GoNOMAD Travel Podcast

Kansas City BBQ: A Weekend Road Trip in Search of the Perfect Ribs What happens when a barbecue lover packs up the car and heads to Kansas City with one mission: find the perfect rack of ribs? In this episode of the GoNOMAD Travel Podcast, Alfred Williams of Farmington MN takes us on a delicious road trip to one of America's most celebrated barbecue capitals. Inspired by childhood memories of family cookouts and years of exploring regional barbecue traditions, Alfred travels to Kansas City to experience its legendary smoked meats at the source. Along the way, he explores the history that made Kansas City a barbecue destination, tracing the city's culinary roots back to pioneering pitmaster Henry Perry, whose techniques helped shape the regional style that is famous today. The journey includes visits to three iconic barbecue restaurants. At Arthur Bryant's, Alfred samples dry-rubbed ribs and experiences one of the most historic names in Kansas City barbecue. At Gates Bar-B-Q, he finds sauced ribs so flavorful that they become the benchmark for the entire trip. Finally, at Q39, he discovers a modern, chef-driven approach to barbecue that combines culinary technique with traditional smoking methods. But this isn't just a food story. Traveling with his young son, Alfred also explores some of Kansas City's top attractions, including the beautifully restored Union Station and the LEGOLAND Discovery Center, adding family adventure to a weekend built around great food. By the end of the trip, Alfred ranks his favorite barbecue stops and reflects on how the best travel experiences often combine local history, family memories, and unforgettable meals. In This Episode The origins of Kansas City's barbecue tradition The legacy of Henry Perry Dining at Arthur Bryant's Comparing dry-rubbed and sauced ribs A visit to Gates Bar-B-Q Why Q39 has become a modern barbecue favorite Exploring Union Station Family fun at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Regional barbecue styles across America The search for the perfect rib Host Max Hartshorne brings you conversations with travel writers and explorers who share memorable destinations, practical travel advice, and fascinating stories from around the world. Subscribe to the GoNOMAD Travel Podcast on Apple Podcasts: Visit GoNOMAD for thousands of travel stories and destination guides: https://www.gonomad.com The GoNOMAD Travel Podcast is part of the Voyascape Podcast Network, home to some of the world's best travel storytelling podcasts. Discover more shows at: https://www.voyascape.com

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 — Driving and Exploring Route 66 in Arizona GoNOMAD Travel Podcast — Episode Scripted from Susmita Sengupta’s Route 66 Feature Episode Overview In this episode, we follow Susmita Sengupta across the most captivating stretch of Route 66 in Arizona, the longest preserved section of the Mother Road. From the fossilized wonders of the Petrified Forest, to the historic railroad charm of Winslow, to the quirky Americana of Seligman, and finally the Route 66 lore of Kingman, this is a two‑day road trip packed with history, scenery, and classic roadside culture. Featured Stops Along the Route Petrified Forest National Park & Painted Desert The journey begins just outside Holbrook, where 200‑million‑year‑old fossilized wood glows in reds, yellows, and oranges. As Susmita writes: “We were awestruck by the beauty of 200 million year old Triassic period fossilized wood… in hues of reds, yellows and oranges.” The Painted Desert’s blue, gray, and purple clay hills complete the panorama. Rainbow Forest Museum Exhibits on petrified wood, dinosaur fossils, and early paleontology. Winslow, Arizona Old Trails Museum, Homolovi State Park, and the legendary La Posada Hotel, Mary Colter’s masterpiece. Plus: Meteor Crater National Park — a massive impact site created by an iron‑nickel asteroid 50,000 years ago. Flagstaff & Sedona Lowell Observatory for astronomy lovers, and Sedona’s red rock formations and vortex sites. Williams — Gateway to the Grand Canyon Restored Grand Canyon Railway trains and the free daily cowboy show. Seligman — Birthplace of Historic Route 66 Meet Angel Delgadillo at his original gift shop. Visit the Route 66 Motoporium with vintage motorcycles and classic cars. Kingman — Final Stop Recreated Burma Shave signs, the Arizona Route 66 Museum, the Electric Vehicle Museum, and the Angel of Route 66 StoryFile Experience. Listen to the Episode Apple Podcasts Voyascape