Travel isn’t always sunsets, summit views, and perfect Instagram moments — and in this episode, I get honest about the other side of life on the road.

Before diving in, I acknowledge just how much of a privilege travel is, especially in a world where many people face conflict, instability, and restrictions on movement. This episode isn’t about criticising countries, cultures, or places — it’s about the very human moments that unfold while traveling.

From getting violently sick at sacred sites, to terrifying border crossings, brutal overnight bus rides, running out of money abroad, and nearly dehydrating in the desert, I share ten of the lowest — and often unintentionally funny — moments I’ve experienced so far.

Some of these stories are uncomfortable, some are reflective, and others are light-hearted in hindsight. But all of them highlight a truth we don’t talk about enough: travel doesn’t always go to plan, and sometimes the hardest moments become the best stories later on.

If you’ve ever had a trip go sideways, questioned why you’re doing this at all, or found yourself laughing through the chaos — this one’s for you.

Let me know what your lowest moments have been.

00:00 – Travel is a privilege & episode introduction

01:05 – What Winging It Travel Podcast is all about

02:30 – Why this episode isn’t about judging places or cultures

03:00 – #1: Bodh Gaya, India – food poisoning at a sacred site

05:15 – #2: Vanuatu flight cancellation & the “prison hotel”

09:00 – #3: Being seriously ill in India & Laos

10:15 – #4: Chitwan National Park, Nepal – promised wildlife, saw nothing

11:40 – #5: Mount Fuji, Mount Kinabalu & hikes with zero views

15:05 – Listener support & podcast housekeeping break

15:55 – #6: Laos–Thailand border scam with guns involved

17:30 – #7: 30-hour bus rides from Vietnam to Laos

18:55 – #8: Near dehydration in the Atacama Desert

20:30 – #9: Running out of money in Australia

22:45 – #10: Giant ants while wild camping in Oman

24:45 – Bonus: Brutal mine-site kitchen work on a work permit

29:20 – Final reflections & listener call-to-action

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Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com⁠

Voyascape: Travel Podcast Network - https://voyascape.com/

Winging It Travel Podcast - Website

Please leave a review and a 5-star rating wherever you get your podcasts!

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Winging It Travel Podcast Credits

Host/Producer/Creator/Composer/Editor - James Hammond

Contact me - jameshammondtravel@gmail.com or james@wingingitproductions.com

Social Media - follow me on:

Instagram

TikTok

In this episode, I take you along for one unforgettable day in Bhutan that perfectly captures the country’s culture, spirituality, and everyday life.

The day begins dressed in a traditional gho before heading high into the Himalayas for the Druk Wangyel Festival at Dochula Pass. With clear skies, snow-capped peaks in the background, and vibrant performances by the Royal Bhutan Army, this festival is one of Bhutan’s most visually striking and patriotic celebrations.

After the festival, we descend into the Punakha Valley, stopping for lunch before setting off on a walk through authentic Bhutanese countryside. This walk takes us through Sopsokha Village and Teopronghu Village, passing rice paddies, prayer flags, family homes, and locals going about their daily lives — offering a real glimpse into rural Bhutan away from the usual tourist trail.

The walk ends at Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the Fertility Temple, dedicated to the legendary Drukpa Kunley, the “Divine Madman.” While often misunderstood for its playful symbolism, this sacred site is deeply spiritual and an important place of faith for Bhutanese people, set against stunning views of the Punakha Valley.

To end the day, I arrive at a hilltop hotel overlooking the Punakha Dzong, watching it transition from daylight to night — a quiet, reflective moment after a day full of colour, culture, and connection.

This episode blends immersive sounds, personal reflections, and on-the-ground experiences to give you a true sense of what a day in Bhutan feels like — from high-altitude festivals to peaceful village life.

Check out my previous Bhutan episodes

Episode 1 Interview with Ugyen Rinzin - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/winging-it-podcast/id1559489384?i=1000743770563

Episode 2 - IMMERSIVE Hiking to Tiger's Nest Monastery - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/winging-it-podcast/id1559489384?i=1000744754502

Episode 3 - Days 1-3 solo episode - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/winging-it-podcast/id1559489384?i=1000745691316

Episode 4 - Interview with a female monk - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/winging-it-podcast/id1559489384?i=1000747763604

🎧 If Bhutan has ever been on your travel radar, this series will show you why it deserves to be.

This entire journey through Bhutan was made possible by Breathe Bhutan, who created an incredible, deeply immersive itinerary that allowed me to experience the country far beyond the surface. From meeting local families to having honest conversations like this one, their focus on authentic, responsible, and meaningful travel is something I’ll be showcasing throughout this series.

Huge thanks to Breathe Bhutan for creating an authentic, culture-focused itinerary and making experiences like this possible. Also, thanks to Tourism Bhutan for hosting me on this trip and making this series possible.

Breathe Bhutan

Website to book tours - https://www.breathebhutan.com/

Instagram -

Bhutan Series w/ Breathe Bhutan Interview with Nun at Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery - Life as a Buddhist Nun in Modern Bhutan

In this episode of the Winging It Travel Podcast, I visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery, an all-female Buddhist nunnery located above the Punakha Valley in Bhutan. This episode offers a rare look into the lives of Buddhist nuns and the important role this nunnery plays in supporting women within Bhutan’s monastic system.

Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery was established to provide both religious and practical education to nuns from across Bhutan, many of whom come from rural and remote regions. Alongside intensive training in Buddhist philosophy, meditation, chanting, and ritual practices, the nuns also study English, computer skills, and vocational crafts—helping prepare them for life both within and beyond the monastery.

During my visit, the nunnery was preparing for final examinations, offering a unique insight into the academic structure of monastic life. You’ll also hear immersive background sounds from the nunnery itself, adding context to the daily rhythm of study, prayer, and discipline.

Following the introduction, I share a 10-minute interview with one of the resident nuns, conducted in English. In our conversation, she explains her daily routine, what she has studied over the years, her perspective on Buddhism in Bhutan, and what life looks like after completing the nine-year monastic education. She also shares why visitors should take the time to visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery and one key idea from Buddhism that she believes everyone should understand.

This episode offers a thoughtful, grounded look at female monastic life in modern Bhutan, blending spiritual insight with real-world structure and purpose.

🎧 If Bhutan has ever been on your travel radar, this series will show you why it deserves to be.

This entire journey through Bhutan was made possible by Breathe Bhutan, who created an incredible, deeply immersive itinerary that allowed me to experience the country far beyond the surface. From meeting local families to having honest conversations like this one, their focus on authentic, responsible, and meaningful travel is something I’ll be showcasing throughout this series.

🎧 If Bhutan has ever been on your travel radar, this series will show you why it deserves to be.

This entire journey through Bhutan was made possible by Breathe Bhutan, who created an incredible, deeply immersive itinerary that allowed me to experience the country far beyond the surface. From meeting local families to having honest conversations like this one, their focus on authentic, responsible, and meaningful travel is something I’ll be showcasing throughout this series.

Huge thanks to Breathe Bhutan for creating an authentic, culture-focused itinerary and making experiences like this possible. Also, thanks to Tourism Bhutan for hosting me on this trip and making this series possible.

Breathe Bhutan

Website to book tours - https://www.breathebhutan.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/breathebhutan/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/breathebhutan/

🎧 Next up: The next episode will be an immersive experience of a Bhutanese festival, and be ready for all the sounds in this one!

After experiencing Bhutan — a destination that sat at the very top of my travel list for years — I found myself in an unexpected place. Not rushing to plan the next trip, not chasing the next highlight, but sitting in a quiet lull and asking myself a simple question: what places won’t leave my mind now?

In this episode of the Winging It Travel Podcast, I share 16 places I can’t stop thinking about travelling to right now — not as a bucket list, not as recommendations, but as an honest reflection on how travel inspiration shifts over time.

Some of these destinations are familiar and grounding. Others are remote, challenging, or expansive in ways that feel both exciting and intimidating. From places shaped by silence and space, to cultures that feel like crossroads, to one destination that represents a deep exhale after years of movement, this episode explores why certain places keep calling — even when you’re not ready to book a flight.

Rather than counting down landmarks, I talk candidly about:

1. What draws people to these places in the first place
2. Why they keep resurfacing in my mind
3. How travel motivation changes after a trip that truly delivers

This is a reflective, solo episode for travellers who’ve ever finished a big trip and thought, “What now?”

🎧 Expect honest reasoning, personal perspective, and a reminder that travel inspiration doesn’t always arrive as urgency — sometimes it arrives as a quiet pull.

1. One place on this list surprised me by how familiar it feels, even though I’ve never been
2. There’s a destination here people visit for luxury — but that’s not why it’s calling me
3. A road trip idea that’s less about distance and more about time and light
4. And the number one place? It represents something very different than adventure

If you enjoyed this episode:

1. ⭐ Leave a 5-star rating or review on your podcast app
2. ☕ Support the show at buymeacoffee.com/wingingit
3. 🌍 Explore more episodes at wingingittravelpodcast.com

Want to travel with me to El Salvador?

Click this link to hear more - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/winging-it-podcast/id1559489384?i=1000734952340

Click here to book - https://intrepid.wetravel.com/i/68fa168c8d157da799033142

00:00 Introduction to Winging It Travel Podcast

01:33 Top 16 Travel Destinations: An Overview

02:29 A Camper Van Adventure

04:24 Isles of Scilly

05:48 The Indian Himalayan Dream

06:46 A Culinary Road Trip in Eastern...

Solo Episode - Bhutan Series w/ Breathe Bhutan - Days 1–3: Everest Views, Sand Mandala Art, Epic Walks & A Breakfast with a Lama

In this solo episode of the Winging It Travel Podcast, I take you through Days 1 to 3 of my journey in Bhutan, sharing the sounds, stories, and real travel context behind one of the world’s most fascinating destinations.

From the unforgettable flight into Paro Airport with Himalayan views stretching all the way to Mount Everest, to my first encounters with Bhutanese food, culture, and daily life — this episode is designed to give you a true sense of what it feels like to arrive and begin travelling in Bhutan.

I break down how travel in Bhutan actually works, including flights, visas, costs, accommodation standards, weather in December, and why guided travel is essential to experiencing the country properly. You’ll hear about traditional sand mandala art, gentle acclimatisation walks through the Paro Valley, and the rhythm of life in Bhutan’s cities and temples.

The episode finishes with one of the most memorable moments of the trip: breakfast at a hilltop temple overlooking Thimphu called Wangditse Lhakhang, followed by a translated conversation with a Bhutanese lama, where we talk about happiness, belief, spirituality, and life in Bhutan today. A cool way to finish the episode!

This is an audio-only episode built to let your imagination do the work — placing you right there through natural sound, reflection, and honest storytelling.

In this episode, I also mention the two accommodations I stayed at, called Tiger's Nest Camp and Access Suites Hotel, both of which were fantastic!

All in all, this is a classic episode to break down my first three days in Bhutan. For more information on Tiger's Nest, check out my immersive episode on the hike below.

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/winging-it-podcast/id1559489384?i=1000744754502

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5R95iDSlJm84s1GjfMgHQK?si=bYR8RKubRWa4tX0_OWMmuA

My first episode of the series takes a deep dive into Bhutanese culture, Buddhism, and history through a great guy I met in Thimphu called Ugyen Rinzin. Check out this episode below.

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/winging-it-podcast/id1559489384?i=1000743770563

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1a4hmlsGoLvYmNRP52f2ps?si=x7UVHkJlRiKeczeYCKRxUA

1. Flying into Paro and why it’s one of the most spectacular landings in the world
2. What it really costs to travel in Bhutan and how the visa and tour system works
3. First impressions of Bhutanese culture, architecture, and daily life
4. Traditional Bhutanese food explained — from chilli and cheese to butter tea
5. The meaning behind sand mandala art and impermanence in Buddhism

IMMERSIVE – Bhutan Series w/ Breathe Bhutan – Hiking to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang) EPIC

In this immersive, audio-only episode of the Winging It Travel Podcast, I take you with me as I hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang) in Bhutan — one of the most iconic and spiritual hikes in the world.

This episode starts early in the morning in Paro, with pre-hike nerves, breakfast, and my first distant glimpse of Tiger’s Nest clinging to the mountainside. From there, we journey to the trailhead and begin the steady uphill climb through pine forests, open valleys, and sweeping mountain views.

As I hike, I share real-time reactions, heavy breathing, and honest reflections as the monastery slowly reveals itself through the trees. About halfway up, I stop at the famous café for a much-needed coffee — and the first truly jaw-dropping view of Tiger’s Nest sitting impossibly in the distance, tucked into the mountains.

From there, the trail continues toward the most iconic viewpoints on the hike, where the scale of the monastery really sinks in. I take you to the famous photo spots before descending hundreds of steps, crossing bridges and waterfalls, and finally entering the temple itself.

Inside Tiger’s Nest, there are no cameras — only flickering butter lamps, chanting monks, incense in the air, and a deep sense of stillness. I reflect on what it felt like to experience the monastery without distractions, and why this hike is considered one of the most unforgettable experiences in Bhutan.

The episode finishes with the walk back down to the parking lot, lunch in Paro, practical hiking tips, and reflections on why Tiger’s Nest isn’t just something you visit — it’s something you feel.

This episode is part of my Bhutan Series, recorded while travelling with Breathe Bhutan, a locally owned tour company creating immersive, meaningful journeys across Bhutan.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, this episode is for you.

🎒If this episode sparks your imagination and makes you want to visit Bhutan, you won’t regret it.

Across the Bhutan Series, you’ll hear:

1. Conversations with local Bhutanese voices
2. Immersive episodes on hiking, culture, food, and daily life
3. Solo breakdowns explaining how travel in Bhutan actually works

This is not just a travel podcast episode — it’s an invitation to slow down, listen, and understand Bhutan on a deeper level.

🎧 If Bhutan has ever been on your travel radar, this series will show you why it deserves to be.

This entire journey through Bhutan was made possible by Breathe Bhutan, who created an incredible, deeply immersive itinerary that allowed me to experience the country far beyond the surface. From meeting local families to having honest conversations like this one, their focus on authentic, responsible, and meaningful travel is something I’ll be showcasing throughout this series.

Huge thanks to Breathe Bhutan for creating an authentic, culture-focused itinerary and making experiences like this possible during the first days of my journey. Also, thanks to Tourism Bhutan for hosting me on this trip and making it possible.

Breathe Bhutan

Website to book tours - https://www.breathebhutan.com/

Instagram -

Bhutan Series w/ Breathe Bhutan - A Conversation with Ugyen Rinzin - Bhutan's History, Buddhism Basics + Modern Bhutanese Culture

In this opening episode of my Bhutan Series, I sit down for a deep, thoughtful conversation with Ugyen Rinzin, a Bhutanese local from Paro, to explore the heart and soul of one of the world’s most fascinating countries.

Recorded in Thimphu, Bhutan, this episode is a beginner-friendly introduction to Bhutan’s history, Buddhist philosophy, and modern Bhutanese culture, told through the lived experience of someone who grew up before television and the internet arrived in the country.

We unpack what makes Bhutan so unique — from its deep-rooted connection to Buddhism, its people-first philosophy, and the idea of Gross National Happiness, to how the younger generation is navigating a rapidly changing world.

If you’ve ever wondered:

1. What is Bhutan really like?
2. How does Buddhism shape everyday life in Bhutan?
3. Why is Bhutan considered one of the most meaningful travel destinations on Earth?

— this episode is the perfect place to start.

Across the Bhutan Series, you’ll hear:

1. Conversations with local Bhutanese voices
2. Immersive episodes on hiking, culture, food, and daily life
3. Solo breakdowns explaining how travel in Bhutan actually works

This is not just a travel podcast episode — it’s an invitation to slow down, listen, and understand Bhutan on a deeper level.

🎧 If Bhutan has ever been on your travel radar, this series will show you why it deserves to be.

Huge thanks to Breathe Bhutan for creating an authentic, culture-focused itinerary and making experiences like this possible during the first days of my journey. Also, thanks to Tourism Bhutan for hosting me on this trip and making it possible.

This entire journey through Bhutan was made possible by Breathe Bhutan, who created an incredible, deeply immersive itinerary that allowed me to experience the country far beyond the surface. From meeting local families to having honest conversations like this one, their focus on authentic, responsible, and meaningful travel is something I’ll be showcasing throughout this series.

Breathe Bhutan

Website to book tours - https://www.breathebhutan.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/breathebhutan/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/breathebhutan/

🎧 Next up: the second episode in my Bhutan series, recorded on location on the Tiger's Nest Monastery hike, will be an immersive soundscape to bring you along for my hike to one of the most amazing temples in the world.

Want to travel with me to El Salvador?

Click this link to hear more -

My 2025 Review of My Travels, Winging It, Personal Goals + What Is To Come in 2026.

In this bonus New Year’s Day episode of Winging It, I’m taking a deep dive into my 2025 travel year, the evolution of the podcast, and what’s coming next in 2026.

I break down the numbers behind my travels — 22 flights, 90,000km flown, nine countries, three new destinations — but more importantly, I reflect on the moments that shaped me as a traveller and storyteller. From seeing wild elephants in India to sharing breakfast with a Bhutanese monk overlooking Thimphu, this episode is about perspective, purpose, and how travel changes over time.

I also open up about the realities of running a long-form travel podcast, including burnout, why I’m stepping back from guest-heavy interviews, and why immersive, sound-rich storytelling is where Winging It is heading next.

If you’re interested in slow vs purposeful travel, how travel content is evolving, or what it’s really like to juggle full-time work with global adventures, this episode pulls the curtain back.

• My full 2025 travel recap across Asia, Europe, Australia, and North America
• Why Bhutan was my favourite country and Bangkok my favourite city
• The most surreal travel moment of my life (and why it changed me)
• What I learned after releasing 57 podcast episodes in one year
• Why immersive travel podcasts matter more than ever
• How travel priorities shift as you get older
• The behind-the-scenes reality of podcasting, pitching, and guest fatigue
• Becoming a dual UK–Canadian citizen and what that means for future travel
• A full preview of my Bhutan podcast series is coming in 2026
• Upcoming trips, travel ideas, and where Winging It is heading next

This episode is part travel reflection, part creator reality check, and part forward-looking roadmap for anyone who loves meaningful, honest travel stories.

🎧 Next up: the first episode in my immersive Bhutan series, recorded on location in Thimphu.

Want to travel with me to El Salvador?

Click this link to hear more - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/winging-it-podcast/id1559489384?i=1000734952340

Click here to book - https://intrepid.wetravel.com/i/68fa168c8d157da799033142

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review on your favourite podcast app — it helps new listeners discover the show. And share this episode with a friend who loves adventure, travel and big ideas.

00:00 – Welcome to the 2025 Travel & Podcast Year in Review

02:00 – 2025 travel stats: flights, distance & time in the air

04:40 – Why I don’t slow travel anymore

07:00 – India reflections: Bangalore, media trips & first impressions

10:20 – Luxury travel vs real experiences on the road

13:40 – Wildlife moments & seeing wild...