Truly Expat Travel

Paula Barnes
  • 5.0 (1)
  • PLACES & TRAVEL
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Truly Expat Travel Podcast brings you the world's best travel destinations through conversations with expats who've made foreign countries their home. Discover hidden gems, local insider tips, and authentic travel experiences you won't find in guidebooks.Each episode features expats sharing their favourite destinations, secret spots, cultural insights, and practical travel advice from cities and countries across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. From weekend getaways to bucket list adventures, food scenes to cultural experiences, our guests reveal what makes their adopted homes special.Perfect for travellers seeking authentic local perspectives, digital nomads planning their next move, or anyone dreaming of exploring the world beyond tourist traps. Get real recommendations from people who live the expat lifestyle every day.What you'll discover:• Hidden travel gems recommended by local expats• Insider tips for popular and off-the-beaten-path destinations• Cultural insights and authentic local experiences• Practical advice for international travel and living abroad• Real stories from expats around the world🌍 New episodes weekly✈️ Subscribe for authentic travel inspiration📧 Collaborations: info@trulyexpat.com

  1. 1D AGO

    Digital Nomad Family Travel Tips: Finding Events & Things to Do Anywhere in the World

    You've landed somewhere new. The bags are unpacked. And then comes the question every travelling family knows too well — so what do we actually do here? This week I'm back with Julie Talbot — British ex-expat turned global nomad — who after 12 years in the UAE took the leap into full-time family travel with her husband and children. She's worldschooling her kids, running a UK property business remotely, and somehow always seems to know exactly what's on, what's worth doing, and where to find the kind of experiences that don't show up in a Google search. This is Episode 3 of our special 4-part travel creator series. This week — the practical stuff that makes nomadic family life actually work. In this episode:  🗺️ Where Julie finds events and things to do in every new destination  📱 The apps, websites and communities she swears by  👨‍👩‍👧 How to keep a travelling family engaged and entertained  💡 Tips for finding local experiences over tourist ones  About Julie: Julie Talbot is an ex-expat turned global nomad. After 12 years in the UAE she and her family took the leap into full-time travel — worldschooling her children while running a UK property business remotely. She proves every day that location independence isn't just possible, it's extraordinary. 📸 @julierosetalbot  Previously on the podcast with Julie: 🎙️ The Silk Road Chapters:  00:00 — Introduction  00:29 — Meet Julie Talbot  15:59 — Truly Expat Travel Introduction  16:28 — Travel Guides & Destinations Join me live on Instagram: Every last Wednesday of the month I go live with a different travel creator. Keep an eye on my stories for the time — @trulyexpattravel Send us Fan Mail Help Truly Expat Travel by leaving a review or making a donation  Here is the link - https://buymeacoffee.com/trulyexpat Find Your Perfect Rental Compare prices from 500+ car rental companies worldwide and save up to 70%. Best price guaranteed.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Find me on: Website: Truly Expat Travel  Facebook: Truly Expat Instagram: Truly Expat Travel  TikTok: Truly Expat Travel  Running this podcast takes a lot of coffee (and countless hours exploring every destination!). If you found this helpful and want to support more honest, detailed travel guides and itineraries, you can buy me a coffee. No pressure though – I'm just happy you're here and hope you have an incredible adventure! 🙂

    16 min

  2. APR 7

    The Tulip Season Secret Most Visitors Get Wrong — with Gerrit from Hidden Holland

    Most people planning a trip to Holland for tulip season get the timing wrong. They book Keukenhof, they show up, and they either miss the peak bloom entirely or find themselves shoulder to shoulder with thousands of other tourists wondering why it doesn't look like the photos. Sound familiar? This week I'm joined by Gerrit from Hidden Holland — a specialist in Dutch travel and someone who knows the tulip fields better than almost anyone — and he's sharing exactly what most visitors get wrong, when you should actually be going, and where to find the real tulip experience beyond the tourist trail. This is a special 4-part series where I'm featuring travel creators sharing their best tips, hacks and local knowledge from four completely different corners of the world. Each episode, one creator, one destination, one set of tips that could genuinely change how you travel. This week — it's all about Holland in spring. If you're planning a trip to the Netherlands this year, listen to this before you book anything. What We Cover in This Episode 🌷 When tulip season actually peaks in Holland — and why most visitors get the timing completely wrong📍 Where the tulip fields really are beyond Keukenhof — and why locals go somewhere different entirely📸 The best spots for photos that aren't overrun with tour groups🗓️ How to plan your Netherlands spring trip around the bloom — including what happens if you get the dates wrong🚲 How to explore the fields like a local rather than a tourist💡 Gerrit's single best tip for first-time visitors to Holland in springAbout This Week's Guest Gerrit is the founder of Hidden Holland — a travel platform dedicated to showing visitors the real Netherlands beyond the obvious tourist stops. He joined me on a previous episode to talk about Amsterdam, and this week he's back with everything you need to know about tulip season. 🔗 Find Gerrit and Hidden Holland: here 📻 Missed the Amsterdam episode with Gerrit? Listen here: Episode 12, Season 1 Chapters 00:00 — The Tulip Season Secret Most Visitors Get Wrong00:29 — Meet Gerrit from Hidden Holland15:59 — Truly Expat Travel Podcast Introduction16:28 — Travel Guides & DestinationsRelated Episodes You Might Enjoy Send us Fan Mail Help Truly Expat Travel by leaving a review or making a donation  Here is the link - https://buymeacoffee.com/trulyexpat Visas Made Simple Skip the embassy lines. iVisa handles it all online—fast, easy, and stress-free.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Find me on: Website: Truly Expat Travel  Facebook: Truly Expat Instagram: Truly Expat Travel  TikTok: Truly Expat Travel  Running this podcast takes a lot of coffee (and countless hours exploring every destination!). If you found this helpful and want to support more honest, detailed travel guides and itineraries, you can buy me a coffee. No pressure though – I'm just happy you're here and hope you have an incredible adventure! 🙂

    17 min

  3. MAR 31

    Seoul Then vs Now: Why This City Will Completely Surprise You

    Paula Barnes lived in Seoul 15 years ago — and honestly? It was hard. The language barrier was real, the taxis were brutal, and getting around without Korean felt nearly impossible. So when she went back, she wasn't expecting to fall in love with it. She did. In this episode, Paula goes solo to unpack everything that's changed, everything that's stayed beautifully the same, and every reason why Seoul should be at the top of your travel list. From the DMZ to Dongdaemun, Korean BBQ to Olive Young skincare halls, cherry blossom season to single-digit winter temps — this one covers it all. Whether you're planning your first trip or your fifth, this episode is your honest, no-fluff guide to Seoul. DMZ tour (respectful, highly recommended)Nanta Show — no Korean needed, funny and unmissableMyeongdong — street food, Olive Young skincare, boutique shoppingNamdaemun Market — oldest market in Seoul, try the Hotteok!Bukchon Hanok Village — go early morning for sunriseGangnam — upscale shopping mall, the iconic Gangnam statueItaewon — boutique bars, restaurants & Vatos (Korean-Mexican fusion)Courtyard Marriott Namdaemun — central location, robot room serviceGimpo Premium Factory Outlet — near the airport, worth the detourBibimbap cooking classTraditional Korean feast restaurant in MyeongdongTemple stay information centre — free activities, monk conversationsOlive Young — Korea's answer to Sephora, massive flagship in MyeongdongBest seasons to visit: cherry blossom (spring) and autumnPaula's full Seoul guides on her website: 5-day itinerary, where to stay, Send us Fan Mail Travel with peace of mind: SafetyWingsGet covered in 180+ countries with flexible monthly subscriptions starting at just $45.08. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Find me on: Website: Truly Expat Travel  Facebook: Truly Expat Instagram: Truly Expat Travel  TikTok: Truly Expat Travel  Running this podcast takes a lot of coffee (and countless hours exploring every destination!). If you found this helpful and want to support more honest, detailed travel guides and itineraries, you can buy me a coffee. No pressure though – I'm just happy you're here and hope you have an incredible adventure! 🙂

    22 min

  4. MAR 24

    Madrid, Spain: Food, Flamenco & the Neighbourhoods Tourists Miss (Expat Insider Guide)

    MADRID UNCOVERED: Insider Tips, Hidden Gems & La Movida – Life in Spain's Capital Join Paula as she chats with Kristin Montgomery, an international teacher who has lived and worked across Switzerland, Singapore, Colombia, Germany and beyond – and is now back in Madrid completing a master's degree in Spanish. Kristin first fell in love with the city as a young graduate on an English assistantship program nearly 20 years ago, and she's back to tell us exactly why Madrid keeps pulling people in. Whether you're planning a first visit or adding it to your bucket list, this episode is packed with everything you need to know. And if you're on a Spain tour, make sure you also check out our episodes on Season 1 Granada (Episode 21) and Tenerife (Episode 20) – Spain really does keep delivering! Key Topics What Madrid is really famous for (hint: it's all about the vibe)Where to stay, when to visit, and how to get aroundThe best food and drinks to try – including what the locals actually orderA 3-day itinerary that goes beyond the tourist trailDay trips to Segovia and ToledoThe souvenir worth spending proper money onWhy you should choose a hotel over Airbnb right nowKristin's hidden gem neighbourhood the guidebooks overlookHelpful Links Growing Global Citizens – Kristin's website Travel with peace of mind: Airalo EsimMadrid Guided Tour of the PalaceWelcome to Madrid Walking tour Chapters 00:00 Introduction & Kristin's Global Journey 02:00 Do You Need to Speak Spanish? 04:00 Getting Around Madrid – Car vs. Public Transport 05:00 What Is Madrid Really Famous For? 07:00 Where to Stay in the City 08:00 Best Time to Visit (and Why Christmas is Special) 09:20 Festivals & National Day 10:40 What to Eat – Madrid's Love of Ham 12:00 What to Drink – Vermouth & Tinto de Verano 13 Send us Fan Mail Help Truly Expat Travel by leaving a review or making a donation  Here is the link - https://buymeacoffee.com/trulyexpat Find Your Perfect Rental Compare prices from 500+ car rental companies worldwide and save up to 70%. Best price guaranteed.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Find me on: Website: Truly Expat Travel  Facebook: Truly Expat Instagram: Truly Expat Travel  TikTok: Truly Expat Travel  Running this podcast takes a lot of coffee (and countless hours exploring every destination!). If you found this helpful and want to support more honest, detailed travel guides and itineraries, you can buy me a coffee. No pressure though – I'm just happy you're here and hope you have an incredible adventure! 🙂

    34 min

  5. MAR 17

    Mérida Travel Guide: Cenotes, Flamingos & Hidden Gems in the Yucatán

    Join Paula as she chats with Jen and Brett from Expatsi about their expat journey from Birmingham, Alabama, to Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico. Discover practical tips for moving abroad, exploring local culture and cuisine, uncovering hidden gems, and how community support made their transition inspiring. Want more Mexico content, then you should listen to episode 16, where I chat with Carm about her experience in Mexico. Key Topics Expat journey from US to MexicoChoosing Merida as a destinationExploring local culture and cuisine in YucatanHidden gems and community support in MexicoHelpful Links Episode 16 - MexicoMove abroad Con 5 Essential things you should know when renewing your vows in CancunThings to do in CancunIf you want to know more about Jen and Brett, check out Expatsi here.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 00:50 The Journey to Merida, Mexico 02:07 Choosing Mexico: The Decision Process 04:24 Experiencing the Climate and Culture 05:40 Culinary Delights of Yucatan 10:08 Creating an Itinerary for Visitors 17:44 Heartfelt Moments in Merida 23:04 Hidden Gems and Local Recommendations 26:02 Final Tips for Future Expats 29:31 OUTRO Paula-2.mp4 Send us Fan Mail Help Truly Expat Travel by leaving a review or making a donation  Here is the link - https://buymeacoffee.com/trulyexpat Travel with peace of mind: SafetyWingsGet covered in 180+ countries with flexible monthly subscriptions starting at just $45.08. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Find me on: Website: Truly Expat Travel  Facebook: Truly Expat Instagram: Truly Expat Travel  TikTok: Truly Expat Travel  Running this podcast takes a lot of coffee (and countless hours exploring every destination!). If you found this helpful and want to support more honest, detailed travel guides and itineraries, you can buy me a coffee. No pressure though – I'm just happy you're here and hope you have an incredible adventure! 🙂

    30 min

  6. MAR 10

    Vietnam Uncovered: Where to Go, What to Eat & How to Avoid Getting Sick (Expat Insider Guide)

    In this engaging conversation, Paula Barnes interviews Stacy McCandless, an expat with extensive experience living in Vietnam. Stacy shares her journey from working at Tokyo Disney to navigating life in various Vietnamese cities, including Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Nha Trang. She discusses the challenges and joys of being an expat, including the cultural differences, the vibrant food scene, and the importance of community among fellow expats. Stacy also highlights the beauty of Vietnam's landscapes and the unique experiences that come with living in such a dynamic country. takeaways "If you can avoid using your credit card, do it.""Pack light. Don't bring a lot. You will want to bring stuff back with you.""If you're cool with getting on the back of a motorbike, it's a pretty easy city to navigate.""Vietnam is a matriarchal society. Most of the CEOs in the country are women."Useful Resources Discover the Pulsating Heart of Vietnam: Your Ultimate Guide to Ho Chi Minh City!A Day Exploring The Mekong Delta and The Cu Chi TunnelsThe Best Things to Do in Hanoi for First-TimersThe Best Areas to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City: A Guide by DistrictA Guide to the Best Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City5 Reasons to stay in the Old Quarter Hanoi in 2026Everything you should know about Halong Bay cruiseIf you want to book a tour with Stacy, message her on Whatsapp https://chat.whatsapp.com/KrMOPuA6YO053lw1LDfWdp?mode=hqctswi Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Format 02:34 Stacy's Expat Journey Begins 05:59 Moving to Vietnam: Challenges and Surprises 10:41 Life in Ho Chi Minh City vs. Hanoi 16:50 Travel Recommendations in Vietnam 21:14 Culinary Delights: Must-Try Vietnamese Dishes 25:46 Food Safety in Vietnam 29:18 Exploring Northern Vietnam's Beauty 32:21 Culinary Delights of Hanoi 37:28 Three-Day Itinerary for Ho Chi Minh City 46:08 Souvenirs and Local Prod Send us Fan Mail Help Truly Expat Travel by leaving a review or making a donation  Here is the link - https://buymeacoffee.com/trulyexpat Visas Made Simple Skip the embassy lines. iVisa handles it all online—fast, easy, and stress-free.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Find me on: Website: Truly Expat Travel  Facebook: Truly Expat Instagram: Truly Expat Travel  TikTok: Truly Expat Travel  Running this podcast takes a lot of coffee (and countless hours exploring every destination!). If you found this helpful and want to support more honest, detailed travel guides and itineraries, you can buy me a coffee. No pressure though – I'm just happy you're here and hope you have an incredible adventure! 🙂

    47 min

  7. MAR 3

    Why Hong Kong Is Still Worth Visiting in 2026 (And What Most Tourists Miss).

    Join Paula Barnes as she shares her personal journey and insights about Hong Kong, covering its neighbourhoods, attractions, food, and travel tips. Perfect for travellers and expats alike. Key Topics Hong Kong neighbourhoods and their unique vibesTop attractions including: The Peak, Big Buddha, and DisneylandLocal cuisine and shopping tipsSeasonal travel advice and public transport optionsNeighbourhood Diversity in Hong KongSeasonal Travel PlanningAction Items Plan a visit to Lantau Island and The Big BuddhaUse the Octopus card for convenient travelExplore neighbourhoods beyond Kowloon and Hong Kong IslandUseful Resources Best things to do in Hong Kong for first timers Lantau Island Must-Do's!Best things to do in Hong Kong at night!Get Your Guide Storefront Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Hong Kong 01:49 First Impressions: Culture Shock in Hong Kong 06:00 Living in Hong Kong: A Family Experience 08:10 What Hong Kong is Famous For 10:16 Top Attractions and Activities 13:25 Best Times to Visit Hong Kong 15:14 Do I need to hire a car? 15:52 Getting Around: Public Transport Tips 16:03 Unique Souvenirs and Gifts 18:17 Wow Moments in Hong Kong 19:41 Authentic Must Try Cuisine 20:38 Insider Tips for Visitors 22:38 Planning the Perfect Itinerary 27:08 Favourite Neighbourhoods and Hidden Gems 28:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 29:14 PaulaOutro.mp4 30:05 OUTRO Paula-2.mp4 AI show notes are experimental. Did you find them useful? Show less Send us Fan Mail Help Truly Expat Travel by leaving a review or making a donation  Here is the link - https://buymeacoffee.com/trulyexpat Travel with peace of mind: SafetyWingsGet covered in 180+ countries with flexible monthly subscriptions starting at just $45.08. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Find me on: Website: Truly Expat Travel  Facebook: Truly Expat Instagram: Truly Expat Travel  TikTok: Truly Expat Travel  Running this podcast takes a lot of coffee (and countless hours exploring every destination!). If you found this helpful and want to support more honest, detailed travel guides and itineraries, you can buy me a coffee. No pressure though – I'm just happy you're here and hope you have an incredible adventure! 🙂

    30 min

  8. FEB 24

    Lago Maggiore, Italy: The Digital Nomad's Secret Base in the Italian Lakes

    Join Paula Barnes in conversation with Oren Chazan, co-founder of Montino, a co-living space nestled in the stunning Lago Maggiore region of Italy. Oren shares his inspiring journey from urban life to creating a thriving community for digital nomads in the foothills of the Swiss Alps. Discover why Lago Maggiore remains one of Italy's best-kept secrets compared to its famous neighbors, Lakes Como and Garda. Oren reveals the magic of this region—from breathtaking hiking trails and pristine nature to exceptional local cuisine featuring goat cheese, porcini mushrooms, and truffles. Learn about the unique co-living experience at Montino, where community connection meets remote work flexibility, and get insider tips on the best times to visit, transportation options, and hidden villages that offer unforgettable experiences. Whether you're a digital nomad seeking your next destination or a traveler looking for authentic Italian charm away from the crowds, this episode will inspire you to explore Lago Maggiore's natural beauty and vibrant community. Key Takeaways Oren Chazan co-founded Montino, a co-living space for digital nomads in Lago Maggiore, ItalyThe region sits near the Swiss Alps and offers stunning natural landscapesCommunity connection is the core value proposition at MontinoLago Maggiore is less touristy than Lakes Como and Garda, offering a more authentic experienceThe area is ideal for hiking enthusiasts and nature loversBest visiting season is May through October for optimal weatherHaving a car makes transportation easier, though hiking to the lake is possibleLocal culinary specialties include artisan goat cheese and porcini mushroomsThe region is known for truffle hunting and truffle-enhanced dishesExploring small surrounding villages reveals magical, off-the-beaten-path experiencesChapters 00:00 Introduction to Oren Chazan and Montino Co-Living 00:57 Life in Lago Maggiore: A New Beginning 02:10 Creating a Community: The Co-Living Experience 06:20 Exploring the Attractions of Lago Maggiore 10:32 Best Times to Visit and Seasonal Activities 14:30 Getting Around: Transportation Tips 17:40 Local Cuisine and Unique Souvenirs 21:15 The Wow Moment: Discovering the Potential 26:36 Itinerary Suggestions for a Short Visit 30:32 Finding Hidden Gems in Send us Fan Mail Help Truly Expat Travel by leaving a review or making a donation  Here is the link - https://buymeacoffee.com/trulyexpat Find Your Perfect Rental Compare prices from 500+ car rental companies worldwide and save up to 70%. Best price guaranteed.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Find me on: Website: Truly Expat Travel  Facebook: Truly Expat Instagram: Truly Expat Travel  TikTok: Truly Expat Travel  Running this podcast takes a lot of coffee (and countless hours exploring every destination!). If you found this helpful and want to support more honest, detailed travel guides and itineraries, you can buy me a coffee. No pressure though – I'm just happy you're here and hope you have an incredible adventure! 🙂

    35 min
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About

Truly Expat Travel Podcast brings you the world's best travel destinations through conversations with expats who've made foreign countries their home. Discover hidden gems, local insider tips, and authentic travel experiences you won't find in guidebooks.Each episode features expats sharing their favourite destinations, secret spots, cultural insights, and practical travel advice from cities and countries across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. From weekend getaways to bucket list adventures, food scenes to cultural experiences, our guests reveal what makes their adopted homes special.Perfect for travellers seeking authentic local perspectives, digital nomads planning their next move, or anyone dreaming of exploring the world beyond tourist traps. Get real recommendations from people who live the expat lifestyle every day.What you'll discover:• Hidden travel gems recommended by local expats• Insider tips for popular and off-the-beaten-path destinations• Cultural insights and authentic local experiences• Practical advice for international travel and living abroad• Real stories from expats around the world🌍 New episodes weekly✈️ Subscribe for authentic travel inspiration📧 Collaborations: info@trulyexpat.com

Information

  • Creator
    Paula Barnes
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    39
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Truly Expat Travel
  • Show Website
    Truly Expat Travel

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