You should have been there

Jessica has visited every country world and is almost certainly the first black woman to do so. She shares her tales of favourite and not so favourite places, of inspiring encounters and lessons learnt along the way. You can follow Jessica's journeys on https://thecatchmeifyoucan.com . Her new WhatsApp docuseries, Crossing Cultures, is about the world's diasporas and starts in London's Peckham : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzndKNV9HrE

We report on recent journeys: Simon to the potentially controversial destination of Israel, Mick to the North of Spain, where the FEVE narrow-gauge railway takes you to some remote and intriguing mountain villages. Find FEVE information here https://www.renfe.com/es/en/suburban/cercanias-feve

We are joined by Sophie Griffiths from TTG Media to talk about gay-friendly destinations, oppressive and discriminatory laws and the improvements in attitudes towards LGBTQ+ travellers that Pride events are helping to bring about around the world

We compare and contrast Simon's happy-go-lucky approach to travel planning with Mick's meticulous preparations. Serendipity v serious forethought. And which is better when it all goes Pete Tong, as journeys often do? We also hear from listeners about the ideal length of time to allow for transits, layovers and stopovers. Thanks to all contributors, in particular traveller, Catherine Oldham and coach driver, Husain.

We celebrate our 150th podcast at London's St Pancras station with highlights (and some lowlights) from our previous editions. On the agenda: crossing strange borders, psychogeography, Pyrenean slip-ups and strange brews.

We are joined by astronomer, traveller and tour group leader, Doctor John Mason. He talks eclipses, paths of totality, meteor showers and how best to see the Northern Lights. According to Doctor John: "Think of yourself as an insomniac Polar Bear"

We are joined by Claudia Gualdi, a travel data expert at the company Riskline. She talks us through a recent survey that reveals in a surge in post-pandemic travel by solo females. What are the rewards and, sadly, the risks? How best can they be mitigated? Websites: riskline.com and solotravelerworld.com/about/solo-travel-statistics-data And apps: Toilet finder: Flush Safety: Bsafe App

We hear the salutary tales of Debra's passport and of Mick's misplaced click, while continuing the hot topic of travelling with children- is there a best age? With many thanks to Debra Davis, Alec Webb and Charlotte Hindle. And do send us your own stories of travel errors to be avoided and childhood memories to be cherished.

We hear anecdotes and advice about travelling with young children, from TV producer Nicky Lessware, You Tuber Mark Wolters  and Charlotte Hindle, co-author of the Lonely Planet Guide to Travelling with Children.  On the agenda: which country is the best to visit with a baby, what dogs should be avoided in Georgia and where in Rome can you find Bugs Bunny's house?  

Our guest this week is the incredibly popular US  You-Tube traveller, Mark Wolters.  He tells us how and why he started Wolters' World and shares some frank tips on travel do's and don'ts.  When in the USA, for instance, don't touch Americans- unless they ask you to, of course!  Find Mark's 2000 plus videos at woltersworld.com