Please Go Away Travel Podcast

Inside Explora Journeys: Suites, Cuisine, And Immersive Travel

Think luxury hotel vibes with a horizon that changes every morning. We sit down with Alison Farrell from Explora Journeys to explore how a yacht‑like, all‑suite ship can win over lifelong land lovers: more space, more choice, and more unhurried time in each destination. If you’ve ever sworn off cruising because of crowds, rigid dining, or early all‑aboards, this conversation will reset your expectations. We break down what makes the hardware different—461 oceanfront suites, private terraces, and the largest lead‑in suite in the category—then dig into the culinary scene: up to nine distinct restaurants with city‑restaurant design, a marketplace built around fresh cooking stations and hosted table service, and 24/7 in‑suite dining for terrace breakfasts and quiet nights. The onboard vibe trends younger and more varied than traditional luxury lines, welcoming solo travelers, honeymooners, multigenerational families, food lovers, and wellness fans who want relaxed polish without boredom at sea. Destination time is the secret sauce. Explora builds itineraries with later departures and overnights so you can linger over a sunset dinner in port or stroll old towns after dark. Signature partnerships elevate access: a five‑night floating hotel at the Monaco Grand Prix with optional grandstand or paddock VIP, plus cultural deep dives like a two‑day Andrea Bocelli Foundation experience with premium concert seating and a studio visit. We also chart where the fleet is headed next—Alaska, Asia, South America, the Amazon, the Red Sea, and Dubai—along with a 128‑night world journey designed for community, flexibility, and comfort, including business class air to origin cities and added suite credits. Sustainability sits at the core: shore power connectivity, DNV Silent‑E to protect marine life, LNG on the next ships, and plans for hydrogen storage and fuel cells in the pipeline, paired with plastic‑free practices onboard. As a privately owned brand within the MSC Group, Explora has the freedom to build thoughtfully and invest for the long term. Ready to rethink what a voyage can be? Follow the show, share this episode with a friend who “doesn’t cruise,” and leave a quick review telling us where you’d sail first.

Redefining Expedition and Adventure Travel: Smaller Groups, Bigger Worlds

Words like expedition get tossed around, but we’re here to bring the meaning back to earth—literally. On this episode, Amanda and Lesa Bain from Lindblad Expeditions, unpack what makes a journey truly exploratory: small groups, expert naturalists and local guides, community partnerships that keep money on the ground, and the “luxury of access” that puts you in the right place at the right moment. If you’ve ever wondered whether expedition travel has to be on a ship, or if land-based adventures can deliver the same goosebumps, this conversation is your map. We walk through the spectrum of land expeditions with concrete examples. Natural Habitat Adventures anchors us in Churchill, where polar bears, belugas, and aurora science make nearly year-round reasons to go, and where local hotels and outfitters thrive by design. Classic Journeys shows how cultural walking with true locals turns markets and vineyards into living classrooms, while DuVine Biking blends ambition and ease with levels, e-bikes, and a van at your back. Off The Beaten Path demonstrates white-glove customization for national parks—think detailed roadbooks and on-the-ground intel you can’t google. And in Tanzania, Thompson Safaris centers Tanzanian-owned operations, the full calendar of the migration, and the deep pride that elevates wildlife viewing into something personal. We also highlight Women In The Wild itineraries built by and for women, where logistics fade and connection takes the stage. Along the way, we dig into conservation and science in action: monarchs tagged with micro-transponders, jaguar IDs, even drones collecting whale spray so researchers can learn without harm. Above all, we make the case for trusted travel advisors who listen first, challenge assumptions, and match travelers to the right operator, pace, and purpose—because not every trip labeled “expedition” delivers true immersion. Ready to rethink adventure and plan a land expedition that fits who you are? Follow the show, share this with a friend who needs a better definition of “expedition,” and leave a review with the wild moment you’re chasing next.

Exploring the Ends of the Earth: Lesa Bain on Expedition Travel and Wildlife Adventures

What if your next vacation took you to the ends of the Earth, traversing icy landscapes and encountering wildlife you've only ever seen on TV? Join us on the Please Go Away podcast as we sit down with Lesa Bain from Lindblad Expeditions, who has traveled to all seven continents and has a treasure trove of stories to share. From the origins of expedition travel inspired by Lars-Eric Lindblad in the 1950s to the incredible partnership with National Geographic that enriches each journey, Lesa reveals the magic behind small ship cruising and what makes it so special. Imagine cross-country skiing over fast ice in Antarctica or encountering a curious leopard seal while a National Geographic photographer captures the moment. Lesa takes us through exhilarating experiences and unexpected challenges, comparing the safety of traversing Antarctic landscapes to navigating Europe’s cobblestone streets. She also emphasizes the importance of sustainability, sharing how Lindblad Expeditions is committed to leaving every place better than they found it. This chapter isn't just about the thrill of the adventure but also about the diverse and passionate community of travelers who embark on these journeys. Our conversation wouldn’t be complete without transporting you to the mesmerizing worlds of the Antarctic and the Galapagos Islands. Picture the excitement of spotting your first iceberg, the dynamic beauty of the ice, and the rich marine biodiversity. Lesa vividly describes intimate wildlife encounters, such as the lifecycle of penguins and the hunting techniques of killer whales. She also touches on the unique cultural richness of the Arctic, from the Inuit people to the breathtaking fjords of Norway. Whether it’s the spectacle of king penguins in South Georgia or the elusive polar bears and narwhals of the Arctic, this episode celebrates the joy, unpredictability, and transformative power of expedition travel.

Love is in the Air

Unlock the secret to a deeper connection with your significant other through the magical blend of romance and travel. This episode, featuring Amanda Kleimach of Largay Travel and Please Go Away, promises to guide you through forging unforgettable moments with your partner. Go beyond the usual vacation routine and learn how anticipation of a trip can be as invigorating for your relationship as the journey itself. Through thoughtful preparation and the embrace of new experiences, Amanda and I reveal how travel can reignite the spark of love and keep it burning long after you've returned home. Planning a trip isn't just about picking a destination; it's about charting a course for relationship bliss. Together with Amanda and Scott, we delve into the collaborative spirit of travel, sharing tips on how to create a shared vision for your adventures that enriches your bond. From establishing a dedicated travel budget to discovering passions that drive your itineraries, this conversation covers the financial strategies and emotional investments that make each getaway a masterpiece of shared memories. If you're looking to craft a love story that spans the globe, this is your must-listen playbook. Imagine sleeping under the stars in Antarctica or soaking in a hot tub while whale-watching in the wee hours—this episode takes you there. We'll journey through planning epic adventures and selecting unique accommodations that push the boundaries of the ordinary. Whether it's a local weekend escape or an off-season exploration to avoid the crowds, we provide insights into making the most of every trip. Join us as we discuss how to transform your travel dreams into reality, ensuring that each adventure is a seamless continuation of your love story.

Exploring the Untouched Expanses of Australia's Kimberley with Peter Hillary: A Celebration of Adventure, Resilience, and Storytelling

Join us on an awe-inspiring expedition, as we wander through the wild heart of Australia's Kimberley region with our esteemed guest, Peter Hillary. A seasoned explorer with an infectious zest for adventure, Peter takes us on a vicarious journey, tracing his footprints from the rugged terrains of Mount Everest to the untouched expanses of Kimberley. With captivating anecdotes, he underscores the rejuvenating power of stepping out of our comfort zones and into uncharted territories. Listen closely as Peter recounts the breathtaking resilience of nature in the absence of human interference, a humbling reminder of our duty to tread lightly and intelligently on this Earth. Venturing further, we delve into the rich tapestry of indigenous storytelling and my own thrilling mountaineering experiences. Discover the mesmerizing power of a well-told story - the cadence, the timing, and the enunciation. Relive the adrenaline-fueled tales from my own expeditions, which range from the perilous West Ridge of Mount Everest to the stark solitude of a snow cave perched at 24 and a half thousand feet. This episode is not just an exploration of remote locations, but a celebration of human endurance, spirit, and our shared heritage of storytelling. Come along for this unforgettable journey, where every step unfolds a new adventure and a fresh perspective.