Explorations All Over

Russ

Explorations All Over — Travel Unscripted Travel is about more than where you go. It's about what happens when you get there.  Join me on Explorations All Over as I share stories, experiences, and occasional misadventures from more than 30 years of traveling the world. From cruising the world's oceans to exploring fascinating cities, discovering unfamiliar cultures, and sampling foods I can't always pronounce, I'll take you along for the ride—with plenty of honest opinions, practical advice, and a few laughs along the way. Some places exceed expectations. Others leave you wondering what all the fuss was about. And sometimes, the most memorable moments are the ones you never saw coming. This isn't a podcast about checking destinations off a list or following the perfect itinerary. It's about the people, places, surprises, and experiences that make travel so rewarding. Whether you're planning your next adventure, reminiscing about one you've already taken, or simply enjoy exploring the world from the comfort of home, there's a place for you here. Explorations All Over. Travel Unscripted. 🎧 Subscribe and come along. You never know where we'll end up next.

Episodes

  1. Oct 7

    Iceland: The Land of Fire and Ice

    We loved Iceland. We’re glad we went. And we don’t need to go back. Welcome to Season 3 of Explorations All Over — and something a little different: Travel, Unscripted. For the season premiere, I’m putting away the carefully written script and simply talking about our 10-night circumnavigation of Iceland aboard Aurora Expeditions’ Greg Mortimer. What was Iceland really like? Did those spectacular landscapes live up to the photographs? How quickly does the weather actually change? What’s it like spending ten days on an expedition cruise? Were the puffins worth the fuss? And is Iceland really as expensive as everyone says? Rather than a day-by-day travelogue, I’m answering the kinds of questions someone might ask me after the trip — which means we go wherever the answers take us. Along the way, I’ll talk about the black lava fields and geothermal landscapes that made Iceland unlike anywhere else I’ve traveled, the relentless pace of an expedition cruise, the surprises, the disappointments, the costs, and the moments that made the trip unforgettable. You’ll even hear a few recordings made in Iceland, in the moment, when I was still experiencing it all for the first time. And ultimately, I’ll try to explain the contradiction at the heart of this trip: We loved Iceland. So why don’t we feel the need to go back? Season 3 starts here. Travel, Unscripted. #ExplorationsAllOver #TravelUnscripted #Iceland #IcelandTravel #IcelandCruise #ExpeditionCruise #AuroraExpeditions #GregMortimer #TravelPodcast #IcelandTravelTips #AdventureTravel #Over60Travel Share your thoughts on this episode. Support the show Thanks for listening.  Check back in 2 weeks for the next episode.  Don't forget to subscribe and make sure to "like" the Explorations All Over" Facebook page, too!

    Iceland: The Land of Fire and Ice

  2. Jun 14

    Discovering Your Travel Style

    What makes the perfect vacation? Is it the destination? The hotel? The food? The activities? Or could it have more to do with understanding what kind of traveler you are? In this Season 2 finale of Explorations All Over, I sit down with travel advisor Dee Koger to explore how our personalities, preferences, and travel styles shape the vacations we choose—and the memories we bring home. Our conversation covers everything from family travel and multigenerational vacations to cruises, independent travel, and the questions Dee asks her clients before recommending a destination. Along the way, we discuss why two people can take the exact same trip and have completely different experiences, and why your favorite travel memory may reveal more about your ideal vacation than your bucket list ever could. Whether you work with a travel advisor or plan every detail yourself, this conversation may change the way you think about travel planning. Thank you for joining me throughout Season 2. From Christmas Markets and Antarctica to Ancient Faiths, Uganda, French Polynesia, Turkey, and now this conversation with Dee, it's been an incredible journey. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode and whether you'd like to hear more conversations like this in future seasons. Connect with Explorations All Over on Facebook and Instagram, and be sure to follow the podcast so you don't miss the adventures ahead when Season 3 launches this September. Because the best journeys begin long before we ever leave home. Share your thoughts on this episode. Support the show Thanks for listening.  Check back in 2 weeks for the next episode.  Don't forget to subscribe and make sure to "like" the Explorations All Over" Facebook page, too!

    Discovering Your Travel Style

  3. May 14

    Turkey: Istanbul, Cappadocia and Beyond

    In this immersive episode of Explorations All Over: Far Flung Adventures, Russ takes you from the streets of Istanbul to the skies over Cappadocia, through the ancient city of Ephesus and into the everyday moments that ultimately changed how he and Duncan viewed Turkey — and perhaps how they saw travel itself. Featuring: • the sounds of Istanbul’s call to prayer • bustling spice markets and hidden neighborhoods • hot air balloons rising over Cappadocia at sunrise • underground cities, ancient mosaics and Ephesus • unforgettable meals and unexpected human connection • and field recordings captured in the moment throughout the journey This isn’t just a story about Turkey. It’s about what happens when you challenge your assumptions and step into a place you don’t fully understand. Because sometimes the trips we almost don’t take… become the ones we never forget. 🎧 Companion visuals and videos from the trip can be found on the Explorations All Over YouTube channel (coming soon!) Share your thoughts on this episode. Support the show Thanks for listening.  Check back in 2 weeks for the next episode.  Don't forget to subscribe and make sure to "like" the Explorations All Over" Facebook page, too!

    Turkey: Istanbul, Cappadocia and Beyond

  4. Apr 6

    French Polynesia: The Art of Letting Go

    For many trips, I’ve traveled with a purpose. I wanted to learn something.  Understand something.  Come home with a story that explained not just where I went — but why it mattered. French Polynesia was different. This wasn’t a trip about meaning or growth.  It wasn’t about checking boxes or chasing experiences. It was about letting go. In this episode of Explorations All Over, I share what it felt like to slow down in one of the most beautiful places on earth — floating in crystal-clear water, swimming alongside reef sharks, diving coral reefs, and stepping inside those iconic overwater bungalows you see in photos and wonder if they’re even real. But I also talk about something else. How easy it is to miss the moment while trying to capture it.  How travel doesn’t always have to change you.  And how sometimes the most meaningful journeys are the ones that ask nothing of you at all. If you’ve ever felt the need to make every trip “count,” this episode might just give you permission to travel a little differently. Share your thoughts on this episode. Support the show Thanks for listening.  Check back in 2 weeks for the next episode.  Don't forget to subscribe and make sure to "like" the Explorations All Over" Facebook page, too!

    French Polynesia: The Art of Letting Go

  5. Mar 18

    Reading Between the Stars: Making Sense of Travel Reviews

    Travel reviews are everywhere. Five stars. One star. Glowing praise. Brutal criticism. But what do those ratings actually mean? In this episode of Explorations All Over, Russ steps away from a destination story and looks at something almost every traveler relies on when planning a trip: review sites. Drawing on nearly two decades of experience as a bed & breakfast and boutique hotel owner—and as someone who has written nearly 1,100 reviews himself—Russ explains how to read travel reviews in a way that actually helps you make better decisions. Because star ratings rarely measure quality alone. More often, they measure something else entirely: fit. In this episode, you'll learn: Why a five-star review can still lead to a disappointing experienceHow to identify patterns that matter in hotel and restaurant reviewsThe red flags that can signal questionable or unreliable reviewsWhy it’s important to speak up during a stay if something goes wrongHow businesses respond to feedback—and what that tells youWhy different travelers can leave completely different reviews of the same placeRuss also shares a recent dining experience that perfectly illustrates how two guests can walk away from the same restaurant with entirely different impressions—and how those differences show up in the reviews we read online. The takeaway? Read the reviews. Just don’t let the stars decide for you. Let them help you ask better questions. Connect with Explorations All Over Follow the show and share your thoughts: 📸 Instagram: Explorations All Over 📘 Facebook: Explorations All Over Russ loves hearing from listeners and often responds directly. Support the Show If you enjoy Explorations All Over, consider supporting the podcast. Subscriber-only episodes are available starting at just $3 per month, giving you access to additional stories and deeper travel experiences. Share your thoughts on this episode. Support the show Thanks for listening.  Check back in 2 weeks for the next episode.  Don't forget to subscribe and make sure to "like" the Explorations All Over" Facebook page, too!

    Reading Between the Stars: Making Sense of Travel Reviews

  6. Feb 26

    Uganda - At Eye Level

    Uganda isn’t usually the first place people imagine when they think about Africa. For us, it became one of the most humbling experiences of our travels. In this episode of Explorations All Over, we journey into the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for a mountain gorilla trek — an experience that demanded patience, effort, and a willingness to give up control. There were no guarantees we would see anything at all. The climb was steep. The forest was dense. And the rules were simple: move slowly, speak softly, and remember whose world we were entering. What followed wasn’t a safari moment or a wildlife spectacle. It was something quieter — a brief encounter spent at eye level with another living being, and the realization that we were not the only ones doing the watching. If this episode stays with you, I’d love to hear from you. You can connect with Explorations All Over on Facebook and Instagram, or leave a comment wherever you listen. Share your thoughts on this episode. Support the show Thanks for listening.  Check back in 2 weeks for the next episode.  Don't forget to subscribe and make sure to "like" the Explorations All Over" Facebook page, too!

    Uganda - At Eye Level

  7. Feb 9

    Ancient Faiths and Modern Worlds

    Ancient Faiths, Modern Worlds is not an episode about geopolitics or theology. It’s about what happens when travel quietly reshapes the way we see belief, belonging, and one another. In this episode of Explorations All Over, I take you through sacred spaces across cultures and continents — from the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi to Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Masada, Vietnam, Antarctica, and Dubai. Along the way, I found myself unsettled, humbled, and unexpectedly changed. Standing barefoot on cool marble, listening to prayers spoken in unfamiliar languages, I recognized something deeply familiar. The words were different. The cadence was different. But the intention wasn’t. This journey confronts contrast:  ancient faith and modern conflict,  certainty and compromise,  vastness and excess,  humility and control. It’s a story about moments that stayed with me long after the journey ended — the wall surrounding Bethlehem, the scent of frankincense, the quiet of Antarctica, the abundance of Dubai — and how they reshaped the way I hear prayer and think about faith. I didn’t come away with answers.  But I did come away listening more closely. Because in the end, there is far more that unites us than divides us — and that might be the only thing that really matters. Share your thoughts on this episode. Support the show Thanks for listening.  Check back in 2 weeks for the next episode.  Don't forget to subscribe and make sure to "like" the Explorations All Over" Facebook page, too!

    Ancient Faiths and Modern Worlds

  8. Jan 22

    Antarctica: Unforgiving. Unspoiled. Unforgettable.

    Antarctica isn’t a place most people plan to visit. And that’s exactly why this episode isn’t about planning a trip. In this episode of Explorations All Over, I reflect on what happens when you step into an environment that doesn’t accommodate you — where scale breaks your sense of proportion, silence carries weight, and life unfolds without regard for human presence. From misjudging the size of distant icebergs, to standing still as whale spray appears on the horizon… from kayaking at eye level with dolphins, to realizing how thin the margin of comfort really is — this isn’t a checklist of sights, but a meditation on awe, vulnerability, and return. Because even if you never go to Antarctica, you’ve felt versions of this before: that moment when the world feels bigger than you… and you come back changed. This episode is about why we travel at all — not to escape life, but to re-enter it with clearer eyes. Share your thoughts on this episode. Support the show Thanks for listening.  Check back in 2 weeks for the next episode.  Don't forget to subscribe and make sure to "like" the Explorations All Over" Facebook page, too!

    Antarctica: Unforgiving. Unspoiled. Unforgettable.

  9. Jan 7

    In the Glow of Christmas: A Christmas Markets Journey on the Rhine

    In the Glow of Christmas is the first episode of Explorations All Over Season 2—and the beginning of a more immersive way of traveling together. Rather than focusing on schedules or daily itineraries, this episode invites you into the atmosphere of Europe’s Christmas markets along the Rhine. From the warmth of mulled wine cradled in your hands to the glow of lights reflected on cobblestone streets, this journey is about how the season feels—and why these moments linger long after the trip ends. As I travel through cities like Cologne and into the heart of the Black Forest, I share the sensory details, quiet observations, and unexpected reflections that made this experience so meaningful. You’ll hear not just where we went, but how it felt to be there—wandering through markets, tasting familiar flavors, and soaking in the sounds and rhythms of the season. This episode marks a shift for Season 2 of Explorations All Over: travel as lived experience, not just a recap of where we went and what we did. Along the way, I’ll still share helpful insights and lessons learned—both the wins and the moments that didn’t go quite as planned. So grab a warm drink, settle in, and join me in the glow of Christmas. Share your thoughts on this episode. Support the show Thanks for listening.  Check back in 2 weeks for the next episode.  Don't forget to subscribe and make sure to "like" the Explorations All Over" Facebook page, too!

    In the Glow of Christmas: A Christmas Markets Journey on the Rhine

  10. 10/13/2025

    Into the Land of the Midnight Sun: Finding Wonder - and a Few Surprises - at the Top of the World

    What do you do when the sun refuses to set? Join Russ as he sails north — way north — past the Arctic Circle into the Land of the Midnight Sun. From Bergen to the North Cape, this voyage along Norway’s rugged coast promised postcard-perfect scenery, endless daylight, and a little too much similarity onboard. In this episode, Russ and Duncan discover: The surreal reality of sunlight at 2:00 a.m. — and what it does to your sense of time.How a cruise line known for elegance turned out to be a little too uniform.Why a king crab feast in a smoky tepee became the culinary highlight of the trip.The serene beauty of Norway’s fjords — and the jarring contrast of modern Tromsø.What happens when your luggage goes missing in Oslo (and the saleslady loses her commission).The one moment that made it all worthwhile: standing on deck at the top of the world as the sun refused to set.This journey had it all: beauty, absurdity, laughter, and a few lessons about what really matters when you travel. ☀️ Listen for: the sound of the Arctic wind, the ring of distant cowbells, and the quiet awe of a world that never goes dark. ✈️ Next Up In the next episode, Russ sits down with his friend and travel advisor Dee to talk about how to pick the right cruise line, why not all voyages are created equal, and how to make sure your next trip feels as good as it looks on paper. 🎧 Listen now on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Amazon Music | ExplorationsAllOver.com 📸 Follow the journey: Instagram & Facebook → @ExplorationsAllOver Share your thoughts on this episode. Support the show Thanks for listening.  Check back in 2 weeks for the next episode.  Don't forget to subscribe and make sure to "like" the Explorations All Over" Facebook page, too!

    Into the Land of the Midnight Sun: Finding Wonder - and a Few Surprises - at the Top of the World

  11. 08/28/2025

    Ryokans, Rickshaws and a Journey Through Timeless Japan

    Japan is a country where the past isn’t left behind—it walks alongside you. In this first part of my Far Flung Adventure, join me as I uncover the timeless beauty of Kyoto and the vibrant contrasts of Tokyo. We’ll slip off our shoes at a centuries-old ryokan in Gion, savor a kaiseki dinner that’s as much art as cuisine, and wander through vermilion gates that seem to climb into the clouds. You’ll hear about the rituals, the surprises, and the quiet moments that made this trip unforgettable. And just when you’ve fallen under Japan’s spell, I’ll leave you at the water’s edge—gazing up at the most luxurious ship I’ve ever boarded, ready to carry us even deeper into this land of tradition and transformation. What you’ll hear in this episode: The magic of Kyoto’s historic Gion district and our unforgettable stay at a traditional ryokan Dining on a kaiseki feast—why it’s more than just dinner Exploring Tokyo’s neon energy and serene temples in equal measure The moment we first laid eyes on the Silver Muse, setting the stage for Part 2 Subscribe to hear Part 2: Part 2 of this journey—our voyage aboard the Silver Muse, through Kanazawa’s samurai heritage, Hiroshima’s moving memorials, and culinary adventures along Japan’s coast—is exclusively available to Far Flung Adventures subscribers. Subscribe right from your podcast app to join us.

    Ryokans, Rickshaws and a Journey Through Timeless Japan

  12. 07/17/2025

    Into Africa: Elephants, Giraffes & Gin and Tonics

    🚨 IT’S HERE! 🚨 The very first episode of Far Flung Adventures has officially launched — and we’re kicking it off with an unforgettable journey into Tanzania. 🐘 Elephants, giraffes, and lions (oh my!) ⛺️ Glamping under the stars 🍸 Sundowners on the savannah 🎧 And yes — gin & tonics made an appearance This isn’t your average travel podcast. It’s immersive, it’s personal, it’s everything you didn’t know you needed to hear about taking a luxury safari in the wild heart of Africa. 👉 This first episode is FREE to everyone. But the rest of the adventure — the gorillas, the great migrations, the real behind-the-scenes stories — are just for subscribers. And it’s only $3/month to get it all. ✅ Tap the link in bio ✅ Hit subscribe ✅ Escape the ordinary This is just the beginning of something epic. #FarFlungAdventures has launched — are you coming with us?

    Into Africa: Elephants, Giraffes & Gin and Tonics
  • 12 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Explorations All Over — Travel Unscripted Travel is about more than where you go. It's about what happens when you get there.  Join me on Explorations All Over as I share stories, experiences, and occasional misadventures from more than 30 years of traveling the world. From cruising the world's oceans to exploring fascinating cities, discovering unfamiliar cultures, and sampling foods I can't always pronounce, I'll take you along for the ride—with plenty of honest opinions, practical advice, and a few laughs along the way. Some places exceed expectations. Others leave you wondering what all the fuss was about. And sometimes, the most memorable moments are the ones you never saw coming. This isn't a podcast about checking destinations off a list or following the perfect itinerary. It's about the people, places, surprises, and experiences that make travel so rewarding. Whether you're planning your next adventure, reminiscing about one you've already taken, or simply enjoy exploring the world from the comfort of home, there's a place for you here. Explorations All Over. Travel Unscripted. 🎧 Subscribe and come along. You never know where we'll end up next.

Information

  • Creator
    Russ
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Explorations All Over
  • Show Website
    Explorations All Over