Sitting on the slopes of the Pichincha volcano, the Ecuadorian capital of Quito is renowned for being a melting pot of Indigenous and European culture. Step beyond the northwest city limits, however, and it is draped in natural beauty and brimming with wildlife, much of which can be seen here, and nowhere else on Earth.

From hummingbirds to condors, the cock-of-the-rock to the spectacled bear, today we’re travelling to the Andean Chocó, to explore the cloud forests on Quito’s doorstep.

Joining host Aaron Millar are:

Karen Edwards, a regular Wanderlust contributor, and sustainability consultant, who just returned from an assignment there. Instagram: @karennedwards_writer

Klaus Fielsch, a Quito local and product manager at Metropolitan Touring, Ecuador’s destination experts. www.metropolitantouring.com

Highlights include:

• Exploring the wildlife-rich cloud forests of the Mashpi Reserve, Bellavista, Santa Lucia and more

• Watching the dancing cock-of-the-rock displays, one of the most unusual birding experiences on the planet

• Discovering the ‘culuncos’ of Yunguilla: the ancient trekking paths of the Yumbo people

You’ve probably heard about Quito’s history and culture before, but not many people know about the natural beauty that surrounds the city on all sides. We think the Andean Chocó is one of the most special regions in the country, and should be on the list of any Ecuadorian adventure. Listen to hear why!

For more inspiration, go to: www.visitquito.ec

WANDERLUST: OFF THE PAGE

Take the road less travelled with us and subscribe to the show so you never miss an adventure!

WANDERLUST MAGAZINE

Wanderlust is the UK’s leading independent travel magazine which has been taking the road less travelled since 1993. Find out more at wanderlustmagazine.com

Become a Wanderlust Club Member to join our community of serious travellers for just £35 a year (or about $50). This will get you six beautiful collectible issues, exclusive member- only competitions and events, access to our entire online archive back to 2010, and heaps of other benefits.

CREDITS

This episode was produced by Armchair Productions, the audio experts for the travel industry. Lyn Hughes and Laura Field introduce the show. Aaron Millar is the interviewer and script editor. Audio production by Charles Tyrie.

Historic, cultured, and delicious. Wetlands, bayous and the glittering Gulf coast. Today we’re going to Mobile, Alabama, otherwise known as the ‘Paris of the South’.

This pioneering port city has a deep cultural history, a buzzing food scene and the oldest Mardi Gras in the States – that’s right, Mobile’s Carnival pre-dates New Orleans’.

But, it’s still largely unknown to visitors outside of the States. If you haven’t thought about Mobile as a travel destination before, then good! Introducing you to new places that we love, and think you will too, is what this show is all about. And today we have three expert guests – all Mobile locals – to show us around.

Ester de Aguiar: Executive Director of the Mobile International Festival

Cart Blackwell: Historian and curator for the Mobile Carnival Museum

Chris Andrews: Founder of Bienville Bites, Mobile’s tastiest food tour company

Highlights include:

• Learning the history of the oldest Mardi Gras celebration in the country – 300 years and counting!

• Heading out on a food tour to try local delicacies such as Gulf Coast oysters, West Indies salad, King Cake and more.

• Discovering the Clotilda heritage in Africatown, and the story of the last transatlantic slave ship.

We think Mobile, Alabama should be on the itinerary of every Deep South road trip. Listen in to hear why and get inspired for your next USA adventure.

For more inspiration, go to: mobile.org

WANDERLUST: OFF THE PAGE

Take the road less travelled with us and subscribe to the show so you never miss an adventure!

WANDERLUST MAGAZINE

Wanderlust is the UK’s leading independent travel magazine which has been taking the road less travelled since 1993. Find out more at wanderlustmagazine.com

Become a Wanderlust Club Member to join our community of serious travellers for just £35 a year (or about $50). This will get you six beautiful collectible issues, exclusive member- only competitions and events, access to our entire online archive back to 2010, and heaps of other benefits.

CREDITS

This episode was produced by Armchair Productions, the audio experts for the travel industry. Lyn Hughes and Laura Field introduce the show. Aaron Millar is the interviewer and script editor. Audio production by Charles Tyrie.

In this episode, we’ve teamed up with the experts at Audley Travel and award-winning Singapore Airlines to bring you all the inspiration and information you need to start planning a romantic road trip around the state of Victoria in Australia.

We will be journeying through Victoria, from the Great Ocean Road to the Grampians, taking in the central areas around Victoria’s coastal capital of Melbourne as well as Wilsons Promontory National Park. With everything from wonderful wildlife and relaxing wineries to exciting cultural experiences, we explore the best places to pit stop along the way.

Featured guests and highlights:

Justin Meneguzzi

Award-winning journalist, author and photographer Justin is from Australia and is a real local expert. During this episode, Justin talks to us about why he thinks Melbourne is such an exciting city, reminisces about his memories of the Great Ocean Road, and shares highlights of other incredible road trips around the state.

Charlotte Cooper

Charlotte certainly knows a thing or two about Victoria! As a Senior Australia County Specialist for Audley Travel, Charlotte has real, on-the-ground experience in Victoria and a real passion for Australia and its incredible highlights. In this episode, we ask Charlotte for her advice, travel tips, and practicalities to make your dream visit to Victoria a reality.

Singapore Airlines

With multiple daily connections from London Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester to Singapore, and five daily non-stop services from there to Melbourne on Singapore Airlines’ ultra-modern fleet, getting to Victoria has never been easier or more enjoyable. Named the World’s Best Airline Cabin Staff by Skytrax 2024, Singapore Airlines’ in-flight service is next level and the comfort a cut above thanks to wider seats with more legroom in Economy Class and a huge choice of in-flight entertainment, plus unlimited complimentary Wi-Fi.

The food is another big reason to fly with Singapore Airlines. Thanks to the partnership with Monica Galetti, Business Class and Suites/First Class passengers flying from the UK can enjoy her curated, seasonal menus. Those flying in premium cabins can pre-order gourmet meals using the Book the Cook offering. And, if you’re looking to explore more of Oz, Singapore Airlines’ partnership with Virgin Australia means you can seamlessly connect to airports all around the country, fly into one gateway and out of another.

Find out more

Enjoy the ultimate freedom of an immersive road trip in Victoria with Audley and Singapore Airlines.

Learn more

Listen now on Spotify or Apple Podcasts