This week travel writer Dan Stables takes us on a thought-provoking journey through festivity, exploring some of the most eye-catching celebrations around the world from Gloucester's quirky cheese rolling contest to ritual mortification on the Thai island of Phuket. We discuss Spain's unmatched ability to party, Sulawesi's unique approach to death and whether or not you can visit the underworld from a shed in Lancashire.

Dan's brand new book Fiesta is out now! Get it online and in all good book stores.

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This week we're chatting to award-winning writer Shafik Meghji about Chile. Stretching almost a third of the length of South America, this narrow country is bursting with diverse landscapes, vibrant cities and incredible wildlife. Join us as we trek through the wilds of Torres del Paine, eat out in the buzzing port city of Valparaiso and journey to the mist-shrouded Chiloé Archipelago.

Shafik's brand new book Small Earthquakes: A Journey Through Lost British History in South America is out July 2025.

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Today we’re joined by Mark Agnew, a writer, journalist and motivational speaker who made history as part of the first group to ever complete the Northwest Passage by kayak. We talk all about the resilience required to undertake the 2,000 mile trip, the unexpected joy of headwinds and close encounters with polar bears. We also discuss the true meaning of adventure and how you often don’t need to travel to a far-flung corner of the world to have a rewarding experience.

Mark’s brand new book There Will be Headwinds is out 3rd July.

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This week travel writer Rebecca Hallett helps us dream up our perfect trip to Japan. Join us as we explore the lesser visited places across the archipelago and encounter a fire festival that feels like a fever dream, an 80 temple pilgrimage tracing the coastline and the bear mascot/happiness manager who has become a Japanese obsession.

The fossilised tree museum mentioned is Sanbe Azukihara Buried Forest Museum.

Get your copy of Ultimate Japan: https://geni.us/UltimateJapan

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Today we’re off to Bologna with travel and culture writer Alex Sakalis. The capital of Emilia-Romagna is nicknamed la dotta (the learned) for its university, the oldest in Europe; la rossa (the red) for both the colour of its buildings and its political leanings; and la grassa (the fat) for its gluttonous cuisine. Join us on a tour of pretty piazzas, porticoed streets and pasta dishes as we uncover the city’s distinct identity, rich culinary heritage and surprising jazz pedigree.

Discover The Italian Way: https://geni.us/TheItalianWay

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