Most memorable journeys

Elisabeth Villiger Toufexis
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Most memorable journeys

This podcast is all about stories, past experiences, and anecdotes from my trips and adventures. Because of my work as a tour guide for 11 and a conference interpreter for 15 years after that, I was able to travel the world and meet so many amazing people on the way. I will be hosting some of them on this podcast and together with my guests, we will talk about our most memorable journeys. Let me entertain you, remind you of a past holiday or activate your wanderlust. Let me remind you that life is beautiful and that at the end we will only regret the things we didn’t to and not the things we did. Life is too short to stay in the same place. About me: I was born in Switzerland and have been living in Cyprus for almost 30 years. From a very young age and due to a challenging childhood, all I wanted to do was leave home as soon as possible and discover the big wide world. That’s why, at 13, I started taking small jobs to pay for English and Spanish lessons to make my travel dreams come true! Today I not only speak 6 languages but have also been to over 100 countries and have created a life that I love

  1. APR 8

    200 Episodes later - The host becomes the guest, Elisabeth unplugged

    Reaching 200 podcast episodes is no small feat—and I wanted to mark the occasion with something truly special. When I mentioned this to a friend, she said, “Why don’t you be the guest for once, instead of the host?” I loved the idea immediately. But then came the next question: Who would host it? And then it hit me—who better than my brilliant young friend Emilia Papadopoulos? An award-winning television and radio journalist, Emilia was a Senior Broadcast Journalist at the BBC and a News Correspondent for BBC News, BBC London News, and BBC World. Recording the episode with her was an absolute joy. She was fantastic—gracious, curious, and full of charm. And not only did she get my most memorable journey out of me… she got the whole story!

    1h 8m

  2. APR 1

    East Africa captured my heart

    I haven't done an episode on my own for a while but my recent trip to Kenya and Tanzania deserves to be shared with my audience. In this episode I am taking you on a captivating adventure through East Africa—Kenya and Tanzania. From the friendly people and stunning landscapes to the mesmerizing wildlife, every aspect of this journey was nothing short of magical. I am sharing my experience of traveling through East Africa with Gate 1’s organized tour, where I was not only introduced to the rich cultural heritage of the Maasai people and the fascinating wildlife of the Serengeti but also embraced the Hakuna Matata philosophy—no worries, everything is perfect. What to Expect in This Episode: The Joyful Spirit of East Africa: Reflecting on the laid-back, worry-free atmosphere of Kenya and Tanzania, and how the people’s kindness and warmth truly captured her heart.Captivating Landscapes and Wildlife: From the plains of the Serengeti to the stunning Masai Mara, I dive into the breathtaking natural beauty of East Africa and the incredible wildlife sightings.Amazing Guides and Experiences: Hear about the exceptional service and expertise of the Jeep driver-guides, Marcus and Harlekin, who made every game drive a memorable experience. I also want to share how the Gate 1 tour group dynamic made the trip even more special.Lodging and Amenities: Talking about my stay in some of the best accommodations, including the luxurious tents and lodges at Lion Hill Nakuru, Fig Tree Camp Masai Mara, Embalakai Serengeti, Mountain Lodge in Ngorongoro, and The Ole Tukai in Amboseli—highlighting the cleanest washrooms in the jungle and the outstanding staff that made every stay unforgettable.The Unforgettable Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride: The highlight of the trip was the unforgettable sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti. Recountin the breathtaking views, the peacefulness of the flight, and the champagne breakfast that followed—truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.A Return to Africa: I was deeply moved by the beauty and culture of East Africa, and I am reflecting on how there is still so much more to explore, and I am already planning her next trip back. Key Takeaways: East Africa offers a unique, stress-free atmosphere with friendly people and stunning wildlife.The Hakuna Matata mindset embodies the ease and perfection of the experience.Exceptional lodges and clean facilities in the middle of the wild provide a comfortable and welcoming environment.A hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti is a must-do experience when visiting East Africa. Mentioned in this Episode: Gate 1 Travel (tour company)Lion Hill Lodge (Lake Nakuru)Fig Tree Camp (Masai Mara)Embalakai Camp (Serengeti)Mountain Lodge (Ngorongoro)The Ole Tukai Lodge (Amboseli)Adventures Aloft Serengeti Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Safari & Champagne Breakfast Join me on this unforgettable journey through East Africa, and hear how a once-in-a-lifetime safari experience can leave you with lasting memories and a desire to return.

    24 min

  3. MAR 25

    Michalis Pantelides - Lady Gaga needs my scarf

    Great banter about the fashion industry, Paris fashion week, how to travel in style on a private jet and homophobia in Cyprus. A conversation straight from the heart reminding Anna Vissi that she needs to wear Michalis' scarf and Lady Gaga that she needs to have one of Michalis' scarfs.  Michalis Pantelidis (Nicosia, 1993) is a Cypriot Textiles Designer. He graduated from the University of the West of England in Bristol. During his studies, he interned at the atelier of Iris Van Herpen and Ronald Van Der Kemp in Amsterdam, where he gained experience in couture. He also worked with Dutch artists "Dutch Igloo", where he experimented with photography, digital editing, and intricate handwork. In 2021, he launched his own brand which combines his love for textiles, photography, and art. His first project is called “The land of Decomposition” which explores alternative ways of understanding the idea of value by turning trash into colorful and joyful scarves. https://michalispantelidis.com/

    37 min

  4. MAR 18

    Morgan Garrett - Wanderlust Inc.

    Morgan is a nurse practitioner who loves to travel, write, and capture moments through photography, she is committed to assisting individuals in achieving balance in their lives through coaching and consulting.  Her personalized lifestyle and wellness coaching approach is designed to empower you to adopt a growth centered and fulfilling life through experience and creativity. What makes her business unique is how she can tie travel and creativity into your transformation through her blog, travel consultations, inspiring photo gallery, and handmade gifts.  She is also an award winning travel photographer. Her recent photography in Africa has been nominated for another award once more. She believes that every human should go on Safari in Africa once in their lifetime. She thoroughly enjoys helping people through challenges, overcome fears, and become their best selves. https://www.wanderlustinc.org/

    36 min

  5. MAR 11

    Andrew Serra - FDNY Fire Fighter during 9/11

    Andrew Serra is the author of several books, including The Dead Florentines, La Petite Parisienne, and Zuccotti Park. In 2018, he published Finding John, a memoir of his experience as a firefighter responding to the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. He has been featured on FOX-5 NY Good Day Wake Up, NY1 News Around the Boroughs, and Z100 Elvis Duran and the Morning Show. He lives in New York City with his wife and two children.  He is a retired New York City fire captain and since retiring from the Fire Department, him and his wife spend 2-3 months per year living in Italy. Him and his wife have long considered traveling as a gateway to understanding and seeing the world in a different light.  After many years of living with the effects of 9/11, he wrote and published a memoir about his experiences. The writing process was therapeutic and helped him move forward.  The newest book is a historical novel about a terrible factory fire in 1911 where 146 (mostly young immigrant women) were killed. Many of the survivors went on to fight for changes to fire safety laws that still exist today.  https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B087KYTT7C https://www.andrewserra.com/

    38 min

  6. MAR 4

    Yaren Fadiloglulari - An Island Girl who writes about all things travel

    Yaren Fadiloglulari is a Turkish Cypriot freelance writer for travel publications and a content writer for travel and education companies. She has participated in the Rotary Friendship Exchange program and spent a month in the US when she was a teenager. Trying to keep the conversation with this beautiful young woman as unpolitical as possible. She recently joined the Cyprus Travel Writers and Journalists Society and I wanted to find out more about this interesting writer.  A Cyprus native, she has written for travel publications like The Independent, Euronews, and Time Out. I’m also a B2B & B2C content writer for travel and education companies, including Preply, Hotelbeds, Business 2 Community, and more. Becoming a freelance writer wasn’t always the plan, but looking back, it all makes sense. She loves getting out of my comfort zone — She lived abroad for nine years, learned two languages from scratch (third one in progress!), backpacked in Latin America, and taught herself the basics of SEO. A mix of all these experiences helped her land her first gig — writing SEO blog posts about languages, culture, and living abroad for a publication. Fast forward to today, she has worked with over 20 clients, collaborated with content marketing teams, and successfully pitched her ideas to large publications. Besides travel and education, she has also written about workplace dynamics, team building, employee engagement, and L&D. https://yarenwrites.com/

    33 min

  7. FEB 25

    Teri M Brown - Great Double-Butted Adventure

    Born in Athens, Greece as an Air Force brat, Teri M Brown came into this world with an imagination full of stories to tell. She now calls the North Carolina coast home, and the peaceful nature of the sea has been a great source of inspiration for her creativity. Not letting 2020 get the best of her, Teri chose to go on an adventure that changed her outlook on life. She and her husband, Bruce, rode a tandem bicycle across the United States from Astoria, Oregon to Washington DC, successfully raising money for Toys for Tots. She learned she is stronger than she realized and capable of anything she sets her mind to. Teri is a wife, mother, grandmother, and author who loves word games, reading, bumming on the beach, taking photos, singing in the shower, hunting for bargains, ballroom dancing, playing bridge, and mentoring others.  https://www.terimbrown.com/bio.html https://www.amazon.com/10-Little-Rules-Double-Butted-Adventure/dp/B0DR33PLQR/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w...

    37 min

  8. FEB 18

    Jorge Salas Guevara - Expedition Addicted for life

    Jorge Salas-Guevara is the President and Founder of New Paths Expeditions (NPE); his journey began at a very young age when he had the fortune to spend his summers in the rugged beauty of Patagonia, where he embraced the role of a mountain and trekking guide. Such experiences ignited a lifelong commitment to adventure and exploration. These early ventures laid the groundwork for a unique career in travel, drawing the attention of premier travel brands in the U.S. and affording him the honor of learning from some of the world’s most venerated expedition leaders. Jorge’s professional path has been diverse and enriched by a variety of roles within one of the travel industry’s largest conglomerates. From guiding, product development, and managing crises to training field staff and ensuring the safety of travel operations, developing new US travel brands, advising new and old local travel services, supervising the safety of planes and ships, and even designing and building expedition travel vessels. His contributions have been instrumental in enhancing travel experiences worldwide. His leadership skills were further recognized through his executive roles, including his tenure as CEO of one of the conglomerate’s brands. Yet, it was his vision for a more intimate and insightful approach to travel that led to the founding of NPE, aiming to offer small-group expeditions that provide higher quantities and quality of content, and delve into the heart of nature and culture. With a solid educational background in Business Administration, focusing on travel operations, marketing, and finance at Cornell, Jorge has built NPE on the principle that attention to detail is paramount in creating unforgettable travel experiences. His hands-on approach in the field and continuous engagement with guests and destinations underscore his belief in the transformative power of travel. In addition to his leadership at NPE, Jorge Salas-Guevara is deeply commitment to conservation and community support. As the founder and president of two conservation organizations, he has been devoted to providing clean water to remote Amazon communities and helping wildlife conservation efforts in Africa and Asia. These initiatives are a testament to the holistic approach to travel at NPE—every expedition not only promises discovery and adventure but also contributes positively to the well-being of our planet and its inhabitants. Jorge’s contributions extend beyond business leadership to include wildlife and travel photography, where his work has been recognized and featured by notable institutions and publications, including Smithsonian, Wildlife Conservation Society, Nature Conservancy, among many others. This creative outlet not only reflects his appreciation for the natural world but also enhances the expeditions led by NPE, offering guests unique insights and memorable moments captured through his lens and lectures. When not exploring new destinations or leading expeditions, Jorge enjoys spending quality time with his daughter Josefina, exploring his passions for photography, writing, and cooking. Jorge’s leadership at NPE is not just about guiding tours; it’s about fostering a community of travelers eager to explore, learn, and connect with the world’s most breathtaking landscapes and cultures. His story is one of dedication, expertise, and a sincere love for adventure that continues to inspire both the team at NPE and the guests who embark on journeys with us. https://npexpeditions.com/meet-our-team/

    35 min
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About

This podcast is all about stories, past experiences, and anecdotes from my trips and adventures. Because of my work as a tour guide for 11 and a conference interpreter for 15 years after that, I was able to travel the world and meet so many amazing people on the way. I will be hosting some of them on this podcast and together with my guests, we will talk about our most memorable journeys. Let me entertain you, remind you of a past holiday or activate your wanderlust. Let me remind you that life is beautiful and that at the end we will only regret the things we didn’t to and not the things we did. Life is too short to stay in the same place. About me: I was born in Switzerland and have been living in Cyprus for almost 30 years. From a very young age and due to a challenging childhood, all I wanted to do was leave home as soon as possible and discover the big wide world. That’s why, at 13, I started taking small jobs to pay for English and Spanish lessons to make my travel dreams come true! Today I not only speak 6 languages but have also been to over 100 countries and have created a life that I love

Information

  • Creator
    Elisabeth Villiger Toufexis
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    200
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Elisabeth Villiger Toufexis
  • Show Website
    Most memorable journeys

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