I Am Not Your Tour Guide

Starla Skelton
  • 4.8 (10)
  • PLACES & TRAVEL
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Everybody loves a good story! Your host, Starla Skelton, highlights real stories as she interviews globe-trotters and domestic travelers. We will traverse through different perspectives and explore the reasons people travel. 

  1. "The People You Meet". Travel stories from the author, Melissa Rodway.

    OCT 31

    "The People You Meet". Travel stories from the author, Melissa Rodway.

    Our epic guest this week, Melissa Rodway, is the creator and host of FLY Travel Radio and author of the book, "The People You Meet: Luxury, Leeches, Love, and Lao-Lao". Melissa lives in Toronto, Ontario, Canada; where the toilets are amazing. She joins us to talk about her new book and to reflect on a few memories of her venturesome journey through Southeast Asia.  Book link on Amazon: https://a.co/d/db1jnK1 Instagram link: @fly_travel_media

    1 hr

  2. OCT 23

    Wanderlust and Single Serving Friendships.

    Today's podcast is just a good ol' fashioned conversation about traveling. I believe that sharing stories with a dear friend can instantly boost your mood and activate your wanderlust (endorphins overload). Our guest today, Henry McClain, has traveled all over the world and his enthusiasm for planet earth is contagious! He's the opposite of boring and he brings his travel stories to life. If this makes any sense, Henry is like a dress with pockets for the soul.

    1h 9m
  3. The Enchantments, Washington, U.S.A.

    AUG 3

    The Enchantments, Washington, U.S.A.

    This week's epic guest, Paxton, is a Washingtonian who guides us through her day- hike of The Enchantments. This hike is in a region within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. If you're a wilderness lover, put this on your list!   Paxton shares her perspective that being on the trail is a reminder of gratitude and she also expresses, "I think there is a lot of value in choosing to do hard stuff". Her positive outlook on being in nature and appreciating yourself is a beautiful reminder to acknowledge what your body can do and not what it can't do.  Highlights on The Enchantment hike: So many GOATS! Colchuck Lake Aasgard PassTwo more Washington hikes that she urges you to check out: Blanca Lake Trail Oyster Dome Items she recommends for hiking: HeadlampWater Purifier Brooks trail runners (she never gets blisters with these shoes)If you haven't heard of The Enchantments, click on the Washington Trails Association link below to get any extra information that you may need to plan your hike!  https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/enchantment-lakes

    47 min
  4. Nine-Week Journey through Asia!

    JUN 19

    Nine-Week Journey through Asia!

    Are you looking for travel ideas? Where should you go next? How do you decide on an itinerary?  The owners and operators of Travel Light Adventures joined our podcast again to share some of their updated knowledge on their 9-week trip through Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and Nepal! This dynamic duo, Melanie and Enzo, traveled with one of their best friends through Asia and together they shared a few top-life experiences!  A few experiences that we discuss:  The magical toilets in JapanStreet food in Vietnam Trekking in Sapa, Vietnam Riding motorcycles through the Ha Giang LoopMedical Tourism in KoreaEat pizza and soak your feet at the same time in JapanEverest Base Camp Trek in NepalAlso, if you want to join a trip that has been carefully planned by professionals, check out Travel Light Adventures! They put their heart and soul into planning trips that will change your life.  https://www.travellightadventures.com/ instagram.com/travellightmel tiktok.com/@travellightmel open.spotify.com/show/0WTdD2uatrWCXX1uzVSuYY

    1h 24m
  5. Hike Your Own Hike: Tales from an Ultralight Hiker.

    MAY 26

    Hike Your Own Hike: Tales from an Ultralight Hiker.

    "You pack your fears." Those are the words of Stephen Virant, a trail minimalist who challenges himself by packing only what he needs. Though the current weight of his backpack (and all its contents) weighs only 7.7 lbs., he encourages you to get outside and hike your own hike! Whether you're hitting the trails to hike three miles or thirty, Stephen advises, "Just do what you can and take in the beauty that you are in".  A few of Stephen's hiking highlights:  Arizona Trail Colorado Trail John Nicholas Trail (JNT)Glacier National ParkPacific Crest Trail Catalina Island (Great for beginners)Recommended Apps:   FarOut - Navigational AppLighter Pack - Tracks your gear weight

    52 min
  6. Introduction to Mount St. Helens and Mount Adams!

    APR 27

    Introduction to Mount St. Helens and Mount Adams!

    The star of this weeks episode is Kyle Comley! He is a Washington local that grew up learning about the history of the land in the PNW and he enlivens the narrative of spending life outdoors. Kyle gives us background and historical information on Mount St. Helens and claims that Mt. Adams is the hidden gem of the Northwest! A few recommended resources to explore before your visit:  https://www.wta.org/https://www.alltrails.com/Additional must-see spots in southwestern Washington:  Gifford Pinchot National ForestApe CaveLewis River Trail

    41 min
  7. Discover the White Mountains in New England!

    APR 13

    Discover the White Mountains in New England!

    Jaime Itani joins us this week to highlight the White Mountains, which can be found in New Hampshire and Maine. She is a master of the day-hike and and she encourages us to find communities to be a part of in the areas in which we live.  Jaime lives in Boston, Massachusetts and is a mother of three awesome boys. If you're looking for a hiking community in the Boston area, she recommends:  Appalachian Mountain ClubAdventuring Mamas of New England Join us for some inspiration on getting outside and being your own version of awesome!

    48 min
  8. ¡Vamos a Puerto Rico!

    MAR 10

    ¡Vamos a Puerto Rico!

    This week's podcast takes us to the extraordinary island of Puerto Rico! One of my best friends, Erin Sellers, takes us on an auditory adventure as she outlines the details of her trips. Even though the island has exotic resorts that are worth the visit, Erin is more of a "let's see what type of risky festivity is out there" kind of woman. Her wanderlust ran wild in Puerto Rico as she searched for adventures including scuba diving, eating all the bananas, horseback riding, biking, hiking, and getting misconstrued tattoos.   She reminds us that Puerto Rico is a place of beauty, amazing people, incredible food and limitless fun.

    54 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Everybody loves a good story! Your host, Starla Skelton, highlights real stories as she interviews globe-trotters and domestic travelers. We will traverse through different perspectives and explore the reasons people travel. 

Information

  • Creator
    Starla Skelton
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    42
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 I Am Not Your Tour Guide
  • Show Website
    I Am Not Your Tour Guide