The Travel Addict

This is about Lauren, husband Jon and their dog Belka, who are living an adventurous life mixed in with a few variations of lifestyle every now and again. In Lauren's own words: "My proudest travel moments include taking a student expedition team to Ecuador. Having treated herself to a trip of the Trans-Siberian railroad for my 30th birthday, I am now looking forward to being in Japan for my 40th. Together with my husband, Jon, I run the travel website https://twohumansandadog.com. This focuses on dog-friendly adventure travel. We have enjoyed plenty of adventures together from a road trip around Cuba to diving in the Galapagos Islands. Recently we eloped and spent our honeymoon volunteering around the Balkans." Lauren also has a passion for Shakespeare, Folklore, and Ghouls. Lengthy stays in the Isle of Skye and the Balkans add to their list of escapades. Learn more about Lauren, Jon and Belka right here: https://twohumansandadog.com/ https://www.instagram.com/travelling_ghouls/ https://www.instagram.com/belka_pomskollie/ http://www.malcolmteasdale.com

Barbados, St. Lucia, Grenada, Tobago, Curacao, Bonaire, Aruba, and Dominican Republic. Culturally diverse, but each of these islands have their own history and personality. Collectively, the Travel Addict had 5 education talks to perform and in addition, by special request from a few pssengers, they wanted to hear an explanation of the rules of cricket. An abbreviated version it was to be, which is borderline giberish, however presents a brief and somewhat humorous explanation of one of the worlds oldest and most popular sports. Add in addition, a quick overview of the islands visited. Island hop or take a cruise ship folks, depending on what time you have. Lots to see and do. Stay active or stay relaxed. I http://www.malcolmteasdale.com

Autumn Carolynn recently had a goal to visit 30 countries within 30 years. Throughout her time traveling, she kept an on-going journal of all her travels and when reaching that goal, she created a book called "Traveling in Wonder". It was launched in February 24th, 2024. She was a previously a flight attendant, travel agent, travel design manager, and is now a travel photographer within the twin cities in Minnesota. She sells her canvases, matted prints, calendars, greeting cards, and more at art festivals and fairs around the Midwest! Check her out here: https://autumncarolynn.com/ https://www.instagram.com/autumncarolynnphotography/ https://www.youtube.com/@autumncarolynnphotography https://www.amazon.com/Traveling-Wonder-Travel-Photographers-Wanderlust/dp/B0CPGX7HQ7/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1704471723&sr=8-1 https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/traveling-in-wonder-autumn-carolynn/1144406114;jsessionid=094C595F8D06389A86388A4B0AC358F0.prodny_store01-atgap11 http://www.malcolmteasdale.com

I had a speaking gig on a cruise ship around Asia for 2 weeks, so I thought I would extend it for a week before and after. Presenting to people from the Americas, Europe, Asia, Australasia, and Africa was fullfilling and it was just great to be in an environment where humans from many parts of the world all got along with each other wonderfully well. Apart from presenting some history, geography, and cultural facts about countries in Asia, I decided to take on an extreme challenge and climb to Tigers Nest Monastery for the 2nd time, however I was now 9 years older. The great news is that I made it without passing out or falling off the mountain along the way, It's a very tough and strenuous trek up steep slopes in a rocky terrain. The reward for reaching this iconic building is a feeling of substantial achievement and enlightenment, at one of the most sacred places on planet earth. I visited the following: Fantastic experience. Go to Asia folks. http://www.malcolmteasdale.com

Alastair Henry did something not many people would think about doing when retiring in his 60s. He did volunteer work in Bangladesh, Guyana, and Jamaica. He also did his share of backpacking around the world, an activity normally associated with the younger generation. This is a prime example of "You are never too old for adventure", which is also a title of one of my presentation topics. He did surprise me when he stated that more people than we think do these commendable activities, even when they are in the latter part of their lives. Take note everyone. Life is short. Check out his web site and books: Alastair Henry - Fiction & Non-Fiction Author http://www.malcolmteasdale.com

Max Vanaalst and I were both invited on the brand new luxury ship Explora 1 on its inaugural visit to Caribbean from Europe. We were contracted as Luminaries, as we provided educational and enrichment talks to passengers during the 2+ week cruise around the Caribbean, visiting islands such as Barbados, Bonaire, Dominica, Curacao, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Martinique, St. Kitts and Antigua. A great ship with wonderful staff and delicious food. Max and his company Branch Coral Foundation are doing a wondeful job preserving and expanding the coral reef system around Curacao. Listen and learn a little about the intricacies his company's work. Very commendable. https://www.branchcoralfoundation.com/ http://www.malcolmteasdale.com

Wayne has been chronicling his life's adventures, grappling with personal demons, recounting moments of shame, and reflecting on his wild, at times bewildering behaviors for over three decades. Now, using the wealth of insights contained within his extensive series of journals and life experiences, he has unveiled it all to the world in his debut book, "So It Begins: Dark Dreams, Demons, and Discovery." This book marks the first installment in a series that captures his myriad experiences and profound self-reflection as he embarks on a quest for redemption, striving to invest his emotional currency wisely. After an active life so far, he is still alive to talk about his escapades. Keep doing it Wayne. https://www.facebook.com/c.wayne.butler/ https://www.instagram.com/turnerblade/ http://www.malcolmteasdale.com

Kelly Keefe is a multi-disciplinary artist, best-selling author, innovative leader, empowerment guide, and Reiki teacher. She is the founder of The Heartspace, established in 2016 helping individuals and groups elevate into states of thriving. She works deeply with the Divine Feminine/spiritual world to endlessly create uplifting experiences, creations, and teachings. Her music is a multi-dimensional experience created with the intention to expose and elevate the different facets of herself, and as a reflection - of everyone. Kelly is a world traveler serving, performing, and creating as needed and desired. Ready to thrive and live alive? Listen and discover. http://www.malcolmteasdale.com

This podacst is based on Lisa Ruoff's own personal experiences, as a single solo female traveler, within her highly unconventional life. Alaska to Cuba and Back is the story and is about leaving her little, off grid cabin in Alaska to make her way onto a sailboat off the east coast of the states, to sail around Cuba with a South African captain and the girl he met at a bar the night before. She wrote a book about this. Her second book, Bite of the Travel Bug , recently released, is about backpacking and hitchhiking adventures in both Australia and Africa. Hear about her experience with a Tasmanian Devil in, guess where, Tasmania. All fun stuff, and she is still alive to talk about it. http://www.malcolmteasdale.com

For the 100th episode of the Travel Addict Podcast, I find myself listening to an inspiring story about the Gagnon family from Canada. Daughter Jordan has a very rare illness has caused her to become disabled and wheelchair bound. Nevertheless, they travel, primarily because Jordan has her own travel Bucket List. With an attitude of, "we will make it happen", they have plans to travel and make the most of life. With an upcoming trip to Costa Rica and a cruise to Alaska, they intend to continue their travels under the challenging situation without hesitation. Hear mother Christa talk about their escapades and plans for the future. Very inspiring it is: Resilience, Determination, Courage, Bravery, and Strength are their core values Check out the Gagnons here: https://goingwiththegagnons.com/ https://www.instagram.com/goingwiththegagnons/?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D https://www.tiktok.com/@goingwiththegagnons?_t=8fdzaPukXGn&_r=1 http://www.malcolmteasdale.com

Being a luxury 5 star resort does not mean it is always better than a 4 star resort. Here is the list of my Top 10 in no particular order.: My #1 choice will be mentioned at the end. Listen to this podcast and learn why. I have my reasons. Would I go back there tomorrow? Yes of course, http://www.malcolmteasdale.com

Sonja a mapmaker, artist, and designer. For the first 26 years of her life,she lived in 4 countries while not changing her street address. You have to listen to this podcast to understand this logic. She moved to Paris 12 years ago from Serbia to complete her second master's degree in Urban Regeneration (her first was in Architecture). Paris ignited her creativity, and for the past 8 yearsshe has been crafting maps for companies and individuals. She believes anything can be turned into a map, aiding communication in the workplace and celebrating life. She has also climbed the Eiffel Tower 100's of times. We talk about her ex-pat life and the science of maps. Find her right here: https://sonjabajic.substack.com/p/travelogue-scandinavia hello@sonjabajic.com http://www.malcolmteasdale.com

Mitch Metzger helps people completely change their lives by traveling the world and getting paid to teach English abroad. If an opportunity like this was around when I was growing up in England, I would have given it some serious consideration. Mitch describes his time in Thailand teaching English and also teaching teachers. It may not be the highest paying job on the planet, but the advantages of living inThailand are many: He does return to the States every now and again, but after 2 weeks, he feels the need to get back to Bangkok. A frequent visitor to Thailand myself, I understand completely his desire to live there. In 2024, I will be there again. Listen to his story as it is very inspiring to the younger generation who maybe looking for something "different" to explore in their lives. FIVE STAR reviews. https://destinationtefl.com/bkk/ https://www.instagram.com/teflthailand/ https://www.gooverseas.com/organization/destination-tefl-reviews http://www.malcolmteasdale.com

These days, I am more likely to visit and stay in a place where there are fewer people, however I do have some favorite major cities, which left their mark on me. Would I go back to these places? Of course I would. Below is a list of my favorite capital cities of the world. Each has their own personality and unique history. In no particular order: The picture inserted in my logo is a view of Sukhumvit Road in Bangkok on a typical day. Enjoy the short podcast. http://www.malcolmteasdale.com

My Top10 islands of the World and the explanation of why that is: Worthy mentions: http://www.malcolmteasdale.com

My Top 10 list of places where I have enjoyed the wonders of Mother Nature. 1. The world's oldest desert, Namibia 2. High up in the Himalayan Mountains, Nepal 3. Where the sea meets the sky, Maldives 4. Mystical peacefulness, Bhutan 5. Norwegian Fjords 6. Wilderness, Mongolia 7. Just a normal sunset, Boracay, Philippines 8. World's largest biodiverse marine area, Raja Ampat, Indonesia 9. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe 10. Deadvlei, Namibia I could have added 10 more also. The world is a wonderful place. http://www.malcolmteasdale.com

I asked Sarah after she told me about her activities day to day, "Do you have time to sleep?" Hear her response in this podcast. She also answered how she defines the meaning of life. Her adventurous spirit, volunteer work and support for non-profit organizations is commendable, but she also embraces financial and spiritual wisdom in helping people to succeed in life. Her travel stories are delightful also. Great stuff. FInd her here: https://thesarahmarie.net The purpose of life, after all, is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.” – Eleanor Roosevelt http://www.malcolmteasdale.com

This is a relatively short description of the 10 most sacred places I have visited on our wonderful planet. Yes, there are so many out there, I could have made a top 20. Nevertheless, I narrowed it down to my top 10, and they are probably nothing what you would expect, or maybe never heard of. These are very special places, or as I say sometimes, while I was there, I just knew that they are/were important and very significant. Listen and make comments. Enjoy. http://www.malcolmteasdale.com

It was October when I took the Norwegian Airlines flight to Stockholm. It made me think for a few seconds while in flight that I may be going to Oslo instead. Staying in Stockholm's Old Town is a great area to be. You can just spend your day walking around. Coffee shops, Pubs, Historical Buildings, and blocks of ice high up on buildings. The latter you have to be aware of, although there are Ice Managment Staff monitoring and removing any signs of falling ice blocks. Take a walk to Abba's museum and reminisce about the great music of the 70's and 80's. Staying at the Victory Hotel was excellent and made me think about Admiral Lord Nelson and the Battle of Trafalgar, and why I would see this in Stockholm. I sailed through the Stockholm Archipelago which was just spectacular and was honored to be ask to speak from the Cruise Ship's Bridge as we navigated the area. Great memories. Also, thanks to Feedspot for putting the Travel Addict Podcast high in the MIdlife Travel category https://podcasts.feedspot.com/midlife_travel_podcasts/ http://www.malcolmteasdale.com

After listening to this, you may be either surprised or enlightened to the fact that the Nordic countries are rated highly in various world indexes and are desirable places to live, although maybe not all year round. I have not made up these statistics as they have come from trusted sources. Maybe before you listen, just jot down the countries you think maybe at the #1 position for Happiest Country, Safest Country, Most Freedom, Human Development, Best Places to Live, etc. Good luck. As I lecture about this stuff, I have to be pretty much correct and have this info. backed up fom reliable sources. Personally, I still love the English Countryside. http://www.malcolmteasdale.com