On this week’s episode of The Pod Well Travelled, our travel team delves into the best destinations to visit in the latter half of 2024. We kick off the episode by reflecting on the year so far, discussing the most popular hotspots that have been buzzing with travellers. Later on in the program, we share a list of places where prospective travellers can still book trips this year without encountering overwhelming crowds. We also explore the places where you can maximise your budget thanks...

On this week's episode of The Pod Well Travelled, Penny Thomas and Megan French chat to TV Editor Clare Rigden about the concept of set jetting, which is when travellers visit a particular destination because it was featured in a television show or movie. + Subscribe to The Pod Well Travelled where you get your podcasts — and share it to your family and friends. + Follow us on our TikTok @thepodwelltravelled and Instagram @thepod_welltravelled accounts for more content from the Travel...

This week on our dedicated travel podcast, Penny Thomas and Megan French sit down with local astrologer, Stefanie Schroeder, to discuss the ancient art of astrology and its impact on travel.  As the owner of Astrofusion Astrology and the president of the Federation of Australian Astrologers in Western Australia, Stefanie has a gift for making the stars make sense, without all the mumbo jumbo that usually comes with astrology. She not only tells us about the study of celestial objects and...

On this week’s episode, Penny Thomas and Stephen Scourfield chat to cruising specialist Michael Ferrante about the latest news in cruising — an industry that was basically on its knees only two years ago. During the show, Michael reveals the latest trends in the cruising sector, plus he tells us what it is like to sail through the Mediterranean on the Sun Princess, a new ship from the team at Princess Cruises that launched earlier this year. We also hear about some other big-name ships that...

On this week’s episode, travel journalist Penny Thomas and STM deputy editor Jade Jurewicz join fashion writer Megan French to discuss an essential travel companion: shoes! They explore topics like how many pairs to pack for a trip, the best all-terrain styles and why you no longer have to sacrifice style for comfort. Jade also shares her experience of wearing just one pair of shoes during a 10-day holiday in Indonesia. + Subscribe to The Pod Well Travelled where you get your podcasts —...

In this week’s episode, we sit down with Sarah Quinn, the global leader of public relations and communications at Flight Centre Travel Group. During the show, Sarah shares her journey of transforming her passion for travel into a successful career. We also explore the current trends shaping the travel industry. And, we hear about the very first bricks-and-mortar store for Cruiseabout, a new brand for Flight Centre Travel Group that recently opened its doors in Western Australia. Subscribe...

For our second bonus podcast episode from our reader weekend in New Norcia, Stephen Scourfield and Will Yeoman perform a spoken word piece called Belief in front of a live audience at the Abbey Church.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the back of the New Norcia reader weekend, we're excited to share a couple of bonus podcast episodes that were recorded during the event. In this episode, The Pod Well Travelled and PodStreet (the official Writing WA podcast) collaborated to bring you a conversation between Stephen Scourfield and Will Yeoman. This engaging discussion occurred in front of a live audience at our recent reader weekend, which also featured various writing workshops, photography courses, panel discussions and...

This week on our dedicated travel podcast, we explore Australia’s only monastic town, New Norcia. Founded in 1847 by Spanish Benedictine Monks, the unique settlement — that looks like it’s been plucked from a bygone village in Spain — is located about 130km north-east of Perth in Western Australia’s Wheatbelt. The West’s travel team recently spent a weekend exploring the small picturesque town, as part of its annual weekend away with a group of nearly 40 like-minded readers. Join Penny...

This week on our dedicated travel podcast, we reveal the best and worst types of travel companions.  During the show, Penny Thomas and Megan French discuss their own red and green flags when it comes to travel partners, plus they share tips on how to be a better companion when travelling with friends or in a group. Subscribe to The Pod Well Travelled where you get your podcasts — and share it to your family and friends. Sign up for eTravel via thewest.com.au/manage-email-preferences. It’s...

In this week’s show, we discuss one of the world’s most renowned overnight tourist trains, The Ghan. Having recently travelled on the train from Adelaide in South Australia to Darwin in the country’s Northern Territory, Penny Thomas chats with Megan French about the experience and all the places you visit along the way. Later on in the show, we hear from Journey Beyond’s food and beverage general manager Matthew Snare, who tells us about the onboard dinning experiences and what goes on...

Host Penny Thomas speaks with The West’s travel editor Stephen Scourfield and fashion writer Megan French about the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris, and whether you should visit the host city when the world’s greatest athletes gather there to compete. During the show they unpack how local Parisians feel about hosting the upcoming event, the rising cost of accommodation and public transport fares, plus how travellers can benefit from visiting the popular tourist destination outside the...

In this week's episode, Stephen Scourfield and Megan French join Penny Thomas and share their expert packing tips.  During the show, they reveal everything from how to pack efficiently and effectively for big and small trips, the packing techniques they swear by and what to do if your bags are overweight at the airport terminal.  They also unpack the different type of travel bags they use for carry-on, check-in and day trips, plus why you should never pack in a panic.  Also in the episode,...

On this week’s episode of The Pod Well Travelled, we delve into the wonderful world of Formula One and how to witness the racing spectacle live. Host Penny Thomas is joined by Travel and Motoring Editor Stephen Scourifled and Fashion Writer Megan French, who provide expert travel advice on how to plan and attend an F1 race in-person. From the glamour of Monaco to the electric atmosphere of Singapore, they cover everything from how to choose the perfect circuit that’s right for you, the type...

After a long wait, W Sydney has officially opened its doors — and we have the inside scoop about what went down at its premiere launch party.  Join Penny Thomas and Megan French as they unpack the star-studded event, plus we hear what it’s like to stay overnight at the new Darling Harbour property, which is the biggest and boldest W-branded hotel in the world.  Later on in the episode, we hear from W Hotels vice president and global brand leader George Fleck, who met up with Penny ahead of...

Last week, we devoted an entire episode to the rise and influence of Taylor Swift. This week, it’s all about the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll – Elvis Presley. Known for his charismatic stage presence, distinctive voice and pioneering fusion of rockabilly, country and rhythm and blues music, Elvis was a performer who captivated audiences around the globe and remains an indomitable figure. Join Stephen Scourfield and Penny Thomas as they chat about Elvis’ career, Memphis and his beloved...

Now that the Taylor Swift Eras Tour has come to an end in Australia, we discuss the pop megastar’s global influence and what happens when she comes to town.  Whether you’re a fan of Taylor Swift or not, it’s hard to deny the cultural and financial juggernaut she’s become. Join travel writer Penny Thomas and lifestyle reporter Megan French as they unpack what makes Taylor Swift such a powerful icon, and why people travel from near and far to see her perform. Later on in the episode, our...

Join Stephen Scourfield and Penny Thomas as they discuss the magical Margaret River region in Western Australia’s South West. During the episode, we also hear from Smith Beach Resort marketing manager Gemma O’Loughlin, who tells us her top things to see and do in the region and why she decided to call this place home.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us as we reveal our list of safe places to travel and why it’s important to remain vigilant when exploring unfamiliar environments, particularly for solo female travellers. During the show, travel writers Penny Thomas and Megan French share personal anecdotes and practical tips to empower fellow travellers seeking peace of mind when in a foreign country. + Subscribe to The Pod Well Travelled where you get your podcasts — and share it to your family and friends. + Sign up for eTravel...

Whether you’re flying to Sydney or Santiago, there are some things you just can’t leave home without. Join travel writer Penny Thomas and lifestyle reporter Megan French as they reveal the must-have items they always pack in their suitcase — beyond basic necessities like your passport, toothbrush and wallet — in the latest episode of The Pod Well Travelled. Subscribe to The Pod Well Travelled where you get your podcasts — and share it to your family and friends. Sign up for eTravel via...

In this week’s episode, Penny Thomas and Leyanne Baillie discuss a different way to experience Antarctica.  Having recently enjoyed a daytrip over the frozen continent, Leyanne tells us about the “fly-over” experience and whether she thinks it’s worth doing.  Subscribe to The Pod Well Travelled where you get your podcasts — and share it to your family and friends. Sign up for eTravel via thewest.com.au/manage-email-preferences. It’s our free digital edition of travel that gets delivered to...

In this week’s episode, we chat about the unique blend of history, architecture and cosmopolitan flair on offer in Buenos Aires. Join Penny Thomas and Stephen Scourfield as they unpack a list of things to see and do in Argentina’s bustling and vibrant capital city. Throughout the show they reveal what makes Buenos Aires so special, why it’s often referred to as the “Paris of South America” and how to make the most of your time when exploring this stunning city. There’s also some different...

Following on from an earlier podcast we did about preparing for Antarctica, in this week’s episode we reveal what it’s like once you're there. Having recently returned from the southernmost continent, Penny Thomas chats with Stephen Scourfield about her travels and what the experience was like on Hurtigruten’s MS Fridtjof Nansen. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the latest episode of The Pod Well Travelled, Stephen Scourfield and Leyanne Baillie celebrate the recent coronation in Denmark of King Frederik and Queen Mary by discussing all things royal and what royalty does for tourism.  More than 100,000 visitors were in Copenhagen for the coronation, and it has been estimated that the 2023 coronation of King Charles III in Britain brought the UK up to £1billion in tourism earnings. Around 15 million people a year visit the Palace of Versailles,...

Join Writing WA CEO Will Yeoman and Mogens Johansen as they discuss how he became a travel writer after several decades working as a press photographer. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.