In this episode of Travel Our World, Martin is joined by Friend of the Pod Chris and Madeira local Fabio, Managing Director of Golf in Madeira, to explore why this Portuguese island has become one of Europe's most exciting year-round destinations.

Known for its dramatic landscapes, mild climate and welcoming culture, Madeira offers a unique blend of adventure, relaxation and island life in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean.

Together they discuss what makes Madeira special, from the vibrant streets of Funchal and the island's connection to Cristiano Ronaldo, to spectacular levada walks, mountain sunrises and some of Europe's most scenic coastlines.

In this episode we explore:

• Madeira's year-round climate and appeal
• Local culture, food and island life
• Levada walks and mountain adventures
• Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo
• The famous Monte toboggan ride
• Surfing and outdoor activities
• Funchal and Mercado dos Lavradores
• Seixal Beach, Porto Moniz and Ponta de São Lourenço
• Golf tourism and future developments on the island

We also discuss overtourism, active travel trends and how AI is beginning to shape the way people plan their holidays.

Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, golf, food or spectacular scenery, Madeira offers something for every traveller.

Follow the podcast and come along for the journey.

Real stories. Real journeys. One trip at a time.

Episode Chapters:

00:56 Madeira Introduction

02:23 Chris First Impressions

05:08 Meet Fabio Local View

06:13 Airport Tales

07:38 Ronaldo Island Pride

10:27 Food and Culture

13:47 Best Time to Visit

16:16 Levadas and Adventure

21:32 Golf Takes Centre Stage

26:19 Active Island Wrap

27:13 Monte Toboggan Ride

29:12 Beating the Queues

30:14 Food and Stay Options

31:02 Funchal Market Visit

32:21 Local Beaches and Sunrises

34:30 Road Trip Hidden Gems

35:24 Four Day Madeira Plan

36:36 Quick Fire Favourites

38:58 Why Madeira Wins Hearts

41:10 Overtourism and Balance

42:05 Golf Destination Growth

45:31 Rise of Active Travel

48:04 AI in Trip Planning

49:46 Final Thanks and Sign Off

Welcome to the Travel Our World Podcast, where every episode is a journey.

Hosted by Martin McGrath and Damian Urwin, two long-time friends with over 50 years of combined experience in the travel industry, each episode dives into the people, places, and stories that make travel unforgettable.

From mountain treks to coastal escapes, ski chalets to city streets, Travel Our World shares real stories from those who live, work, and explore the world of travel.

Real stories. Real journeys. One trip at a time.

Listen on Acast, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your shows.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travelourworldpodcast/

Email: travelourworldpodcast@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Travel Our World, Martin travels solo to Scotland's Isle of Skye for one of the most personal journeys of Season 2.

Flying from London to Inverness, he follows the famous A82 through the Scottish Highlands, passing Loch Ness and stopping at Urquhart Castle, Invermoriston Falls and Eilean Donan Castle before crossing the Skye Bridge and arriving in Portree.

The purpose of the trip is to share an adventure with his oldest friend, Andy, who is returning to the mountains 17 months after suffering a stroke.

Together they attempt Blà Bheinn, one of Skye's most celebrated peaks. Battling snow, poor visibility, strong winds and challenging conditions, they make the difficult decision to turn back just short of the summit, prompting a conversation about recovery, judgement, resilience and what it really means to keep moving forward.

In this episode we explore:

• Driving through the Scottish Highlands
• Loch Ness, castles and Highland history
• Portree and first impressions of Skye
• Climbing Blà Bheinn
• Friendship, recovery and resilience
• Why turning back can be the right decision
• The Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing
• Future adventures including the Stubai High Trail and a possible Kilimanjaro expedition
• The history, geology and culture of the Isle of Skye

We also discuss the latest Travel News & Tech, including updates on the EU Entry/Exit System (EES), the rise of "coolcations", and useful travel tools such as offline maps.

Follow the podcast and come along for the journey.

Real stories. Real journeys. One trip at a time.

Episode Chapters

00:00 Skye Adventure Begins

01:53 Why Scotland Now

02:45 Andy's Comeback Story

03:50 Inverness to Highlands Drive

05:07 Loch Ness Legends

06:14 Castles and Waterfalls Stops

08:57 Crossing to Skye

09:57 First Night in Portree

11:46 Cottage Chat Setup

15:37 Blà Bheinn Attempt

19:30 Outdoor Roots and Friendship

21:43 Stroke Recovery Mindset

23:43 Pub Memories and Support

24:24 Not Reaching the Summit

25:22 Rivalry After the Stroke

26:31 Coco Joins the Chat

26:54 Old Man of Storr Tips

27:58 Next Adventures and Canoeing

30:09 Skye Plans and Austria Prep

31:05 Recovery Perspective and Pride

33:47 Isle of Skye Overview

34:56 Geology and Iconic Landscapes

37:06 History and Gaelic Roots

40:03 How to Experience Skye

41:19 Travel News & Tech

43:08 Final Reflections and Updates

Welcome to the Travel Our World Podcast, where every episode is a journey.

Hosted by Martin McGrath and Damian Urwin, two long-time friends with over 50 years of combined experience in the travel industry, each episode dives into the people, places, and stories that make travel unforgettable.

From mountain treks to coastal escapes, ski chalets to city streets, Travel Our World shares real stories from those who live, work, and explore the world of travel.

Real stories. Real journeys. One trip at a time.

Listen on Acast, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your shows.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travelourworldpodcast/

Email: travelourworldpodcast@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Something new is here 🎙️

Introducing Travel Our World Extra — a brand new extension of the podcast.

Alongside our main destination episodes, Travel Our World Extra gives us space to dive deeper into the people, stories and experiences behind travel.

New voices. Different journeys. More stories from the road.

🎧 Trailer out now.

🎙 Bonus episodes dropping throughout Season 2.

Follow the podcast and join us as we continue.

Discovering the world one voice at a time.

Welcome to the Travel Our World Podcast, where every episode is a journey.

Hosted by Martin McGrath and Damian Urwin, two long-time friends with over 50 years of combined experience in the travel industry, each episode dives into the people, places, and stories that make travel unforgettable.

From mountain treks to coastal escapes, ski chalets to city streets, Travel Our World shares real stories from those who live, work, and explore the world of travel.

Real stories. Real journeys. One trip at a time.

Listen on Acast, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your shows.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travelourworldpodcast/

Email: travelourworldpodcast@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Part Two of this special Nepal series, Travel Our World continues the journey from Lukla to Everest Base Camp.

After days stranded by monsoon flooding and flight cancellations, Martin, Sara and Tom finally begin their compressed nine-day trek through the Khumbu Valley, with limited acclimatisation and little room for error.

From suspension bridges and prayer wheels to high-altitude teahouses and glacier crossings, this episode follows the emotional and physical reality of trekking to Everest Base Camp.

In this episode we explore:

• The atmosphere and chaos of Lukla
• Trekking through Namche and Tengboche
• Teahouse life, dal bhat and mountain routines
• Altitude struggles, illness and acclimatisation
• The Khumbu Glacier and final push to Base Camp
• Emotional moments at Everest Base Camp
• Friendships formed on the mountain
• The long journey back down the valley

The group also reflects on what the experience meant to them personally, from challenge and resilience, perspective and lifelong memories.

We also discuss practical trekking advice, Nepal travel updates and lessons learned from the experience.

Follow the podcast and come along for the journey.

Real stories. Real journeys. One trip at a time.

Episode Chapters

00:00 Back in Lukla

01:39 Lukla Airport Buzz

02:46 Trail Begins

03:30 Day One to Monjo

04:03 Reality Check Climb

05:39 Namche Views Missed

07:06 Porters and Perspective

08:45 Tengboche Monastery

10:37 Tea Houses and Dal Bhat

11:38 Sunrise and Goodbyes

12:50 Dingboche to Lobuche

14:38 Illness and Turnarounds

16:24 Push to Base Camp

16:58 Khumbu Glacier Awe

22:05 Arriving at Base Camp

24:17 What Base Camp Means

26:18 Friendships After Trek

26:49 Kili Next Adventure

27:01 Base Camp Silence

28:02 Proud Summit Moments

29:11 Celebrity Base Camp Pitch

30:48 Namche Pub Night

32:52 Donkeys and Hornets

35:10 Hemraj Gets Us Home

35:41 Bittersweet Return

37:10 Travel News and Tech

42:51 Would You Do It Again

44:02 Wrap Up and Thanks

46:25 Packing Lessons and Tips

50:12 Final Gratitude Outro

Welcome to the Travel Our World Podcast, where every episode is a journey.

Hosted by Martin McGrath and Damian Urwin, two long-time friends with over 50 years of combined experience in the travel industry, each episode dives into the people, places, and stories that make travel unforgettable.

From mountain treks to coastal escapes, ski chalets to city streets, Travel Our World shares real stories from those who live, work, and explore the world of travel.

Real stories. Real journeys. One trip at a time.

Listen on Acast, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your shows.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travelourworldpodcast/

Email: travelourworldpodcast@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special two-part episode of Travel Our World, Martin is joined by fellow trekkers Sara and Tom to look back on their unforgettable Everest Base Camp trek in September 2024.

What began as a planned 12-day trek through the Himalayas quickly became something very different.

After arriving in Nepal with Intrepid Travel, the group found themselves stranded in Ramechhap for three days due to monsoon flooding, washed-out roads and cancelled flights into Lukla, forcing a complete rethink of the trek and compressing the route into just nine days.

In Part 1, the group reflect on:

• Why they signed up for Everest Base Camp
• Arriving in Kathmandu and first impressions of Thamel
• Meeting the trekking group and guides
• The chaos and uncertainty of the Ramechhap delays
• Monsoon flooding and the reality of Himalayan travel
• Replanning the trek in just nine days
• Altitude fears, Diamox and mental preparation
• Finally boarding the flight to Lukla

Along the way, they discuss travel motivations, challenges, resilience and the friendships that began forming before the trek had even properly started.

This episode captures the uncertainty, humour and emotional build-up before setting foot on the trail.

Part 2 continues the journey from Lukla through Namche, Tengboche and ultimately Everest Base Camp itself.

Follow the podcast and come along for the journey.

Real stories. Real journeys. One trip at a time.

Episode Chapters

01:23 Meet Sara and Tom

01:48 Why We Signed Up

05:25 Arriving in Kathmandu

07:37 Thamel and First Day Jitters

11:09 Meeting the Trek Group

15:20 Guide Hemraj Spotlight

17:31 First Dinner and Packing Rules

20:01 Packing Mistakes

20:41 Ramechhap Road Trip

22:26 Airport Waiting Game

24:41 Why Lukla Flights Stop

26:49 Storms Floods and Doubt

30:38 Miracle Weather Break

33:06 Nine Day Trek Plan

35:37 Finally Flying to Lukla

40:12 Touchdown and Trail Begins

41:23 Part One Wrap Up

Welcome to the Travel Our World Podcast, where every episode is a journey.

Hosted by Martin McGrath and Damian Urwin, two long-time friends with over 50 years of combined experience in the travel industry, each episode dives into the people, places, and stories that make travel unforgettable.

From mountain treks to coastal escapes, ski chalets to city streets, Travel Our World shares real stories from those who live, work, and explore the world of travel.

Real stories. Real journeys. One trip at a time.

Listen on Acast, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your shows.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travelourworldpodcast/

Email: travelourworldpodcast@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

London on Foot: Pubs, Markets and Hidden Corners from London Bridge to Seven Dials

In this episode of Travel Our World, Martin is joined by friends Owen and Chris for a walking tour through the heart of London, from London Bridge to Covent Garden and Seven Dials.

Starting at The George, a historic 1600s coaching inn tucked beneath The Shard, they explore the city step by step, sharing the places they love and the stories behind them.

From the buzz of Borough Market and hidden railway arches to riverside pubs and iconic skyline views, this is London through a local lens, full of character, contrast and discovery.

In this episode we explore:

• Borough Market and London’s street food scene
• Hidden arches, side streets and independent spots
• Riverside pubs along the South Bank
• Crossing the Thames and London skyline views
• Covent Garden, Seven Dials and Theatreland
• Coffee stops, pastries and local favourites
• What makes London such a walkable and diverse city

Along the way, they cover everything from Uber Boats on the Thames and skyline viewpoints like Sky Garden and The Shard, to theatre ticket tips, transport options and the ever-present London pub culture.

After 13,000 steps, the journey finishes in Seven Dials, reflecting on what makes London one of the world’s great cities to explore on foot.

Back in the studio, Martin is joined by Damian to reflect on London as both a destination and a place to call home.

We also discuss the latest travel news and tech, and check in with regular contributors to the show.

Real stories. Real journeys. One trip at a time.

Episode Chapters

00:00 Intro

01:13 Meet at The George

03:16 London Roots and First Memories

05:30 Borough Market Food Buzz

09:28 Hidden Arches and Side Streets

12:19 South Bank Pubs

12:53 Waterloo Tap and South Bank Culture

18:03 Crossing Hungerford Bridge

18:59 Thames Tales and Skyline Views

24:31 Somerset House Winter Skate

25:54 Getting Around London

27:19 Tuk Tuks Versus Black Cabs

28:41 Theatreland Ticket Tips

30:10 Covent Garden Museums

30:50 Covent Garden Buzz & Coffee Stops

32:56 Pubs and Street Culture

34:36 Pastel de Nata Stop

35:11 Food and History Follows

37:20 Seven Dials Finale

39:12 Wrap Up – London Love

45:42 Post-Trip Chat with Damian

46:04 Living in Soho

47:56 Pubs and Soho Origins

49:35 London Facts and Figures

51:31 Hidden London Tips

53:08 Canals and East London Vibes

55:17 London Gripes and Love

56:41 Travel News – Border Biometrics

58:00 Travel Tech Updates

59:56 Wrap Up and Next Episode

Welcome to the Travel Our World Podcast, where every episode is a journey.

Hosted by Martin McGrath and Damian Urwin, two long-time friends with over 50 years of combined experience in the travel industry, each episode dives into the people, places, and stories that make travel unforgettable.

From mountain treks to coastal escapes, ski chalets to city streets, Travel Our World shares real stories from those who live, work, and explore the world of travel.

Real stories. Real journeys. One trip at a time.

Listen on Acast, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your shows.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travelourworldpodcast/

Email: travelourworldpodcast@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Travel Our World, we explore Vietnam, a country of contrasts where ancient traditions and modern life exist side by side.

Martin is joined by Damian, who leads the conversation as they unpack a journey taken in January 2026, travelling the length of the country from the bustling streets of Hanoi to the energy of Ho Chi Minh City,

From dramatic landscapes and historic cities to unforgettable food and local experiences, Vietnam delivers something new at every turn.

In this episode we explore:

• First impressions of Hanoi and northern Vietnam
• Ha Long Bay and life on the water
• The Reunification Express overnight train
• Huế and Vietnam’s imperial history
• Hoi An, lanterns and coastal life
• Ho Chi Minh City and its modern energy
• The Mekong Delta and rural Vietnam
• Why Vietnam surprises so many travellers

This episode focuses on the human side of travel, the people, the pace and the constant shift between old and new.

We also discuss the latest travel news and tech, and check in with regular contributors to the show.

Lauren joins us with another Postcard from the Road, while Hannah shares the latest entry from The Mountain Diaries.

Follow the podcast and come along for the journey.

Real stories. Real journeys. One trip at a time.

Welcome to the Travel Our World Podcast, where every episode is a journey.

Hosted by Martin McGrath and Damian Urwin, two long-time friends with over 50 years of combined experience in the travel industry, each episode dives into the people, places, and stories that make travel unforgettable.

From mountain treks to coastal escapes, ski chalets to city streets, Travel Our World shares real stories from those who live, work, and explore the world of travel.

Real stories. Real journeys. One trip at a time.

Listen on Acast, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your shows.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travelourworldpodcast/

Email: travelourworldpodcast@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Travel Our World, we head to Palermo, the vibrant and chaotic capital of Sicily.

Recorded on location, Martin is joined by friend of the pod Owen as they explore a city full of history, culture and incredible street food, where every corner tells a story.

From bustling markets and grand architecture to raw, authentic neighbourhoods, Palermo offers a completely different side of Italy.

In this episode we explore:

• Palermo’s street food scene and local flavours
• The city’s rich and complex history
• Walking through Palermo’s old town
• The contrast between beauty and grit
• Why Sicily feels so different from mainland Italy

Back in the studio, Martin is joined by Damian, who brings a fresh perspective having not been on the trip but having been to another part of this beautiful island.

We also discuss the latest travel news and tech, with a focus on Italy and European travel.

Lauren joins us with another Postcard from the Road, while Hannah shares the latest entry from The Mountain Diaries.

Follow the podcast and come along for the journey.

Real stories. Real journeys. One trip at a time.

00:00 Palermo Destination Focus (On Location with Owen)

36:01 Post-Trip Chat with Damian

40:39 Travel News & Tech

45:38 Postcards from the road

50:36 Wrap up and Next Episode

Welcome to the Travel Our World Podcast, where every episode is a journey.

Hosted by Martin McGrath and Damian Urwin, two long-time friends with over 50 years of combined experience in the travel industry, each episode dives into the people, places, and stories that make travel unforgettable.

From mountain treks to coastal escapes, ski chalets to city streets, Travel Our World shares real stories from those who live, work, and explore the world of travel.

Real stories. Real journeys. One trip at a time.

Listen on Acast, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your shows.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travelourworldpodcast/

Email: travelourworldpodcast@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.