Advertise on podcast: Talking Travels and Other Stuff with Sara Darling

I certainly got tempted to visit some new destinations after chatting to this week's podcast guest, Jonny Bealby, from specialist, sustainable, tour operator, Wild Frontiers.  Having had many adventures himself, the trips are created from personal experience and solo travellers or small groups can immerse themselves in extraordinary trips with like minded people, where the community and immersion is the main focus.  Find out more about the trips here: https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/en_GB and follow Jonny's adventures here: https://www.instagram.com/jonnybealby/

It was a delight to get some time with Chef Rob Connoley during his flying visit to the UK, coinciding with the National Geographic Food Festival. Based in the unique Ozarks, which covers Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Illinois, his restaurant, Bulrush, is committed to creating sustainable eating Ozark cuisine, using inventive, seasonal ingredients. By celebrating the previously neglected communities of indigenous people, Euro-Appalachian immigrants and slaves from Arkansas and southern Missouri, he is able to provide a Reparative Restauranting business model, which focuses on those who have been harmed in the past by giving them a voice and platform to celebrate their rich heritage and to preserve their legacy, so you can enjoy food with a conscience. It is also super interesting to find out what prompted this move into caring and sharing with his loyal fan base. Enjoy and check out the restaurant here and Rob's Instagram here

It's been a while, but I've been travelling!   However I have bounced back with bang and really enjoyed chatting to Laura Montesanti,  founder of The Synergy Show- which brings together the very best in luxury hotels, spas, retreat leaders, practitioners, and luxury travel designers, for an exclusive showcase for three days in beautiful Mexico.  Along with the fully immersive trade show, Laura has extended the programme of events with The Synergy Immersions – an expertly curated three-day retreat for Synergy attendees to join following the show, which will deepen their personal wellness journey. Have a listen and you'll find out all about Laura's personal journey and travel background, and hopefully you'll get some inspiration for your next wellbeing adventure. Synergy - The Retreat Show returns for its second year this October on the sandy shores of the Riviera Maya at Palmaïa The House of AIA in Mexico, from 24-27 October 2023. And to find out about her luxury lifestyle clients, click here

I'll be the first to admit, I am not a natural on the tennis court, but after chatting to Steve Davies, Founder of Active Away holidays, I may be tempted to pick up a racket and have another go at Padel, which I am assured is going to be the next big thing in the UK. Have a listen and find out more about the 'resting' holidays which also include plenty of mingling and of course,  lessons from the experts. With 85% repeat business it's no wonder all the Google reviews are good! For more information on Steve and his team, check out the breaks at ActiveAway - you don't need a partner either! 

It's been a while, but it was great to back into the pod-seat and chat to Erika De Santi, from WeRoad who are pioneers in organising safe and sociable group travel all around the world.  With experts in over 150 destinations, I found out why travelling with WeRoad is fun, and I was welcomed into the community which keeps on growing. Find out more and get inspiration for your next adventure here: https://www.weroad.co.uk/

After a short and very busy hiatus, I am back!  This week's podcast I transported myself (alas not literally) to the beautiful Swiss village of Vals, where I chatted to Thomas Wieser,  the Director of Sales and Marketing of 7132 Hotels. Celebrating the 25th anniversary of its iconic thermal baths, the 7132 concept fuses design with nature and the results and there are lots of exciting things in the pipeline. Have a listen, and check out the hotel's website to get inspired!

On this week's show, I chatted to Tamryn Stowell, founder and CEO of the newly launched Socially Conscious (So Co) App. Designed for an online community of likeminded people who care about the planet,  it offers users access to a fun, interactive task to help them in 'Changing Habits to Change the World'.  Check in everyday for achievable challenges that unlock feel-good rewards and encourage a more socially conscious way of living. Filled with titbits of shareable statistics, SoCo is targeted to millennials who have the biggest influence of the decision-making of our future, and with treats and prizes from a carefully curated selection of green suppliers it's set to revolutionise our collective awareness, and provide fun ways on how to carve a better and  more sustainable lifestyle.  I chat to Tammy about how she started, and the increased demand for sustainable lifestyle. Download SoCo from your App store and start helping the planet and earning rewards. 

On this week's show, I managed to pin down James South, international jet setter, and founder of revolutionary hotel booking app, IGOROOM,  a virtual online travel agency, which is set to take the luxury hotel world by storm. If you're looking for a once in a lifetime vacation in an exotic destination such as the Indian Ocean, Bali, Maldives or SE Asia, IGOROOM will be your one stop shop to view your accommodation and surroundings in 3D. You can transport yourself to your private overwater bungalow and see the sun rise, and drone footage will show you exactly how clear the sea is. Take a tour around the whole property and try before you book your dream holiday. James- a self-confessed serial entrepreneur has nailed aspirational travel, and this exciting venture will be launching in February.  Believing that immersive marketing is the future, I am tempted to agree! Check out the website to be in with a chance of winning a trip to the Maldives!

Happy New Year! May 2022 be filled with adventures for one n all.   Here to provide you with inspiration on exciting destinations and industry news, I kick off this season's podcasts by chatting to Mario Mikowski, one of the Board of Directors at Tabacon Grand Spa & Thermal Resort in Costa Rica. Not only is he a Costa Rica native (although he is self-confessed globetrotter), the Tabacon Resort is the lovechild of his architect father, who designed this unique and magical property in the nineties. Situated at the base of the Arenal Volcano,  guests can enjoy the purity of the natural rainforest surroundings, and hot springs whilst enjoying an open air massage, and much much more. I know you're tempted! Check out more about the property and how you can enjoy Costa Rica's pura vida here  

After a brief visit to Kazakhstan's newly named capital city NurSultan, I caught up with the name on everyone's lips when you mention the burgeoning contemporary art scene, Dina Baitassova. Since returning to Kazakhstan three years ago after 11 years in Paris, Baitassova has focused on supporting the regional art scene. She set up TSE Art Destination —an art gallery, educational centre and "experimental laboratory" in the capital and tells me what to expect in the name of art. Keep up to date with Dina and the global art scene here

Pull up a pew and listen to this week's pod where I chat all things camper van with Octavia Coates,  entrepreneur and founder of The Well Heeled Hippy which offers a bespoke rental service which sleeps two (or with a tent up to four). When the whole world is concerned about travelling, Octavia has designed a stunning home on wheels with her first project, Roaming Delilah. Find out more about what it's like on the road, and why Octi loves waking up in the great outdoors, watching a film on the van's projector and the pros of being free, exploring and learning new things. With a second camper van due to join her fleet in November,  there are plenty of exciting collaborations to watch out for, such as foraging weekends in West Wales or star gazing in Devon. Who knew road trips and slow travel could be so much fun ? #leavenotrace For more information, check out the well heeled hippy And follow her Insta for inspiration...

If the thought of a five day chocolate fiesta fills you with glee, pull up a pew and enjoy my chat with Magdalena Fielden, the founder of Grenada's unique Chocolate Festival and go on an adventure with the island chocolatiers. You can sample everything from seven course chocolate infused dinners, to picking the cocoa directly from the plantations or even enjoy a chocolate yoga and meditation sensation or  sunset cruise with chocolate rum! The next event is pencilled in for May 2022, so why not start saving and check out the images from Magdalena's hotel,  True Blue Bay and the Instagram from this year's event for inspo. And don't worry about  eating too much chocolate- there's plenty of hiking, swimming and water sports to burn off any extra calories if you have one chunk too many! Visitors are welcome to Grenada, and if you can't wait until next year,  the mini museum, celebrating all things chocolate is open all year round in the capital.  Get inspired for your next trip to Grenada here: Grenada Chocolate Festival Instagram True Blue Bay Eco Hotel House of Chocolate Mini Museum