Winging It Travel Podcast

Voyascape:Travel Podcasts
Voyascape:Travel Podcasts
  • 4.9 (27)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Weekly

The Winging It Travel Podcast is your weekly ticket to the world—dropping every Monday and hosted by me, James Hammond, proudly part of the Voyascape Network. This is more than just a travel podcast—it's a cinematic audio experience that takes you deep into the heart of each journey. Through rich immersive soundscapes, on-the-ground reactions, and authentic storytelling, I bring you right alongside me—whether I’m hiking up volcanoes in Guatemala, navigating the chaos of a city market in India, or camping under the stars in British Columbia. With over fifteen years of travel behind me, I've met incredible people, seen breathtaking places, and collected unforgettable stories—and now I get to share them with you. Expect a mix of: 🎧 Immersive-Audio episodes that let you hear the world as I experience it 🎙️ Raw, reflective solo episodes filled with insights, tips, and honest travel tales 🌍 Guest conversations with some of the most diverse and well-travelled people I've encountered on the road Every episode blends anecdotes, practical advice, cultural insight, and moments of pure adventure. This podcast is for travellers, dreamers, backpackers, and anyone who’s ever thought, what if I just went for it? So, if you're looking for stories to tell, tips to share, and experiences to inspire, you're in the right place. There’s so much travel content coming your way, it just might spark that trip you’ve been dreaming about for years. Welcome to a world of travel! Thank you for listening in. Please get in touch with us below. Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com⁠ Finally, please rate the podcast five stars on your podcast app and give a positive written review. This helps the podcast grow, for free. Website - https://www.wingingittravelpodcast.com Buy Winging It a coffee - buymeacoffee.com/wingingit Voyascape - https://voyascape.com Linktree - https://linktr.ee/jameshammondtravel Email - jameshammondtravel@gmail.com Roaming with Hammo YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@roamingwithhammo Happy Winging It!

  1. 3d ago

    The Post-Trip Hangover, Notriphobia, and Chasing Your Travel Self

    Check out the new Smart Travel Podcast This episode is supported by Smart Travel a new podcast from Nerd Wallet. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Follow Smart Travel wherever you get your podcasts.Smart Travel Podcast The Post-Trip Hangover, Notriphobia, and Chasing Your Travel Self Ever find yourself late at night, staring at a video timeline or scrolling through old photos from a past adventure, hit with a strange, hollow ache? In this solo episode of the Winging It Travel Podcast, I dive deep into the psychological weight of returning home from the road. Tune in as I explore if we aren't actually homesick for a physical location, but are instead mourning our untethered "vacation self" or could it be both? Plus, I tackle notriphobia—the low-grade panic of looking at an empty calendar with no next adventure booked—and share practical ways to bridge the gap between routine daily life and your next big getaway. I for sure suffer from a trip which could either be a long weekend or six months, going back home is a constant struggle for me and I cannot see that changing in the near future. So I thought I would lay out my ramblings in this episode to see if other travellers feel the same thing. Let me know your thoughts on it too. Key Topics Covered:The Post-Trip Hangover: I break down the dopamine crash, the physiological shift of "travel fitness," and the shocking transition back to mundane domestic life.Mourning Your Vacation Self: Why we feel lighter and more alive on the road, and the fallacy of trying to recreate past memories or return to the exact same spots.Notriphobia & The Blank Calendar: I define the anxiety of having zero upcoming trips, and look at why re-watching old clips can sometimes feel like self-torture or living backward.Breaking the Loop: How I close the chapter on past travels, smuggle micro-curiosities into my everyday routine, and cure notriphobia without breaking the bank. Support Winging It Travel PodcastIf you enjoyed this episode: ⭐ Leave a 5-star rating or review on your podcast app☕ Support the show at buymeacoffee.com/wingingit🌍 Explore more episodes at wingingittravelpodcast.com✈️ Check out more great travel podcasts at https://voyascape.com📺 Now also on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@wingingittravelpodcast Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction: Editing drone footage from Finland and the strange, hollow ache of wanting to go back. 01:24 – Podcast Intro: Welcome to the Winging It Travel podcast, part of the Voyescape Network. 03:03 – The Post-Trip Hangover & Dopamine Crash: Shifting from high-stimulus travel fitness to the shock of the mundane. 05:43 – The Archive Trap: Why editing old footage from Finland, Bhutan, or New Zealand brings back an intense desire to return. 07:49 – Mourning Your Travel Self: Shedding your routine identity and realizing you miss the person you were on the road. 09:31 – The Fallacy of Return: Why going back to the exact same place rarely matches your memories. 11:08 – Mid-Roll / Support the Show: How you can support the podcast through reviews, YouTube subscriptions, and Buy Me a Coffee. 11:52 – Notriphobia & The Blank Calendar Panic: The anxious feeling of having zero upcoming trips and using past clips as a digital security blanket. 15:08 – Closing the Chapter: How to finish your travel projects, sign off on past trips, and move forward. 16:47 – Smuggling Travel into Daily Life: Micro-curiosities at home, reading travel books, and planning future adventures to cure notriphobia. 18:50 – Wrap-Up & Next Episodes: A look ahead to my upcoming stories covering Puerto Rico and Hornby Island. -------------------------------------------------------------- Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com⁠ Voyascape: Travel Podcast Network - https://voyascape.com/ Winging It Travel Podcast - Website -------------------------------------------------------------- Winging It Travel Podcast Credits Host/Producer/Creator/Composer/Editor - James Hammond Contact me - jameshammondtravel@gmail.com or james@wingingitproductions.com Social Media - follow me on: Instagram TikTok Facebook -------------------------------------------------------------- Affiliate Links If you click one of the below to book something, I get a tiny commission, which helps the podcast. Book Flights with Skyscanner - Here Use Revolut Travel Card - Here Book Hostels With Hostelworld - Here Booking.com - Here Book Experiences With Viator - Here Discovery Car Hire - Here Book Buses With Busbud - Here Book Trains With Trainline - Here Travel Insurance with SafetyWing - Here Book Flights With Expedia Canada - Here -------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks for supporting me and the podcast! Cheers James. Check out all of our other travel podcasts from aroundthe worldThis podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world’s best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape Podcast Network . For advertising or sponsorship opportunities on this show and across the network, email advertising@voyascape.com or you can find more information at Voyascape Ads.

    The Post-Trip Hangover, Notriphobia, and Chasing Your Travel Self

  2. Sep 9

    Winging It for 7 Months in Melbourne: From $0 to $14K in Savings, South Melbourne living & Grim Infections

    Check out the new Smart Travel Podcast This episode is supported by Smart Travel a new podcast from Nerd Wallet. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Follow Smart Travel wherever you get your podcasts.Smart Travel Podcast Winging It for 7 Months in Melbourne: From $0 to $14K in Savings, South Melbourne Living & Grim Infections In this episode of the Winging It Travel Podcast, I break down my seven-month stint living and working in Melbourne, Australia during my working holiday visa. Arriving on the East Coast with virtually no money left after months of backpacking, I took a leap of faith on a job tip from Magnetic Island, called a payphone from Noosa, and flew straight down to Victoria to rebuild my travel funds. From securing a $30/hour temp job to recovering my bank account from zero up to $14,000 AUD, I share an honest, detailed look at the financial realities of working abroad. Beyond the workplace, I dive deep into what day-to-day life looked like base-camped in South Melbourne. I walk through spending three months living in Urban Central Hostel, navigating long-term hostel culture, playing Monday night poker, and eventually moving out to an apartment in Kensington. Along the way, I reflect on a major digital turning point in my travels—buying my first smartphone, an iPhone 5C, which completely transformed how I navigated cities, stayed connected, and documented my journey on the road. I've also packed this episode with vibrant local stories and real traveler mishaps. I share memories of getting into Australian Rules Football (AFL) at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), picking the Richmond Tigers as my team, and playing acoustic guitar for my boss's secret garden wedding in Daylesford. I also get candid about the darker sides of long-term budget travel, including a nightmare medical battle with severe ear and tooth infections that led to a late-night trip to A&E. To wrap up, I give a full local guide to South Melbourne, highlighting why it remains one of my absolute favorite areas to live in Victoria. I break down the best neighborhood spots, from the historic South Melbourne Market and Agathé Pâtisserie to St Ali Coffee and 5k runs around Albert Park Lake. Whether you're planning your own Australian working holiday, looking for budget travel tips, or just love raw, authentic storytelling, tune in to hear what it was really like making a home on the other side of the world. Key Highlights Australia Working Holiday Visa: Practical insight on landing temporary work, pay rates, and saving money in Australia.South Melbourne Living: Neighborhood highlights, including the South Melbourne Market, Clarendon Street, and St Ali Coffee.Budget Travel & Hostels: What it’s actually like spending three months long-term at Urban Central Hostel.Melbourne Culture & Sports: Experiencing AFL games at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and the Crown Casino precinct. Support Winging It Travel PodcastIf you enjoyed this episode: ⭐ Leave a 5-star rating or review on your podcast app☕ Support the show at buymeacoffee.com/wingingit🌍 Explore more episodes at wingingittravelpodcast.com✈️ Check out more great travel podcasts at https://voyascape.com📺 Now also on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@wingingittravelpodcast Timestamps 00:00 – Intro: The 7-Month Melbourne Stint & Landing a Job via Payphone 00:53 – Welcome to the Winging It Travel Podcast 02:32 – Arriving Broke: Rebuilding a Travel Budget from $0 to $14,000 04:10 – Living at Urban Central Hostel in South Melbourne 06:05 – Moving to Kensington & Commuting into the City 06:50 – Buying an iPhone 5C: How Smart Technology Changed Travel 08:10 – Working in Australia: $30/Hour Temp Jobs & Visa Rules 09:00 – Discovering AFL at the MCG & Supporting Richmond 11:54 – Mid-Episode Break & Supporting the Show 12:38 – Playing Guitar at a Boss's Wedding in Daylesford 13:40 – A Night in A&E: Dealing with Ear & Gum Infections on the Road 15:00 – Exploring South Melbourne: South Melbourne Market, Albert Park & St Ali Coffee 19:00 – The Missing $10,000 Bonus & Ending the Job 20:00 – Full Circle Moment: The Ashes at the MCG & Planning South America 22:00 – Road Trip Prep: Great Ocean Road to Adelaide & Final Melbourne Wrap-Up -------------------------------------------------------------- Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com⁠ Voyascape: Travel Podcast Network - https://voyascape.com/ Winging It Travel Podcast - Website -------------------------------------------------------------- Winging It Travel Podcast Credits Host/Producer/Creator/Composer/Editor - James Hammond Contact me - jameshammondtravel@gmail.com or james@wingingitproductions.com Social Media - follow me on: Instagram TikTok Facebook -------------------------------------------------------------- Affiliate Links If you click one of the below to book something, I get a tiny commission, which helps the podcast. Book Flights with Skyscanner - Here Use Revolut Travel Card - Here Book Hostels With Hostelworld - Here Booking.com - Here Book Experiences With Viator - Here Discovery Car Hire - Here Book Buses With Busbud - Here Book Trains With Trainline - Here Travel Insurance with SafetyWing - Here Book Flights With Expedia Canada - Here -------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks for supporting me and the podcast! Cheers James. Check out all of our other travel podcasts from aroundthe worldThis podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world’s best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape Podcast Network . For advertising or sponsorship opportunities on this show and across the network, email advertising@voyascape.com or you can find more information at Voyascape Ads.

    Winging It for 7 Months in Melbourne: From $0 to $14K in Savings, South Melbourne living & Grim Infections

  3. Aug 31

    IMMERSIVE - 20 Minutes at the Finnish Lakelands: Unwind at Lake Maunolanselkä (ASMR style)

    Check out the new Smart Travel Podcast This episode is supported by Smart Travel a new podcast from Nerd Wallet. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Follow Smart Travel wherever you get your podcasts.Smart Travel Podcast IMMERSIVE - 20 Minutes at the Finnish Lakelands: Unwind at Lake Maunolanselkä (ASMR style)Grab a pair of headphones, find a quiet space, and step onto a wooden jetty in the heart of Finland. In this special soundscape episode, we’re slowing things down completely. Taken from a continuous recording on the shores of Lake Maunolanselkä, this episode captures the pure, uninterrupted ambient sounds of Finnish nature—gentle water movement, birds, and the deep stillness of the summer mökki (cabin) life. After a brief reflection on what it takes to make your dream trip happen, the commentary steps away to let the environment take over for the remainder of the episode. In this episode: A short, reflective intro on slowing down and making travel happen.Authentic, unedited ambient audio recorded live at Lake Maunolanselkä, Finland.High-quality ASMR nature sounds designed for relaxation, focus, meditation, or sleep. Best experienced with headphones. Support Winging It Travel PodcastIf you enjoyed this episode: ⭐ Leave a 5-star rating or review on your podcast app☕ Support the show at buymeacoffee.com/wingingit🌍 Explore more episodes at wingingittravelpodcast.com✈️ Check out more great travel podcasts at https://voyascape.com📺 Now also on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@wingingittravelpodcast -------------------------------------------------------------- Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com⁠ Voyascape: Travel Podcast Network - https://voyascape.com/ Winging It Travel Podcast - Website -------------------------------------------------------------- Winging It Travel Podcast Credits Host/Producer/Creator/Composer/Editor - James Hammond Contact me - jameshammondtravel@gmail.com or james@wingingitproductions.com Social Media - follow me on: Instagram TikTok Facebook -------------------------------------------------------------- Affiliate Links If you click one of the below to book something, I get a tiny commission, which helps the podcast. Book Flights with Skyscanner - Here Use Revolut Travel Card - Here Book Hostels With Hostelworld - Here Booking.com - Here Book Experiences With Viator - Here Discovery Car Hire - Here Book Buses With Busbud - Here Book Trains With Trainline - Here Travel Insurance with SafetyWing - Here Book Flights With Expedia Canada - Here -------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks for supporting me and the podcast! Cheers James. Check out all of our other travel podcasts from aroundthe worldThis podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world’s best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape Podcast Network . For advertising or sponsorship opportunities on this show and across the network, email advertising@voyascape.com or you can find more information at Voyascape Ads.

    IMMERSIVE - 20 Minutes at the Finnish Lakelands: Unwind at Lake Maunolanselkä (ASMR style)

  4. Aug 24

    Winging It On Location – Days 12-17 - UK + Paris: A 30k Step Day In Paris, 4 English Breakfasts in 4 Days + Thoughts on Home

    Check out the new Smart Travel Podcast This episode is supported by Smart Travel a new podcast from Nerd Wallet. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Follow Smart Travel wherever you get your podcasts.Smart Travel Podcast Winging It On Location – Days 12-17 - UK + Paris: A 30k Step Day In Paris, 4 English Breakfasts in 4 Days + Thoughts on HomeIn this episode, I wrap up my latest trip with Days 12–17 taking me from the UK to Paris before finally heading back home to Vancouver. I spend some time back in Norwich catching up with friends and family, but being back in the city where I grew up also gets me thinking about what “home” actually means to me these days. After living in Vancouver for almost a decade, could I see myself moving back to Norwich one day? There’s also a chaotic train journey to London, a long-overdue catch-up with an old travelling friend, a visit to Wokingham and, somehow (quite easily to be fair), four English breakfasts in four days! Then I head to Paris for a couple of days, partly because it was actually cheaper to fly home from Paris than London. After surviving some airport chaos, I settle into the 10th arrondissement and set out to explore one of my favourite cities in the world. I run along Canal Saint-Martin, hunt down some great coffee and croissants, wander through the streets of Paris, visit the Palais Garnier and Place de la Madeleine, walk along the Seine and finally meet fellow travel creator and former Winging It guest Jay Swanson for coffee. I then spend hours walking across Paris towards Jardin du Luxembourg before getting absolutely soaked in a huge downpour. By the end of the day, I've clocked up 30,000 steps — including my morning run — and I'm completely exhausted. Finally, I look back on the whole trip: almost three weeks, six countries, countless cities, coffees and plenty of adventures. I also talk about why I enjoy podcasting on the road and what's coming next, including my upcoming trip to French Polynesia. It’s the end of another Winging It On Location series — thanks for coming along for the ride! Jay's episode - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/winging-it-podcast/id1559489384?i=1000633040744 https://open.spotify.com/episode/2gdjWp82iVfGD3jRFnEpiX?si=6lkGVVmbRdKesbDePj2Gaw Support Winging It Travel PodcastIf you enjoyed this episode: ⭐ Leave a 5-star rating or review on your podcast app☕ Support the show at buymeacoffee.com/wingingit🌍 Explore more episodes at wingingittravelpodcast.com✈️ Check out more great travel podcasts at https://voyascape.com📺 Now also on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@wingingittravelpodcast ⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Welcome to the final days of the trip 01:38 Back in Norwich and thinking about home 03:20 Could Norwich become home again? 04:50 The chaotic journey from Norwich to London 06:20 Catching up with old travelling friends 07:40 Heading to Paris 08:30 Four English breakfasts in four days 09:00 Paris airport chaos 10:30 Arriving in the 10th arrondissement 11:20 Running along Canal Saint-Martin 12:20 Coffee, croissants and exploring Paris 14:00 Palais Garnier and Place de la Madeleine 15:00 Meeting Jay Swanson 16:15 Walking through Paris to Jardin du Luxembourg 17:30 Notre-Dame and torrential rain 18:30 The 30,000-step day 19:30 Final morning in Paris 20:15 Three weeks, six countries and the end of the trip 22:00 Podcasting on the road and what's next 23:00 Listener review and final thoughts -------------------------------------------------------------- Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com⁠ Voyascape: Travel Podcast Network - https://voyascape.com/ Winging It Travel Podcast - Website -------------------------------------------------------------- Winging It Travel Podcast Credits Host/Producer/Creator/Composer/Editor - James Hammond Contact me - jameshammondtravel@gmail.com or james@wingingitproductions.com Social Media - follow me on: Instagram TikTok Facebook -------------------------------------------------------------- Affiliate Links If you click one of the below to book something, I get a tiny commission, which helps the podcast. Book Flights with Skyscanner - Here Use Revolut Travel Card - Here Book Hostels With Hostelworld - Here Booking.com - Here Book Experiences With Viator - Here Discovery Car Hire - Here Book Buses With Busbud - Here Book Trains With Trainline - Here Travel Insurance with SafetyWing - Here Book Flights With Expedia Canada - Here -------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks for supporting me and the podcast! Cheers James. Check out all of our other travel podcasts from aroundthe worldThis podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world’s best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape Podcast Network . For advertising or sponsorship opportunities on this show and across the network, email advertising@voyascape.com or you can find more information at Voyascape Ads.

    Winging It On Location – Days 12-17 - UK + Paris: A 30k Step Day In Paris, 4 English Breakfasts in 4 Days + Thoughts on Home

  5. Aug 22

    Winging It On Location – Days 9-11 - Finnish Lakelands - A Deserted Resort By The Lake, Epic Morning Drone Views + Helsinki Airport Chaos

    Check out the new Smart Travel Podcast This episode is supported by Smart Travel a new podcast from Nerd Wallet. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Follow Smart Travel wherever you get your podcasts.Smart Travel Podcast Winging It On Location – Days 9-11 - Finnish Lakelands: A Deserted Resort By The Lake, Epic Morning Drone Views + Helsinki Airport ChaosIn Days 9–11 of the Finland road trip, we continue north along Route 62 through the Finnish Lakelands, leaving our remote lakeside cabin behind and heading towards Puumala, where we cross the spectacular Puumalansalmi Bridge. From there, the road trip continues through some of the most beautiful scenery of the journey, with endless lakes, islands and bridges before arriving at Lietvesi and eventually Anttola. We then swap our rustic cabin for a lakeside resort, complete with swimming pool, saunas, paddleboards, canoes and plenty of opportunities to embrace Finnish mökki life. Day 10 is all about slowing down: breakfast, paddleboarding, drone flying, swimming, reading, a run through the local trails and, naturally, plenty of sauna time. We also sample some Finnish pastries and enjoy an excellent final dinner at the resort. Finally, we head to Mikkeli before returning the hire car and taking the train to Helsinki Airport. Along the way, I reflect on the entire Finland trip, including Helsinki, Route 62, the Finnish Lakelands, cabin stays, driving in Finland, costs, and why Finland might just be one of the easiest countries in the world to travel around. And, of course, there's a final introduction to the Finnish way of life: mökki life, saunas, nature, no internet and simply switching off. Finnish Lakelands Accommodation Kuvalusdream Chalet - https://www.booking.com/hotel/fi/kuvalusdream.en-gb.html?label=affnetcj-11916287_pub-5108952_site-101051909_pname-Go+Travel+Un+Limited_clkid-3495d2d3e2334d21a223e3101-370217_cjevent-5b07c05f9dc911f1823700330a82b838&utm_source=affnetcj&utm_medium=bannerindex&utm_term=index-11916287&utm_campaign=xx&aid=818288&ucfs=1&arphpl=1&checkin=2026-08-22&checkout=2026-08-23&adplat=www-homescreen-recently_viewed_carousel-stays-n_a-n_a Saimaanranta Resort by Anttolanhovi - https://www.booking.com/hotel/fi/lake-saimaa-resort-mikkeli.en-gb.html?label=affnetcj-11916287_pub-5108952_site-101051909_pname-Go+Travel+Un+Limited_clkid-3495d2d3e2334d21a223e3101-370217_cjevent-5b07c05f9dc911f1823700330a82b838&utm_source=affnetcj&utm_medium=bannerindex&utm_term=index-11916287&utm_campaign=xx&aid=818288&ucfs=1&arphpl=1&checkin=2026-08-22&checkout=2026-08-23&adplat=www-homescreen-recently_viewed_carousel-stays-n_a-n_a Support Winging It Travel PodcastIf you enjoyed this episode: ⭐ Leave a 5-star rating or review on your podcast app☕ Support the show at buymeacoffee.com/wingingit🌍 Explore more episodes at wingingittravelpodcast.com✈️ Check out more great travel podcasts at https://voyascape.com📺 Now also on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@wingingittravelpodcast ⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Welcome to Winging It 01:38 Day 9 – Back on Route 62 02:30 Puumala & the Puumalansalmi Bridge 03:30 The bridge, the wind & the ice-free waterway 04:20 Coffee & Finnish snacks in Puumala 05:00 The Lietvesi Scenic Spot 06:00 More Lakeland scenery & arriving in Anttola 06:45 Checking into the lakeside resort 07:30 Finnish pastries & exploring the resort 08:45 Dinner, mushroom soup & Monopoly Deal 09:40 Day 10 – Breakfast & a day on the lake 10:40 Paddleboards, drones & Finnish mökki life 11:45 Swimming, reading & soaking up the Lakelands 12:30 A 5K run, getting lost & sauna time 13:30 Final morning & thoughts on the resort 14:30 Mikkeli & the final coffee stop 15:10 Returning the car & train to Helsinki Airport 16:00 The chaotic end to the trip 16:30 Final thoughts on Helsinki & Route 62 17:15 Why the Finnish Lakelands are worth visiting 17:45 Mökki life, saunas & switching off 18:20 Final thoughts & next time on Winging It -------------------------------------------------------------- Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com⁠ Voyascape: Travel Podcast Network - https://voyascape.com/ Winging It Travel Podcast - Website -------------------------------------------------------------- Winging It Travel Podcast Credits Host/Producer/Creator/Composer/Editor - James Hammond Contact me - jameshammondtravel@gmail.com or james@wingingitproductions.com Social Media - follow me on: Instagram TikTok Facebook -------------------------------------------------------------- Affiliate Links If you click one of the below to book something, I get a tiny commission, which helps the podcast. Book Flights with Skyscanner - Here Use Revolut Travel Card - Here Book Hostels With Hostelworld - Here Booking.com - Here Book Experiences With Viator - Here Discovery Car Hire - Here Book Buses With Busbud - Here Book Trains With Trainline - Here Travel Insurance with SafetyWing - Here Book Flights With Expedia Canada - Here -------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks for supporting me and the podcast! Cheers James. Check out all of our other travel podcasts from aroundthe worldThis podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world’s best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape Podcast Network . For advertising or sponsorship opportunities on this show and across the network, email advertising@voyascape.com or you can find more information at a...

    Winging It On Location – Days 9-11 - Finnish Lakelands - A Deserted Resort By The Lake, Epic Morning Drone Views + Helsinki Airport Chaos

  6. Aug 18

    Winging It On Location – Days 7-8 - Finnish Lakelands - Mökki Life, More Saunas and Our Own Little Cabin Along Route 62

    Check out the new Smart Travel Podcast This episode is supported by Smart Travel a new podcast from Nerd Wallet. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Follow Smart Travel wherever you get your podcasts.Smart Travel Podcast Winging It On Location – Days 7-8 - Finnish Lakelands - Mökki Life, More Saunas and Our Own Little Cabin Along Route 62Days 7 and 8 take us properly into the Finnish Lakelands as we leave Helsinki behind and hit the road along Route 62. After an early train from Helsinki to Lappeenranta, we pick up our hire car, stock up on food and begin our four-night road trip through some of Finland's most idyllic lake country. The aim of this part of the trip is simple: get away from the cities, slow down and experience a traditional Finnish summer. The first two nights are spent in a tiny cabin in the woods at Kouvalas Dream Chalet, right beside a lake and complete with its own jetty, boat and, most importantly, a huge wood-fired sauna. Getting there is part of the adventure, including a short journey on a free motor launch after the paved road eventually comes to an end! Once we're settled in, it's time to embrace mökki life: cooking dinner, sitting beside the lake, rowing the boat, swimming, reading, flying the drone and spending plenty of time in the sauna. It's about as far removed from Helsinki city life as you can get. Day eight is particularly special. With clear skies, calm water and barely another person around, we get out onto the lake and experience exactly the kind of Finnish summer we'd imagined before the trip. There's even time to finally get the drone into the air after owning it for two years — resulting in some spectacular footage of the cabin and lake. We also get into what mökki actually means and why these small countryside cabins are such an important part of Finnish summer culture. After two nights, it feels like we've experienced our own little slice of that lifestyle. It's peaceful, it's remote, it's rustic — and it's exactly what this part of the Finland trip was supposed to be. Things of Interest🚆 Getting around Finland: Taking the train from Helsinki to Lappeenranta and using the VR app to book tickets☕ Helsinki breakfast: St George's Cafe and Bakery for coffee and croissants🚗 Route 62: A road trip through Finland's Lakelands, with lakes, forests and tiny villages🇫🇮 Lappeenranta: The starting point for the road trip and a good place to stock up on supplies🇷🇺 Near the Russian border: Imatra is only around 10–15km from the Russian border⛴️ A free motor launch: Crossing the river with the car as the road suddenly ends🏡 Kouvalas Dream Chalet: A tiny cabin in the woods with its own lake access and jetty🔥 The Finnish sauna experience: A traditional wood-fired sauna reaching around 60–70°C🚿 Bucket showers: No conventional shower — hot and cold water are mixed manually for a very rustic experience🚽 The pit toilet: Another reminder that this really is a cabin in the middle of nature!🚣 Rowing on the lake: Exploring the lake using the cabin's own boat🚁 The drone finally flies: After owning the mini drone for two years, James finally gets it into the air🛶 Lake life: Swimming, reading, relaxing on the jetty and enjoying the complete lack of people🧖 Sauna → lake → sauna: The recurring routine that becomes the theme of the stay🇫🇮 Mökki life: The Finnish tradition of escaping to a small countryside cabin or summer house during the summer Support Winging It Travel PodcastIf you enjoyed this episode: ⭐ Leave a 5-star rating or review on your podcast app☕ Support the show at buymeacoffee.com/wingingit🌍 Explore more episodes at wingingittravelpodcast.com✈️ Check out more great travel podcasts at https://voyascape.com📺 Now also on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@wingingittravelpodcast ⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Welcome to the Finnish Lakelands 01:40 From Helsinki to Lappeenranta and onto Route 62 04:20 The road trip begins through Finland's Lakelands 07:00 A motor launch, an unpaved road and our cabin in the woods 09:00 Inside our rustic Finnish cabin and its sauna 11:30 Settling into Mökki life 13:30 Waking up beside the lake 15:00 Rowing, swimming and the perfect Finnish summer 17:30 Finally flying the drone over the lake 19:30 What is Mökki life? 21:00 Leaving the cabin and continuing along Route 62 -------------------------------------------------------------- Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com⁠ Voyascape: Travel Podcast Network - https://voyascape.com/ Winging It Travel Podcast - Website -------------------------------------------------------------- Winging It Travel Podcast Credits Host/Producer/Creator/Composer/Editor - James Hammond Contact me - jameshammondtravel@gmail.com or james@wingingitproductions.com Social Media - follow me on: Instagram TikTok Facebook -------------------------------------------------------------- Affiliate Links If you click one of the below to book something, I get a tiny commission, which helps the podcast. Book Flights with Skyscanner - Here Use Revolut Travel Card - Here Book Hostels With Hostelworld - Here Booking.com - Here Book Experiences With Viator - Here Discovery Car Hire - Here Book Buses With Busbud - Here Book Trains With Trainline - Here Travel Insurance with SafetyWing - Here Book Flights With Expedia Canada - Here -------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks for supporting me and the podcast! Cheers James. Check out all of our other travel podcasts from aroundthe worldThis podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world’s best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape Podcast Network . For advertising or sponsorship opportunities on this show and across the network, email advertising@voyascape.com or you can find more information at Voyascape Ads.

    Winging It On Location – Days 7-8 - Finnish Lakelands - Mökki Life, More Saunas and Our Own Little Cabin Along Route 62

  7. Aug 13

    Winging It On Location – Days 4-6 - Helsinki: Our First Sauna, Trendy Coffees and Dancing On The Street

    Winging It On Location – Days 4-6 - Helsinki: Our First Sauna, Trendy Coffees and Dancing On The StreetIn this on-location episode of Winging It, I continue the Estonia-to-Finland road trip and spend three packed days exploring Helsinki — a city that quickly became one of my favourite capital cities in Europe. From the ferry across the Gulf of Finland to trendy speciality coffee shops, a free walking tour, and our first proper Finnish sauna experience, this episode captures the atmosphere of Helsinki in real time. I share practical travel tips, food recommendations, transport advice, and the honest reactions that make these live-location episodes feel like you’re travelling alongside us. We start with the Viking Line ferry from Tallinn, settle into central Helsinki, and dive straight into the city’s café culture. After a crash course in Finnish history on a free walking tour, the trip becomes increasingly local: a Saturday morning ParkRun, doing laundry in a quirky neighbourhood café, and then the highlight of the weekend — a two-hour waterfront sauna session at Löyly. The evening turns into an unexpected night out filled with live music, dancing in a closed-off bar street, and one very unusual encounter involving a stranger with a glass of wine. On the final day, we slow things down with outstanding coffee and brunch before taking the ferry to Suomenlinna, Helsinki’s UNESCO-listed sea fortress, for coastal views, cannons, history, and gelato by the water. If you’re planning a Helsinki weekend trip, looking for sauna recommendations, or want a mix of food, coffee, nightlife, and history, this episode is packed with ideas and real-world travel insights. Places & Activities MentionedViking Line ferry from Tallinn to HelsinkiHotel Finn (central Helsinki)La Torrefazione specialty coffee caféGreen Cap Tours free walking tourHelsinki Central Library OodiRestaurant Khao Tip (Thai food)Tokoinranta ParkRunCafé Tin Tin Tango (laundry + café stop)Löyly waterfront saunaPute’s Bar & PizzaMummotunneli nightlife areaSt George’s CaféLazy Fox brunchFerry to SuomenlinnaEsplanadi ParkHelsinki CathedralSenate Square Support Winging It Travel PodcastIf you enjoyed this episode: ⭐ Leave a 5-star rating or review on your podcast app☕ Support the show at buymeacoffee.com/wingingit🌍 Explore more episodes at wingingittravelpodcast.com✈️ Check out more great travel podcasts at https://voyascape.com📺 Now also on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@wingingittravelpodcast ⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Intro and Tallinn toilet update 01:38 Ferry from Tallinn to Helsinki 02:35 Hotel Finn and arrival in the city 03:10 First Helsinki coffee stop: La Torrefazione 04:05 Free walking tour and Finnish history 04:40 Oodi Library and evening Thai food 05:45 Saturday morning ParkRun in Helsinki 06:35 Coffee, croissants, and ParkRun refuel 07:15 Laundry stop at Café Tin Tin Tango 08:05 First Finnish sauna experience at Löyly 09:25 Pizza, reindeer toppings, and tiramisu 09:50 Night out at Mummotunneli 11:15 Sunday coffee at St George’s Café 11:45 Brunch at Lazy Fox 12:20 Ferry to Suomenlinna 13:05 Exploring the fortress and island views 13:50 Senate Square and Helsinki Cathedral 14:10 Why Helsinki became one of my favourite European capitals -------------------------------------------------------------- Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com⁠ Voyascape: Travel Podcast Network - https://voyascape.com/ Winging It Travel Podcast - Website -------------------------------------------------------------- Winging It Travel Podcast Credits Host/Producer/Creator/Composer/Editor - James Hammond Contact me - jameshammondtravel@gmail.com or james@wingingitproductions.com Social Media - follow me on: Instagram TikTok Facebook -------------------------------------------------------------- Affiliate Links If you click one of the below to book something, I get a tiny commission, which helps the podcast. Book Flights with Skyscanner - Here Use Revolut Travel Card - Here Book Hostels With Hostelworld - Here Booking.com - Here Book Experiences With Viator - Here Discovery Car Hire - Here Book Buses With Busbud - Here Book Trains With Trainline - Here Travel Insurance with SafetyWing - Here Book Flights With Expedia Canada - Here -------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks for supporting me and the podcast! Cheers James. Check out all of our other travel podcasts from aroundthe worldThis podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world’s best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape Podcast Network . For advertising or sponsorship opportunities on this show and across the network, email advertising@voyascape.com or you can find more information at Voyascape Ads.

    Winging It On Location – Days 4-6 - Helsinki: Our First Sauna, Trendy Coffees and Dancing On The Street

  8. Aug 8

    Winging It On Location – Days 2-3 - Tallinn: A Trendy Old Town, Estonian History and Monopoly Deal

    Check out the new Smart Travel Podcast This episode is supported by Smart Travel a new podcast from Nerd Wallet. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Follow Smart Travel wherever you get your podcasts.Smart Travel Podcast Winging It On Location – Days 2-3-Tallinn: A Trendy Old Town, Estonian History and Monopoly DealIn this second instalment of my Winging It On Location series from the Baltics, I spend two full days exploring Estonia’s capital beyond the first evening impressions. From avocado toast in one of Tallinn’s trendiest cafés to a deep dive into the country’s Soviet history, this episode blends food, culture, history and the small moments that make a trip memorable. I wander through the cobbled streets of the Old Town in the sunshine, join a free walking tour to learn about Estonia’s path to independence, and take in panoramic views across the city. The next day I head out to the seaside district of Pirita, visit the Soviet memorials and cemetery, and reflect on how Estonia preserves difficult parts of its past. There’s also excellent coffee, cardamom buns, goulash in a bread bowl, jazz at Philly Joe’s, and the beginning of a travel obsession that may last the rest of the trip: Monopoly Deal. If you’re considering a European city break that feels safer, quieter and less crowded than many of the continent’s major capitals, Tallinn might be the perfect choice. In this episode:Exploring Tallinn’s Old Town, cafés and bakeriesLearning about Estonia’s history on a free walking tourVisiting Soviet memorials and Pirita BeachJazz, wine and final thoughts on Tallinn as a city break Support Winging It Travel PodcastIf you enjoyed this episode: ⭐ Leave a 5-star rating or review on your podcast app☕ Support the show at buymeacoffee.com/wingingit🌍 Explore more episodes at wingingittravelpodcast.com✈️ Check out more great travel podcasts at https://voyascape.com📺 Now also on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@wingingittravelpodcast ⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Back in Tallinn and exploring the Old Town in daylight 02:30 Cafés, bakeries and the free walking tour 05:00 Evening food stops and first impressions of Tallinn 06:30 Morning coffee crawl and hidden gems around Rotermann 08:00 Pirita Beach, Soviet memorials and Estonia’s history 10:30 Monopoly Deal, seaside lunch and a slower afternoon 11:45 Jazz, wine and a trendy final night in Tallinn 12:30 Final thoughts: is Tallinn one of Europe’s best city breaks? -------------------------------------------------------------- Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com⁠ Voyascape: Travel Podcast Network - https://voyascape.com/ Winging It Travel Podcast - Website -------------------------------------------------------------- Winging It Travel Podcast Credits Host/Producer/Creator/Composer/Editor - James Hammond Contact me - jameshammondtravel@gmail.com or james@wingingitproductions.com Social Media - follow me on: Instagram TikTok Facebook -------------------------------------------------------------- Affiliate Links If you click one of the below to book something, I get a tiny commission, which helps the podcast. Book Flights with Skyscanner - Here Use Revolut Travel Card - Here Book Hostels With Hostelworld - Here Booking.com - Here Book Experiences With Viator - Here Discovery Car Hire - Here Book Buses With Busbud - Here Book Trains With Trainline - Here Travel Insurance with SafetyWing - Here Book Flights With Expedia Canada - Here -------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks for supporting me and the podcast! Cheers James. Check out all of our other travel podcasts from aroundthe worldThis podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world’s best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape Podcast Network . For advertising or sponsorship opportunities on this show and across the network, email advertising@voyascape.com or you can find more information at Voyascape Ads.

    Winging It On Location – Days 2-3 - Tallinn: A Trendy Old Town, Estonian History and Monopoly Deal
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The Winging It Travel Podcast is your weekly ticket to the world—dropping every Monday and hosted by me, James Hammond, proudly part of the Voyascape Network. This is more than just a travel podcast—it's a cinematic audio experience that takes you deep into the heart of each journey. Through rich immersive soundscapes, on-the-ground reactions, and authentic storytelling, I bring you right alongside me—whether I’m hiking up volcanoes in Guatemala, navigating the chaos of a city market in India, or camping under the stars in British Columbia. With over fifteen years of travel behind me, I've met incredible people, seen breathtaking places, and collected unforgettable stories—and now I get to share them with you. Expect a mix of: 🎧 Immersive-Audio episodes that let you hear the world as I experience it 🎙️ Raw, reflective solo episodes filled with insights, tips, and honest travel tales 🌍 Guest conversations with some of the most diverse and well-travelled people I've encountered on the road Every episode blends anecdotes, practical advice, cultural insight, and moments of pure adventure. This podcast is for travellers, dreamers, backpackers, and anyone who’s ever thought, what if I just went for it? So, if you're looking for stories to tell, tips to share, and experiences to inspire, you're in the right place. There’s so much travel content coming your way, it just might spark that trip you’ve been dreaming about for years. Welcome to a world of travel! Thank you for listening in. Please get in touch with us below. Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com⁠ Finally, please rate the podcast five stars on your podcast app and give a positive written review. This helps the podcast grow, for free. Website - https://www.wingingittravelpodcast.com Buy Winging It a coffee - buymeacoffee.com/wingingit Voyascape - https://voyascape.com Linktree - https://linktr.ee/jameshammondtravel Email - jameshammondtravel@gmail.com Roaming with Hammo YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@roamingwithhammo Happy Winging It!

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