Winging It Travel Podcast James Hammond

Hello, and welcome to Episode 150 with Ross Borden, the founder and CEO of Matador Network. First of all, thanks for joining me on this journey to the 150th guest episode; it has been unreal!

So, what better way to finish the first 150 episodes than with a special episode with Ross, who has created one of the biggest online travel brands in Matador Network? Matador is the leading online travel publisher with over 140 million monthly video views. Fast Company has named it one of 2024's Most Innovative Companies for its groundbreaking use of AI to create the most accessible and accurate AI travel assistance, GuideGeek.

In this episode, we will discuss Matador's humble beginnings at the top of a mountain in Peru, why Ross turned down a finance internship to work with a travel company in Kenya, how he befriended a travel agent in Madrid to travel Europe for free while improving the agent's sales, and one of his favourite experiences swimming with whales in Tonga.

We discuss Matador Network's current trajectory with GuideGeek, the AI travel assistant. We talk about how AI can change travel in the future and why we should embrace it. Ross is currently one of the leading people in travel using AI. 

It is an episode combining wanderlust and an ambition to share amazing travel stories with the world (Matador Network). Not only will you be inspired to travel the world, but you will also be inspired to write that first travel blog or start that first travel podcast or YouTube channel. Whether Ross is talking about his dirtbag travel lifestyle in Peru or his vision for AI in travel, there is something for everyone in this conversation! 

Thanks, Ross, for coming on! 

Enjoy. Be inspired!

Episode 150 Blog - www.wingingittravelpodcast.com/episodes/the-future-of-travel-ai-powered-solutions-for-a-seamless-journey

Matador Network

Website - https://matadornetwork.com

GuideGeek - https://guidegeek.com

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/matadornetwork/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@matadornetwork

Ross Borden LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ross-borden-768b242/

Patreon Shout-Out

Thanks to Laura Hammond for supporting this podcast. She does so by purchasing a monthly membership on my Patreon. You can support me, too, by checking out the details below!

Winging It Travel Podcast

Website - https://www.wingingittravelpodcast.com

Winging It Travel Podcast Credits

Host/Creator/Writer/Composer/Editor - James Hammond

Producer - James Hammond

Podcast Art Design - Swamp Soup Company - Harry Utton

Contact me - jameshammondtravel@gmail.com

Social Media - follow me on:

Instagram - wingingittravelpodcast - https://www.instagram.com/wingingittravelpodcast/

TikTok - wingingittravelpodcast - https://www.tiktok.com/@wingingittravelpodcast

Facebook - Winging It Travel Podcast - https://www.facebook.com/jameshammondtravel

Review - Please leave a review and rating wherever you get your podcasts!

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I have just passed my 250th episode, so here is an updated trailer from the original one over three years ago, and I am taking a well-earned week break.

Don't worry; there is more to come for the next 250!

Cheers, James

Patreon Shout-Out

Thanks to Laura Hammond for supporting this podcast. She does so by purchasing a monthly membership on my Patreon. You can support me, too, by checking out the details below!

Winging It Travel Podcast

Website - https://www.wingingittravelpodcast.com

Winging It Travel Podcast Credits

Host/Creator/Writer/Composer/Editor - James Hammond

Producer - James Hammond

Podcast Art Design - Swamp Soup Company - Harry Utton

Contact me - jameshammondtravel@gmail.com

Social Media - follow me on:

Instagram - wingingittravelpodcast - https://www.instagram.com/wingingittravelpodcast/

TikTok - wingingittravelpodcast - https://www.tiktok.com/@wingingittravelpodcast

Facebook - Winging It Travel Podcast - https://www.facebook.com/jameshammondtravel

Review - Please leave a review and rating wherever you get your podcasts!

Support My Podcast - Memberships

Patreon - Here

Buy Me A Coffee - Here

Support My Podcast - 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 - https://skyscanner.pxf.io/ZQ7b0X
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Hello, and welcome to episode 149 with Rikimah Glymph. This week, we are talking about Rikimah's amazing journey of travelling solo to over 120 countries, 72 of which have been with her son, who is only 12!

She has hosted wellness retreats and logistics conferences all over the world. When not traveling she’s dreaming of her next trip! Having a career in the travel industry made it a natural transition for Rikimah to purchase a Cruise Planners franchise. Cruise Planners allows her to not only book the best travel itineraries for her wellness clients, but it also allows her to offer deals and top picks for people interested in other types of travel. 

In the episode, we discuss why Senegal is her favourite country and why she loves its national dishes the best! We also delve into the world of solo female travel, and there are some great tips here if anyone is looking for advice. Rikimah is a foodie and tells us why this is one of the most important parts of her travels. 

Rikimah is originally from California but is now based in Maryland. She tells us the reasons for her move to the East Coast of the USA. Her first international trip was six weeks in South Africa, and we chatted about that experience. This episode has so many nuggets, along with some classic wanderlust.

Rikimah's infectious laugh and outlook on life and travel made this a fun recording. If you want to get into the wellness space or need help booking a trip, Rikimah's services are below. Check them out and get travelling the world today! 

Enjoy. Be inspired!

Rikimah Glymph

BWell365 Website - https://bwell365.org

Consulting - https://rikimahglymph.com

Total Wellness: A Millennial & Gen Z Guide to Living a More Balanced Life- https://www.amazon.com/dp/1662928297?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_70BBKDJDVNDPJCQK220F_1

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikimahglymph/

Patreon Shout-Out

Thanks to Laura Hammond for supporting this podcast. She does so by purchasing a monthly membership on my Patreon. You can support me, too, by checking out the details below!

Winging It Travel Podcast

Website - https://www.wingingittravelpodcast.com

Winging It Travel Podcast Credits

Host/Creator/Writer/Composer/Editor - James Hammond

Producer - James Hammond

Podcast Art Design - Swamp Soup Company - Harry Utton

Contact me - jameshammondtravel@gmail.com

Social Media - follow me on:

Instagram - wingingittravelpodcast - https://www.instagram.com/wingingittravelpodcast/

TikTok - wingingittravelpodcast - https://www.tiktok.com/@wingingittravelpodcast

Facebook - Winging It Travel Podcast - https://www.facebook.com/jameshammondtravel

Review - Please leave a review and rating wherever you get your podcasts!

Support My Podcast - Memberships

Patreon - Here

Buy Me A Coffee - Here

Support My Podcast - 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 - https://skyscanner.pxf.io/ZQ7b0X
Use Revolut Travel Card - Here
Book Your E-Sim With GigSky - gigsky.pxf.io/Qy7XAx
Book Hostels With Hostelworld - a href="https://hostelworld.tp.st/fYOrWHy3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer...

Hello, and welcome to this latest solo episode. I thought I would check in about returning to Vancouver to live (for the time being) and the reasons behind it. I briefly discuss our other options in Canada, our thoughts on them from last year's road trip, and why we ultimately didn't move anywhere new. 

The second half of the episode includes my thoughts on areas within Vancouver worth exploring and possible options for living if you move here. Just remember to bring your cash; this is a very expensive country to live in and travel in, so be ready!

Thanks for tuning in, and be inspired!

Blog - http://www.wingingittravelpodcast.com/episodes/why-we-came-back-to-live-in-vancouver-and-my-thoughts-on-other-places-to-live-in-canada

Patreon Shout-Out

Thanks to Laura Hammond for supporting this podcast. She does so by purchasing a monthly membership on my Patreon. You can support me, too, by checking out the details below!

Winging It Travel Podcast

Website - https://www.wingingittravelpodcast.com

Winging It Travel Podcast Credits

Host/Creator/Writer/Composer/Editor - James Hammond

Producer - James Hammond

Podcast Art Design - Swamp Soup Company - Harry Utton

Contact me - jameshammondtravel@gmail.com

Social Media - follow me on:

Instagram - wingingittravelpodcast - https://www.instagram.com/wingingittravelpodcast/

TikTok - wingingittravelpodcast - https://www.tiktok.com/@wingingittravelpodcast

Facebook - Winging It Travel Podcast - https://www.facebook.com/jameshammondtravel

Review - Please leave a review and rating wherever you get your podcasts!

Support My Podcast - Memberships

Patreon - Here

Buy Me A Coffee - Here

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Skyscanner Affiliate Link I recently joined Skyscanner's affiliate program; if you want to get that next flight booked for your trip, click the link below and book away!

This will help me run the podcast.

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If you click one of the following to book something, I get a tiny commission, which helps the podcast.

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Book Trains With Trainline - Here
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Hello, and welcome to episode 148 with Will Hatton, more commonly known as the Broke Backpacker. This was such a super fun episode to record. There were so many laughs, quality anecdotes, and serious tips for budding travellers or entrepreneurs. 

Will has set up around 30 different businesses in his time, with some successes and failures along the way. He lays out all the lessons learned from those experiences. He talks us through how he created a tour in Pakistan on Snapchat, and in 24 hours, it sold out and how this helped him develop the Broke Backpacker brand. Towards the end of the episode, there is talk about his new business venture in Bali with Tribal Hostel. 

Will has travelled extensively over the last fifteen years and talks about his travels in India in the early days before social media. He talks about sending updates to his thirty-person strong email list about his travels. He survived on $3000 for two years in India and talked us through his techniques for this sensational statistic. We talk about Pakistan, Iran and South America for more travel wanderlust.

We both come from fairly similar backgrounds in England, growing up on council estates and thinking of joining the armed forces. We ponder how different our lives could have been if we had both followed through with those plans at the time. 

There is so much packed into this hour for all kinds of travellers here. Whether you are a backpacker, digital nomad, entrepreneur or adventurer, we cover all bases. I had a super fun, engaging chat with Will, and it was a pleasure to talk to him for an hour. 

Enjoy. Be inspired!

Blog - http://www.wingingittravelpodcast.com/episodes/exploring-the-world-on-a-budget-will-hattons-broke-backpacker-adventures

Check out Will's top travel podcasts here - https://www.thebrokebackpacker.com/best-travel-podcasts/

Will Hatton

Broke Backpacker Website - https://www.thebrokebackpacker.com

Tribal Hostel Bali - https://www.hostelworld.com/st/hostels/p/314010/tribal-coworking-bali/

How to Travel the World on $10 a Day - https://www.amazon.com/How-Travel-World-10-Day/dp/1548402303

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/willhatton__/

https://www.instagram.com/tribal_bali/

Patreon Shout-Out

Thanks to Laura Hammond for supporting this podcast. She does so by purchasing a monthly membership on my Patreon. You can support me, too, by checking out the details below!

Winging It Travel Podcast

Website - https://www.wingingittravelpodcast.com

Winging It Travel Podcast Credits

Host/Creator/Writer/Composer/Editor - James Hammond

Producer - James Hammond

Podcast Art Design - Swamp Soup Company - Harry Utton

Contact me - jameshammondtravel@gmail.com

Social Media - follow me on:

Instagram - wingingittravelpodcast - https://www.instagram.com/wingingittravelpodcast/

TikTok - wingingittravelpodcast - https://www.tiktok.com/@wingingittravelpodcast

Facebook - Winging It Travel Podcast - https://www.facebook.com/jameshammondtravel

Review - Please leave a review and rating wherever you get your podcasts!

Support My Podcast - Memberships

Patreon - Here

Buy Me A Coffee - Here

Support My Podcast - Affiliate Links

If you click one of the below to book something, I get a tiny commission, which helps the podcast.

Use Revolut - a...

Hello and welcome to this latest solo episode, where I combine my week in Portland with some stories from my time at Euro 2016 in France in honour of the current Euro 2024 tournament in Germany.

The first half covers my first-ever event at TravelCon with an excellent summary of my fabulous time meeting great people, listening to inspiring creators, attending fantastic events and seeing some fellow podcasters. The bulk of the first half is my favourite things to do in Portland, such as activities, coffee and food, with some extra tips chucked in, too.

The second half is more about sports travel and my time in Paris, France, with my friends for Euro 2016, with some funny anecdotes to go with my passionate rant about sports travel. Mostly drunken exploits of running up dry mud slopes, falling asleep on the toilet, avoiding a warzone in Marseille and being a local in Paris. 

Thanks for tuning in, and be inspired!

My blog about Portland is here - https://www.roamingwithhammo.com/blog/returning-to-explore-portland-oregon-with-a-new-appreciation-and-love-for-the-city

My blog on Sports Travel - https://www.wingingittravelpodcast.com/episodes/from-stadiums-to-sights-travel-and-enjoy-world-class-sporting-events

My YouTube episode is here - https://youtu.be/iL11SYzyKR0?si=Ma2wBx3pLuH3kVlv

Patreon Shout-Out

Thanks to Laura Hammond for supporting this podcast. She does so by purchasing a monthly membership on my Patreon. You can support me, too, by checking out the details below!

Winging It Travel Podcast

Website - https://www.wingingittravelpodcast.com

Winging It Travel Podcast Credits

Host/Creator/Writer/Composer/Editor - James Hammond

Producer - James Hammond

Podcast Art Design - Swamp Soup Company - Harry Utton

Contact me - jameshammondtravel@gmail.com

Social Media - follow me on:

Instagram - wingingittravelpodcast - https://www.instagram.com/wingingittravelpodcast/

TikTok - wingingittravelpodcast - https://www.tiktok.com/@wingingittravelpodcast

Facebook - Winging It Travel Podcast - https://www.facebook.com/jameshammondtravel

Review - Please leave a review and rating wherever you get your podcasts!

Support My Podcast - Memberships

Patreon - Here

Buy Me A Coffee - Here

Support My Podcast - Affiliate Links

If you click one of the below to book something, I get a tiny commission, which helps the podcast.

Use Revolut - Here
Book Your E-Sim With Airalo - 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 - a href="https://trainline.tp.st/XakLceTu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer...