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With more than 7,000 islands scattered across warm tropical seas, the vast archipelago of the Philippines offers extraordinary diversity for intrepid travellers: coral reefs alive with colour, jungle-clad volcanoes ripe for hiking and some of the most beautiful beaches on the planet.  This is a country that rewards curiosity — and still feels wonderfully underexplored. In this episode of Wanderlust: Off the Page, Aaron Millar is joined by travel writer and long-time Wanderlust contributor Mark Stratton, who shares why he keeps returning to the Philippines — and why it remains one of his favourite destinations in the world. Follow us on the road less travelled to one of Southeast Asia’s most rewarding destinations. Highlights include: Discovering why the Philippines’ 7,000+ islands still feel like one of travel’s great frontiers — and how spontaneity shapes the experience. Exploring Luzon, from the vibrant streets of Manila to the breathtaking Banaue Rice Terraces, carved into the mountains thousands of years ago. Snorkelling with vast shoals of sardines, swimming alongside gentle whale sharks, and experiencing the Philippines’ world-class marine biodiversity. Island hopping through the Visayas, including Bohol’s Chocolate Hills, Siquijor’s quiet beaches, and Palawan’s spectacular limestone islands and hidden coves.  If you’re dreaming of turquoise seas, meaningful encounters, and the thrill of discovering somewhere that still feels open-ended, this episode might just move the Philippines to the top of your list. FIND OUT MORE Download the Philippines official travel app - Travel Philippines Plan your journey to the Philippines at itsmorefuninthephilippines.co.uk Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PhilippinesinUK/ Instagram @philippines_uk Email: [email protected] Connect with Mark Stratton on his website: MarkStrattonTravels.com Read the accompanying article, and see the photos at wanderlustmagazine.com   The Wanderlust Guide to the Best of the PhilippinesIsland Hopping in the Philippines (Mark Stratton)WANDERLUST: OFF THE PAGE Take the road less travelled with us and subscribe to the show so you never miss an adventure. WANDERLUST MAGAZINE Wanderlust is the UK’s leading independent travel magazine, taking the road less travelled since 1993. Find out more at wanderlustmagazine.com Become a Wanderlust Club Member to join our community of serious travellers for just £35 a year (or about $50). Membership includes six collectible print issues, exclusive competitions and events, full digital archive access back to 2010, and much more. CREDITS This episode was produced by Armchair Productions, the audio experts for the travel industry. Lyn Hughes and Laura Field introduce the show. Aaron Millar is the interviewer and script editor. Audio production by Charles Tyrie.

Twenty years after Hurricane Katrina severed a vital rail link along the Gulf Coast, Amtrak’s Mardi Gras Service is back — reconnecting New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama for the first time in two decades. In today’s episode, Wanderlust’s North America Editor, Jacqui Agate, takes us on the inaugural journey, following the tracks deep into the culture, history and landscapes of the American South. From New Orleans’ musical pulse and Mississippi’s small coastal towns to Mobile, Alabama — the birthplace of Mardi Gras — this is a journey filled with music, history, food and more than a little bit of Mardi Gras fun. But it’s also a journey about renewal, and how a train line, once lost, can become a powerful symbol of connection restored. Highlights include: Riding the revived Mardi Gras Amtrak service between New Orleans and Mobile, and why its return matters now. Tracing Mardi Gras from its origins to its modern expressions along the Gulf Coast. Exploring how places shaped by Hurricane Katrina continue to rebuild, remember and redefine themselves. Discovering Alabama through culture, history, wilderness and creativity — beyond the clichés. Reflecting on what slower travel reveals about place, people and connection. FIND OUT MORE Plan your journey to plan a sweet home from home at alabama.travel Buy tickets for the new Mardis Gras train at amtrak.com Connect with Jacqui Agate on Instagram @jacquiagate and jacquiagate.com  Read the accompanying article, and see the photos at wanderlustmagazine.com   Get to the heart of the American South in AlabamaWANDERLUST: OFF THE PAGE Take the road less travelled with us and subscribe to the show so you never miss an adventure. WANDERLUST MAGAZINE Wanderlust is the UK’s leading independent travel magazine, taking the road less travelled since 1993. Find out more at wanderlustmagazine.com Become a Wanderlust Club Member to join our community of serious travellers for just £35 a year (or about $50). Membership includes six collectible print issues, exclusive competitions and events, full digital archive access back to 2010, and much more. CREDITS This episode was produced by Armchair Productions, the audio experts for the travel industry. Lyn Hughes and Laura Field introduce the show. Aaron Millar is the interviewer and script editor. Audio production by Charles Tyrie.

When it comes to travel, it’s often the moments that stop you in your tracks that stay with you forever. In Kruger National Park, those moments come thick and fast — from tracking wildlife on foot to watching leopards prowl from a swimming  pool. Today, we’re heading deep into one of Africa’s greatest wilderness areas to explore two very different but beautifully complementary ways to experience Kruger. First, Jeremy Mabena, CEO of the Motsamayi Tourism Group, takes us to Kruger Shalati – The Train on the Bridge, one of the most unique places to stay anywhere in the world. Suspended above the Sabie River on a historic railway bridge, Kruger Shalati blends pioneering rail heritage with modern design, soulful luxury and a strong commitment to community empowerment. Then, we leave the comfort of the train behind and head out on foot with Alex van der Heever, an expert tracker and director at Kruger Untamed. Alex introduces us to a wilder, more immersive safari — seasonal canvas camps, walking safaris, and learning the ancient art of tracking lions, buffalo and other wildlife through one of the most intact ecosystems on the planet. This episode is a journey into raw wilderness, deep connection, and the people working to protect Kruger for generations to come. Highlights include: Waking up on a century-old railway bridge that once carried some of the earliest visitors into Kruger National Park, and has now been reimagined as one of Africa’s most unique safari lodges Learning what it’s like to track lions on foot, and why tracking is one of humanity’s oldest sciences. Understanding how walking safaris change the way we see wildlife and ourselves, shifting the focus from sightings to connection and awareness. Exploring how both lodges support local communities through training, employment and conservation. Finding out one of the best Kruger National Park itineraries that blends authentic luxury with immersive adventure, and finding the inspiration for your next big trip. FIND OUT MORE Kruger Shalati – The Train on the Bridge krugershalati.com Instagram: @krugershalati Kruger Untamed krugeruntamed.com Instagram: @krugeruntamed Read the accompanying article, and see the photos at wanderlustmagazine.com/inspiration/chasing-sunrises-making-memories-what-to-expect-from-a-luxury-stay-at-kruger-national-park/ WANDERLUST: OFF THE PAGE Take the road less travelled with us and subscribe to the show so you never miss an adventure. WANDERLUST MAGAZINE Wanderlust is the UK’s leading independent travel magazine, taking the road less travelled since 1993. Find out more at wanderlustmagazine.com Become a Wanderlust Club Member to join our community of serious travellers for just £35 a year (or about $50). Membership includes six collectible print issues, exclusive competitions and events, full digital archive access back to 2010, and much more. CREDITS This episode was produced by Armchair Productions, the audio experts for the travel industry. Lyn Hughes and Laura Field introduce the show. Aaron Millar is the interviewer and script editor. Audio production by Charles Tyrie.

The 2026 Good To Go List represents the most exciting moments of what travel can offer for the curious, intrepid and responsible traveller.  From milestone anniversaries to groundbreaking cultural events, this list reminds us that travel keeps us connected to the world and to each other. It’s about engaging with places in a way that celebrates heritage, supports communities and brings stories to life.  When we visit destinations thoughtfully, we not only experience their beauty and culture but also contribute to their growth and resilience. And when you visit, you have the unique chance to be part of something meaningful too. In today’s episode, the Wanderlust editorial team share the 26 countries, cities and regions that represent the best in the year’s travel.  George Kipouris, Editor-in-Chief  Lyn Hughes, Founding Editor Laura Field, Regional Editor Gareth Clark, Associate Editor Jacqui Agate, North American Editor Highlights include: Finding out why Angola is the hottest new up-and-coming country in Africa. Discovering this year is better than ever to visit Guyana’s world wonder Kaiteur Falls, the most powerful single-drop waterfall in the world. Hearing about Japan’s wild side, and why you have to travel beyond the more popular urban centres to really appreciate all that it has to offer. Discovering Gaudi’s surreal architecture in the year his legendary Sagrada Familia will finally be completed after more than 100-years in the works. Exploring the history, myths and legends of the stunning Peloponnese region of Greece, soon to be featured in the blockbuster film The Odyssey out this summer. Finding out about the USA’s blockbuster year, which will celebrate the 250th anniversary of its founding, and the 100th anniversary of its most iconic road, Route 66. Read about all 26 destinations and start planning your dream trips at wanderlustmagazine.com WANDERLUST: OFF THE PAGE Take the road less travelled with us and subscribe to the show so you never miss an adventure!  WANDERLUST MAGAZINE Wanderlust is the UK’s leading independent travel magazine which has been taking the road less travelled since 1993. Find out more at wanderlustmagazine.com Become a Wanderlust Club Member to join our community of serious travellers for just £35 a year (or about $50). This will get you six beautiful collectible issues, exclusive member- only competitions and events, access to our entire online archive back to 2010, and heaps of other benefits. CREDITS This episode was produced by Armchair Productions, the audio experts for the travel industry. Lyn Hughes and Laura Field introduce the show. Aaron Millar is the interviewer and script editor. Audio production by Charles Tyrie. 

When it comes to travel, it’s always the people you meet that make the trip. That is especially true in the American South, where the locals are renowned as some of the friendliest and most genuine people in the country.  Today, we’re going to meet four locals keeping the heritage of the South alive.  Key Fletcher is going to take us to Little Rock, Arkansas to discover the black heritage of the state and beyond. Jeremy Morris, is going to invite us into his home, and Route 66 attraction, Red Oak 2 in Missouri, to find out about America’s ‘Mother Road’. Lola Campbell, a 6th generation Gullah native from Hilton Head South Carolina, is going to share stories of her ancestry and living culture today. Edna Nicole, a blues singer from Mississippi, is going to talk to us about the history of the Blues and where to discover America’s original music today. From the Gullah culture of South Carolina to the Blues of Mississippi, this episode is a journey into the heart of the American South and what makes it such a unique and powerful place to visit. Highlights include: Discovering the story of the Gullah Geechee people, one of the best preserved West African cultures in America. Exploring the museums, attractions and juke joints that tell the story of the Delta Blues in Mississippi. Hearing the story of Red Oak 2, one of Route 66’s most unique roadside attractions, and why it embodies the spirit of America’s most famous road. Enjoying a live performance of Edna Nicole’s latest single Delta Dirt. Finding out about the little-known history of the Mosaic Templars and how they helped to define black culture in the South. FIND OUT MORE Jeremy Morris: redoakiimissouri.com Key Fletcher: arkansasheritage.com/mosaic-templars-cultural-center  Lola Campbell: binyahhi.com Edna Nicole: Instagram @ednanicole_music Discover the American South at https://www.wanderlustmagazine.com/inspiration/discover-the-american-south/ WANDERLUST: OFF THE PAGE Take the road less travelled with us and subscribe to the show so you never miss an adventure!  WANDERLUST MAGAZINE Wanderlust is the UK’s leading independent travel magazine which has been taking the road less travelled since 1993. Find out more at wanderlustmagazine.com Become a Wanderlust Club Member to join our community of serious travellers for just £35 a year (or about $50). This will get you six beautiful collectible issues, exclusive member- only competitions and events, access to our entire online archive back to 2010, and heaps of other benefits. CREDITS This episode was produced by Armchair Productions, the audio experts for the travel industry. Lyn Hughes and Laura Field introduce the show. Aaron Millar is the interviewer and script editor. Audio production by Charles Tyrie. 

When it comes to travel, it’s always the people you meet that make the trip. That is especially true in the American South, where the locals are renowned as some of the friendliest and most genuine people in the country.  Today, we’re going to meet three of them who are preserving and conserving the flavours and natural beauty of the South.   Chef Trevor Stockton is going to take us to the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee for a feast of his favourite dishes. Peggy Noe Stevens, the world’s first master bourbon taster, is going to take us on a distillery tour through Kentucky with a stop, of course, at America’s most famous horse race. Meg Puckett is taking us to the Barrier Islands of North Carolina in search of one of the last remaining herds of wild horses in the States.  From the mountains to the coast, to the bottom of your glass, this is a journey into the heart of the natural beauty, local people and good ‘ol southern food that makes this region so special.  Highlights include: Learning how to taste bourbon like an expert, while driving the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Finding out what our local’s three favourite dishes are, and why one of them is served only in petrol stations. Discovering why the Kentucky Derby is known as “the most exciting two minutes in sport”. Hearing about the history of wild horses in the United States, and why seeing them should be on every wildlife lover’s bucket list. FIND OUT MORE Trevor Stockton: rtloge.com, @therestaurantatrtlodge on Instagram Meg Pucket: carollawildhorses.org, @corollawildhorses on Facebook Peggy Noe Stevens: peggynoestevens.com, @pegggynoestevens on Instagram and Facebook. Discover the American South at https://www.wanderlustmagazine.com/inspiration/discover-the-american-south/ WANDERLUST: OFF THE PAGE Take the road less travelled with us and subscribe to the show so you never miss an adventure!  WANDERLUST MAGAZINE Wanderlust is the UK’s leading independent travel magazine which has been taking the road less travelled since 1993. Find out more at wanderlustmagazine.com Become a Wanderlust Club Member to join our community of serious travellers for just £35 a year (or about $50). This will get you six beautiful collectible issues, exclusive member- only competitions and events, access to our entire online archive back to 2010, and heaps of other benefits. CREDITS This episode was produced by Armchair Productions, the audio experts for the travel industry. Lyn Hughes and Laura Field introduce the show. Aaron Millar is the interviewer and script editor. Audio production by Charles Tyrie. 

Moab, Utah, is one of the best adventure towns in the United States. Located on the doorstep of two of the country’s most spectacular national parks, and surrounded by mile-upon-mile of red rock canyons ripe for exploration, Moab is an outdoor lover’s dream. But dig a little deeper and you will find a wonder of science, history and ancient cultures too.  In today’s episode we’re going to reveal a different side to Moab. From dinosaur tracks fossilised in stone to petroglyphs painted on cliff faces, Moab is like a living museum of science and natural history. And we have three local experts to show us their favourite spots. Tara Beresh, Director of Curation and Exhibits at the Moab Museum    Blaine Reniger, Founder of History Moab and a local guide   Mary Langworthy, Outreach Specialist at Science Moab Highlights include: Learning the Indigenous history of the Fremont, Puebloan and Ute people who have lived in this region for thousands of years. Hearing the story of Moab’s most famous gunslinger, Billy the Kid and where to find one of his old hideouts. Discovering the geology and ancient history of one of America’s geologic wonders. Getting insider tips on where to go for the best viewpoints and where to find world-class outdoor activities. Finding out about Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, two of America’s best, right on Moab’s doorstep. FIND OUT MORE Discover the real Moab! You don’t have to be an outdoor athlete or a national parks roadtripper to visit: come as you are and discover wild wonders at DiscoverMoab.com MoabMuseum.org HistoryMoab.org ScienceMoab.org Blaine Reniger Tour Guide: @grizzly_adventures  Check out five extraordinary ways to enjoy Moab’s cinematic outdoors at wanderlustmagazine.com WANDERLUST: OFF THE PAGE Take the road less travelled with us and subscribe to the show so you never miss an adventure!  WANDERLUST MAGAZINE Wanderlust is the UK’s leading independent travel magazine which has been taking the road less travelled since 1993. Find out more at wanderlustmagazine.com Become a Wanderlust Club Member to join our community of serious travellers for just £35 a year (or about $50). This will get you six beautiful collectible issues, exclusive member- only competitions and events, access to our entire online archive back to 2010, and heaps of other benefits. CREDITS This episode was produced by Armchair Productions, the audio experts for the travel industry. Lyn Hughes and Laura Field introduce the show. Aaron Millar is the interviewer and script editor. Audio production by Charles Tyrie. 

For a small country, Guatemala packs a big punch. With a Maya history that dates back 3,000-years, a strong Indigenous culture, and an abundance of nature experiences, we think Guatemala should be on the list of any serious traveller.  From the volcano lined Lake Atitlán, to the extensive rainforest of the Maya Biosphere Reserve and the vibrant capital, Guatemala City, in today’s episode we are taking the road less travelled into the heart of this Central American beauty.    Highlights include: Exploring the world wonder of Tikal and its Maya ruins, listening to Howler Monkeys from the top of 3,000-year-old temples. Learn why Guatemala is home to some of one of the best food scenes in Central America, from some of the finest coffee and rum in the world to Indigenous-inspired dishes served in world-class restaurants. Climb active volcanoes to watch rivers of lava flow beside your feet. You can even eat lava-fired pizza on the way down! Discover the serene beauty of Lake Atitlán, sacred to Maya people. Joining host Aaron Millar today is former CNN reporter and TV presenter Harris Whitbeck, the current Director of INGUAT (Guatemalan Institute of Tourism). FIND OUT MORE: visitguatemala.gt/en/ BOOK YOUR TRIP Let Latin Routes craft your perfect Guatemalan adventure. To find out more or book your Truly Individual holiday, visit latinroutes.co.uk/destinations/guatemala/ or call 020 8546 6222 to speak to a Latin America Travel Specialist. RECOMMENDED ITINERARIES Highlights of Guatemala: 8 nights from £4,399 per person, based on two people sharing (2025 departures). Includes all flights, accommodation, selected meals, guided excursions, and transfers. Fully ATOL protected. Guatemala Explorer: 11 nights from £6,199 per person, based on two people sharing (2025 departures). Comprehensive of all flights, accommodation, select meals, guided excursions, transfers, and full ATOL protection. WANDERLUST: OFF THE PAGE Take the road less travelled with us and subscribe to the show so you never miss an adventure!  WANDERLUST MAGAZINE Wanderlust is the UK’s leading independent travel magazine which has been taking the road less travelled since 1993. Find out more at wanderlustmagazine.com Become a Wanderlust Club Member to join our community of serious travellers for just £35 a year (or about $50). This will get you six beautiful collectible issues, exclusive member- only competitions and events, access to our entire online archive back to 2010, and heaps of other benefits. CREDITS This episode was produced by Armchair Productions, the audio experts for the travel industry. Lyn Hughes and Laura Field introduce the show. Aaron Millar is the interviewer and script editor. Audio production by Charles Tyrie. 

In today’s episode, we’re going to be travelling across South Australia from the stunning turquoise blues of endless coastlines to the dramatic rusty reds of the Flinders Ranges and Outback.  We’ll explore each destination in the company of an expert local guide - including a past winner of Wanderlust’s Guide of the Year award! They’ll take us from the city of Adelaide, and the wine country of the Adelaide Hills, to the wildlife paradise of Kangaroo Island and the rugged adventure of the Eyre Peninsula.  South Australia is a true microcosm of the country as a whole, and this episode will show you it through a local’s eyes.  Highlights include: Taking an e-bike tour around the wine country of the Adelaide Hills. Seeing koalas, baby ‘Joey’ kangaroos, and a host of other iconic Australian wildlife.  Going snorkeling with sea lions, the ‘puppies of the sea’.  Exploring the ‘Seafood Capital of Australia’ and the footprint free beaches that surround it. Joining host Aaron Millar are: Daniel Young from Bike About (bikeabout.com.au) Craig Wickham from Exceptional Kangaroo Island (exceptionalkangarooisland.com) David ‘Lunch’ Doudle from Australian Coastal Safaris (australiancoastalsafaris.com.au) SPECIAL OFFER Qatar Airways offers regular, year-round flights from the UK to South Australia from £982pp return. It serves five UK departure airports – London Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Edinburgh and Birmingham to Adelaide – and its spacious cabins offer an unparalleled travel experience with world-class hospitality, destination-inspired cuisine and STARLINK, the fastest Wi-Fi in the sky. Five-star lounges are offered during a stopover at Doha’s Hamad International Airport. Enjoy up to 10% discount for all Wanderlust readers when you fly to Adelaide with Qatar Airways by using the code: WANDERLUST10. QatarAirways.com WANDERLUST: OFF THE PAGE Take the road less travelled with us and subscribe to the show so you never miss an adventure!  WANDERLUST MAGAZINE Wanderlust is the UK’s leading independent travel magazine which has been taking the road less travelled since 1993. Find out more at wanderlustmagazine.com Become a Wanderlust Club Member to join our community of serious travellers for just £35 a year (or about $50). This will get you six beautiful collectible issues, exclusive member-only competitions and events, access to our entire online archive back to 2010, and heaps of other benefits. CREDITS This episode was produced by Armchair Productions, the audio experts for the travel industry. Lyn Hughes and Laura Field introduce the show. Aaron Millar is the host and producer; audio editing and sound design by Charles Tyrie. 

From paddling a canoe down some of the most beautiful stretches of water in the USA, to road tripping beside the largest freshwater lake in the country, the midwestern US state of Minnesota is a land of epic landscapes and unique experiences. In today’s episode we’re taking a road trip from the culturally rich Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, to the North Shore of Lake Superior, the paddling paradise of Boundary Waters and houseboat heaven in Voyageurs National Park.  Minnesota may not have an ocean in sight, but this “Land of 10,000 Lakes” (or 11,842 to be exact) has no end of outdoor adventures to enjoy.  Highlights include: Exploring the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St Paul, including a visit to Paisley Park, former Minneapolis local Prince’s extravagant mansion.  Watching the Northern Lights from the edge of Boundary Waters and the Milky Way from the North Shore of Lake Superior. Visiting Split Rock Lighthouse, one of the most photographed and visited spots in the state, with a drama-filled history and breathtaking views. Finding out what it’s like to meet a wolf, a bear, and a moose in the wild – and survive to tell the tale! Paddling some of the best canoe routes in the US through one of its most unspoiled wilderness parks. Taking a houseboat out into Voyageurs National Park, for the ultimate Minnesotan water-glamping experience. Joining host Aaron Millar are: Hayes Scriven, the site manager at Split Rock Lighthouse    Lacey Squire, the manager at Boundary Waters Connect in Ely, and host of the What’s Up Ely podcast   And Minneapolis local Jennifer Schak from Explore Minnesota FIND OUT MORE Plan your road trip around Minnesota at ExploreMinnesota.com WANDERLUST: OFF THE PAGE Take the road less travelled with us and subscribe to the show so you never miss an adventure!  WANDERLUST MAGAZINE Wanderlust is the UK’s leading independent travel magazine which has been taking the road less travelled since 1993. Find out more at wanderlustmagazine.com Become a Wanderlust Club Member to join our community of serious travellers for just £35 a year (or about $50). This will get you six beautiful collectible issues, exclusive member-only competitions and events, access to our entire online archive back to 2010, and heaps of other benefits. CREDITS This episode was produced by Armchair Productions, the audio experts for the travel industry. Lyn Hughes and Laura Field introduce the show. Aaron Millar is the host and producer; audio editing and sound design by Charles Tyrie. 

When people think of New York, they often just think of New York City. But escape the hustle and bustle of the city and you will find mountains, waterfalls, wineries and more than a thousand islands to explore.  In today’s episode, we’re going beyond the famous icons of the city and taking you into the heart of New York State. Highlights include: Discovering the 6 million acre Adirondack Park, which is larger than Yellowstone, Everglades, Glacier and Grand Canyon National Parks combined! Finding out why Thomas Jefferson described Lake George as: “without comparison, the most beautiful water I ever saw.” Exploring the Thousand Island Seaway region where we’ll stay in a castle, camp on the St Lawrence River and cruise hundreds of miles of pristine coastline. Taking a bike ride along the historic 480km Erie Canalway Trail, and discovering the best towns to stay in along the way. Having a giggle at the National Comedy Center in Jamestown, a one-of-a-kind museum devoted to the art of making people laugh. Finding out about the 1,200km Empire State Trail, one of the best long-distance bike rides in the country. Joining host Aaron Millar are: Corey Fram, Director of Tourism for the 1000 Islands International Tourism Council visit1000islands.com  Lukas Berbert a bike-touring expert based in Central New York gothambiketours.com  Gary Hahn the Chief Marketing Officer for the National Comedy Center comedycenter.org  FIND OUT MORE Plan your road trip around New York State at iloveny.com  WANDERLUST: OFF THE PAGE Take the road less travelled with us and subscribe to the show so you never miss an adventure!  WANDERLUST MAGAZINE Wanderlust is the UK’s leading independent travel magazine which has been taking the road less travelled since 1993. Find out more at wanderlustmagazine.com Become a Wanderlust Club Member to join our community of serious travellers for just £35 a year (or about $50). This will get you six beautiful collectible issues, exclusive member-only competitions and events, access to our entire online archive back to 2010, and heaps of other benefits. CREDITS This episode was produced by Armchair Productions, the audio experts for the travel industry. Lyn Hughes and Laura Field introduce the show. Aaron Millar is the host and producer; audio editing and sound design by Charles Tyrie. 

The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway is more than just a scenic ride. It’s a journey back in time. Founded in 1880, this mountain railroad was first set up to ferry workers from the wild west town of Durango to the mines of the San Juan Mountains, and has been in continuous operation since then. In today’s episode, travel writer James Ruddy is going to take us on a journey, riding the steam locomotive from the old mining town of Silverton, 914 metres back down to the high desert plains of the Four Corners region.  Following the course of the Animas River, the tracks wind through thick pine forests, teetering on the edge of razor-thin cliffs beneath towering 4,267-metre peaks. Widely recognised as one of the most scenic train rides in America, and powered entirely by steam, its story mirrors the story of the West, and for those who want to catch a glimpse of what life was like back then there are few pieces of living history more authentic than this. Afterwards, Jeff Johnson, the General Manager of the railroad, will fill us in on its history, and the local secrets of what to do in the town of Durango at the end of the line. We’ll even grab a bite in the Diamond Belle Saloon where you can eat next to a 100-year-old bullet hole in the bar.  But that’s not all, round the corner from Durango is one of America’s most fascinating national parks: Mesa Verde. Home of the ancestral pueblo people between 600 and 1300 CE, we’ll visit the spectacular cliff dwellings where they lived in villages hewn from the rock face. All aboard for a journey back in time on the most beautiful train ride in America. FIND OUT MORE Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad: DurangoTrain.com Visit Durango: Durango.org BOOK YOUR ADVENTURE TODAY Ready to experience the heart of the American West? Start planning your journey by booking a ride on the iconic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Visit durangotrain.com to secure your seat on this historic train and create memories that will last a lifetime. WANDERLUST: OFF THE PAGE Take the road less travelled with us and subscribe to the show so you never miss an adventure!  WANDERLUST MAGAZINE Wanderlust is the UK’s leading independent travel magazine which has been taking the road less travelled since 1993. Find out more at wanderlustmagazine.com Become a Wanderlust Club Member to join our community of serious travellers for just £35 a year (or about $50). This will get you six beautiful collectible issues, exclusive member-only competitions and events, access to our entire online archive back to 2010, and heaps of other benefits. CREDITS This episode was produced by Armchair Productions, the audio experts for the travel industry. Lyn Hughes and Laura Field introduce the show. Aaron Millar is the host and producer; audio editing and sound design by Charles Tyrie. 

With its leafy parks, cobbled streets and a packed calendar of events, Boston is a city that can be explored year round. From autumn colours and ice-skating in winter to spring hikes and summer beaches, this episode will whisk you away to one of North America’s most vibrant cities to discover Boston through the seasons. But we’ll also explore its past, present and future. Boston’s role in the American Revolution is well known, and with the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States in 2026, it’s the perfect time to explore one of the USA’s most historic cities.  But it’s not stuck in the past. Boasting 23 individual neighborhoods, each with its own unique identity, we’ll discover the stories, food, and communities that help to define this culturally rich and diverse city, from the best place to shuck oysters to the art and festivals that make its ‘Emerald Necklace’ of green spaces come alive. Highlights include: Joining a local guide to walk the Freedom Trail, Boston’s iconic 2.5-mile red brick path that weaves between its most historic sights. Exploring the ‘Emerald Necklace’ of parks and outdoor spaces that offer everything from ice-skating in winter to outdoor art in spring. Finding out about the outdoor art exhibitions and year-long festivals and events at the Rose Kennedy Greenway, one of Boston’s most iconic city parks. Discovering Boston’s best beaches, and how to combine sand and city into the perfect summer break. Getting the lowdown on the perfect autumn day trip: autumn colours, picking your own apples and swimming in Thoreau’s Walden Pond – all less than an hour from downtown! Hearing about travel writer Portia Jones’ latest trip from whale watching and lobster roll addictions to cheering on the Bruins, Boston’s ice hockey team. Walking the Innovation Trail and hearing about Boston’s four centuries of world-changing ideas and scientific breakthroughs. FIND OUT MORE Daniel Berger Jones from Cambridge Historical Tours - BosHis.org   Chris Cook Executive Director of the Rose Kennedy Greenway - RoseKennedyGreenway.org Portia Jones, Journalist and Host of the Travel Goals Podcast PipAndTheCity.com Discover Boston through all seasons at meetboston.com  WANDERLUST: OFF THE PAGE Take the road less travelled with us and subscribe to the show so you never miss an adventure!  WANDERLUST MAGAZINE Wanderlust is the UK’s leading independent travel magazine which has been taking the road less travelled since 1993. Find out more at wanderlustmagazine.com Become a Wanderlust Club Member to join our community of serious travellers for just £35 a year (or about $50). This will get you six beautiful collectible issues, exclusive member-only competitions and events, access to our entire online archive back to 2010, and heaps of other benefits. CREDITS This episode was produced by Armchair Productions, the audio experts for the travel industry. Lyn Hughes and Laura Field introduce the show. Aaron Millar is the host and producer; audio editing and sound design by Charles Tyrie. 

In this episode, we’re going to explore a different side to California. We all know the glittering beaches and iconic coastal cities of the Golden State, but today we’re going to let you in on a little secret called Fresno County. Located in California’s Central Valley, Fresno County is the base camp for three of America’s most beautiful national parks.  Just over an hour away are Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park, home to some of the largest trees on Earth. And in just 90 minutes, you’ll be driving into Yosemite Valley and the view that one of America’s most celebrated photographers Ansel Adams called “a glitter of green and golden wonder in a vast edifice of stone and space.” Plus, with its unique Mediterranean climate, Fresno is one of the top foodie destinations in the country with a bounty of year-round, fresh farm-to-table food. Not to mention one of the most unique attractions on the planet, the Forestiere Underground Gardens. Easily accessible from most US airport hubs, if you’re planning a multi-state visit, or a long weekend stop-off on your California road trip, we think Fresno County should be on your list.  Our guests today are: Shera Franzman, Executive Director of Forestiere Underground Gardens underroundgardens.com   Ryan Jacobsen, CEO of the Fresno County Farm Bureau fcfb.org   Vikkie Calderon, from Yosemite Fresno International Airport flyfresno.com Highlights include: Walking in the Land of Giants at Sequoia National Park, home to some of the largest trees on EarthExploring the little-known King’s Canyon National Park, home to an 8,200ft deep gorge, roughly 2,000ft deeper than the Grand CanyonGetting seriously hungry listening to the bounty of fresh, farm-to-table food available in Fresno CountyDiscovering the fascinating history behind the one-of-a-kind Forestiere Underground GardensDriving into Yosemite Valley, one of the most spectacular landscapes on the planet FIND OUT MORE Experience an authentic side to California in Fresno County. To plan your journey head to VisitFresnoCounty.org WANDERLUST: OFF THE PAGE Take the road less travelled with us and subscribe to the show so you never miss an adventure!  WANDERLUST MAGAZINE Wanderlust is the UK’s leading independent travel magazine which has been taking the road less travelled since 1993. Find out more at wanderlustmagazine.com Become a Wanderlust Club Member to join our community of serious travellers for just £35 a year (or about $50). This will get you six beautiful collectible issues, exclusive member-only competitions and events, access to our entire online archive back to 2010, and heaps of other benefits. CREDITS This episode was produced by Armchair Productions, the audio experts for the travel industry. Lyn Hughes and Laura Field introduce the show. Aaron Millar is the host and producer; audio editing and sound design by Charles Tyrie. 

Sitting on the slopes of the Pichincha volcano, the Ecuadorian capital of Quito is renowned for being a melting pot of Indigenous and European culture. Step beyond the northwest city limits, however, and it is draped in natural beauty and brimming with wildlife, much of which can be seen here, and nowhere else on Earth.  From hummingbirds to condors, the cock-of-the-rock to the spectacled bear, today we’re travelling to the Andean Chocó, to explore the cloud forests on Quito’s doorstep.  Joining host Aaron Millar are: Karen Edwards, a regular Wanderlust contributor, and sustainability consultant, who just returned from an assignment there. Instagram: @karennedwards_writer Klaus Fielsch, a Quito local and product manager at Metropolitan Touring, Ecuador’s destination experts. www.metropolitantouring.com Highlights include: Exploring the wildlife-rich cloud forests of the Mashpi Reserve, Bellavista, Santa Lucia and more Watching the dancing c**k-of-the-rock displays, one of the most unusual birding experiences on the planet Discovering the ‘culuncos’ of Yunguilla: the ancient trekking paths of the Yumbo people You’ve probably heard about Quito’s history and culture before, but not many people know about the natural beauty that surrounds the city on all sides. We think the Andean Chocó is one of the most special regions in the country, and should be on the list of any Ecuadorian adventure. Listen to hear why! For more inspiration, go to: www.visitquito.ec  WANDERLUST: OFF THE PAGE Take the road less travelled with us and subscribe to the show so you never miss an adventure!  WANDERLUST MAGAZINE Wanderlust is the UK’s leading independent travel magazine which has been taking the road less travelled since 1993. Find out more at wanderlustmagazine.com Become a Wanderlust Club Member to join our community of serious travellers for just £35 a year (or about $50). This will get you six beautiful collectible issues, exclusive member- only competitions and events, access to our entire online archive back to 2010, and heaps of other benefits. CREDITS This episode was produced by Armchair Productions, the audio experts for the travel industry. Lyn Hughes and Laura Field introduce the show. Aaron Millar is the interviewer and script editor. Audio production by Charles Tyrie.