The Pod Well Travelled The West Australian

In this week’s show, we discuss one of the world’s most renowned overnight tourist trains, The Ghan.

Having recently travelled on the train from Adelaide in South Australia to Darwin in the country’s Northern Territory, Penny Thomas chats with Megan French about the experience and all the places you visit along the way.

Later on in the show, we hear from Journey Beyond’s food and beverage general manager Matthew Snare, who tells us about the onboard dinning experiences and what goes on behind the scenes when it comes to staffing.

The Ghan’s journey manager Sam Whaley also joins the conversation to explain what makes this iconic train so special and why it’s a bucket-list trip for so many travellers.


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Host Penny Thomas speaks with The West’s travel editor Stephen Scourfield and fashion writer Megan French about the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris, and whether you should visit the host city when the world’s greatest athletes gather there to compete.

During the show they unpack how local Parisians feel about hosting the upcoming event, the rising cost of accommodation and public transport fares, plus how travellers can benefit from visiting the popular tourist destination outside the Olympic and Paralympic period.


Subscribe to The Pod Well Travelled where you get your podcasts — and share it to your family and friends.
Sign up for eTravel via thewest.com.au/manage-email-preferences. It’s our free digital edition of travel that gets delivered to your inbox once a week and is full of new stories, fresh podcast episodes, upcoming events and more.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week's episode, Stephen Scourfield and Megan French join Penny Thomas and share their expert packing tips. 

During the show, they reveal everything from how to pack efficiently and effectively for big and small trips, the packing techniques they swear by and what to do if your bags are overweight at the airport terminal. 

They also unpack the different type of travel bags they use for carry-on, check-in and day trips, plus why you should never pack in a panic. 

Also in the episode, Stephen mentions an article he wrote on hand luggage restrictions that you can read here. 

You can also check out our video of Stephen explaining what's inside his beloved suitcase 'Casey' via our TikTok and Instagram accounts. 


Subscribe to The Pod Well Travelled where you get your podcasts — and share it to your family and friends.
Sign up for eTravel via thewest.com.au/manage-email-preferences. It’s our free digital edition of travel that gets delivered to your inbox once a week and is full of new stories, fresh podcast episodes, upcoming events and more.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s episode of The Pod Well Travelled, we delve into the wonderful world of Formula One and how to witness the racing spectacle live.

Host Penny Thomas is joined by Travel and Motoring Editor Stephen Scourifled and Fashion Writer Megan French, who provide expert travel advice on how to plan and attend an F1 race in-person.

From the glamour of Monaco to the electric atmosphere of Singapore, they cover everything from how to choose the perfect circuit that’s right for you, the type of ticket you’ll need to secure a trackside seat and what really goes on during a F1 weekend.


Subscribe to The Pod Well Travelled where you get your podcasts — and share it to your family and friends.
Sign up for eTravel via thewest.com.au/manage-email-preferences. It’s our free digital edition of travel that gets delivered to your inbox once a week and is full of new stories, fresh podcast episodes, upcoming events and more.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a long wait, W Sydney has officially opened its doors — and we have the inside scoop about what went down at its premiere launch party. 

Join Penny Thomas and Megan French as they unpack the star-studded event, plus we hear what it’s like to stay overnight at the new Darling Harbour property, which is the biggest and boldest W-branded hotel in the world. 

Later on in the episode, we hear from W Hotels vice president and global brand leader George Fleck, who met up with Penny ahead of the hotel’s big premiere party.

He explains why W Sydney was a natural progression for the W brand and what’s to come from the New York-born hotel chain in the future.

+ Subscribe to The Pod Well Travelled where you get your podcasts — and share it to your family and friends.

+ Sign up for eTravel via thewest.com.au/manage-email-preferences. It’s our free digital edition of travel that gets delivered to your inbox once a week and is full of new stories, fresh podcast episodes, upcoming events and more.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, we devoted an entire episode to the rise and influence of Taylor Swift. This week, it’s all about the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll – Elvis Presley.

Known for his charismatic stage presence, distinctive voice and pioneering fusion of rockabilly, country and rhythm and blues music, Elvis was a performer who captivated audiences around the globe and remains an indomitable figure.

Join Stephen Scourfield and Penny Thomas as they chat about Elvis’ career, Memphis and his beloved Graceland.


Subscribe to The Pod Well Travelled where you get your podcasts — and share it to your family and friends.
Sign up for eTravel via thewest.com.au/manage-email-preferences. It’s our free digital edition of travel that gets delivered to your inbox once a week and is full of new stories, fresh podcast episodes, upcoming events and more.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.