EP 109 Surf, solo travel and Bali tips from the pioneer of women-only surf retreats; the grey gap year & food etiquette in Japan
When Chelsea Ross launched the world’s first women-only surf retreat in Bali, it was purely because it was something she would have loved to do herself.Twenty-two years later, she’s hosted more than 18,000 women seeking a transformational experience in Bali through Goddess Retreats.She shares her experience, tips for the best ways to have a wellness experience in the popular Indonesian hotspot, and explains why you should give surfing a go – and how to get started!Also, win a copy of Ultimate Dive Sites by last week's guest, Todd Thimios - see our instagram to enter, and the latest research on the 'grey gap year' showis as we age we’re increasingly likely to want to spend the kids’ inheritance on a big holiday. Read the full Grey Gap Year report here.The Japan National Tourism Organisation gives the low-down on food etiquette in Japan – think you shouldn’t slurp your noodles? Think again!And here's Kirstie's story about the luxury advisors turned digital nomads.Support the showVisit us at https://theworldawaits.au Send us a textSupport the showVisit us at https://theworldawaits.au
--------
43:19
--------
43:19
EP 108 World's best dive sites; top cities for a workcation & do you need domestic travel insurance?
Welcome to the underwater world of photographer and professional diver Todd Thimios, who shares his best dive sites in Australia and around the world – he’s got some hot tips for snorkellers, too. To win a copy of Todd's book, Ultimate Dive Sites (Hardie Grant), follow us on instagram @theworldawaitspodcast and catch him MC'ing at the Go Diving Show at Sydney Showgrounds 6-7 September, see godivingshow.com/anz/sydney-dive-show Also, do we really need travel insurance for local travel within Australia? Southern Cross Travel Insurance’s (SCTI), most recent Future of Travel report might just change your mind, scti.com.au And where's the best place in the world to work and holiday? IWG's annual Work from Anywhere Barometer names the best cities for a workcation, and there are a few surprises in the top 10. Listen for the full list, see iwgplc.comAlso, click here to listen back to Jacques Smit of Sabi Sabi private game reserve in South Africa, and read Kirstie's story from her interview with Jacques here. And to find out more about the next big hot in cycling tourism, take a look at Victoria’s High Country's gravel bike riding campaign victoriashighcountry.com.au/ride/Send us a textSupport the showVisit us at https://theworldawaits.au
--------
49:53
--------
49:53
EP 107 Gay digital nomads on living life abroad; Aussies turning to AI for travel plans & boat safety in Bali
“We’ve kind of become addicted to the novelty, life is always exciting… someone said to me, ‘you never get beyond the honeymoon stage in these countries you live in’, and I thought well that’s entirely true... but honeymoons are awesome… spending your life on a honeymoon sounds pretty good to me," says Brent Hartinger of Brent and Michael are Going Places. Authors, travel writers, digital creators and husbands Brent Hartinger and Michael Jensen have lived in more than 30 countries and travelled to more than 60. The long-time digital nomads have no plans to return to their home in the US, particularly now with Trump at the helm. This week, they share their insights into what it’s like living a nomadic life, with top tips on how you can do it too.Also, Compare the Market has found almost 30 per cent of Aussies say they have relied on AI tools for travel plans – do you trust it?And, after the fourth fatal boat accident in Bali this year, how can travellers make safe choices when choosing a boat trip in the Indonesian province? We provide some top tips of how to stay safe on a boating trip in Bali, and you can listen to Belle chatting about it on ABC here.And here's a link to read Kirstie's story about FCC Angkor by Avani.Visit us at https://theworldawaits.au or on Instagram here.Send us a textSupport the showVisit us at https://theworldawaits.au
--------
40:10
--------
40:10
EP 106 The new Cairo with Belle Jackson, avoiding a rainy holiday & things left in Ubers
You've booked a holiday to Egypt, but the Grand Egyptian Museum's (GEM) opening has been postponed...again! "All is not lost!" says podcast host and Egypt aficionado Belle Jackson, who is just back from Cairo.Belle shares her top three things to do in Cairo, including the best Egyptian museums and neighbourhoods, essential experiences and answers the age-old question, is Cairo safe right now? For more of Belle's travels, see https://www.instagram.com/global_salsa And we have a winner of our tropical Thai holiday giveaway of four nights at Avani+ Khao Lak! Thanks to Avani Hotels & Resorts, who generously offered this prize to our listeners to celebrate our 100th episode! And finally, our tip this week is how to avoid the rainiest places in the world (unless you love a downpour!), and we cover off the craziest things people have left in Ubers.Send us a textSupport the showVisit us at https://theworldawaits.au
--------
38:09
--------
38:09
EP 105 Winter Series #4: Australia's most breathtaking islands & beaches
Hi there, welcome to our winter series. This week, we're taking you to the idyllic Cocos Keeling Islands – an atoll almost halfway between Australia and Sri Lanka where the airport runway doubles as the golf course, so infrequent are the flights.Host Kirstie Bedford talks about her recent visit to the remote islands and what makes this largely unknown Australian island a must-visit. You can see some footage of her trip on Instagram at @kirstiewritesNext up, we chat to author and freelance travel writer Celeste Mitchell about her new book, Ultimate Beaches Australia. She's scoured the nation to come up with 80 of the best beaches from the big names to some secret spots; places for world-class surf breaks or rock pools for the kids. Celeste is also owner of Life Unhurried, lifeunhurried.com And don't forget to enter our competition to win a tropical holiday in Thailand! To celebrate our 100th episode, we've partnered with Avani Hotels and Resorts to give away four nights' stay for two people in a deluxe room at Avani+ Khao Lak, with daily breakfast and dinner, airport transfers and a Muay Thai boxing class.Just like the competition post on our Instagram page and tag a friend, and follow both The World Awaits and Avani Hotels, and you're in for the win! Entrants can be located anywhere in the world. Entries close 31st July 2025.*flights not included.Send us a textSupport the showVisit us at https://theworldawaits.au
About The World Awaits: travel tales to inspire your wanderlust
Where does your wanderlust lead you? To Melbourne’s cafes or the vast deserts of the Empty Quarter, a New Zealand vineyard or the pavements of New York… what’s your neighbourhood? Join travel journalists and editors Kirstie Bedford and Belinda Jackson for inspiring stories and inside information from across the world. Website https://theworldawaits.auInstagram @theworldawaitspodcast Support us https://ko-fi.com/theworldawaits (thank you!)
Listen to The World Awaits: travel tales to inspire your wanderlust, The AutoAlex Podcast and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
New Zealand