Tripology: Travel Podcast
Two best friends host a weekly travel podcast from wherever they are in the world, sharing vagabond adventure stories, travel quizzes, listener questions, and backpacking conundrums. New episodes arrive every Tuesday, and the show invites listeners to join the community via Patreon, Instagram, and YouTube. The podcast is entirely nomadic, broadcasting from different locations across the globe.
Episodes
Travelling India: Our Love-Hate Relationship With the Realest Place on Earth
We love India! It's no secret, but it is complicated. This is our love letter to India, a country that we believe is the most authentic, the most real. We share the reasons why we cannot stop thinking about India, as well as what you can expect if you travel there, too. If there's only one place on earth you ever travel to, let it be India.Stay tuned for the Lost & Found section, as Ad
Rishikesh: Should You Visit India's Yoga Capital?
Adam's following in the Beatles' footsteps and practicing Yoga in Rishikesh, but what's it like visiting India's Yoga capital? Tune in for a fun and bendy episode... Oooommmm!The Lost & Found section sees Adam discussing a few travel options for a day trip around the Kerala backwaters, but can Alun guess which option Adam will choose?Submit your travel stories: https://www.trip
Scammed in Varanasi: India's Spiritual Capital - Part 2
The Varanasi scam continues, as Adam explains the confronting scenes he saw during the funeral ceremony, including the moment he was tricked into donating money. Tune in, as the scam unfolds, and make sure that if you're in Varanasi or anywhere else in India, you question interactions with strangers involving religion and spirituality; there's every chance you'll be expected to hand ov
Scammed in Varanasi: India's Spiritual Capital - Part 1
Adam was scammed in Varanasi, India’s spiritual capital, in one of the most confronting ways imaginable: criminals exploiting the cremations and funerals of Hindu families to pressure tourists into donating money.The original conversation was recorded before Adam knew he had been scammed. What follows is a raw, vulnerable and sensitive conversation about his experience witnessing one of Hinduism’s
The Taj Mahal: Visiting India's No.1 Tourist Attraction You Probably Know Nothing About
What is the Taj Mahal? Adam's in hectic Varanasi, surrounded by spirituality and noise pollution, but the topic of today is India's iconic and universally recognisable travel destination, the Taj Mahal. Do you know what the Taj Mahal is and why it was built? Adam shares the story of his recent visit, involving a very uncomfortable late night train ride, as well as delivering a Taj Mahal qu
Climbing Japan's Highest Peak: Why Nobody Reaches the Top of Mount Fuji
Alun's returned after summiting Mount Fuji, Japan's highest peak. Upon reaching the top, he quickly realised he was the only person there! Tune in for travel tips on how to climb Mount Fuji, and find out why most people stop before reaching the top! Grab your warm things, your onigiri, and your ankle-high hiking boots... It's about to get sticky!Support the show and access the Lost &am
Shimanami Kaido: Japan's Legendary Cycle Route You've Never Heard of...
Japan has many great cycle routes but none more spectacular than the Shimanami Kaido. Out of breath and sunburned, Alun shares his recent experience of taking on the 70km ride across the Seto Inland sea. We discuss how to access the Shimanami Kaido from Hiroshima, a curious hostel in the famous seaside town of Onomichi, and how you can get your hands on the world's number 1 sleep mask. Jump on
Why Visiting Hiroshima Will Change Your Opinion of Japan
Alun returns from a trip to Hiroshima that has changed his opinion of Japan! Taking time away from Tokyo in order to reconnect with his inner backpacker, Alun travelled to the modern city of Hiroshima. The recent history and museum exhibitions, regional cuisine, sports events and traditional Japanese theatre will have you falling in love with Japan all over again!Support the show and access the Lo
What's the Fascination with Hokkaido? Seeking the Road Less Travelled
In a hungover state, Adam attempts to round off his time in Japan. He spent two weeks travelling around Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost and largest prefecture. But what's his fascination with Hokkaido? Join in the fruitful conversation, as we get well and truly distracted. This may be a better week than most to join our Patreon community!Support the show and access the Lost & Found sect
The Surprising World of Sumo Wrestling: How to See Japan's National Sport LIVE
Sumo Wrestling is Japan's National Sport but not something tourists often get to experience. However, Alun, now a Tokyo resident and our Japan correspondent, has been lucky enough to nab some tickets to the Nagoya Basho: an annual Grand Sumo tournament. Tune in to find out how to see this surprising and misunderstood sport LIVE.Support the show and join our Patreon community. This week, Alun s
What is the World's Most Life-Changing Travel Destination? P.S. We're Drunk
Which country tops the list of the World's Most Life-Changing Destinations? We challenge an article that tries to answer this question. Which destinations could genuinely be life-changing and transformative? Have we been to these countries and would we say the same?It's also a celebration of sorts, as it's the last episode before Adam leaves Japan. Expect heartfelt conversation, brotherly love, sl
Things Nobody Tells You About New Zealand
Life in New Zealand is not what you think! Adam divulges some hard truths about what living and travelling in New Zealand is really like. Whether you're a backpacker looking to work in New Zealand on a Working Holiday Visa or a holidaymaker planning a road trip, don't miss this episode. We break through the shiny exterior of a country we only hear good things about...Join our Patreon commu
Are Foreigners Welcome in Japan?
What do Japanese people think of foreigners? Are tourists welcome in Japan? We discuss the popular and unpopular opinions of how tourists are perceived in Japan, as well as our own experiences of interacting with locals. We also share a recent story from a public bath house where one Japanese man got all hot and bothered... You get what you pay for!Help support the show and access the Lost & F
Why You Should Travel to Japan NOW!
You should travel to Japan in 2026! Tune in to find out why NOW is the perfect time to visit Japan. We discuss tourism, the economy, Japanese food, and Alun's favourite subject of all: Pokémon. If you've been thinking about a trip to Japan and need that final push, this episode is for you!Send us your travel stories: https://tripologypodcast.squarespace.com/talesofatripLeave us a message:
Are Tourist Attractions Still Worth Visiting?
Get your exclusive 15% discount on a Saily eSim: https://saily.com/tripologyAre tourist attractions still worth visiting? After we spent an afternoon at TeamLab Planets: a series of stunning art exhibitions and one of Tokyo's most visited tourist attractions, we were forced to ask ourselves this question. What's the point of experiencing these iconic destinations if they're filled wi
Japanese Convenience Store BATTLE
Get your exclusive 15% discount on a Saily eSim: https://saily.com/tripologyIt's Q&A time! What's Living in Japan Really Like? Alun answers questions about life in Japan, with some surprising answers. We also discuss what people may find appealing or difficult about moving to Japan, including societal pressures, making friends, work culture, and common ideas about Japan that don't
Is Thailand's Papaya Salad the Greatest Dish on Earth?
Is Papaya Salad, known as Som Tum, the greatest dish on earth? In this food heavy episode, we discuss Thai cuisine, with Adam suggesting that Papaya Salad is a perfect dish. Adam also shares stories of his travels around Thailand, including working on a durian farm on the Cambodian border. If you love Thai food or if you've ever wondered just how big a durian really is, don't miss the debate! We a
Japanese Cooking Class with an 80-Year-Old Grandma
We were taught how to make traditional Japanese food by an 80-year-old Japanese Grandma! Adam's first day in Tokyo was spent treating Alun to (one of) the best birthday presents he's ever received. If you're a fan of Japanese cuisine and wondered how to make onigiri, or whether Alun can make onigiri better than Adam can, the answers lie within... Oishi!Speaking of delicious, Adam also shares a sto
Do All Thai Massages Have a Happy Ending? | Travel | Thailand
Do all Thai massages have a happy ending? Adam shares a recent story from his travels in Thailand, where he was left flustered and confused by a Thai masseuse who gave him the wrong idea... or did she? If you're travelling to Thailand and intending on getting a Thai massage, use this episode as a lesson or a warning. It would seem Thai massages can be every bit as spicy as the food.Support the sho
Alun's Birthday Surprise: Adam Arrives in Tokyo!
Surprise! It's Alun's birthday and Adam has flown to Japan to celebrate it with him. We discuss Adam's arrival in Tokyo, as well as his layover in Asia's worst airport. We tuck into 7-Eleven's finest birthday cake and revel in the joy and misery of Adam's favourite football team: Arsenal. Start the celebrations!Submit your travel stories here: https://www.tripologypodcast.com/talesofatripNeed trav
Backpacking in Bangkok | An Awkward Thai Cooking Class
It's an explosion of flavours this week, as Adam takes part in a Thai cooking class in Bangkok. Touring a local market with the chef and his classmates: a curious Californian couple, it quickly became clear this was going to be no ordinary cooking class. Tune in to hear the embarrassment. It's about to get spicy!We also discuss the decline of backpacker hostels. Is it too much to ask for a
Where on Earth is Faketown?
It's Adam's turn to be tested this week, on his knowledge of strange place names in the United States of America. It's a good thing there's not a family holiday riding on it. See if you can guess which ones are genuine holiday destinations and which one is completely fictitious. Alun promises to tell the truth, or there will be consequences.Adam's made his way to Bangkok but no
Japanese Language Quiz | Can You Live in Tokyo Without Speaking Japanese?
Can you live in Tokyo without speaking Japanese? Alun's nightmare comes true, as he faces a Japanese Language Quiz. He's been living in Japan for a month but how many phrases has he learned? The stakes are high, as he has the chance to win a $200 journey on a bullet train! If you're about to travel Japan or you want to put your Japanese language skills to the test, play along! Did some
Traveling in Your 30s: Is it Too Late? Backpacking, Career Choices & Society's Expectations
Is it too late to travel in your 30s? After a listener submitted this simple yet thought-provoking question into the show, we decided to dedicate an episode to it. We discuss the societal pressures faced by travellers in their 30s, as well as the risks and the downsides. If you're in your 30s or fast-approaching and you're contemplating a backpacking trip or a change of career, don't miss this one
Starting Life in Tokyo: What No One Tells You About Moving to Japan
Alun's settling into life in Tokyo but not before an unhealthy dose of bureaucracy, and an even unhealthier dose of convenience store food. We rank Japan's convenience stores, as well as discuss the things no one tells you about moving to Japan. How can a country famous for its efficiency be so inefficient?Support the show and access the Lost & Found section, as we relive our favourite
Tongariro Alpine Crossing, New Zealand: Walking 42km to Avoid a $70 Tourist Trap
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of New Zealand's most popular hikes. Adam enjoyed it so much he did it twice! But that's not the whole story: he believes local tourism businesses are profiteering and taking advantage of ill-informed travellers. If you'd like to know how to save money, tune in to hear Adam's take on New Zealand tourism. He might be sick but he's not going d
Alun Moves to Tokyo: Disgusting First Night in Japan
Alun moves to Tokyo but isn't greeted by the Japan he expected. After a long day travelling to Japan's sprawling capital city, and looking forward to settling in to his new sharehouse, he made a disgusting discovery... How very un-Japanese!Support the show and access the Lost & Found section, as Adam relives a night out in Tokyo, where he snuck into a private fashion event. If your nam
China Announces Visa-Free Travel!
China announces visa-free travel for UK and Canadian nationals, meaning that travellers from these countries will now be able to travel throughout China for up to 30 days!Rice for Breakfast is back, with a long overdue Korean entry. Spicy beef ribs, anyone?We also hear from a listener who shares an outrageous Tales of a Trip. Who knew hostels in Bratislava could be so sexy? Well, Adam, apparently.
New Zealand Van Life Lessons: How Not to Sell Your Van
Adam's having a tough time selling his van but is destiny playing a role? He shares some New Zealand van life lessons, demonstrating how quickly things can change. He was also involved in an embarrassing hostel moment along with two hostel guests. Tune in for an episode filled with awkwardness, regret and surprise.Support the show and access the Lost & Found section, as we chat wine... for onc
Waitangi Day: Attending New Zealand's Controversial National Celebration
Waitangi Day commemorates the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, New Zealand's founding document, which was signed on the 6th February 1840. Festivals across New Zealand celebrate this national holiday but should they? Adam shares his experience of attending the largest and most significant of all the Waitangi Day celebrations, held at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds where the document was origina
Hiking South Korea's Tallest Peak With No Equipment
Hallasan, South Korea's tallest peak, located on Jeju Island, is a challenging hike at the best of times. Alun decided to take it on in the middle of winter, whilst it was covered in ice, with no equipment... just his denim jeans, barefoot shoes, and an unwavering stubbornness. See you at the bottom!Help support the show and access the Lost & Found section, as we share some brutally honest
Hostel Sex: Is It Acceptable?
Is having sex in a hostel dorm acceptable? Alun was awoken by two people enjoying themselves in full view, something he didn't sign up for. Tune in to hear the full story, as we share our thoughts on what the best course of action is, whether you get lucky or if you're subjected to a live show without warning. We've all been there... haven't we?Support the show and access the Lost
24 Hours in a Jimjilbang: South Korea's Cheapest Accommodation
No clothes? No worries! This week gets hot & steamy, as Alun spends 24 hours in a traditional South Korean Jimjilbang: South Korea's cheapest accommodation. Jimjilbangs are traditional bathhouses, with saunas, steam rooms, and communal rest areas, allowing people to stay for hours or even overnight. Tune in to hear what Alun made of Adam's favourite East Asian past time.Continuing the (lack of
The Unexpected Realities of Travelling South Korea: Where is Everyone?
Is South Korea the most impersonal country to travel in? Alun's trip in South Korea has been defined by a lack of interactions with both South Koreans and fellow travellers. Why is everyone being replaced by screens and robots? We discuss his findings, as well as the impact technology has had on South Korean society.Alun also recounts his DMZ tour, which was more organised and more funny than
Why You Should Never Trust New Zealand Ferries
Adam's New Zealand road trip was flipped on its head when the interisland ferry he'd booked was cancelled. With his travel plans for the North Island effectively erased, and his options even more scarce than a kiwi, he tried every trick in the book to get onto another boat, quickly learning why you should never trust New Zealand ferries. Tune in for this New Zealand nautical nightmare!Supp
Seoul & South Korea: How Much Do You Really Know?
Alun's arrived in Seoul, South Korea's sprawling capital, but it hasn't been plain sailing. After a disappointing layover in Shanghai, we hear how Alun's airplane seat resulted in a moral dilemma. Turbulence was the least of his worries!Adam throws a South Korean pop quiz in for good measure. Alun's only been in Seoul for a few days, but correcting the jet lag with buckets of k
Why East Asia? Leaving Home for a Life in South Korea & Japan
East Asia bound! Alun announces he's off to South Korea, and then onto Japan to commence his Japan working holiday visa, but why? We hear Alun's motives, as he prepares for life in two countries that he's fantasised about for a long, long time.Tales of a Trip returns with a powerful message from a seasoned traveller. We dive into prejudice, the real impact of expats on local communitie
Caught Red-Handed in New Zealand! Sea Kayaking in the Marlborough Sounds
It's a pirate's life! While sea kayaking in New Zealand's stunning Marlborough Sounds region, Adam visited an open-ocean mussel farm. He took his chance and snagged New Zealand's prized greenshell mussel - but with Harbour Patrol hot on his tail, would he make his escape?The Marlborough Sounds is New Zealand's top sea kayaking destination, and a local favourite for its world-cl
Is Backpacking a Sustainable Lifestyle? The Truth About Long-Term Travel
Can you really travel forever? As Alun prepares for another adventure, we dive into the truth about long-term travel. In an episode inspired by a listener's curious questions, we define what 'long-term travel' really means, discuss backpacking burnout, and ask the question every traveller faces: is backpacking a sustainable lifestyle? With a combined 20 years abroad, things are about t
Hiking New Zealand’s Most Underrated Trail: The Copland Track
New Zealand's most underrated trail, the Copland Track, has it all: dense rainforest, ice cold glacial rivers, waterfalls, swing bridges, and hidden hot pools... with a nasty surprise! Tune in to hear about Adam's favourite hike in New Zealand so far.Adam also shares a few anecdotes from his trip up New Zealand's wet west coast, including a romantic glow worm walk with a Chinese tour group, an off
The Routeburn Track: Why You Shouldn't Run New Zealand's Great Walks
Adam ran the Routeburn Track and regrets it! Nestled in the Fiordland National Park, and perhaps New Zealand’s most beautiful ‘Great Walk’, the Routeburn Track stretches 32km, through alpine meadows, stunning valleys and lush forest. It’s possible to complete the track in one day, but should you? Adam shares his thoughts and feelings on running the track, as well as the surprises, struggles, and h
What Does Stingray Taste Like? Trying Kuala Lumpur's Unusual Street Food
Forget rice for breakfast - this week, it's stingray for dinner! Alun's been exploring Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's fast-developing capital, including its culinary delights. We hear all about his experience trying Malaysia's unusual street food, stingray, at the popular night market: Jalan Alor Food Street. Apologies to all you divemasters out there!Alun also shares a heartwarming, ful
Kea Attack on the Kepler Track!
This week, Adam hiked the Kepler Track: one of New Zealand's 11 Great Walks. The 60km loop, located in the South Island's Fiordland National Park, is a stunning track, including forests, lakes, ridge walks, and destructive native birdlife! Tune in to find out why the endangered Kea is New Zealand's most dangerous bird.Tales of a Trip returns with a backpacking horror story involving more native wi
Is Brunei Really Asia’s Most Boring Country?
Backpackers claim that Brunei's the most boring country in Asia. After speaking with numerous travellers, and hearing comments such as "Brunei's only worth visiting if you're counting countries", Alun went to see for himself. In this episode, we hear why Brunei is one of Asia's most misunderstood destinations.Stay tuned for Tales of a Trip, as Karl Watson shares a rollerc
Kinabatangan River Adventure: Seeing Borneo's Big 5 on a Budget
Eye-eye, Captain! Alun's cruising through the Borneo jungle this week. We hear all about his trip along the Kinabatangan River, as he attempts to see Borneo's big 5 on a budget! Impaired by an eye infection and up to his eyeballs in antibiotics, could having a big nose give him the edge? Will Alun finally catch a glimpse of a wild Orangutan?Prepare for road rash in this week's Tales of
Should You Visit Sepilok? Inside Borneo's Controversial Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
Alun's seen Orangutans in Borneo but how? We dive inside Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and ask whether it's an ethical sanctuary or a zoo-like tourist attraction.Alun’s final moments in Cebu, Philippines, were action-packed and fraught with danger. He narrowly escaped the island amid the devastation caused by Typhoon Tino. Our hearts go out to everyone affected, and we wish the p
Swimming with Sharks! Thresher Shark Diving in Malapascua, Philippines
This week, Alun's been diving with Thresher sharks in Malapascua. Rounding off his time in the Philippines, we hear what it's like to be back at scuba diving school and then thrown in at the deep end... with thresher sharks!Adam's out of character, as he relives the moment he simultaneously smashed his laptop and studio lamp, resulting in a trip to see some wheeling, dealing, Punjabi f
Bridge Accident on New Zealand's Most Dangerous Road
Adam survives New Zealand's most dangerous road but not without injury! We hear how a wild 4X4 ride through Skipper's Canyon was a bridge too far. Lord of the Rings filming locations, a suspect first aid kit, and a high risk of landslides was more than Adam bargained for. Did Adam strike gold or was the experience a thorn in his side?Alun's Miscellaneous Travel Item returns with a came
Travel Books That Changed the World: Which is Your Favourite?
Travel guides, travel novels, and travel magazines are the theme of this week's Tripping Point travel quiz! How much does Alun know about the travel publications that changed the world? Tune in and play along!Adam's been having campervan malfunctions, which have left him stranded in the rain. Apparently leaving the headlights switched on all day can run the battery down... Fortunately ther
We Won an Award... then Spotify Blocked Us.
It's been a rollercoaster week here at Tripology Podcast. We're thrilled to announce we won Best Travel & Adventure Podcast at the 2025 Independent Podcast Awards! Spotify then hit us with a false copyright claim and blocked our episodes! We share the stories behind the chaos and discuss what it's like being independent creators.Hostel Common Room returns with a listener who's about to embark
Knocked Out in Northern Nigeria: African Boxing with Harry Jaggard
We're rocking this week! Not only did we win 'Best Travel & Adventure Podcast' at the 2025 Independent Podcast Awards, we also received a knockout Tales of a Trip entry from Harry Jaggard! Whilst visiting Northern Nigeria, Harry was roped into a bare-knuckle boxing match. Tune in to hear the full story, and make sure you watch the video... Rather him than us!Harry's YouTube video: https://yout
Eating India's BEST Butter Chicken!
We discover the surprising origins of India's most famous dish: Butter Chicken. Adam relives his India food adventures, sharing his experience of eating at Gulati Restaurant in Delhi, touted as the best butter chicken in India. We ask: Was butter chicken actually invented in Pakistan? And why are two Delhi restaurants fighting over the original recipe?Acclimatise quickly, as Tales of a Trip re
AI Travel Gone WRONG: Couple Stranded in Peru!
Two worlds collide in this week's episode, as Artificial Intelligence makes the news for sending travellers to locations that don't exist. We hear about a couple in Peru who were left stranded, after letting AI plan their trip!We find out what a coffee pot, water pump and a safe box all have in common, as Tripological Reasoning returns with hypothetical scenarios that may or may not be Alu
Which Country Has the Strongest Passport? #1 Will Shock You!
Have your passports ready! This week's travel quiz tests Alun's knowledge of all things passports. Which countries have the strongest passports and which countries have the weakest passports? And when was the first ever passport issued? We go through some of the 2025 passport rankings and share some weird passport facts you didn't know!If there's one thing Alun's hates about travel, it's ubiquitou
The Diary That Started 4 Years of Non-Stop Travel
In this week's very personal episode, Alun opens the travel diary that started 4 years of non-stop travel. Alun kept a travel journal for 4 years, documenting every day. We relive the moment he set off on the adventure that started it all. Hold onto your coffees tightly!Adam shares his chance encounter with an inspiring gentleman who's had a huge impact on the travel industry. Let's ju
Beginner's Guide: Buying a Campervan in New Zealand
Dreaming of Van Life in New Zealand? In this episode of the 'award-nominated' Tripology Podcast, Adam shares his experience of buying a campervan in New Zealand. Learn how a failed vehicle inspection was the key to him buying the campervan.Hostel Wars returns and this week Vagabot's off to the student town of Rosario, Argentina. Will it be Adam or Alun who can deliver the most authenti
Bangkok Tourist Scam: How NOT to Play Ping-Pong!
Going to therapy is a sign of strength, not weakness. Our paid partner BetterHelp makes therapy simple, with 10% off your first month to help you get started: https://betterhelp.com/tripologyAny Ping-Pong players in the house? We hear from a Backpacker who was lured into a Bangkok night club and extorted for money! Learn how saying 'Yes' can be a very expensive mistake.Hostel Common Room r
Stargazing in the Largest Dark Sky Reserve in the Southern Hemisphere!
Going to therapy is a sign of strength, not weakness. Our paid partner BetterHelp makes therapy simple, with 10% off your first month to help you get started: https://betterhelp.com/tripologyDark sky at night, Adam's delight! Adam celebrates his birthday at the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, the largest Dark Sky Reserve in the Southern Hemisphere. With stars in his eyes, the
Red Line On My Foot! Travel Infection Turns Deadly!
Going to therapy is a sign of strength, not weakness. Our paid partner BetterHelp makes therapy simple, with 10% off your first month to help you get started: https://betterhelp.com/tripologyTravel emergency! Alun's travel horror story sees him heading to hospital, after contracting an infection in his foot that Google diagnoses as Lymphangitis! Dangerous travel infections are Alun's vocat
Slow Travel vs Fast Tourism: Which Is Right For You?
Going to therapy is a sign of strength, not weakness. Our paid partner BetterHelp makes therapy simple, with 10% off your first month to help you get started: https://betterhelp.com/tripologyAre you a Slow Travel supporter or a Fast Tourism fan? This week’s hot topic is the ongoing travel debate between Slow Travel and Fast Tourism. But which style of travel is right for you? Receiving the questio
How NOT to Spearfish in the Philippines!
Going to therapy is a sign of strength, not weakness. Our paid partner BetterHelp makes therapy simple, with 10% off your first month to help you get started: https://betterhelp.com/tripologyPuffer fish, take cover! Alun's attempting the freediving world record in Siargao, Philippines, after learning freediving breathing techniques. Eagerly signing up for a Spearfishing for Beginners course ru
Kissing a Stranger on a Plane?! Travel Romance at 35,000 Feet
Love is in the air! This week a listener shares her romantic travel story of kissing a stranger on a plane! Making the most of the in-flight entertainment, a travel romance blossoms at 35,000 feet, putting the 'lust' in wanderlust! Has the Mile High Club gained two new members?Following in Anthony Bourdain's footsteps, Alun dives head first into Filipino food culture, attending a traditional Fiest
Pad Thai: The Truth Behind Thailand's National Dish
Pad Thai is Thailand's National dish but is it authentic Thai food? Is the Pad Thai an overrated tourist trap that has its roots elsewhere? We find out the real story behind Thailand's most iconic dish in this week's rather spicy episode! What's a white guy got to do to find some 'authentic' Asian food around here?We continue the Thailand theme in Tales of a Trip, as we hear from a listener who's
If I Fail, I'll Quit Travelling: Travel Quiz 2025
In this episode of Tripology: Travel Podcast, the stakes are higher than ever before, as Alun puts it all on the line in the most nerve-wracking edition of Tripping Point yet. If he fails, he'll quit travelling! Will Alun be crowned travel quiz champion or will he be on the next flight home?We discuss how to stay fit whilst backpacking, and share how we build exercise into our travel plans. We als
Is Social Media Ruining Travel? How Expectations Influence Happiness
Is social media ruining travel? We explore whether overexposure to travel destinations is setting us up for disappointment, ensuring our travel expectations cannot be met.In this episode of Tripology Podcast, we unpack how social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and even travel blogs, impact how we experience travel —and how it might be making us less happy on the road.We discus
AI Travel Bot Picks WORST Backpacker Hostel
This week we introduce a new segment: Hostel Wars - We present AI Travel Bot 'Vagabot 3000' (definitely not ChatGPT) with two accommodation options in Kotor, Montenegro. In the hope of backpacking Europe, Vagabot 3000 must pick the worst hostel based on genuine hostel reviews, continuing the search for the most 'authentic' experience.Tales of a Trip takes a romantic but embarrassin
Backpacker Survives Monkey Attack in India!
A backpacking trip to India takes a wild turn when friend of the show Will Hatton, aka The Broke Backpacker, finds himself surrounded by 100 monkeys — while tripping on LSD. In this psychedelic travel tale, Will recounts how a peaceful sunset at a Rajasthani fortress spiralled into monkey madness.This is the first edition of Tales of a Trip: a brand-new segment on Tripology Podcast where fellow tr
Mugged at Knifepoint in Johannesburg!
It's Alun's turn this week, as he relives one of his greatest travel stories! Whilst walking the streets of Johannesburg, South Africa, he was attacked and mugged by a Zimbabwean gang; the gang were armed with knives, machetes, and a rusty screwdriver!After a year travelling the continent of Africa, and with a flight to New Zealand booked for the very next day, was Alun lucky to escape or
I Survived a Scuba Diving Disaster in Borneo!
To celebrate a new dawn at Tripology, Adam shares two of his greatest travel stories. Both set in Borneo, on the same action-packed adventure, we hear how he came face to face with an enormous male Orangutan whilst trekking through the Danum Valley rainforest, and the terrifying moment he almost drowned whilst scuba diving in Mabul.Extreme ends of the travel spectrum but equally spectacular, this
2000 Year Old Rice Terraces: Hiking, Heatstroke & Hot Encounters
We hiked through the ancient rice terraces of Banaue, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that's been dubbed the 8th Wonder of the World. Carved into the mountains of Banaue on the main island of Luzon, Philippines, these 2000 year old rice terraces are well worth the 10 hour night bus north of Manila. As predicted, Adam falls victim to heatstroke, but who's to blame? Was it the midday sun? Was it the qu
Eating Balut: The Controversial Filipino Delicacy
No trip to the Philippines would be complete without eating the controversial Filipino delicacy, Balut. This popular street food has been trending on social media for some time, due to its shocking appearance and questionable ethics, so we decided to give it a try. Is it good? Is it wrong? Join the debate!We also discuss the Philippines' other defining features: incredibly slow elevators and the i
The Philippines: Everything You Didn't Know
Join this week's Filipino Pop Quiz, as Adam tests Alun's knowledge of the Philippines! If Alun scores less than 3 out of 5 he'll have to eat a controversial Filipino delicacy!We also discuss the supernatural Filipino spirits: Engkantos. Often associated with the natural world, could they be delivering signs from above in the form of ripe mangoes?We'd love to hear from you! Send us
TRIPOLOGY Reunited in the Philippines!
Yes, you read that right! We're back together again and this time it's in the Philippines! Currently melting in the country's hot and humid capital city, Manila, we discuss Adam's journey from Queenstown.After two flights, via Sydney, Adam describes his series of unfortunate events, including an overweight carry-on bag and the moment he had his phone stolen, only to have it mysteriously return bac
12 Hours in Shanghai with ChatGPT
Alun employs ChatGPT as his local travel guide, as he tests the latest travel hack trend. On his way to the Philippines but with a 12-hour layover in Shanghai, Alun turns to ChatGPT for his layover travel itinerary. Working smart and not hard, we hear Alun’s experience of using AI as a travel companion. Artificial Intelligence has many uses but controlling the weather isn’t one of them!We'd love t
Dark Tourism: The Czech Church of Bones
It's a spooky special this week, as Adam relives his trip to the Czech Republic, where he visited the infamous Sedlec Ossuary aka The Church of Bones. Just 80kms east of Prague, in the town of Kutna Hora, Central Bohemia, stands a church like few others. Dating back to the 15th century and decorated with over 40,000 skeletons, this dark and macabre tourist attraction is for those seeking somet
Japan Working Holiday Visa Success!
BIG NEWS! Alun's been successful in his application for this fourth and final Working Holiday Visa, and the country he's chosen is Japan! Alun explains the Japan Working Holiday Visa application process and it's all very Japanese; we discuss the Japan WHV requirements, Alun's experience of applying, and the joyous moment he received his passport back with that all important visa!If
New Zealand Bans Alcohol!
New Zealand introduces crazy alcohol laws across the Easter Weekend, making it impossible for some businesses to trade. Adam describes the chaos and confusion of not being able to celebrate Easter Weekend the only way an Englishman knows how. Tune in and let us know if you agree!In the second half, Adam and Alun open up about the difficulties of finding work as a backpacker on a Working Holiday Vi
Travelling Back in Time to Discover Antarctica
All aboard the RRS Discovery! Alun's transported back in time as he's invited onto the legendary ship that set sail in 1901 to explore Antarctica!The RRS Discovery was the last traditional wooden three-masted ship built in the United Kingdom, and its first mission was the highly successful 'British National Antarctic Expedition', carrying explorers Robert Falcon Scott and Ernest Sh
Spotting Wild Dolphins in Milford Sound!
Adam's New Zealand adventure continues with stories from the South Island. Whilst cruising around Milford Sound, Fiordland National Park, Adam's boat is chased by a wild dolphin having the time of its life!Adam also hikes through Abel Tasman National Park, where he's forced to speed-run 25kms of beautiful coastline or risk being stranded in the dark.As always, if you have any questions
Drink Driving & Hitchhiking in New Zealand
Don't hold your breath! Adam's road trip around New Zealand was just as adventurous as it was law-abiding. This week he relives an embarrassing interaction with a New Zealand Police Officer, and tells the story of him picking up a French hitchhiker who's all too happy to put his French to the test!As always, if you have any questions, we'd love to hear from you. Send us a message u
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