Travel Goals Podcast

Portia Jones - travel journalist, podcaster and adventurer

Do you want to travel smarter, cheaper and more purposefully? Welcome to the Travel Goals Podcast, where we help you travel better with on-location destination episodes and interviews with top travel experts. Host Portia Jones is an intrepid travel journalist and will take you on a deep dive with top travel experts to bring you what's new in travel, as well as a range of actionable travel hacks, destination inspiration and stories of travel adventures from around the world. Tune in for in-depth discussions on the latest travel trends with some of the biggest names in the travel industry. There are also immersive destination episodes – recorded on location, that can help you plan your next adventure. With over 17 years of travel experience, Portia gives you the inside scoop on travelling like a pro and brings you the latest travel trends and how to achieve your travel goals. The Travel Goals community is growing fast, so make sure to join us now and start travelling better! Tweet me your travel goals @pip_says Instagram @pipsays

  1. How to travel with just hand luggage and chose the right bag to avoid airline fees

    4D AGO

    How to travel with just hand luggage and chose the right bag to avoid airline fees

    Do you want to travel with just hand luggage this year and beat airline fees? Then this is the episode for you. We're chatting to travel pros to bring you the smartest hacks for choosing the right cabin bag and packing it properly, so you can travel light without compromising on style or dignity. No sock-stuffed bras. Don't wear all your clothes on the plane like Joey from Friends; instead, copy genuinely useful advice and hacks that work in this updated and re-released episode.  On the show, Sean Gresty from Cabin Max shares exactly how to choose the right cabin bag, how to stay within ever-changing airline rules, and how to avoid those dreaded bag charges at the gate.  Travel blogger Monica Stott from the Travel Hack joins us with her best packing tips, from building a capsule wardrobe to fitting everything you need into one bag without chaos. We also cover how to keep up with cabin bag size changes, the truth about packing cubes, how many shoes are too many, and how to pack toiletries efficiently when travelling with hand luggage only. If you want to travel smarter, lighter and still look like you knew what you were doing, press play. Buy your Cabin Max bag here!  ************ Hi, I'm your podcast host, Portia Jones [nickname Pip Jones]. I'm a freelance travel journalist, podcaster, and presenter.  If you love to travel, check out my travel website to get travel guides and new episodes of the Travel Goals podcast delivered straight to your inbox. Connect with us on social media: Travel Goals on Instagram | Travel Goals on Facebook . Travel Goals is produced and owned by South Girl Production Music and Podcasting Ltd.  Email us to discuss working together or with any questions about the podcast.  Enjoy the show, and don't forget to leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

    35 min
  2. Why Orlando is America's best foodie city: Insider's guide to Orlando's must-try food and drink spots

    07/25/2025

    Why Orlando is America's best foodie city: Insider's guide to Orlando's must-try food and drink spots

    Forget everything you thought you knew about Orlando's food scene. In this deliciously packed episode, we're diving headfirst into one of America's most surprising culinary hotspots, Orlando. The Theme Park Capital of the World is now earning serious foodie cred, with Michelin-starred restaurants, buzzing food halls, breweries and creative eats in bougie neighbourhoods.  Join hungry presenter Portia Jones and Producer Luke Jones as they eat their way through Orlando's tastiest neighbourhoods, from hip Audubon Park to buzzy Ivanhoe Village, exploring street food stalls, Michelin-recommended restaurants, and indie cafés to uncover the places locals really rate.  From pizzas, Instagram-worthy cookies and burritos the size of your head to wildly inventive fine dining and world-class cocktails, this episode is your ultimate insider's guide to Orlando's must-try foodie spots.  We also meet chefs, bartenders, food writers, and vendors who are shaking up the scene and creating a stir. Tune in for tips on the best places to eat in Orlando, what to order, and why Orlando might just be the best food city you're not talking about yet. We'll also reveal the best places to stay if food is at the heart of your trip, from luxe options like the Lake Nona Wave Hotel and the Four Seasons, to more affordable, self-catering stays like The Terraces at The Grove Resort, where you can whip up your own feast with fresh finds from the local farmers' market. This isn't just a food episode; it's a full-on flavour roadmap through a city that's rewriting the script for what American dining can be. From global cuisines and rooftop views to biscuits, burritos, and Bib Gourmands, Orlando has so much to offer beyond the incredible theme parks. Thanks to Visit Orlando for supporting this episode of Travel Goals. Visit visitorlando.com to start planning your ultimate foodie escape now. ***** Hi, I'm your podcast host, Portia Jones [nicknamed Pip Jones]. I'm a freelance travel journalist, podcaster, and presenter.  If you love to travel, check out my travel website and subscribe to my travel newsletter to get travel guides and new episodes of the Travel Goals podcast delivered straight to your inbox. Connect with us on social media: Travel Goals on Instagram | Travel Goals on Facebook  Travel Goals is produced and owned by South Girl Production Music and Podcasting Ltd.  Email us to discuss working together or with any questions about the podcast.  Enjoy the show, and don't forget to leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

    45 min
  3. A grown-up's guide to Orlando: The best theme parks, dining, wine tasting and hotels for an adult-only vacation

    06/05/2025

    A grown-up's guide to Orlando: The best theme parks, dining, wine tasting and hotels for an adult-only vacation

    Orlando, Florida, is the ultimate family destination, but did you know it's also an amazing adults-only vacation? Join us on an epic audio journey as we explore some of the best things to do for adults in Orlando, including top-rated dining, wine tasting, sunset kayaking, and adrenaline-pumping roller coasters.  Pack your bags and join me and producer Luke as we head to the theme park capital of the world to show you why this sun-soaked city isn't just for families; it's also the perfect grown-up getaway if you want thrill rides paired with buzzing bars, restaurants and shopping.  In this episode of Travel Goals, we're swapping character breakfasts for wine tastings, thrill rides for even bigger thrill rides and discovering a more sophisticated side to Orlando. One with sunset kayaking, indie wine bars, swish hotels and luxury dining Of course, we're still hitting the big-name parks because riding TRON Lightcycle / Run or drinking Butterbeer in Diagon Alley is just as magical when you're grown up. You can race through the raptor paddocks on the Jurassic World VelociCoaster, face the First Order on Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, and then hop on classic rides that bring back all the childhood nostalgia. But we're also stepping outside the parks to explore Orlando's cooler, calmer corners. Expect leafy neighbourhoods with boutique shops and culture, glass-bottom kayaking through glittering lakes, and wine tasting in bougie bars.  If you're planning a getaway, a couples' escape, a group trip, or a trip with the girls, this episode will help you plan your dream grown-up adventure in Orlando, with where to stay, play and eat. If you're looking for a fabulous hotel, Lake Nona Wave Hotel is highly recommended. Please note that since the recording at Lake Nona Wave Hotel, Haven Kitchen has now become Garni Café, and Haven Lounge has now become The Nectar Room. Make sure to check them both out.  Thanks to Visit Orlando for supporting this episode of Travel Goals. Start planning your Orlando escape at visitorlando.com now! ***** Hi, I'm your podcast host, Portia Jones [nicknamed Pip Jones]. I'm a freelance travel journalist, podcaster, and Lonely Planet author.  If you love to travel, check out my travel website and subscribe to my travel newsletter to get travel guides and new episodes of the Travel Goals podcast delivered straight to your inbox. Connect with us on social media: Travel Goals on Instagram | Travel Goals on Facebook  Travel Goals is produced and owned by South Girl Production Music and Podcasting Ltd.  Email us to discuss working together or with any questions about the podcast.  Enjoy the show, and don't forget to leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

    47 min
  4. The Lake District you didn't know existed: Discover Cumbria's art, heritage and culture

    04/03/2025

    The Lake District you didn't know existed: Discover Cumbria's art, heritage and culture

    Think you know the Lake District? Think again. Join us on an epic audio journey as we peel back the layers of Cumbria to reveal a side you probably never expected—one bursting with art, heritage, and culture. When most people picture the Lake District, they see shimmering lakes, rugged fells, and charming country inns. And yes, all that is spectacular—but what if we told you this region is so much more than scenic hikes and boat trips? Beyond the well-trodden trails, Cumbria has long been a magnet for creatives, from poets and painters to musicians and makers. And it's not just about Wordsworth and his daffodils—Cumbria's cultural scene is alive and kicking.  Artists, musicians, and theatre-makers have put down roots here, turning former textile mills into buzzing creative hubs and filling historic venues with new concepts and fresh exhibits. We're stepping off the tourist trail to explore a different side of Cumbria. Think ancient abbeys, maritime museums that tell the region's shipbuilding past, and grand houses that played a key role in the early Quaker movement.  There's even an auto museum packed with classic cars and unexpected stories and vintage treasures. So, if you thought the Lake District was all about hiking boots and boat trips, get ready to see it in a whole new way. Thanks to Cumbria Tourism for supporting this episode of Travel Goals. The Let's Go Culture project is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is supported by Westmorland & Furness Council. #UKSPF ***** Hi, I'm your podcast host, Portia Jones [nicknamed Pip Jones]. I'm a freelance travel journalist, podcaster, and Lonely Planet author.  If you love to travel, check out my travel website and subscribe to my travel newsletter to get travel guides and new episodes of the Travel Goals podcast delivered straight to your inbox. Connect with us on social media: Travel Goals on Instagram | Travel Goals on Facebook  Travel Goals is produced and owned by South Girl Production Music and Podcasting Ltd.  Email us to discuss working together or with any questions about the podcast.  Enjoy the show, and don't forget to leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

    40 min
  5. Boston's Best Water Adventures: Whale Watching, Duck Tours, Harbour Cruises and kayaking

    03/21/2025

    Boston's Best Water Adventures: Whale Watching, Duck Tours, Harbour Cruises and kayaking

    Boston is a city shaped by water. From its earliest Indigenous inhabitants, to its dramatic role in the American Revolution, the city's history is written in its harbours, rivers, and shorelines. But Boston's connection to the water isn't just about the past—it's alive and thriving today. Join host Portia Jones and producer Luke as they explore Boston's famous harbour and its transformation from a strategic trading port to a thriving waterfront destination. Whale tails break the surface in the waters of Stellwagen Bank, an ocean sanctuary teeming with marine life. Kayaks glide past the city skyline, offering a fresh perspective on familiar landmarks. Amphibious vehicles splash into the Charles River on a journey that blurs the line between road and water. From the buzzing harbour to Boston's best waterfront activities, we'll take you beyond the usual sights and into the heart of Boston's relationship with the sea. Along the way, you'll hear from locals who bring these waters to life through conservation, adventure, or the stories of Boston's past Thanks to Meet Boston and TTM World for supporting and collaborating with the Travel Goals podcast. Tune in to discover a side of Boston you've never seen before. ***** Hi, I'm your podcast host, Portia Jones [nicknamed Pip Jones]. I'm a freelance travel journalist, podcaster, and Lonely Planet author.  If you love to travel, check out my travel website and subscribe to my travel newsletter to get travel guides and new episodes of the Travel Goals podcast delivered straight to your inbox. Connect with us on social media: Travel Goals on Instagram | Travel Goals on Facebook  Travel Goals is produced and owned by South Girl Production Music and Podcasting Ltd.  Email us to discuss working together or with any questions about the podcast.  Enjoy the show, and don't forget to leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

    26 min
  6. Inside the Dramatic Heart of Wales: Discover Haunting History, Magical Landscapes and Spooky Legends

    10/31/2024

    Inside the Dramatic Heart of Wales: Discover Haunting History, Magical Landscapes and Spooky Legends

    Ready to uncover one of Wales' best-kept secrets? We're heading to the myth-filled, magical landscapes of Neath Port Talbot – the dramatic heart of Wales. In this underrated region, local legends and ghostly tales are as abundant as the picturesque valleys and cascading waterfalls. This episode is your backstage pass to the heart of Welsh myth and magic, from haunted castles and historic abbeys to Welsh folklore. Join us as we wander through Margam Castle, a Tudor Gothic Mansion rumoured to be one of the UK's most haunted spots. Feel the chill of ghostly encounters and hear the eerie tales of a long-lost gamekeeper as we explore its shadowy corners.  We'll also follow in the footsteps of Hollywood legend Richard Burton in his hometown of Pontrhydyfen – a mountain village wrapped in epic views and industrial history, with ancient bridges and a welcoming chapel with a surprising connection to Burton.  We'll share some of Wales' best-kept legends, from mischievous water horses emerging from waterfalls to the otherworldly changelings that haunt its forests. Adventure lovers will find plenty to enjoy here, with a surf-ready beach, hiking paths, and even thrilling mountain biking, all with the wild beauty of Wales as your backdrop. Neath Port Talbot may not be on everyone's itinerary, but this underrated gem is a must-see for anyone craving an authentic Welsh experience. Thanks to our partners, the Dramatic Heart of Wales, for bringing this episode to life. Buckle up for a journey that's equal parts haunting and awe-inspiring—hit play and explore Wales beyond the guidebooks! **************************** Hi, I'm your podcast host, Portia Jones [nicknamed Pip Jones]. I'm a freelance travel journalist, podcaster, and Lonely Planet author.  If you love to travel, check out my travel website and subscribe to my travel newsletter to get travel guides and new episodes of the Travel Goals podcast delivered straight to your inbox. Connect with us on social media: Travel Goals on Instagram | Travel Goals on Facebook  Travel Goals is produced and owned by South Girl Production Music and Podcasting Ltd.  Email us to discuss working together or with any questions about the podcast.  Enjoy the show, and don't forget to leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

    47 min
  7. Ireland: The Home of Halloween - Discover Ancient Fires, Folklore and Spooky Stories

    10/18/2024

    Ireland: The Home of Halloween - Discover Ancient Fires, Folklore and Spooky Stories

    Did you know that Halloween's true origins are rooted in the ancient Celtic traditions of Ireland? This isn't just any Halloween story—this is a spooky audio journey into the heart of the Emerald Isle, where the festival we now know as Halloween began over 2,000 years ago. Join us for an immersive, spine-tingling adventure through Ireland's mystical myths, haunting folklore, and fascinating Samhain traditions.   In this special episode, we take you to County Meath, home to the Púca Festival, where history, fire, and feasting combine with the strange and mischievous spirits of the Celtic Otherworld. You'll hear the crackle of ceremonial fires and feel the chill of ghost stories as we travel to Ireland's Ancient East to uncover the secrets of Samhain, the festival marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the darker half of the year. Get ready for an epic Halloween experience! We'll introduce you to the Púca, the shape-shifting creature of Celtic lore, who embodies the chaos and mystery of this bewitching season. The Púca Festival is not just about folklore; it's a celebration of music, myth, food, and fire set against the backdrop of Ireland's most historic places, from the towering Trim Castle to the ancient Hill of Ward, where the original Samhain fires were lit centuries ago. Recorded on location, we'll take you behind the scenes of one of Ireland's most brilliant and imaginative festivals. Along the way, we'll share spooky stories, haunting legends, and our own chilling encounters as the veil between worlds thins.  This is more than just a history lesson—it's a journey into a world where the past and the present meet, where the eerie traditions of Halloween still resonate in Ireland's wild landscapes. Whether you're a Halloween enthusiast or a lover of rich cultural traditions, this episode promises to transport you to a land steeped in mystery, ghostly legends, and ancient customs that will leave you captivated. With thanks to Tourism Ireland and Irish Ferries for supporting this episode of the Travel Goals Podcast. Hi, I'm your podcast host, Portia Jones [nicknamed Pip Jones]. I'm a freelance travel journalist, podcaster, and Lonely Planet author.  If you love to travel, check out my travel website and subscribe to my travel newsletter to get travel guides and new episodes of the Travel Goals podcast delivered straight to your inbox. Connect with us on social media: Travel Goals on Instagram | Travel Goals on Facebook  Travel Goals is produced and owned by South Girl Production Music and Podcasting Ltd.  Email us to discuss working together or with any questions about the podcast.  Enjoy the show, and don't forget to leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

    36 min

Trailers

5
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

Do you want to travel smarter, cheaper and more purposefully? Welcome to the Travel Goals Podcast, where we help you travel better with on-location destination episodes and interviews with top travel experts. Host Portia Jones is an intrepid travel journalist and will take you on a deep dive with top travel experts to bring you what's new in travel, as well as a range of actionable travel hacks, destination inspiration and stories of travel adventures from around the world. Tune in for in-depth discussions on the latest travel trends with some of the biggest names in the travel industry. There are also immersive destination episodes – recorded on location, that can help you plan your next adventure. With over 17 years of travel experience, Portia gives you the inside scoop on travelling like a pro and brings you the latest travel trends and how to achieve your travel goals. The Travel Goals community is growing fast, so make sure to join us now and start travelling better! Tweet me your travel goals @pip_says Instagram @pipsays

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