Explore The World Travel Podcast: Recent Episodes
Matt Long
Explore the World Travel Podcast is hosted by Matt Long, travel blogger, writer and photographer. This podcast shares everything you need to know to travel more often, travel smarter but also have a lot of fun along the way. From interviews with top travel experts to destination reviews and practical tips, Explore the World is your one-stop resource for all things travel. Whether you’re an independent solo traveler, someone who loves to cruise, a family with a Disney vacation in the future or a luxury traveler, Explore the World is the place for you. Matt has a passion for travel and wants to help as many people as possible learn how to get out there and experience the best the world has to offer.
Traveling for unique or annual events is one of the most popular reasons why people travel, so this week Patrick and Matt share some quirky examples of special event & celebratory explorations.
This week we learn all about the changes to the cruise industry since COVID and what it means for the average traveler.
This week we’re chatting all about the recently re-opened Disneyland as well as what to see and do throughout California.
This week we celebrate then 100th episode of the Explore the Travel World podcast with a fun retrospective.
This week on the podcast we’re talking all about the amazing road trip I took through Arizona and New Mexico, hitting some incredible natural wonders and stunning luxury experiences along the way.
There’s no shortage of experiences to enjoy in California, but one of the best is to explore the three National Parks along the Majestic Mountain Loop.
This week I’m chatting with friend of the podcast Patrick Kozicky about his recent travel experience in Walt Disney World. We also chat about the reopening of Disneyland and what the future of the Disney Parks looks like.
Learn everything you need to know about planning a trip in 2021 and use this feature on the Kingsmill Resort as inspiration!
This week we highlight some of the world’s oldest, strangest and downright weird shopping experiences around the world.
This week we take a closer look at everything there is to see, do and eat in the beautiful cities of Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia.
This week on the podcast Patrick and Matt explore some of the world’s most bizarre natural wonders.
Now more than ever it’s important to travel mindfully, so this week an expert shares everything the average traveler should know about yoga and Reiki.
This week Patrick and Matt share the bizarre histories of their favorite odd tourist sites and museums around the world.
This week Seth Kubersky from The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World joins us to share everything you need to know about visiting Orlando in 2021.
Bing Fraser, the author of “Unprotected Treks” joins us to share some of his hilarious travel tales. Not all trips end well and for Bing terrible luck seems to follow him around. On this episode we learn more about Bing and his bizarrely funny travel stories.
This week we explore North Carolina’s legendary Pinehurst Resort and learn more about the Historic Hotels of America.
Weird Travel is back and this week Patrick and Matt chat all about the Bermuda Triangle.
This week we’re talking about the latest news and trends in the travel world, from health and safety to reopenings/closings and much, much more.
In this special Weird Travel episode, Patrick and Matt chat about dark tourism sites around the world that are well worth a visit.
This week we’re taking a quick tour around Australia sharing the best things to see, do and eat in the Land Down Under.
This week Ryan from the Caribbean Castaways joins the show to share everything you need to know about traveling to the Caribbean.
The classic American road trip is one of the best ways to explore the country, especially when combined with bizarre and quirky roadside attractions. In this installment of Weird Travel, Patrick and Matt explore the history of this fun travel style and its downright strange history.
This week we chat with Gabe Saglie from Travelzoo who shares amazing travel ideas, tips and deals for anyone looking to venture out this fall and winter.
On this installment of Weird Travel, we investigate the history of Halloween and some of the many places around the world you can visit for a great fright.
We are once again joined by Jason Cochran, Editor-in-Chief of Frommers.com, who shares the latest travel news and updates as many people once again start to plan trips.
“Weird Travel” returns & in this episode we’re talking about all things Polynesian, from Tiki Culture to the odd Kon-Tiki Expedition. More than Mai Tais & palms, the South Pacific and all Polynesian cultures have long and unusual histories, as Patrick and Matt chat about this week.
Learn everything you need to know about traveling with your dog, cat or any other lovable pet as we chat with Amy Burkert from GoPetFriendly.com.
In this installment of Weird Travel we’re investigating the strange and downright bizarre history of nuclear weapons and aliens in Nevada.
Walt Disney World recently reopened after months of closure and this week we talk about what it’s really like to visit a theme park today. Whether you’re just curious or are planning a trip to the Most Magical Place on Earth, in this episode we talk about all of the changes to Disney World from new health measures to favorite attraction updates and much more.
This week an RV and camping expert joins us to share everything we need to know about RV vacations, from renting to where to camp and even the best trips.
This week we’re introducing a new feature - Weird Travel in which we investigate strange, odd and downright bizarre travel mysteries, places and even legends. Kicking off the Weird Travel feature, we are taking a deep dive into the urban legend that Walt Disney is actually frozen and located in Disneyland.
This week we’re highlighting one of my favorite long weekend destinations, Hershey - the Sweetest Place on Earth!
This week we’re talking about the latest news and trends in the travel world, from health and safety to reopenings/closings and much, much more. Eric Bowman, Managing Editor or TravelPulse.com, joins us to chat about what’s new in travel and how to best plan your next adventure.
This week we’re talking about what to see, do, eat, drink and where to stay on your next visit to the remarkable Charleston region. Long heralded as one of the country’s “must-visit” travel destinations, this week we chat with local experts to find out what makes Charleston, South Carolina so special.
Since 2020 will be the summer of the road trip, this week we’re highlighting an amazing place to explore - the Finger Lakes Region of New York. Once known for slightly sweet wine and hokey attractions, today the communities surrounding the Fingers Lakes are home not only to some of the best food and wine experiences in the country, but also the best outdoor adventures.
Traveling to connect with one’s heritage and ancestry is one of the fastest growing styles of travel and with good reason. This week we chat with two people who undertook their own very personal journeys & share how you too can travel to trace your family’s roots.
Lots of people travel and many write about those travels, that’s nothing new. However, to undertake adventures that are truly unique and awe-spiring, that’s unusual but that’s the life of our guest this week Dave Cornthwaite. Dave isn’t only one of the most interesting and adventurous people I’ve ever met, he’s one of the most inspirational as you’ll hear for yourself on this week’s episode.
In today’s crazy world, balance and contentment are things we all crave, but has Sweden mastered this through their unusual, unique and often controversial custom of Lagom? This week we chat with travel photographer & writer Lola Akinmade Åkerström about her experience with Lagom in Sweden as well as her photography and inspirational background.
As quarantine restrictions lift, people are starting to travel again but very differently from just a few months ago. This week we’re talking all about what the new normal looks like in travel and what you should know before planning that first trip.
This week travel writer and photographer Daniel Baylis joins us to talk about his adventures, his books and more!
This week we chat about the likelihood of Disneyland and Walt Disney World reopening this summer and what to expect once they do open. The cohosts of “Gays Do the D: An Unofficial Disney Podcast” join me once again to share their insights into all things related to the Disney Parks.
This week I’m honored that travel industry thought leader Mariëtte du Toit-Helmbold joined me to talk about entrepreneurship, the future of travel post-COVID and tourism in South Africa.
This week we learn all about the National Trust for Historic Preservation and their current initiative - Virtual Preservation Month.
Sydney is home to some of Australia’s most famous sights which is why this week we’re talking not only about the city, but the entire state of New South Wales.
Visiting India is intimidating for many travelers, so this week we’re chatting with an expert who offers her best tips, tricks and hacks for navigating the country.
The UNESCO World Heritage Sites represent the most important places around the world that share our cultural and natural heritage. Numbering more than 1,100, these sites are in every corner of the world and visiting them is a must-do for many. This week travel writer Michael Turtle joins the show to talk more about these vitally important sites.
This week we’re chatting about some of the best experiences across the great country of Canada. An immense country with plenty to see and do, in this week’s podcast we talk with an expert to learn about some highlights of traveling throughout Canada.
While we may not be able to physically travel, destinations around the world have put incredible resources online so we can see the world from home. This week we feature 7 destinations around the world with virtual tourism resources.
Learn more about what’s going on today in the travel industry and what the future might look like after the pandemic.
This week we learn more about COVID 19 including what it’s like to be quarantined and how to better protect yourself and others.
This week we’re joined by a healthy travel expert to learn more about traveling with wellness in mind.
If Oklahoma City isn’t already on your travel to-do list, it will be after you listen to this week’s podcast. In this episode, we explore the best that Oklahoma City has to offer from what to see and do, where to stay and what to eat in this fun and lively city.
This week we’re talking about the latest news and trends in the travel world, from the coronavirus to reclining on flights and much more. Jason Cochran, Editor-in-Chief of Frommers.com, joins us once again to chat about what’s new in travel and how to best plan your next adventure.
This week we’re talking with Cruise Critic all about their Editors’ Picks Awards and important tips for cruising in 2020 and beyond.
This week we’re learning all about what travel agents really do & when travelers should work with them.
We’re kicking off the New Year with a look at sports related travel, from marathons to golf and even major sporting events.
This week we chat with Jason Cochran, Editor-in-Chief of Frommers.com about their Where to Go in 2020 list.
One of the top names in the travel industry, in this week’s episode Chris McGinnis shares amazing travel tips, hacks and trends to help you travel more often and for less money.
If you’ve ever wondered about booking last minute trip deals then this week’s podcast episode is for you. Traveler Brandon Owen joins us to share his experience on a spontaneous trip to Shanghai, China including what to see and do from the Bund to Disneyland and everything in between.
This week I’m excited to finally highlight my hometown, Washington, DC. Often misunderstood, there’s a lot to love about our nation’s capital and joining us to share her top tips is Renee Sklarew, author of the newly updated “The Unofficial Guide to Washington, DC. “
Home to such iconic Italian names like lasagna, balsamic vinegar, Ferrari and Fellini, this week we’re exploring the fascinating Emilia-Romagna region.
This week we’re chatting with the host of the “Inappropriate Traveler” podcast, the always insightful and hilarious Spud Hilton. Spud has spent a career poking fun at the travel industry and this week he joins us to chat about travel writing and why it’s important to be an inappropriate traveler.
This week we’re traveling around Northern Europe on a very unique cruiseferry experience. Sailing from Denmark to the Faroe Islands to Iceland and then back, this is not your average cruise experience but it is one that you’ll never forget.
Join me as I explore Europe with the innovative travel company Monograms. In this episode we learn more about what makes Monograms Travel so different and why they’re the perfect choice for independent travelers.
This week I share my thoughts and advice after my first visit to Walt Disney World. I also interview one of the world’s top experts on the subject, Bob Sehlinger, coauthor of the “Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World.”
In this week’s episode we chat with author Jason Cochran all about his new book “Here Lies America: Buried Agendas and Family Secrets at the Tourist Sites Where Bad History Went Down.”
This week I share interviews and insights from my recent trip exploring Northern Germany. Germany isn’t only castles and pretzels and in the North we find a completely different but no less interesting part of the country.
On this week’s episode we chat with acclaimed travel consumer advocate, Christopher Elliott. He shares his experiences helping people with their travel problems as well as how to avoid making costly mistakes when traveling.
This week we’re featuring two fun interviews to help you better plan your next trip. Gabe Saglie, Sr. Editor at Travelzoo shares the best Fall/Winter travel bargains, deals and tips. Also joining us is Helen Fanthorpe from Rough Guides to tell us all about their new book featuring the 100 Best Places on Earth.
The first in an ongoing series, this week I’m chatting with the hosts of one of my favorite podcasts - Gays Do the D: An Unofficial Disney Podcast. In this episode we learn more about the podcast as well as great tips to improve your next Disney vacation.
Located in the southwestern part of the state, Virginia’s Blue Ridge is now one of the trendiest tourist destinations in the country. It’s also where I’m from, so please join us as we discover what makes the Blue Ridge so much fun to visit.
This week we chat with Colleen McDaniel, Editor-in-Chief of Cruise Critic all about their new 2019 Cruisers’ Choice Destinations Awards.
Join us for a fun trip to Virginia where we learn more about what there is see and do in Virginia Beach and Richmond. We also chat with Rita McClenny, the President & CEO of the Virginia Tourism Corporation about 50 years of LOVE and what’s new in the state.
This week we are chatting with Lonely Planet all about their new Best in Europe List 2019. On the list are European destinations that should be on everyone’s radar and in this podcast episode we find out why.
Whether it’s traveling on a multigenerational trip or taking the kids to the beach, family travel is something most of us will do at some point. This week family travel expert Heather Greenwood Davis shares her top tips.
River cruising is incredibly popular, and with good reason - it’s a lot of fun! This week we sail along the Danube with Avalon Waterways and share what the experience is really like.
On this week’s episode we interview legendary traveler Matt Kepnes, Nomadic Matt, about his new book Ten Years a Nomad: A Traveler's Journey Home.
Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon and Zion - these National Parks are also known as Utah’s Mighty Five; incredible national treasures all located in Southern Utah. In this week’s episode we share what it’s like to visit all of them and what makes them so very special.
This week’s episode features an interview with the CEO of Scott’s Cheap Flights, Scott Keyes. Scott shares his top tips on how to find and book amazing deals on airfare, as well as the best and worst airports in the U.S. for scoring those bargain flights.
Belfast isn’t only one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, it’s also one of my personal favorite cities to explore. This week’s episode was largely taped during my recent visit to Northern Ireland and features interviews with locals and travel experts, all sharing their best Belfast travel tips.
Sustainable travel is one of those murky terms that everyone agrees sounds good, but not many people really understand what it means. This week we are chatting with two sustainable travel experts who share their views on what it is and how it impacts everyone, no matter who they are or where they go.
On May 31, 2019 the biggest addition in Disneyland’s history finally opened to the public, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. This is the most anticipated change in Disneyland’s history, so today we are chatting with two experts who share their thoughts, opinions and key tips about visiting this new land.
Learn all about the best things to see, do and eat in the City by the Bay, San Francisco. Joining us this week are two local San Francisco experts to offer their best tips to enjoy the best the city has to offer.
One of the most popular tropical getaway destinations, there are many reasons to love The Bahamas. With more than 700 islands and atolls though, planning that trip can be daunting. On this episode travel expert Angie Orth shares her top tips for visiting The Islands of The Bahamas.
Doug Mack joins the podcast this week as we chat about his book “The Not-Quite States of America,” all about the U.S. territories.
From San Francisco to Boston, Detroit to Hollywood, this week we’re highlighting some fun weekend getaway destinations around the U.S. perfect for a quick trip.
In this week’s episode we’re joined by Travelzoo Senior Editor Gabe Saglie, who shares his insider tips, how to find the best travel deals and what’s hot in the travel industry.
Technology is a subject that can be daunting, especially in the travel experience. In this week’s episode we invited travel tech expert Dave Dean to share tips about everything from using phones overseas to gadgets and staying safe in an increasingly connected world.
Driving the entirety of Route 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica is one of the world’s great drives, but actually doing it takes a lot of planning and attention to detail. To help us better navigate the Mother Road two special guests are on this week’s show: Jerry McClanahan author of “Route 66: EZ66 GUIDE For Travelers” and Jason Clement with the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Queensland, Australia is one of the most popular Australian states for tourists, and with good reason. From the Great Barrier Reef to the Tropical North and even Outback, Queensland truly is Australia in a nutshell. In this episode Australian travel blogger Caz Makepeace shares her tips for navigating this fascinating part of Australia.
Although Winter isn’t really coming, the final season of Game of Thrones is and so today we’re talking all about GoT filming locations around the world that anyone can visit. Northern Ireland, Iceland, Croatia and Spain have all been heavily featured in the Game of Thrones and in this episode experts join us to share what to see and do in these destinations.
One of the major hurdles to traveling more often is fear, and solo travel can be one of the scariest concepts for many would-be travelers. In this podcast we chat with Janice Waugh, a global expert on solo travel and the owner of the Solo Traveler website and society.
Taped during my most recent trip to Ireland, this episode highlights what I experienced visiting spots like County Waterford, the Boyne Valley and other areas in Ireland’s Ancient East. Featuring interviews with locals and travel experts, learn what visiting Ireland is really like.
Another way to see more of the world is to spend time living overseas. Since it’s a complicated process our guest this week, Helene Sula, is on the show to share what it’s really like to be an expat, both good and bad.
Choosing the right cruise can be a challenge and in this podcast Carolyn Spencer Brown, Editor-At-Large of Cruise Critic joins us to share her best tips, recommendations and the latest innovations in the cruise industry.
Gay travel is a complicated issue which is why we interviewed LGBT travel expert Robert Sharp, CEO of OUT Adventures to help us better understand the latest trends and what everyone should know.
Food is one of the most important aspects of any trip whether you love comfort food or fine-dining. Listen as food and travel blogger Rachelle Lucas shares her tips on where to go for that next great bite.