The World Awaits: travel tales to inspire your wanderlust
Published by Belinda Jackson & Kirstie Bedford
Places & Travel
Society & Culture
Leisure
Where does your wanderlust lead you? To Melbourne’s cafes or the vast deserts of the Empty Quarter, a New Zealand vineyard or the pavements of New York… what’s your neighbourhood? Join travel journalists and editors Kirstie Bedford and Belinda Jackson for inspiring stories and inside information from across the world. Website https://theworldawaits.au Instagram @theworldawaitspodcast Support us https://ko-fi.com/theworldawaits (thank you!)
Vale rock historian & travel journalist Glenn A Baker
This week, the travel community farewells Glenn A Baker, who was not only a rock historian and journalist, but an avid traveller who'd visited more than 150 countries, documenting his travels in books and the Australian media. An accomplished radio presenter who was instrumental in the creation of radio stations JJ and JJJ, he also presented Qantas' inflight music entertainment for decades. Glenn was also our guest on the podcast. For our interview, Belle asked him to create a musical roadtrip through the USA, a task that he immediately said required at least two episodes to cover. For us, the iconic music journalist designed a custom soundtrack and playlist/mixtape alongside a guided itinerary of southern blues, soul, and R&B landmarks, which we're resharing here. His interview demonstrated an intersection of Glenn's deep knowledge and love for music and travel; the Australian music industry has lost one of its greatest advocates. The World Awaits sends our condolences to his family and close friends, including many in our extended travel writing community. Glenn's playlist from this episode includes: When a Man Loves a Woman, Percy Sledge Wild Horses, Rolling Stones Proud Mary, Creedence Clearwater Revival Sweet Home Alabama, Lynyrd Skynyrd Knock on Wood, Eddie Floyd Crossroads, Robert Johnson (Sittin' on) The Dock of the Bay, Otis Redding Green Onions Booker T & the MGs Rainbow Connection, Jim Henderson Last Man Standing (album), Jerry Lee Lewis Send us Fan Mail Support the show Visit us at https://theworldawaits.au
EP 156 ¡Vamos a Argentina! Sultry tango, huge steaks and epic roadtrips with travel planner Rebecca Arnold
Stylish and sultry, home of the tango, gargantuan steaks and runners up in the World Cup - this week we're going to Argentina! Melbourne-based travel consultant, writer and serial expat Rebecca Arnold has called Buenos Aires home, and is just back from her most recent research trip for her travel planner service, Rebecca and the World. We're checking the vibe in Buenos Aires - is tango a cliché, is the wine that good and should I go see the Boca Juniors play? Rebecca also shares some epic roadtrip itineraries in this fascinating, got-it-all country. Rebecca is offering listeners a 30% discount on her hour-long travel planning consultations on Argentina – visit rebeccaandtheworld.com and use the discount code THEWORLDAWAITS. Also, comparison site iSelect reveals the in-flight habit Aussies hate more than noisy children, and if you have a medical emergency while you travel, do you know which countries have reciprocal health agreements with Australia? Stay tuned. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Visit us at https://theworldawaits.au
EP 155 Hot Take: Travel books - from modern pilgrimages to destination crime & the top Aussie tourist spots
We're talking travel books, starting with some of the favourites of the man behind travel guide books, Lonely Planet co-founder Tony Wheeler. We also chat about our favourite travel books: non-fiction for co-host Belinda Jackson, including modern pilgrimages and some genre-defining classics, and co-host Kirstie Bedford's focus on destination crime, given that's what she writes wearing her authorial crime fiction hat ... although she does drop in one of her favourite new release non-fiction books too. Also, we discuss one of the biggest topics in travel right now – the death of the paper arrival card, and our tip is from travel experts at Iglu Cruise , who has come up with the top tourist attractions in Australia – have you been to them all? Support the show Visit us at https://theworldawaits.au Send us Fan Mail Support the show Visit us at https://theworldawaits.au
EP 154 Winter Series: Adventurers - filmmaker Dianne Whelan on the Trans Canada Trail & Tim Jarvis AM's Antarctic journeys
This week have interviews with two remarkable adventurers. At 50, filmmaker Dianne Whelan set out to walk and kayak the longest trail in the world, the 24,000km-long Trans Canada Trail. Her film, 500 days in the Wild , opened recently in Australia and documents her extraordinary six-year journey. She talks about the project, paddling 8000km of water trails and walking, biking and snowshoeing 16,000km. Our second interview is with Adventurer, environmental scientist, author, filmmaker, philanthropist, speaker, and Australian of the Year Tim Jarvis AM . He chats to us about two of the harshest and most extreme Antarctic expeditions he completed – Douglas Mawson and Ernest Shackleton's survival journeys- and he did them in the original clothing, with the same gear used a century ago. Jarvis also talks about his latest expedition and how travel can inspire conservation and the difference every traveller can make. Support the show Visit us at https://theworldawaits.au Send us Fan Mail Support the show Visit us at https://theworldawaits.au
EP 153 Winter Series: Taking flight - demistifying frequent flyer points & the first Tongan woman to become an airline pilot
First up Toby Venus of the Point Hacks podcast joins us to demystify frequent flyer points – how to earn, how to burn and creating a checklist to keep your points in good shape and working for you. Coming to you from the Novotel Melbourne Airport , Toby shares some sneaky hacks, and we're talking gift cards, credit cards, hotel loyalty programs and the difference between rewards seats and the perils of the points-plus-pay scheme, so buckle up, avgeeks! Then, the heartfelt story of Silva McLeod, the first Tongan woman to become an airline pilot, who wrote about her incredible journey from 'Island Girl to Airline Pilot' in a memoir of that name. As well as telling us about her remarkable story, she also breaks down some myths about flying, from where pilots sleep to whether you should drink the water on the plane. Buy her book here: exislepublishing.com/product/island-girl-to-airline-pilot/ Support the show Visit us at https://theworldawaits.au Send us Fan Mail Support the show Visit us at https://theworldawaits.au
EP 152 Winter Series: Our adventures - South Africa safari & hiking, biking and kayaking New Zealand's Marlborough Sounds
This week, we’re taking you on some of our own recent travel adventures from the postcard-worthy South Island of New Zealand to the wilds of South Africa. First up, Belle takes us on a self-drive safari through Kruger National Park and a stay in peak luxury game reserve Sabi Sabi with expert travel planner Travel Africa Your Way and she also e-bikes to the Cape of Good Hope, South of Cape Town, thanks to new tour company Cape Point Bike Tours . Our second interview is with Kirstie, who outlines a three-day adventure hiking and biking adventure on the Queen Charlotte Track and kayaking the glassy waters of the Marlborough Sounds. She explains how to get there and why this is one of the best places to hike in New Zealand. She's also got some great accommodation options pre- and post your adventure, wildernessguidesnz.com Send us Fan Mail Support the show Visit us at https://theworldawaits.au
EP 151 Winter Series: The hiking episode - walk the French Camino & learn to navigate
Welcome to our Winter Series! This week is all about hiking, from the French Camino to the wilds of Tasmania. But first, we have a winner for our competition! Truc Pham has won a night’s stay at the Moxy Sydney Airport hotel, buffet breakfast for two at the Moxy Kitchen, return airport shuttle transfers and up to 14 nights valet parking at the hotel! See marriott.com Onto our winter series, Kirstie is chatting with UTracks hiking guide Jaclyn Beagley, who leads guests along the Le Puy Camino, also known as the French Camino. Jaclyn talks about the difference in the French section of the Camino compared with other hikes in the network of ancient pilgrimage routes across Europe, utracks.com And for ou r second interview, Belle catches up with author Caro Ryan OAM, whose book, How to Navigate, teaches people the art of navigation and map reading, which she says is essential for safe bushwalking and getting people outdoors, connected to and caring for nature, lotsafreshair.com Send us Fan Mail Support the show Visit us at https://theworldawaits.au
EP 150 Best travel movies & film festivals for the diary
Hey set-jetters, it's the movie episode, and Belle is teaming up with our entertainment reporter Alaisdair Leith to talk the best of travel films. We’re chatting movie destinations, because set-jetting is one of the hottest trends in travel at the moment, where you decide where to travel based on something you saw in a movie. But also, we want you to take this as a list of movies you should watch on your way to your next destination. Think New Zealand and Hobbiton, Game of Thrones for Northern Ireland and what’s now called the White Lotus effect - the fourth season is currently being filmed on the French Riviera, and expected to drop mid-to-late 2027 so buckle up for an overload of Saint Tropez. Emily in Paris (and Rome), Eat Pray Love, North of North, The English Patient.... Alaisdair shares the best new films while Belle digs up the classics, and we throw a a few wild cards. Also, we share a roll-call of great film festivals coming up in Australia, diaries out! Fire Pit Festival, Sydney christmasinjuly.com.au South African Film Festival, Sydney 2026, 21 June–26 July saff.org.au Melbourne International Film Festival (August 6–23) miff.com.au Adelaide Film Festival (October 14–25) adelaidefilmfestival.org Nordic Film Festival, national (July- August) nordicfilmfestival.com.au Send us Fan Mail Support the show Visit us at https://theworldawaits.au
EP 149 Cruise Japan with a local cruise company & we turn three!
This week, we are celebrating our third birthday! Yes, we're basically toddlers! Please indulges us as all three of us - Kirstie, Belle and our sound producer Alaisdair share their favourite interviews, from the woman walking the length of the earth to eating on the Amalfi Coast, and best travel fashion hits and misses. And to our interview this week, we merge two of the hottest trends in travel right now - small-ship cruising and Japan, as co-host Belle shares life on board the Japanese cruise group Mitsui Ocean Liners, in a bid to explore the country more deeply. Sailing the Seto Inland sea, there are origami crafternoons, sushi degustations, explorations of 16th-century castles and the joys of an oily massage when the seas are rough. To learn more about Mitsui's cruises, visit their Australian representative cruisetraveller.com.au And make sure you enter our current giveaway, a night’s stay for two at the chic Moxy Sydney Airport hotel, breakfast and an incredible 14 days' valet parking! Enter via our Instagram or Facebook page @theworldawaitspodcast Send us Fan Mail Support the show Visit us at https://theworldawaits.au
EP 148 A blog where readers choose where you travel & the places billionaires holiday
Would you let readers of your blog choose where you travel? Carole Rosenblat did, and it’s seen her travel to 74 countries around the world. The freelance journalist, copywriter, and small-group tour operator started interactive travel site Drop me Anywhere in 2014, letting readers choose where she travels - and it can be anywhere in the world. This week, she talks to us about how she came up with the idea, and how it led her to starting up solo trips to empower women in their travels. We also reveal the world’s favourite destinations for billionaires according to Maui Elite Property ; and our tip this week is about the best winter light festivals around the country. And make sure you enter our current giveaway, a night’s stay for two at the chic Moxy Sydney Airport hotel, breakfast and an incredible 14 days' valet parking! Enter via our Instagram or Facebook page @theworldawaitspodcast Support the show Visit us at https://theworldawaits.au Send us Fan Mail Support the show Visit us at https://theworldawaits.au
EP 147 Six years on the Trans Canada Trail with filmmaker Dianne Whelan, worst airline experiences & Australia's best town
At 50, filmmaker Dianne Whelan set out to walk and kayak the longest trail in the world, the 24,000km-long Trans Canada Trail. Her film, 500 days in the Wild , opened recently in Australia and documents her extraordinary six-year journey. She tells Belle about the project, paddling 8000km of water trails and walking, biking and snowshoeing 16,000km across land on a journey that has defined an entire decade of her life. She tells of not seeing anyone for months at a time, of escaping bears (all while carrying a cup of coffee) and paddling for months across the world's largest freshwater lake, Lake Superior. In her six-year odyssey, she also found peace, awareness, acceptance and even love. Make sure you enter our current giveaway, a night’s stay for two at the chic Moxy Sydney Airport hotel, breakfast and an incredible 14 days' valet parking! Enter via our instagram or facebook page - @theworldawaitspodcast Also, our best and worst airline experiences - tune in for Belle's horror story on Ural Airlines, and Kirstie names an Australian carrier for her worst experience. And finally, Australian Traveller recently named its 100 best Aussie towns , and the #1 is a Tasmanian beauty. Listen to see if your town was named. Watch the trailer for Dianne's film: garage.com.au/500-days-in-the-wild/ Read about Belle's $900 flight from Perth to Melbourne : thecourier.com.au/story/9241171/would-you-pay-900-for-a-perth-to-melbourne-economy-flight-form-hell/ Send us Fan Mail Support the show Visit us at https://theworldawaits.au
EP 146 The inspiring story of the first Tongan woman to become an airline pilot & the best wine regions to visit this autumn
You might need the tissues for this one. This is the heartfelt story of Silva McLeod, the first Tongan woman to become an airline pilot, who wrote about her incredible journey from 'Island Girl to Airline Pilot' in a memoir of that name. Silva always dreamed of becoming a pilot, but never imagined it'd come true until she met Ken, who she eventually married, but it wasn't until a near-death experience that she pursued her lifelong passion. As well as telling us about her remarkable story, she also breaks down some myths about flying, from where pilots sleep to should you really drink the water on the plane. Buy her book here exislepublishing.com/product/island-girl-to-airline-pilot/ And we have a new hotel giveaway! Win a night’s stay for two at the chic Moxy Sydney Airport hotel , breakfast and an incredible 14 days' valet parking! Enter via our instagram or facebook page - @theworldawaitspodcast We also chat about the winners of Roy Morgan’s annual customer satisfaction awards. It might come as a surprise who was the domestic airline winner. Full list here: https://www.roymorgan.com/findings/10212-roy-morgan-customer-satisfaction-annual-awards-2025 And, the Meat & Wine Co has come up with Australia's best wine regions to visit this autumn. Check out its full list here: https://themeatandwineco.com/blog/australias-best-wine-regions-to-visit-this-autumn/ Support the show Visit us at https://theworldawaits.au Send us Fan Mail Support the show Visit us at https://theworldawaits.au
EP 145 Hot Take: Travel fashion - activewear on flights and what to wear on a cruise? We answer all the hard questions
White ski gear? Wearing pink on safari? Are shoes optional on flights? Hosts Kirstie and Belle ask the big questions about what to wear when you travel. We're talking dress codes on cruises, debate the merits of zip-off trousers and share a couple of our favourite savvy travel clothing buys. Should we make more of an effort to dress nicely for flights? Pyjamas in public? When are too many sequins never enough? Strong opinions, we've got 'em, from activewear on planes and the fashion choices of Aussie men. Fabulous and faux pax, we share them all. Also, tips on safe travels with your beloved power bank. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Visit us at https://theworldawaits.au
EP 144 The latest slow travel trend: barefoot hiking; the most instagrammable hotels & better sleep on planes
Slowing down, connecting with nature and managing mental health are all the benefits of barefoot hiking, says our interviewee this week. Dale Noppers is a safety professional in Western Australia who has been taking people barefoot hiking for more than seven years. He talks this week about the reasons it's so important to get your shoes off, and explains some simple ways to get started in your own backyard. We also chat about the most Instagrammable hotels in Australia with Sovereign Interior's designer Cayley Scrooby, and Sherry Peters, who has been a flight attendant for 27 years and flies up to 12 times a month, gives us her top tips for the best sleep solutions when you're travelling long-haul. Dale Noppers barefoot hiking tours can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565575561949 The story Kirstie mentioned is here: https://karryon.com.au/luxury/aktg-australian-advisors-exclusive-event/ Support the show Visit us at https://theworldawaits.au Send us Fan Mail Support the show Visit us at https://theworldawaits.au
EP 143 South African safari by e-bike, car & in luxury; fuel-saving tips & the death of the working holiday?
How do you like to see wild animals? From the comfort of a guided safari vehicle? What about driving by yourself or perhaps by ebike? Host Belle Jackson tried all three options in South Africa recently, and shares her successes. We're talking the all-inclusive and exceptionally knowledgeable experiences provided by leading luxury safari company Sabi Sabi Game Reserve; sabisabi.com And also, what it's like to self-drive through Kruger National Park, with expert travel planner Travel Africa Your Way and about spotting ostriches and kudu while e-biking to the Cape of Good Hope, South of Cape Town, thanks to new tour company Cape Point Bike Tours , led by its enthusiastic owner Neil Kohler; capepointebiketours.com ; travelafricayourway.com.au We're also announcing the winner of our giveaway of a night & buffet breakfast at the Novotel Melbourne Airport ! Thanks to everyone who entered, it was a hard-fought comp! See https://all.accor.com/hotel/B327/index.en.shtml Also, why Gen Z's lost interest in taking an overseas working holiday, according to new research from Southern Cross Travel Insurance . And finally, Crusader Caravans shares tips on how road trippers can manage increasing fuel prices. Download SAILY in your app store and use our code 'theworldawaits' at checkout to get an exclusive 15% off your first purchase; see saily.com Send us Fan Mail Support the show Visit us at https://theworldawaits.au
Ep 142 Japan's lesser-known regions, flights and fuel surcharges & Australia's prettiest national parks
Rob Goss is a UK-born, Tokyo-based writer who has lived in Japan for almost two decades and authored more than a dozen books about the popular island nation . His latest book, Another Japan (Gestalten, Sep 2026), with photographer Irwin Wong, looks at community, rejuvenation, and cultural preservation in non-urban Japan. Here, he talks to us about some of the best lesser-known places to go, and he has some top tips for first-time visitors. You'll find him at: https://www.tokyofreelance.com/bio/ https://www.instagram.com/robgosswriter/ The story Kirstie mentioned about Australians still prioritising travel is here And the village of dolls in Japan which Rob and Kirstie talk about is here. We also discuss how fuel surcharges are impacting flights, and give you an update on the cruise industry in light of the Middle East conflict, and we have found some of Australia's prettiest national parks that you may have never heard of. Download SAILY in your app store and use our code 'theworldawaits' at checkout to get an exclusive 15% off your first purchase; see saily.com Support the show Visit us at https://theworldawaits.au Send us Fan Mail Support the show Visit us at https://theworldawaits.au
EP 141 Travelling in Afghanistan, keeping your eyes healthy on the road & why cash is still king
Come to Central Asia's forgotten country, Afghanistan. This episode, we are joined by Afghanistan’s first female tour guide, Fatima Haidari, and adventure travel company Untamed Borders' founder James Willcox, who is the author of the new Brandt Afghanistan guidebook. From Herat and now living in Italy, Fatima leads virtual tours through Afghanistan, a tribal country with enormous diversity. She talks not only about the tours, but the impact tourism has upon her country, from the natural beauty of Bamiyan, chaotic, crowded Kabul and the poetic heart of Herat. "Isolation is the worst way to punish a population," says Fatima, who shares the profit from the tours with a women's education charity operating in Afghanistan. "Because the media is so heavily censored, tourism is one way to help open up the country. It helps local businesses and helps us to get out of isolation just a little bit." Our tip this week is born from personal experience, as we share tips on keeping your eyes healthy while you travel, safe from polluted water and cabin pressure, thanks to The Eye Practice , based in Sydney CBD. And do you use cash or card when you're on the road? The inaugural Travelex Travel Money Insights Report; see travelex.com.au Download SAILY in your app store and use our code 'theworldawaits' at checkout to get an exclusive 15% off your first purchase; see saily.com Fatima's virtual tour https://untamedborders.com/itinerary/virtual-tours-with-fatima-afghanistan/ Untamed Borders https://untamedborders.com/ The Bradt guidebook to Afghanistan https://www.bradtguides.com/product/afghanistan-pb/ Champions of the Golden Valley https://www.championsofthegoldenvalley.com/ Secret Marathon Film https://thesecretmarathon.com/ For more eyecare tips https://www.theeyepractice.com.au/optometrist-sydney/why-flying-dries-out-your-eyes-and-how-to-prevent-it/ Send us Fan Mail Support the show Visit us at https://theworldawaits.au
EP 140 Hot Take: Navigating the unknown – travel during the Middle East crisis & Australia's best airport hotels with a runway view
Travel has taken a huge hit with the Middle East crisis now entering its fifth week, and it can be challenging to keep up with what you should and shouldn't do with travel plans during these significant and devastating world events. This week on our Hot Take, hosts Belinda Jackson and Kirstie Bedford bring you the good and the bad news to help you navigate this uncertain time when it comes to travel plans – with some positive solutions. Our tip is for all the the aviation geeks out there. We’re sharing the best runway rooms at Australasian airports; so if the sight of a plane taking off gets your blood pumping, this is the list for you. And if you can't get enough #avgeek, listen in for Belle's tarmac tour of Melbourne Airport; the airport does occasionally offer similar tours, see melbourneairport.com.au/community/airport-tours Download SAILY in your app store and use our code 'theworldawaits' at checkout to get an exclusive 15% off your first purchase; see saily.com Here are links to the stories Kirstie mentions.: Accor's Middle East CEO Virtuoso Australia New Zealand forum stats Send us Fan Mail Support the show Visit us at https://theworldawaits.au
EP 139 Fly flat-bed to Europe with Toby Venus of Point Hacks; biggest hotel rooms & how new EU border rules will hit travellers
Toby Venus of the Point Hacks podcast joins us this episode to demystify frequent flyer points – how to earn, how to burn and creating a checklist to keep your points in good shape and working for you. Coming to you from the Novotel Melbourne Airport , Toby shares some sneaky hacks, and we're talking gift cards, credit cards, hotel loyalty programs and the difference between rewards seats and the perils of the points-plus-pay scheme, so buckle up, avgeeks! We also have a giveaway for a night's stay and buffet breakfast at the Novotel Melbourne Airport - jump on our instagram competition post to enter! Also, which of the world's most visited cities gives you best bang for your buck on hotel stays, and how to prepare for the new border rules for entry to the EU - saily.com shares some tips on getting prepped. And stay tuned for Kirstie's super exciting news, as well as the announcement of the winner of two Andrea Barton crime novels. freepoints.com.au Send us Fan Mail Support the show Visit us at https://theworldawaits.au
EP 138 Hiking and biking NZ's Queen Charlotte Track; the world's 50 top cities & the best places to travel with your pooch
New Zealand is renowned for its spectacular scenery, and the Marlborough Sounds on the northern tip of the South Island will not disappoint. Come with host Kirstie Bedford as she hikes and bikes the Queen Charlotte Track, and kayaks in the glassy waters of the Marlborough Sounds, where seals and dolphins are your only neighbours, then beds down in lodges only accessible via the track, boat or helicopter. She explains how to get there, why this is one of the best places to hike in New Zealand, and where to stay pre- and post your hike. Also, an Australian city has for the first time made the top 50 best cities list by Time Out. Find out where it is, and we give our personal recommendations of some of the best things to do while you're there! And, love to travel but don't want to leave your furry friend behind? We have the rundown of the best places around the country for those wanting to travel with their pooch. Check out some of the stunning images and footage of Kirstie's trip here . Find out more here: https://www.wildernessguidesnz.com/sea-kayaking/3-day-bike-hike-kayak-combo/ and here: https://marlboroughnz.com/ The full list of Time Out’s 50 Best Cities 2026 can be found here. Support the show Visit us at https://theworldawaits.au Send us Fan Mail Support the show Visit us at https://theworldawaits.au
