In this episode of the GoNOMAD Travel Podcast, Senior Writer Chin Liang takes us deep into the heart of Transylvania, a region forever linked to gothic legends, dark forests, and of course… vampires. But as Chin quickly shows us, the real Transylvania—and the real Brașov—is far more fascinating than any fictional horror story.

We begin with the scenic train ride from Bucharest, winding through the Carpathian Mountains before arrivin...

In this episode, we head to Lower Manhattan to explore the layers of history hidden beneath the skyscrapers of Wall Street. Longtime GoNOMAD contributor Susmita Sengupta, a New Yorker with a sharp eye for the city’s past, takes us on a walking journey through the Financial District — revealing the colonial streets, early American landma...

In this episode, host Max Hartshorne takes listeners deep into Komodo National Park, exploring what it actually feels like to move through one of the world’s wildest island chains. This isn’t the postcard version—this is the lived version.

Drawing from on‑the‑ground insight in the uploaded script — “You start to realize Komodo National Park isn’t really a checklist kind of place. It’s something you feel your way through.” —...

MOSTAR, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA — A RESILIENT CITY OF HISTORY, DIVING FEATS & ADVENTURE

In this episode, we travel to Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina — a city where beauty, bravery, and centuries of history meet on the stones of one of the world’s most iconic bridges.

Host Max Hartshorne takes listeners to the edge of the 79‑foot Stari Most, where divers have leapt into the emerald Neretva River for nearly 500 years, conti...

On today’s episode of the GoNOMAD Travel Podcast, we’re unpacking a safety warning you’ve heard on every flight but may not have taken seriously: don’t reach for your phone if it slips between the airplane seats — call a flight attendant instead.

It sounds like a small thing, but as we explore in this episode, it’s a rule written in fire. Literally.

This story comes from reporting in Afar Magazine, and it reveals just how da...

We explore this vibrant region, known for its stunning landscapes, mountains, local vineyards, and a plethora of agri-tourism opportunities. Our journey takes us through charming towns like Dunham, Bromont, and Frelighsburg, where we stay at the welcoming Gite La Maison Bleu and dine at Espace Old Mill, enjoying meals crafted from locally sourced ingredients.

This episode includes many photos and short videos from this region of Que...

This week, host Max Hartshorne takes you inside one of Europe’s most intense and iconic travel experiences: the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain. With insight from Pamplona resident Losu Values, we explore what it really takes to watch the event—not just survive it—and how first-time visitors can actually understand what they’re seeing.

Most travelers arrive with a cinematic image in mind: bulls charging, runners spr...

SHOW NOTES — GoNOMAD Travel Podcast PENANG, MALAYSIA's Miao Hui New Years

In this episode, we travel to the vibrant island of Penang, Malaysia, where Lunar New Year isn’t just a date on the calendar—it’s a living, breathing celebration that spills into the streets of George Town. Senior Writer Chin Liang Teh takes us home to his island to experience Miao Hui, a community‑driven festival that preserves the traditions many bi...

SHOW NOTES — SKIING IN JASNÁ, SLOVAKIA

Episode Title: Skiing in Jasná: A Winter Adventure in Slovakia’s Low Tatras

Host: Max Hartshorne, GoNOMAD Travel Podcast

In this episode, Max takes listeners along on a winter journey through Slovakia, a country full of surprises — from affordable skiing and cozy chalets to wooden UNESCO churches and medieval castle ruins. Traveling with a small group of nine, Max explores the Low Tatras...

Show Notes: Ho Chi Minh City — Then and Now

In this episode, Senior Writer Chin Teh Liang takes us to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s largest and fastest-changing metropolis. Once known as Saigon, the city still carries the echoes of its wartime past and its elegant French colonial heritage—yet today it’s a booming, modern powerhouse with a skyline that surprises first‑time visitors.

What We Cover in This Episode

A C...

GoNOMAD Travel Podcast: Humboldt County, California

Episode Title: Humboldt County: Redwoods, Oysters, and Coastal Charm

Host: Max Hartshorne, based on a story by Jerry Olivas. drolivas@hotmail.com

Episode Summary: In this episode, Max takes us to the far northern reaches of California to explore Humboldt County—a region defined by towering redwoods, rugged coastline, and laid-back towns like Eureka and Arcata. From oyster fa...

Show Notes: Skiing Mt. Bachelor & Exploring Bend, Oregon

In this episode of the GoNOMAD Travel Podcast, Max heads to Central Oregon to explore one of the most surprising ski destinations in the United States: Mt. Bachelor. This massive, 9,065‑foot volcanic peak offers something rare in North America — true 360‑degree skiing from the summit. With more than 4,300 acres of terrain and plans for even more expansion, Mt. Bac...

The New Year celebration in Chiang Mai, Thailand, is a rich tapestry of sights, sounds, and traditions that provides a unique experience for all who partake. The city is alive with energy as it transforms into a vibrant hub for festivities.

January 1 is not just a day but the beginning of a week-long holiday where locals and visitors alike engage in a variety of celebratory activities. The streets are bustling with life, illuminate...

📝 Episode Summary: In this episode of the GoNOMAD Travel Podcast, Max takes us deep into Brazil’s interior for a road trip to Chapada dos Veadeiros — a wild, luminous UNESCO wonderland of waterfalls, quartz-rich plateaus, and golden savanna skies. From the bureaucratic grid of Brasília to the rolling cerrado, this is Brazil at its most primal and beautiful.

We explore the three key bases — Alto Paraíso, São Jorge, and Cavalcante — ...

NUQUÍ: COLOMBIA’S WILD PACIFIC COAST, THEN AND NOW

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode, we journey to Nuquí, one of the most remote and biodiverse corners of Colombia’s Pacific coast. It’s a place where the rainforest crashes into the ocean, where there are no roads, and where life moves to the rhythm of tides, rain, and community.

Our host revisits a 2008 expedition to the region—complete with a disastrous boat ride, ra...

Episode Title: Bishkek: The Green City Under Tian Shan

Episode Summary:

In this episode of GoNOMAD Travel Podcast, senior writer Chin Liang teams up with Talgat from Datka Travel to uncover the overlooked charms of Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. While most travelers rush to the countryside for horse riding and yurt stays, Bishkek rewards those who linger with leafy boulevards, Soviet‑era architecture, vibrant festivals, and mo...

SHOW NOTES: WILMINGTON BY RAIL – BIDEN’S HOMETOWN AND DELAWARE’S HIDDEN CHARMS

🚆 Episode Overview

In this episode, we journey by train from Massachusetts to Wilmington, Delaware—arriving at the Joseph R. Biden Station in the heart of the city. Wilmington may be small, but it’s packed with history, culture, and surprises. From the spotlight of the 2020 election to the legacy of the DuPont family, this city offers a fascinati...

Flighty is revolutionizing the way we manage our air travel by providing the world's fastest delay alerts and comprehensive flight tracking information. Unlike traditional airline apps that often leave passengers in the dark, Flighty predicts delays, tracks inbound aircraft, and delivers crucial weather updates, empowering travelers with timely information.

For frequent flyers and anxious travelers alike, this app offers not just d...

Join us as we explore the vibrant capital of Spain, Madrid, through the eyes of fashion stylist Cathie Arquilla. In this episode, we delve into why Madrid is emerging as a premier destination for luxury shopping, world-class culture, and culinary delights that offer a distinctly Spanish flair.

Cathie shares her insights from a whirlwind three-day visit, highlighting key shopping neighborhoods like the upscale Calle Serrano and the ...