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  • Episode 156 - What I Found When I Returned to Hong Kong After 20 Years

    Episode 156 - What I Found When I Returned to Hong Kong After 20 Years
    Jan 20 2026

    Hong Kong was the final stop on Scott and Melissa’s month-long journey through Asia, following their cruise from Hobart to Singapore. For Scott, it was a return after nearly 20 years. For Melissa, it was a first visit. What they both discovered was a city that felt surprisingly familiar, efficient, and easy to navigate.

    In this episode, they explore Hong Kong through its world-class public transportation system, share memorable food experiences, reflect on cultural familiarity, and balance the intensity of the city with a day at Disney.

    In this episode, you’ll hear about:

    • Why Hong Kong felt far more familiar than expected—despite major political changes

    • How Hong Kong’s public transportation compares to London’s Underground

    • Riding the MTR, the iconic Star Ferry, and the historic “ding ding” trams

    • Why the tram ride to Victoria Peak is a must-do (especially at night)

    • Navigating the city easily using the Octopus card vs. tap-to-pay

    • A memorable first-night meal at a Michelin-star Cantonese restaurant—and why it felt universal

    • A reminder that shrimp really does show up in everything in Asia

    • Experiencing Hong Kong Disneyland as a cultural contrast to the city

    • Why character meet-and-greets were busier than ride lines at the park

    • How locals approach Disney differently, especially when it comes to photos and costumes

    • Where they stayed and why location matters in a fast-moving city

    • A Sunshine Travelers advisory on staying at the Conrad Hong Kong

    • How many days you really need in Hong Kong—and when to add an extra day

    • Real-world travel hiccups and why patience is an essential packing item

    • Why Hong Kong turned out to be the perfect place to end a long journey
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    44 Min.
  • Episode 155 - How to See Singapore in 36 Hours!

    Episode 155 - How to See Singapore in 36 Hours!
    Jan 13 2026
    In this episode we share that by only having 24 hours in Singapore puts you in “taste-test mode” — you’re not trying to do everything, you’re trying to feel the city. After disembarking from a cruise (with a few early-morning obstacles), we spent a full day chasing iconic Singapore experiences: kaya toast and local coffee at Ya Kun, the wow-factor of Gardens by the Bay (OCBC Skyway, Cloud Forest, and Flower Dome), lunch at the famous Lau Pa Sat hawker center, and a festive night at Christmas Wonderland in Supertree Grove. (Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.) Help Support the Podcast by Buying us a Coffee ☕️ or using our links whenever you book a trip! We also share where we stayed (Conrad Singapore), what we’d do differently next time (food tour, satay, more time), and a key lesson about visiting Jewel Changi Airport — including what no one tells you about early baggage drop and terminal logistics. What You’ll Learn in This Episode • How to plan a Singapore stopover when you only have one day • What’s worth paying for at Gardens by the Bay (and what you can skip) • What to expect at a hawker center without a guide (and how to order smarter) • The truth about durian ice cream (smell, taste, and the after-effects) • Why Jewel Changi Airport can be trickier than it looks (check-in timing + terminals) • Why Singapore is a great gateway for Southeast Asia cruises • How many days you really need to do Singapore right (your sweet spot: 3–4 days) Here's Your 36-Hour Singapore Itinerary Morning (arrival + hotel area) • Cruise disembarkation + immigration e-gates tip: pack a day bag for the final night (toiletries, meds, pajamas, change of clothes, laptop) • Transport tip: Grab is the main ride-hailing app • Breakfast: Ya Kun Kaya Toast (kaya toast + coffee) Late Morning–Afternoon • Gardens by the Bay • OCBC Skyway (iconic Supertree views and Marina Bay Sands) • Cloud Forest (Jurassic Park exhibit + indoor waterfall + walkways) • Flower Dome (holiday train display and botanical zones) Lunch • Lau Pa Sat hawker center • Tip: order small items from multiple stalls instead of one big dish • Reminder: clear your tray — signs warn of fines/bans Evening • Evening Light Show at the SuperTree Grove (FREE) or if visiting during the holidays you'll need a ticket to the Christmas Wonderland at Supertree Grove • or see the light and water show in front of Marina Bay Sands Hotel - if you're not familiar check out the Marina Bay Sands episode on Amazing Hotels Departure Day Add-On • Jewel Changi Airport waterfall + photo spots • Reality check: early bag drop depends on airline desk hours • Terminal note: you may have to change terminals by bus/taxi, depending on where you depart Quick Tips • Don’t rely on same-day ticket luck if you only have one day — book Gardens by the Bay tickets ahead. • If you’re choosing between Supertree Observatory and OCBC Skyway, you probably only need one for views. • At hawker centers, go with a plan (or better: take a food tour). If you’re unsure, order a few small things from different stalls. • For Jewel: check your airline’s early check-in hours and your departure terminal before building your timing around it. Where We Stayed Conrad Singapore (Hilton) • Strong location for getting around • Great value (you paid cash because points redemption wasn’t worth it) • Upgrades + Diamond benefits made a big difference • Excellent breakfast (lounge available but you didn’t have time) Best Moments • The first “wow” view from the OCBC Skyway • Cloud Forest: mist, waterfall, and Jurassic Park exhibit • Holiday train display surprise inside Flower Dome • Christmas Wonderland vibes in warm weather • The chance encounter at the airport with fellow cruisers (and the Georgia Bulldog hat moment) What We'd Do Differently Next Time • Add a food tour (especially for hawker centers) • Try the satay you skipped at Lau Pa Sat • Make time for Raffles Hotel + Singapore Sling • Go up to Marina Bay Sands rooftop bar / viewing area • Plan a longer stay: 3–4 days to slow down and go beyond highlights If Singapore is on your list — whether as a stopover or a longer stay — we’d love to help you plan it in a way that fits how you actually like to travel. More Resources & Links Want curated travel deals every week? Subscribe to Travel Deal Insiders — the best travel deals sent straight to your inbox. Get Our Ultimate Packing Guide for Traveling Smart and Packing Light + Access to Exclusive Weekly Content here. Don’t waste your precious vacation time with Jet Lag, get Flykitt and watch Jet Lag disappear! Protect your privacy, boost your security, and keep your browsing data safe with Express VPN. Plus,...
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    46 Min.
  • Episode 154 - How We're Balancing Big Travel Dreams With Real Life in 2026

    Episode 154 - How We're Balancing Big Travel Dreams With Real Life in 2026
    Jan 6 2026
    In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on how we’re thinking about travel in 2026. Not dates. Not spreadsheets. But mindset. We talk honestly about the tension so many travelers feel. Do you slow down and stay longer in one place… or do you keep exploring and saying yes to new destinations? For us, 2026 is shaping up to be a year where slow travel, cruising, meaningful return trips, and big bucket-list dreams all collide—while still balancing real jobs, responsibilities, and everyday life. What you'll discover in this episode: Why we’re asking how we want to travel—not just where The ongoing pull between slow, immersive travel and cruise-style exploration Why Antarctica has been on our bucket list long before the podcast ever existed How our upcoming Antarctica group trip came together—and why bringing listeners along mattered Spending time in Buenos Aires before Antarctica with a private guide, tango, and steak Returning to Kenya for a Habitat for Humanity build near Laikipia—and why travel with impact matters to us The reality of balancing a corporate job, content creation, finances, and big dreams Why “just say yes” isn’t always simple—and why that’s okay Our growing wish list for 2026. This episode isn’t about having everything figured out. It’s about acknowledging the push and pull between aspiration and reality—and realizing that you’re not behind if you’re still figuring it out. We’d love to hear from you: What’s on your bucket list right now? What keeps getting pushed off? Where are you struggling to find balance? Email us at info@sunshinetravelers.com and let us know! Help Support the Podcast by Buying us a Coffee ☕️ More Resources & Links Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Want curated travel deals every week? Subscribe to Travel Deal Insiders — the best travel deals sent straight to your inbox. Get Our Ultimate Packing Guide for Traveling Smart and Packing Light + Access to Exclusive Weekly Content here. Don’t waste your precious vacation time with Jet Lag, get Flykitt and watch Jet Lag disappear! Protect your privacy, boost your security, and keep your browsing data safe with Express VPN. Plus, get 3 months free with a yearly plan. Follow Sunshine Travelers Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on TikTok @sunshinetravelerspodcast Follow us on X @sunshinetrvlrs Connect with us on LinkedIn @sunshinetravelerspodcast Get travel tips and follow our travels on Instagram: @sunshinetravelerspodcast Connect with us on Threads @sunshinetravelerspodcast Connect with us on Threads See our travel videos on YouTube @sunshinetravelerspodcast Save our travel ideas on Pinterest @sunshinetravelerspodcast Music: This Acoustic Happy Music by Dmitrii Kolesnikov from Pixabay
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    31 Min.
  • Episode 153 - What We Learned Through Travel in 2025: Key Experiences, Lessons, and What’s Next

    Episode 153 - What We Learned Through Travel in 2025: Key Experiences, Lessons, and What’s Next
    Dec 30 2025
    As 2025 comes to a close, we’re stepping back from individual destinations to reflect on how we traveled this year, and how that is starting to shift everything for us. From revisiting familiar places in new ways to discovering hidden regions, connecting deeply with locals, and saying yes to moments we almost skipped, this episode is about travel moments and experiences that stay with you long after the trip ends. Instead of chasing checklists, we focused on connection, curiosity, and slowing down, and those choices led to some of our most meaningful travel moments yet. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Help Support the Podcast by Buying us a Coffee ☕️ What You'll Discover in this Episode: How we Revisited Familiar Places but Differently Alaska: Experiencing it by cruise after a previous road trip, flying over glaciers, landing at a remote lodge, and enjoying unrushed family time London: Staying at a bucket-list hotel, exploring new neighborhoods, using a city pass to try experiences we’d never done before, and learning to say yes to spontaneity Berlin & Hong Kong: Seeing cities through the lens of major political change—and how perspective shifts over time How we Connected Through Food & Locals A sangria-making class in Barcelona that completely changed what we thought sangria was Why booking small-group tours—and inviting guides to eat with you—can unlock the most authentic experiences Unforgettable food moments in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Ireland, where meals became conversations, cultural lessons, and memories New Regions & Hidden Gems Iceland stopover: Northern Lights, waterfalls, black sand beaches, and letting the landscape—not the clock—set the pace Northern Ireland & Donegal: Slowing down, renting a car, and discovering areas that surprised us the most Why going beyond the “must-see” list often delivers the richest travel experiences New Ways of Traveling Walking through Umbria, Italy, town to town—luggage transported, senses fully engaged Why walking (and cycling) travel changed how we connect with landscapes and people Two very different cruises that reshaped how we think about cruise travel Lessons That Changed How We Travel Book tours with locals (smaller is better) Learn culture through food Be willing to miss something in order to go deeper Remember: destinations aren’t designed to make you comfortable—they’re home to someone else Moments We Almost Missed, but Didn’t Whale watching in Eden, Australia Extending an Alaska trip to Denali Saying yes to Ireland at the last minute Volunteering abroad—and how it reshaped future travel plans 2025 Milestones & Looking Ahead to 2026 Reaching 6 out of 7 continents (with the final one coming soon!) Counting countries—and debating what “counts.” Why we’ve barely scratched the surface What’s coming in 2026: Antarctica, safari, and more Our Takeaways from 2025 What mattered most this year wasn’t how far we went or how many places we saw; it was how intentional we became. The shared meals, quiet moments, and unplanned detours reminded us why we travel in the first place. As we head into 2026, our mission remains the same: to help you travel more and better. Stay Connected with Us Have questions or thoughts, or need help planning your next trip? 📧 Email us: Scott@sunshinetravelers.com or Melissa@sunshinetravelers.com Want curated travel deals every week? Subscribe to Travel Deal Insiders — the best travel deals sent straight to your inbox. Get Our Ultimate Packing Guide for Traveling Smart and Packing Light + Access to Exclusive Weekly Content here. Don’t waste your precious vacation time with Jet Lag, get Flykitt and watch Jet Lag disappear! Protect your privacy, boost your security, and keep your browsing data safe with Express VPN. Plus, get 3 months free with a yearly plan. Follow Sunshine Travelers Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review—it helps more travelers find the show! Read more about these and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on TikTok @sunshinetravelerspodcast Follow us on X @sunshinetrvlrs Connect with us on LinkedIn @sunshinetravelerspodcast Get travel tips and follow our travels on Instagram: @sunshinetravelerspodcast Connect with us on Threads @sunshinetravelerspodcast Connect with us on Threads See our travel videos on YouTube @sunshinetravelerspodcast Save our travel ideas on Pinterest @sunshinetravelerspodcast Music: This Acoustic Happy Music by Dmitrii Kolesnikov from Pixabay ⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review—it helps more travelers find the show!
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    42 Min.
  • Episode 152 - Best Food Tour in Penang, Malaysia (with Culture stops)

    Episode 152 - Best Food Tour in Penang, Malaysia (with Culture stops)
    Dec 23 2025
    Join us as we explore the heart of Penang, Malaysia, where food is more than just a meal—it's a cultural inheritance. With the guidance of a local expert, Poh, we visited vibrant hawker stalls and tasted traditional dishes like char kway teow and Hokkien Mee. This journey revealed the challenges faced by aging hawkers and the importance of preserving these culinary traditions. Beyond the food, we discovered Penang's rich cultural heritage, from feng shui practices to the serene Taoist temples, offering a deeper understanding of the local way of life. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Link to Book THIS Food Tour! Help Support the Podcast by Buying us a Coffee ☕️ Want curated travel deals every week? Subscribe to Travel Deal Insiders — the best travel deals sent straight to your inbox.Get Our Ultimate Packing Guide for Traveling Smart and Packing Light + Access to Exclusive Weekly Content here. Don’t waste your precious vacation time with Jet Lag, get Flykitt and watch Jet Lag disappear! Protect your privacy, boost your security, and keep your browsing data safe with Express VPN. Plus, get 3 months free with a yearly plan. Follow Sunshine Travelers Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on TikTok @sunshinetravelerspodcast Follow us on X @sunshinetrvlrs Connect with us on LinkedIn @sunshinetravelerspodcast Get travel tips and follow our travels on Instagram: @sunshinetravelerspodcast Connect with us on Threads @sunshinetravelerspodcast Connect with us on Threads See our travel videos on YouTube @sunshinetravelerspodcast Save our travel ideas on Pinterest @sunshinetravelerspodcast Music: This Acoustic Happy Music by Dmitrii Kolesnikov from Pixabay
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    28 Min.
  • Episode 151 - Visiting Kuala Lumpur: What to See, Eat & Experience on Your First Trip to KL

    Episode 151 - Visiting Kuala Lumpur: What to See, Eat & Experience on Your First Trip to KL
    Dec 16 2025

    Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.

    Here's the link to the exact tour we booked. It included the entrance to the Petronas Twin Towers.

    What We Cover in This Episode

    In this episode, we share with you our journey through Kuala Lumpur, exploring its rich culture, historical landmarks, and delicious cuisine. Guided by a local, Nish, we delve into the city's history, visit significant sites like the National Mosque and Petronas Twin Towers, and enjoy authentic Malaysian dishes. Their experience highlights the importance of understanding a city through the eyes of its residents, making for an unforgettable adventure.

    Resources & Links

    • Want curated travel deals every week? Subscribe to Travel Deal Insiders — the best travel deals sent straight to your inbox.
    • Get Our Ultimate Packing Guide for Traveling Smart and Packing Light + Access to Exclusive Weekly Content here.
    • Don’t waste your precious vacation time with Jet Lag, get Flykitt and watch Jet Lag disappear!
    • Protect your privacy, boost your security, and keep your browsing data safe with Express VPN. Plus, get 3 months free with a yearly plan.

    Follow Sunshine Travelers

    • Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube
    • Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG
    • Follow our travels on TikTok @sunshinetravelerspodcast
    • Follow us on X @sunshinetrvlrs
    • Connect with us on LinkedIn @sunshinetravelerspodcast
    • Get travel tips and follow our travels on Instagram: @sunshinetravelerspodcast
    • Connect with us on Threads @sunshinetravelerspodcast
    • Connect with us on Threads
    • See our travel videos on YouTube @sunshinetravelerspodcast
    • Save our travel ideas on Pinterest @sunshinetravelerspodcast

    Music: This Acoustic Happy

    Music by Dmitrii Kolesnikov from Pixabay
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    42 Min.
  • Episode 150 - Lombok Cruise Port Guide: The Perfect Day Trip to Waterfalls & the Gili Islands

    Episode 150 - Lombok Cruise Port Guide: The Perfect Day Trip to Waterfalls & the Gili Islands
    Dec 9 2025
    Our first stop in Asia was nothing short of unforgettable. In this episode, we take you with us to Lombok, Indonesia—just east of Bali—where we spent one of the most meaningful travel days of our lives. From learning traditional weaving techniques in a quiet village to riding motorbikes through a rainforest (crutches and all), and snorkeling with clownfish off the Gili Islands, this day was packed with adventure, connection, and soul. It was the kind of day that reminded us exactly why we travel—and why Indonesia is so much more than Bali. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Help Support the Podcast by Buying us a Coffee ☕️ Book the Private Tour we did in Lombok with Andy Lombok Driver Other Related Episodes You'll Love: Episode 140 - Lombok, Indonesia: What Bali Was Like Before the Crowds Episode 142 - Discovering Malaysia: Insider Tips on Kuala Lumpur and Penang with Colin + Meg What You’ll Discover in This Episode: What it felt like stepping onto Asian soil for the first time How we planned a private, authentic tour in Lombok (and why we skipped the cruise excursion) Getting strapped into a loom and weaving with the women of a local village The wild motorbike ride that left us breathless and laughing in disbelief Scott’s heartwarming chat with locals using Google Translate Hiking (and not hiking) to the stunning Kelambu Waterfalls The moment we climbed onto the roof of a traditional jukung boat Snorkeling off the Gili Islands with thousands of fish—and unexpected clownfish The GoPro deal of a lifetime (complete with a private underwater photographer!) Why our lunch of nasi goreng and homemade sambal was worth the trip alone Dodging a missed cruise departure—and what to know if you’re booking excursions on your own How Indonesia welcomed us in ways we never expected—and why we can’t wait to return Destinations Covered in this Episode: Lombok, Indonesia Kelambu Waterfalls Gili Islands Traditional Weaving Village in Lombok Local beachside warung (restaurant) Helpful Links and Travel Resources Want curated travel deals every week? Subscribe to Travel Deal Insiders — the best travel deals sent straight to your inbox. Get Our Ultimate Packing Guide for Traveling Smart and Packing Light + Access to Exclusive Weekly Content here. Don’t waste your precious vacation time with Jet Lag, get Flykitt and watch Jet Lag disappear! Protect your privacy, boost your security, and keep your browsing data safe with Express VPN. Plus, get 3 months free with a yearly plan. Follow Sunshine Travelers Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on TikTok @sunshinetravelerspodcast Follow us on X @sunshinetrvlrs Connect with us on LinkedIn @sunshinetravelerspodcast Get travel tips and follow our travels on Instagram: @sunshinetravelerspodcast Connect with us on Threads @sunshinetravelerspodcast Connect with us on Threads See our travel videos on YouTube @sunshinetravelerspodcast Save our travel ideas on Pinterest @sunshinetravelerspodcast Music: This Acoustic Happy Music by Dmitrii Kolesnikov from Pixabay
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    37 Min.
  • Episode 149 - Disneyland Hong Kong: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go: Our Experience

    Episode 149 - Disneyland Hong Kong: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go: Our Experience
    Dec 1 2025
    42 Min.