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Travel Our World Podcast
London - Our City
Season 2, Ep. 5
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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:
- Borough Market and London’s street food scene
- Hidden arches, side streets and independent spots
- Riverside pubs along the South Bank
- Crossing the Thames and London skyline views
- Covent Garden, Seven Dials and Theatreland
- Coffee stops, pastries and local favourites
- What makes London such a walkable and diverse city
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 Chapters
00:00 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 & 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 Damian
46:04 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
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
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7. Isle of Skye: Mountains, Friendship & The Road Back
47:16||Season 2, Ep. 7In 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:Driving through the Scottish HighlandsLoch Ness, castles and Highland historyPortree and first impressions of SkyeClimbing Blà BheinnFriendship, recovery and resilienceWhy turning back can be the right decisionThe Old Man of Storr and the QuiraingFuture adventures including the Stubai High Trail and a possible Kilimanjaro expeditionThe history, geology and culture of the Isle of SkyeWe also discuss the latest Travel News & 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 & Tech43:08 Final Reflections and Updates
Introducing Travel Our World Extra
02:52||Season 2Something 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.6.2. Everest Base Camp Stories – Part 2: Lukla to Base Camp
52:26||Season 2, Ep. 6.2In 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:The atmosphere and chaos of LuklaTrekking through Namche and TengbocheTeahouse life, dal bhat and mountain routinesAltitude struggles, illness and acclimatisationThe Khumbu Glacier and final push to Base CampEmotional moments at Everest Base CampFriendships formed on the mountainThe long journey back down the valleyThe 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 Outro6.1. Everest Base Camp Stories – Part 1: Delays, Floods & Lukla
42:50||Season 2, Ep. 6.1In 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:Why they signed up for Everest Base CampArriving in Kathmandu and first impressions of ThamelMeeting the trekking group and guidesThe chaos and uncertainty of the Ramechhap delaysMonsoon flooding and the reality of Himalayan travelReplanning the trek in just nine daysAltitude fears, Diamox and mental preparationFinally boarding the flight to LuklaAlong 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 Meet Sara and Tom01:48 Why We Signed Up05:25 Arriving in Kathmandu07:37 Thamel and First Day Jitters11:09 Meeting the Trek Group15:20 Guide Hemraj Spotlight17:31 First Dinner and Packing Rules20:01 Packing Mistakes20:41 Ramechhap Road Trip22:26 Airport Waiting Game24:41 Why Lukla Flights Stop26:49 Storms Floods and Doubt30:38 Miracle Weather Break33:06 Nine Day Trek Plan35:37 Finally Flying to Lukla40:12 Touchdown and Trail Begins41:23 Part One Wrap Up4. Vietnam - Old, New & Everything in Between
48:11||Season 2, Ep. 4In 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:First impressions of Hanoi and northern VietnamHa Long Bay and life on the waterThe Reunification Express overnight trainHuế and Vietnam’s imperial historyHoi An, lanterns and coastal lifeHo Chi Minh City and its modern energyThe Mekong Delta and rural VietnamWhy Vietnam surprises so many travellersThis 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.3. Palermo – Sicilian City of Stories
52:19||Season 2, Ep. 3In 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:Palermo’s street food scene and local flavoursThe city’s rich and complex historyWalking through Palermo’s old townThe contrast between beauty and gritWhy Sicily feels so different from mainland ItalyBack 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.Episode Chapters00:00 Palermo Destination Focus (On Location with Owen)36:01 Post-Trip Chat with Damian40:39 Travel News & Tech45:38 Postcards from the road50:36 Wrap up and Next Episode2. Valencia - Paella, Golf & City Coast Vibes
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37:59||Season 2, Ep. 1Travel 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 moveSeason 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