This week on The Travel Date, host Angelica-Hazel Toutounji is joined by Penny Wilson, founder of Pip & Co Travel — a women-focused small group travel company specialising in culturally immersive journeys across Asia.

Penny shares how travel has been woven through her life from a young age, including living in the UK, spending formative years in Vietnam, and developing a deep love for Asia, languages, and cultural exchange. These experiences ultimately led her to create Pip & Co Travel — a business designed to help women explore the world in meaningful, responsible, and well-supported ways.

Penny talks about hosting her first group trips through Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos, the excitement of launching a Borneo adventure focused on wildlife conservation, and why Asia continues to be her “happy place". She also shares insights into sustainable accommodation choices, locally owned hotels, and why travelling consciously can create a lasting positive impact for both travellers and local communities.

From unforgettable food moments on the streets of Vietnam to elegant high teas in London, camping on the Queensland coastline, and dreaming of future adventures in Central Asia and North Africa, this episode is filled with curiosity, warmth, and a genuine love of travel.

🌍 Destinations Mentioned in This Episode

Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Hoi An, Danang, Hanoi, Ha Long Bay & Six Senses Hotel Con Dao

Cambodia

Laos

Borneo (including turtle conservation experiences)

Sri Lanka

Indonesia (upcoming tours)

China: Shanghai

Netherlands

Egypt

United Kingdom: England, Wales, Scotland, London (high tea experiences)

Thailand: Bangkok

Australia:

• Darwin to Broome road trip
• Queensland (1770, beachfront camping)
• Uluru, Kakadu, Daintree
• Geelong & the Surf Coast

New Zealand

Central Asia (bucket list): Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan

North Africa (bucket list): Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria

👤 Guest Bio – Penny Wilson

Penny Wilson is the founder of Pip & Co Travel, a women-led small group travel company offering culturally immersive journeys throughout Asia. With a background in languages, long-term travel, and living abroad, Penny designs trips that prioritise connection, comfort, sustainability, and meaningful local experiences.

Her tours focus on responsible travel, locally owned accommodation, environmental awareness, and creating safe, enriching spaces for women to explore the world together.

🌐 Website: pipandcotravel.com

📸 Instagram: @pipandcotravel

🎧 Episode Credits

Host:

Angelica-Hazel Toutounji

📸 Instagram: @angelica_hazel_nutrition · @the_travel_date_

🌐 Website: angelicahazel.com.au

📧 Email: info@angelicahazel.com.au

Guest:

Penny Wilson — Founder, Pip & Co Travel

This week on The Travel Date, host Angelica-Hazel Toutounji sits down with Rouba Shahin , a Lebanese food specialist, content creator, wife, mother, and food blogger.

In this warm and heartfelt conversation, Rouba talks about growing up in Lebanon and shares powerful memories from her childhood in Tripoli. She reflects on how Lebanese hospitality — the warmth, the sweetness, the endless offering of food and care — remains one of the country’s greatest treasures.

Her recent return to Lebanon allowed her to reconnect with her roots, revisit cherished streets, and see the country’s beauty despite its struggles.

Beyond Lebanon, Rouba tells stories from the road: a chaotic but unforgettable road trip from Darwin to Broome, a hilarious night in a tiny Scottish cabin, the incomparable kindness of the Irish, and slow-paced adventures in New Zealand, cooking with her husband in apartments and discovering local produce together.

Rouba’s passion for culture, tradition, and honest food weaves through every story she tells. From her ultimate comfort dish — fatteh with the all-important “tush sound” — to her dream of visiting Japan and her heartfelt longing to one day travel to Palestine, this conversation is rich with emotion, curiosity, and beautifully human moments.

This episode is a love letter to food, family, culture, and the ways travel reconnects us with who we are & the world around us.

🌍 Destinations Mentioned in This Episode

• Lebanon: Tripoli, Baalbek, Beirut & guest houses in the mountains
• Australia: Sydney, Darwin to Broome, Adelaide
• New Zealand: Queenstown
• Scotland
• Ireland
• Italy
• Japan
• Palestine

👤 Guest Bio – Rouba Shahin

Rouba Shahin is a Lebanese food specialist, recipe developer, content creator, and storyteller who celebrates culture through the joy of cooking. Born in Sydney and raised in Tripoli, Rouba’s work is deeply inspired by Lebanese tradition, hospitality, and family connection.

She is the creator behind Rouba’s Food Journey, where she shares approachable, flavourful, Middle Eastern-inspired recipes designed to bring people together around the table.

Her warmth, authenticity, and love for community make her a beloved voice in the food and culture space.

🌐 Website: roubashahin.com.au

🎧 Episode Credits

Host:

Angelica-Hazel Toutounji

📸 Instagram: @angelica_hazel_nutrition · @the_travel_date_

🌐 Website: angelicahazel.com.au

📧 Email: info@angelicahazel.com.au

Sasha Zahra – Creative Producer, Patch Theatre

This week on The Travel Date, host Angelica-Hazel Toutounji is joined by the Sasha Zahra, Creative Producer at Patch Theatre — a brilliant arts leader whose career spans youth theatre, festivals, First Nations collaborations, regional and remote arts projects, and international creative development. Sasha brings decades of experience in storytelling, community engagement, cultural exchange, and arts leadership to this heartfelt conversation.

Sasha’s journey began in drama at university, leading her into directing, youth theatre, and eventually major creative producer roles at organisations such as DreamBIG Festival, Windmill Theatre, the Adelaide Fringe, the Royal Croquet Club, Stirling Fringe, Kurruru Youth Performing Arts, and TANDANYA. Her work has taken her from Whyalla to the Torres Strait, from Vanuatu to New York City, and everywhere in between. Today, she helps bring Patch Theatre’s award-winning children’s works to audiences across Australia and the world.

This episode is a beautiful tapestry of career reflections, cultural connections, unexpected travel stories, love, loss, and the moments that shape us.

🌏 Destinations Featured in This Episode

Travel with Sasha across Australia and around the world:

AUSTRALIA

South Australia

• Adelaide Hills drives
• Adelaide Central Market (laksa + Friday nights)
• Chinatown Café & Asian Gourmet
• Stirling, Bridgewater (CFS op shop), Adelaide Hills walking trails
• Patch Theatre (local and international touring)
• Favourite local spot: Peeky’s Coffee
• Cooking + market days as a grounding ritual

Northern Territory

• Uluru – a spiritually powerful and unforgettable destination

Victoria

• Early road trips to regional Victoria
• Melbourne (arts markets, festivals)

New South Wales / ACT / Queensland

• Childhood family road trips
• Hervey Bay memories

INTERNATIONAL

• Vanuatu – transformative creative residency; One Small Bag Theatre; Tanna Island; Mount Yasur volcano; wedding destination and second home
• Indonesia – first overseas trip at 18
• Torres Strait Islands – remote community arts work
• New York City – arts festivals, creative inspiration
• New Zealand – Queenstown skiing adventures
• Penang, Malaysia – Seven Terraces boutique hotel
• Athens, Greece – boutique stays with Acropolis views
• New Caledonia – mixed cultural impressions
• Upcoming: Saudi Arabia to present Patch Theatre’s production ZOOOM

👤 Guest Bio (Original Wording Preserved)

Sasha Zahra is a Creative Producer at Patch Theatre and a versatile arts leader with more than 20 years’ experience across festivals, theatre, youth arts, First Nations collaborations, international residencies, and community cultural development. Her work has shaped artistic programs across South Australia, regional Australia, the Torres Strait, and the Pacific.

She is also a passionate traveller, storyteller, and advocate for creative connection.

Learn more about Patch: patchtheatre.org

Follow their work and touring schedule online.

🎙 Episode Credits

Host:

Angelica-Hazel Toutounji

📸 Instagram: @angelica_hazel_nutrition · @the_travel_date_

🌐 Website: angelicahazel.com.au

📧 Email: info@angelicahazel.com.au

Guest:

Sasha Zahra – Creative Producer, Patch Theatre

Produced by:

Podcast City – Business & Lifestyle Network

Natasha – Virgin Australia Flight Attendant & Content Creator

This week, host Angelica-Hazel Toutounji is joined by Natasha from Natasha in the City — a content creator turned full-time Virgin Australia flight attendant. Having always loved travel and aviation, Natasha took a bold leap in her 40s to pursue her dream career in the skies — and it’s been an incredible journey ever since!

In this lively conversation, Natasha opens up about what life is really like working as a flight attendant, sharing behind-the-scenes insights into her favourite routes, destinations, and travel experiences. From visiting China before the tourism boom to exploring Vietnam’s hidden gems, this chat is full of inspiring stories, laughter, and practical travel tips from someone who’s turned wanderlust into a lifestyle.

Natasha shares her path from content creator to cabin crew, the realities of long-haul travel, and the joy of discovering new cultures from both sides of the cabin door. Her stories remind us that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself and that following your passions can lead you to extraordinary places.

Destinations Featured

Join Natasha on this travel date as she shares adventures across the globe:

• China & The Great Wall
• Bali (Sanur, Seminyak & Kynd Café)
• USA (New York, Los Angeles, Disneyland & Hawaii)
• Canada (Toronto to Vancouver)
• London
• Western Australia
• South Australia (Adelaide Hills, Mount Gambier, Coorong, Naracoorte, Port MacDonnell, Port Noarlunga, Henley Beach, Hahndorf, Hello Neighbour, Pave Café)
• Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi’s Train Street & Ha Long Bay)
• New Zealand (Platinum Villas, Queenstown)
• Greece & Turkey
• Royal Caribbean – Airlie Beach Cruise

About the Guest

For more information on Natasha, visit:

📸 Instagram: @natashainthecity

Episode Credits

Host: Angelica-Hazel Toutounji

📸 Instagram: @angelica_hazel_nutrition · @the_travel_date_

🌐 Website: angelicahazel.com.au

📧 Email: info@angelicahazel.com.au

Guest: Natasha – Virgin Australia Flight Attendant & Content Creator

📸 Instagram: @natashainthecity

Produced by: Podcast City Business & Lifestyle Network

Emma Lovell – The Bleisure Coach, Speaker, Trainer, Retreat Facilitator & Author

This week, host Angelica-Hazel Toutounji is joined by Emma Lovell, an inspiring entrepreneur who has mastered the art of blending business and leisure – or as she calls it, “bleisure.” Emma is an author, speaker, MC, trainer, retreat facilitator, and coach whose mission is to help others travel with purpose and balance.

In this uplifting and adventure-filled conversation, Emma takes us around the world — from tiger safaris in India and beach escapes in Queensland to future travels in Antarctica. Her passion for exploration, culture, and meaningful connection will leave you daydreaming about your next journey and rethinking how you can weave adventure into everyday life.

Emma shares her philosophy on finding joy through travel, how to balance work and adventure, and the stories behind her global retreats. From chasing tigers to cooking with locals, this episode captures the true spirit of curiosity and wanderlust.

Destinations Featured

Join Emma on this travel date as she shares adventures across the globe:

• England
• India
• The Imperial Hotel, Delhi
• New Zealand
• Innsbruck, Austria
• Tulum, Mexico
• Dubai
• Bahrain
• Oman
• Abu Dhabi
• The Gold Coast & Hinterland
• United States Road Trip
• Bali
• Saffron Palate Indian Cooking
• Italy
• Tiger Retreats in India
• Antarctica
• Mount Tamborine
• Snapper Rocks & Kirra
• Sunshine Coast
• India Retreat in Delhi, Amritsar & Dharamshala
• Disneyland

About the Guest

For more information on Emma Lovell:

🌐 emmalovell.au

📸 Instagram

Episode Credits

Host: Angelica-Hazel Toutounji

📸 Instagram: @angelica_hazel_nutrition · @the_travel_date_

🌐 Website: angelicahazel.com.au

📧 Email: info@angelicahazel.com.au

Guest: Emma Lovell

🌐 Website: https://emmalovell.au/

Produced by: Podcast City Business & Lifestyle Network

Would you like me to also create a short podcast description (2–3 sentences) for Spotify/Apple Podcasts and a social media caption version of this next?

Amanda Khalil - Hair Stylist & Make Up Artist

This week, host Angelica-Hazel Toutounji is joined by Amanda Khalil, a talented South Australian hair stylist & make-up artist. Amanda regularly works with iconic brands such as The Oodie, 9 News Adelaide and runs her own business specialising in hair, make up and beauty services for bridal, commercial, event, and creative bridal industries.

Episode Overview

Amanda's work has taken her across Australia and overseas for weddings and special events. In this chat, we discuss her love of animals, papaya salads and falling in love with places like people.

Destinations Featured

Join Amanda on this travel date as she shares adventures across the globe:

• Egypt
• Gold Coast
• Koh Samui
• San Francisco
• Fiji
• Japan
• Villa Santun, Ubud
• Europe & beyond
• Mason Elephant Park & Lodge, Taro, Bali
• Chiton Cottage

About the Guest

For more information on Amanda Khalil,

https://www.hellomandy.com.au/

https://www.instagram.com/hellomandy___/?hl=en

Episode Credits

Host: Angelica-Hazel Toutovunji

📸 Instagram: @angelica_hazel_nutrition · @the_travel_date_

🌐 Website: angelicahazel.com.au

📧 Email: info@angelicahazel.com.au

Guest: Amanda Khalil

🌐 Website: https://www.hellomandy.com.au/

Produced by: Podcast City Business & Lifestyle Network

Danielle Norton – Travel & Food Writer

This week, host Angelica-Hazel Toutovunji is joined by Danielle Norton, a seasoned travel and food writer whose work has been featured in renowned publications including Escape, Conde Nast, Australian Traveller, Delicious, Luxury Escapes, The Age, and International Traveller, among many others.

Episode Overview

In this episode, Danielle takes us on an extraordinary journey through her most memorable travel experiences — from an unexpected night in a Thai brothel to the deeply moving spiritual connection of visiting Uluṟu in Central Australia.

She shares insights from her writing career, offering valuable advice on how she successfully pitches captivating travel stories to top international publications.

Destinations Featured

Join Danielle as she recounts her adventures across the globe:

• Papua New Guinea – Cruising the Sepik River with True North
• Tamworth, NSW – Experiencing the Country Music Festival
• Nashville, USA – The home of country music
• England – Backpacking across the countryside
• Japan – Walking the Kumano Kodo Trail
• Broome, WA – Exploring Australia’s northwest gem
• Kanchanaburi, Thailand – History and culture intertwined
• Uluṟu, NT – Staying at Ayers Rock Resort
• Bangkok, Thailand – From Bangkok Social to the luxurious Four Seasons
• Niyama House – A tranquil escape
• 1 Hotel Melbourne – Sustainable city luxury
• Morocco & Africa – Colour, culture, and culinary adventures
• Margaret River, WA – Wine and coastal beauty
• Decca Restaurant & Wine Bar – Fine dining and local flavours
• Preston Market & Queen Vic Market – The heartbeat of Melbourne’s food scene
• National Gallery of Victoria & Melbourne Theatre Company – Art and culture highlights
• Chadstone Shopping Centre – Retail therapy at its best
• Taxi Kitchen & Vue de Monde – Iconic Melbourne dining experiences
• Yarra Valley & Great Ocean Road – Scenic escapes and local produce
• Corinna Wilderness Village, Tasmania – Eco-adventure in the wild
• Bali – From the luxurious Mulia Hotel to island serenity

About the Guest

Danielle Norton

Website: daniellenorton.com.au

Danielle offers coaching for aspiring travel writers. Listeners can access a $20 discount on her coaching services using the code TRAVELDATE at checkout.

Episode Credits

Host: Angelica-Hazel Toutovunji

📸 Instagram: @angelica_hazel_nutrition & @the_travel_date_

📧 Email: info@angelicahazel.com.au

🌐 Website: angelicahazel.com.au

Guest: Danielle Norton

🌐 Website: daniellenorton.com.au

Produced by: Podcast City Business & Lifestyle Network