The Radio Vagabond

In this final episode from Saudi Arabia, I travel from the peaceful Red Sea town of Yanbu to vibrant Jeddah – and end the journey at the King Abdulaziz Camel Festival near Riyadh.  Along the way, I meet generous locals at a night market, stay with a kind CouchSurfing host, and visit the world's tallest unfinished skyscraper, the Jeddah Tower, now standing eerily still in the desert. The trip ends in true Saudi style – surrounded by majestic camels competing in a beauty contest with millions at stake. This country has surprised me in every way. See pictures and read more on https://www.theradiovagabond.com/257-saudi-arabia/ [https://www.theradiovagabond.com/257-saudi-arabia/]

In this episode, my travel partner Cynthia and I explore Al Ula in northwestern Saudi Arabia – where ancient culture meets cutting-edge architecture. We stroll through Old Town's 1,300 mudbrick houses, chat with a modern young Saudi woman named Dalal, and marvel at Maraya, the world's largest mirrored building shimmering in the desert. We also test our luck (and our rental car) in the sand again – with a dramatic sunset rescue by friendly locals. As Saudi Arabia opens up to visitors, this mix of hospitality, history, and high-tech design feels like a glimpse into the country's future. See pictures and read more on https://www.theradiovagabond.com/254-saudi-arabia/ [https://www.theradiovagabond.com/254-saudi-arabia/]

In this episode, we leave Riyadh behind and head for "The Edge of the World" – a jaw-dropping cliff where the desert drops into infinity. With only vague directions from a CouchSurfing friend ("Go to the mosque… don't die"), my travel buddy Cynthia and I set out on a 4,000 km road trip across Saudi Arabia. We encounter rare desert rain, camel caravans, endless dunes, and the unexpected kindness of strangers. The journey leads us through Hail and into Al-Ula, where we stand face-to-face with the ancient beauty of Elephant Rock – and, of course, get stuck in the sand. See pictures and read more on https://www.theradiovagabond.com/251-saudi-arabia/ [https://www.theradiovagabond.com/251-saudi-arabia/]

Join me on an unforgettable journey across Saudi Arabia – from the futuristic capital Riyadh to the dramatic Red Sand Dunes where my travel partner Cynthia and I got repeatedly stuck. Along the way, we discover a country transforming itself through Vision 2030, meet warm and curious locals, and experience the blend of old traditions and bold modernization that defines the new KSA. We explore everything from a stressful airport check-in and a not-yet-running metro to quad biking in the desert and sunset reflections in Riyadh's Nabd Al Riyadh. See pictures and read more on https://www.theradiovagabond.com/248-saudi-arabia/ [https://www.theradiovagabond.com/248-saudi-arabia/]

In this flashback episode, I'm in Rio de Janeiro – a city bursting with life, rhythm, and contradictions. From the stunning beaches of Copacabana to the chaotic streets where danger can lurk in the shadows, Rio is a place that never lets you relax completely. Join me as I dive into the culture, meet the locals, and experience both the breathtaking beauty and the raw edges of this remarkable city. It's a story of awe, adrenaline, and one unforgettable night. Listen to the episode, and if you want to see the photos and read more about this trip, visit: https://www.theradiovagabond.com/215-rio-de-janeiro/ [https://www.theradiovagabond.com/215-rio-de-janeiro/]