Tripology: Travel Podcast

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!
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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 memory from the farm. Lovingly...

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 down without a fight!

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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 name's not down, you're no...

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.
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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 once!

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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 originally signed all those years ago.

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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 feedback we've received.

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 & Found section, as we dive...

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) clothing theme, Alun discusses hi...

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 he would have liked. Let's ...

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!

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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 kimchi is all the preparation he...

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 communities, and why integration matters ...

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-class fishing. Stingray isn't...

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 to get existential, baby!

Plus, T...

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 offensive interaction involving a bana...

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 how the experience relates to the br...

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, full-circle moment, revisiting an ...