In this episode we talk about using Hexagon Hotels as a smart staging ground for broader adventures. Normand Schafer explains how these hotels offer great access to both city life and island excursions. Whether you're headed to the Mamanucas, Coral Coast, or remote interior, their well-placed properties make it easy to go far, while staying grounded.

In this episode we talk about quad biking as a deeper form of discovery. Host Normand Schafer joins the Go Dirty Tours crew for a thrilling look at how adrenaline, nature, and culture collide in the hills beyond Nadi. Whether it’s cresting mountain trails, exploring hidden waterfalls, or visiting local farms, this isn’t just a ride — it’s a rugged road to the real Fiji.

In this episode we talk about the symbolic and geographic importance of First Landing Resort — located where the first Fijians are believed to have arrived over 3,500 years ago. Host Normand Schafer dives into the property's deep cultural connections and why it attracts travelers looking for a more meaningful stay. Hear how ancient arrival stories blend with modern hospitality in one of Fiji’s most historic locations.

In this episode we talk about a boutique hideaway surrounded by tropical gardens and dramatic volcanic peaks. Normand Schafer explores Fiji Orchid’s unique place in the travel landscape with insights from the team behind this former home of actor Raymond Burr. From architecture to orchids, this is your entry point to a very different kind of South Pacific adventure — serene, stylish, and deeply local.

In this episode we talk about the deeply spiritual and cultural treasures of the Guaihanes region in Haida Gwaii. Norman Shaffer sits down with Gidinjad, a veteran of the Watchman Program, to uncover the stories of Skedans, Windy Bay, Hot Springs Island, and other village sites that lie scattered like whispers along the British Columbia coast. These aren't just archaeological remnants—they are sacred living spaces still pulsing with ancestral spirit and Haida pride. The episode delves into how these locations continue to guide the Haida people and visitors alike, from the echo of drums on North Beach to children channeling ancient songs in the moonlight.

We explore the role of the Haida Watchmen, the healing power of land-based culture, and the way that every visitor is offered not just a tour, but a spiritual experience. Gidinjad recounts decades of working at these sites—bringing his grandchildren, guiding elders, and witnessing moments of profound transformation. Visit https://farandawayadventures.com to plan your expedition into the heart of Haida heritage. Discover more at Far and Away Adventures.com. If you’ve ever longed for travel that moves your soul and expands your understanding, this episode delivers a rare glimpse into one of the most meaningful destinations on Earth.

Plan your next unforgettable stop at Far and Away Adventures.com: https://farandawayadventures.com.

In this episode, we talk about K’una—Skedans—the remarkable Haida village perched on the edge of Haida Gwaii’s eastern coastline. Host Norm joins Watchman Melanie to uncover the rich cultural layers that still pulse through this low-lying shoreline site. Once home to 600–700 residents and renowned for potlatches and trade, Skedans was alive with ceremony, community, and art. Visit https://farandawayadventures.com to plan your expedition into the heart of Haida heritage. Discover more at Far and Away Adventures.com.

Melanie walks us through mortuary poles, some dating to pre-contact times, with shallow cuts carved by shell and obsidian tools—evidence of the village’s deep history. She also sheds light on why these sacred monuments are left to return to the earth: they are part of the natural cycle of life, not artifacts for display. Her stories are raw, thoughtful, and imbued with the quiet power of the land.

Skedans is known among the Haida as a “party town,” and even today, visitors feel a lightness here—a joy that contrasts with the heavier energy of other sites. Melanie’s reflections on cultural continuity, loss, and resurgence help listeners appreciate what it truly means to walk among the remnants of an unbroken lineage. She encourages visitors to pair their site visits with the Haida Heritage Centre for deeper cultural insight.

This isn’t just sightseeing. It’s soul-seeing. And it’s an adventure worth every step. Plan your journey to Skedans at https://farandawayadventures.com.

In this episode we talk about how to take immediate, effective action now that the Air Canada flight attendant strike has been officially resolved. While flights are beginning to resume, Air Canada warns it could still take five to seven days to normalize operations—meaning that travelers are still scrambling for rebooking solutions, refunds, or alternative plans during the peak of the summer travel season.

With more than 130,000 passengers affected each day—and over 600 flights canceled in the first 48 hours alone—this episode delivers a lifeline for listeners overwhelmed by uncertainty. We'll start with a clear breakdown of which flights are resuming and where help is available, including:

• How to check your flight status, and when to continue using the airline app versus standing in line at the desk.

• The best ways to request free rebookings or refunds, as offered by Air Canada—or when it makes sense to opt for other carriers entirely Reuters+15People.com+15Chargebacks911+15.

Next, we'll share proven creative rerouting strategies similar to what top travel experts are advising—especially leveraging the Star Alliance network, alternate airports, or breaking your journey into separate segments to regain momentum The Economic TimesReutersThe Washington Post.

We'll also cover how to deal with financial fallout:

• Free rebooking and travel credits are widely available, but if your window of opportunity has passed, we’ll walk you through refund rules and when it’s time to consider chargebacks or bank intervention NerdWallet+5Going+5Chargebacks911+5.

• Don’t overlook credit card or travel insurance perks—some offer cancellation coverage, lodging, or concierge rebooking support when strikes or disruptions occur Condé Nast TravelerGlobal News.

Finally, you'll gain battle-tested guidance on how to stay proactive over the next week:

• How to stack alerts (app, SMS, email) for real-time status updates ca.news.yahoo.com+2abc7news.com+2.

• Survival advice for airport delays—charging strategies, food, and maintaining calm under pressure.

• Plus, reflections on the broader lessons: why flexibility is your top ally, and how early responsiveness can move you from stranded to en route.

If you're stuck, refund-hunting, or trying to recover after the chaos, this episode gives you the tools to regain control—today and moving forward.

In this episode we talk with John Checketts from Fiji Airways about the strategic planning behind routes that open access to the Pacific’s most remote adventures. Host Normand Schafer dives into how the airline chooses its destinations, connects explorers to lesser-known islands, and balances demand with sustainable growth. If you’ve ever dreamed of reaching untouched islands, this conversation shows you how aviation makes it possible.