how we move Season 2 shifts the podcast towards destination-led storytelling, exploring places through real experiences and conversations. Follow the podcast and come along for the journey. Real stories. Real journeys, one trip at a time

We're Back - Season 2 Begins

Welcome to the Travel Our World Podcast, where every episode is a journey.Hosted by Martin McGrath and Damian Urwin, two long-time friends with over 50 years of combined experience in the travel industry, each episode dives into the people, places, and stories that make travel unforgettable.From mountain treks to coastal escapes, ski chalets to city streets, Travel Our World shares real stories from those who live, work, and explore the world of travel.Real stories. Real journeys. One trip at a time.Listen on Acast, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your shows.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travelourworldpodcast/Email: travelourworldpodcast@gmail.com

Discover the World one trip at a time

The Travel Our World Podcast explores the people, places, and stories that make travel truly unforgettable. Hosted by Martin and Damian, two long-time friends with a combined 50+ years of experience in the travel industry, the show takes listeners behind the scenes of the travel world, from mountain peaks to coastal escapes, ski chalets to city streets. Martin began his journey over 25 years ago, working across roles such as holiday rep, ski rep, chalet host, ski guide, hotel entertainer, and resort manager, bringing first-hand insight and storytelling flair to every episode. Damian has held multiple roles across the industry too and is a keen golfer with a love for discovering destinations both on and off the fairways. The two first met while working as contracting managers for a golf travel company, and their shared passion for people, travel, and a good laugh forms the heart of every episode. Season 2 introduces fresh voices and new features, including Mountain Diaries and Postcards from the Road, plus a Travel Tech &amp; News segment highlighting what’s happening across the industry. Guest co-hosts like Chris and Owen join selected episodes, while Damian continues to shape the show as co-host and producer. Real stories. Real journeys. One trip at a time. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travelourworldpodcast/Email: travelourworldpodcast@gmail.comYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@travelourworldpodcastX: https://www.x.com/podcast_travelBluesky: @travelourworld.bsky.social

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