Zero Travel Regrets: Norm's Armchair Travel Journeys

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Welcome to 'Zero Travel Regrets: Norm's Armchair Travel Journeys', your ultimate guide to immersive travel experiences without leaving the comfort of your home. Join Norm, a seasoned traveler and captivating storyteller, as he takes you on a virtual journey to the world's most fascinating destinations. Each episode, Norm shares his vivid travel memories, expert tips, and behind-the-scenes stories, transporting you from your armchair to Tahiti's top islands, the best beaches of the Cook Islands, and beyond.

  1. 5D AGO

    Taboo and Turtle Petroglyphs: An Archaeologist’s Austral Islands Stories (Ep. 5)

    In this episode, we talk about the Austral Islands with veteran archaeologist Mark Eddowes, sharing the kinds of stories that make armchair travel feel vivid—and make real travel feel worth doing with care. Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com are included early because remote French Polynesia is a destination where a little planning and cultural context can turn a trip into a life story rather than a blurred memory. Normand Schafer interviews Mark onboard Aranui 5 while sailing through the Australs, and the conversation becomes a guided journey through sacred places, living traditions, and discoveries revealed by patience and light. Mark begins by tracing his path into archaeology: a childhood in New Zealand with deep interest in Māori history, university research focused on Polynesian marae temples, and a pivotal fieldwork opportunity in Tahiti’s Papenoo Valley. That early work—documenting and excavating sites connected to a valley impacted by proposed modern development—set the tone for a career spent working with heritage that is both fragile and deeply meaningful. For an armchair traveler, it’s a reminder that history isn’t stored only in museums; it lives in landscapes that can be altered, protected, or lost depending on choices made in the present. The conversation then moves into the Australs, and Mark explains why these islands carry such a distinct cultural resonance. He describes how the Austral Islands and Cook Islands were historically one unified cultural and language zone, later divided into separate territories, with their histories diverging from around 1900 onward. His fieldwork spans islands like Rimatara and Tubuai—surveying marae sites and excavating early settlement layers—and he shares a detail that feels like a plot twist to many listeners: in Raivavae, tiki figures represent deified female ancestors. In much of Polynesia, ancestor representation tends to emphasize male figures, so this is a striking example of how island identity can take its own path even within a shared Polynesian world. Mark also discusses how settlement influences differ across the archipelago, with Raivavae showing ties to Marquesas origins while other islands align more with Society Islands settlement patterns. The episode’s most important lesson is about respect. Mark explains taboo—sacred and set aside—and why marae temples remain highly respected even in Christian communities today. His advice is simple: take photographs, but don’t climb on sites, don’t touch or rearrange stones, and never remove anything. He also mentions royal cemeteries where viewing from outside is the respectful boundary. Then he offers a cultural etiquette reminder: the Australs are conservative and strongly Protestant, so modest dress away from the beach matters. And then come the discovery stories—the kind that make armchair travel sparkle. Mark describes finding a red volcanic tuff tiki and why the color red carries sacred symbolism across Polynesia. He tells the strange story of an ancestor figure found reused within a house alignment, suggesting how belief systems shifted during early conversion eras—where people might have abandoned older religious structures but still kept ancestral protection close. Finally, he shares a moment of pure fieldwork magic: turtle petroglyphs carved into a stone that were invisible for generations, revealed only when the stone was restored upright and the setting sun hit it at exactly the right angle. Even a local fisherman who had grown up there didn’t know they were there. If you’re listening from your armchair, this episode gives you both wonder and a code of conduct: travel deeply, travel respectfully, and pay attention. And if you want to experience the Australs for real—with the right sailing, the right extensions, and the right cultural context—Far and Away Adventures can plan and book the journey so you can step into these stories without leaving regrets behind.

    29 min

  2. 6D AGO

    Armchair Journey to Guadalcanal: Languages, Villages, Tenaru Waterfall, and WWII Landmarks

    In this episode, we talk about Guadalcanal Province in the Solomon Islands as if we’re mapping out the trip together—imagining the days, the routes, and the experiences that would make the journey feel unforgettable and regret-free. Far and Away Adventures.com is where you can start planning with expert help, and you can explore ideas at https://farandawayadventures.com. Normand introduces Guadalcanal as a historically and culturally significant region and speaks with a guest connected to Guadalcanal tourism efforts about what travelers can do to experience the island with depth. We begin with the “shape” of Guadalcanal: it’s described as one of the larger islands in the Solomon Islands and the home of Honiara, the national capital. That gateway matters because it’s where many itineraries start—but the episode makes a clear point: don’t let your trip be only a capital-city visit. The guest explains that multiple languages are spoken across Guadalcanal and that traditions differ by region, meaning the island contains cultural variety within itself. An armchair traveler can picture it immediately: moving from one area to another and noticing differences in daily life, language, and local traditions—without needing to hop flights every other day. One of the easiest ways to experience that variety is through village visits. The guest highlights villages that are open to visitors, where travelers can experience traditional crafts, learn about food preparation, and observe everyday life, including sustainability practices connected to growing food and maintaining resources. These are the kinds of moments that prevent travel regrets because they can’t be replicated later by scrolling through photos online. They’re lived experiences—human, specific, and rooted in place. Nature becomes the next chapter of the armchair plan. Tenaru Waterfall is highlighted as a signature attraction and described as the biggest waterfall in the Solomon Islands. It’s easy to imagine planning a “Tenaru day” as a centerpiece excursion—something that takes you inland and shifts your view of what an island destination can be. The guest also references coastal time—beaches where you can swim and relax—and ocean activities like snorkeling, diving, and fishing. Inland, there’s mention of mountain adventures and caves, including a cave area described as having thousands of bats and dramatic scenery, plus a waterfall in front. In an armchair itinerary, this becomes your contrast: coast one day, inland the next, culture threaded throughout. And then we arrive at the history that makes Guadalcanal world-renowned. The guest describes Guadalcanal as a major WWII battleground and notes that travelers can visit memorials and historic areas around Honiara and beyond, including sites associated with the Mount Austen area and other memorial locations near central Honiara, plus areas near the airport region and additional places outside the city where war relics remain visible. For many travelers, these places become the emotional anchor of the trip—adding perspective and meaning to everything else they experience. If you’re daydreaming about the Solomon Islands and want a trip plan that avoids regrets, this episode offers a strong blueprint: start with cultural villages, build in Tenaru Waterfall as a signature nature day, add coastal downtime, and include thoughtfully paced WWII landmarks for context and meaning. When you’re ready to turn the armchair journey into a real one, connect with a Far and Away Adventures specialist to design a Guadalcanal itinerary that fits your pace and priorities.

    8 min

  3. FEB 9

    A “Wow” Welcome in the Marquesas: Lehi’s Aranui 5 Excursion Stories (Ep. 4)

    In this episode, we talk about the island days that turn a trip into a story—Aranui 5 shore excursions and experiences, told through the eyes of Lehi, a guide who has spent 14 years welcoming travelers into the Marquesas and beyond. Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com are included early because journeys like this are the kind you don’t want to get almost right; thoughtful planning helps you choose the sailing, the pace, and the extensions that make the experience flow. Normand Schafer records this armchair journey onboard, and it’s filled with moments that explain why people come back again and again: not just for scenery, but for the feeling. Lehi describes how he came to Aranui in a whirlwind—interview one day, helping get the ship ready the next, and then departing almost immediately. He also shares something more personal: he hadn’t been to the Marquesas before, and he didn’t know what to expect. His brother told him the first time he met the people there, it would feel like “wow.” Lehi discovered that it was true. He describes the welcome as heartfelt and deep—something more than polite words—an invitation that feels like the giver is offering a part of themselves. For an armchair traveler, that’s the hook: the Marquesas aren’t just beautiful; they are emotionally memorable. Lehi explains that excursions are included at every port, which creates a rhythm that travelers can lean on. Instead of worrying about what to book or whether something will be available, each island day begins with a plan designed to connect guests with place and community. On Nuku Hiva, Lehi describes a full-day safari-style excursion using local four-wheel drives, visits to meaningful sites such as a cathedral and an archaeological location, and lunch ashore with music and dance. Normand adds a detail that feels like true travel writing: while guests cross the island, the ship can reposition to another side, so your day becomes an overland journey that meets the ship somewhere new. It’s not just sightseeing—it’s movement, geography, and story stitched together. Lehi also shares the practical realities that make the story feel real. Transportation availability varies by island, and when large groups move at once, impatience can rise—especially under a hot sun. He notes that some guests rush outside, look for buses, and get overwhelmed when things aren’t instantly visible. For the armchair listener, it’s a reminder that remote places operate on human scale, not industrial scale—and the best travelers adjust their expectations accordingly. That adjustment is often the difference between a day that feels stressful and a day that feels like a gift. The episode moves through different island “chapters” as well. In lagoon-focused places like Rangiroa, optional add-ons such as dolphin observation and glass-bottom boat experiences may be available, while Bora Bora can bring more water-based fun and an included motu picnic that Lehi describes as a cherished, end-of-voyage highlight. For hikers, the Fatu Hiva crossing from Omoa to Hanavave—about 15 km—stands out as a day where the views and the challenge combine into a story you keep telling, with alternatives like four-wheel drive or sailing around for those who want the destination without the full trek. And on Hiva Oa, Lehi describes an excursion day connected to Paul Gauguin and Jacques Brel, with hiking and bus options, sometimes using local school buses—one more detail that reminds you this is real life, not a theme park. Lehi ends with something that defines “zero travel regrets”: the feeling that the trip was shared. He describes Aranui as a family—crew and passengers blending together over 13 days, accompanying one another through every island day and every welcome. If this episode makes you want to stop armchair traveling and do it for real, Far and Away Adventures can help you plan and book the Aranui 5 journey so the logistics support the magic.

    17 min

  4. FEB 8

    Armchair Trip to the Solomon Islands: Guadalcanal Stories, Culture, and Savo Volcano

    In this episode, we talk about the Solomon Islands as if we’re planning the journey together from home—imagining the days, the tours, and the moments that could make this trip unforgettable. Far and Away Adventures.com is where you can start planning with expert help, and you can explore ideas at https://farandawayadventures.com. Normand sits down with Sunila from Guadalcanal Travel Solomons to sketch out what a first visit can look like across Guadalcanal and nearby islands. We begin with the part of Guadalcanal that many travelers know by name: World War II history. Sunila describes the popularity of Guadalcanal touring and what visitors often see around the Honiara area—battlefield-related stops and relics that help bring the wartime story into focus. For armchair travelers, it’s a powerful reminder that some places carry history in the landscape itself. Then we shift to the living side of the islands. Sunila explains how cultural performances and ceremonial experiences can be added to tours, and she shares details about traditional attire and shell money traditions that still exist in certain provinces. It’s the kind of cultural texture that turns a trip from “I visited” into “I understood a little more.” Next, we picture a nature day: Sunila recommends waterfall trekking and highlights Tenaru Falls as a bucket-list option near Honiara. It’s easy to imagine the contrast—one day learning history, the next day walking into rainforest scenery and cooling off with a waterfall payoff. We also touch on the best general travel timing and why weather patterns matter when you’re planning treks and boat trips. Finally, Sunila shares the “hidden gem” day that can erase regrets before they start: a full-day volcanic tour on Savo Island, reached by boat from Honiara, with the possibility of dolphin encounters. It’s a vivid, dramatic experience that many travelers don’t realize is available—and exactly the kind of day people talk about long after they’re home. If the Solomon Islands are calling your name, this episode gives you a clear armchair blueprint: history, culture, a waterfall trek, and one bold day on Savo. When you’re ready to turn the daydream into a real itinerary, connect with a Far and Away Adventures specialist to plan your Solomon Islands journey with the right pacing and support.

    8 min

  5. FEB 2

    A Working Ship, a Real Story: Why Aranoa’s Cargo-Cruise Mission Matters (Ep. 3)

    In this episode, we talk about the kind of travel story that leaves you with zero regrets: not just where you went, but what you understood when you were there. Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com are included early because meaningful, logistics-rich trips to remote islands often benefit from expert planning—so the journey supports the story instead of distracting from it. Normand Schafer’s armchair journey takes us aboard the world of Aranui 5 and into the future with Aranoa, the upcoming sister ship planned to focus heavily on the Austral Islands of French Polynesia. Joined by Leo Colin from Aranui Cruises, Norm explores why this travel experience is different in a way that’s hard to replicate anywhere else: you’re on a ship that serves passengers and island communities at the same time. Cargo isn’t hidden; it’s part of the daily rhythm. And for travelers who value authenticity, that rhythm becomes the heartbeat of the story. Leo explains the vision behind Aranoa: keeping the Aranui spirit alive while adapting the ship to a different region’s realities. The Australs are less populated than the Marquesas, with different freight needs and sea conditions influenced by southern weather systems. Leo describes a ship planned to be smaller than Aranui 5, and he talks about features intended to improve comfort and operations, including stabilizers to reduce rolling and dynamic positioning to hold the ship steady without anchoring in some situations. In an armchair sense, these details may sound technical—but they’re actually the invisible threads that shape what the voyage feels like: steadier days at sea, thoughtful positioning near shore, and a ship designed to work with the environment rather than against it. The stories in this episode are what turn an itinerary into a narrative. Leo shares a moment involving diesel deliveries—supplies needed not only for vehicles but for electricity generation—and how a mechanical problem suddenly carried real urgency because an island’s daily life can depend on what arrives on the next voyage. He also shares an example of leaving a bay during a tsunami alert and waiting at sea until conditions were cleared. These aren’t dramatic for drama’s sake; they’re reminders that remote travel is real travel, shaped by ocean reality and by responsibility to passengers and communities. If you’re listening from your armchair, this episode offers that rare combination of wonder and grounding: beautiful islands, yes, but also the practical systems that keep them connected. And if the episode moves you from dreaming to doing, Far and Away Adventures can help you plan and book the right French Polynesia journey—Aranui 5 now, or Aranoa when it enters service—so you can experience the story firsthand, without travel regrets.

    21 min

  6. JAN 26

    The Cargo Stories You’ll Tell Forever (Ep. 2) — Why Aranui’s Freight Side Creates Zero-Regret Travel

    In this episode, we talk about the kind of travel that becomes a permanent story—because it’s rooted in real life, not scripted entertainment—and how Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com can help you plan an Aranui 5 or Aranoa voyage that fits your timeline and travel style. Normand interviews Charles, a second captain on the Aranui freighter cruise, and Episode 2 delivers a perfect “armchair travel” truth: some of the best travel memories don’t come from planned highlights. They come from watching real operations unfold—and realizing you’re traveling on a ship that actually matters to the communities it serves. Normand calls Aranui a “deluxe freighter cruise,” explaining it carries about 250 passengers while also transporting freight and cargo in French Polynesia. Charles confirms that hybrid identity and contrasts it with traveling on a pure cargo ship, where passenger comfort and onboard amenities are much more basic. Here, you get the comfort of a cruise-like experience while also witnessing the working side—cranes, barges, deliveries, locals coming to collect goods, and exports moving out. That combination is why so many travelers describe Aranui as “unlike anything else.” It isn’t just a vacation; it’s participation, observation, and connection. Charles’ own story supports the “zero regrets” theme. He worked on cruise ships around the world, then chose to change direction and come to French Polynesia because he didn’t know it. He signed a short contract and kept extending until it became seven years. Normand notes the family atmosphere onboard, and Charles agrees: the ship feels like a close community across roles—seamen, engineers, hospitality staff—everyone connected. For guests, that closeness often translates into warmth and continuity, and it’s part of why repeat travelers feel like they’re returning to something familiar. The heart of the episode is cargo operations, and this is where the “stories you’ll tell forever” live. Charles explains that deliveries aren’t always done from a pier. In some places the ship anchors and uses cranes to load barges that bring freight to shore. Normand recalls watching a car being transferred while swell moved everything up and down—an image that sticks, because it’s a clear moment where the ocean is part of the equation and the crew’s skill is visible. Charles notes that swell and tide can make operations trickier at certain times of year. It’s a reminder that the best travel stories often include an element you can’t control—and the people who can handle it., Then come the cargo surprises—pure “you can’t make this up” material. Charles says large animals are sometimes transported—horses, cows, dogs—using special ventilated containers placed on deck, with crew feeding and monitoring. And the story that feels like a travel legend: a shipment of sheep where one gave birth onboard, turning seven animals into eight by delivery time. It’s funny, it’s unexpected, and it’s completely aligned with what makes this voyage special: it’s embedded in real community life. The episode also touches on what comes back from the islands, including fruit exports from the Marquesas—lemons and large citrus (pamplemousse). Normand connects this to the regional network, mentioning distribution that can include islands like Rangiroa and Bora Bora, and Charles references refrigerated containers and onward movement via smaller ships. These details make the voyage feel bigger than a guest itinerary; it’s a moving link in an island chain. If your definition of “zero travel regrets” includes experiences that feel genuine, surprising, and deeply connected to place, Episode 2 is exactly that. And if you want to plan the voyage so the details support the story—right sailing, right cabin, right timing—start with Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com so your next journey is built for the way you actually travel.

    22 min

  7. JAN 19

    Aranui 5 Behind the Scenes (Ep. 1) — The Moments You Can’t Script

    In this episode, we talk about the kind of travel experience that earns “zero regrets” status: a voyage where the best stories are often created by the unexpected—and by the people who know how to handle it. If you want expert help planning an Aranui 5 or Aranoa trip that fits your travel style, visit Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com. Normand sits down with Spencer Hata Utuya, an onboard guide on Aranui 5, to explore what happens behind the scenes and why flexibility can be part of the magic, not a problem to endure. Spencer’s story begins with a twist that many listeners will recognize: life doesn’t always follow the plan you studied for. He studied business management and marketing and didn’t expect to work in tourism or hospitality. After returning home, he applied for leadership roles but was turned down due to lack of experience. He then found a guide position onboard the ship, started in September 2022, and gradually built expertise the way travel itself often teaches—through humility, learning, and repetition. By November 2025, he had spent years guiding guests through voyages shaped by real communities and real-life conditions. A major “no regrets” theme is preparation. Spencer describes realizing early on that some travelers knew more about French Polynesia than he did at first. Instead of letting that become insecurity, he transformed it into discipline. He studied nightly, continued reviewing notes even when he felt confident, and treated every day as an opportunity to give guests the best version of his knowledge. That approach also prepares him for the behind-the-scenes reality guests rarely see: guide assignments can change overnight. If a guide is sick, hurt, or emotionally distracted due to a family issue, the team switches roles on the spot. The traveler doesn’t necessarily see the swap—they just experience a voyage that keeps flowing. Spencer shares two powerful examples. On a Marquesas sailing, a planned dance performance did not happen due to a family situation affecting the performers. He explains how that impacts logistics and passenger mood—and how guides manage the moment respectfully, keeping guests engaged while honoring the reality of local life. On an Australs sailing, a bus tour ran into a cascade of disruptions: a bus ran out of gas, a replacement required keys retrieved from home, and guests waited for an extended period. Spencer describes how guides turn that waiting into a meaningful experience by walking around, talking about the island’s landscape, and keeping the group social and connected. That’s the kind of “no regrets” skill travelers remember: the day didn’t go perfectly, but the story got better. The episode also highlights what makes Aranui-style voyages culturally immersive: partnerships with local associations and communities. Spencer explains that contracting and budgets are handled at higher levels with set spending per island, and that associations may change depending on costs and organization. He also notes that religious schedules can affect which groups can work on which days, leading to adjustments in who hosts and supports a visit. For travelers, this underscores that the voyage is interactive and relational—part of why it feels so different from a typical cruise experience. Spencer closes with advice that fits the “armchair journey” mood: arrive with an open mind, set aside preconceived judgments, and be ready for warm Polynesian hospitality that can be physically friendly in casual ways. Pack smart too—good shoes, water shoes, repellent, and a raincoat because weather changes. If you’re building a “zero travel regrets” list and you want a voyage where culture is shared by people who live it—and where the unexpected becomes part of the story—this behind-the-scenes guide conversation is a perfect primer. For planning help and the right sailing match, visit Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com.

    22 min

  8. JAN 12

    Zero Travel Regrets in Moorea: Staying at Niu Beach Hotel

    In this episode, we talk about avoiding travel regrets by choosing accommodations that match your travel style, using Niu Beach Hotel in Moorea as a case study. Sylvia Martino shares how this boutique property delivers peace, comfort, and independence—three things travelers often wish they’d prioritized sooner. We discuss why smaller hotels can create more meaningful experiences, how kitchens and space add value, and why the west coast of Moorea is ideal for travelers seeking balance. This episode is perfect for listeners who want their trips to feel intentional, unrushed, and truly memorable.

    9 min
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About

Welcome to 'Zero Travel Regrets: Norm's Armchair Travel Journeys', your ultimate guide to immersive travel experiences without leaving the comfort of your home. Join Norm, a seasoned traveler and captivating storyteller, as he takes you on a virtual journey to the world's most fascinating destinations. Each episode, Norm shares his vivid travel memories, expert tips, and behind-the-scenes stories, transporting you from your armchair to Tahiti's top islands, the best beaches of the Cook Islands, and beyond.

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