Low Season Traveller Insider Guides

Welcome to this week’s episode of Low Season Traveller Insider Guides brought to you in partnership with our good friends at Tourism Ireland Today we return to Dublin where I spent a wonderful 3 days in the low season of January earlier this year.  With clear blue skies, low crowds and plenty of things to experience and do, Dublin rarely disappoints in the winter months.  And what better way to pass the time than meeting up with some wonderful people like today’s guest, Ronan Lynch. Ronan is a 3rd generation Dublin publican, who’s family have been running the Swan Bar in Aungier Street for the past 85 years.  And as The Swan has been standing here since 1661, it is, as you would expect, like stepping back in time to set foot in a true Irish pub.  And Ronan pointed out to me that his is a drinking pub. It’s a place for drinking, conversation, craic and perhaps a little rugby banter. So grab a pint and join us for this short conversation in one of the oldest, least touristy pubs in the whole of Dublin – it’s an

Welcome to this week’s episode of Low Season Traveller Insider Guides brought to you in partnership with our good friends at Tourism Ireland For this episode we head over to Dublin where I spent a wonderful 3 days in the low season month of January. With clear blue skies, low crowds and plenty of things to experience and do, Dublin rarely disappoints in the winter months.  And what better way to pass the time than meeting up with some wonderful people like today’s guest, Eveleen Coyle. Following a long (and happy) career in book publishing working with some of the world’s leading international publishers, Eveleen founded Fab Food Trails in 2006. Her aim is to celebrate the local food produce, reflecting the traditional and contemporary Irish table across the island of Ireland. While all trails are food led, guests also delight in shared curiosities relating to Ireland’s culture, history and architecture as they walk, chat, explore and taste the produce that has become an inherent part of Ireland’s story. So s

Today we’re joined by Anthony Lark who is the Executive Director of Shinta Mani Hotels in Asia. I met Anthony just before Christmas when I interviewed him for the Climate Friendly Travel Podcast as Shinta Mani perfectly encapsulates the principles of responsible travel, tourism and hospitality practices.  At the end of a fascinating podcast which you can find here, I just knew that we had to welcome Anthony back for this low season traveller podcast as Anthony very much shares our passion for low season travelling. Delivering experiences that change lives for their guests and in surrounding communities alike, Shinta Mani Hotels are designed by co-owner Bill Bensley whom Architectural Digest calls “a pioneer in sustainable hotel design.” Each of their small and unique properties reflects its natural and cultural environment, providing heartfelt hospitality that supports the people, animals and ecosystems of Cambodia through the Shinta Mani Foundation. So sit back, and relax as we head over to Cambodia and mee

Today we’re joined by Paula Martin from First Class Holidays who are our new strategic partners for Canada.  Some of our regular followers will have noticed that at the end of last year, we launched our very first guides to Canada when we released our low season guides to Vancouver, Quebec and Toronto. Well we were able to do that because we are delighted to have partnered with the absolute Canada experts at First Class Holidays.  We could see that their passionate team of management and staff have a genuine love for what they do: which is making people’s dream holidays become a reality. And they have first-hand experience of the destinations they offer; the advice and tips they can give to their clients are based on a reliable wealth of knowledge that they’ve garnered from their own extensive travels.  So, to kick off our partnership with the First Class Holidays Team, I headed over to their Head Office in the shadow of Old Trafford in Manchester to speak with Paula who is clearly the most passionate Canada

This past month we were invited over to the Islands of Tahiti by our good friends at Tahiti Tourisme so that we could learn exactly what the experience is like for visitors during the low season period. The islands of Tahiti are arguably among the most stunningly beautiful in the world. Formed from the demise of 3 volcanoes, these islands not only have an incredible natural beauty, but they have an ancient, rich and diverse cultural heritage which remains strong to this day. In this series, We seek to learn more about the traditions, beliefs, culture and heritage as We set out to discover the true essence of Tahiti when we ‘Meet the Tahitians’… Episode 12 - Heimata Heimata Hall is passionate about food.  And that's just as well, as Heimata is Tahitian Food Tour Guide with the strong belief that food is a leveller which transcends hierarchy and social constraints - it is a universal thing which connects us in ways which are simply not possible with any other activity. I met up with Heimata in the Municipal Mar

This past month we were invited over to the Islands of Tahiti by our good friends at Tahiti Tourisme so that we could learn exactly what the experience is like for visitors during the low season period. The islands of Tahiti are arguably among the most stunningly beautiful in the world. Formed from the demise of 3 volcanoes, these islands not only have an incredible natural beauty, but they have an ancient, rich and diverse cultural heritage which remains strong to this day. In this series, We seek to learn more about the traditions, beliefs, culture and heritage as We set out to discover the true essence of Tahiti when we ‘Meet the Tahitians’… Episode 11 - Manureva Manu is a local Tahitian tatoo artist who specialises in the traditional designs and styles of tatoo found throughout Tahiti and the islands. Manu welcomed me into his private design studio which is adorned with local artefacts, designs, tradtional instruments and all manner of both tradtional and modern polynesian inspiration. During our conversa

This past month we were invited over to the Islands of Tahiti by our good friends at Tahiti Tourisme so that we could learn exactly what the experience is like for visitors during the low season period. The islands of Tahiti are arguably among the most stunningly beautiful in the world. Formed from the demise of 3 volcanoes, these islands not only have an incredible natural beauty, but they have an ancient, rich and diverse cultural heritage which remains strong to this day. In this series, We seek to learn more about the traditions, beliefs, culture and heritage as We set out to discover the true essence of Tahiti when we ‘Meet the Tahitians’… Episode 10 - Peva Peva is well known to everyone in Teahupo'o. He and his family have lived for generations in the lush green valley and it's immediately clear that Peva himself has a deep connection with the land and ocean here. I spent some time staying in the incredible seafront house which Peva built himself, using only natural materials from the valley. And it is

This past month we were invited over to the Islands of Tahiti by our good friends at Tahiti Tourisme so that we could learn exactly what the experience is like for visitors during the low season period. The islands of Tahiti are arguably among the most stunningly beautiful in the world. Formed from the demise of 3 volcanoes, these islands not only have an incredible natural beauty, but they have an ancient, rich and diverse cultural heritage which remains strong to this day. In this series, We seek to learn more about the traditions, beliefs, culture and heritage as We set out to discover the true essence of Tahiti when we ‘Meet the Tahitians’… Episode 9 - Aimata & Hitinui Aimata, Hitinui and their family have their home in a wonderful location at the end of the road (quite literally) at Teahupo'o.  And what a home it is! Located metres from the ocean and with a back garden which is practically the most beautiful valley in the whole of Tahiti.  It is here that Aimata and Hitinui lovingly share their home

This past month we were invited over to the Islands of Tahiti by our good friends at Tahiti Tourisme so that we could learn exactly what the experience is like for visitors during the low season period. The islands of Tahiti are arguably among the most stunningly beautiful in the world. Formed from the demise of 3 volcanoes, these islands not only have an incredible natural beauty, but they have an ancient, rich and diverse cultural heritage which remains strong to this day. In this series, We seek to learn more about the traditions, beliefs, culture and heritage as We set out to discover the true essence of Tahiti when we ‘Meet the Tahitians’… Episode 8 - Cindy Cindy Drollet grew up in the shadow of Teahupo'o.  A fully licensed captain, Cindy and the team at Tahiti Surfari are without a doubt the very best team to help you to learn about and understand the ocean and reef around the famous Teahupo'o break. I joined Cindy for a surfari tour around Teahupo'o where we body surfed the famous break, swam in pristi

This past month we were invited over to the Islands of Tahiti by our good friends at Tahiti Tourisme so that we could learn exactly what the experience is like for visitors during the low season period. The islands of Tahiti are arguably among the most stunningly beautiful in the world. Formed from the demise of 3 volcanoes, these islands not only have an incredible natural beauty, but they have an ancient, rich and diverse cultural heritage which remains strong to this day. In this series, We seek to learn more about the traditions, beliefs, culture and heritage as We set out to discover the true essence of Tahiti when we ‘Meet the Tahitians’… Episode 7 - Matehau Matehau Tetopata was born and raised in the shadow of the world's most feared wave break in Teahupo'o.  As this is is home break, I wanted to know equally what it's like to ride this wave and what it's like to wipeout on it. As the soft rains fell around us with the lush green Teahupo'o Valley behind us, and the feared surf break in front of us, Mat

This past month we were invited over to the Islands of Tahiti by our good friends at Tahiti Tourisme so that we could learn exactly what the experience is like for visitors during the low season period. The islands of Tahiti are arguably among the most stunningly beautiful in the world. Formed from the demise of 3 volcanoes, these islands not only have an incredible natural beauty, but they have an ancient, rich and diverse cultural heritage which remains strong to this day. In this series, We seek to learn more about the traditions, beliefs, culture and heritage as We set out to discover the true essence of Tahiti when we ‘Meet the Tahitians’… Episode 6 - Maui Maui Ciucci is the epitome of a water man.  Larger than life, Maui runs Corallina Tours, a local company on Moorea which welcomes guests to experience a variety of wonderfully immersive tours around the waters of his beautiful home island. I joined Maui for a low season tour where we swam in the world's most feared wave break, snorkelled with black tip

This past month we were invited over to the Islands of Tahiti by our good friends at Tahiti Tourisme so that we could learn exactly what the experience is like for visitors during the low season period. The islands of Tahiti are arguably among the most stunningly beautiful in the world. Formed from the demise of 3 volcanoes, these islands not only have an incredible natural beauty, but they have an ancient, rich and diverse cultural heritage which remains strong to this day. In this series, We seek to learn more about the traditions, beliefs, culture and heritage as We set out to discover the true essence of Tahiti when we ‘Meet the Tahitians’… Episode 5 - Mareva Mareva Leu is the Director of the International Oceanic Documentary Film Festival which is held every year in Tahiti.  Running on the 4-12 February, FIFO Tahiti as the festival is known, sees documentary filmakers from all over the Pacific region and beyond, gathering together to share their films and in so doing, challenge the status quo of Polynesi

This past month we were invited over to the Islands of Tahiti by our good friends at Tahiti Tourisme so that we could learn exactly what the experience is like for visitors during the low season period. The islands of Tahiti are arguably among the most stunningly beautiful in the world. Formed from the demise of 3 volcanoes, these islands not only have an incredible natural beauty, but they have an ancient, rich and diverse cultural heritage which remains strong to this day. In this series, We seek to learn more about the traditions, beliefs, culture and heritage as We set out to discover the true essence of Tahiti when we ‘Meet the Tahitians’… Episode 4 - Matahi Matahi Tutavae is a journalist, cultural guide and proud Tahitian who works with a wonderful organisation called Haururu. We caught up with Matahi during a day out with him at the home of the Haururu organisation deep in the Papenoo Valley to learn more about the work of Haururu and why it has a vitally important role in ensuring that the next genera

We were recently invited over to the Islands of Tahiti by our good friends at Tahiti Tourisme so that we could learn exactly what the experience is like for visitors during the low season period. The islands of Tahiti are arguably among the most stunningly beautiful in the world. Formed from the demise of 3 volcanoes, these islands not only have an incredible natural beauty, but they have an ancient, rich and diverse cultural heritage which remains strong to this day. In this series, We seek to learn more about the traditions, beliefs, culture and heritage as We set out to discover the true essence of Tahiti when we ‘Meet the Tahitians’… Episode 3 - Mateata Mateata is joyful! She has an infectiously warm, powerful and energetic presence and is indeed a force of nature! Mateata is proudly Moorean. Born and raised on this smaller and quieter island just 30 mins from Tahiti, Mateata was called by the ocean at a young age. She has sailed all over the world with her passion for seafaring always ensuring that she b

This past month we were invited over to the Islands of Tahiti by our good friends at Tahiti Tourisme so that we could learn exactly what the experience is like for visitors during the low season period. The islands of Tahiti are arguably among the most stunningly beautiful in the world. Formed from the demise of 3 volcanoes, these islands not only have an incredible natural beauty, but they have an ancient, rich and diverse cultural heritage which remains strong to this day. In this series, We seek to learn more about the traditions, beliefs, culture and heritage as We set out to discover the true essence of Tahiti when we ‘Meet the Tahitians’… Episode 2 - Teuai Olivier Lenoir or Teuai as he is known locally, is known for his fascinating and exhilerating 4x4 tours of the Papenoo Valley in Tahiti’s lush tropical interior. Originally from Tahiti’s Austral Islands, Teuai is well known for his knowledge of the cultural traditions of the Tahitian islands and he plays a vital role in keeping his cultural ancestry a

This past month we were invited over to the Islands of Tahiti by our good friends at Tahiti Tourisme so that we could learn exactly what the experience is like for visitors during the low season period. It may have been the rainy season, but we only saw rain on 2 days and to be honest, it was a refreshing welcome from the warmth of the Tahitian Summer. The islands of Tahiti are arguably among the most stunningly beautiful in the world. Formed from the demise of 3 volcanoes, these islands not only have an incredible natural beauty, but they have an ancient, rich and diverse cultural heritage which remains strong to this day. In this series, We seek to learn more about the traditions, beliefs, culture and heritage as We set out to discover the true essence of Tahiti when we ‘Meet the Tahitians’… Episode 1 - Torea Colas Torea is the Marketing and Communications Director for Air Tahiti Nui, the national carrier of French Polynesia and he has the role of ensuring that the essence of Tahiti is captured and felt whe

This week I caught up with Harshil Khurmi who is a pilot for our friends at SkySafari. SkySafari delivers you directly into world-class wilderness. Their carefully designed trips, fly non-stop and in style between the best camps, with the best guides and the best wildlife watching in Kenya and Tanzania, without so much as a second wasted – which gives you longer to revel in the sights, smells, sounds and sensations of the African bush. And when you go on a safari with them, they ensure that all of your SkySafari flight emissions, road transfers and our operational head office power consumption are compensated for through their partnership with Carbon Tanzania. Finally, the team at SkySafari understand that it’s the little details which can make a big difference: from giving you a greater luggage allowance to knowing how you take your G&T, they’ve got everything covered. So sit back, and relax as we head over to East Africa to learn how to safari in style… And you can learn more about SkySafari in the low

Today we’re heading over to Vietnam to join Nikki as she travels the world during the low seasons. As consumers many of us are increasingly thinking about where our food comes, whether to buy an electric car, who makes our clothes etc, but how many of us have made the leap to thinking about how our holiday is put together? As regular listeners will know, Nikki Morrison is currently travelling the world for Low Season Traveller. After a long career with BBC News, the world of tourism is new to Nikki and she says it's been eye-opening. With supply chains to rival any supermarket, so-called Destination Management Companies (or DMCs) are vital links in the tourism chain but who outside the industry knows much about them? Understanding what they do is key to understanding how ethical or sustainable your next holiday might be. As ever covid revealed some of the worst practices among some DMCs but has also created opportunities to do things differently. One such group is the Global Travel Collective – a group of sma

Today we’re bringing you a special episode of Insider Guides. I was recently asked to provide a keynote on Sustainability for the tourism and hospitality professionals at the Best Stay Event which was held in Croatia. As you can probably tell, I’m very passionate about sustainability and the issues surrounding climate change and so I wanted to ensure that everyone in the audience had some of the scientific facts which are known as of today and also let them know what they can do to help. The feedback has been really positive and so I thought I would share this with you, our loyal podcast audience to see if you have any thoughts on this. Have a listen and let me know what you think at the end by dropping me a line at ged@lowseasontraveller.com or send me a whatsapp message once you’ve listened on +44 7572 612 602 But That’s our show for this week. Thanks as always, for your company, and if you enjoyed this podcast, please do leave us a positive rating and review on your podcast app and also don’t forget to fol

Welcome to this week’s episode of Low Season Traveller Insider Guides, the podcast where we speak to the locals to learn what the experience is like for travellers during the low season months in their destination. I’m Ged Brown your host for this week’s episode and today we return to Northern Thailand where Nikki Morrison has been on location near the Myanmar border. As regular listeners will know, we’ve been working with Nikki Morrison as she travels the world during the low seasons to help Low Season Traveller in our mission to draw more attention to the challenges of overtourism and seasonality whilst extolling the virtues of low season travel. Nikki met up with Sarah Blaine whilst on her journey through Northern Thailand recently to learn more about her work with the elephant mahouts. The Mahouts Elephant Foundation is a unique organisation in Thailand working to re-wild captive elephants and allow them to return to the cloud forest along the northern Myanmar border. It is only possible with the support