Insider Guides: The Low Season Travel Podcast

Low Season Traveller
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  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Biweekly

The low season travel podcast where each week we learn more about what the tourism experience is like during each destination's quiet season. And who better to learn from than the very people who live locally in each destination who can advise us of the "hidden gems" we shouldn't miss. The podcast was created by Ged Brown, Founder of Low Season Traveller, the world's first travel website, podcast, magazine and media entirely dedicated to inspiring travellers to visit destinations during their fabulous low seasons.

  1. Aug 11

    Santorini When She's Alone

    There's a line a local musicologist once gave Maria Petrenko about Oia that has stayed with her ever since. You don't go to a woman when everyone in the room is queuing up to light her cigarette. You go when she's alone. That's Santorini in December. Same caldera, same whitewashed alleyways, same view that launched a million photographs, but with nobody in it except you. Maria is a local guide and the founder of Santorini by Maria, running private walking tours built around slow travel, and she lives on the island year-round. In this episode she takes Imogen Strickland through the version of Santorini that most visitors never see, and makes a quietly persuasive case for going once everyone has gone home. She talks about the empty alleyways after the first rains, when the herbs come back and the mushrooms appear on the mountain if you're brave enough to pick them. She explains why hiking the volcano is better in the cold, when you can feel the heat coming up through the rock instead of being confused by the sun beating down on you. She describes February fog creeping into the villages and admits it's ideal weather for anyone with a Gothic novel in them. There's the arnaki, the slow-roasted lamb that tastes better the following day, and the chilly evenings that push you indoors to your own oven with a glass of wine and no reason to hurry. Maria is honest about the trade-offs too. Most locals leave for the winter, and the ones who stay do so for a reason. The wind is the real cold, not the temperature. Some villages will leave you with nowhere to eat, so she recommends basing yourself in Oia or Fira, the two places that become unbearable in July and are perfectly pleasant in December. Public transport thins out. Museums keep short hours. What you get in return is the thing everyone comes to Santorini looking for and almost never finds. Space. Maria calls it island-wide me time. There's also a creative community quietly reassembling itself on the island, painters in residence, writers taking rooms for a month, galleries opening in the inland villages, drawing on an artistic history that goes back to the frescoes at Akrotiri and got lost somewhere in the rush of mass tourism. If you've been putting Santorini off because of what you've seen in other people's photographs, this is the conversation that might change your mind about when to go. Find Maria's private walking tours at Santorini by Maria. More low season inspiration, destination guides and our full Low Season Traveller Calendar: lowseasontraveller.com Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for the latest low season stories, articles and guides.

    Santorini When She's Alone

  2. Jul 14

    When the Snow Melts: The Other Side of Haute-Savoie

    Climb high enough above the village of Les Contamines and Mont Blanc is suddenly right there, close enough to look in the eye, with only a handful of walkers for company and vultures turning slow circles overhead. That is the Haute-Savoie most people never see: the French Alps once the snow has melted and the ski crowds have gone home. In this episode, Imogen Strickland is joined by travel writer Olly Beckett, founding editor of Mountains Magazine, who has been returning to this corner of eastern France for three decades. Together they make the case for the quieter months, when the cable cars are still running but the prices have dropped, the meadows are thick with wildflowers, and the restaurants are genuinely glad of your custom. Olly shares the villages he keeps coming back to, from tiny Thollon-les-Mémises, the self-styled Balcony of Europe looking out over Switzerland, to lively Le Grand-Bornand with its Wednesday market, and the lakeside city of Annecy that he would happily call home. There is fondue and tartiflette, mountain huts and hot summer days cooled by a breeze, plus a proper look at how easy the region is to reach by train, and why that slower journey is part of the holiday rather than a chore. If you have only ever thought of the Haute-Savoie as somewhere to ski, this is your reason to go back when everyone else has left. Listen now, and explore more low-season stories at lowseasontraveller.com. Follow Low Season Traveller on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.Learn more about train travel to the mountains via Protect Our Winters.

    When the Snow Melts: The Other Side of Haute-Savoie

  3. Jul 7

    Malta in Winter: 16° and Not a Crowd in Sight.

    In this episode, Tolene Van de Merwe laughs about it: she'll join a video call and find her whole Malta team bundled up in coats because it's sixteen degrees and, to them, that's cold! To her, coming from a British winter, it's practically summer. That small moment tells you almost everything about Malta out of season. While much of the Mediterranean pulls down the shutters at the end of October, Malta simply carries on as usual. In this episode, Ged sits down with Tolene of the Malta Tourism Authority, who has spent seven years sharing these islands with travellers across the UK and Ireland, to make the case for Malta as a year-round destination and for the quieter months as the time it shows its best side. They wander Valletta as an open-air, UNESCO-listed museum you can enjoy at your own pace, then cross to Gozo, the slower, greener sister island with its hand-worked salt pans and the hilltop shrine at Ta' Pinu, tiny Comino and its Blue Lagoon sitting in between. Tolene talks temples older than the pyramids at Ħaġar Qim, the cool hush of the catacombs at Rabat, and a food scene with its own Michelin guide, including a local wine you can only drink if you come, because Malta doesn't make enough of it to export. There's the practical steer too: which months to choose, with November her own favourite and October to April the sweet spot, how easy it is to get around by bus, ferry and car, and why nothing sits more than half an hour from the coast. Low season in Malta, as Tolene puts it, isn't off season. It's when the island is at its best. Plan your trip: https://www.visitmalta.comMore low-season Malta and Gozo: https://www.lowseasontraveller.com

    Malta in Winter: 16° and Not a Crowd in Sight.

  4. 09/04/2025

    Red Brick Dreams

    In this episode of the Low Season Traveller Insider Guides, Ged Brown sits down with Tomasz Koralewski, CEO of the Lodz Tourism Organisation, for a fascinating conversation about one of Europe's most intriguing and undiscovered cities. Recorded over a traditional Polish lunch in the heart of Lodz, this episode offers a deep dive into the city's unique history, its remarkable transformation, and its vision for a more sustainable and authentic tourism future. Key Topics & Discussion Points: The Manchester of Poland: Discover why Lodz earned this nickname and how its industrial past has shaped its present-day identity. Learn about the city's 19th-century boom, the rise and fall of its textile industry, and the incredible regeneration of its 400+ factories into vibrant cultural and commercial spaces. A City of Contrasts: Tomasz shares his passion for Lodz's captivating contrasts – from the grandeur of industrialist palaces to the poignant history of the Jewish ghetto. Explore the city's eclectic architecture, its peaceful green spaces, and the powerful stories that lie within its walls. Authentic Local Experiences: Hear why Lodz is a city for travellers who want to connect with local life. Tomasz explains how the city has avoided the pitfalls of over-tourism and why you're more likely to rub shoulders with locals than other tourists. Discover the best places to experience the real Lodz, from the bustling Piotrkowska Street to the tranquil Jewish Cemetery. Sustainable & Regenerative Tourism: Learn about Lodz's commitment to sustainable tourism and how it's creating a tourism model that benefits both visitors and residents. Tomasz discusses the importance of attracting conscious travellers who want to immerse themselves in the local culture and contribute to the city's ongoing regeneration. Creative Capital: Find out why Lodz is a haven for creative souls. From its world-renowned film school to its vibrant street art scene, the city is buzzing with creative energy. Tomasz shares his insights into what makes Lodz such an inspiring place for artists, designers, and filmmakers. Insider Recommendations: Get the inside scoop on the best things to see, do, and eat in Lodz. Tomasz reveals his personal favourite spots in the city, including a remarkable immersive experience that allows you to step into the world of the visually impaired. Read Related Article Here Tune in to the full episode to discover why Lodz should be at the top of your travel list and why it's a city that will stay with you long after you leave.

    Red Brick Dreams

  5. 07/02/2025

    Beyond Barcelona: Discovering Lleida's Wild Beauty & Deep Heritage

    In this episode of Low Season Traveller Insider Guides, Ged heads to a lesser-known gem of Northern Spain: Lleida, Catalonia’s beautiful and diverse region that's still flying under the radar. Joining Ged is Silvia Vidal, a local expert from Outdoor Adventour, who shares her deep love and knowledge of Lleida—from the snow-capped Pyrenees to the fruit-laden plains, ancient Romanesque churches, and Michelin-starred cuisine. Discover why spring and autumn offer the most rewarding and authentic experiences in this region, with tips on: Gastronomic highlights: mountain beef, olive oil, artisanal nougat, and world-class wine Sustainable outdoor adventures: Nordic skiing, hiking, e-biking, paragliding, and stargazing in certified dark sky parks Cultural treasures: UNESCO churches in Vall de Boí, medieval castles, and the striking Seu Vella Cathedral Why low season travel benefits local communities—and makes your trip even more special 👉 Plan your own tailored adventure with Silvia at: www.outdooradventour.com 🌍 Discover more low season stories at lowseasontraveller.com/magazine

    Beyond Barcelona: Discovering Lleida's Wild Beauty & Deep Heritage

  6. 05/16/2025

    Why We Travel - with Sahara Rose De Vore

    Hi everyone, Ged here, and I’m thrilled to bring you this week’s episode of Low Season Traveller Insider Guides featuring Sahara Rose De Vore. Sahara’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary: from growing up in a non-travelling family to solo travelling across 84 countries and ultimately founding the Travel Coach Network - the world’s first ICF-accredited certification program for travel coaches. In this episode, we dive deep into the emotional power of travel, the importance of understanding our "why," and how Sahara is transforming the travel industry from the inside out. We talk about how travel can support healing, personal development, and purpose, especially when it’s designed with intention. If you’ve ever felt like travel changed your life - or could - then this is a conversation you’ll want to hear. Sahara’s insights are powerful, practical, and deeply inspiring. Enjoy the episode! 00:00 – Intro & Guest Introduction Meet Sahara Rose De Vore: solo traveler turned founder of the Travel Coach Network 84 countries and a mission to transform travel 03:00 – Discovering the Love of Travel Childhood memories, first solo trips, and the backpacking catalyst Why seeing the world mattered more than a paycheck 07:00 – Lessons from the Rails The Poland train incident and learning through discomfort How mistakes shape resilience 10:00 – Toughest Travel Experience: India Navigating anxiety in Mumbai How sensory overload led to spiritual growth 15:00 – Why We Forget the Hard Parts Selective memory and the addictive nature of meaningful travel Reflections on vulnerability and strength 20:00 – What Is a Travel Coach? The difference between travel agents and travel coaches The emotional and transformational role of travel coaching 25:00 – Niches & Why They Matter How travel coaches serve through purpose (grief, burnout, aging, personal growth) Redefining "niche" as emotional needs, not demographics 32:00 – Industry Response & The Future Resistance from traditional travel sectors Growing interest from agents, wellness leaders, and retreat creators 36:00 – Final Thoughts Sahara’s advice: keep asking “Why do I really want to travel?” Using travel as a toolkit for life Connect with Sahara:Website: https://thetravelcoachnetwork.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sahararosethetravelcoach/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetravelcoachnetwork/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sahara-rose-de-vore-4b8bb394/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SaharaRoseTheTravelCoach/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/theTravelCoachNetwork/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thetravelcoachnetwork The Travel Coach Certification Program:  https://thetravelcoachnetwork.mykajabi.com/the-travel-coach-program

    Why We Travel - with Sahara Rose De Vore

  7. 04/25/2025

    "Less Bad Travel" - with Travelfish Founder, Stuart McDonald

    In this insightful episode of the Low Season Traveller podcast, host Ged interviews Stuart McDonald, founder of Travelfish, a comprehensive online travel resource focused on Southeast Asia. Stuart shares the evolution of Travelfish from its humble beginnings in 2004 to becoming a trusted guide for independent travelers, his journey into responsible tourism through his master's degree, and his upcoming ambitious 64-day overland journey from Bali to the UK. Guest Profile: Stuart McDonald is the founder of Travelfish, an independent online travel guide focused on Southeast Asia. With nearly three decades of experience traveling in the region since 1993, Stuart has transformed from a backpacker and guidebook writer to an advocate for "less bad travel" - his term for more sustainable and responsible tourism practices. He recently completed a Master's degree in Responsible Tourism Management at Leeds Beckett University in the UK. Notable Quotes "Travel fish is like an old school guidebook, like a Lonely Planet or Rough Guide or whatever. But only online." "The pandemic wasn't great for business. I went back to school, back to do my masters at Leeds in the UK in responsible tourism management, and that sort of turned me on to a lot more of the stuff around sustainable tourism and responsible travel." "A lot of the issues that we face today in tourism are not new... they were writing about them in the seventies in academia... This knowledge has sort of been sitting around for perhaps 50 years, half a century. And the industry side of things, they're only just sort of starting to think about maybe getting on board with some of these concepts in the last decade." This episode offers valuable insights into the evolution of sustainable tourism in Southeast Asia through the lens of Stuart McDonald's extensive experience. His journey from traditional guidebook writer to advocate for responsible tourism practices demonstrates how the industry is slowly shifting toward more sustainable models. Stuart's upcoming overland journey represents his commitment to "less bad travel" and provides a fascinating case study in making more responsible travel choices despite the inconveniences they may present. Listeners interested in sustainable tourism, Southeast Asia travel, or alternative modes of transportation will find this conversation both informative and inspiring. Resources Mentioned: Travelfish website: A comprehensive online travel guide for Southeast AsiaCouch Fish Newsletter: Stuart's regular updates on travel and tourism in the regionGlass: The photo-sharing platform Stuart now uses instead of InstagramSeat61: Helpful resource for train travel planningCaravanistan: Resource for travel in Central AsiaUncornered Market: Development work in Uzbekistan and Central Asia

    "Less Bad Travel" - with Travelfish Founder, Stuart McDonald

  8. 03/13/2025

    Reimagining Travel - Immersive Low Season Adventures

    In this episode of Low Season Traveler Insider Guides, host Ged Brown sits down with Angelo Carotenuto, the founder of LivTours. Angelo shares his unconventional journey, from a performing arts background and early days as a tour guide to establishing a boutique travel company that champions sustainable, intimate, and truly immersive experiences. Listeners will hear firsthand how small-group tours can transform the way we experience cultural heritage and local traditions, especially during the low season. Key Topics Covered: Angelo’s Journey:The LivTours Difference:Sustainability and Authenticity:Unique and Immersive Experiences:The Emotional Connection: Memorable Moments: Angelo’s humorous take on oversized tour groups versus the intimacy of small-group experiences.The detailed recounting of a football match tour where guests, including a couple from Finland, experienced local passion and vibrant traditions firsthand.Anecdotes that underline the importance of experiencing destinations in a way that allows travelers to truly “live” the local culture rather than just observe it. For more information on LivTours and to explore their curated experiences, visit livtours.com.Don’t forget to leave a rating and review if you enjoyed this episode, and follow Low Season Traveler Insider Guides on social media for more inspiring travel stories and tips.

    Reimagining Travel - Immersive Low Season Adventures
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About

The low season travel podcast where each week we learn more about what the tourism experience is like during each destination's quiet season. And who better to learn from than the very people who live locally in each destination who can advise us of the "hidden gems" we shouldn't miss. The podcast was created by Ged Brown, Founder of Low Season Traveller, the world's first travel website, podcast, magazine and media entirely dedicated to inspiring travellers to visit destinations during their fabulous low seasons.

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