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One Off Travel Stories

One Off Travel Stories

Andrew Tawaststjerna 23 episodes Latest Jun 1, 2026

One Off Travel Stories is a podcast dedicated to sharing unique and captivating travel experiences. Each episode features a different guest who recounts an extraordinary event that happened while they were traveling. From off-the-beaten-path destinations to unexpected encounters, we explore the spontaneity of travel through personal narratives.

Episodes

From Beetroot Soup to Minus 40 weather: Ben's Russian Adventure Jun 1, 2026 42:06 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 ti
Exploring Kangaroo Island's First Nations Heritage with Mark Eden May 3, 2026 38:29 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,
Michelle's Journey to Socotra: An Island like No Other Apr 1, 2026 52:48 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 grou
Exploring the Path of History: Mark Mustian's Journey to Turkey and Syria Feb 27, 2026 40:58 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, explori
A Conversation with Legendary Investor and Traveler Jim Rogers Nov 25, 2025 31:25 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 h
Iceland Inspires Matt Wilson's Startup Idea Sep 24, 2025 46:12 When a last-minute invitation took Matt Wilson to Iceland to document climate change and adventure tourism, it started out as a typical outdoor adventure. He met a backcountry guide, rode “super jeeps” across rivers, and climbed a glacier at midnight. However, while sitting with new friends above the clouds admiring volcano peaks in the distance he also hatched the idea that became his future busi
Asking Icelandic Strangers About Their Happiest Memories – Anne Marie's Travel Experiment Jul 30, 2025 49:45 In this episode, Andrew sits down with Anne Marie Wells to hear about her solo hitchhiking trip across Iceland, where she spent weeks asking strangers one question: “What is your happiest memory?”. From there, she would venture out to visit the scene of the memory. Anne Marie shares the emotional highs and quiet moments that defined her trip and how curiosity and courage opened doors she never exp
Niamh McAnally's Sailing Scare in the Leeward Islands Jun 26, 2025 48:54 In this episode, Andrew sits down with Niamh, an Irish-born author and traveler, who tells the story of meeting her husband through sailing and of their harrowing experience sailing from Antigua towards the USA. After 18 months away from sailing due to the global pandemic, when they took to the seas from Antigua, they didn’t expect to find themselves caught in a high risk situation. A floating bal
Lavender Fields Forever: Rachael’s Trip to Provence May 28, 2025 41:30 When Rachael Rogers traveled through the south of France, her Airbnb host offered to show her around the area, and it turned into one of her most memorable experiences. In this episode, Andrew chats with Rachael about her road trip through Provence, the beauty of taking your time, and the joy of visiting a lavender field in full bloom.Guest: Rachael RogersFounder of For the Story VacationsFormer a
From Typhoon to Tranquility: Peter Moore's Trek Through Nepal Apr 24, 2025 46:45 In this episode, Andrew sits down with Peter Moore, writer, editor, illustrator, and former Men's Health editor, to talk about a work trip to Nepal that went off-script in all the best ways. Originally planning to trek to Everest Base Camp for a radio segment, Peter’s journey was rerouted by a typhoon, leading him instead on the Langtang-Gosainkunda trail. Along the way, he faced monsoons, illness
Through the Crowd: Danika’s Giza Adventure Mar 25, 2025 42:37 In this episode, Andrew sits down with Danika Duarte Smith, a dancer, educator, and travel writer, to talk about her unforgettable first trip to Egypt during Eid. While living and teaching in Iraqi Kurdistan, Danika took a week off to explore Cairo, including a chaotic and crowded day at the Giza pyramid complex. From refusing overpriced horse carriage rides to navigating mayhem at the ticket boot
Delia Swims with Sharks in the Galapagos Islands Feb 18, 2025 47:16 In this episode, Andrew sits down with Delia, a full-time solo traveler and digital nomad who has been exploring the world for nearly a decade. A certified freediver and adventure traveler, Delia shares her incredible experience diving with hammerhead sharks in the Galápagos Islands. From breathtaking underwater encounters to unexpected challenges, she recounts how this journey became one of the m

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