Truly Expat Travel
Truly Expat Travel Podcast brings you the world's best travel destinations through conversations with expats who've made foreign countries their home. Discover hidden gems, local insider tips, and authentic travel experiences you won't find in guidebooks.
Each episode features expats sharing their favourite destinations, secret spots, cultural insights, and practical travel advice from cities and countries across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. From weekend getaways to bucket list adventures, food scenes to cultural experiences, our guests reveal what makes their adopted homes special.
Perfect for travellers seeking authentic local perspectives, digital nomads planning their next move, or anyone dreaming of exploring the world beyond tourist traps. Get real recommendations from people who live the expat lifestyle every day.
What you'll discover:
• Hidden travel gems recommended by local expats
• Insider tips for popular and off-the-beaten-path destinations
• Cultural insights and authentic local experiences
• Practical advice for international travel and living abroad
• Real stories from expats around the world
🌍 New episodes weekly
✈️ Subscribe for authentic travel inspiration
📧 Collaborations: info@trulyexpat.com
Episodes
40 episodes
Accessible Air Travel Tips with Phoenyx from Phoenyx Travels
If flying feels overwhelming, exhausting, or like you're starting from scratch every single trip — this episode is for you.This week I'm joined by Phoenyx from Phoenyx Travels — a content creator and accessible travel expert who has buil...
Digital Nomad Family Travel Tips: Finding Events & Things to Do Anywhere in the World
You've landed somewhere new. The bags are unpacked. And then comes the question every travelling family knows too well — so what do we actually do here?This week I'm back with Julie Talbot — British ex-expat turned global nomad — who aft...
The Tulip Season Secret Most Visitors Get Wrong — with Gerrit from Hidden Holland
Most people planning a trip to Holland for tulip season get the timing wrong. They book Keukenhof, they show up, and they either miss the peak bloom entirely or find themselves shoulder to shoulder with thousands of other tourists wondering why...
Seoul Then vs Now: Why This City Will Completely Surprise You
Paula Barnes lived in Seoul 15 years ago — and honestly? It was hard. The language barrier was real, the taxis were brutal, and getting around without Korean felt nearly impossible. So when she went back, she wasn't expecting to fall in love wi...
Madrid, Spain: Food, Flamenco & the Neighbourhoods Tourists Miss (Expat Insider Guide)
MADRID UNCOVERED: Insider Tips, Hidden Gems & La Movida – Life in Spain's CapitalJoin Paula as she chats with Kristin Montgomery, an international teacher who has lived and worked across Switzerland, Singapore, Colombia, Germa...
Mérida Travel Guide: Cenotes, Flamingos & Hidden Gems in the Yucatán
Join Paula as she chats with Jen and Brett from Expatsi about their expat journey from Birmingham, Alabama, to Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico. Discover practical tips for moving abroad, exploring local culture and cuisine, uncovering hidden gems, and ...
Vietnam Uncovered: Where to Go, What to Eat & How to Avoid Getting Sick (Expat Insider Guide)
In this engaging conversation, Paula Barnes interviews Stacy McCandless, an expat with extensive experience living in Vietnam. Stacy shares her journey from working at Tokyo Disney to navigating life in various Vietnamese cities, including Ho C...
Why Hong Kong Is Still Worth Visiting in 2026 (And What Most Tourists Miss).
Join Paula Barnes as she shares her personal journey and insights about Hong Kong, covering its neighbourhoods, attractions, food, and travel tips. Perfect for travellers and expats alike.Key TopicsHong Kong neighbourh...
Lago Maggiore, Italy: The Digital Nomad's Secret Base in the Italian Lakes
Join Paula Barnes in conversation with Oren Chazan, co-founder of Montino, a co-living space nestled in the stunning Lago Maggiore region of Italy. Oren shares his inspiring journey from urban life to creating a thriving community for digital n...
Langkawi, Malaysia: Hidden Beaches, Jungle Trails & Why This Island Is Worth More Than One Day
Join Paula Barnes as she speaks with Irene Vairo, manager of the remarkable Temple Tree Resort in Langkawi, Malaysia. Irene takes us on a journey from her roots in Italy to this tropical island paradise, revealing what makes Temple Tree so spec...
Madeira: Portugal's Secret Island Paradise
In this engaging conversation, Paula Barnes interviews Sophian Hoe, a Singaporean expat living in Madeira, Portugal. They discuss Sophian's journey to becoming an expat, his experiences in Madeira, and the unique aspects of the island, includin...
Discovering Singapore: More Than Just a Stopover
In this episode, Paula Barnes shares her insights and experiences living in Singapore for nearly eight years. She emphasises the importance of viewing Singapore as a destination rather than just a stopover, highlighting its rich culture, divers...
Season 2 - Travel Destinations & Hidden Gems Recommended by Expats Worldwide
Expat travel podcast | Hidden gems and insider tips | Best holiday destinations from expats living abroad | Authentic local travel experiences | International lifestyle and adventure storiesTruly Expat Travel brings you the world's best...
Hakuba Christmas
Episode 26: Christmas in Hakuba with Blaise and Kiara BarnesThis Weeks Chat:Join me for the season finale as I chat with Blaise Barnes and Kiara Barnes, about their unforgettable Christmas holiday in Hakuba, Japan. From car...
London Christmas
Episode 25: Unwrapping Christmas in London with KarlaThis Week's ChatJoin me as I chat with Karla Barreca about experiencing Christmas in London, and discover why this magical city transforms into a winter wonderland...
Christmas in Bruges
Episode 24 : A Belgian Christmas Dream: Debra's Winter Wonderland in BrugesThis Week's ChatJoin me as I sit down with Debra de Reeper, an Australian expat living in Singapore, who shares her absolute favou...
Tokyo Christmas
Episode 23: Christmas in Tokyo: Blaise & Tanisha Share Why they love JapanThis Week's ChatThis week, I'm chatting with Blaise Barnes and Tanisha Hall about experiencing Christmas in Tokyo! We dive into what...
New York Christmas
Episode 22: My New York Christmas: Lights, Magic, and Holiday CheerThis Week's ChatThis week kicks off our Christmas Special! It's just me, and I'm taking you along on my unforgettable trip to New York City dur...
Granada
Episode 21: Falling for Granada with Cassie BeardslyJoin me as I chat with Cassie Beardsly about her beloved Granada, and discover why this stunning Spanish city has captured her heart with its rich history, vibrant culture, and unforget...
Tenerife
Episode 20: Tenerife Through Alexandra's Eyes:Join me as I chat with Alexandra Paucescu about her favourite holiday destination, Tenerife, and discover what keeps drawing her back to this captivating Canary Island year after year....
Quebec
Episode 19 – Wandering Through Quebec City: A Solo Traveller’s PerspectiveDescription: This week, it’s just me—and I’m taking you along on my recent solo trip to Quebec City. From chocolate-dipped everything at Choco...
Peru
Episode 18: Tim Leffel- PeruThis Week's ChatJoin me as I sit down with Tim Leffel, an American expat living in Mexico who shares his absolute favourite holiday destination: Peru. We dive deep into what mak...
Zakynthos
Episode 17- Discovering Maria's birth place ZakynthosThis Week's ChatJoin me as I sit down with Maria an expat living in Singapore, who shares her absolute favourite holiday destination: Zakynthos. We dive deep...