Where to Go Next

The Ultimate Travel Podca
The Ultimate Travel Podca
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Can’t decide where to travel next? Let Where to Go Next be your guide. In every episode, we explore exciting destinations, seasonal travel tips, and trending getaways to help you plan the perfect trip. From tropical escapes and cultural city breaks to once-in-a-lifetime bucket list adventures, we bring together expert insights, practical hacks, and inspirational stories to help you travel with confidence. Whether you're planning a quick weekend away or a long-haul adventure, we’ll help you choose the right place. Tune in, get inspired, and always know where to go next.

  1. 2d ago

    Could This Luxury Train Through France Be Your Next Big Trip?

    In this episode, we talk about a travel idea that may instantly land on some listeners’ “where to go next” list: a new luxury rail journey through France designed around elegance, immersive storytelling, and slow-paced discovery. Early in the episode, we mention Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com as the place to explore more travel ideas and connect with a specialist when it is time to start planning. Normand Schafer speaks with Anthony about Le Grand Tour, an upcoming train experience expected to launch in June 2027. Their conversation provides an early look at a journey that could appeal to travelers who love curated experiences, boutique-scale luxury, and the romance of seeing a country from the rails. Anthony explains that the train is being planned with just 21 cabins and a maximum of 42 guests on each departure. That boutique scale is one of the first clues that this trip is meant to feel different. The itinerary is expected to unfold over five nights and six days, with time onboard for meals and scenic travel, then carefully selected experiences in one or two destinations each day. Instead of trying to cover the maximum number of places in the minimum amount of time, the concept focuses on depth, atmosphere, and the pleasure of the journey itself. The episode becomes especially vivid as Anthony describes the kind of experiences they hope to include. These may involve private dinners, wine tastings, castle settings, and historical storytelling enhanced by actors both on the train and in the destinations. That theatrical element is what makes the concept stand out from more familiar rail journeys. The intention is not simply to show guests France, but to help them feel immersed in it. Whether the conversation turns to Beaune, Arcachon Bay, Château de Chambord, or the large historical productions at Puy du Fou, the common thread is that each stop is meant to be memorable, atmospheric, and part of a larger narrative. Another important theme is pacing. Anthony emphasizes that the train is not intended to operate as a high-speed experience. It will move more slowly, creating time for breakfast, lunch, tea, scenery, and the kind of unhurried conversation that so often gets lost in modern travel. For listeners trying to decide what kind of trip they want next, that point may matter more than any single destination. Some trips are for covering ground. Others are for sinking into the experience. This conversation makes a strong case for the second option. There is also a useful practical context in the episode. Because the project is still in development, this is a preview rather than a final booking guide. Anthony notes that reservations may open near the end of 2026, ahead of the planned June 2027 launch. With only 21 cabins available each week, it is easy to see why travelers who are interested would want to stay informed early. If you are asking yourself where to go next and feel drawn to travel that is immersive, elegant, and beautifully paced, this episode is a great source of inspiration. Visit Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com to explore more distinctive journeys and connect with a Far and Away Adventures specialist who can help you plan a trip that fits your interests and turns a great idea into a seamless reality.

  2. 5d ago

    If You Want “Real Fiji,” Put Likuri Island Resort on Your List

    In this episode, we talk about Likuri Island Resort and why it’s a strong answer to the question “Where should I go next in Fiji if I want culture as well as ocean time?” To get expert help building the right Fiji itinerary around experiences like this, start with Far and Away Adventures.com and connect with us at https://farandawayadventures.com. Normand Schafer is joined by Nav’i, team leader at Likuri Island Resort, for a conversation that helps travelers decide whether this is the next best move for their Fiji trip planning. Nav’i starts by making the location easy to understand: Likuri is accessed from the Viti Levu side after about 45 minutes from Nadi Airport, heading south toward Fiji’s Coral Coast region, then a comfortable boat transfer that’s described as a calm, scenic river cruise lasting roughly 30 minutes. The ride includes mangroves and a marine ecosystem, giving travelers a sense of place before they even step onto the island. The “why go” is straightforward: Likuri is known for island hospitality and a cultural evening show that many guests come specifically to experience. But what makes the resort stand out in this conversation is that culture isn’t a passive add-on—it’s something guests can participate in. Nav’i explains that the resort caters to travelers who want a full-on cultural experience, while still welcoming those who want to relax, enjoy cocktails, and spend time by the beach and ocean. If your travel party has mixed priorities, that flexibility can be the difference between “nice” and “perfect.” We then explore a practical “where to go next” decision: do you make Likuri a day trip or commit to an overnight? Day visitors can enjoy the island setting and facilities, watch the cultural show, and have a traditional Fijian lovo lunch. For many travelers, that may be exactly the right amount of time—especially if you’re based on Viti Levu and want a memorable cultural hit without moving accommodations. But if you want to go deeper, an overnight stay opens up more of the participatory cultural program. Nav’i highlights a traditional kava ceremony presented as it would have been done in earlier times. Culinary learning is also available through cooking lessons, providing a hands-on way to connect with Fiji through food. For travelers who want a respectful window into village life, there’s an optional village visit where guests can contribute a small donation and experience cultural elements in a village setting. For a truly distinctive memory, Likuri offers a mud crab catching lesson: guests catch mud crabs, return to the resort, cook them, and taste what they caught. Add traditional basket weaving and a bush medicine walk where signage explains how plants and trees were historically used for healing and for construction, and the experience becomes a blend of fun, learning, and story—exactly what many travelers mean when they say they want “real Fiji.” We also cover the kinds of travelers Likuri typically hosts: culture seekers, couples, families, and adventure seekers. And we share the most consistent feedback Nav’i hears: guests remember the people—the “Bula” spirit, the warmth, and the sense that they’re taking a piece of Fiji home through what they learned. For group planners, we include capacity context as well: up to about 75 overnight guests, and day/evening tour numbers that can reach roughly 100–150 depending on occupancy. If you’re deciding where to go next in Fiji, Far and Away Adventures can help you match experiences like Likuri to the region you’re staying in and the kind of trip you want—so every move in your itinerary feels intentional.

  3. Aug 23

    Why Rarotonga Deserves More Than a Quick Beach Stop

    In this episode, we talk about why Rarotonga can reward travelers who look beyond the obvious and make time for experiences that reveal the island’s interior, culture, and history. Normand Schafer interviews Rob from Raro Safari Tours about a Cook Islands excursion that takes visitors off the coast and into a more meaningful side of the destination, and for more travel inspiration and expert planning support, visit Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com. If you are wondering where to go next in the South Pacific, this episode offers a strong case for giving the Cook Islands more than a surface-level visit. What makes this conversation stand out is how clearly it shows the difference between seeing a place and understanding it. Rob explains how his own knowledge has grown through time, experience, and local learning, and that growth has helped shape the tour into a richer experience. Instead of focusing only on views and logistics, he introduces travelers to oral history, cultural connections across Polynesia, and the stories that help explain how Rarotonga fits within the wider Pacific world. That wider context gives the destination more depth and makes it especially appealing for travelers choosing among multiple island options. Normand and Rob also walk through the route guests may experience, including the island’s back roads, historical context around local areas, Papua Waterfall, Ara Metua Road, Avatiu Valley, and the high viewpoint near Needle Rock and the Cross Island Walk area. These details help listeners picture the excursion and understand why it stands apart from a standard scenic drive. The off-road setting adds excitement, but the real draw is how the tour layers interpretation onto what guests are seeing, making the island feel more vivid and more memorable. The conversation goes further by touching on agriculture, local wages, self-sufficiency, rich soil, tropical crops, native plants, whale migration signs, and birdlife challenges caused by invasive species. These are the kinds of details that help travelers appreciate the destination as a living community rather than simply a beautiful backdrop for vacation photos. That perspective can be especially useful when deciding where to go next, because it highlights the value of destinations that offer both natural beauty and authentic cultural engagement. If you are comparing South Pacific islands and trying to decide which destination will give you not just relaxation but also insight, this episode is worth your time. It shows why Rarotonga can be a strong choice for travelers who want warmth, scenery, and meaningful local experiences in one trip. When you are ready to explore the Cook Islands or combine them with other Pacific destinations, connect with a Far and Away Adventures specialist for expert help planning a journey that fits your interests and gives you more than the expected highlights.

  4. Aug 20

    Where to Go Next in Fiji: Vanua Levu’s Namale for All-Inclusive Romance and Real Culture

    In this episode, we talk about a “where to go next” decision that can change how Fiji feels: leaving the most common resort pathways and heading to Vanua Levu near Savusavu for a luxury all-inclusive that’s built around space, warmth, and meaningful connection. If you’re deciding which Fiji island fits your travel style, start with Far and Away Adventures.com and connect with a specialist at https://farandawayadventures.com so your flights, domestic connections, and resort match are aligned from the start. Normand Schafer interviews Allison Harrison from Namale Resort & Spa to explain what makes Namale different and why guests often describe it as an experience they carry in their hearts long after they leave. Allison describes Namale as a true luxury all-inclusive where food, drinks, and alcohol are included in a way that encourages guests to enjoy freely rather than ration. The “where next” advantage is the feeling of effortless relaxation: you can plan your days around what you want, not what costs extra in the moment. She notes that guests love the lack of nickel-and-diming and that if they skip optional add-ons like spa treatments or scuba, some leave with no extra charges—an unexpectedly powerful moment that makes travelers feel cared for rather than sold to. For many people choosing their next Fiji stop, that clarity is a deciding factor because it removes stress from what should be a romantic or wellness-focused escape. A second reason Vanua Levu and Namale become a compelling “next” is space. Allison explains that the resort has only 22 keys spread across 525 acres, creating a private, intimate atmosphere that still feels expansive. Room sizes are discussed as ranging from around 400 to 2,000 square feet, reinforcing that this is a resort designed for privacy and breathing room—an especially strong match for honeymoons, anniversaries, and travelers seeking quiet luxury. The episode also references Savusavu’s welcoming feel and the sense of being tucked away in Fiji in a way that’s soothing rather than inconvenient. Experiences are another “next” differentiator, and the episode highlights both included culture and optional signature moments. Allison describes an included Saturday Savusavu town tour to visit markets and experience local life, and a separate included village visit to meet families and children and better understand the “Bula spirit.” These are the kinds of experiences that make Fiji feel like a living culture rather than a resort backdrop. Optional add-ons are also discussed, including a sandbar snorkel and picnic timed to the tides—described as a stunning moment where the ocean surrounds you in every direction. Wellness adds another layer: Allison explains that certain spa hydrotherapy experiences are included in the all-inclusive and describes features like hot and cold elements, aromatherapy pools, a sauna, and an indoor waterfall massage feature, plus a private real waterfall option nearby. Logistics help answer “where to go next” in a realistic way. Allison explains that travelers arrive through Nadi and connect to Savusavu on a domestic flight described as about an hour on a small aircraft, arriving at a very small airport before taking an included short transfer to the resort. She emphasizes that guests can begin enjoying immediately, even if rooms aren’t ready, using spa facilities to change, eating, swimming, and settling in from the moment they arrive. If Vanua Levu and Namale sound like your “next” in Fiji, connect through Far and Away Adventures.com and plan with a specialist at https://farandawayadventures.com.

  5. Aug 16

    Looking for a Meaningful Island Escape? Start With the Cook Islands

    In this episode, we talk about why the Cook Islands deserve a place on your shortlist if you are searching for an island destination with real cultural depth. Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com are mentioned early because deciding where to go next is not just about choosing a beautiful place. It is about finding a destination that feels personal, welcoming, and memorable in ways you may not expect. Normand Schafer, Sarah Elise, and Matt Duffus explore what Sundays are like in the Cook Islands and, in doing so, reveal why these islands offer much more than scenery alone. This conversation centers on one day of the week, but that day opens a surprisingly rich window into the destination. Sarah describes Sundays as peaceful and noticeably different, with shops closed, sports paused, and people focused on church and family visits. Matt explains how the day removes distractions and makes room for reconnection. For travelers trying to decide where to go next, that matters. Some destinations impress visually, but others also reveal a strong sense of who they are. The Cook Islands clearly belong in the second category. A major theme of the episode is hospitality. Normand shares how often he has been invited to attend services while traveling through the islands, and Sarah and Matt explain that these invitations are part of a broader culture of welcome. Visitors are not kept at a distance from local life. They are often invited into it. That openness becomes even more memorable when paired with the music, which the episode describes as powerful, emotional, and capable of turning even a small congregation into a huge wall of sound. These are the kinds of experiences that travelers remember long after a trip ends, and the kind that can tip the balance when deciding between destinations. The conversation also offers vivid sensory detail that helps listeners imagine the experience more clearly. Matt talks about bright clothing, woven hats, flowers, and the scent of coconut oil. Yet the episode also reassures listeners who may worry about not knowing what to do or wear. Visitors are welcome even if they arrive simply dressed. That mix of tradition and ease makes the Cook Islands feel both distinctive and accessible. Sarah adds historical and cultural depth by explaining that spirituality in the islands predates Christianity and has long been connected to land, sea, fishing, planting, and village life. That helps explain why the community feels so strong and why prayer appears in so many aspects of everyday life. It also helps explain why many travelers describe the islands as safe, kind, and deeply connected. If you are asking yourself where to go next and want more than just another pretty vacation, this episode offers a compelling answer. A Far and Away Adventures specialist can help you plan a Cook Islands journey that matches your interests and introduces you to the cultural experiences that make these islands stand apart.

  6. Aug 13

    Where to Go Next in Fiji: Choose Musket Cove for Sandbar Days and a Sailing Community Nightlife

    In this episode, we talk about a smart “where to go next” choice for Fiji travelers who want a resort that feels both calm and social: Musket Cove Island Resort and Marina in the Mamanuca Islands. Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com are included early because the best “next” destination in Fiji is the one that fits your preferred vibe and your transfer reality—boat schedules, airport timing, and island-to-island flow. Normand Schafer interviews Wayne D. from Musket Cove to explore what makes this resort distinct, what guests do each day, and why so many visitors return over and over. Wayne explains that Musket Cove is located on a privately owned island and that the resort occupies only a small part of the land, preserving space and calm. The “next” factor that makes it different is the marina: Musket Cove is a working marina, welcoming yachties from around the world throughout the year. That creates a unique atmosphere where resort guests and sailors share the island’s social spaces, especially the famous Island Bar on the jetty. If your idea of “next” in Fiji includes meeting people, hearing sailing stories, and enjoying a lively bar that still feels casual and friendly, this marina-driven vibe becomes a strong reason to choose Musket Cove. The episode also highlights the annual regatta held in September, which can add an extra surge of energy and celebration for travelers who want to time their trip around a major sailing week. For “what you’ll actually do,” Wayne shares two signature experiences that make Musket Cove easy to love. One is the daily low-tide trip to the Malolo Sand Bar, described as a free snorkeling excursion when the sandbar appears. The other is the cultural village tour to Solevu on Big Malolo Island, where guests interact with the local community and visit facilities like the school. Wayne notes that school supplies such as books, pens, and notebooks are often exchanged and appreciated, offering a simple way for travelers to connect with local life in a meaningful way. On-property, guests also have access to non-motorized water sports and weekly cultural programming such as meke nights. Transfer ease is also part of the “where next” decision. Wayne describes a seamless arrival system with airport meet-and-greet, a coach transfer to Denarau, and a 50-minute fast catamaran ride out to the resort with multiple services each day. He also mentions the on-island airstrip and potential expanded air options discussed in the interview, which could provide additional flexibility depending on how your itinerary is structured. Meals are another reason Musket Cove can be a great next stop: the resort is meal-inclusive with breakfast, lunch, and dinner included daily, and guests can choose among multiple dining outlets—including the Island Bar BBQ experience where guests order a gourmet BBQ pack delivered at dinner time and cook in a relaxed, social setting at the barbecue stations. Wayne says the most repeated guest feedback is about staff connection—names remembered quickly, returning guests recognized even after many years, and multigenerational families returning as a tradition. If you’re deciding where to go next in Fiji and want a resort with sandbar snorkeling, cultural connection, and a sailing-community heartbeat, connect through Far and Away Adventures.com and plan with a specialist at https://farandawayadventures.com.

  7. Aug 9

    Why the Cook Islands Belong on Every Food Lover’s Travel List

    In this episode, we talk about why the Cook Islands deserve a place on the list for travelers who care about authentic food, island culture, and meaningful local experiences. We also include Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com for travelers who want help planning a South Pacific trip that is built around the right islands and the experiences that make them memorable. Through Normand Schafer’s conversation with chef Reangi Mityra Johnson, this episode shows how cuisine can become one of the strongest reasons to choose a destination in the first place. Reangi describes the way food in the Cook Islands brings family together, preserves memories, and reflects a deep relationship with land and community. That alone makes the destination compelling for travelers who want more than a typical beach holiday. Instead of focusing only on scenery, this conversation points toward experiences that feel lived-in and real. Shared meals, seasonal ingredients, and local preparations become part of what makes the Cook Islands stand out among South Pacific destinations. The episode also makes a strong case for the islands as a destination for curious eaters. Reangi explains how she works with taro, coconut, seafood, and lesser-known ingredients to create dishes that are both traditional and refined. She is passionate about helping visitors appreciate authentic Cook Islands food, even when they may not be familiar with the ingredients. That effort to bridge local culinary traditions and traveler expectations is one of the reasons this episode works so well for people deciding where to go next. It helps listeners imagine not just a destination, but an experience. Another factor that makes the Cook Islands especially interesting is the contrast between the northern and southern island groups. The environmental differences between them shape how people cook and what they eat, from seafood and coconut in the north to root crops and more fertile agriculture in the south. Reangi’s explanation gives the islands more texture and complexity, which is exactly the kind of detail travelers often need when choosing between destinations that might otherwise blur together in their minds. The realities of island sourcing and menu creation add still more depth to the conversation. Ingredients are not always available, and that means chefs need to be flexible, inventive, and deeply connected to their local networks. That creativity becomes part of the appeal. For travelers looking for a destination with culture, flavor, and a strong sense of place, the Cook Islands make a convincing case here. When you are ready to decide where to go next in the South Pacific, a Far and Away Adventures specialist can help you match your interests with the islands and experiences that fit best.

  8. Aug 6

    Where to Go Next in Fiji: Denarau, Momi Bay, or the Mamanucas?

    In this episode, we talk about the “where to go next” decision that shapes a Fiji trip: do you base yourself near Nadi for convenience, choose a lagoon retreat, or add an outer-island escape for snorkeling and pure island vibes? We reference Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com early because the right answer often isn’t one place—it’s the right combination in the right order, planned and booked with transfers that keep the trip easy. Normand Schafer interviews Javeed Shamin of Marriott International Fiji Resorts and gets a clear breakdown of five Marriott-family properties and what makes each one distinct. Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay is described as a standout resort that functions as a destination itself, with a water-centered atmosphere, space to roam, and choices that suit different travel styles. The conversation highlights room-location tradeoffs—poolside convenience near restaurants versus beachfront access into the lagoon—and it calls out the overwater bungalows as the iconic “this is Fiji” image for many travelers. Sheraton Tokoriki in the Mamanuca Islands represents the outer-island “next stop” for travelers who want to be in and out of the water all day. Javeed describes the appeal in simple terms—sun, sea, and sand—with snorkeling as the extra ingredient that makes the experience feel special. The episode also includes practical access considerations, reinforcing that “where to go next” should always be paired with “how do we get there in a way that protects our vacation time?” Denarau Island is positioned as the convenient “next move” when you want easy airport access, lots of dining choices, and a flexible setup—especially for a final stay. Javeed outlines the Denarau cluster: Sheraton Fiji, Sheraton Denarau Villas for longer stays and extra independence, and the Westin Fiji renovation and reopening timing mentioned in the interview. The discussion also references the championship golf course across the road and the “stay in one, play four” concept, illustrating why Denarau can be a smart base if different travelers in your group want different days. Beyond locations, the episode emphasizes experiences that make “next” feel meaningful: mangrove seedling planting, fish-habitat projects returned to lagoons, and Sheraton Fiji’s five-acre farm with tours and tree-planting experiences where guests can geo-tag what they planted and track it later. If you want help deciding where to go next in Fiji—and how to combine Denarau, Momi Bay, and the Mamanucas into one smooth itinerary—connect through Far and Away Adventures.com at https://farandawayadventures.com and let a specialist plan and book your trip.

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Can’t decide where to travel next? Let Where to Go Next be your guide. In every episode, we explore exciting destinations, seasonal travel tips, and trending getaways to help you plan the perfect trip. From tropical escapes and cultural city breaks to once-in-a-lifetime bucket list adventures, we bring together expert insights, practical hacks, and inspirational stories to help you travel with confidence. Whether you're planning a quick weekend away or a long-haul adventure, we’ll help you choose the right place. Tune in, get inspired, and always know where to go next.

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