Tripology: Travel Podcast

What is the Taj Mahal? Adam's in hectic Varanasi, surrounded by spirituality and noise pollution, but the topic of today is India's iconic and universally recognisable travel destination, the Taj Mahal. Do you know what the Taj Mahal is and why it was built? Adam shares the story of his recent visit, involving a very uncomfortable late night train ride, as well as delivering a Taj Mahal quiz. Tune in to learn how much you didn't know! Alun takes over the Lost & Found section with a story involving a suspicious encounter and some very bad manners. Were Alun and his housemate on the brink of joining a Japanese porn ring or was this just some innocent fun? You decide! Submit your travel stories: https://www.tripologypodcast.com/talesofatrip Need travel insurance? We recommend SafetyWing! Click here to get started: ⁠⁠⁠ https://safetywing.com/?referenceID=26035801&utm_source=26035801&utm_medium=Ambassador Require an onward flight? Please use this fantastic flight rental service: ⁠⁠⁠ https://onwardticket.com/tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠ Discord: https://discord.gg/ev53Ytjbn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tripologypodcast/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tripologypodcast X: https://x.com/tripologypod Thank you for your continued support. It means the world.

Alun's returned after summiting Mount Fuji, Japan's highest peak. Upon reaching the top, he quickly realised he was the only person there! Tune in for travel tips on how to climb Mount Fuji, and find out why most people stop before reaching the top! Grab your warm things, your onigiri, and your ankle-high hiking boots... It's about to get sticky! Support the show and access the Lost & Found section, as Adam recounts his plane journey from London to Delhi. Flying into India can be turbulent, but that was the least of his worries. Choose your neighbours wisely and get your paper bags ready! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tripologypodcast Submit your travel stories: https://www.tripologypodcast.com/talesofatrip Need travel insurance? We recommend SafetyWing! Click here to get started: ⁠⁠⁠ https://safetywing.com/?referenceID=26035801&utm_source=26035801&utm_medium=Ambassador Require an onward flight? Please use this fantastic flight rental service: ⁠⁠⁠ https://onwardticket.com/tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠ Discord: https://discord.gg/ev53Ytjbn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tripologypodcast/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tripologypodcast X: https://x.com/tripologypod Thank you for your continued support. It means the world.

Japan has many great cycle routes but none more spectacular than the Shimanami Kaido. Out of breath and sunburned, Alun shares his recent experience of taking on the 70km ride across the Seto Inland sea. We discuss how to access the Shimanami Kaido from Hiroshima, a curious hostel in the famous seaside town of Onomichi, and how you can get your hands on the world's number 1 sleep mask. Jump on, strap in, and follow that blue line all the way to the end. Support the show and access the Lost & Found section, as Alun shares another onsen experience with a new friend who's not so sure.Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tripologypodcast Manta Sleep: https://mantasleep.com/ Get your travel stories in: https://www.tripologypodcast.com/talesofatrip Need travel insurance? We recommend SafetyWing! Click here to get started: ⁠⁠⁠ https://safetywing.com/?referenceID=26035801&utm_source=26035801&utm_medium=Ambassador Require an onward flight? Please use this fantastic flight rental service: ⁠⁠⁠ https://onwardticket.com/tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠ Discord: https://discord.gg/ev53Ytjbn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tripologypodcast/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tripologypodcast X: https://x.com/tripologypod Thank you for your continued support. It means the world.

Alun returns from a trip to Hiroshima that has changed his opinion of Japan! Taking time away from Tokyo in order to reconnect with his inner backpacker, Alun travelled to the modern city of Hiroshima. The recent history and museum exhibitions, regional cuisine, sports events and traditional Japanese theatre will have you falling in love with Japan all over again!Support the show and access the Lost & Found section, as Adam reveals a full-circle moment and an exciting opportunity that he's wanted for years.Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tripologypodcastGet your travel stories in: https://www.tripologypodcast.com/talesofatripNeed travel insurance? We recommend SafetyWing! Click here to get started: ⁠⁠⁠https://safetywing.com/?referenceID=26035801&utm_source=26035801&utm_medium=AmbassadorRequire an onward flight? Please use this fantastic flight rental service: ⁠⁠⁠https://onwardticket.com/tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠Discord: https://discord.gg/ev53YtjbnInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tripologypodcast/Website: https://www.tripologypodcast.comX.com: https://x.com/TripologypodThank you, as always, for your continued support. It means the world.

In a hungover state, Adam attempts to round off his time in Japan. He spent two weeks travelling around Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost and largest prefecture. But what's his fascination with Hokkaido? Join in the fruitful conversation, as we get well and truly distracted. This may be a better week than most to join our Patreon community! Support the show and access the Lost & Found section, plus more bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/tripologypodcast Get your travel stories in: https://www.tripologypodcast.com/talesofatrip Need travel insurance? We recommend SafetyWing! Click here to get started: ⁠⁠⁠ https://safetywing.com/?referenceID=26035801&utm_source=26035801&utm_medium=Ambassador Require an onward flight? Please use this fantastic flight rental service: ⁠⁠⁠ https://onwardticket.com/tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠ Discord: https://discord.gg/EbgUgADjp Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tripologypodcast/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tripologypodcast X: https://x.com/tripologypod Thank you for your continued support. It means the world.

Sumo Wrestling is Japan's National Sport but not something tourists often get to experience. However, Alun, now a Tokyo resident and our Japan correspondent, has been lucky enough to nab some tickets to the Nagoya Basho: an annual Grand Sumo tournament. Tune in to find out how to see this surprising and misunderstood sport LIVE. Support the show and join our Patreon community. This week, Alun shares a story of him catching a night bus that maybe only he could have caught. Trust the punctuality of Japanese public transport with your life! Need travel insurance? We recommend SafetyWing! Click here to get started: ⁠⁠⁠ https://safetywing.com/?referenceID=26035801&utm_source=26035801&utm_medium=Ambassador Require an onward flight? Please use this fantastic flight rental service: ⁠⁠⁠ https://onwardticket.com/tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠ Discord: https://discord.gg/EbgUgADjp Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tripologypodcast/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tripologypodcast X: https://x.com/tripologypod Thank you for your continued support. It means the world.

Which country tops the list of the World's Most Life-Changing Destinations? We challenge an article that tries to answer this question. Which destinations could genuinely be life-changing and transformative? Have we been to these countries and would we say the same? It's also a celebration of sorts, as it's the last episode before Adam leaves Japan. Expect heartfelt conversation, brotherly love, slurred speech, and at least one cup of the cheapest sake on the market. Support the show and access the Lost & Found section, as we share our own lists of life-changing experiences! https://www.patreon.com/tripologypodcast Send us your travel stories: https://tripologypodcast.squarespace.com/talesofatrip Leave us a message: ⁠ https://www.tripologypodcast.com/⁠ Explore Worldwide article: https://www.exploreworldwide.eu/blog/worlds-most-life-changing-destinations Need travel insurance? We recommend SafetyWing! Click here to get started: ⁠⁠⁠ https://safetywing.com/?referenceID=26035801&utm_source=26035801&utm_medium=Ambassador Require an onward flight? Please use this fantastic flight rental service: ⁠⁠⁠ https://onwardticket.com/tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠ Discord: https://discord.gg/EbgUgADjp Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tripologypodcast/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tripologypodcast X: https://x.com/tripologypod Thank you for your continued support. It means the world.

Life in New Zealand is not what you think! Adam divulges some hard truths about what living and travelling in New Zealand is really like. Whether you're a backpacker looking to work in New Zealand on a Working Holiday Visa or a holidaymaker planning a road trip, don't miss this episode. We break through the shiny exterior of a country we only hear good things about... Join our Patreon community to hear the rest of the list: https://www.patreon.com/tripologypodcast Send us your travel stories: https://tripologypodcast.squarespace.com/talesofatrip Leave us a message: ⁠ https://www.tripologypodcast.com/⁠ Need travel insurance? We recommend SafetyWing! Click here to get started: ⁠⁠⁠ https://safetywing.com/?referenceID=26035801&utm_source=26035801&utm_medium=Ambassador Require an onward flight? Please use this fantastic flight rental service: ⁠⁠⁠ https://onwardticket.com/tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠ Discord: https://discord.gg/EbgUgADjp Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tripologypodcast/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tripologypodcast X: https://x.com/tripologypod Thank you for your continued support. It means the world.

What do Japanese people think of foreigners? Are tourists welcome in Japan? We discuss the popular and unpopular opinions of how tourists are perceived in Japan, as well as our own experiences of interacting with locals. We also share a recent story from a public bath house where one Japanese man got all hot and bothered... You get what you pay for!Help support the show and access the Lost & Found section. This week, we relive an evening we spent at the Tokyo Comedy Bar, where we witnessed the most awkward and offensive stand up routine we could have imagined!Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tripologypodcastSend us your travel stories: https://tripologypodcast.squarespace.com/talesofatripLeave us a message: ⁠https://www.tripologypodcast.com/⁠Need travel insurance? We recommend SafetyWing! Click here to get started: ⁠⁠⁠https://safetywing.com/?referenceID=26035801&utm_source=26035801&utm_medium=AmbassadorRequire an onward flight? Please use this fantastic flight rental service: ⁠⁠⁠https://onwardticket.com/tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠Discord: https://discord.gg/EbgUgADjpInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tripologypodcast/ X: https://x.com/tripologypodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tripologypodcast Thank you for your continued support. It means the world.

You should travel to Japan in 2026! Tune in to find out why NOW is the perfect time to visit Japan. We discuss tourism, the economy, Japanese food, and Alun's favourite subject of all: Pokémon. If you've been thinking about a trip to Japan and need that final push, this episode is for you! Send us your travel stories: https://tripologypodcast.squarespace.com/talesofatrip Leave us a message: ⁠ https://www.tripologypodcast.com/⁠ Need travel insurance? We recommend SafetyWing! Click here to get started: ⁠⁠⁠ https://safetywing.com/?referenceID=26035801&utm_source=26035801&utm_medium=Ambassador Require an onward flight? Please use this fantastic flight rental service: ⁠⁠⁠ https://onwardticket.com/tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠ Discord: https://discord.gg/yccRBh8fX Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tripologypodcast/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tripologypodcast X: https://x.com/tripologypod Thank you for your continued support. It means the world.

Get your exclusive 15% discount on a Saily eSim: ⁠https://saily.com/tripology⁠ Are tourist attractions still worth visiting? After we spent an afternoon at TeamLab Planets: a series of stunning art exhibitions and one of Tokyo's most visited tourist attractions, we were forced to ask ourselves this question. What's the point of experiencing these iconic destinations if they're filled with mindless tourists living through their mobile phone cameras? Support the show and access the Lost & Found section: https://www.patreon.com/tripologypodcast Send us your travel stories: ⁠https://tripologypodcast.squarespace.com/talesofatrip TeamLab Planets: https://www.teamlab.art/e/planets/ Need travel insurance? We recommend SafetyWing! Click here to get started: ⁠⁠⁠https://safetywing.com/?referenceID=26035801&utm_source=26035801&utm_medium=Ambassador Require an onward flight? Please use this fantastic flight rental service: ⁠⁠⁠https://onwardticket.com/tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠ Discord: https://discord.gg/yccRBh8fX Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tripologypodcast/ X: https://x.com/tripologypod Thank you for your continued support. It means the world.

Get your exclusive 15% discount on a Saily eSim: https://saily.com/tripology It's Q&A time! What's Living in Japan Really Like? Alun answers questions about life in Japan, with some surprising answers. We also discuss what people may find appealing or difficult about moving to Japan, including societal pressures, making friends, work culture, and common ideas about Japan that don't match the reality. Get your egg sandwiches ready!Help support the show and access the Lost & Found section: https://www.patreon.com/tripologypodcastWe'd love to hear from you. Send us a message using the contact form on our website: ⁠https://www.tripologypodcast.com/⁠Need travel insurance? We recommend SafetyWing! Click here to get started: ⁠⁠⁠https://safetywing.com/?referenceID=26035801&utm_source=26035801&utm_medium=AmbassadorRequire an onward flight? Please use this fantastic flight rental service: ⁠⁠⁠https://onwardticket.com/tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠Discord: https://discord.gg/yccRBh8fXInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tripologypodcast/X: https://x.com/tripologypod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tripologypodcastThank you for your continued support. It means the world.

Is Papaya Salad, known as Som Tum, the greatest dish on earth? In this food heavy episode, we discuss Thai cuisine, with Adam suggesting that Papaya Salad is a perfect dish. Adam also shares stories of his travels around Thailand, including working on a durian farm on the Cambodian border. If you love Thai food or if you've ever wondered just how big a durian really is, don't miss the debate! We apologize in advance to fans of cheddar cheese. Support the show and access the Lost & Found section, as Alun explains the reason why he can't eat papaya, and we discuss our favourite cuisines from around the world. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tripologypodcast Submit your travel stories: https://www.tripologypodcast.com/talesofatrip Need travel insurance? We recommend SafetyWing! Click here to get started: ⁠⁠⁠https://safetywing.com/?referenceID=26035801&utm_source=26035801&utm_medium=Ambassador Require an onward flight? Please use this fantastic flight rental service: ⁠⁠⁠https://onwardticket.com/tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠ Discord: https://discord.gg/yccRBh8fX Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tripologypodcast/ Website: https://www.tripologypodcast.com X: https://x.com/tripologypod Thank you, as always, for your continued support. It means the world.

We were taught how to make traditional Japanese food by an 80-year-old Japanese Grandma! Adam's first day in Tokyo was spent treating Alun to (one of) the best birthday presents he's ever received. If you're a fan of Japanese cuisine and wondered how to make onigiri, or whether Alun can make onigiri better than Adam can, the answers lie within... Oishi! Speaking of delicious, Adam also shares a story from the famous farm involving an old sheep, dog food, and some sweet, sweet revenge. And if he had the chance, he would do it again! Support the show and access the Lost & Found section, as we discuss eating out in Tokyo. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tripologypodcast Submit your travel stories here: https://www.tripologypodcast.com/talesofatrip Gran-Musubi cooking class: https://www.instagram.com/gran_musubi Need travel insurance? We recommend SafetyWing! Click here to get started: ⁠⁠⁠ https://safetywing.com/?referenceID=26035801&utm_source=26035801&utm_medium=Ambassador Require an onward flight? Please use this fantastic flight rental service: ⁠⁠⁠ https://onwardticket.com/tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠ Discord: https://discord.gg/yccRBh8fX Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tripologypodcast/ Website: https://www.tripologypodcast.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tripologypodcast X: https://x.com/tripologypod

Do all Thai massages have a happy ending? Adam shares a recent story from his travels in Thailand, where he was left flustered and confused by a Thai masseuse who gave him the wrong idea... or did she? If you're travelling to Thailand and intending on getting a Thai massage, use this episode as a lesson or a warning. It would seem Thai massages can be every bit as spicy as the food. Support the show and access the Lost & Found section. The awkward backpacking stories continue, as Alun describes a service he received in a bath house in South Korea. Let's just say he scrubs up well. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tripologypodcastSubmit your travel stories here: https://www.tripologypodcast.com/talesofatrip Need travel insurance? We recommend SafetyWing! Click here to get started: ⁠⁠⁠https://safetywing.com/?referenceID=26035801&utm_source=26035801&utm_medium=Ambassador Require an onward flight? Please use this fantastic flight rental service: ⁠⁠⁠https://onwardticket.com/tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠ Discord: https://discord.gg/mc2TY2FYd Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tripologypodcast/ Website: https://www.tripologypodcast.com X: https://x.com/tripologypod Thank you, as always, for your continued support. It means the world.

Surprise! It's Alun's birthday and Adam has flown to Japan to celebrate it with him. We discuss Adam's arrival in Tokyo, as well as his layover in Asia's worst airport. We tuck into 7-Eleven's finest birthday cake and revel in the joy and misery of Adam's favourite football team: Arsenal. Start the celebrations! Submit your travel stories here: https://www.tripologypodcast.com/talesofatrip Need travel insurance? We recommend SafetyWing! Click here to get started: ⁠⁠⁠ https://safetywing.com/?referenceID=26035801&utm_source=26035801&utm_medium=Ambassador Require an onward flight? Please use this fantastic flight rental service: ⁠⁠⁠ https://onwardticket.com/tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠ Discord: https://discord.gg/mc2TY2FYd Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tripologypodcast/ Website: https://www.tripologypodcast.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tripologypodcast X: https://x.com/tripologypod

It's an explosion of flavours this week, as Adam takes part in a Thai cooking class in Bangkok. Touring a local market with the chef and his classmates: a curious Californian couple, it quickly became clear this was going to be no ordinary cooking class. Tune in to hear the embarrassment. It's about to get spicy! We also discuss the decline of backpacker hostels. Is it too much to ask for a plug socket next to your bed? If the breakfast is free, does it mean you should eat it? Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tripologypodcast Submit your travel stories here: https://www.tripologypodcast.com/talesofatrip Need travel insurance? We recommend SafetyWing! Click here to get started: ⁠⁠⁠ https://safetywing.com/?referenceID=26035801&utm_source=26035801&utm_medium=Ambassador Require an onward flight? Please use this fantastic flight rental service: ⁠⁠⁠ https://onwardticket.com/tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠ Discord: https://discord.gg/mc2TY2FYd Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tripologypodcast/ Website: https://www.tripologypodcast.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tripologypodcast X: https://x.com/tripologypod

It's Adam's turn to be tested this week, on his knowledge of strange place names in the United States of America. It's a good thing there's not a family holiday riding on it. See if you can guess which ones are genuine holiday destinations and which one is completely fictitious. Alun promises to tell the truth, or there will be consequences. Adam's made his way to Bangkok but not before a flying visit to his old home of Melbourne. Did you know British citizens need visas to enter Australia? Blimey! Join a discussion filled with privilege, bureaucracy and a loss of perspective. Need travel insurance? We recommend SafetyWing! Click here to get started: ⁠⁠⁠ https://safetywing.com/?referenceID=26035801&utm_source=26035801&utm_medium=Ambassador Require an onward flight? Please use this fantastic flight rental service: ⁠⁠⁠ https://onwardticket.com/tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠ Discord: https://discord.gg/mc2TY2FYd Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tripologypodcast/ Website: https://www.tripologypodcast.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tripologypodcast X: https://x.com/tripologypod

Can you live in Tokyo without speaking Japanese? Alun's nightmare comes true, as he faces a Japanese Language Quiz. He's been living in Japan for a month but how many phrases has he learned? The stakes are high, as he has the chance to win a $200 journey on a bullet train! If you're about to travel Japan or you want to put your Japanese language skills to the test, play along! Did someone say "ekiben"? After 14 months of backpacking and van life, Adam announces his departure from New Zealand. As one adventure ends, another begins... Support the show and access the Lost & Found section, as Alun shares his most recent injury and Adam complains about the most minor of New Zealand's issues. Submit your travel stories: https://www.tripologypodcast.com/talesofatrip Need travel insurance? We recommend SafetyWing! Click here to get started: ⁠⁠⁠ https://safetywing.com/?referenceID=26035801&utm_source=26035801&utm_medium=Ambassador Require an onward flight? Please use this fantastic flight rental service: ⁠⁠⁠ https://onwardticket.com/tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠ Discord: https://discord.gg/mc2TY2FYd Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tripologypodcast/ Website: https://www.tripologypodcast.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tripologypodcast X: https://x.com/tripologypod Thank you for your continued support. It means the world.

Is it too late to travel in your 30s? After a listener submitted this simple yet thought-provoking question into the show, we decided to dedicate an episode to it. We discuss the societal pressures faced by travellers in their 30s, as well as the risks and the downsides. If you're in your 30s or fast-approaching and you're contemplating a backpacking trip or a change of career, don't miss this one! Support the show and access the Lost & Found section, as Adam shares his feelings towards living away from family and friends, and Alun reviews a recent trip to the cinema. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tripologypodcast Submit your travel stories: https://www.tripologypodcast.com/talesofatrip Need travel insurance? We recommend SafetyWing! Click here to get started: ⁠⁠⁠ https://safetywing.com/?referenceID=26035801&utm_source=26035801&utm_medium=Ambassador Require an onward flight? Please use this fantastic flight rental service: ⁠⁠⁠ https://onwardticket.com/tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠ Discord: https://discord.gg/9nUjH8ns3 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tripologypodcast/ Website: https://www.tripologypodcast.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tripologypodcast X: https://x.com/tripologypod