To celebrate 20 years of the Travel in 10 Podcast , David Brodie and co host Tim Johnson look back at how travel podcasting began and where it is today. David is joined by Chris Christensen, creator of long running Amateur Traveler podcast and member of the Podcast Hall of Fame, for a candid conversation about starting shows in 2004 to 2005, the gear and grit it took early on, and how travel audio has inspired millions to explore the world.

Highlights:

• The origin story of Amateur Traveler and Travel in 10
• Early podcasting hurdles, recording setups, and hand built RSS feeds
• Why interview driven shows unlock destinations beyond your own travels
• How travel podcasts are used by schools, governments, and airlines
• Favourite guest stories that challenge assumptions about places and people
• Evolving travel styles, trip pacing, and second visit strategies that reveal the local side of a city
• Building community across travel podcasters and launching Voyascape

Closing music: Grace Forestier, “Leaving on a Jet Plane” (Instagram: @graceforestiermusic)

Mentioned in this episode:

Check out the new Smart Travel Podcast.

This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:

Smart Travel Podcast

Check out the Smart Travel Podcast

This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:

Smart Travel Podcast

Tim joins David to make the case for Nagasaki as a must-add to Japan itineraries—especially while the yen is favorable. Beyond its solemn WWII history, the city blends European influence, scenic harbor views, island day trips, and incredible food. We cover the Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum, Dejima’s Dutch trading post, Glover Garden, a boat trip to Battleship Island, what to eat (castella and champon), where to stay (from boutique Portuguese-inspired hotels to brand-new design stays), plus nearby onsen culture and the perfect sunset finale from Mount Inasa.

Why listen:

• A practical “second-trip to Japan” alternative to Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka

• How to structure a respectful visit to the Peace Park and Museum

• Exactly where Nagasaki’s Dutch/Portuguese legacy shows up today

• What and where to eat, stay, and soak—without renting a car

• Nagasaki Peace Park: Begin here to understand the city’s history and commitment to peace. Pair it with the Atomic Bomb Museum for context.
• Dejima Island: Re-created streets and warehouses from Nagasaki’s Dutch-trade era.
• Oura Cathedral & Glover’s House: Rare historic church and hillside European mansions with harbor views.
• Battleship Island (Hashima): A guided boat trip to an eerie, abandoned mining island with UNESCO recognition and a Bond-film cameo.
• Mount Inasa Ropeway: Ride up at dusk for glittering harbor views.

• Castella cake: Nagasaki’s signature Portuguese sponge cake.
• Champon noodles: Pork/seafood ramen unique to Nagasaki—try a local favorite near Dejima.
• Dejima Wharf & Izakaya alleys: Perfect for fresh sushi, sashimi, and casual small plates.

• Hotel Monterey Nagasaki: Boutique Portuguese-inspired stay with azulejo tiles and antiques.
• Glover’s House boutique hotel: A hillside retreat next to Glover Garden with breezy views and local character.
• Hotel Indigo Nagasaki: Stylish new property with architecture nodding to the city’s European heritage.
• Nearby onsen options: Obama Onsen on the coast, or Kagoshima (a Shinkansen ride away) for private in-room hot spring baths.

• Be respectful at memorials; photography may be restricted.
• Support local businesses like castella bakeries and izakaya instead of big chains.
• At onsens: follow etiquette (rinse first, no suits, tattoos may need covering).

Affiliate Disclosure:

Some of the links above are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you click through and make a booking or purchase. Using these links helps support the...

We head back to Ecuador to explore a lesser-visited southeastern loop that moves from the high Andes into the Amazon in just a few hours. David and Tim swap rainforest lodge stories, then David sits down in Cuenca with Felipe from Two Degrees Expeditions to unpack a new, community-driven route that threads cacao and guayusa farms, light-adventure rafting, birding lodges, Shuar cultural experiences, and standout gastronomy in Saraguro.

Why listen:

• Discover how quickly you can link the Andes and Amazon in southern Ecuador

• Learn what “light adventure” looks like for families and curious first-timers

• Hear how Shuar and Saraguro communities are leading culture-forward, sustainable tourism

• Get ideas for unique stays, from river-perched rooms to forest cabins

• Cuenca

• The Andes and the Amazon of southern Ecuador

• Cacao farm visit and chocolate tasting

• Guayusa farming and tea tradition

• Family-friendly rafting experience

• Shuar community visit and cultural exchange

• Saraguro town and Chamuico restaurant (six-course tasting)

• Lodges referenced: Rio Vida Lodge (Hualaquiza), Copalinga Forest Lodge

• This route is intentionally community-based. Please book with operators who compensate local partners fairly and cap group sizes.

• Follow lodge guidance on river and rainforest safety, stick to marked paths, and use insect repellent that is rainforest-safe.

• Cultural photography: always ask permission, especially during ceremonies.

Book directly with Two Degrees Expeditions or find them on Instagram at 2 degrees expeditions.

Note: Some of the above are affiliate links. if you book using them you will not be charged any extra, but we will receive a small commission to help support the show.

Mentioned in this episode:

Check out the Smart Travel Podcast

This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:

Smart Travel Podcast

Check out the new Smart Travel Podcast.

This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:

Smart Travel Podcast