Travel the World

The Ultimate Travel Podca
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Travel the World is your ultimate audio guide to exploring the globe with purpose, excitement, and ease. Join us as we dive into new destinations, uncover rich cultural insights, and talk with travelers, locals, and travel experts who reveal the heart of each place. Whether you're dreaming of the beaches of Bali, the streets of Paris, or the jungles of Costa Rica, this podcast offers you tips, inspiration, and planning advice for every kind of trip. Perfect for solo travelers, families, digital nomads, and seasoned adventurers alike. No matter where you're going this is your passport to travel

  1. 7H AGO

    Return to Paradise Samoa: A Beach Made Famous and a Culture Worth Meeting

    In this episode, we talk about Return to Paradise in Samoa and what it looks like to travel the world in a way that’s both inspiring and grounded—iconic scenery paired with real cultural connection. For planning help that turns ideas into a workable itinerary, start at Far and Away Adventures.com and visit https://farandawayadventures.com. Normand Schafer interviews Raz from Return to Paradise about why this beach became globally recognized through a Hollywood film shot here in the 1950s, and what continues to draw travelers today: dramatic coastline, lush surroundings, and the feeling of being hosted by people who are connected to the land in a personal way. We explore what travelers can expect at the resort and why it can work for a wide range of trip styles, from romantic escapes to family vacations and celebration travel. Raz explains that the resort is part of their village and a family project, which shapes the guest experience and the sense of welcome. Normand’s questions focus on the bigger “travel the world” perspective: how do you arrive in a new place and do more than simply consume the scenery? How do you understand what matters to the people who live there? That’s where the cultural conversation becomes the heart of the episode. Raz describes a weekly village walk where guests can learn about daily life, home structure, and traditions that help travelers see Samoa as a living culture rather than a resort backdrop. Normand adds a practical note about Samoa’s evening prayer time around 7:00 p.m. and how simple awareness can help you travel respectfully when you’re outside the resort. These moments often become the stories you tell later—because they’re about people, not just views. We also discuss excursions and nearby activities that help round out a trip: mentions include a turtle sanctuary, a giant clam tour, waterfalls, and other island highlights that can be added at a comfortable pace. Normand calls out Sliding Rock as a memorable stop. If you want your Samoa trip to feel like a true “world travel” experience—balanced, meaningful, and easy to navigate—Far and Away Adventures can help you shape the itinerary and handle the details so you can focus on discovery.

    9 min

  2. 2D AGO

    Royal Davui Island Resort: Adults-Only Fiji Luxury on a True Private Island

    In this episode, we talk about Royal Davui Island Resort and why it offers a rare kind of travel experience: an adults-only private island in Fiji where romance, seclusion, and quiet luxury aren’t just themes—they’re the foundation of the resort’s design. If you’re planning a trip to Fiji and want help building a honeymoon or anniversary itinerary that feels effortless and deeply restorative, start at Far and Away Adventures.com and connect with our team at https://farandawayadventures.com. Normand Schafer is joined by Grant Syhower, Director of Sales and Marketing at Royal Davui Island Resort, to explore what makes the resort feel so intimate compared to larger properties. Grant explains that Royal Davui was built with romance in mind and that privacy and seclusion are key highlights. He describes how guests often don’t even realize they have neighbors between villas, and emphasizes that Royal Davui is the only resort on the island—creating a true private island experience. Grant shares the island is about 10 acres and can be walked around in roughly 30 minutes, and that the resort remains intentionally small with 16 villas total and a maximum of 32 guests at any time. Each villa includes a private plunge pool, offering couples their own personal space to relax in fresh water, while the surrounding lagoon and ocean provide swimming and excellent snorkeling right off the jetty. Normand asks how the resort encourages relaxation and intimacy, and Grant explains that guests can choose their own pace: be as adventurous or as lazy as you want. He describes a wide range of activities available through the resort—Hobie Cat sailing, kayaks, paddle boards, jet skis, resort fishing, diving, and more—balanced by slow days by the pool, a glass of rosé, and authentic Fijian hospitality. One of the most memorable highlights is the signature sand cay beach picnic. Grant explains that the resort takes one couple at a time and drops them on a pristine sand cay that appears only at low tide, setting them up with bean bags, umbrellas, and a picnic lunch, and leaving them there for about three hours. He emphasizes the privacy of the experience by noting there are no cruise ships and no day visitors—just you and your spouse on your own private sand cay. Grant also shares that he lives on the island and meets guests on arrival, along with his husband who founded the island, which adds a personal, hosted feel to the stay. Beyond romance, the resort also offers meaningful cultural connection. Grant highlights visiting a neighboring village on Beqa Island, where guests can see the school and community life and attend a church service to hear beautiful Fijian singing—an authentic experience many couples find deeply moving. Seasonality is discussed with Grant noting that May through September tends to be busier, often aligning with honeymoon and anniversary travel patterns, but he emphasizes there is no bad time to visit Fiji and calls it a year-round destination with beautiful weather and warm water temperatures, even when rain passes through. Normand asks what guests say after they return home, and Grant shares a recurring theme: “recharging the soul,” including a story of a guest who arrived depleted and left transformed over seven nights. If you’re looking for a romantic Fiji escape that feels private, restorative, and truly special, this episode will help you understand why Royal Davui stands out—and Far and Away Adventures can help you plan the perfect couples itinerary around it.

    7 min

  3. MAR 29

    Niue: A Tiny Country with Giant Adventures—Whales, Caves, and Coral Seas

    In this episode, we talk about Niue with Sarah from Niue Tourism—how this small Pacific island delivers some of the most memorable nature experiences anywhere in the South Pacific. To plan your trip with help, visit Far and Away Adventures.com and start here:https://farandawayadventures.com Some destinations earn a spot on a “travel the world” list because they’re famous. Niue earns it because it’s different. Normand Schafer is joined by Sarah from Niue Tourism, who introduces Niue as the Rock of Polynesia and describes it as a rare raised coral island. She notes the population is around 1,500, and that small scale shows up in the warmth visitors feel. It’s the kind of place where you can quickly feel known, not processed—and that can be priceless in a world where many destinations feel increasingly crowded. Niue’s uniqueness starts with its geology. Sarah explains that being a raised rock means Niue has no rivers or streams. Instead, the ocean becomes the defining feature, and she emphasizes just how clear it can be—visibility up to 70 meters. That number isn’t just a brag; it changes what you can do day to day. Snorkeling and diving become effortless ways to connect with the place. You’re not chasing one “perfect beach day”; you’re building a routine of salt water, reef edges, and underwater views that feel unusually crisp. Whales are another global-level reason to choose Niue. Sarah explains that humpback whales migrate up from Antarctica, typically arriving around July and staying through October. She calls August and September the best months for swimming with whales, and she emphasizes a key point that makes Niue stand out: the swims are highly regulated. Small groups, limited guides, limited licenses, and a deliberate choice not to increase the number of people in the water beyond what’s good for the whales—especially when calves are present. That approach protects the experience and the animals, but it also means demand can exceed supply. Sarah notes that prime months can book out well in advance, and Normand asks the obvious follow-up: how far ahead? Sarah answers that people are booking for the next year. If whales are on your bucket list, you plan early—or you risk missing the best window. Niue also offers whale magic even if you never get in the water. Sarah explains that the raised rock coastline means the water drops away quickly, allowing land-based whale watching opportunities. Her story about being woken up at night by the sound of whale tail slaps—mistaken for a door slamming—makes it easy to picture how close the ocean life can feel. Sarah says there’s no public transport and no buses, and the island loops around about 64 kilometers. To explore properly, you need a rental car. The good news is that driving is easy, roads are good, and signposts help you find the sea tracks. Normand agrees that transportation is what turns Niue into “the whole island is your resort”—because you can reach different coastal spots on your own schedule. Culturally, Niue is described as a place where you arrive a visitor and leave a friend. Sarah mentions community activities like weaving groups, golf, and bowls club as simple, natural ways to connect. Timing-wise, she says there’s always something on offer, but notes December and January can be more humid and choppier, and that some businesses slow down for family time in the off season. March through November is described as popular, with fishing also mentioned (including wahoo around April). For first-time visitors, Sarah recommends doing an island tour on your first morning, then self-exploring confidently—and she urges travelers not to miss Aiki Cave, accessible at low tide and described as a favorite place in the world. If you’re ready to add Niue to your travel-the-world list, Far and Away Adventures can help you time it right, pace it well, and make the logistics easy—especially if whale season is part of the dream.

    10 min

  4. MAR 27

    Rivers Fiji: Whitewater Rafting Through Fiji’s Remote Rainforest Canyons

    In this episode, we talk about Rivers Fiji and why the Upper Navua River can feel like the “hidden Fiji” travelers don’t expect—remote rainforest canyons, towering walls, and a sense of stepping into a place where nature leads and tourism follows far behind. If you’re planning a trip to Fiji and want help designing a trip that includes both relaxation and real discovery, start at Far and Away Adventures.com and connect with our team at https://farandawayadventures.com. Normand Schafer sits down with Casemiro, director at Rivers Fiji, to explore what kinds of river adventures they offer and what guests experience on a day built around whitewater rafting and nature immersion. Casemiro explains that Rivers Fiji focuses on whitewater rafting and presents it as a unique offering within Fiji. He also emphasizes the range of travelers the experience can appeal to, sharing that they’ve taken an 80-year-old guest down the river—an example meant to show that the adventure can be exciting without requiring an extreme sports profile. The discussion then shifts into what makes the Upper Navua River special. Casemiro contrasts the familiar South Pacific “sun and sea” identity with Fiji’s interior landscapes, suggesting that beach imagery can look similar across destinations, but the upper river scenery is distinct—canyon walls, rainforest corridors, and a remote setting in the highlands that feels unmistakably Fiji. Normand asks about the feeling of traveling down the Upper Navua, and Casemiro describes a “back in time” sensation because no one lives along the corridor. That absence of settlement creates a powerful sense of isolation and exploration, and he notes that misty moments can make the place feel ancient, as if you’ve stepped into a different era. The episode also clarifies that Rivers Fiji offers more than one kind of river experience depending on the section. Casemiro notes that kayaking is offered on a different (lower/middle) section, while rafting is associated with the upper section, and he describes the upper rapids discussed as Class II and III. He frames that range as ideal for beginners—enough movement to feel like real whitewater, but still approachable with professional guidance. He also points out that life jackets are part of the experience and presents the day as accessible even for guests who are not confident swimmers, which can be a meaningful reassurance for travelers in mixed groups. Another major highlight is the guide experience. Casemiro says the guides bring the river to life by sharing knowledge about rock formations, birds and animals, and stories connected to how their forefathers grew up tied to these landscapes. That interpretation turns a rafting day into something richer than adrenaline; it becomes a story about place, environment, and perspective. Normand asks what guests say after their first time, and Casemiro describes the experience as often called unforgettable, adding that Rivers Fiji sees repeat guests and referrals from travelers telling friends and relatives not to miss it when they visit Fiji. The episode includes straightforward preparation tips to make the day comfortable: bring sunscreen—preferably biodegradable if you want to be environmentally friendly—plus sandals with secure straps so you don’t lose footwear, and a change of dry clothes for after the river. Casemiro adds that towels are provided and most other needs are handled, with dry items left in the bus until the end. Finally, Casemiro shares what he hopes guests take home beyond the photos and thrill: a stronger respect for nature and a desire to protect the environment, so wild places like the Upper Navua remain thriving. If you want a travel memory that feels like true exploration—remote, scenic, and unmistakably Fiji—Far and Away Adventures can help you build it into the right itinerary and balance it with the rest of your trip.

    9 min

  5. MAR 23

    The World’s Edges: Rapa Island’s Lesson on Happiness, Culture, and Protection (Ep. 10)

    In this episode, we talk about what you find when you travel to the edges of the map—places where community comes first and the visitor has to adapt to the destination, not the other way around. Normand is on Rapa in the Austral Islands of French Polynesia with Roti M, and Far and Away Adventures.com (https://farandawayadventures.com) sponsors this conversation about culture, identity, and careful tourism. Rapa’s population is roughly 500, and life remains deeply communal. We explore how dance, drumming, and singing are woven into everyday life and how children learn these traditions as part of belonging. We talk about the feeling many visitors describe—warmth, smiles, and a “vibration” of connection that brings people back. But the episode also goes deeper than inspiration. Roti shares how modern changes—roads, cars, imported construction materials—interact with older systems of mutual help and shared responsibility. We discuss living off local plantations and gardens, the temptation of imported goods, and the reality that many remote islands have limited salary jobs—shaping what young people choose when they leave for school. Finally, we talk about protection: why too much tourism can separate families and weaken social bonds, and why introduced pine trees spreading across the hills are seen as a threat to views and the historical landscape. If you want to travel that expands your understanding of how humans can live, this episode is a compelling place to start. When you’re ready to plan French Polynesia or the South Pacific with care and expertise, connect with Far and Away Adventures.com (https://farandawayadventures.com).

    25 min

  6. MAR 22

    New Caledonia’s Best Highlights: Culture, Lagoons, and the Isle of Pines

    In this episode, we talk about what makes New Caledonia a world-class travel destination—and how to plan it in a way that captures both its natural beauty and its cultural richness. For planning support, visit Far and Away Adventures.com and start here:https://farandawayadventures.com Normand Schafer is joined by Philippe from New Caledonia Tourism for a destination overview that’s perfect for travelers who want something truly different. Philippe explains New Caledonia Tourism’s mission as the destination marketing organization, promoting the archipelago through marketing, PR, and trade training under the brand “New Caledonia: Pacific Heart.” From there, the conversation becomes a traveler-focused guide to the destination’s defining traits. The first is diversity. Philippe describes New Caledonia as a French-and-Oceanian destination: developed and comfortable in many ways, yet strongly connected to nature. He points to extraordinary lagoon and mangrove scenery and preserved nature on land, along with multiple regions that each bring a different atmosphere. Culturally, he highlights the Kanak people and their traditions, plus French influence and a “bush” country spirit that adds another distinctive dimension to the experience. We dig into the experiences that can become the core of a first itinerary. Philippe recommends sailing in Upi Bay, where you move through calm lagoon waters surrounded by dramatic rock formations rising from the sea. He also suggests a scenic flight over the Heart of Voh, a naturally formed heart shape in the mangroves that’s become one of the destination’s most iconic sights from above. For travelers who love landmark moments, these are easy to prioritize and unforgettable to experience. Normand shares one of his own top memories from New Caledonia: the Isle of Pines (Île des Pins). Philippe explains why it’s often called the jewel of the Pacific—pristine beaches, a slower pace, and a sense of being far from mass tourism. He also describes the Natural Swimming Pool, a sheltered snorkeling spot where coral and fish are visible in calm water that feels like a natural aquarium. Practical travel planning is part of “seeing the world” without friction, so we cover getting around. Philippe recommends New Caledonia as a self-drive destination on the main island: rent a car, follow the coastline, and use a well-developed road network. But he also emphasizes an important point: don’t stay only on the main island. To experience the destination’s full diversity, add at least one outer island via domestic flight. Normand mentions Lifou as an example, and the broader idea is that each island offers a different flavor of New Caledonia. Timing comes up as well. Philippe notes New Caledonia’s temperate conditions and suggests September and October as shoulder-season months that can be especially good for outdoor activities, with pleasant temperatures and less rain. And his “hidden gem” is advice that applies to world travel everywhere: slow down. He encourages travelers to relax, be curious, and ideally stay a minimum of 10 days so the experience feels immersive instead of rushed. If New Caledonia is on your world-travel list, Far and Away Adventures can help you build the right itinerary, with the right island mix and pacing, so you get the best of the destination—without overcomplicating the logistics.

    7 min

  7. MAR 20

    Rivers Tubing Fiji: A Navua River Day With Waterfalls, Culture, and a “Magical” Singing Gorge

    In this episode we talk about Rivers Tubing Fiji and why tubing the Navua River can be one of the most memorable days you can have on Viti Levu—because it blends adventure, nature, and authentic cultural connection in one seamless journey. If you’re planning Fiji and want help building an itinerary that includes experiences like this without overpacking your days, start at Far and Away Adventures.com and connect with our team at https://farandawayadventures.com. Normand Schafer is joined by William, Managing Director of Rivers Tubing Fiji, for a detailed walk-through of how the day unfolds and what travelers should expect. William explains that the tour starts with resort pickups and a boat departure at 10:00 a.m., followed by a scenic ride about 17 kilometers upriver through the gorge. Along the way, guests pass waterfalls and navigate river sections that include rapids before reaching a remote village that is accessible only by boat. That detail is important because William explains the river is the village’s lifeline for transport to market, school, hospital, and daily needs. Rather than turning the village into a staged tourism stop, William emphasizes that Rivers Tubing Fiji aims to support the community without changing its way of life. Guests walk through and witness daily living—people weaving, fishing, hunting, and farming—without being presented with pre-arranged dances or ceremonies, creating a cultural connection that feels real and respectful. After the village, the boat heads back downstream to a waterfall stop with a short walk in, where guests can swim at a waterfall William names as Wai ni Kavika. The tour then includes a riverside lunch served right on the riverbank, and William describes a buffet designed for mixed tastes. Familiar options like barbecue-style chicken, lamb sausages, and bread are paired with traditional foods such as fish in coconut cream. He also shares a hands-on detail: guides collect fiddlehead ferns from the forest and boil them in front of guests, serving them alongside local root crops, salads, and fruit—an easy way for travelers to try local ingredients in a welcoming setting. After lunch, guests receive another safety briefing, put life jackets back on, and begin tubing downriver. William explains that the first sections include smaller rapids suitable for most ages, while later sections include bigger rapids. Guests are given a choice to try the larger rapids or ride in the boat, and William notes that even very young children can be included earlier in the float with parents on larger tubes and guides assisting, before children are moved into the boat for the bigger rapids. Practical logistics are part of the conversation too. William notes that travelers based in Nadi/Denarau will have an early start (pickups around 6:30 a.m.) and a long, packed day—he describes it as about a 12-hour outing from Nadi—while those staying closer to the Coral Coast or Pacific Harbour have later pickups and shorter travel time. Seasonality is discussed as well: William says wet season, typically November through April, often brings higher water and stronger rapids, making it an especially exciting time, though he emphasizes the tour operates year-round and river conditions can change quickly after rainfall in any season. One of the emotional highlights of the episode is what William says guests remember most. He describes a calm section near the end of the tour where guides sing together and the sound echoes through the gorge and jungle—an experience many visitors describe as “magical” because it captures the spirit of Fiji in a single moment. The episode closes with William’s deeply personal family history connected to the Navua River, reinforcing that this isn’t just an adventure activity—it’s a living story tied to place, community, and generations.

    12 min

  8. MAR 16

    Rimatara — Proof That “Small” Can Be World-Class (Ep. 9)

    In this episode, we talk about Rimatara in French Polynesia’s Austral Islands and why tiny places can deliver some of the biggest travel memories—through community, simplicity, and cultural moments that aren’t built for crowds. If you want help designing an itinerary that includes rare islands like this, start with Far and Away Adventures.com and connect at https://farandawayadventures.com. This conversation is a reminder that traveling the world isn’t only about famous names; it’s also about choosing places that still feel personal. Normand Schafer speaks with Nila on Rimatara, introducing the island’s small scale and quiet pace. Nila shares her story of moving from Bora Bora after marriage and explains why she believes life quality on Rimatara is better: more nature, fewer cars, and easy access to fruit and gardens that support living off the land. It’s a practical explanation of why some people choose quieter islands—and it helps travelers understand what makes Rimatara different from more developed destinations. The episode highlights how community shapes the experience. Nila describes raising kids as easier because people look out for each other, and everyone feels like family. For world travelers, that insight matters: the most distinctive destinations often feel different not because they have better views, but because they have a different social fabric. When visitors arrive in places like Rimatara, they often feel that difference immediately—in how people greet you, how hosting works, and how time feels. Logistics are part of the story, too. Nila explains that Rimatara isn’t easy to reach, and visitor numbers stay low due to limited flights and rare ship visits. That reality protects the island’s character, but it also means travelers should plan thoughtfully. With only two small guest houses, hosting becomes personal and attentive, and visitors are more likely to have one-on-one interactions rather than anonymous tourism. When it comes to what to do, the focus is on discovery and participation. Nila recommends an island tour as the foundation, then points to cultural gatherings—religious parties, dancing, and singing—as the best way to know the people. She shares details about the annual “Hava” festival in July, including village performances and multi-day programming that features dance, singing, and sports like stone lifting. If you’ve traveled widely, you know these are the moments that stay with you: not just what you saw, but what you were allowed to witness. Nature adds a final layer: birdwatching for the colorful “ʻura,” plus lagoon time and underwater life tied to fishing and seafood gathering. Nila describes sea cucumber and local shellfish, and emphasizes community sharing—again reinforcing that the island’s values are part of the travel experience. If you’re ready to add a rare island to your travel map, Far and Away Adventures can help you build a French Polynesia itinerary that balances iconic spots with quiet gems like Rimatara. Start with Far and Away Adventures.com and plan at https://farandawayadventures.com.

    11 min
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Travel the World is your ultimate audio guide to exploring the globe with purpose, excitement, and ease. Join us as we dive into new destinations, uncover rich cultural insights, and talk with travelers, locals, and travel experts who reveal the heart of each place. Whether you're dreaming of the beaches of Bali, the streets of Paris, or the jungles of Costa Rica, this podcast offers you tips, inspiration, and planning advice for every kind of trip. Perfect for solo travelers, families, digital nomads, and seasoned adventurers alike. No matter where you're going this is your passport to travel

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