The World Awaits: travel tales to inspire your wanderlust

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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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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New Zealand is renowned for its spectacular scenery, and the Marlborough Sounds on the northern tip of the South Island will not disappoint.
Come with host Kirstie Bedford as she hikes and bikes the Queen Charlotte Track, and kayaks in the glassy waters of the Marlborough Sounds, where seals and dolphins are your only neighbours, then beds down in lodges only accessible via the track, boat or helicopter.
She explains how to get there, why this is one of the best places to hike in New Zealand, and where to stay pre- and post your hike. 
Also, an Australian city has for the first time made the top 50 best cities list by Time Out. Find out where it is, and we give our personal recommendations of some of the best things to do while you're there!
And, love to travel but don't want to leave your furry friend behind? We have the rundown of the best places around the country for those wanting to travel with their pooch.
Check out some of the stunning images and footage of Kirstie's trip here. 
The full list of Time Out’s 50 Best Cities 2026 can be found here.
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Visit us at https://theworldawaits.au
Send us Fan Mail
Support the show
Visit us at https://theworldawaits.au