Advertise on podcast: Travel the World

Sabina transforms recycled inflatables, candy wrappers and reclaimed fabrics into beautiful handcrafted bags and accessories. Along the way she has become an internationally recognized environmental artist. Every great trip has an unexpected encounter, and this one starts with rubbish. Normand Schafer of Far and Away Adventures.com (https://farandawayadventures.com/) speaks with Sabina of Circle Cook Islands about turning discarded materials into award-winning art and functional fashion pieces.The conversation explores upcycled fashion and art, creative entrepreneurship and the role of Rarotonga's artisan markets, where travelers can meet makers like Sabina in person. They also discuss ocean and plastic recycling, environmental awareness and community sustainability projects that help protect the islands for future visitors. Make meaningful encounters part of your Cook Islands trip with a Far and Away Adventures specialist. Sabina's story shows how creativity and care for the environment can go hand in hand. For travelers, it is a chance to bring home something handmade with a story behind it, and to support the people working to keep the Cook Islands beautiful and sustainable for generations to come. It is a story about local island culture and responsible travel, and a reminder that some of the most memorable moments in Rarotonga and Aitutaki come from meeting the people who live there. Get a free trip quote from Far and Away Adventures: https://farandawayadventures.com/form/quick-trip-request/?dest=Cook%20Islands&src=spotify

Add a hands-on cultural day to your Cook Islands bucket list with a Far and Away Adventures specialist. Normand and Namit talk about why cultural tourism matters in the Cook Islands, and why hands-on participation creates a deeper connection than watching from the sidelines. From the first coconut grated to the final fire performance, guests leave with real memories of local life and the people who shared it. Above all, this is culture shared through passion. It is the kind of experience that turns a beach holiday into a once-in-a-lifetime connection with the people of Rarotonga. There is time for basket weaving and plate weaving, followed by local music and a fire show. Namit also covers tour timings and operating days so travelers know how to fit it into their plans. Guests help prepare an umukai-style meal using traditional ground-cooked food, grate coconut and make coconut cream, then eat the traditional way with their hands. Namit shares traditional Cook Islands life through food, weaving, coconut preparation, music and fire performance, all in a welcoming home-based setting that feels personal rather than staged. Some travel experiences invite you to watch. This one invites you to take part. Normand Schafer of Far and Away Adventures.com (https://farandawayadventures.com/) speaks with Namit Tua of Tumutoa Tours about a hands-on Cook Islands cultural tour on Rarotonga. Get a free trip quote from Far and Away Adventures: https://farandawayadventures.com/form/quick-trip-request/?dest=Cook%20Islands&src=spotify

French Polynesia illustrates why international travel planning is about more than selecting attractive destinations. Valerie from Tahiti Tours joins Normand Schafer to examine the choices that connect individual interests with workable transportation and accommodations. Far and Away Adventures.com, https://farandawayadventures.com/, supports travelers seeking thoughtfully coordinated vacation experiences.Every destination has its own travel realities, and French Polynesia is especially interesting because a vacation may involve several islands with distinctly different characteristics. Normand asks Valerie whether travelers should begin by working out transportation before deciding which activities to include. Her response is revealing: the traveler comes first. Understanding desired experiences makes it possible to recommend islands and accommodations that suit those expectations. Their discussion introduces the variety within French Polynesia. The Tuamotus differ from the more mountainous areas associated with hiking, while Maupiti provides a more locally oriented guesthouse experience and an impressive lagoon. The Marquesas offer strikingly different landscapes and cultural traditions. An itinerary that matches those environments to personal interests can be far more meaningful than choosing islands without understanding their differences. The conversation also reveals what happens when carefully arranged transportation is disrupted. Normand recounts a situation in which bad weather canceled ferry service and affected a planned trip from Maupiti to Bora Bora. An alternative flight arrangement was made, followed by another cancellation. Ultimately, a direct flight allowed the travelers to continue on their original travel day. That experience introduces broader themes for international travelers: handling uncertainty, understanding the possibility of additional expenses, making timely decisions, and considering travel insurance. Valerie describes the role of local assistance when travelers need solutions during difficult circumstances. Whether your next journey is to Tahiti or another international destination, Far and Away Adventures can help you build a personalized itinerary around your interests and travel priorities. Get a free trip quote from Far and Away Adventures: https://farandawayadventures.com/form/quick-trip-request/?dest=French%20Polynesia&src=spotify

Imagine stepping off the sand and snorkeling with sea turtles in a protected lagoon. Normand Schafer of Far and Away Adventures.com (https://farandawayadventures.com/) visits The Rarotongan Beach Resort and Lagoonarium and speaks with executive chairman Tata Crocombe about one of the most iconic resort experiences in the Cook Islands.Tata explains what makes the lagoon so special: protected snorkeling right off the beach within a marine reserve, with sea turtles, coral and tropical fish close to shore. The conversation also turns to family travel and how a holiday on Rarotonga helps families reconnect. Tata shares why the Cook Islands appeal so strongly to travelers looking for authenticity over big-chain tourism. Tata also highlights whale season and swim opportunities, Rarotonga day tours and experiences, and why so many travelers return to the Cook Islands again and again. Culture is everywhere here. They talk about Cook Islands Island Night with traditional food and drumming, plus local art and cultural activities that bring guests closer to island life. Whether you are planning a family holiday or a long-awaited escape to the South Pacific, this episode shows why Rarotonga's lagoon, people and culture make the Cook Islands such a rewarding place to visit, and why the experience of swimming among turtles right from the beach is so hard to forget. Put Rarotonga's lagoon on your bucket list and plan it with a Far and Away Adventures specialist. Get a free trip quote from Far and Away Adventures: https://farandawayadventures.com/form/quick-trip-request/?dest=Cook%20Islands&src=spotify

Aitutaki's lagoon is one of the South Pacific's great dream destinations. Normand Schafer of Far and Away Adventures.com (https://farandawayadventures.com/) visits Tamanu Beach Resort and sits down with general manager Errin Fawcett to talk about what makes this intimate Cook Islands stay so memorable.Errin describes mornings at the resort and why a smaller, boutique-style property can feel more personal. The warmth of local staff and Aitutaki hospitality is a big part of why guests often want to return. Errin also shares a memorable, intimate beach wedding story, showing how the resort becomes the backdrop for once-in-a-lifetime moments. The setting does the rest: the lagoon, the beaches and sunset views from the resort itself. The resort offers both adults-only and family-friendly accommodation wings. The conversation turns to protecting the island, with recycling and coral planting goals aimed at keeping Aitutaki's environment as remarkable as it is today. Normand and Errin also talk about the guest moments that make a stay here special, from quiet mornings by the water to the island warmth that greets visitors throughout their time on Aitutaki. For travelers who want lagoon views with a personal touch, this smaller resort shows why Aitutaki has such a strong pull. The episode also explains why expert support before you go can make a Cook Islands journey smoother. Ready to see Aitutaki's lagoon for yourself? Plan your stay with a Far and Away Adventures specialist. Get a free trip quote from Far and Away Adventures: https://farandawayadventures.com/form/quick-trip-request/?dest=Cook%20Islands&src=spotify

The conversation covers Sunday dress, from woven hats to flowers and color, and the respect for faith shared across different islands. Sarah and Matt also explain how Christianity blends with older spiritual traditions. Church services are the heart of the day. The guests talk about powerful choir singing and harmonies, and why visitors are so often welcomed into congregations. Many travelers say a Sunday service is what they remember most. Sarah and Matt describe how the islands slow down on the Sabbath. Shops close, sports stop and families gather, creating a rhythm that gives travelers a rare window into everyday local life. Beyond the beaches and lagoons, one of the most unforgettable experiences in the Cook Islands happens every week. Normand Schafer of Far and Away Adventures.com (https://farandawayadventures.com/) is joined by Sarah Elise and Matt Duffus to explore what Sunday reveals about faith, family and community.They look beyond Rarotonga to Aitutaki, Atiu, Manihiki and other outer islands, where Sunday traditions and community rhythms can feel even stronger. Make a Cook Islands Sunday part of your trip of a lifetime with help from a Far and Away Adventures specialist. For visitors, this is a chance to slow down with the islands and see a side of the Cook Islands that no beach day can show. Normand, Sarah and Matt explain why this weekly rhythm leaves such a lasting impression, and why understanding the culture is just as important as choosing the right island escape. Get a free trip quote from Far and Away Adventures: https://farandawayadventures.com/form/quick-trip-request/?dest=Cook%20Islands&src=spotify

If a Cook Islands trip is on your bucket list, a Saturday morning at Rarotonga's Punanga Nui Market belongs on it too. In this episode, Normand Schafer of Far and Away Adventures.com (https://farandawayadventures.com/) meets Mie, known to everyone as Mrs Q, one of the original founders of the market. She explains why the market is more than a place to shop. It kept going through the COVID border closures with the support of its own people, and Saturday is still the day locals and visitors gather together. Mrs Q tells how it all began after the 1992 Pacific Arts Festival, when the huts built for carving, weaving and crafts were kept in use and the market opened in 1993. It started small, and it took years to encourage local mamas and papas to come and sell, but today it fills a brand new building. For travellers collecting once-in-a-lifetime experiences, this is a simple, authentic one: meet the people who make the islands what they are, and take home something made by hand. At her stall, Mrs Q makes jewellery by hand from Northern Group shells and pearl shell, and sells colourful pareu and local oils, including monoi for the sun. Around her you will find island food, fresh flower ei and a genuine feel for everyday Cook Islands life.Add the Cook Islands to your bucket list with help from a Far and Away Adventures specialist. Get a free trip quote from Far and Away Adventures: https://farandawayadventures.com/form/quick-trip-request/?dest=Cook%20Islands&src=spotify

This episode examines the relationship between place and the experience of getting there. Air Tahiti Nui uses a distinctive combination of greetings, fragrance, music, color, and personal interaction to introduce travelers to French Polynesia. Moy describes the tiare Tahiti flower presented onboard and explains how its scent immediately evokes the islands for many passengers. For international travelers flying to Tahiti, the experience of a destination sometimes begins thousands of miles before arrival. Moy of Air Tahiti Nui joins Normand Schafer to explore how Polynesian culture shapes an international flight. Far and Away Adventures.com, https://farandawayadventures.com/, provides personalized guidance for travelers exploring the world's remarkable destinations.For travelers comparing flight experiences, the discussion also introduces the company's three cabin categories. Economy, premium economy, and business each offer different features. Moy emphasizes that the most appropriate choice depends on a person's preferences, particularly whether rest and lie-flat seating are priorities. The aircraft's visual identity is equally deliberate. Blue tones recall Polynesian lagoons, while images of mountains and overwater bungalows bring the destination into view. Tahitian music creates a relaxed atmosphere, and the crew's welcome expresses a sense of cultural connection that Moy considers fundamental to the airline. Explore an international vacation designed around your interests with help from Far and Away Adventures. Her story about assisting passengers after stressful connecting flights offers a revealing example of how human service can change the emotional experience of travel. Rather than treating the flight as merely transportation, she views it as the beginning of a journey into the culture of Tahiti. Get a free trip quote from Far and Away Adventures: https://farandawayadventures.com/form/quick-trip-request/?dest=French%20Polynesia&src=spotify

Most visitors see Rarotonga from the lagoon, but the island's lush interior holds a very different adventure. Normand Schafer of Far and Away Adventures.com (https://farandawayadventures.com/) sits down with Rob of Raro Safari Tours to talk about heading off-road into the heart of the island.Rob explains why this excursion is more than a scenic jeep ride. The route heads into Avatiu Valley, past Papua Waterfall and inland scenery, with access to the Needle Rock viewpoint high above the coast. Along the way, the tour shares Cook Islands culture and oral history, including Polynesian origins and the connections that link these islands with the wider Pacific. Normand and Rob also talk about local farming and island living, native plants and how they signal whale season, and the challenges facing birdlife on Rarotonga. The result is a rugged and educational experience that adds real meaning to a South Pacific trip, with stories reaching from Rarotonga to Atiu and across Polynesia. Normand and Rob explain what travelers can expect on the day, from rugged off-road tracks to the stories shared at each stop. It is ideal for curious travelers who want to understand the island, not just photograph it, and who are looking for an experience that goes well beyond sightseeing. Add Rarotonga's wild side to your bucket list and plan it with a Far and Away Adventures specialist. Get a free trip quote from Far and Away Adventures: https://farandawayadventures.com/form/quick-trip-request/?dest=Cook%20Islands&src=spotify

Around the world, some of the most memorable destinations are those that surprise travelers on arrival. Moorea, French Polynesia, is one of them. Normand Schafer speaks with Hikura from Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort about its stunning landscapes, inviting lagoon, and distinctive island experiences. Far and Away Adventures.com, https://farandawayadventures.com/, helps travelers discover international destinations and plan journeys around the experiences they value most.The natural setting dominates much of the conversation. Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea sits beside a turquoise lagoon backed by lush mountains, with expansive white sand and gardens around the accommodations. Hikura explains that the protected water in front of the resort is especially appealing for snorkeling. Normand recalls exploring this marine environment and being impressed by its clarity and colorful fish. Moorea's proximity to Tahiti makes it an interesting destination for visitors exploring French Polynesia. Hikura describes the ferry crossing as an introduction to local life, with residents commuting between the islands and families heading away for short escapes. Arriving by sea also offers exceptional views of the island's dramatic mountains. Despite the relatively short journey, Moorea creates a powerful sense of being somewhere entirely different. Travelers interested in more than scenery will hear about opportunities to explore Moorea by bicycle, scooter, or car, visit cultural attractions, experience local food tours, and take part in activities on land and water. Those seeking a quieter trip can choose to enjoy the beach and resort surroundings instead. The interview also explores different bungalow categories and two waterfront dining experiences, including Polynesian cuisine with French influences. A traditional Tahitian earth-oven meal illustrates how food can connect visitors to local culture. If Moorea sounds like the kind of destination you want to experience rather than simply admire, let Far and Away Adventures help incorporate it into your next international vacation. Get a free trip quote from Far and Away Adventures: https://farandawayadventures.com/form/quick-trip-request/?dest=French%20Polynesia&src=spotify

Want a Cook Islands trip built around its people and flavors? Plan it with a Far and Away Adventures specialist. It is an invitation to plan a trip around the table as much as the lagoon, and to look for the authentic, locally rooted dishes that make the Cook Islands so memorable for visitors. Reangi also shares work on reviving lesser-known local foods and cooking for weddings, celebrations and visitors, showing how a single meal can connect travelers to the people of Rarotonga, Aitutaki and beyond. The chef also describes the differences between northern and southern Cook Islands food culture, the challenge of sourcing ingredients on remote islands, and how to create elegant menus when supplies are limited. The conversation is full of ingredients worth seeking out: taro, coconut, seafood and seasonal cooking, plus eka mata and other Pacific-style raw fish dishes served with a modern presentation. Reangi explains how food, family, land and memory are deeply connected in Cook Islands life. Traditional dishes are being preserved, adapted and elevated so visitors can experience something truly authentic. For many travelers, the most memorable part of a bucket-list trip is the food. Normand Schafer of Far and Away Adventures.com (https://farandawayadventures.com/) talks with Cook Islands chef Reangi Mityra Johnson, a highly sought-after local chef, about the flavors, families and traditions behind island cooking. Get a free trip quote from Far and Away Adventures: https://farandawayadventures.com/form/quick-trip-request/?dest=Cook%20Islands&src=spotify

Beyond the better-known images of a Tahiti vacation lies Raiatea, where historic sites, agricultural traditions, and lagoon adventures shape a different island experience. Normand Schafer talks with Arnold of Opoa Beach Hotel about what visitors can discover when they take time to explore. Far and Away Adventures.com creates personalized international travel experiences through https://farandawayadventures.com/. On Raiatea, visitors can also explore coconut farms, honey production, pineapple gardens, and botanical gardens. Cooking classes and coconut-leaf weaving offer additional opportunities to encounter local traditions, particularly when rain changes outdoor plans. Neighboring Taha'a adds another dimension. Arnold outlines a boat excursion combining visits to vanilla and pearl producers, a rum distillery, lunch on a motu, and a stop at a coral garden. Normand recalls his own repeated visits and the remarkable fish life that makes this experience memorable. But the surrounding destination is just as important as the accommodation. Raiatea is home to Taputapuatea marae, a UNESCO-listed heritage site that Arnold describes as deeply connected to the history of Polynesian civilization. Exploring this landmark offers a different perspective on the islands from one focused only on scenery. Arnold's story begins with a major life change. After operating a hotel in southern France, he and his partner purchased Opoa Beach Hotel and made French Polynesia their home. Their approach centers on an intimate setting with 10 lagoon-facing bungalows, personal attention, and the relaxing atmosphere created by the nearby sea. If you are looking for an international island vacation that brings together culture, nature, and a quieter pace, contact Far and Away Adventures to explore a customized Raiatea and Taha'a journey. Throughout the interview, Arnold returns to the idea that meaningful travel requires time. He recommends allowing at least three or four nights on Raiatea, making space for excursions as well as relaxing beside the lagoon. Get a free trip quote from Far and Away Adventures: https://farandawayadventures.com/form/quick-trip-request/?dest=French%20Polynesia&src=spotify

Temaiva grew up around the airline and now works in marketing and product development. Temaiva explains why Air Rarotonga feels like a family business in the best sense, and how that spirit shapes every guest moment from the airport onward. Some arrivals stay with you for a lifetime, and the descent into Aitutaki is one of them. Normand Schafer of Far and Away Adventures.com (https://farandawayadventures.com/) talks with Temaiva McKenzie of Air Rarotonga about why the flight itself belongs on a Cook Islands bucket list.The famous scenic approach into Aitutaki is intentionally unforgettable. Temaiva shares the thinking behind it, along with the friendly onboard touches travelers talk about long after landing: the music, the smiles, and the famous lollies. Ready to make the Cook Islands your next bucket-list trip? Plan it with a Far and Away Adventures specialist. For travelers dreaming of the South Pacific, this episode is a reminder that the adventure begins before you land, and that the right flight can turn a transfer into a highlight. Looking further out, they touch on Tahiti connections and possible future island-hopping routes linking Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Atiu and the Northern Atolls. The big theme is simple: travelers remember experiences more than tickets. The conversation also covers Air Rarotonga's lagoon cruise and day tour experiences, new ideas such as private charters and vaka experiences, and how guest feedback and reviews help shape what the airline builds next.

Beyond Tahiti's dramatic scenery lies a world of underwater wildlife, coral, sharks, and remarkable encounters. Fluid Tahiti shares that perspective with Normand Schafer during a conversation recorded on the island. Far and Away Adventures.com, https://farandawayadventures.com/, helps international travelers discover and plan distinctive French Polynesia experiences.This episode invites listeners to think beyond the familiar image of a tropical island vacation. On Tahiti's west coast, the marine environment becomes the center of the story. The guest describes protected underwater areas, turtles, coral, and introductory diving sites that give beginners a chance to discover the world below the surface. There is plenty for more experienced travelers to consider as well. The conversation turns to local dive sites with resident gray sharks, including observations of juvenile animals. The guest's affection for one location is so strong that it earns the nickname 'my little Fakarava.' One particularly unusual setting includes a submerged Cessna airplane and two small wrecks in an area with white sand. The guest explains that the school's instructors introduce underwater breathing carefully and move gradually with new divers. The aim is to transform initial nervousness into the pleasure of experiencing a different environment. It's a compelling reminder that a destination can feel entirely different when explored from a new perspective. Perhaps the most vivid account involves a dive late in the whale season. Although the group did not see a whale underwater, they heard whale song and then witnessed a dramatic breach after resurfacing. Travelers who prefer not to scuba dive can also find inspiration here. Normand asks about snorkeling excursions and lagoon cruises, and Fluid Tahiti describes outings that explore marine wildlife areas as well as cruises looking toward neighboring Moorea. Tahitian music, stories, and sunset scenery create another dimension of the destination. Let Far and Away Adventures help you discover the right balance of underwater exploration, island scenery, and relaxation for your Tahiti journey.

In this episode, we talk about why some of the best travel memories come from authentic local experiences rather than traditional tourist attractions. We also explain how Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com help travelers experience destinations like the Cook Islands through local culture, markets, and personalized South Pacific itineraries. Normand Schafer visits the Rarotonga market to meet Paul from Rare Tonga Hot Sauce and hear the incredible story behind his award-winning sauces. Paul shares how his life changed during the global pandemic when tourism and legal work slowed dramatically in the Cook Islands. After decades as an attorney, he turned to farming and hot sauce production as local residents adapted to food shortages and reduced imports. Government seedling programs unexpectedly introduced him to habanero chilies, which eventually became the foundation for a successful business that now attracts visitors from around the world. Throughout the episode, listeners learn about the wide variety of peppers grown in the Cook Islands' climate, including jalapeños, habaneros, chocolate scorpions, and Carolina Reapers. Paul explains the heat levels associated with each pepper and why his sauces focus on balancing spice with flavor. Tropical ingredients like banana, coconut, ginger, soursop, and custard apple give his products a distinctly island-inspired taste profile that travelers can only fully appreciate by visiting Rarotonga. The conversation also highlights the importance of local markets in creating meaningful travel experiences. The Rarotonga market offers visitors an opportunity to meet local entrepreneurs, sample handcrafted products, and experience the social atmosphere of the Cook Islands. Paul explains how customer feedback helped shape his recipes and how visitors from around the world continue to discover his sauces while exploring the island. Another memorable aspect of the interview is Paul’s alter ego as “Raro Elvis.” His Elvis tribute performances have entertained local audiences for decades, and a recent trip to Graceland inspired a new stage of his performing career. His Elvis-themed “Burning Love” hot sauce, featuring Carolina Reaper peppers and Jack Daniel’s flavoring, has become one of the market’s signature products and perfectly reflects his playful personality. This episode captures the warmth, humor, and resilience that define travel in the Cook Islands and throughout the South Pacific. Whether you are interested in food travel, local culture, tropical destinations, or stories of entrepreneurship, this conversation offers a fascinating glimpse into one of the region’s most welcoming island communities. Far and Away Adventures can help travelers create personalized Cook Islands and South Pacific itineraries that include authentic local encounters, island activities, accommodations, and unforgettable cultural experiences.