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Welcome back to the Realistic Backpackers podcast!  This week is all about backpacking The Philippines. Seeing as Shireen can’t stop going back, it’s quite surprising that this episode is only happening now! Discussing favourite destinations, where to go when you're there, especially on your first trip, including Palawan and Cebu, As well as all of your travel tips and tricks. Of course Shireen is fangirling over the mangoes.  Helpful Links: Connect on Instagram:  The Realistic Backpackers: @the_realistic_backpackers Shireen: ⁠@shireenaroundtheworld_⁠ ;   Abi: ⁠@abi_chapman⁠

Welcome back to the Realistic Backpackers podcast!  This week is all about backpacking Europe. Shireen is still in the Philippines, surfing everyday and surviving off coffee. Abi’s been sick for a week but as usual, powering through as only she knows how. Abi’s been travelling Europe for the last year or so while she’s been based back in the UK, and with European summer about to kick off, what better time for her to give all her tips and tricks on how to do it best. Helpful Links: Connect on Instagram:  The Realistic Backpackers: @the_realistic_backpackers Shireen: ⁠@shireenaroundtheworld_⁠ ;   Abi: ⁠@abi_chapman⁠

Welcome back to the Realistic Backpackers podcast!  This week is all about working online and building a Digital Nomad lifestyle.  Abi is currently in the process of re-building her Social Media Management business after quitting her job last year, and Shireen has been working online for 3 years. Sharing tips and tricks, and well as mindset shifts and building a community while being a nomad.  If you have any questions, pop them in the comments or message us on our new Instagram page!  Helpful Links: Connect on Instagram:  The Realistic Backpackers: @the_realistic_backpackers Shireen: ⁠@shireenaroundtheworld_⁠ ;   Abi: ⁠@abi_chapman⁠

Welcome back to the Realistic Backpackers podcast!  This week is all about backpacking Sri Lanka, where we both just visited in November, giving you all our tips and tricks on visiting.  Chatting locations: Negombo, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Hiriketiya, Weligama As well as favourite experiences: THE train, Dembulla caves, cooking class, surfing, and climbing Adam’s Peak. *the second cooking class we mentioned in the podcast is ‘Rosie’s Kitchen and Homestay’  Sri Lanka is definitely somewhere that if it’s been on your list, you should visit sooner rather than later because it’s becoming very touristy very quickly.  If you have any questions, pop them in the comments or message us on our new Instagram page!  Helpful Links: Connect on Instagram:  The Realistic Backpackers: @the_realistic_backpackers Shireen: ⁠@shireenaroundtheworld_⁠ ;   Abi: ⁠@abi_chapman⁠

Welcome back to the Realistic Backpackers podcast!  We know it’s been a MINUTE since we’ve recorded, and there has been a lot of life going on in that time.  This is a big catch up episode, covering everything from travelling Sri Lanka together, Abi visiting Finland and Estonia, Shireen’s back in the Philippines (of course), and Shireen takes time to discuss what’s going on in Iran.  Thank you so much for being patient with us as we navigate big things going on in life, but we’re so excited to be back, and are ready to give you an amazing season.  Please hit that subscribe button, leave us a little comment, and tell all your travel obsessed friends about us!  Helpful Links: Connect on Instagram: Shireen: ⁠@shireenaroundtheworld_⁠ ;   Abi: ⁠@abi_chapman⁠

Welcome back to the Realistic Backpackers podcast!  This week the girls are doing a Q&A episode, answering all your questions about travelling, DIVING, working online and chaotic backpacking stories. But before they get into that, there’s some HUGE NEWS!! So make sure you’re listening to this because everything is about to change. This is the last episode of this season, thank you to everyone that’s listened all season, and we’ll see you on the next one! Helpful Links: Connect on Instagram: Shireen: ⁠@shireenaroundtheworld_⁠ ;   Abi: ⁠@abi_chapman⁠  Connect on Tiktok: ⁠@therealisticbackpackers

Welcome back to the Realistic Backpackers podcast!  This week the girls are welcoming one of their travel pals, Rob to the podcast. They met in March 2024 in a hostel in Belize, and since then, Rob has backpacked Latin America for 18 months. Talking about the highs and lows of that trip, solo travel, Rob's goal to visit every country in the world, ethically, and where’s next. This chat was so much fun, and gave so much insight into travel. Wrapping up with a chaotic backpacking story, involving spending the pandemic on a Caribbean island.  Helpful Links: Find Rob on Instagram: Globetromper Connect on Instagram: Shireen: ⁠@shireenaroundtheworld_⁠ ;   Abi: ⁠@abi_chapman⁠  Connect on Tiktok: ⁠@therealisticbackpackers

Welcome back to the Realistic Backpackers podcast!  This week the girls are revisiting one of their favourite regions: Central America While they did a full breakdown in season 1 (definitely check that out if they haven’t, this is a some extra info and chatting about some changes in the region  Talking backpacking routes, activities, and general backpacking tripsIf you’re heading to Central America, and have any questions on backpacking the region, drop the girls a note on socials  Helpful Links: Connect on Instagram: Shireen: ⁠@shireenaroundtheworld_⁠ ;   Abi: ⁠@abi_chapman⁠  Connect on Tiktok: ⁠@therealisticbackpackers

Welcome back to the Realistic Backpackers podcast!  This week the girls are chatting to Steve and Jack from Nomads No Worries.  The guys are digital nomads, with a different travel style. Opting to stay in places for at least a month at a time. Learning about the differences with this, as well as the pros and cons. In true Realistic Backpacker’s style, this ep goes all over the place, covering travel, American culture and stereotypes, Latin America, creature comforts when travelling, and what to do if you see a bear. And of course, a couple of chaotic travelling stories. Make sure to check out the guys on Nomads No Worries podcast, and give them a follow: Instagram: Nomadsnoworriespodcast And if you haven’t already, listen to Abi and Shireen on the guys’ podcast, linked below!  Helpful Links: Connect on Instagram: Shireen: ⁠@shireenaroundtheworld_⁠ ;   Abi: ⁠@abi_chapman⁠  Connect on Tiktok: ⁠@therealisticbackpackers

Welcome back to the Realistic Backpackers podcast!  This week the girls are discussing their favourite topic of conversation: South East Asia.  While they did a full breakdown in season 1 (definitely check that out if you haven’t already), this is a revision with some extra information and changes they’ve learned since they recorded the first time. Talking backpacking routes, activities, and general backpacking tips. If you’re heading to South East Asia soon, and have any questions on backpacking the regions, drop the girls a note on socials  Helpful Links: Connect on Instagram: Shireen: ⁠@shireenaroundtheworld_⁠ ;   Abi: ⁠@abi_chapman⁠  Connect on Tiktok: ⁠@therealisticbackpackers

Welcome back to the Realistic Backpackers podcast!  It’s that time of year, Shireen’s birthday is coming up which only means one thing: time to question all life choices, complain about society's standards and talk about why they want to be single forever.  Weirdly this year, it’s Abi that seems to be having the crisis more than Shireen, but either way, there’s lots to chat about. From not wanting to get married, to why traveling when you’re older could betheway forward and just  reassuring you that no matter what phase of life you’re in, you’re doing just fine. This one comes straight from the heart, and hopefully some of you can relate  Helpful Links: Connect on Instagram: Shireen: ⁠@shireenaroundtheworld_⁠ ;   Abi: ⁠@abi_chapman⁠  Connect on Tiktok: ⁠@therealisticbackpackers

Welcome back to the Realistic Backpackers podcast!  This is an extremely special episode as this week you have a solo host. Abi is interviewing Shireen and her cousin Arash about all things Iran.  Arash was born and raised in Iran’s capital, Tehran, and between the two of them, they get really honest about what growing up and being in Iran is really like.  This conversation really covers everything,  and hopefully gives a really good insight into the country beyond what is portrayed in the media.  They cover geography, what the country looks like, culture, politics, education and everything in between.  The girls had planned on recording this episode back in June, and it had to be postponed because of the 12 day war, so to get to do it now is really special. Please like, subscribe and share with everyone that might be interested in learning about what Iran is really like.  Helpful Links: Connect on Instagram: Shireen: ⁠@shireenaroundtheworld_⁠ ;   Abi: ⁠@abi_chapman⁠  Connect on Tiktok: ⁠@therealisticbackpackers

Welcome back to the Realistic Backpackers podcast!  It’s been a minute since the girls recorded an episode, so they’re catching up on life, seeing each other after 7 months and living a weekend in Munich as ‘real backpackers’. Which is exactly what this week’s episode is all about. The girl have been talking to other travelers, guests and between each other, on what backpacking really is, and who can call themselves a backpacker. Shireen loves a cliche, but this week’s one that ‘backpacking is just a mindset’, might actually hit the nail on the head for once.  The girls touch on locations, all inclusive holidays, and safety while backpacking. As always, thank you for listening, and if you’d like to give a little follow or share on your socials, it would mean the world!  Helpful Links: Connect on Instagram: Shireen: ⁠@shireenaroundtheworld_⁠ ;   Abi: ⁠@abi_chapman⁠  Connect on Tiktok: ⁠@therealisticbackpackers

Welcome back to the Realistic Backpackers podcast!  This week the girls are joined by Jordynn from @wheretonexttt_ They catch up about full time travel, taking the risk and going all in with content creation and a spontaneous European trip. As well as how Jordynn went from travelling as a couple to solo travelling just a few weeks into her South East Asia trip. Everything she’s learned about solo travel, herself and making some of the best friends in the world. As always, wrapping up with a chaotic backpacking story, involving a 7 and a half hour bus trip from hell, and medicine that years later, nobody knows what it is  This chat was so special and empowering- thank you Jordynn for chatting to the girls!  Helpful Links: Find Jordynn on Instagram and TikTok: @wheretonexttt_ Connect on Instagram: Shireen: ⁠@shireenaroundtheworld_⁠ ;   Abi: ⁠@abi_chapman⁠  Connect on Tiktok: ⁠@therealisticbackpackers

Welcome back to the Realistic Backpackers podcast!  This week the girls are chatting solo travel, making friends and craving community while travelling. The girls tell the story of how they met, why they travel so well together, and how travel friendships are really like any others.  Shireen really used this as a little therapy session, as she’s currently craving community after 3 years on the road, and that’s really been highlighted to her recently. So what’s the next chapter? Who knows!  Thank you as always for listening!  Helpful Links: Connect on Instagram: Shireen: ⁠@shireenaroundtheworld_⁠ ;   Abi: ⁠@abi_chapman⁠  Connect on Tiktok: ⁠@therealisticbackpackers