IIt was a simple coin toss and a chance bus ride - two sliding-door moments that would forever connect Belinda Jackson's destiny to the country of Egypt.

In this episode of ExtraVirgin Food and Travel, Natascha Mirosch is joined by Belle, a multi-award-winning travel journalist, to talk about her second home: Egypt.

One of the world's most fascinating destinations, Egypt is often misunderstood. Belle, who considers it her second home and brings years of first-hand experience and professional insight to the conversation, shares practical Egypt travel tips that go beyond the headlines and clichés.

From navigating logistics and safety concerns to choosing between independent travel and guided tours, this episode offers clear, honest advice for first-time visitors and return travellers alike, as well as a taste of the country's extraordinary food and culture, must-see sights, from oasis hot springs to breakfasting at the pyramids as well as Belle's professionally-informed picks for the best places to stay.

Whether you're researching an upcoming trip or simply dreaming of one, this episode is a practical, immersive Egypt travel guide, designed to help you travel with confidence, curiosity and respect, and to remind you why Egypt is a destination everyone should experience at least once.

Okay, 2024 might not officially be over but some of us are already planning a trip/s for 2025. In this podcast, the last for the year, travel writer Natascha Mirosch talks a little about where she visited in 2024 but also offer some suggestions of trips and destinations you might like to put on your wish list - from cruising the Amazon to a new Orient Express luxury train journey, visiting the home of the world's most famous cartoon dog and more.

You'll find links to the places mentioned in the podcast on the ExtraVirgin Food & Travel website.

Sonya Gellert has the enviable job of being a full-time food writer.

She's done a host of fabulous things throughout a career that's taken her from Australia to Japan, the UK and back to Australia. She's been a travel editor, restaurant reviewer, editorial food and drink writer, copywriter and recipe editor. She's written for Table Magazine UK, Escape magazine, delicious Magazine, Vogue Living, Huffington Post and more and worked with food luminaries such as Rachel Khoo and Donna Hay.

We're going to hear about Sonya's career trajectory, what she likes to cook and eat, what makes a good recipe, her favourite cookbook and foodie travel destination, what are the most searched-for recipes and more.