Norm's Travel Podcast: Destinations, Tips and Stories

The Ultimate Travel Podca
The Ultimate Travel Podca
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Norm's Travel Podcast brings you real destination stories, practical travel tips and conversations with the people who live and work in the world's most beautiful places. Host Normand Schafer visits islands, resorts, guides and tourism leaders across the South Pacific, French Polynesia, the Cook Islands, Europe and more to help you discover where to go, what to do and how to travel well. New episodes every week. Start planning your next trip with Far and Away Adventures at farandawayadventures.com.

  1. 22h ago

    From One Islander Aircraft to an Airline: Ewan Smith's Air Rarotonga Story

    Some destination stories are best told from the cockpit. Normand Schafer of Far and Away Adventures.com (https://farandawayadventures.com/) hears one of the Cook Islands' great ones from Ewan Smith, founder and managing director of Air Rarotonga.He also tells the story of technology changing around him. In the early days there was no telex machine, and when one arrived it felt like a marvel. Over the years the airline moved from HF radio and faxes to selling directly to customers anywhere in the world online. Yet the ocean between the islands, he notes, is not going to change. Through the oil shock, 9/11, the global financial crisis and COVID, the airline endured, staffed by local Cook Islanders. Ewan's message is simple: perseverance. Then there is his second passion. Ewan's aerial photographs of Rarotonga and Aitutaki have been used widely to promote the islands, and he produced a documentary on the reintroduction of the kura, the Rimatara lorikeet, with Gerald McCormack. He shares the moments that stayed with him: sunrise departures over the Pacific that never lost their magic, flying the first aircraft into new outer-island airstrips as whole villages watched, and pre-GPS flights of about 1,300 km to the Northern Group that felt like an expedition. Ewan grew up on a farm in New Zealand and still remembers watching an early jet airliner fly over his one-classroom school. In 1973, aged 22, he arrived in Rarotonga as a pilot and engineer, just as the international airport opened. About four years later he launched Air Rarotonga with a single Britten-Norman Islander, flying and maintaining it himself. Experience the Cook Islands story for yourself. Plan with a Far and Away Adventures specialist. Get a free trip quote from Far and Away Adventures: https://farandawayadventures.com/form/quick-trip-request/?dest=Cook%20Islands&src=spotify

    From One Islander Aircraft to an Airline: Ewan Smith's Air Rarotonga Story

  2. 3d ago

    When Vacation Plans Change: Lessons From Tahiti's Remote Islands

    This conversation reaches beyond a single destination to examine an important travel principle: even a well-planned trip needs room for the unexpected. Normand describes a real journey in which a ferry was canceled for two days because of weather. The travelers were supposed to reach Bora Bora from Maupiti, so the original transportation arrangements could no longer work. A canceled ferry in French Polynesia can change an entire island-hopping itinerary. Valerie from Tahiti Tours and host Normand Schafer explore what happens when travel plans encounter bad weather, changing flight arrangements, and difficult decisions. Through Far and Away Adventures.com, https://farandawayadventures.com/, travelers can seek expert help designing and coordinating customized vacations. An alternative flight connection was arranged, only for that flight to be canceled the following day. A subsequent direct flight ultimately allowed the travelers to reach Bora Bora on the same day they had originally expected to travel. The transportation changed, and several arrangements needed attention, but the central travel plan was preserved. Before discussing the disruption, Normand and Valerie consider how trips should be designed in the first place. Valerie believes the traveler’s interests are the starting point. Hiking, lagoon experiences, local culture, and preferred accommodation styles all influence which islands belong in an itinerary. Transportation planning follows those decisions and helps turn an appealing collection of destinations into a workable vacation. Valerie explains that these situations require quick communication and decisions. New transportation or accommodation arrangements may involve additional costs, and travelers sometimes need time to decide what they can afford. That delay can become part of the challenge when circumstances are already changing. The discussion also touches on travel insurance, remote destinations, and the importance of people who can assist when unexpected circumstances arise. For a vacation designed with your priorities and practical connections in mind, ask Far and Away Adventures for personalized planning assistance. Get a free trip quote from Far and Away Adventures: https://farandawayadventures.com/form/quick-trip-request/?dest=French%20Polynesia&src=spotify

    When Vacation Plans Change: Lessons From Tahiti's Remote Islands

  3. Oct 17

    Can an Airline Make Your Vacation Start Before Takeoff?

    Flying to French Polynesia raises an interesting travel question: can the vacation feeling begin as soon as you enter the aircraft? Moy from Air Tahiti Nui talks with Normand Schafer about how the airline uses culture, design, and personal service to make that possible. Far and Away Adventures.com, https://farandawayadventures.com/, provides expert assistance for travelers planning South Pacific vacations.Instead of concentrating only on what happens after arrival, this conversation looks closely at the travel experience itself. Moy describes the welcome from Polynesian flight attendants, the beautiful scent of the tiare Tahiti flower, and the slow rhythms of Tahitian music. The aircraft's blue colors reflect the lagoons, while wall panels feature familiar elements of island scenery. Normand also asks about the practical differences between Air Tahiti Nui's three cabin categories: economy, premium economy, and business. Moy explains their Polynesian names and emphasizes that cabin selection depends on individual preferences. For travelers particularly concerned about sleep, she mentions business-class seats that lie flat. One of the most memorable observations comes from Moy's years as a flight attendant. She recalls seeing passengers arrive tense and frustrated after delayed connections. The crew's calm manner, offers of assistance, and reassuring welcome sometimes helped people leave their difficult travel day behind. When you're ready to explore Tahiti, ask Far and Away Adventures to help coordinate a vacation that fits your travel style. This episode is a reminder that transportation does not have to feel separate from a destination. Sometimes the sights, sounds, fragrances, and people encountered along the way become lasting travel memories themselves. Get a free trip quote from Far and Away Adventures: https://farandawayadventures.com/form/quick-trip-request/?dest=French%20Polynesia&src=spotify

    Can an Airline Make Your Vacation Start Before Takeoff?

  4. Oct 17

    The Story of Punanga Nui Market, Told by Founder Mrs Q in Rarotonga

    Mrs Q welcomes us to Rarotonga, which she simply calls paradise. She explains how the 1992 Pacific Arts Festival left behind a village of huts where countries had carved, woven and crafted. She had just come home from travelling around Australia with her art, and she joined a friend in turning that space into a market, which opened in 1993. Every great destination has a gathering place with a story behind it. Normand Schafer of Far and Away Adventures.com (https://farandawayadventures.com/) heads to the Punanga Nui Market in Rarotonga to hear that story from Mie, known as Mrs Q, one of the people who started it. The early days were a struggle. The market was small, tour buses were rare, and the mamas and papas needed encouragement to come and sell. It took several years to catch on. Then came COVID, when the island had to rely on its own people, and the market kept going. Now it has a new building, opened only weeks before this interview. At her stall, Mrs Q shows off her handmade jewellery and earrings crafted from Northern Group shells and pearl shell, alongside pareu, flower ei and local oils, including monoi oil for sun tanning. She laughs that she will create anything that can make a living, and she is at the market Monday to Sunday. Ready to hear these stories in person? Plan your trip with a Far and Away Adventures specialist. Normand asks how the original market compared with today. Mrs Q says it began with food, carving and art, run by only a handful of people. Over the years the number of vendors kept growing, and the market became a gathering place for locals as well as visitors, a role it still plays every weekend. It is a warm, personal destination story about resilience, craft and community, and about why Saturday is the market's busiest and best day. Get a free trip quote from Far and Away Adventures: https://farandawayadventures.com/form/quick-trip-request/?dest=Cook%20Islands&src=spotify

    The Story of Punanga Nui Market, Told by Founder Mrs Q in Rarotonga

  5. Oct 16

    Why Moorea Is Worth Slowing Down For

    But this episode isn't only about staying on the beach. The island also offers opportunities for exploring by car, bicycle, or scooter, along with safari excursions, ATV adventures, cultural tours, cooking classes, and local food experiences. The challenge for travelers is deciding how much to do and when to simply enjoy the moment. At Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea, the scenery is one of the main attractions. The resort looks toward a remarkably clear lagoon, where snorkeling reveals fish and coral in a protected environment. Hikura describes the spacious beach setting and explains why its surroundings make such an impression on arriving guests. Normand shares his enthusiasm for snorkeling directly in front of the resort. The discussion opens with a simple observation: Moorea is close to Tahiti, but the atmosphere feels completely different. Hikura talks about families traveling over on weekends, bringing their belongings aboard the ferry, and leaving their regular routine behind. Visitors arriving by boat see the steep mountains rise above the ocean and experience the local connections that make the islands part of everyday life. Moorea is the kind of destination where a short journey can produce a dramatic change of pace. In French Polynesia, Normand Schafer joins Hikura from Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort to explore why this island feels like an escape even to people who live nearby. Far and Away Adventures.com, https://farandawayadventures.com/, specializes in helping travelers experience destinations in ways that reflect their personal interests.For a trip that combines discovery with genuine downtime, ask Far and Away Adventures to help create a Moorea vacation that leaves room for both. You'll also hear about garden, beachfront, and overwater bungalow choices, an anniversary surprise arranged during a guest's stay, and waterfront restaurants combining French and Polynesian flavors. Traditional entertainment and earth-oven cooking add another layer to the island experience. Get a free trip quote from Far and Away Adventures: https://farandawayadventures.com/form/quick-trip-request/?dest=French%20Polynesia&src=spotify

    Why Moorea Is Worth Slowing Down For

  6. Oct 15

    Taro, Coconut and Eka Mata: A Cook Islands Chef's Kitchen Stories

    Reangi explains how food, family, land and memory are deeply connected in island life. The chef's work blends traditional dishes with a modern presentation that feels inviting to visitors. Every island has a story told through its kitchen. Normand Schafer of Far and Away Adventures.com (https://farandawayadventures.com/) speaks with chef Reangi Mityra Johnson about Cook Islands cuisine, family food traditions and the creativity behind dishes made from local ingredients.A highlight of the episode is the contrast between northern and southern Cook Islands food culture, and the real challenge of cooking on remote islands where ingredients can be hard to find. Reangi explains how elegant menus are still possible with limited ingredients. They talk about taro, coconut, seafood and seasonal cooking, and about eka mata and other Pacific-style raw fish dishes that reflect the islands' close relationship with the ocean. Hungry for the real Cook Islands? Plan your trip with a Far and Away Adventures specialist. Throughout the conversation, Normand and Reangi return to one idea: food is one of the best ways for visitors to connect with island culture, and the story behind each dish matters as much as the flavor. Reangi also talks about reviving lesser-known local foods and cooking for weddings, celebrations and visitors, with connections stretching from Rarotonga and Aitutaki to New Zealand. Get a free trip quote from Far and Away Adventures: https://farandawayadventures.com/form/quick-trip-request/?dest=Cook%20Islands&src=spotify

    Taro, Coconut and Eka Mata: A Cook Islands Chef's Kitchen Stories

  7. Oct 15

    The Art of Slowing Down on Raiatea

    Travel doesn't always need to mean moving constantly. On Raiatea in French Polynesia, Arnold of Opoa Beach Hotel shares with host Normand Schafer how a small lagoon-side property can become a peaceful base for cultural exploration and island discovery. Explore thoughtful vacation planning through Far and Away Adventures.com at https://farandawayadventures.com/. What does luxury mean when you remove the emphasis on size and spectacle? Arnold describes his approach as simple luxury: a comfortable bungalow facing the lagoon, the sound of waves beyond the property, and a setting where guests receive personal attention. With only 10 bungalows, Opoa Beach Hotel offers a more intimate experience than travelers might associate with larger resorts. Yet this is not simply a conversation about staying at a hotel. Raiatea offers history, nature, and experiences that encourage visitors to engage with the island. Arnold describes the significance of Taputapuatea marae, a UNESCO World Heritage site closely tied to the region's cultural heritage. Other possibilities include land excursions to gardens and farms, pearl-farm experiences, and indoor cultural activities when rain arrives. Cooking and coconut-leaf weaving are examples of how a change in weather can lead to a different kind of discovery. He also explains the opportunity to spend a day on neighboring Taha'a. A boat journey opens the door to vanilla farms, pearl cultivation, a rum distillery, a motu lunch, and snorkeling around a coral garden filled with fish. Normand recalls how the coral garden continues to impress him even after several visits.Perhaps the most useful lesson is Arnold's advice to allow at least three or four nights on Raiatea. A journey becomes more satisfying when there is time both to explore and to simply enjoy where you are. Let Far and Away Adventures help you plan a more relaxed French Polynesia vacation. Get a free trip quote from Far and Away Adventures: https://farandawayadventures.com/form/quick-trip-request/?dest=French%20Polynesia&src=spotify

    The Art of Slowing Down on Raiatea

  8. Oct 14

    Island Hopping the Cook Islands: Temaiva McKenzie on Air Rarotonga's Story

    Temaiva describes a path from airline kid to marketing and product development executive, and why Air Rarotonga still carries the warmth of its family roots. Aviation, tourism and island culture all meet in a single flight. In the Cook Islands, the journey between islands is part of the story. Normand Schafer of Far and Away Adventures.com (https://farandawayadventures.com/) sits down with Temaiva McKenzie of Air Rarotonga to talk about how the local airline shapes a visitor's trip from the first airport welcome to the view over Aitutaki's lagoon.Normand and Temaiva also discuss the airline's lagoon cruise and day tour experiences, how reviews and feedback guide new products, and ideas in development such as private charters and vaka experiences. Temaiva walks through the psychology behind a memorable guest experience: onboard music, friendly crew, the well-known lollies, and a scenic approach into Aitutaki that is designed to be remembered. The episode closes with a look at the wider region, including Tahiti connections and possible future routes that could make island hopping across Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Atiu and the Northern Atolls even easier. It is a behind-the-scenes look at how a small island airline thinks about welcome, memory and connection, and why the flight to Aitutaki is often the first story visitors tell when they get home. Want your Cook Islands flights and islands connected the right way? Talk with a Far and Away Adventures specialist.

    Island Hopping the Cook Islands: Temaiva McKenzie on Air Rarotonga's Story
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Norm's Travel Podcast brings you real destination stories, practical travel tips and conversations with the people who live and work in the world's most beautiful places. Host Normand Schafer visits islands, resorts, guides and tourism leaders across the South Pacific, French Polynesia, the Cook Islands, Europe and more to help you discover where to go, what to do and how to travel well. New episodes every week. Start planning your next trip with Far and Away Adventures at farandawayadventures.com.

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