The World Awaits: travel tales to inspire your wanderlust

EHow do you like to see wild animals? From the comfort of a guided safari vehicle? What about driving by yourself or perhaps by ebike? Host Belle Jackson tried all three options in South Africa recently, and shares her successes. 
We're talking the all-inclusive and exceptionally knowledgeable experiences provided by leading luxury safari company Sabi Sabi Game Reserve; sabisabi.com 
And also, what it's like to self-drive through Kruger National Park, with expert travel planner Travel Africa Your Way and about spotting ostriches and kudu while e-biking to the Cape of Good Hope, South of Cape Town, thanks to new tour company Cape Point Bike Tours, led by its enthusiastic owner Neil Kohler;  capepointebiketours.com; travelafricayourway.com.au
We're also announcing the winner of our giveaway of a night & buffet breakfast at the Novotel Melbourne Airport! Thanks to everyone who entered, it was a hard-fought comp!  See https://all.accor.com/hotel/B327/index.en.shtml 
Also, why Gen Z's lost interest in taking an overseas working holiday, according to new research from Southern Cross Travel Insurance. And finally, Crusader Caravans shares tips on how road trippers can manage increasing fuel prices.  
Download SAILY in your app store and use our code 'theworldawaits' at checkout to get an exclusive 15% off your first purchase; see saily.com
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Rob Goss is a UK-born, Tokyo-based writer who has lived in Japan for almost two decades and authored more than a dozen books about the popular island nation. 
His latest book, Another Japan (Gestalten, Sep 2026), with photographer Irwin Wong, looks at community, rejuvenation, and cultural preservation in non-urban Japan.
Here, he talks to us about some of the best lesser-known places to go, and he has some top tips for first-time visitors.
You'll find him at:
 https://www.tokyofreelance.com/bio/ https://www.instagram.com/robgosswriter/
The story Kirstie mentioned about Australians still prioritising travel is here
And the village of dolls in Japan which Rob and Kirstie talk about is here.
We also discuss how fuel surcharges are impacting flights, and give you an update on the cruise industry in light of the Middle East conflict, and we have found some of Australia's prettiest national parks that you may have never heard of. 
Download SAILY in your app store and use our code 'theworldawaits' at checkout to get an exclusive 15% off your first purchase; see saily.com
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Visit us at https://theworldawaits.au
Send us Fan Mail
Support the show
Visit us at https://theworldawaits.au

Come to Central Asia's forgotten country, Afghanistan. This episode, we are joined by Afghanistan’s first female tour guide, Fatima Haidari, and adventure travel company Untamed Borders' founder James Willcox, who is the author of the new Brandt Afghanistan guidebook. 
From Herat and now living in Italy, Fatima leads virtual tours through Afghanistan, a tribal country with enormous diversity. She talks not only about the tours, but the impact tourism has upon her country, from the natural beauty of Bamiyan, chaotic, crowded Kabul and the poetic heart of Herat.  
"Isolation is the worst way to punish a population," says Fatima, who shares the profit from the tours with a women's education charity operating in Afghanistan. "Because the media is so heavily censored, tourism is one way to help open up the country. It helps local businesses and helps us to get out of isolation just a little bit."
Our tip this week is born from personal experience, as we share tips on keeping your eyes healthy while you travel, safe from polluted water and cabin pressure, thanks to The Eye Practice, based in Sydney CBD. 
 And do you use cash or card when you're on the road? The inaugural Travelex Travel Money Insights Report; see travelex.com.au

Download SAILY in your app store and use our code 'theworldawaits' at checkout to get an exclusive 15% off your first purchase; see saily.com
Fatima's virtual tour https://untamedborders.com/itinerary/virtual-tours-with-fatima-afghanistan/ 
Untamed Borders https://untamedborders.com/ 
The Bradt guidebook to Afghanistan https://www.bradtguides.com/product/afghanistan-pb/ 
Champions of the Golden Valley  https://www.championsofthegoldenvalley.com/ 
Secret Marathon Film https://thesecretmarathon.com/ 
For more eyecare tips https://www.theeyepractice.com.au/optometrist-sydney/why-flying-dries-out-your-eyes-and-how-to-prevent-it/ 
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Travel has taken a huge hit with the Middle East crisis now entering its fifth week, and it can be challenging to keep up with what you should and shouldn't do with travel plans during these significant and devastating world events.
This week on our Hot Take, hosts Belinda Jackson and Kirstie Bedford bring you the good and the bad news to help you navigate this uncertain time when it comes to travel plans – with some positive solutions.
Our tip is for all the the aviation geeks out there. We’re sharing the best runway rooms at Australasian airports; so if the sight of a plane taking off gets your blood pumping, this is the list for you. 
And if you can't get enough #avgeek, listen in for Belle's tarmac tour of Melbourne Airport; the airport does occasionally offer similar tours, see melbourneairport.com.au/community/airport-tours
Download SAILY in your app store and use our code 'theworldawaits' at checkout to get an exclusive 15% off your first purchase; see saily.com
Here are links to the stories Kirstie mentions.:
Accor's Middle East CEO
Virtuoso Australia New Zealand forum stats
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Toby Venus of the Point Hacks podcast joins us this episode to demystify frequent flyer points – how to earn, how to burn and creating a checklist to keep your points in good shape and working for you.   
Coming to you from the Novotel Melbourne Airport, Toby shares some sneaky hacks, and we're talking gift cards, credit cards, hotel loyalty programs and the difference between rewards seats and the perils of the points-plus-pay scheme, so buckle up, avgeeks!

We also have a giveaway for a night's stay and buffet breakfast at the Novotel Melbourne Airport - jump on our instagram competition post to enter!  
Also, which of the world's most visited cities gives you best bang for your buck on hotel stays, and how to prepare for the new border rules for entry to the EU - saily.com shares some tips on getting prepped. 
And stay tuned for Kirstie's super exciting news, as well as the announcement of the winner of two Andrea Barton crime novels. 
freepoints.com.au 
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