In this insightful episode of the Low Season Traveller podcast, host Ged interviews Stuart McDonald, founder of Travelfish, a comprehensive online travel resource focused on Southeast Asia. Stuart shares the evolution of Travelfish from its humble beginnings in 2004 to becoming a trusted guide for independent travelers, his journey into responsible tourism through his master's degree, and his upcoming ambitious 64-day overland journey from Bali to the UK.

Guest Profile: Stuart McDonald is the founder of Travelfish, an independent online travel guide focused on Southeast Asia. With nearly three decades of experience traveling in the region since 1993, Stuart has transformed from a backpacker and guidebook writer to an advocate for "less bad travel" - his term for more sustainable and responsible tourism practices. He recently completed a Master's degree in Responsible Tourism Management at Leeds Beckett University in the UK.

Notable Quotes

"Travel fish is like an old school guidebook, like a Lonely Planet or Rough Guide or whatever. But only online."

"The pandemic wasn't great for business. I went back to school, back to do my masters at Leeds in the UK in responsible tourism management, and that sort of turned me on to a lot more of the stuff around sustainable tourism and responsible travel."

"A lot of the issues that we face today in tourism are not new... they were writing about them in the seventies in academia... This knowledge has sort of been sitting around for perhaps 50 years, half a century. And the industry side of things, they're only just sort of starting to think about maybe getting on board with some of these concepts in the last decade."

This episode offers valuable insights into the evolution of sustainable tourism in Southeast Asia through the lens of Stuart McDonald's extensive experience. His journey from traditional guidebook writer to advocate for responsible tourism practices demonstrates how the industry is slowly shifting toward more sustainable models. Stuart's upcoming overland journey represents his commitment to "less bad travel" and provides a fascinating case study in making more responsible travel choices despite the inconveniences they may present. Listeners interested in sustainable tourism, Southeast Asia travel, or alternative modes of transportation will find this conversation both informative and inspiring.

Resources Mentioned:

• Travelfish website: A comprehensive online travel guide for Southeast Asia
• Couch Fish Newsletter: Stuart's regular updates on travel and tourism in the region
• Glass: The photo-sharing platform Stuart now uses instead of Instagram
• Seat61: Helpful resource for train travel planning
• Caravanistan: Resource for travel in Central Asia

• Uncornered Market: Development work in Uzbekistan and Central Asia
  

In this episode of Low Season Traveler Insider Guides, host Ged Brown sits down with Angelo Carotenuto, the founder of LivTours. Angelo shares his unconventional journey, from a performing arts background and early days as a tour guide to establishing a boutique travel company that champions sustainable, intimate, and truly immersive experiences. Listeners will hear firsthand how small-group tours can transform the way we experience cultural heritage and local traditions, especially during the low season.

Key Topics Covered:

• Angelo’s Journey:
• The LivTours Difference:
• Sustainability and Authenticity:
• Unique and Immersive Experiences:
• The Emotional Connection:

Memorable Moments:

• Angelo’s humorous take on oversized tour groups versus the intimacy of small-group experiences.
• The detailed recounting of a football match tour where guests, including a couple from Finland, experienced local passion and vibrant traditions firsthand.
• Anecdotes that underline the importance of experiencing destinations in a way that allows travelers to truly “live” the local culture rather than just observe it.

• For more information on LivTours and to explore their curated experiences, visit livtours.com.
• Don’t forget to leave a rating and review if you enjoyed this episode, and follow Low Season Traveler Insider Guides on social media for more inspiring travel stories and tips.

In this episode of 'Low Season Traveller Insider Guides,' host Ged Brown explores the historical and cultural wonders of Girona, located in Northeast Spain.

Joined by Margarita Alburna, a passionate local guide, they delve into Girona's medieval architecture, vibrant culinary scene, and rich history, including its Jewish heritage and Roman origins.

Learn why visiting during the low season offers a unique experience, from quiet afternoons roaming cobblestone streets to enjoying local festivals and gastronomic delights like tomato bread and calçots.

Margarita also highlights lesser-known spots in the region, such as the volcanic area and the coastal trails of Costa Brava. Tune in for a comprehensive guide on making the most of Girona, especially during its tranquil and less crowded months.

Low Season Vietnam - Insider Insights and Adventures in Vietnam

Discover the hidden gems of Vietnam with exclusive insights from Chum Pham, the sales and partnerships manager of ITS Vietnam. From the tranquil beauty of Hanoi to the vibrant culture of Saigon, explore the diverse landscapes, people, and cuisine of this captivating country. Uncover the secrets of low season travel and immerse yourself in the authentic experiences that make Vietnam a must-visit destination. Join us on a journey through the sights, sounds, and flavors of Vietnam on this special episode of the Low Season Traveller Insider Guides podcast.

The Underrated Beauty of Low Season Paris: An Insider's Guide with Ged Brown and Jay Swanson

In this episode of Low Season Traveller Insider Guides, host Ged Brown is joined by Jay Swanson, the creator of Paris In My Pocket, to discuss the overlooked allure of low season tourism in Paris. Jay provides unique insights into Paris, revealing the charm of local experiences, under-the-radar spots, and the inviting café culture characteristic of the city. He discusses the importance of integrating oneself into the rhythm of life in Paris, recommending the simple pleasure of people-watching. Jay also touches on the significance of French food and wine as he points out the city's international food scene. He offers tips for first-time travellers, focusing on the balance between tourist attractions and hidden gems, and encourages exploration as the key to a fulfilling Parisian trip.

00:06 Introduction and Welcome
00:30 Getting to Know Jay Swanson
01:21 Jay's Journey to Paris
03:16 Becoming a French Citizen
05:04 The Appeal of Paris
05:33 The Parisian Lifestyle
10:51 Language and Communication in Paris
13:01 Visiting Paris in the Low Season
17:13 Exploring Paris: Must-See and Overrated Attractions
22:27 Hidden Gems in Paris
24:07 Food and Drink Recommendations in Paris
27:11 Final Tips for Visiting Paris

Today I’m delighted to be joined by Claire French who’s the Chief Copywriter of our very own Low Season Traveller Magazine.

In this episode I caught up with Claire on a beautiful Autumn day to find out a little more about life in travel and in particular the background to her wonderful article in this months magazine edition where she endured or enjoyed 9 consecutive days of Ayurvedic massage in Goa. It sounded like heaven to me but as Claire explains, there is a lot more to it than that...

I must admit, I'd be very tempted to go for an experience like this and it may just be what we all need right now…

The latest edition of the magazine is available now in hard and electronic copies on lowseasontraveller.com/magazine and I’m sure you’ll agree, it’s a wonderful edition.

Huge thanks to Claire for all of her contributions to the magazine and for sharing her insights with us today.

But That’s our show for this week. Thanks as always, for your company, and if you enjoyed this podcast, please do leave us a positive rating and review on your podcast app and also don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to be the first to hear our latest low season stories, articles and guides.

Have a great week wherever you are and remember that travel is always better and fairer for the planet, the local communities and you the travellers, when it’s without the crowds…

In this episode, we catch up with Ryan Maley, Editor in Chief of Low Season Traveller Magazine to find out a little more about the stories and features which readers can enjoy in this latest edition as we gain a little insight into how the stories and features came about.

We are talking about Madrid, Ethiopia, Cambodia, Barbados, Sifnos, fascinating Cultural Heritage and much more besides….

If there are any destinations you’d like us to cover for future editions, please reach out to Ryan directly at ryan@lowseasontraveller.com

But That’s our show for this week. Thanks as always, for your company, and if you enjoyed this podcast, please do leave us a positive rating and review on your podcast app and also don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to be the first to hear our latest low season stories, articles and guides.