Low Season Traveller Insider Guides

In today’s episode, we're talking about Social Responsible Tourism.  And we have the perfect guest to help us to better understand what we mean by social tourism and how it can make a huge positive difference in the world. Nic Balmain has worked at the highest levels in the global travel industry over many years.  These days, located in California, Nic has founded a fabulous organisation called Nanda Journeys, which, as their tagline suggests, is "travel for people with purpose and passion". As ever with Nic, her passion shines through in every word she speaks and you can’t fail to be excited by her vision for a virtuous circle of tourism where everyone benefits…..

Today, Kate is joined again by Korhan Karakoyun the owner of 'Istanbul on food'. In this episode, Kate and Korhan do a deep-dive into the surprising delicacies (beyond the delicious kebabs) which you can find across the city. If you have a sweet tooth this episode is for you, Turkish desserts are varied and exciting from ice cream to the sublimely delicious baklava.

Today, Kate is joined by Korhan Karakoyun the owner of the foodie tour company 'Istanbul on Food'. Korhan gives an honest and raw account of what travellers can expect in this cross-continental crossroad describing the electric buzz that the hustle and bustle of the people create around this historically and culturally rich Turkish city.

For today's episode, we are staying in the US as we hear from Susanne Lorenz who owns and runs the AT West Tour Company. While most of us have been locked up indoors for most of the past year, Susanne and her team have been out and about searching for new mind-blowing experiences to showcase on their tours. Today we catch up with Susanne to learn more about her recent travels as well as learning a little more about her exciting new tour - “From San Antonio to Santa Fe: National Park Treasures of Texas and New Mexico”

David Lorenz has guided in this area for most of his life.  In recent months, he has been working with our friends at Adventure Travel West to develop a brand new tour for the low season months in 2021 and 2022.   The parks which David talks about are not as crowd-filled as many other parks but are absolutely breathtaking in their own right.  Additionally, this whole area has cultural heritage significance which David was keen to talk us through. So get your cowboy boots on and join us as we journey to Texas and New Mexico...yee ha! 

This is exactly the type of tourism we celebrate! "Our purpose is to create an epicurean business that can act as a hub for our local community, a destination for visitors to our region, and a role model for ethical practices. We want our guests to delight all of their senses – feel warmth and comfort as they bask in the beauty of our bars, lounges and dining rooms; enjoy our music; breathe in the smells of the kitchen; taste the ‘fruits’ of our garden – and all of that with a sense of humor and humility."

Today, Kate is joined by Warrick from the Clare Valley in South Australia. The Clare Valley is the little sister to the larger wine region of the Barossa Valley in South Australia, however, it is not one to be missed. The Clare Valley is full of heritage farmhouses, bike trails and is one of Australia's oldest wine regions. The Clare Valley region is for those who seek substance and authenticity, who take the road less travelled and enjoy taking a moment to appreciate what life has to offer.  So join Kate and Warrick and escape to the charmingly secluded Clare Valley and disappear into a weekend of intimate discovery. Hideaway in a quaint little bed and breakfast or venture out to explore the rolling countryside.  We think you'll find the magic, and a little romance, in the Clare Valley...

Today, Kate is joined once again by Peter from the Malta Tourism Authority to learn about the cultural heritage which Malta offers low season travellers. Malta has frequently and justifiably been lauded for its progressive views and assurance of safe travel for the LBGTQI+ community (it tops the global "rainbow list" consistently every year) with the ultimate celebration of Pride Week - a time of celebration, community and acceptance. If you enjoy the buzz and excitement of a party, then the Maltese are always ready to welcome you and join the fun - there are festivals and events to be found every month of the year on one of the islands. Of course, no celebration is complete without delicious cuisine. Peter talks to Kate about the traditional Maltese dishes and the exclusive Maltese wine that can only be truly enjoyed when in Malta!

Today, Kate is joined by Peter from the Malta Tourism Authority to discuss the beautiful archipelago that is Malta! Malta is the largest of 3 islands that make up this small island nation which also includes Gozo and Comino.  Each island has its own distinct characteristics which offer travellers a wonderful variety of activities from playing water polo, exploring the multiple UNESCO World Heritage sites or horse riding through the rolling hills.  These small islands have it all and the low season months are the perfect time to visit Malta. With 300 days of sunshine throughout the year, you can experience this beautiful Mediterranean island in the warmth and without the crowds.

In our final episode of the Untouched series with Alex Boylan, Kate and Alex travel to a less typical tourist destination: Haiti. Disaster has plagued Haiti over the years, making it a potentially dangerous place for international tourists. However, Alex tells us a story of Haiti that champions the local community there. Set on the same island as the popular beach destination of the Dominican Republic, Haiti is anything but similar. With a busting capital, heart-warming locals and serious adventure on hand, Haiti is definitely not for the faint-hearted. However, if you are a traveller which enjoys a challenge (and does thorough research beforehand) Haiti will most likely reward you with one of your best travel experiences. Alex's first brush with the camera began with winning the Amazing Race at 23 years old, and from there, his career has skyrocketed with work both in front of and behind the camera. Alex is above all else, an adventurer and a storyteller. Alex has filmed in almost every state in the US and o

In the 5th episode of the Untouched series with Alex Boylan we travel to Punta Mita, in the Nayarit province of Mexico. Now, this destination is a little different from our previous episode, as this destination is less visited because of its exclusivity. Here, you can wander down to the famous beach clubs and brush shoulders with some of the world's rich and famous - or stay at the local hostel in the town of Punta de Mita and have a beer at the bar with the locals. If you are looking for the ultimate luxurious experience celebrating something special then Punta Mita is for you. Alex's first brush with the camera began with winning the Amazing Race at 23 years old, and from there, his career has skyrocketed with work both in front of and behind the camera. Alex is above all else, an adventurer and a storyteller. Alex has filmed in almost every state in the US and over 60 countries around the world. He has hosted two number #1 shows on PBS, hosted over 100 segments on the Travel Channel and circumnavigated the

Get your boat shoes on because in the 4th episode of the Untouched series with Alex Boylan we travel to the Exumas, Bahamas! Kate and Alex discuss this beautiful archipelago that is known for swimming with the water pigs but offers so much more. The Exumas have 365 islands (one for each day of the year if you really want!) so you can sail around for days without seeing another soul. Look at your reflection in the crystal clear blue waters and realise that's exactly where you're meant to be!

In today's episode of this 6 part mini-series Kate is joined again by Alex Boylan to chat about the world's less-visited destinations. The third stop: Dominica. Alex and Kate go down a slightly different route to previous episodes exploring a beautiful Caribbean Island with a difference...no beaches.  Alex talks about his brilliant experiences connecting with the locals, hiking to a boiling lake and getting a pool named after him! Throw away your map, meet a local, strap on your hiking boots and come on an adventure with Kate and Alex!

Today, in the second episode of this 6 part mini-series Kate is joined again by Alex Boylan to chat about the world's less visited destinations. The second stop: Chobe National Park, Botswana. The first thing Alex mentions in this episode is how Chobe National Park is different to other parts of Africa. The feelings and experiences Alex has there would have any traveller envious. Alex's understanding of the culture of Botswana is forefront in his mind with all credit going to the magical people that helped transport and show him around. 

Today, in the first episode of this 6 part mini-series Kate interviews Alex Boylan about the world's untouched destinations. The first stop: Guyana. A small English-speaking country on South America's North Atlantic Coast, Guyana is full of surprises. Alex talks about his unforgettable experience travelling there for his show 'Around the World for Free', the incredible people he met along the way and a deeper element of what travel means to him.

In this episode, we are joined by Ane Ugarte from the Bahia Del Duque hotel in Adeje, Tenerife. Ged sat down with Ane for a relaxed chat on the terrace of this fabulous, multi-award-winning 5-star property to learn more about the experience guests have during their stay as well as the protocols put in place to protect both the guests and staff of the hotel during the current conditions. Throughout the recording made on Tuesday this week, You can hear the relaxing tinkling of the water fountains and the chirping of the many local birds which are both unlisted yet wonderful features of this property.  It really is the perfect place to relax, unwind and rediscover your inner peace at the end of a tough year for us all. We have some brilliant packages for the Bahi Del Duque available in the wonderful low season months of September, October and November and we are confident that Tenerife might be on the UK green list by these dates given the vaccination progress in Spain.

In this special episode, we come to you live from Tenerife where we have been spending the past week recording video's and photos of all of the attractions on this paradise island.  Here, Founder of Low Season Traveller, Ged Brown, talks to us about what there is to see, hear, taste and experience on the island and he also talks about the whole concept of travel in a covid world.  Is it safe? is it right? Is it selfish? or is it just the way travel will be in the post 2020 years? All this and also a snippet of the local music awaits in this episode recorded live on a beach in Tenerife at sunset.  Put your earplugs in and let us carry you off to Tenerife...

Have you really seen the stars? Warren returns with Honor and recounts his stand out safari moments as a tour guide. Think of  fresh air, clean smells, dust, savannah trees, grass & mountains as Warren takes us on a journey, the swahili for which is safari. When everybody goes right, Warren goes left; this episode focuses on transparency, conservation and community. For more information go to our website. 

Honor is joined by Warren Pearson; travel guide, explorer and part of the Low Season Traveller team. From whale watching, to the full moon, to Giant Sandwiches, Warren gives a broad and honest overview of South Africa.  

In this episode, we are joined once again by Pia Louw from Turismo Tenerife, who helps us to understand more about the unique culture of Tenerife as we discuss the foods, festivals, traditions and also learn exactly what it means to be a Certified Biosphere Destination for both Tenerife and its visitors And if you'd like to see for yourself just what the experience for travellers is like in Tenerife right now, then join us on our Facebook page next week from Monday 24th May at 18:00 (BST) as we start a week-long series of coming to you live from Tenerife.  We cannot wait! Sign up for the Tenerife Live Experience here.