Japan's Most Secret Hidden Trail - Katerina Giannouka

Japan's Most Secret Hidden Trail - Katerina Giannouka

Fifty episodes in and we are still pinching ourselves that we get to do this. For the Season 7 finale we sat down with Katerina Giannouka, a passionate hotelier and one of the most well travelled people we know and she took us on a journey that left us completely speechless. Japan, Mongolia, Norway, northern Greece and so much more.   Episode Highlights & Destination Gems: 1. Kumano Kodo Trail, Japan - A Pilgrimage That Will Change You • A trail walked by Emperors, Samurai and villagers for over a thousand years. Katerina says it is unlike anything else on earth. • One of only two UNESCO World Heritage trails in the world, the other being Santiago de Compostela in Spain • Begins in Mount Koya, a mountain village with over 100 stone temples where you stay as a guest of the monks and join morning prayers • Ryokans along the way owned by local families who cook kaiseki meals from their own gardens and rivers • Accessible for all levels with routes ranging from three to seven days • No plastics, no crowds and a deep connection to nature   https://www.tb-kumano.jp/en/kumano-kodo/ 2. Cape Town, South Africa - The One Destination Everyone Must Visit Katerina's go-to destination at every phase of life and a place she says has something for everyone. • A food scene that is vibrant, diverse and constantly evolving • The Oranjezicht market bringing together flavours from across the world in one extraordinary space • A city with cross cultural roots, youthfulness and a community of people actively giving back 3. Genghis Khan Retreat, Mongolia - Off the Map and Utterly Unforgettable • One of the most remote and extraordinary travel experiences on the planet. • Located in the Orkhon Valley • A tented retreat built by a Mongolian family that packs up completely each winter and leaves no trace • No phone signal, no roads and no civilization within reach • Horseback riding, polo, kayaking, mountain picnics and nights that go on under an endless sky https://genghiskhanretreat.com/ 4. Hong Kong - The City That Shapes You • A city that makes you live with presence because you know from the moment you arrive that you will not be there forever • Seventy five percent of the territory is protected natural land with pristine beaches that take hours to reach on foot • Trail running, hiking and coastlines that feel like Thailand and yet are entirely Hong Kong • A city where everyone is up to something, standing for something and constantly in motion 5. Al Khalili Market, Cairo - Solo Travel That Surprises You Katerina went against all advice as a solo woman traveller and found one of her warmest travel memories. • A market that has been part of Cairo's ecosystem for thousands of years • Welcoming, gracious and full of warmth for anyone willing to arrive with an open mind • A reminder that the places we fear most often have the most to give 6. Vikos Gorge, Northern Greece - The Deepest Canyon in the World Katerina's pick for the most underrated destination on earth and a place that left her completely speechless. • Listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the deepest canyon in the world • A five to six hour hike along the canyon floor starting from a stone village at the top of a mountain • At the end of the trail, the source of a river born from freezing water bubbling straight out of rock forming crystal blue pools at four degrees • Well marked, accessible and world class in every sense • Northern Greece deserves far more recognition than it currently receives 7. Sydney, Australia - The Best Food City in the World • Produce so exceptional and so fresh that very little needs to be done to it in the kitchen • From Michelin starred restaurants to a breakfast bowl at Bondi Beach, the quality never drops • Soil that has not been overused and land mass that allows ingredients to be what they are meant to be 8. Haukasen Lodge, Norway - The Hidden Gem • A hunting lodge in the Norwegian fjords that Katerina was almost reluctant to share. • Reachable via Oslo and a one and a half hour flight northwest to Sogndal • Open only four or five months a year and booked many years in advance • A sauna overlooking the fjord, glacier hikes, kayaking, ice bathing and evenings by the fireplace • Slow luxury with no agenda, no performance and nothing between you and nature https://www.haukasenlodge.no/ 9. Socotra, Yemen - Bucket List • Blood dragon trees and Jurassic Park landscapes found nowhere else on earth • Thirty seven percent of species are endemic meaning they exist only here • Pristine beaches, extraordinary nature and visitor numbers still tightly controlled • A destination that remains genuinely untouched 10. Oman - Bucket List • Some of the best diving in the world • Close enough from Dubai to make it completely accessible and yet still deeply under visited Connect with Katerina Giannouka: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katerinaqod/ Thank you for tuning in to Travel Stories with Moush! If you loved this episode, please hit subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and leave us a rating or review - it truly helps us reach more travelers like you.   Drop a comment and tell us which destination from today's episode is going straight to your bucket list? Stay connected with me on https://www.instagram.com/moushtravels/ to find out who's joining me next week.   Explore all past episodes and destinations here: https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/travel-stories-with-moush/id1691525895 https://open.spotify.com/show/1pAUXiXuRLv1E9WFznWm7T?si=qA_E3Cf8RqKT97pUJcINxQ https://www.youtube.com/@travelstorieswithmoush Until next time…safe travels and keep adventuring. Connect with me on the following: Instagram @moushtravels Facebook @travelstorieswithmoush LinkedIn @Moushumi Bhuyan You Tube @travelstorieswithmoush "Want a spotlight on our show? Visit https://admanager.fm/client/podcasts/moushtravels [https://admanager.fm/client/podcasts/moushtravels]  and align your brand with our audience." Connect with me on the following: Instagram @moushtravels Facebook @travelstorieswithmoush LinkedIn @Moushumi Bhuyan You Tube @travelstorieswithmoush     Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Australia Nobody Talks About - Glenn Johnston

This episode is a wild ride around the world with one of the travel industry's most respected and well-travelled voices. Glenn Johnston has lived across continents, shaped how people explore the world and collected a lifetime of extraordinary travel experiences along the way.   Episode Highlights & Destination Gems: 1. Australia's Northern Territory - A Journey Back in Time Most people think of Australia and picture its cities. Glen takes us somewhere far more profound. • Home to the world's longest continuing culture, stretching back 40,000 years • Ancient rock art sitting open in nature, unchanged and accessible to anyone willing to make the journey • Landscapes that look exactly as they would have millennia ago, with no manmade developments as far as the eye can see • Katherine Gorge, Kakadu National Park and extraordinary wildlife including saltwater crocodiles in their natural habitat 2. California - The One Destination Everyone Must Visit Glen's pick for the single place every traveller must experience at least once in their lifetime. • Something for every kind of traveller, whether you seek luxury, adventure, food or nature • San Francisco's culinary scene and the extraordinary experience of riding through the city in a driverless car • Napa Valley for world class wineries and Michelin starred dining • The iconic Pacific Coast Highway drive from Half Moon Bay down through Monterey, Big Sur and Santa Barbara • Post Ranch Inn at Big Sur for breathtaking ocean views and a stay you will never forget - https://www.instagram.com/postranchinn/ • Newport Beach and Montecito for relaxed luxury   3. AlUla, Saudi Arabia - Where History Lives and Breathes • Breathtaking rock formations surrounding a lush oasis of date farms and greenery • Hegra, one of the most remarkable ancient sites in the world • A destination that is new and exciting even for many Saudis themselves • Accessible directly from Dubai and outstanding value, particularly during Ramadan and the summer months 4. The Faroe Islands - Where the World Feels Untouched Glen's personal bucket list destination and perhaps the most surprising gem of the entire episode. • Located between Scotland and Iceland, accessible via Copenhagen • Landscapes and nature that are genuinely out of this world • The most charming and characterful townships you will ever encounter • Weather that changes in moments, adding to the raw and dramatic atmosphere • Restaurant Raest, a wonderful culinary surprise in the heart of the tiny capital - https://www.instagram.com/raestrestaurant/ • A place that offers something rare in today's connected world, true isolation and the chance to be completely present 5. Malta - The Destination That Can Surprise You • A place layered with history • Maltese language rooted in Arabic • Centuries of influence from the Arabs, the French, the British and the Knights of Malta all layered one on top of the other • History built on layer upon layer that makes every corner of Malta feel significant 6. Trnava Region, Slovakia - Europe's Best Kept Wellness Secret Glen's most transformational wellness experience and a destination almost no one is talking about. • A town with roots going back to Roman times, drawn there by its natural healing waters • Piešťany, a small town within the region entirely dedicated to wellness • Natural mud treatments with a remarkable purification process that takes months and returns the mud to the river when its work is done • Outstanding value and a genuinely immersive wellness experience that goes far beyond a spa day 7. Kyrgyzstan - Nomadic, Raw and Completely Unforgettable One of the most underrated destinations on earth and one that can be surprising at every turn. • Soviet mosaics and brutalist architecture in the capital Bishkek for architecture lovers • A culinary scene that exceeded all expectations • Staying in a yurt in the mountains during summer with no electricity, no running water and no distractions • Horse and jeep trails through landscapes that have never seen a single manmade structure • A way of travelling that is inherently sustainable and deeply connected to the natural world 8. Japan - The Number One Foodie Destination in the World • Tokyo has more Michelin starred restaurants than any other city on earth • Japanese cuisine goes far beyond sushi and sashimi and rewards every curious eater • Exceptional value right now thanks to the yen and decades of stagflation keeping prices low • The Izu Peninsula seafood shacks south of Tokyo where you can taste fresh shellfish cooked over open fires for free • Quality that holds whether you are in a Michelin starred restaurant or a tiny ramen shop at a train station 9. Slovenia - Hidden Gem A small country with an enormous amount to offer and one that not nearly enough people have discovered. * Ljubljana, a beautiful university city with a wonderful energy and a thriving café and restaurant scene * Mountain landscapes sitting alongside a city that is small enough to cover completely in just a few days * Slovenian wine that deserves far more recognition than it currently receives * The extraordinary Postojna Cave where a little train takes you deep into one of the most spectacular natural wonders in Europe 10. Bhutan – Bucket List   Connect with Glen Johnston: https://www.instagram.com/glennjohnston88/ Thank you for tuning in to Travel Stories with Moush! If you loved this episode, please hit subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and leave us a rating or review - it truly helps us reach more travelers like you.   Drop a comment and tell us which destination from today's episode is going straight to your bucket list? Stay connected with me on https://www.instagram.com/moushtravels/ to find out who's joining me next week.   Explore all past episodes and destinations here: https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/travel-stories-with-moush/id1691525895 https://open.spotify.com/show/1pAUXiXuRLv1E9WFznWm7T?si=qA_E3Cf8RqKT97pUJcINxQ https://www.youtube.com/@travelstorieswithmoush Until next time…safe travels and keep adventuring. Connect with me on the following: Instagram @moushtravels Facebook @travelstorieswithmoush LinkedIn @Moushumi Bhuyan You Tube @travelstorieswithmoush "Want a spotlight on our show? Visit https://admanager.fm/client/podcasts/moushtravels [https://admanager.fm/client/podcasts/moushtravels]  and align your brand with our audience." Connect with me on the following: Instagram @moushtravels Facebook @travelstorieswithmoush LinkedIn @Moushumi Bhuyan You Tube @travelstorieswithmoush     Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Can you UnLondon London - Bob van den Oord

Welcome back to Travel Stories with Moush! Today I am joined by Bob van den Oord, CEO of Langham Hospitality - a name synonymous with timeless, storied luxury. With over 160 years of Langham history behind him and properties spanning the globe, Bob doesn't just witness the world of luxury travel, he shapes it. In this episode, we travel through history, culture and extraordinary hidden gems, and Bob shares what luxury truly means in today's ever-evolving world of travel. Episode Highlights & Destination Gems: 1. Marrakech - Where Culture Collides. Bob's recent visit left a lasting mark - the hospitality, the people and the food are second to none * Moroccan culture beautifully intertwined with French influences creates something entirely unique * The legendary Royal Mansour comes highly recommended. It’s one of the most extraordinary luxury experiences in the world. https://www.royalmansour.com/en/marrakech/ [https://www.royalmansour.com/en/marrakech/] 2. Istanbul - Where Europe Meets Asia. A city where two continents, two cultures and centuries of history converge in the most spectacular way. * Rich in people, food and soul * It’s a destination that every traveller to experience 3. Venice - The One Destination Everyone Must Visit * The ultimate once-in-a-lifetime destination * Gateway to the Oriental Silk Road, a mecca of art, food, fashion and culture * Home to the Biennale, world-class cuisine and architecture unlike anywhere else on earth 4. Langham London - Where It All Began * Built in 1865, it was the first hotel in Europe with elevators, running hot and cold water and afternoon tea service * The Wigmore - Langham's iconic "posh pub", is now one of London's most beloved destination bars * Langham concierges offer their own exclusive tour of their London, a truly personal way to experience the city 5. Saudi Arabia - A Story Being Written Right Now Langham is opening a property at the UNESCO-protected Diriyah Gate, adjacent to the new Opera House in Riyadh Bob believes deeply in being part of Saudi Arabia's extraordinary evolution and cultural renaissance 6. Jerez, Southern Spain - The Ultimate Off-the-Grid Escape * The sherry region of Spain where you can experience sherry tastings every evening, horse riding on the beach and dinners in the vineyard * Slow, spacious, deeply personal travel that city breaks simply cannot offer 7. Korea - Destination of the Year for 2026 Bob predicts Korea will be the hottest destination of 2026 as travellers look beyond a crowded Japan. * K-pop, Korean dramas, incredible food and a culture-rich travel scene that is truly having its moment 8. China - The Most Underrated Destination in the World Bob's advice: take a full month and travel through it properly - you will not regret it. * Vast, diverse and deeply misunderstood as a travel destination * From north to south, the cultures, food, history and experiences are unlike anywhere else on earth 9. Bangkok - The World's Greatest Culinary City * Michelin-starred dining sits side by side with the world's best street food * Southeast Asian, Indian, Chinese, Middle Eastern and Western cuisines all coexist in one extraordinary city 10. Tuscany - Bob's Hidden Gem A magical stay at the Ferragamo property Castiglion Del Bosco. https://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/castiglion-del-bosco [https://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/castiglion-del-bosco] * Truffle hunting with a local farmer, followed by a home-cooked meal  * Olive oil tastings, cheesemaking and the kind of deeply immersive, bespoke travel that stays with you forever Coming Up in the World of Langham: * Venice, 2027 - Murano Island, overlooking the lagoon * Bangkok, 2026 - On the Chao Phraya River in the historic Custom House * Riyadh - At the UNESCO-protected Diriyah Gate, adjacent to the new Opera House * Dubai – Coming Soon Connect with Langham Hospitality: https://www.langhamhotels.com/en/ [https://www.langhamhotels.com/en/] Thank you for tuning in to Travel Stories with Moush! If you loved this episode, please hit subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and leave us a rating or review - it truly helps us reach more travelers like you.   Drop a comment and tell us which destination from today's episode is going straight to your bucket list? Stay connected with me on https://www.instagram.com/moushtravels/ to find out who's joining me next week.   Explore all past episodes and destinations here: https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/travel-stories-with-moush/id1691525895 https://open.spotify.com/show/1pAUXiXuRLv1E9WFznWm7T?si=qA_E3Cf8RqKT97pUJcINxQ https://www.youtube.com/@travelstorieswithmoush Until next time…safe travels and keep adventuring. "Want a spotlight on our show? Visit https://admanager.fm/client/podcasts/moushtravels [https://admanager.fm/client/podcasts/moushtravels]  and align your brand with our audience." Connect with me on the following: Instagram @moushtravels Facebook @travelstorieswithmoush LinkedIn @Moushumi Bhuyan You Tube @travelstorieswithmoush     Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Maldives is not what you think - Meerah Ketait

Welcome back to Travel Stories with Moush and what a way to kick off Season 7! For our very first episode, I am joined by Meerah Ketait, Head of Retail & Leisure at dnata Travel and one of the most influential voices in the travel industry in this part of the world. With years of experience curating extraordinary journeys for all kinds of travelers, Meerah doesn't just know travel, she lives it. From family getaways to once-in-a-lifetime adventures, she brings it all to the table in this conversation. Episode Highlights & Destination Gems: 1. The Maldives - Not just a Honeymoon Destination. Meerah says that the Maldives is for everyone - families, couples, solo travellers and groups.   • Beach villas offering covered, private access - ideal for families seeking privacy • Kids clubs catering to all age groups, from toddlers to teens • Options for every budget - from Hard Rock Maldives to Ritz Carlton and Patina • Just a 4-hour flight from Dubai - perfect for long weekends and short Eid breaks 2. Japan – A Once-In-a-Lifetime Destination. Over 37 million tourists visited in 2025, with forward bookings already being made 1-2 years in advance • Cherry blossom season in March is peak time, book ASAP or risk missing it entirely • Classic itinerary: Tokyo (world-class shopping) → Kyoto (bamboo gardens, temples) → Osaka → bullet train experience • Rich in culture, history, culinary depth and cutting-edge innovation 3. Aurora Lights / Northern Lights — THIS(2026) Is the Year! The solar cycle peaks in 2026, meaning Aurora frequency is at its absolute maximum RIGHT NOW. • The next peak won't be until the 2030s, so if it's on your bucket list, the time is now • Book as early as possible for winter departures coz availability is filling up fast 4. Uganda & Rwanda – Gorilla Trekking A physically demanding but life-changing experience, hiking through rainforests to spot gorillas in their natural habitat. • Suitable for ages 15 and above • Not your typical holiday but one that will shift your perspective on the world entirely 5. Kenya – The Great Migration Witnessing millions of animals migrate across the wild is a truly once-in-a-lifetime natural experience. • A bucket list moment for wildlife enthusiasts. 6. Gulf Cruises - The Perfect Introduction to Cruising Top recommendation for first-time cruisers - start with a Gulf cruise. • Ports include Abu Dhabi, Doha and Bahrain — close to home, familiar, and a great way to experience life on a moving hotel • Ideal for families, groups and couples alike 7. South Africa - Underrated & On the Rise One of dnata's top-selling international summer destinations in 2025. • Incredible value for money. Cape Town has an amazing coastline, world-class safaris and game drives • A destination for every budget, with outstanding food   8. Morocco - Quiet Luxury Meets Vibrant Culture Bustling souks in Marrakech to ultra-luxe resorts like Royal Mansour. • The Atlas Mountains, stunning beaches and rich cultural flavours • A destination that is deeply underrated and deserves far more attention 9. Thailand — The Ultimate Culinary Destination • From Michelin-starred restaurants to family-run street food stalls • Night markets, food markets and dining-led itineraries make this a foodie's paradise 10. Italy - The Soul of Slow Food Rome and Florence both deliver equally on culinary richness • dnata curates dedicated culinary itineraries like pasta-making classes, dough-rolling sessions and cooking with local Italian grandmothers 2026 is the UAE Year of Family and the team at dnata Travel are making it their mission to help families make the most of it.   Connect with dnata Travel: www.dnatatravel.com https://www.instagram.com/dnatatravel/ https://www.facebook.com/dnatatravel https://www.linkedin.com/company/dnatatravelgroup/ https://www.youtube.com/@dnatatravel Thank you for tuning in to the Season 7 premiere of Travel Stories with Moush. If you loved this episode, please hit subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and leave us a rating or review - it truly helps us reach more travelers like you.   Drop a comment and tell us which destination from today's episode is going straight to your bucket list? Stay connected with me on https://www.instagram.com/moushtravels/ to find out who's joining me next week.   Explore all past episodes and destinations here: https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/travel-stories-with-moush/id1691525895 https://open.spotify.com/show/1pAUXiXuRLv1E9WFznWm7T?si=qA_E3Cf8RqKT97pUJcINxQ https://www.youtube.com/@travelstorieswithmoush Until next time…safe travels and keep adventuring.   "Want a spotlight on our show? Visit https://admanager.fm/client/podcasts/moushtravels [https://admanager.fm/client/podcasts/moushtravels]  and align your brand with our audience." Connect with me on the following: Instagram @moushtravels Facebook @travelstorieswithmoush LinkedIn @Moushumi Bhuyan You Tube @travelstorieswithmoush     Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Chasing pizza in Italy - Chef Himanshu Saini

In the season finale of the Culinary Journeys series, Chef Himanshu Saini, the chef behind the world’s first and only Indian restaurant to be awarded three Michelin stars, Trèsind Studio, shares the travel experiences that have shaped his cooking. From Italy’s slow food culture to Mexican street food, this episode explores how travel influences the way chefs think about food. Destination Highlights & Culinary Insights: 1. Italy - A culinary road trip. For Himanshu, Italy is where food, landscape and culture come together effortlessly. It’s a place best explored slowly and through long drives, local restaurants and unforgettable dishes. • Road trip from Milan to the Dolomites. https://www.instagram.com/ristorantelido84/ • Exploring the vineyards of Franciacorta. https://www.instagram.com/franciacorta/ • Exploring the lively lake town of Desenzano del Garda. • Discovering the charm of Lecce in South Italy. • A pilgrimage to Naples to eat the best pizza in the world in Chef Franco Pepe’s restaurant. https://www.instagram.com/francopepeingrani/ 2. Mexico - Street food and cultural crossroads. Mexico’s street food culture is vibrant, regional and deeply rooted in history. • Why Mexican street food is one of the most exciting food cultures in the world. • Discovering the Lebanese influence in Mexico City. 3. India - The world’s greatest street food culture. 4. France – The world’s greatest destination for the culinary techniques. This special Culinary Series is brought to you by Emirates NBD Voyager Credit Cards. Connect with Himanshu at: https://www.instagram.com/chefhimanshusaini/ Thank you all for tuning in today! If you enjoyed this episode, please hit that subscribe button here, or on your favorite podcast platform. I’d love to hear from you! What destinations or journeys should we feature next? Drop a comment, leave a rating, or write a review - it truly makes a difference. Stay connected with me on Instagram @moushtravels to find out who’s joining me next week. You can also explore all past episodes and destinations mentioned by our guests on www.moushtravels.com or in the episode show notes. Thanks for listening! Until next time, safe travels and keep adventuring.   "Want a spotlight on our show? Visit https://admanager.fm/client/podcasts/moushtravels [https://admanager.fm/client/podcasts/moushtravels]  and align your brand with our audience." Connect with me on the following: Instagram @moushtravels Facebook @travelstorieswithmoush LinkedIn @Moushumi Bhuyan You Tube @travelstorieswithmoush     Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.