Low Season Traveller Insider Guides

In this episode of the Low Season Traveller Insider Guides, Ged Brown sits down with Tomasz Koralewski, CEO of the Lodz Tourism Organisation, for a fascinating conversation about one of Europe's most intriguing and undiscovered cities. Recorded over a traditional Polish lunch in the heart of Lodz, this episode offers a deep dive into the city's unique history, its remarkable transformation, and its vision for a more sustainable and authentic tourism future.Key Topics & Discussion Points:The Manchester of Poland: Discover why Lodz earned this nickname and how its industrial past has shaped its present-day identity. Learn about the city's 19th-century boom, the rise and fall of its textile industry, and the incredible regeneration of its 400+ factories into vibrant cultural and commercial spaces.A City of Contrasts: Tomasz shares his passion for Lodz's captivating contrasts – from the grandeur of industrialist palaces to the poignant history of the Jewish ghetto. Explore the city's eclectic architecture, it

In this episode of Low Season Traveller Insider Guides, Ged heads to a lesser-known gem of Northern Spain: Lleida, Catalonia’s beautiful and diverse region that's still flying under the radar.Joining Ged is Silvia Vidal, a local expert from Outdoor Adventour, who shares her deep love and knowledge of Lleida—from the snow-capped Pyrenees to the fruit-laden plains, ancient Romanesque churches, and Michelin-starred cuisine.Discover why spring and autumn offer the most rewarding and authentic experiences in this region, with tips on:Gastronomic highlights: mountain beef, olive oil, artisanal nougat, and world-class wineSustainable outdoor adventures: Nordic skiing, hiking, e-biking, paragliding, and stargazing in certified dark sky parksCultural treasures: UNESCO churches in Vall de Boí, medieval castles, and the striking Seu Vella CathedralWhy low season travel benefits local communities—and makes your trip even more special

Hi everyone, Ged here, and I’m thrilled to bring you this week’s episode of Low Season Traveller Insider Guides featuring Sahara Rose De Vore. Sahara’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary: from growing up in a non-travelling family to solo travelling across 84 countries and ultimately founding the Travel Coach Network - the world’s first ICF-accredited certification program for travel coaches.In this episode, we dive deep into the emotional power of travel, the importance of understanding our "why," and how Sahara is transforming the travel industry from the inside out. We talk about how travel can support healing, personal development, and purpose, especially when it’s designed with intention.If you’ve ever felt like travel changed your life - or could - then this is a conversation you’ll want to hear. Sahara’s insights are powerful, practical, and deeply inspiring. Enjoy the episode!00:00 – Intro & Guest IntroductionMeet Sahara Rose De Vore: solo traveler turned founder of the Travel Coa

In this insightful episode of the Low Season Traveller podcast, host Ged interviews Stuart McDonald, founder of Travelfish, a comprehensive online travel resource focused on Southeast Asia. Stuart shares the evolution of Travelfish from its humble beginnings in 2004 to becoming a trusted guide for independent travelers, his journey into responsible tourism through his master's degree, and his upcoming ambitious 64-day overland journey from Bali to the UK.Guest Profile: Stuart McDonald is the founder of Travelfish, an independent online travel guide focused on Southeast Asia. With nearly three decades of experience traveling in the region since 1993, Stuart has transformed from a backpacker and guidebook writer to an advocate for "less bad travel" - his term for more sustainable and responsible tourism practices. He recently completed a Master's degree in Responsible Tourism Management at Leeds Beckett University in the UK.Notable Quotes"Travel fish is like an old school guidebook, like

In this episode of Low Season Traveler Insider Guides, host Ged Brown sits down with Angelo Carotenuto, the founder of LivTours. Angelo shares his unconventional journey, from a performing arts background and early days as a tour guide to establishing a boutique travel company that champions sustainable, intimate, and truly immersive experiences. Listeners will hear firsthand how small-group tours can transform the way we experience cultural heritage and local traditions, especially during the low season.Key Topics Covered:Angelo’s Journey:The LivTours Difference:Sustainability and Authenticity:Unique and Immersive Experiences:The Emotional Connection:Memorable Moments:Angelo’s humorous take on oversized tour groups versus the intimacy of small-group experiences.The detailed recounting of a football match tour where guests, including a couple from Finland, experienced local passion and vibrant traditions firsthand.Anecdotes that underline the importance of experiencing destinations in a way that allows travel

In this episode of 'Low Season Traveller Insider Guides,' host Ged Brown explores the historical and cultural wonders of Girona, located in Northeast Spain. Joined by Margarita Alburna, a passionate local guide, they delve into Girona's medieval architecture, vibrant culinary scene, and rich history, including its Jewish heritage and Roman origins. Learn why visiting during the low season offers a unique experience, from quiet afternoons roaming cobblestone streets to enjoying local festivals and gastronomic delights like tomato bread and calçots. Margarita also highlights lesser-known spots in the region, such as the volcanic area and the coastal trails of Costa Brava. Tune in for a comprehensive guide on making the most of Girona, especially during its tranquil and less crowded months.

Low Season Vietnam - Insider Insights and Adventures in Vietnam Discover the hidden gems of Vietnam with exclusive insights from Chum Pham, the sales and partnerships manager of ITS Vietnam. From the tranquil beauty of Hanoi to the vibrant culture of Saigon, explore the diverse landscapes, people, and cuisine of this captivating country. Uncover the secrets of low season travel and immerse yourself in the authentic experiences that make Vietnam a must-visit destination. Join us on a journey through the sights, sounds, and flavors of Vietnam on this special episode of the Low Season Traveller Insider Guides podcast.

The Underrated Beauty of Low Season Paris: An Insider's Guide with Ged Brown and Jay Swanson In this episode of Low Season Traveller Insider Guides, host Ged Brown is joined by Jay Swanson, the creator of Paris In My Pocket, to discuss the overlooked allure of low season tourism in Paris. Jay provides unique insights into Paris, revealing the charm of local experiences, under-the-radar spots, and the inviting café culture characteristic of the city. He discusses the importance of integrating oneself into the rhythm of life in Paris, recommending the simple pleasure of people-watching. Jay also touches on the significance of French food and wine as he points out the city's international food scene. He offers tips for first-time travellers, focusing on the balance between tourist attractions and hidden gems, and encourages exploration as the key to a fulfilling Parisian trip. 00:06   Introduction and Welcome 00:30   Getting to Know Jay Swanson 01:21    Jay's Journey to Paris 03:16    Becoming a French Citizen 0

Today I’m delighted to be joined by Claire French who’s the Chief Copywriter of our very own Low Season Traveller Magazine. In this episode I caught up with Claire on a beautiful Autumn day to find out a little more about life in travel and in particular the background to her wonderful article in this months magazine edition where she endured or enjoyed 9 consecutive days of Ayurvedic massage in Goa. It sounded like heaven to me but as Claire explains, there is a lot more to it than that... I must admit, I'd be very tempted to go for an experience like this and it may just be what we all need right now… The latest edition of the magazine is available now in hard and electronic copies on lowseasontraveller.com/magazine and I’m sure you’ll agree, it’s a wonderful edition. Huge thanks to Claire for all of her contributions to the magazine and for sharing her insights with us today. 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 positiv

In this episode, we catch up with Ryan Maley, Editor in Chief of Low Season Traveller Magazine to find out a little more about the stories and features which readers can enjoy in this latest edition as we gain a little insight into how the stories and features came about. We are talking about Madrid, Ethiopia, Cambodia, Barbados, Sifnos, fascinating Cultural Heritage and much more besides…. If there are any destinations you’d like us to cover for future editions, please reach out to Ryan directly at ryan@lowseasontraveller.com 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 follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to be the first to hear our latest low season stories, articles and guides.

Today I’m delighted to be joined by a #1 Best Selling Author and leading Spa and Wellness expert, Sonal Uberoi, to learn more about Spa and Wellness breaks. I don’t know about you but I’ve always thought of Spa and Wellness as being a luxurious and extravagant pursuit of the relatively wealthy. In this episode I wanted to learn more about the concept of Wellness, the types of people who engage in Wellness travel, how Spa and Wellness link to a destination’s cultural heritage and of course, whether there are any advantages to this form of travel in the low season months. I started the conversation mildly sceptical as to whether Spa and Wellness is for people like me, and by the end this delightful conversation I was left questioning why on earth I don’t invest more of my time in the pursuit of mental wellbeing?  Have a listen to one of the most inspiring people I've met and let me know if your opinion and perception has changed as a result of listening to Sonal. And if you’d like to learn more about Sonal and

Today we’re heading over to Cape Town to join our good friend and legendary safari guide, Warren Pearson, to learn more about a new venture which Warren and his friends have created called Safarious. Designing and guiding meticulously crafted journeys to wilderness areas across Africa and beyond and creating extraordinary experiences in extraordinary places, Warren and the team believe that being entrusted with a safari is an honour and a profound responsibility – to both their guests and the natural world into which they venture together. Safarious harnesses over eight decades of collective guiding experience and industry relationships to create meaningful travel experiences, benefiting local communities, wildlife and conservation initiatives as much as it enriches the traveller. With this in mind, Warren strives for the adventures they create to be an authentic, layered experience matching the individuality of their clients with the magic of the wild to ultimately foster a deeper connection with nature. Hav

Today we head over to Kenya where I recently provided the keynote talk at the Sustainable Africa Tourism Summit.  After a week of meetings I took the opportunity to visit Tsavo National Park which is the largest national park in Kenya and also happens to be in its lowe season right now.  Located just a 2 hour drive from Mombasa, Tsavo in the low season months has everything which you would expect to find of a major national park in East Africa with just one exception – crowds. In this episode recorded live at Voi Wildlife Lodge in Tsavo East, I talk through my experience of the low season here in Kenya and, as you will hear, got a little too close to the wildlife for my liking, in the process!  And you can learn more Kenya during the low season months in a forthcoming article in Low Season Traveller Magazine as well as a new guide which we will be producing at a later date. To learn more about Voi Wildlife Lodge, please visit https://voiwildlifelodge.com Next time, we head over to Kilifi in Kenya to visit one

Today we’re heading over to Dubai which has it’s low season from May through September.  I was in Dubai for the Arabian Travel Market, a gathering of the travel industry’s leaders from all across the Middle East and beyond and I was keen to experience one of the newest properties on The Palm, The Taj Exotica Resort and Spa. Taj have been superb advocates and supporters of low season travel and we have worked closely with many of their properties recently.  The Taj Exotica is different from the other properties we have featured recently, in that it is very clearly a leisure focused property with the same emphasis on incredible customer service or Taj-ness as they put it. I caught up with Director of Sales and Marketing, Dorsai Khaghani to learn more about this exceptional property. And you can learn more about this fabulous property by visiting https://www.tajhotels.com/en-in/taj/taj-exotica-dubai/ If you are considering Dubai during the low season summer months, I would urge you not to be deterred by the heat

Today we head back over to India where I spent some time recently learning more about what the low season experience is like in the heat of the North Indian summer. Last week we featured the fabulous Rambagh Palace in Jaipur and this week we are in arguably one of the finest hotels in Delhi, The Taj Mahal.  I’ve had the pleasure of staying in this property many times over the years and I came to think of it as my home in Delhi. The attentiveness of the staff is second to none and I was always amazed how they all remembered my name even if I hadn’t visited for 2 or 3 years!  The Taj Mahal is perfectly located in the heart of Delhi and whilst it has always attracted a good business clientele, it is fair to say it never really got the tourism market in the past.  Well, after an extensive renovation during the covid years, the Taj Mahal is back open and is now absolutely perfect for tourists eager to experience the best of Delhi in a truly classic and iconic property. After a tour of the hotel, I sat down with th

Today we’re heading over to India where we’ve spent some time recently in Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur and Ranthambore to learn more about what the low season experience is like in the heat of the North Indian summer. India has some incredible palatial hotels and perhaps one of the most iconic of these is the stunning Taj Rambagh Palace in Jaipur. There is truly no bad time to experience the Rambagh Palace and arguably, the low season summer months are optimal due to the relaxed and quiet ambiance coupled with the significantly lower prices. Last week I met up with the General Manager, Mr Ashok Rathore, who kindly gave me a tour of the property and some of the amazing initiatives which they have been implementing recently to further enhance the guest experience. After our tour, Mr Rathore sat down with me in the lavish Suvarna Mahal dining room so that I could learn more about this incredible property. And you can learn more about this fabulous property by visiting https://www.tajhotels.com/en-in/taj/ramba

Today we’re heading back over to Southeast Asia to join our roving reporter Nikki as she travels the world during the low seasons. What does it mean to be an eco-friendly hotel? Sadly the tourism business is flooded with green-washing. On major booking sites, many hotels and resorts simply compile a tick list without necessarily giving any proof of their environmental credentials. As we’ve discussed several times on the Climate Friendly Travel Podcast, being truly green means more than asking guests to re-use their towels.   This week Nikki meets Duc Bui who is relatively new to the hotel business having spent a decade working as a civil engineer before buying the Amanaki Hotel, a 43 room boutique hotel in the heart of Ho Chi Minh. He's one of a small number of Vietnamese hoteliers trying to make a positive change in Vietnam. Nikki Morrison has been exploring the Low Seasons for us on her own Low Season Adventure, you can hear the hum of the city as she chats to Duc about the challenges of trying to bring an

Today we’re heading over to Borneo to join Nikki as she travels the world during the low seasons. Orangutans are one of the three species of great ape and - along with gorillas and chimpanzees - our closest cousins.  Their plight is such that the Orangutan Foundation International estimates that at current rates they will be extinct in 50 years; pressures from illegal logging and the palm oil industry being their greatest threats. Despite that, one place where you are almost guaranteed to see them in the wild is Indonesian Borneo - also known as Kalimantan. As ever, tourism provides a vital role in saving these remarkable creatures by both protecting their environment and providing alternative sources of income for local people. Former BBC journalist, Nikki Morrison, has been travelling the world during the low seasons for us and a highlight of her trip so far has been a four day river cruise with the eco-tourism organisation, Local Guides: It does what it says on the tin, cutting out the middle man and putti

For this week’s episode we’re heading back over to Southeast Asia as we catch up with Nikki in Bangkok, Thailand where she meets an incredible woman called Nok. Nok is a rarity, a Thai woman who started her own tourism business and made a great success of it. She comes from humble beginnings, a rural farming community in Isaan where she jokes she never grew because her mum had to go back to working the fields soon after she was born and her grandmother fed her on Carnation as a milk substitute. As a result, she claims that both her younger siblings are much bigger than her! Nevertheless, Nok has made a big impact in her own way. She started as a guide for an internationally owned cycle tour company that is very big across SE Asia, before eventually breaking away to start her own tours with just four bikes. Before the Pandemic, she had grown to have 50 bikes and a team of five guides working for her. However, the pandemic was tough, with little to no financial cushion, she had to return to Isaan to live with h

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 head back over to Dublin one last time, 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, Simon O’Connor who is the Director of the Museum of Literature Ireland or MoLI as it’s better known. MoLI is a museum of literature for the world’s greatest storytellers.  A tranquil oasis on St Stephen’s Green in the heart of Dublin, MoLI is where visitors from all over the world come to discover Ireland’s rich literary heritage from past to present via it’s immersive exhibitions and rare treasures from the National Library of Ireland. And it is an utterly inspiring place which I had the pleasure of passing a few hours