GoNOMAD Travel Podcast

Route 66: The Mother Road at 100 Route 66 turns 100, and there's no better place to experience this legendary highway than Arizona. In this episode, GoNOMAD travel writer Susmita Sengupta takes us on a memorable road trip along the longest preserved stretch of America's most famous highway, from Holbrook to Kingman. The journey begins at Petrified Forest National Park, where 200-million-year-old fossilized trees and the colorful landscapes of the Painted Desert reveal some of Arizona's most striking scenery. From there, the road leads to historic Winslow, home to Native American artifacts, railroad history, and the beautifully restored La Posada Hotel. Along the way, Susmita visits the spectacular Meteor Crater, explores the astronomy heritage of Flagstaff, and takes a detour to the red rock landscapes of Sedona. The trip continues through Williams, gateway to the Grand Canyon, before reaching the famous towns of Seligman and Kingman, where Route 66 nostalgia comes alive through vintage cars, roadside attractions, museums, and the remarkable story of Route 66 champion Angel Delgadillo. If you've ever dreamed of driving the Mother Road, this episode offers a perfect introduction to the history, landscapes, characters, and classic Americana that make Route 66 one of the world's great road trips. In This Episode Exploring Petrified Forest National Park and the Painted Desert Visiting historic Winslow and La Posada Hotel Standing on the rim of Meteor Crater A side trip to the red rocks of Sedona Discovering Williams and the Grand Canyon Railway Meeting the spirit of Route 66 in Seligman Touring the Arizona Route 66 Museum in Kingman The enduring legacy of Angel Delgadillo and the preservation of Historic Route 66 Enjoying the GoNOMAD Travel Podcast? Please subscribe, rate, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. Your reviews help more travelers discover the show and support independent travel storytelling. You can also explore hundreds of immersive audio travel experiences from around the world at Voyascape.com, home to travel podcasts that bring destinations to life through sound and storytelling. Max Hartshorne is the founder of GoNOMAD Travel, one of the web's longest-running independent travel websites, featuring stories from writers around the world who seek authentic experiences and meaningful adventures. For more travel stories, destination guides, and inspiration, visit GoNOMAD.com. Discover more immersive travel podcasts and audio journeys at Voyascape.com.

SHOW NOTES — Varanasi and Dharamshala: India’s Two Spiritual Worlds In this episode, Max joins John Wright, a travel writer from Seattle, who travels through two of India’s most powerful spiritual centers. Varanasi, a city that overwhelms every sense, and Dharamshala, a peaceful Himalayan refuge shaped by the Dalai Lama’s presence. They share a spiritual reputation, but the experience of each place feels like stepping into opposite worlds. Varanasi Varanasi hits travelers with full force the moment they arrive. The Ghats along the Ganges are a nonstop procession of pilgrims bathing, priests chanting, and funeral pyres burning day and night. The air is thick with smoke, incense, and the scent of the river. Narrow alleys twist between temples, cows, vendors, and crowds moving in every direction at once. John describes Varanasi as a place where sanctity and spectacle collide. Anyone can declare himself a holy man and find followers. Tuk-tuks weave through traffic like bumper cars without the crashes. It is exhausting, unforgettable, and unlike anywhere else on Earth. A short ride away, Sarnath offers a rare pocket of calm. This is where Buddha delivered his first sermon, and the gardens and monuments feel worlds away from Varanasi’s intensity. Dharamshala Flying into Dharamshala feels like entering a different India entirely. The Himalayas rise in front of you, and the air is crisp and clean. In McLeod Ganj, red-robed monks walk between monasteries, prayer flags flutter, and the pace of life slows to a gentle rhythm. Portraits of the Dalai Lama hang in shops and cafés, not as decoration but as expressions of genuine affection. Locals describe him as compassionate and authentic, and his presence shapes the entire community. Even the monkeys seem to have their own personalities, swinging across wires and lounging in the sun. The Dalai Lama’s temple is simple on the outside but beautifully decorated inside. Visitors sit quietly, many in traditional Tibetan dress, absorbed in prayer and reflection. The Contrast Varanasi is loud, raw, and overwhelming. Dharamshala is calm, reflective, and shaped by mountain silence. One city feels like a spiritual circus; the other feels like a sanctuary. Both reveal different sides of India’s spiritual identity. Other Pilgrimage Stops Mentioned Mathura, birthplace of Krishna, filled with peaceful temples and prayerful devotees. Amritsar, home of the Golden Temple, one of India’s most welcoming sacred spaces. Travel Tip All temples in India require visitors to remove shoes and socks. Sandals make life easier. Call to Action If you enjoyed this journey through India’s spiritual contrasts, subscribe to the GoNOMAD Travel Podcast on Apple Podcasts and never miss an episode. You can also listen to all episodes and discover more travel storytelling on Voyascape, where new shows and bonus content are added regularly. For more travel stories, photos, and inspiration, visit GoNOMAD.com and explore destinations around the world.

WHAT YOU’LL HEAR IN THIS EPISODE A late‑August journey to Croatia, exploring the island of Korčula and the vibrant port city of Split. Crystal‑clear water, tiny beaches, stone towns, seafood feasts, and the easy rhythm of island life. This episode follows a simple, car‑free travel pattern: fly, ferry, relax — and let Croatia do the rest. 🌊 HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE EPISODE Korčula’s irresistible water — clean, clear, perfect for swimming and sailing A stone terrace overlooking the channel where ferries and luxury yachts glide past A tiny swimming platform just steps from the Airbnb Exploring Korčula Town — orange tile roofs, stone lanes, boat trips, and water taxis Day trips to Badija and Vrnik — quiet islands with beaches and restaurants Split’s glamorous waterfront (the Riva) and its super‑yacht scene A traditional konoba dinner at Konoba Matujuska — fresh fish, Adriatic squid, cocktails Travel costs & tips — menus, ferry rides, and the euro exchange rate Why Croatia deserves a spot next to Tuscany and Provence on your travel list 🎧 FEATURED LINK — CROATIA TOURISM VIDEO Watch John Malkovich in the official 9‑minute Croatia Tourism film: “I Hear It’s Beautiful” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2Uqg1va_pI 🏝️ ABOUT THIS EPISODE This episode captures the feeling of arriving by ferry, settling into a seaside terrace, and discovering why Croatia’s islands are becoming a favorite for American travelers. From the heat of August to the cool Adriatic, from Split’s nightlife to Korčula’s quiet coves, it’s a firsthand look at a country that truly earns its tagline. 📍 MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Korčula Island Split, Croatia Badija & Vrnik Islands Konoba Matujuska The Riva waterfront Klingo Ferry 🔗 MORE FROM MAX HARTSHORNE Read Max’s travel writing on Substack: https://substack.com/@maxdeerfield Watch the hilarious and poignant Video, "Croatia I Hear It's Beautiful," starring John Malcovich.

SHOW NOTES — BASED ON 140 ISK PER US DOLLAR On this episode of the GoNOMAD Travel Podcast, we join experts in campervanning, who head to Iceland to find out why so many travelers swear by renting a campervan. After a week circling the Ring Road, they learned that the van is both the thing that makes the trip magical — and the thing that can derail it if you don’t know the rules. We talk about the real‑world lessons from the road: insurance surprises, gravel hazards, wind‑blown doors, F‑roads, campsite rules, fueling challenges, and the new distance‑based road tax. If you’re thinking about doing Iceland by campervan, this episode will save you money, stress, and a few headaches. KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE EPISODE Insurance in Iceland is different. Most credit cards don’t cover gravel, sand, ash, tires, and wind damage. Some claims — like wind‑blown doors — can cost hundreds of dollars. F‑roads require a 4x4. Taking a 2WD campervan onto an F‑road is illegal and can lead to a recovery bill of $3,215. Wind is no joke. Park nose‑into the wind and hold onto the doors. New road tax: Campervans pay about $0.05 per kilometer, adding roughly $66 for a full Ring Road loop. Fueling issues: Many pumps require a PIN‑enabled chip card. A temporary hold can run $157. Campsites only: You can’t sleep in a van anywhere you want. Expect $11–$18 per adult at most sites. Gas prices: Around $1.50–$1.60 per liter. Book early: Summer campervan rentals sell out months ahead. WHAT WE LOVED ABOUT THE TRIP Waking up next to fjords instead of hotel corridors. Cooking dinner with steam rising off the hills at Mývatn. Changing plans on a whim because the weather shifted. The freedom to roam — as long as you know the rules. LINKS FROM THE EPISODE Campstar — Campervan rentals and trip planning Road Conditions (Iceland) — Daily updates Vedur Weather — Iceland’s official weather service SafeTravel Iceland — Alerts and safety info ABOUT THIS EPISODE This episode is part of our ongoing series exploring road trips around the world. Iceland’s campervan culture is one of the most unique — and one of the most misunderstood. We break down everything you need to know before you go. Find out more about Iceland camper vans at Campstar.com Subscribe to the GoNOMAD Travel Podcast on Apple Podcasts. Check out the new Smart Travel Podcast This episode is supported by Smart Travel a new podcast from Nerd Wallet. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Follow Smart Travel wherever you get your podcasts. Smart Travel Podcast Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the world This podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world’s best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape Podcast Network For advertising or sponsorship opportunities on this show and across the network, email [email protected] or you can find more information at Voyascape Ads.

Episode Summary: Southern Belize is often overlooked by travelers who arrive expecting beaches, reef trips, and resort life. In this episode, Max explores the part of Belize that doesn’t fit neatly into the brochure — a region defined by small coastal villages, Garifuna culture, Maya communities, rainforest rivers, and a pace that encourages travelers to slow down and pay attention. Check out the new Smart Travel Podcast This episode is supported by Smart Travel a new podcast from Nerd Wallet. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Follow Smart Travel wherever you get your podcasts. Smart Travel Podcast What We Cover in This Episode Placencia — A 16‑mile peninsula where beach life meets easy access to waterfalls, jungle, and reef. Walkable, social, and a practical starting point for first‑time visitors. Laughing Bird Caye — A protected reef habitat just offshore, offering some of the best accessible snorkeling in the south. Maya Beach & Seine Bight — Two very different communities north of Placencia, each with its own rhythm and identity. Hopkins — A small Garifuna village where drumming, food, language, and daily life form a living culture. Cooking lessons, drumming sessions, and slow conversations reveal more than any tour. Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary — Inland rainforest, rivers, and wildlife within reach of Hopkins. Toledo & Punta Gorda (PG) — Belize’s southernmost district and town, home to Maya, Garifuna, and East Indian communities. Markets, cacao, fishing, river trips, and Maya sites like Lubaantun show a side of Belize far removed from resort corridors. Why the South Matters — It’s not remote from culture or daily life — only from crowds. Travelers who rush through miss the region’s depth. Those who slow down understand it. Key Takeaways Belize is not one place with one personality. Each region has its own pace and relationship with visitors. Southern Belize rewards travelers who move beyond the familiar beach‑and‑reef itinerary. Placencia offers balance, Hopkins offers culture, and Toledo offers time and space. Licensed local guides are essential for reef trips, rivers, wildlife areas, and archaeological sites. Respect local communities: ask before photographing people, carry cash for small businesses, and learn the names of the villages you pass through. Guest Mentioned Will Mitchell, Regional Owner of RE/MAX Belize, who has spent nearly 15 years living in Belize and traveling the country extensively. Please contact Will Mitchell and visit his Belize website. Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the world This podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world’s best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape Podcast Network For advertising or sponsorship opportunities on this show and across the network, email [email protected] or you can find more information at Voyascape Ads.