Winging It Travel Podcast
The Winging It Travel Podcast is your weekly ticket to the world—dropping every Monday and hosted by me, James Hammond, proudly part of the Voyascape Network. This is more than just a travel podcast—it's a cinematic audio experience that takes you deep into the heart of each journey. Through rich immersive soundscapes, on-the-ground reactions, and authentic storytelling, I bring you right alongside me—whether I’m hiking up volcanoes in Guatemala, navigating the chaos of a city market in India, or camping under the stars in British Columbia. With over fifteen years of travel behind me, I've met incredible people, seen breathtaking places, and collected unforgettable stories—and now I get to share them with you. Expect a mix of: 🎧 Immersive-Audio episodes that let you hear the world as I experience it 🎙️ Raw, reflective solo episodes filled with insights, tips, and honest travel tales 🌍 Guest conversations with some of the most diverse and well-travelled people I've encountered on the road Every episode blends anecdotes, practical advice, cultural insight, and moments of pure adventure. This podcast is for travellers, dreamers, backpackers, and anyone who’s ever thought, what if I just went for it? So, if you're looking for stories to tell, tips to share, and experiences to inspire, you're in the right place. There’s so much travel content coming your way, it just might spark that trip you’ve been dreaming about for years. Welcome to a world of travel! Thank you for listening in. Please get in touch with us below. Produced by Winging It Productions - https://www.wingingitproductions.com Finally, please rate the podcast five stars on your podcast app and give a positive written review. This helps the podcast grow, for free. Website - https://www.wingingittravelpodcast.com Buy Winging It a coffee - buymeacoffee.com/wingingit Voyascape - https://voyascape.com Linktree - https://linktr.ee/jameshammondtravel Email - jameshammondtravel@gmail.com Roaming with Hammo YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@roamingwithhammo Happy Winging It!
Episodes
Five years ago, I recorded one of the earliest solo episodes of Winging It, sharing ten pieces of travel advice that I wished someone had told me before I set off exploring the world. Since then, I've visited many more countries, built a travel podcast, launched a YouTube channel, started a podcast production business and experienced everything from hiking to Tiger's Nest in Bhutan to travelling through Guatemala, Mexico and El Sal...
Why the World Cup Proves Travel Brings People Together | My Updated 2026 Travel Plans & Recovering From Kidney Stones
This week I'm sharing a more personal update as I recover from kidney stones, reflect on the incredible atmosphere surrounding the FIFA World Cup, and look ahead to an exciting second half of the year packed with travel.
After a slower start to 2026, I'm finally getting ready to hit the road again with trips to To...
This week is a little different.
I went back through the Winging It archives and handpicked 15 previous guests, asking each of them the same quick-fire question:
"What would you say to someone who's nervous about travelling and why they should go?"
Their answers are honest, inspiring, funny and thought-provoking. Whether you're dreaming about your first solo trip, planning a career break, or simply need a reminder of why we explore, t...
Why You Should Stop Waiting for the “Right Time” to Take a Career Break (Taking A Career Break with Katrina Crossover)
This week on Winging It, I'm sharing a special crossover episode from my other podcast, Taking A Career Break with Katrina McGhee. I really feel our two audiences do crossover, so I am sharing one of our most popular episodes with you. Please check out the rest of the catalogue for everything re...
Why Travel Changes Everything - A Deep Dive with James Hammond on the Island Vacation Travel Podcast
Hello guys!
Another guest appearance on another travel podcast today, and this time it is the Island Vacation Travel Podcast with Al Philogene, as we take a deep dive into the impact of travel on our daily lives, as a lifestyle choice and the impact on me personally too.
You can watch this episode on YouTube here (please subscribe to W...
Wellington Travel Guide: Why I Spent a Year Living in New Zealand's Capital
Wellington is one of my favourite cities in the world, and in this episode I'm sharing exactly why.
I first visited New Zealand's capital in 2013 on the Kiwi Experience and instantly connected with the city. In 2017, when Emma and I arrived in New Zealand on a working holiday visa, we spent weeks road-tripping around both islands before deciding where to sett...
Welcome to this special episode where I am on the other side of the mic!
I recently joined the Temporary Locals Podcast to share my experience travelling through the fascinating Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan. In this conversation, we dive into what makes Bhutan one of the most unique travel destinations on Earth, from its strict tourism policies and sustainable tourism model to its rich Buddhist culture and breathtaking mountain scene...
Gabriola Island Travel Guide: British Columbia’s Peaceful Gulf Island Escape + Camping, Cafes & Beaches
In this immersive episode of the Winging It Travel Podcast, I head over to beautiful Gabriola Island in British Columbia for a peaceful weekend of camping, beaches, coffee shops, sunsets, ferries, and slow island living. Located just off the coast of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, Gabriola is one of BC’s hid...
Why Waiting Until Retirement To Travel Will Be Your Biggest Regret
Have you ever said to yourself, “I’ll travel when I retire”? In this solo episode of the Winging It Travel Podcast, I dive into why I believe waiting until retirement to travel could become one of your biggest regrets.
After travelling to more than 75 countries over the last 15 years, I’ve realised that there will always be another excuse not t...
IMMERSIVE - The Soundscapes of Oaxaca, Mexico - Colourful Streets, The Zocalo, Busy Markets + A Local Food Tour
Oaxaca, Mexico, had been on my travel list for years, and in 2024, I finally got the chance to experience it for myself. In this immersive soundscape episode of the Winging It Travel Podcast, I take you with me through the colourful streets, lively markets, rooftop cafés and buzzing Zócalo of one of the most atmospheric ci...
10 EPIC Campervan Road Trips We’re Planning Around the World
In this episode of the Winging It Travel Podcast, I’m sharing 10 incredible campervan road trips that are firmly on our bucket list for the next decade. From the dramatic fjords of Norway and the remote highways of Northern Canada to the deserts of Utah, the coastline of Western Australia, and even a possible campervan adventure across Japan — these are t...
Ep 193 w/ Amanda Kendle - Should You Travel to Antarctica? Ethical Travel & The Cruel Reality of Wildlife Tourism
In this thought-provoking episode of the Winging It Travel Podcast, I’m joined by Amanda Kendle from The Thoughtful Travel Podcast to unpack two of the most controversial topics in modern travel: Antarctica tourism and wildlife experiences.
We dive deep into the ethical dilemma of visiting one of the most fragil...
What if a song could take you somewhere you've never been? Or transport you straight back to a beach, a bus ride, or an open road on the other side of the world?
In this solo episode I'm sharing the songs that have shaped my travel life — from the early days of dreaming about the world from my bedroom, through my first big adventure in 2013, all the way to life on the road today.
Some of these songs painted pictures of places b...
In this deeply personal solo episode, I take you through my full travel journey—from growing up in Norwich with no real concept of travel, to building a life around it in Vancouver and around the world.
This isn’t just a story about where I’ve been—it’s about how my mindset around travel has completely evolved over time.
From partying through Southeast Asia in my early 20s, to seeking culture, connection...
How to Spend 3 Days in Victoria, BC | Ultimate Walkable Travel Guide
In this episode of the Winging It Travel Podcast, I take you through a full 4-night-3-day, no-car travel guide to Victoria, BC—perfect for a long weekend on Vancouver Island. From ferry mishaps and transport hacks to standout brunch spots, coffee culture, and celiac-friendly eats, this is a practical, real-world itinerary you can actually follow.
You’ll ...
REVISITING Episode 2 - One Week In Lub D, Bangkok, Thailand.
Bangkok Then vs My Trip in December 2025
In this episode of the Winging It Travel Podcast, I go back to where it all began—Bangkok, Thailand. Originally recorded as Episode 2 in 2021, this was my first real taste of long-term travel back in 2013, stepping into Southeast Asia with no expectations, no real plan, and honestly, no idea what I was getting myself into.
Fast ...
What does a day in Bhutan actually sound like?
In this immersive episode of the Winging It Travel Podcast, I take you through a full day exploring the Kingdom of Bhutan—from peaceful sunrise views over Thimphu to the powerful sounds of monks in morning ritual, vibrant Himalayan festivals, and unforgettable Bhutanese cuisine.
You’ll experience Bhutan through raw, unfiltered audio: chanting monks at Gangtey Monastery, sizzl...
Planning to visit Vancouver for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and wondering where to stay? In this episode of the Winging It Travel Podcast, I share a local’s guide to the 8 best areas to base yourself during the tournament.
Having lived in Vancouver for nearly seven years, I break down the pros, cons, transport links, and overall vibe of each neighbourhood so you can decide which one suits your travel style.
From beach neighbourhood...
Bhutan Travel Guide: Days 8-11, Travelling Solo, Flight To Bangkok With The Royal Family, Costs & Final Thoughts
In this penultimate episode of my Bhutan Series on Winging It, I wrap up my 11-day trip to Bhutan and share my final experiences exploring Thimphu and Paro, plus my biggest takeaways from travelling through one of the most fascinating countries in the world.
After originally planning a trek in the Haa Valley, I changed...
Bhutan Itinerary Days 4–7: Druk Wangyel Festival, Punakha Dzong + Phobjikha Valley
In this episode of the Winging It Travel Podcast, I continue my Bhutan travel series covering Days 4–7 of my guided journey through one of the most unique and spiritual countries in the world.
These were some of the most immersive days of the entire trip.
It begins high in the mountains at the Druk Wangyel Festival, held annually at...
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