Truly Expat Travel

Belize has the second-largest barrier reef on the planet, Mayan caves you can swim inside, jaguars in protected jungle, and one of the most surprisingly multicultural societies on earth — and most travellers have never even considered it. This week, Simo D, a Canadian expat who moved his young family to the Placencia Peninsula in 2022, gives us his unfiltered insider guide to visiting Belize. In This Episode Why Belize is still one of the most underrated travel destinations in the Western Hem...

Think KL is just a stopover? Think again. Paula Barnes lived in Kuala Lumpur for three years and is here to tell you why it's one of the most underrated cities in Southeast Asia — great food, incredible shopping, rich multicultural culture, and easy day trips all within reach. In This Episode Why the bus from Singapore beats flyingBest areas to eat, shop and explore — Bukit Bintang, KLCC, Bangsar, ChinatownBatu Caves — and the monkey warning you need to hearMust-try foods: nasi lemak, char kw...

What does it actually take to visit 50+ countries without draining your bank account? John Johnston of The Bucket List Things has been doing exactly that — chasing bucket list adventures across Africa, South America, the Baltic States, and beyond, all on a budget most people spend on a single resort vacation. In this episode, John breaks down his entire approach to affordable adventure travel: how he finds jaw-dropping flight deals before anyone else, why he chooses hostels over hotels (and h...

🎙️ Is Sydney the Most Beautiful Harbour in the World? 🇦🇺 Ultimate Sydney Travel Guide + 7-Day Itinerary In this episode, Paula shares a local’s perspective on Sydney—the city she grew up in—and breaks down exactly how to experience it like you live there, not like a tourist. If you're planning a trip to Sydney (or dreaming about one), this is your complete 5–7 day itinerary, packed with iconic sights, hidden gems, and real insider tips. 🌏 In This Episode You’ll Discover: The perfect Sydney it...

If flying feels overwhelming, exhausting, or like you're starting from scratch every single trip — this episode is for you. This week I'm joined by Phoenyx from Phoenyx Travels — a content creator and accessible travel expert who has built a reputation for honest, practical advice for disabled, chronically ill, neurodivergent and sensory-sensitive travellers. We're talking about her Flight Ready Travel Kit and everything she's learned about making air travel genuinely work for people whose bo...

Most people planning a trip to Holland for tulip season get the timing wrong. They book Keukenhof, they show up, and they either miss the peak bloom entirely or find themselves shoulder to shoulder with thousands of other tourists wondering why it doesn't look like the photos. Sound familiar? This week I'm joined by Gerrit from Hidden Holland — a specialist in Dutch travel and someone who knows the tulip fields better than almost anyone — and he's sharing exactly what most visitors get wrong,...

MADRID UNCOVERED: Insider Tips, Hidden Gems & La Movida – Life in Spain's Capital Join Paula as she chats with Kristin Montgomery, an international teacher who has lived and worked across Switzerland, Singapore, Colombia, Germany and beyond – and is now back in Madrid completing a master's degree in Spanish. Kristin first fell in love with the city as a young graduate on an English assistantship program nearly 20 years ago, and she's back to tell us exactly why Madrid keeps pulling people...

In this engaging conversation, Paula Barnes interviews Stacy McCandless, an expat with extensive experience living in Vietnam. Stacy shares her journey from working at Tokyo Disney to navigating life in various Vietnamese cities, including Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Nha Trang. She discusses the challenges and joys of being an expat, including the cultural differences, the vibrant food scene, and the importance of community among fellow expats. Stacy also highlights the beauty of Vietnam's l...

Join Paula Barnes in conversation with Oren Chazan, co-founder of Montino, a co-living space nestled in the stunning Lago Maggiore region of Italy. Oren shares his inspiring journey from urban life to creating a thriving community for digital nomads in the foothills of the Swiss Alps. Discover why Lago Maggiore remains one of Italy's best-kept secrets compared to its famous neighbors, Lakes Como and Garda. Oren reveals the magic of this region—from breathtaking hiking trails and pristine natu...

In this engaging conversation, Paula Barnes interviews Sophian Hoe, a Singaporean expat living in Madeira, Portugal. They discuss Sophian's journey to becoming an expat, his experiences in Madeira, and the unique aspects of the island, including its natural beauty, culinary delights, and community feel. Sophian shares insights on travel tips, the best times to visit, and recommendations for dining and local experiences. The conversation highlights the charm of Madeira and the importance of co...

Expat travel podcast | Hidden gems and insider tips | Best holiday destinations from expats living abroad | Authentic local travel experiences | International lifestyle and adventure stories Truly Expat Travel brings you the world's best travel destinations through conversations with expats who've made foreign countries their home. Discover hidden gems, local insider tips, and authentic travel experiences you won't find in guidebooks. Each episode features expats sharing their favourite des...

Episode 25: Unwrapping Christmas in London with Karla This Week's Chat Join me as I chat with Karla Barreca about experiencing Christmas in London, and discover why this magical city transforms into a winter wonderland during the festive season. Whether you're dreaming of a proper British Christmas or planning your festive getaway, this episode will fill you with holiday cheer and wanderlust. What We Discuss Karla's Expat Story: Why she now calls London home. Her first Christmas living in Lo...

Episode 23: Christmas in Tokyo: Blaise & Tanisha Share Why they love Japan This Week's Chat This week, I'm chatting with Blaise Barnes and Tanisha Hall about experiencing Christmas in Tokyo! We dive into what makes Tokyo shopping so special during the holidays, the best seasonal foods you absolutely need to try, and why their Disney experience didn't quite live up to expectations. They share their most memorable meal at Tokyo's best restaurant, the mesmerising world of teamLab Borde...