The Thoughtful Travel Podcast 367 Visiting Lesser-Known Places
Oct 5, 2025
Join long-form traveler Jonny Wright as he shares tales of hidden gems like a secluded canyon in eastern Turkey and a near-deserted Japanese island. Travel writer Pam Petro reveals her deep connection to Wales and her adventures in Welsh-speaking communities worldwide, even in Welsh Patagonia. Independent blogger Barefoot Backpacker recounts experiences in Paraguay, from the UNESCO-listed Jesuit missions to towns rich with German heritage, offering a unique glimpse into lesser-explored destinations.
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Choose Smaller Towns For Authenticity
- Avoid only the most famous tourist spots if you want cozier, more authentic experiences.
- Explore smaller towns and local markets for quieter, often better cultural encounters.
Seek Surprise Over Popularity
- Jonny Wright prefers places he knows nothing about because surprise reduces disappointment and heightens experience.
- He treats unknown towns on the map as a green light for authentic, living-space encounters.
Canyon Surprise In Seart, Turkey
- Jonny visited Seart in eastern Turkey and found a stunning canyon close to the city that surprised him.
- Locals and police were surprised a tourist came because "No one comes to Seart."
