Episode 26: Christmas in Hakuba with Blaise and Kiara Barnes

This Weeks Chat:

Join me for the season finale as I chat with Blaise Barnes and Kiara Barnes, about their unforgettable Christmas holiday in Hakuba, Japan. From carving through powder snow to discovering the best après-ski spots, they share their insider tips for experiencing one of Japan's premier winter destinations. Whether you're a seasoned snowboarder or planning your first trip to the Japanese Alps, this episode is packed with practical advice and festive holiday inspiration.

What We Cover:

• Why Hakuba is the perfect destination for a winter Christmas getaway
• Snowboarding in the Japanese Alps and what makes Hakuba's powder so special
• Equipment rental tips and why Rhythm is the go-to shop
• Dining recommendations: The authentic izakaya experience at Izakaya Hie
• Après-ski culture: Drinks and atmosphere at The Aperie Bar
• Christmas in Japan: What it's like to celebrate the holidays in a Japanese ski town

Key Highlights

Snowboarding in Hakuba Blaise and Kiara share their experiences hitting the slopes in one of Japan's most famous ski regions, known for its incredible powder snow and diverse terrain.

Equipment Rental at Rhythm They both recommend Rhythm for hassle-free equipment rental, discussing what makes this shop stand out for snowboarders and skiers.

Dining: Izakaya Hie Get the inside scoop on this local izakaya that captured their hearts with authentic Japanese cuisine and atmosphere.

Après-Ski: The Aperie Bar Learn about the perfect spot to unwind after a day on the slopes, with insights into Hakuba's vibrant après-ski scene.

Helpful Travel Resources

Planning your own trip to Hakuba? Check out these comprehensive guides:

📍 The Best Restaurants to Try in Hakuba Discover more dining options beyond what Blaise and Kiara mentioned, from Wagyu specialists to the best ramen spots.

🏨 The Best Places to Stay in Hakuba A complete guide to accommodation options across Hakuba's different areas, including detailed information about Hotel Rosenheim.

❄️ Things to Know About Hakuba: A Winter Wonderland Essential travel information including how to get there from Tokyo, lift tickets, ski lessons, and activities beyond skiing.

About This Episode

This is the season finale of the Truly Expat Travel Podcast! We're wrapping up with a special family episode that brings together everything we love about travel: adventure, discovery, and sharing experiences with the people we love most.

Connect With Us

If you enjoyed this episode about Hakuba, please leave us a review and share it with fellow snow lovers and Japan enthusiasts!

Have a destination you'd like us to feature? Use the feedback button to let us know where we should explore next season.

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Episode 25: Unwrapping Christmas in London with Karla

This Week's Chat

Join me as I chat with Karla Barreca about experiencing Christmas in London, and discover why this magical city transforms into a winter wonderland during the festive season. Whether you're dreaming of a proper British Christmas or planning your festive getaway, this episode will fill you with holiday cheer and wanderlust.

What We Discuss

• Karla's Expat Story: Why she now calls London home.
  Her first Christmas living in London: The story behind her first Christmas and why she loves it so much.

The Highlights:

• Must-visit spots and hidden gems
• Local cuisine and Christmas markets
• What makes it so special during Christmas
• Seasonal Tips

Practical Bits: Getting there, where to stay, and how to celebrate Christmas

Key Takeaways

• The Christmas lights in the city
• What to eat and drink during the holiday season
• That London has Christmas Markets too!

Mentioned in This Episode

• Christmas Markets: Christmas markets tour
• Christmas Lights: Christmas Lights Double-decker bus tour.
• West End Christmas Shows: Elf the musical
• Winter Wonderland: Tickets sold online here

Other Things to do during the Christmas Season

1. Santa's Grotto at the Queen's House
2. The Snowman
3. North Pole Express Tour with Santa
4. The Great Christmas Feast

Next Week

Join me as we chat about our favourite family destination for Christmas, where we will be discussing Hakuba! A true white Christmas that we love so much, we will be heading there again this year!

Are you an expat with a favourite holiday destination you're passionate about? Drop me a line at p

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Episode 24 : A Belgian Christmas Dream: Debra's Winter Wonderland in Bruges

This Week's Chat

Join me as I sit down with Debra de Reeper, an Australian expat living in Singapore, who shares her absolute favourite Christmas destination: Bruges. We dive deep into what makes this enchanting Belgian city so magical during the festive season and why it's become her go-to winter escape.

What We Discuss

• Debra's Expat Story: From Australia to Singapore and her passion for travel
  Discovering Bruges: The story behind her first Christmas visit and what drew her back.

The Highlights:

• Must-visit spots and hidden gems
• Local cuisine and Christmas markets
• What makes it so special during Christmas
• Seasonal Tips

Practical Bits: Getting there, where to stay, and accomodation considerations

Practical Bits: Getting there, public transport and Christmas day considerations

Key Takeaways

• The one thing you absolutely mustn't miss
• How this is different from an Australian Christmas
• Common mistakes travellers make and how to avoid them

Mentioned in This Episode

• Christmas Markets: The Markt in Bruges is the city's historic Market Square
• Fairytale atmosphere: The entire city is decorated with lights and trees, creating a romantic, winter wonderland feel.
• Food and drink: Enjoy classic market treats like waffles, hot chocolate, and mulled wine (glühwein).

Next Week

I'll be chatting with Karla Barreca about their love affair with London - you won't want to miss their stories about Christmas in London.

Are you an expat with a favourite holiday destination you're passionate about? Drop me a line at podcast@trulyexpat.com - I'd love to hear your story!

Subscribe & Review: If you're enjoying these chats, please leave a review on your podcast platform that you are listening to - it really helps others discover the show.

Send us a text

If you'd like to support the podcast, just click the link in the show notes and any contribution you can make helps me keep creating episodes for you.

Support the show

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Website: Truly Expat Travel

Facebook: Truly Expat

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Episode 23: Christmas in Tokyo: Blaise & Tanisha Share Why they love Japan

This Week's Chat

This week, I'm chatting with Blaise Barnes and Tanisha Hall about experiencing Christmas in Tokyo! We dive into what makes Tokyo shopping so special during the holidays, the best seasonal foods you absolutely need to try, and why their Disney experience didn't quite live up to expectations. They share their most memorable meal at Tokyo's best restaurant, the mesmerising world of teamLab Borderless, and whether Harry Potter World is worth the hype.

What We Discussed

• Why Disneyland Tokyo disappointed them (and what to do instead)
• Racing through Tokyo streets on a real-life Mario Kart go-kart tour
• How celebrating New Year's in Tokyo was completely unexpected

The Highlights:

• Where to shop in Tokyo and why it is so unique
• Their unforgettable dining experience at Tokyo's best restaurant
• Immersive art at teamLab Borderless and the Harry Potter World experience

Practical Bits: Getting there, public transport and budget considerations

Mentioned in the episode

• TeamLab BorderLess
• Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo: making of Harry Potter
• Tokyo Disneyland
• Mario Kart Experience

Helpful Articles

• Tokyo 7 day Itinerary - The Ultimate Adventure
• Top things to do in Tokyo - A guide to Must see attractions
• 5 Must do Activities - For first timers in Tokyo
• Unearthing Tokyo and it's hidden gems
• Best Day Trips from Tokyo

Next Week

I'll be chatting with Debra De Reeper about her Christmas in Bruges - you won't want to miss her stories about cobble stones and Christmas ma

If you'd like to support the podcast, just click the link in the show notes and any contribution you can make helps me keep creating episodes for you.

Support the show

Find me on:

Website: Truly Expat Travel

Facebook: Truly Expat

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Episode 22: My New York Christmas: Lights, Magic, and Holiday Cheer

This Week's Chat

This week kicks off our Christmas Special! It's just me, and I'm taking you along on my unforgettable trip to New York City during the holidays. From the iconic Rockefeller Center tree to Madison Square Garden entertainment, discover why New York at Christmas is pure magic..."

What I Discuss

• Why New York at Christmas?: What makes this city the ultimate holiday destination
  The Magic Moments: From Rockefeller Center to hidden festive gems I discovered

The Highlights:

• The essential New York Christmas experiences you can't miss
• What to do on Christmas Day
• Holiday traditions, shows, and magical moments
• Timing your visit: When to go and how to beat the crowds

Practical Bits: Getting there, where to stay, and budget considerations

Mentioned in the episode

• Radio City Rockettes (Christmas Spectacular)
• New York City Pass (Save up to 40%)
• Gossip Girl Tour
• Yankee Stadium, Bronx and Harlem Tour

Helpful Articles

• New York in Winter
• Washington D.C to New York road trip
• 10 Top 10 things to do for first timers

Next Week

I'll be chatting with Blaise Barnes and Tanisha Hall about their Christmas in Tokyo - you won't want to miss their stories about amazing food and unique shopping experiences.

Are you an expat with a favourite holiday destination you're passionate about? Drop me a line at podcast@trulyexpat.com - I'd love to hear your story!

Subscribe & Review: If you're enjoying these chats, please leave a review on your podcast platform that you are listening to - it really helps others discover the show.

Send us a text

Support the show

Find me on:

Website: Truly Expat Travel

Facebook: Truly Expat

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Episode 21: Falling for Granada with Cassie Beardsly

Join me as I chat with Cassie Beardsly about her beloved Granada, and discover why this stunning Spanish city has captured her heart with its rich history, vibrant culture, and unforgettable charm.

In this episode, we chat about:

- Must-see sights and hidden gems in Granada

- Local flavours and where to find authentic Andalusian cuisine

- The best times to visit and how to make the most of your stay

It's a relaxed, conversational episode filled with insider tips, local favourites, and the kind of authentic travel advice that only comes from someone who truly knows the city.

Whether you're planning your next Spanish adventure or just dreaming of Moorish palaces and flamenco-filled nights, this episode is your perfect travel companion.

🎧 Tune in now on your favourite podcast app!

📌 Cassie Beardsley is an Aussie Expat who is now based back in Australia (for the now anyway). You can connect with her on instagram

📌 Next week: I'll be joined by Blaise Barnes and Tanisha Hall for an exciting conversation about Tokyo, Japanese culture, and insider tips you won't want to miss!

If you'd like to support the podcast, just click the link in the show notes and any contribution you can make helps me keep creating episodes for you.

Support the show

Find me on:

Website: Truly Expat Travel

Facebook: Truly Expat

Instagram: Truly Expat Travel

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Episode 20: Tenerife Through Alexandra's Eyes:

Join me as I chat with Alexandra Paucescu about her favourite holiday destination, Tenerife, and discover what keeps drawing her back to this captivating Canary Island year after year.

In this episode, we chat about:

🍷 What to eat and drink in Tenerife

🗺️ The perfect 2-day itinerary for first-time visitors

☀️ Why the shoulder season is the best time to visit the island

It's a relaxed, conversational episode filled with insider tips, local favourites, and the kind of authentic travel advice that only comes from someone who truly knows the island.

Whether you're planning your next Canary Islands adventure or just dreaming of sun-soaked shores, this episode is your perfect travel companion.

🎧 Tune in now on your favourite podcast app!

📌 Alexandra Paucescu is a writer, intercultural communications expert, mother, diplomatic spouse, and world traveller. You can connect with her here on her media channels or follow her on Instagram @alexandra.paucescu

📌 Next week: I'll be joined by Cassie Beardsly for an inspiring chat about Granada, hidden gems, and cultural curiosities you don't want to miss!

Send us a text

If you'd like to support the podcast, just click the link in the show notes and any contribution you can make helps me keep creating episodes for you.

Support the show

Find me on:

Website: Truly Expat Travel

Facebook: Truly Expat

Instagram: Truly Expat Travel

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Send us a text

Episode 19 – Wandering Through Quebec City: A Solo Traveller’s Perspective

Description:
This week, it’s just me—and I’m taking you along on my recent solo trip to Quebec City. From chocolate-dipped everything at Chocolats Favoris to sipping Coureur des Bois (Canadian maple cream whisky) I’m spilling all the details from one of the most charming destinations I’ve visited this year.

In this episode, I chat about:
🍁 My favourite foodie finds (including a life-changing Impossible burger!)
🏰 Exploring Old Quebec
👻 A surprisingly spooky ghost tour
🎨 Unexpected cultural highlights like the Titanic exhibition at the Museum of Civilisation
🚍 Why the river cruise is totally worth it

It’s a candid, solo-style episode packed with personal stories, recommendations, and the kind of travel insights you won’t find in a guidebook.

Whether you’re planning a trip to Quebec or simply craving a virtual escape, this episode is your cosy companion for the journey.

🎧 Tune in now on your favourite podcast app!

📌 Next week: I’ll be joined by Alexandra Paucescu for an inspiring chat about Tenerife, hidden gems, and cultural curiosities you won’t want to miss!

Useful Articles:

1. Day Trips from Quebec City
2. Montmorency Falls & Ile d’Orleans Tour
3. The Ultimate 3-Day Toronto to Montreal and Quebec Tour (Everything You Need to Know)
4. Top Things to Do in Quebec City for Culture, Food & Adventure
5. Where to Eat in Quebec City: 7 Restaurants You’ll Dream About Later

Are you an expat with a favourite holiday destination you're passionate about? Drop me a line at podcast@trulyexpat.com - I'd love to hear your story!

Subscribe & Review: If you're enjoying these chats, please leave a review on your podcast platform that you are listening to - it really helps others discover the show.

Support the show

Find me on:

Website: Truly Expat Travel

Facebook: Truly Expat

Instagram: Truly Expat Travel

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