One Off Travel Stories

From Beetroot Soup to Minus 40 weather: Ben's Russian Adventure

In this episode, Andrew sits down with intrepid traveler and language enthusiast Ben Jovic to hear about his 2012 study abroad year. Ben skipped the typical sunny Spanish beaches his classmates preferred for a Soviet-style apartment in Yaroslavl. Surviving -40 degree winters and an endless supply of his host's homemade beetroot soup, Ben talks about culture shock and daily life in Russia at the time. He also shares some unforgettable stories that he picked up along the way. It's a funny, fascinating look at jumping headfirst into an entirely different way of life. Guest: * British-born and currently living in the United States. * An avid language learner. He has studied Russian, Spanish, French, and German. Chapters: 1. 00:00:00 Introduction and the origins of Ben's travel bug. 2. 00:04:36 Ben's linguistic background and learning multiple languages. 3. 00:09:14 The decision to study abroad in Russia. 4. 00:14:58 Arriving in Yaroslavl and eating the babushka's beetroot soup. 5. 00:24:36 Moving to Saint Petersburg and adjusting to Russian life. 6. 00:28:44 A late-night adventure getting a ride home from strangers. 7. 00:32:09 Encounters with metro security and the resilient local snow shovelers. 8. 00:36:39 Reflecting on the adventure and touring Moscow. 9. 00:40:55 Recent trips to Asia and future plans to visit China. Resources and Links: * Yaroslavl, Russia [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yaroslavl], a city known for its Orthodox churches. * Saint Petersburg, Russia [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Petersburg], where Ben spent his second semester. * Interrail Pass [https://www.interrail.eu/], which Ben used to travel Central Europe. * Novodevichy Cemetery [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Novodevichy_Cemetery], located in Moscow. * Lenin's Mausoleum [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lenin%27s_Mausoleum], located in Red Square. Call to action: Check out our website at oneofftravelstories.com. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.

Exploring Kangaroo Island's First Nations Heritage with Mark Eden

In this episode of One Off Travel Stories, Andrew sits down with editorial travel photographer and writer Mark Eden. Mark shares his transition from corporate life to globetrotting photography, which inspired his book Global Village, a collection of "little stories" celebrating the everyday lives of people worldwide. The conversation then shifts to a journey back in his home country of Australia, where Mark accompanied a First Nations elder, also named Mark, to Kangaroo Island. Through this trip, Mark Eden uncovers the island's spiritual significance, hears powerful firsthand accounts of the Stolen Generations, and learns how Indigenous culture is being reclaimed and shared today. Guest: * Editorial travel photographer and writer based in Melbourne, Australia, who focuses on highlighting lesser-explored regions and the "little stories" of everyday people. * Author of the photography book Global Village, which features visual stories exploring shared humanity across roughly ten countries. * Currently working on a new long-term book project documenting traditional Japanese crafts. Chapters: 1. Introduction and Mark's journey from corporate life to photography 2. The inspiration behind "little stories" and the Global Village book 3. The decision to explore Australian roots and First Nations history 4. Meeting a first nations elder 5. The spiritual significance and creation stories of Kangaroo Island 6. The beauty of Kangaroo Island 7. Mark's Future projects Resources and Links: * Mark Eden's Official Website [https://www.markeden.com.au/] * Global Village [https://www.markeden.com.au/store/global-village] (Mark Eden's book) * Kangaroo Island, South Australia [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kangaroo_Island]

Michelle's Journey to Socotra: An Island like No Other

In this episode, host Andrew sits down with adventure travel writer Michelle to discuss her expedition to the Yemeni island of Socotra. Sparked by a photograph of a blooming bottle tree, Michelle joined a guided group to explore the island's rare flora, including the endangered Dragon's Blood tree. The conversation covers the realities of off-grid desert camping, the memorable connections the group made, and the benefits of stepping out of your comfort zone. Guest: * Michelle is an adventure travel writer, content creator, and the founder of the travel blog No Place Like Roam [https://noplacelikeroam.com/], having explored over 90 countries. * Born in Nepal and raised in Papua New Guinea and Australia, she developed a deep, lifelong connection to global exploration from a very young age. * Her writing and travels focus heavily on under-the-radar destinations, sustainability, and the unique logistics of adventuring alongside her 13-year-old son. Chapters: 1. Growing up across the globe and early travel roots 00:00:01 2. Balancing a corporate career with international adventures 00:07:35 3. Raising a global citizen and traveling with kids 00:09:56 4. Discovering Socotra through a photograph 00:15:04 5. The logistics of flying to a remote Yemeni island 00:20:15 6. Embracing the challenges of off-grid desert camping 00:24:27 7. Breathtaking landscapes and the endangered Dragon's Blood trees 00:33:14 8. Stargazing under one of the world's darkest skies 00:40:44 9. Experiencing local hospitality and bonding during Ramadan 00:44:58 10. Upcoming diving adventures off the coast of Borneo 00:48:25 Resources and Links: * No Place Like Roam [https://noplacelikeroam.com/] - Michelle's official travel blog. * Destination Chaser [https://www.instagram.com/destinationchaser/] - Andi's Instagram and travel group that organized the Socotra expedition. * One-Off Travel Stories [https://www.oneofftravelstories.com/] - The podcast's official home on the web.

Exploring the Path of History: Mark Mustian's Journey to Turkey and Syria

In this episode of One Off Travel Stories, Andrew sits down with Mark Mustian, a seasoned traveler and author, to discuss his 2008 journey through Turkey and Syria. Mark traveled to the region to conduct firsthand research for his historical fiction novel, The Gendarme, which centers around the topic of the Armenian Genocide. Mark shares vivid memories of navigating tense border crossings, exploring the ancient Citadel in Aleppo, and navigating sensitive cultural topics during his travels. Guest: Mark is a professional lawyer who primarily practices contract law. He is an avid lifelong traveler who has visited over ninety countries. He is the author of three historical fiction books, including The Gendarme. Chapters: 1. Introduction to Mark Mustian and the roots of his travel passion 2. Balancing a legal career with global exploration and family life 3. Discovering heritage and the research process behind The Gendarme 4. The 2008 trip to Turkey and a difficult Syrian border crossing 5. Visiting the ancient Citadel and the Armenian quarter in Aleppo 6. Navigating sensitive historical topics and experiencing a tense border exit 7. Mark's future travel plans to Argentina, Uruguay, and Rwanda Resources and Links: 1. Mark Mustian's Official Website [https://markmustian.com/] 2. The Gendarme by Mark Mustian 3. The Black Dog of Fate by Peter Balakian (Mentioned Book) Call to action: Check out my website at oneofftravelstories.com [https://www.oneofftravelstories.com/]. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.

A Conversation with Legendary Investor and Traveler Jim Rogers

Legendary investor and traveler Jim Rogers joins the show to share wisdom from his two epic global journeys, one by motorcycle and one by car, that set world records. Jim discusses how he retired early from Wall Street to see the world, sharing insights on how on-the-ground travel informs his investment strategy and why he chose to drive a bright yellow Mercedes through 116 countries. From being held "hostage" by a police chief in the Congo to his philosophy on exploring the unknown, Jim encourages listeners to embrace the uncomfortable and go where they haven't been before. Guest: * Legendary investor and traveler who retired early from Wall Street to hit the open road. * World record holder for land travel, having driven over 100,000 km across six continents on a motorcycle and over 245,000 km in a car. * Author of Investment Biker and Adventure Capitalist Chapters: 1. From smalltown Alabama to retiring early from Wall Street 2. Seeing the world through an investor's lens 3. Being held hostage by a police chief in the Congo 4. Using a yellow Mercedes convertible as a safety precaution 5. Navigating border crossings and curiosity versus greed 6. Economic models: Seeing countries change for the better 7. Why Chad is next on the travel list 8. Jim’s advice: Go somewhere, especially if it is not comfortable Resources and Links: * Jim Rogers Website [https://www.jimrogers.com/] Call to Action: Check out our website at oneofftravelstories.com [https://www.oneofftravelstories.com/]. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.