Far and Away Adventures

The Ultimate Travel Podca
The Ultimate Travel Podca
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Join "Far and Away Adventures" as we take you deep into the heart of the world’s most captivating destinations. Go beyond the ordinary to uncover hidden stories, vibrant cultures, and undiscovered treasures that define each place. From ancient traditions and local legends to secret spots only the insiders know, each episode offers a fresh perspective on travel. Experience the magic of exploring the unexpected, connect with fascinating people, and be inspired by the adventures that await in every corner of the globe.

  1. 2d ago

    How One Cook Islands Artist Gives Ocean Waste a Second Life

    In this episode, we talk about how Sabina from Circle Cook Islands creates award-winning handcrafted bags and accessories from discarded plastics, wrappers, inflatables, and reclaimed materials in Rarotonga. We also discuss sustainable tourism, creativity, environmental awareness, and authentic local experiences travelers can discover through Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com. This episode is sponsored by Far and Away Adventures and Cook Islands Tourism. Far and Away Adventureshttps://farandawayadventures.com Cook Islands Tourismhttps://cookislands.travel Normand Schafer visits the Rarotonga market to speak with Sabina, the founder of Circle Cook Islands, about her journey from environmentalist and dive shop owner to internationally recognized artist and sustainability advocate. After COVID changed tourism across the islands, Sabina turned her creative hobby into a full-time business focused on recycling and upcycling materials that would otherwise become waste. Throughout the conversation, Sabina explains how she transforms candy wrappers, inflatable toys, upholstery scraps, and reclaimed fabrics into one-of-a-kind bags and accessories. Every item is handcrafted, every design is unique, and many pieces include personal stories or poems sewn into the lining. Her work demonstrates how creativity can inspire awareness around waste reduction and environmental responsibility while also supporting local artisan culture in the Cook Islands. The episode also explores how tourism and sustainability can work together in island destinations. Sabina shares how locals and travelers now bring her materials to recycle, helping keep rubbish out of the environment while creating memorable handcrafted souvenirs connected to the islands themselves. Listeners will also hear about Sabina’s international awards for recycling and women’s leadership, her community outreach with local schools, and the growing interest in sustainable travel experiences across the South Pacific. Cook Islands Vacationshttps://farandawayadventures.com/cook-islands/ Rarotonga Activitieshttps://farandawayadventures.com/south-pacific/cook-islands/rarotonga-activities/ Cook Islands Hotelshttps://farandawayadventures.com/south-pacific/cook-islands/rarotonga-hotels-cook-islands/ If you are planning a Cook Islands vacation, connect with a Far and Away Adventures specialist to discover meaningful island experiences, artisan markets, local culture, and sustainable travel opportunities throughout the South Pacific.

  2. Sep 27

    A Cook Islands Farming Story That Reveals the Islands Beyond the Postcard

    In this episode, we talk about a side of the Cook Islands that visitors often appreciate most once they encounter it: the people and food systems that support daily island life. Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com are included near the beginning because this episode offers the kind of local perspective that can shape a much more meaningful trip. Normand Schafer interviews Tupo Fica of Vitica Farms in the market and learns about his journey from the northern islands of Penrhyn and Manihiki to building a produce and egg business in Rarotonga. The conversation explores what he grows, including coconuts, bananas, tomatoes, watermelon, beans, capsicum, and sour sop, and why local food production matters so much in an island setting. Tupo Fica also reflects on how different life was growing up in places where soil was scarce, and the sea provided most of what people needed. That background makes his later embrace of farming in Rarotonga especially compelling. He also talks about supplying eggs, the demand for fresh local products, and the role this work plays in the wider community. The episode goes beyond agriculture into health, sport, fishing, and free diving, making it a rich portrait of adaptability and island resilience. If you want a Cook Islands trip that includes more than scenery and gives you a better feel for the realities and strengths of local life, this conversation is full of value. Far and Away Adventures can help you plan a trip that brings those stories and that sense of place closer to the center of your experience.

  3. Sep 20

    Could This Cook Islands Cultural Evening Be the Highlight of Your Trip?

    In this episode, we talk about a question that comes up for many travelers choosing their next island destination: what experiences will actually make the trip feel special once you get there? Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com are mentioned early because this episode gives listeners the kind of insight that is most useful before the trip is booked. Normand Schafer speaks with Namit Tua of Tumutoa Tours about a home-based cultural experience in Rarotonga where guests prepare traditional food, weave, work with coconuts, eat the traditional way, and enjoy music and a fire show. It is an appealing conversation not only because the activities sound fun, but because the experience is clearly shaped by Namit Tua’s personal passion for sharing his culture. He talks about growing up in the Cook Islands, wanting to preserve traditional ways, and seeing guests respond emotionally to being included rather than simply entertained. That sense of welcome is what makes the episode especially powerful. If you are trying to decide where to go next and what kind of travel you really want, this conversation is a strong case for choosing experiences that bring you close to the life of a place. Far and Away Adventures can help you pair those experiences with the right island stay and create a Cook Islands trip that feels personal from beginning to end.

  4. Sep 13

    Why Rarotonga Keeps Travelers Coming Back

    In this episode, we talk about the Cook Islands experience that keeps so many travelers coming back, and why Rarotonga continues to stand out for people who want culture, nature, and a more relaxed pace. Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com are your starting points if this conversation inspires you to start planning. Normand Schafer visits The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium and sits down with Tata Crocombe to explore what makes both the resort and the destination so distinctive. They discuss the protected lagoon in front of the resort, off-the-beach snorkeling with sea turtles, the richness of the coral life, and how a long-term community effort helped preserve this special marine environment. The episode also dives into the history of the resort, how it evolved over time, and the way it has continued to adapt while still delivering a strong sense of place. The conversation moves well beyond resort amenities and into the heart of what many travelers are really searching for: authentic local culture, small-scale hospitality, and travel that feels connected to the island rather than separated from it. Listeners will hear about Island Night, local cuisine, Cook Islands dance and drumming, local art, coconut demonstrations, the Saturday market, progressive dinners, lagoon cruises, mountain safaris, and even whale encounters just offshore in season. One of the themes that comes through clearly is that Rarotonga is not trying to imitate a big commercial destination. Instead, it appeals to travelers who value warmth, authenticity, community, and memorable experiences in nature. If you are looking for a South Pacific trip that feels both easy and meaningful, this episode gives you a strong sense of why the Cook Islands deserve a closer look. Reach out to a Far and Away Adventures specialist when you are ready to turn that inspiration into a thoughtfully planned journey.

  5. Sep 9

    Inside Tahiti’s Panorama II Small-Ship Cruise | Variety Cruises

    In this episode we talk about... a more intimate way to explore Tahiti and French Polynesia aboard Variety Cruises’ Panorama II, a small ship designed to carry a maximum of 49 guests. Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com can help plan the cruise, international and inter-island flights, accommodations, and land experiences as one coordinated journey. Normand Schafer sits down with Thanos from Variety Cruises to look beyond the word “cruise” and examine how a small vessel changes the relationship between travelers and the islands. Panorama II operates year-round in Tahiti and French Polynesia. Its scale is central to the experience. Normand describes seeing the ship near much larger vessels in Papeete and noticing that, although Panorama II is far smaller, it still provides the essential comforts travelers expect. Thanos explains that Variety Cruises designs, constructs, and operates its own small ships, creating a complete approach to how the vessels are built and how the journeys are delivered. Instead of focusing on large entertainment venues, the ship uses comfortable upper decks, indoor gathering spaces, and the surrounding destination as the foundation of each day. Onboard activities may include cooking, cocktail-making, and crafts. Ashore, excursions introduce guests to island highlights. Some activities are included, others are optional, and travelers can choose to explore, snorkel, spend time on a beach, or slow down and absorb the atmosphere. The interview outlines itineraries of seven, ten, and eleven days. Departures begin in Papeete and travel to islands including Moorea. The longer options can provide additional time and overnight stays. Because guests unpack once, they can experience multiple islands without repeatedly moving luggage and managing separate ferry or hotel arrangements. That convenience is one reason Thanos says travelers who do not usually identify as cruise people may discover that small-ship travel suits them. Access is another major difference. Panorama II can reach secluded bays and docking areas that are not practical for ships carrying thousands of passengers. The vessel can anchor near shore, helping guests spend less time feeling removed from the landscape. Thanos highlights the swim platform, where travelers can enter the sea directly from the ship. Snorkeling equipment, paddling gear, canoes, and kayaks help turn the surrounding water into part of the daily experience. Normand observes that being close to the water creates the feeling of a private yacht without requiring guests to captain it themselves. That sense of intimacy also carries into the social atmosphere. With no more than 49 guests, people can get to know one another, interact with the crew, and connect more closely with the places they visit. The chief experience officer spends time learning what each guest wants, which allows the daily rhythm to feel personal rather than overly formal. Local connection appears throughout the conversation. Thanos describes thematic evenings with people from Tahiti and French Polynesia, along with barbecues, picnics, and dinners under the stars when conditions allow. He says Moorea is a personal favorite, but the deeper highlight is meeting the people of the islands. The ship has sails and may use them when the weather is suitable, though it generally motors to remain on time and maintain comfort. Learn more about Variety Cruises in French Polynesia: https://farandawayadventures.com/small-ship-cruises/variety-cruises/ If Panorama II sounds like the right way to discover Tahiti, work with a Far and Away Adventures specialist. We can help determine which itinerary and surrounding island experiences fit your travel style, then coordinate the pieces into one complete French Polynesia vacation.

  6. Sep 6

    Why Tamanu Beach Resort Stands Out in Aitutaki

    In this episode, we talk about the charm, beauty, and guest experience of Tamanu Beach Resort on the island of Aitutaki in the Cook Islands. We also share how Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com can help travelers plan a smoother and more thoughtful South Pacific escape with expert guidance. Normand Schafer is joined by Aaron Faucet, the general manager of Tamanu Beach Resort, for a conversation that captures what makes this property feel special, from the setting and scale of the resort to the genuine warmth that guests experience throughout their stay. Aaron describes his own unexpected path to Aitutaki and how discovering the island’s lagoon changed everything. That personal story becomes a great starting point for a wider discussion about what travelers can expect when they choose a destination like Aitutaki over busier beach destinations elsewhere. The resort has only 23 rooms, creating an atmosphere that feels more personal, more peaceful, and more connected to the island itself. Guests are not simply checking into a hotel; they are stepping into a slower rhythm where staff know their names, breakfasts feel relaxed, and sunsets become part of the daily routine. This episode also explores how place matters. Aaron explains that Tamanu Beach Resort is designed to make guests feel they are truly in Aitutaki, with thatched-roof bungalows, island character, and a team made up largely of local people who are proud of where they live. Normand and Aaron talk about the visual power of the lagoon, the beach, and the extraordinary colors that make Aitutaki such a sought-after Cook Islands destination. They also share a memorable guest story involving a very intimate wedding, showing how smaller resorts can create unforgettable moments in a way that feels natural and effortless. Toward the end of the episode, the conversation turns to sustainability, including recycling efforts and coral planting ideas that reflect the realities of living on a small island where environmental stewardship matters every day. If this episode inspires you to start planning a Cook Islands getaway, connect with Far and Away Adventures through https://farandawayadventures.com for help comparing islands, accommodations, and travel styles. For travelers who value beauty, authenticity, and thoughtful service, this conversation offers a clear window into why Aitutaki continues to capture so many hearts.

  7. Sep 2

    How Air Tahiti Connects French Polynesia | CEO Edouard Wong Fat

    In this episode we talk about what it takes to connect the islands of French Polynesia, with Air Tahiti CEO Edouard Wong Fat joining host Normand Schafer. The conversation is a practical look at the flights that make an island-hopping trip possible, from Tahiti and Moorea to Bora Bora, Raiatea, Huahine, and beyond. For tailored French Polynesia planning, visit Far and Away Adventures.com: https://farandawayadventures.com. Edouard explains that Air Tahiti is much more than a way to reach a resort. As the inter-island airline, it helps link communities across an exceptionally wide geography. The routes support families travelling to see one another, students getting where they need to go, patients accessing medical care, local residents, and visitors discovering islands beyond Tahiti. That perspective is valuable for travellers considering an itinerary that combines well-known islands with quieter corners of French Polynesia. Normand Schafer and Edouard Wong Fat discuss the operational realities behind an island network: aircraft planning, weather and runway considerations, demand that changes with the seasons, and the responsibility of serving communities as well as tourism. Rather than treating a domestic flight as a simple connection, the episode shows why each route is part of the everyday life of French Polynesia. It is a useful conversation for anyone who wants to understand how the islands fit together before choosing where to go and how long to stay. For travellers building an island-hopping holiday, the interview offers a planning lens rather than a one-size-fits-all itinerary. A trip can be shaped around a small number of islands, a mix of famous and quieter destinations, or a rhythm that leaves room to settle in rather than rushing from one flight to the next. The discussion highlights the importance of matching flights, accommodations, island transfers, and travel pace to the people making the trip. The conversation also touches on tourism growth and stewardship. French Polynesia’s appeal is easy to see in its lagoons, beaches, culture, and dramatic island landscapes, but the logistics of travel have to work alongside the needs of residents and the protection of the environment. Edouard shares the leadership considerations involved in keeping an essential airline dependable while preparing for future demand. It is a grounded look at aviation, service, responsibility, and travel in one of the world’s most remarkable island regions. If French Polynesia is on your travel list, this episode can help you start asking better questions: Which islands make sense together? How much time should you allow for each connection? Is a flight pass appropriate for the route you have in mind? How do Bora Bora and Raiatea fit into a wider itinerary? And how can you design a trip that feels exciting without becoming exhausting? Far and Away Adventures can help you work through those choices and create a vacation that suits your priorities, travel style, and group. Listen for a clear, practical conversation about Air Tahiti’s role in French Polynesia and the network behind a seamless island journey. For travel inspiration and personalized planning, connect with Far and Away Adventures at https://farandawayadventures.com. Details can change, so always verify current flight schedules, requirements, and availability when planning. Whether you are planning a first visit or returning to see a different side of the islands, the conversation encourages a thoughtful approach to timing, connections, and the experience you want between flights. Start with your priorities, then let the journey take shape around them.

  8. Aug 30

    Why This New Luxury Train Through France Could Be One of Europe’s Most Immersive Trips

    In this episode, we talk about a new rail concept in France that is aiming to turn the journey itself into the main event. Early in the episode, we reference Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com, where travelers can explore trip ideas, discover more travel inspiration, and connect with a specialist when it is time to plan something more meaningful. Normand Schafer sits down with Anthony to discuss Le Grand Tour, an upcoming luxury train expected to launch in June 2027. Rather than focusing on speed, convenience, or checking off cities as quickly as possible, this concept is built around slow travel, immersive storytelling, curated dining, and elegant experiences both onboard and off the train. Anthony explains that Le Grand Tour is envisioned as a five-night, six-day journey through France with just 21 cabins and room for a maximum of 42 guests each week. That immediately sets the tone for the kind of trip this is meant to be: intimate, selective, and detail-driven. The train is described as luxury-focused, with 13 regular cabins and 8 suites, and the onboard experience is expected to include refined meals, carefully planned service, and an atmosphere that recalls the romance of earlier rail eras. For travelers who are drawn to the golden age of rail or who love the idea of a boutique-style journey across France, this episode offers an early look at what may become one of Europe’s more distinctive travel experiences. The conversation becomes even more compelling when Anthony describes how the stops are expected to work. Instead of treating daily excursions like quick add-ons, the team is planning immersive visits with wine tastings, private venues, and historically inspired moments. There is discussion of bringing actors into the experience, both on the train and in the destinations themselves, so the journey feels theatrical and alive. A castle dinner at Château de Chambord, storytelling tied to places like Beaune, and curated experiences in Arcachon Bay are all part of the vision presented here. The result sounds less like a standard escorted itinerary and more like a layered, narrative-driven trip where each stop feels like part of a larger story. Normand also explores the contrast between this idea and the way many travelers think about rail travel today. In much of the modern world, trains are associated with efficiency and speed. Anthony makes it clear that this project is designed around something else entirely. The train is expected to travel slowly, with time built in for meals, scenery, conversation, and the pleasure of simply being in motion. That slower rhythm is one of the episode’s biggest themes. It is a useful reminder that travel does not always have to be about maximizing distance covered or squeezing in one more city. Sometimes the richer experience comes from moving more slowly and noticing more. Another highlight is the mention of Puy du Fou, a major stop planned for day five of the trip. For listeners unfamiliar with it, the conversation hints at why it is such a memorable inclusion: this is a place known for large-scale historical productions and dramatic storytelling, which fits perfectly with the broader vision of the train itself. The episode closes with practical context too, including the expectation that reservations may open toward the end of 2026 for a June 2027 launch, and that travelers can work through their travel advisors when the time comes. If this kind of immersive, premium, story-rich travel speaks to you, Far and Away Adventures can help you think through whether a journey like this fits your travel style. Visit Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com to explore more inspiration and connect with an expert who can help shape an itinerary that feels personal, well-paced, and rewarding from start to finish.

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Join "Far and Away Adventures" as we take you deep into the heart of the world’s most captivating destinations. Go beyond the ordinary to uncover hidden stories, vibrant cultures, and undiscovered treasures that define each place. From ancient traditions and local legends to secret spots only the insiders know, each episode offers a fresh perspective on travel. Experience the magic of exploring the unexpected, connect with fascinating people, and be inspired by the adventures that await in every corner of the globe.

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