In this festive episode of The Pod Well Travelled, hosts Penny Thomas and Megan French explore the most delightful and quirky Christmas traditions from around the world.

From Germany’s enchanting Christmas markets — where mulled wine, bratwurst and handcrafted ornaments bring festive cheer — to Japan’s unexpected KFC Christmas feast, a tradition born from a clever 1970s marketing campaign, this episode is packed with holiday magic.

The fun wraps up with a festive round of ‘This or That,’ where Megan puts Penny to the test with some lighthearted questions to spark your own Christmas inspiration!
Subscribe to The Pod Well Travelled where you get your podcasts — and share it to your family and friends.
Sign up for eTravel via thewest.com.au/manage-email-preferences. It’s our free digital edition of travel that gets delivered to your inbox once a week and is full of new stories, fresh podcast episodes, upcoming events and more.

In this festive episode of The Pod Well Travelled, hosts Penny Thomas and Megan French explore the most delightful and quirky Christmas traditions from around the world.
From Germany’s enchanting Christmas markets — where mulled wine, bratwurst and handcrafted ornaments bring festive cheer — to Japan’s unexpected KFC Christmas feast, a tradition born from a clever 1970s marketing campaign, this episode is packed with holiday magic.
The fun wraps up with a festive round of ‘This or That,’ where Megan puts Penny to the test with some lighthearted questions to spark your own Christmas inspiration!
<ul>
<li>Subscribe to The Pod Well Travelled where you get your podcasts — and share it to your family and friends.</li>
<li>Sign up for eTravel via <a href="https://thewest.com.au/manage-email-preferences">thewest.com.au/manage-email-preferences</a>. It’s our free digital edition of travel that gets delivered to your inbox once a week and is full of new stories, fresh podcast episodes, upcoming events and more.</li>
</ul>

A weekly podcast with Travel Editor Stephen Scourfield and the West Travel Club Team, filled with travel news and stories, in conversation and through the speech and sounds we collect on the road.

A weekly podcast with Travel Editor Stephen Scourfield and the West Travel Club Team, filled with travel news and stories, in conversation and through the speech and sounds we collect on the road.

The Pod Well Travelled

Christmas traditions from around the globe 

Join Penny Thomas, Megan French and Stephen Scourfield as they unpack a series of interesting travel stories and trends for the month of November.

Penny kicks things off by telling us about the rise of medical tourism, sharing surprising new data that reveals over half of Australians are willing to travel abroad for medical procedures.

Next, Stephen introduces Four Points Flex by Sheraton, a budget-friendly accommodation option perfect for travellers heading to Japan.

The discussion then looks at the recent methanol poisoning incident in Laos. Plus, Stephen considers whether or not it’s safe to travel to Egypt amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza and tensions around Israeli military presence near the border.

Megan then lightens the mood by sharing some upbeat travel news, including Scoot’s new flight routes, Outback Spirit’s impressive “fly-free” deal, and the much-anticipated expansion of Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan.

At the end of the show, Stephen leads a lively round of ‘This or That,’ where Penny and Megan face off in a fun, fast-paced showdown.

+ Subscribe to The Pod Well Travelled where you get your podcasts — and share it to your family and friends.

+ Sign up for eTravel via thewest.com.au/manage-email-preferences. It’s our free digital edition of travel that gets delivered to your inbox once a week and is full of new stories, fresh podcast episodes, upcoming events and more.

Join Penny Thomas, Megan French and Stephen Scourfield as they unpack a series of interesting travel stories and trends for the month of November.
Penny kicks things off by telling us about the rise of medical tourism, sharing surprising new data that reveals over half of Australians are willing to travel abroad for medical procedures.
Next, Stephen introduces Four Points Flex by Sheraton, a budget-friendly accommodation option perfect for travellers heading to Japan.
The discussion then looks at the recent methanol poisoning incident in Laos. Plus, Stephen considers whether or not it’s safe to travel to Egypt amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza and tensions around Israeli military presence near the border.
Megan then lightens the mood by sharing some upbeat travel news, including Scoot’s new flight routes, Outback Spirit’s impressive “fly-free” deal, and the much-anticipated expansion of Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan.
At the end of the show, Stephen leads a lively round of ‘This or That,’ where Penny and Megan face off in a fun, fast-paced showdown.
+ Subscribe to The Pod Well Travelled where you get your podcasts — and share it to your family and friends.
+ Sign up for eTravel via <a href="https://thewest.com.au/manage-email-preferences">thewest.com.au/manage-email-preferences</a>. It’s our free digital edition of travel that gets delivered to your inbox once a week and is full of new stories, fresh podcast episodes, upcoming events and more.

November Travel Pulse

In this episode, Stephen Scourfield chats with Penny Thomas about the Kumano Kodo trail in Japan, which is one of only two UNESCO-recognised pilgrimage routes in the world.

Nestled in the heart of Japan’s Kii Peninsula, the series of trails weave through lush forests, towering mountains and sacred shrines and temples that have lured emperors, monks and pilgrims to the region for over 1,000 years.

Whether you’re captivated by its spiritual significance, stunning natural landscapes, or the allure of Japan’s countryside, Penny delves into what makes the Kumano Kodo so remarkable — and she reveals some exciting personal news too.

During the show, Penny and Stephen highlight several companies offering guided tours along the Kumano Kodo, which we’ve listed below:
 Intrepid Travel
World Expeditions
Auswalk 
Raw Travel 
Tanabe City Kumano Tourism Bureau

Subscribe to The Pod Well Travelled where you get your podcasts — and share it to your family and friends.

Sign up for eTravel via thewest.com.au/manage-email-preferences. It’s our free digital edition of travel that gets delivered to your inbox once a week and is full of new stories, fresh podcast episodes, upcoming events and more.

In this episode, Stephen Scourfield chats with Penny Thomas about the Kumano Kodo trail in Japan, which is one of only two UNESCO-recognised pilgrimage routes in the world.
Nestled in the heart of Japan’s Kii Peninsula, the series of trails weave through lush forests, towering mountains and sacred shrines and temples that have lured emperors, monks and pilgrims to the region for over 1,000 years.
Whether you’re captivated by its spiritual significance, stunning natural landscapes, or the allure of Japan’s countryside, Penny delves into what makes the Kumano Kodo so remarkable — and she reveals some exciting personal news too.
During the show, Penny and Stephen highlight several companies offering guided tours along the Kumano Kodo, which we’ve listed below:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/japan/japan-koya-san-kumano-kodo-trek-160303"> Intrepid Travel</a></li>
<li><a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Japan/Self-Guided-Walking/Kumano-Kodo-Self-Guided-Hike">World Expeditions</a></li>
<li><a href="https://auswalk.com.au/international-walks/kumano-kodo-pilgrimage-walks/?gad_source=1&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAi_G5BhDXARIsAN5SX7qGM4sX8OpAUhBiLWVxRWC8UxqRJwRfVB-_VsheTP9iKDd9C4o8x5oaAoirEALw_wcB">Auswalk </a></li>
<li><a href="https://rawtravel.com/destinations/kumano-kodo/">Raw Travel </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.tb-kumano.jp/en/kumano-kodo/">Tanabe City Kumano Tourism Bureau</a></li>
</ul>
Subscribe to The Pod Well Travelled where you get your podcasts — and share it to your family and friends.
Sign up for eTravel via <a href="https://thewest.com.au/manage-email-preferences">thewest.com.au/manage-email-preferences</a>. It’s our free digital edition of travel that gets delivered to your inbox once a week and is full of new stories, fresh podcast episodes, upcoming events and more.

Walking Japan's Kumano Kodo

In this episode of The Pod Well Travelled, host Penny Thomas sits down with seasoned travel writers Stephen Scourfield and Mogens Johansen to discuss the world of river cruising.

From Europe’s iconic waterways to the hidden treasures of Asia, Stephen and Mogens share insider tips on top destinations and itineraries, including unique experiences that only river cruises can offer.

With practical advice for first-time cruisers, they discuss what to consider when choosing a cruise: how boat size impacts the onboard experience, which amenities matter most, and how river cruising differs from ocean cruising in terms of excursions, dining and entertainment.

Megan French returns towards the end of the show for a lively round of “This or That”, where Stephen and Mogens reveal their preferences between European and Asian rivers, large and small ships, plus more.
Subscribe to The Pod Well Travelled where you get your podcasts — and share it to your family and friends.
Sign up for eTravel via thewest.com.au/manage-email-preferences. It’s our free digital edition of travel that gets delivered to your inbox once a week and is full of new stories, fresh podcast episodes, upcoming events and more.

In this episode of The Pod Well Travelled, host Penny Thomas sits down with seasoned travel writers Stephen Scourfield and Mogens Johansen to discuss the world of river cruising.
From Europe’s iconic waterways to the hidden treasures of Asia, Stephen and Mogens share insider tips on top destinations and itineraries, including unique experiences that only river cruises can offer.
With practical advice for first-time cruisers, they discuss what to consider when choosing a cruise: how boat size impacts the onboard experience, which amenities matter most, and how river cruising differs from ocean cruising in terms of excursions, dining and entertainment.
Megan French returns towards the end of the show for a lively round of “This or That”, where Stephen and Mogens reveal their preferences between European and Asian rivers, large and small ships, plus more.
<ul>
<li>Subscribe to The Pod Well Travelled where you get your podcasts — and share it to your family and friends.</li>
<li>Sign up for eTravel via <a href="https://thewest.com.au/manage-email-preferences">thewest.com.au/manage-email-preferences</a>. It’s our free digital edition of travel that gets delivered to your inbox once a week and is full of new stories, fresh podcast episodes, upcoming events and more.</li>
</ul>

Christmas traditions from around the globe

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