After retiring from his position as Assistant Commissioner in the London Fire Brigade following over three decades of service, David O’Neill MBE joins host Abbey Cousins in this week’s episode of Travel For Curious Minds. David and Abbey chat about his incredible career so far and the life-changing adventures that have shaped it. With moving tales from the frontlines of international rescue efforts, including when David led the UK response team in the 2023 Turkey-Syria earthquake, and fascinating stories that will transport listeners to the jungles of Bhutan, lakesides of Pakistan and mountains of Nepal, this episode takes listeners on an adventure far from the beaten track.To find out more about David and his work, you can head over to: David O'Neill - LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-o-neill-mbe-finstr-ficpem-4596b618/) InSTR - LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/astar-association-for-search-&-technical-rescue-/posts/?feedView=all) Fire Aid - Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/share/17BQcMDp29/)   For more information about travel for your curious mind: Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast (https://www.vjv.com/travel-for-curious-minds-podcast/) Instagram - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast (https://www.instagram.com/travelforcuriousmindspodcast/) YouTube - Travel for Curious Minds (https://www.youtube.com/@travelforcuriousmindspodcast)

“All of the fabulous things in life are on the other side of our comfort zones” – Listen to today’s episode of Travel for Curious Minds as host of the ‘Thrive Solo’ podcast (formerly ‘Spinsterhood Reimagined’), Lucy Meggeson talks all things travel in a round of quickfire questions – including why people thinking about their first solo adventure should make the leap. To find out more about Lucy, you can head over to: Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/) The Thrive Solo Website (https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo) The Book – Shiny Happy Singles (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Shiny-Happy-Singles-Celebrating-Independent/dp/139941643X)   For more information about travel for your curious mind: Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast (https://www.vjv.com/travel-for-curious-minds-podcast/) Instagram - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast (https://www.instagram.com/travelforcuriousmindspodcast/) YouTube - Travel for Curious Minds (https://www.youtube.com/@travelforcuriousmindspodcast)

In this episode, Abbey is joined by Lucy Meggeson, the host of the ‘Thrive Solo’ podcast (formerly ‘Spinsterhood Reimagined’). Lucy is on a journey to change the narrative around what it means to be single and child-free. With adventures shaped by her love of music, road trips, photography, maps and nature, hear how incredible travel experiences can happen because you are travelling solo – not in spite of it. To find out more about Lucy, you can head over to: Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/) The Thrive Solo Website (https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo) The Book – Shiny Happy Singles (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Shiny-Happy-Singles-Celebrating-Independent/dp/139941643X)  For more information about travel for your curious mind: Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast (https://www.vjv.com/travel-for-curious-minds-podcast/) Instagram - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast (https://www.instagram.com/travelforcuriousmindspodcast/) YouTube - Travel for Curious Minds (https://www.youtube.com/@travelforcuriousmindspodcast)

This week, Pat Riddell, Editor of National Geographic Traveller UK, is in the Travel for Curious Minds hot seat, answering host Abbey Cousins’ quickfire questions on all things travel. To find out more about Pat, you can head over to: X (https://x.com/patriddell) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/patriddell) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/patriddell/) For more information on National Geographic Traveller: Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/NatGeoTravelUK/) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/NatGeoTravelUK/) LinkedIn (https://uk.linkedin.com/company/national-geographic-traveller-uk)   For more information about travel for your curious mind: Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast (https://www.vjv.com/travel-for-curious-minds-podcast/) Instagram - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast (https://www.instagram.com/travelforcuriousmindspodcast/) YouTube - Travel for Curious Minds (https://www.youtube.com/@travelforcuriousmindspodcast)

On this week’s Episode of Travel for Curious Minds, Pat Riddell, Editor of National Geographic Traveller UK, joins host Abbey Cousins, taking listeners on a fascinating adventure around the world with the tales of his extensive travels. From discussing what first gave him a taste for the world of travel, reflecting on his incredible experiences in destinations such as Jordan, Peru and Thailand, to explaining why he simply can’t get enough of la dolce vita and touching upon his career in travel journalism, the Episode covers a lot of ground (quite literally!) so buckle up and enjoy. To find out more about Pat, you can head over to: X (https://x.com/patriddell) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/patriddell) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/patriddell/) For more information on National Geographic Traveller: Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/NatGeoTravelUK/) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/NatGeoTravelUK/) LinkedIn (https://uk.linkedin.com/company/national-geographic-traveller-uk)  For more information about travel for your curious mind: Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast (https://www.vjv.com/travel-for-curious-minds-podcast/) Instagram - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast (https://www.instagram.com/travelforcuriousmindspodcast/) YouTube - Travel for Curious Minds (https://www.youtube.com/@travelforcuriousmindspodcast)

This week, Portia Jones – award-winning travel writer and podcaster – dives into a round of quickfire questions with Travel for Curious Minds’ host Abbey Cousins. To find out more about Portia, you can head over to: Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/pipsays/) Pip and The City (https://pipandthecity.com/) The Travel Goals Podcast (https://pipandthecity.com/travel-goals-podcast/)  For more information about travel for your curious mind: Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast (https://www.vjv.com/travel-for-curious-minds-podcast/) Instagram - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast (https://www.instagram.com/travelforcuriousmindspodcast/) YouTube - Travel for Curious Minds (https://www.youtube.com/@travelforcuriousmindspodcast)

Join host Abbey Cousins on Travel for Curious Minds as she learns about Portia Jones’ never-ending love affair with travel. Starting from a young age, Portia has visited over 70 countries. She adores meeting new people, experiencing new cultures, and writing about them to inspire others. The host of her own travel podcast and an award-winning travel journalist, Portia’s relaxed and welcoming approach to travel and warm way of storytelling are infectious. Learn about her time in New Zealand, Uzbekistan, Japan, and Egypt and hear her tips on how to ensure an authentic and local experience on your next adventure. To find out more about Portia, you can head over to: Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/pipsays/) Pip and The City (https://pipandthecity.com/) The Travel Goals Podcast (https://pipandthecity.com/travel-goals-podcast/)   For more information about travel for your curious mind: Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast (https://www.vjv.com/travel-for-curious-minds-podcast/) Instagram - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast (https://www.instagram.com/travelforcuriousmindspodcast/) YouTube - Travel for Curious Minds (https://www.youtube.com/@travelforcuriousmindspodcast)

In the hot seat today is Holly Rubenstein – journalist, travel podcast host and self-confessed hotel aficionado. Holly reveals her top travel tips in a round of quickfire questions. To find out more about Holly, you can head over to: Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/hollyrubenstein/) TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@hollyrubenstein) The Travel Diaries Podcast Website (https://thetraveldiariespodcast.com/)   For more information about travel for your curious mind: Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast (https://www.vjv.com/travel-for-curious-minds-podcast/) Instagram - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast (https://www.instagram.com/travelforcuriousmindspodcast/) YouTube - Travel for Curious Minds (https://www.youtube.com/@travelforcuriousmindspodcast)

Listen in with Travel for Curious Minds host Abbey Cousins as she speaks with journalist and podcast host Holly Rubenstein. From interviewing the incredibly well-travelled Joanna Lumley to emotional conversations with guests moved by their travel experiences, as well as her affinity with Miami as a holiday destination, prepare to be inspired by Holly’s captivating storytelling. Revealing her recommendations on luxury hotels (she’s visited over 150!), the destinations that have surprised her, and sharing the countries on her bucket list, Holly will inspire you to experience places that might not appeal in the first instance. To find out more about Holly, you can head over to: Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/hollyrubenstein/) TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@hollyrubenstein) The Travel Diaries Podcast Website (https://thetraveldiariespodcast.com/)   For more information about travel for your curious mind: Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast (https://www.vjv.com/travel-for-curious-minds-podcast/) Instagram - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast (https://www.instagram.com/travelforcuriousmindspodcast/) YouTube - Travel for Curious Minds (https://www.youtube.com/@travelforcuriousmindspodcast)

This week, Sian Richardson – founder of The Bluetits Chill Swimmers – dives into a round of quickfire questions with Travel for Curious Minds host Abbey Cousins. To find out more about Sian, head over to: Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/thebluetits/) YouTube (https://youtube.com/@thebluetitschillswimmerslt6782?si=IilVy6YJ97gC5g0O) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TheBluetits)   For more information about travel for your curious mind: Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast (https://www.vjv.com/travel-for-curious-minds-podcast/) Instagram - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast (https://www.instagram.com/travelforcuriousmindspodcast/) YouTube - Travel for Curious Minds (https://www.youtube.com/@travelforcuriousmindspodcast)

Fancy a dip? In this episode of Travel for Curious Minds, take a plunge into the world of cold-water swimming with the founder of The Bluetits Chill Swimmers, Sian Richardson. As it approaches its tenth year, learn how what began with one person, her swimsuit, and the sea has transformed into an international social enterprise anchored in the wonderful spirit of community and filled with laughter. To find out more about Sian, head over to: Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/thebluetits/) YouTube (https://youtube.com/@thebluetitschillswimmerslt6782?si=IilVy6YJ97gC5g0O) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TheBluetits)  For more information about travel for your curious mind: Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast (https://www.vjv.com/travel-for-curious-minds-podcast/) Instagram - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast (https://www.instagram.com/travelforcuriousmindspodcast/) YouTube - Travel for Curious Minds (https://www.youtube.com/@travelforcuriousmindspodcast)

Today, author, Podcast Host, and Adventurer Phoebe Smith is in the Travel for Curious Minds hot seat, revealing top travel tips and destinations in a round of quickfire questions. To find out more about Phoebe, head over to: Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/phoebersmith/) Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/phoebesmith.bsky.social) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/phoebersmith/) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/ThePhoebeRSmith) Phoebe’s Podcast (https://wanderwoman.buzzsprout.com/)   For more information about travel for your curious mind: Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast (https://www.vjv.com/travel-for-curious-minds-podcast/) Instagram - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast (https://www.instagram.com/travelforcuriousmindspodcast/) YouTube - Travel for Curious Minds (https://www.youtube.com/@travelforcuriousmindspodcast)

This week, Travel for Curious Minds’ host Abbey Cousins chats with Podcast Host, Multi-Award-Winning Author and Adventurer Phoebe Smith, all about her lifelong pledge to be ‘a tourist in her own backyard’ and where her nickname ‘Wander Woman’ comes from. Through the #WeTwo Foundation, her podcast and her books, Phoebe is determined to educate as many people as she can on the amazing impact travelling can have on your life and the ways we can all do our best to protect the natural world. To find out more about Phoebe, head over to: Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/phoebersmith/) Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/phoebesmith.bsky.social) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/phoebersmith/) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/ThePhoebeRSmith) Phoebe’s Podcast (https://wanderwoman.buzzsprout.com/)   For more information about travel for your curious mind: Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast (https://www.vjv.com/travel-for-curious-minds-podcast/) Instagram - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast (https://www.instagram.com/travelforcuriousmindspodcast/) YouTube - Travel for Curious Minds (https://www.youtube.com/@travelforcuriousmindspodcast)

Today, we have Founder and President of Tusk, Charlie Mayhew, OBE, in the ‘Travel For Curious Minds’ hot seat, revealing top travel tips and destinations in a round of quickfire questions. To find out more about Charlie, you can head over to: Instagram – Charlie Mayhew (https://www.instagram.com/charlie_mayhew/)Instagram – Tusk (https://www.instagram.com/tusk_org/)YouTube - Tusk (https://www.youtube.com/@tuskcharity/videos)LinkedIn - Tusk (https://www.linkedin.com/company/tusk-org/) For more information about travel for your curious mind: Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast (https://www.vjv.com/travel-for-curious-minds-podcast/)Instagram - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast (https://www.instagram.com/travelforcuriousmindspodcast/)YouTube - Travel for Curious Minds (https://www.youtube.com/@travelforcuriousmindspodcast)

This week, our host, Abbey, chats with Charlie Mayhew OBE, President and founder of Tusk, the UK’s leading African conservation NGO. After witnessing the devastating impact of the illegal wildlife trade in his early twenties, Charlie has dedicated his life to supporting wildlife conservation across Africa. Join him as he shares insights on how to keep conservation at the forefront of your mind when planning your travels—and why he believes that, above all, a sense of humour is the most important thing to pack in your suitcase! To find out more about Charlie, you can head over to: Instagram – Charlie Mayhew (https://www.instagram.com/charlie_mayhew/)Instagram – Tusk (https://www.instagram.com/tusk_org/)YouTube - Tusk (https://www.youtube.com/@tuskcharity/videos)LinkedIn - Tusk (https://www.linkedin.com/company/tusk-org/)   For more information about travel for your curious mind: Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast (https://www.vjv.com/travel-for-curious-minds-podcast/)Instagram - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast (https://www.instagram.com/travelforcuriousmindspodcast/)YouTube - Travel for Curious Minds (https://www.youtube.com/@travelforcuriousmindspodcast)

Listen in as Eleanor Mills – the founder of NOON and an award-winning editor, writer and broadcaster – reveals her top travel destinations and tips when answering the Travel for Curious Minds podcast’s quickfire questions.If you haven't yet listened to the full episode with Eleanor, it will be on your podcast feed if you've subscribed, or search 'Travel for Curious Minds' wherever you get your podcasts.To find out more about Eleanor, you can head over to:Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/eleanorkjmills/?hl=en)The Noon Website (https://noon.org.uk/)Pre-order the book (https://lnk.to/MuchMoretoCome?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaa7Q_Eur9TgtUME2ruDVSDQtLyb7ctx1EnmPRN7XHF50fv2asQXb7oWsrQ_aem_hNbs4c1T1PR79CGTTOuWYA)And you can e-mail Eleanor at: eleanor@noon.org.uk (mailto:eleanor@noon.org.uk)For more information about travel for your curious mind:Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast (https://www.vjv.com/travel-for-curious-minds-podcast/)Instagram - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast (https://www.instagram.com/travelforcuriousmindspodcast/)YouTube - Travel for Curious Minds (https://www.youtube.com/@travelforcuriousmindspodcast)

Eleanor Mills joins Abbey Cousins in this edition of the Travel for Curious Minds podcast.Eleanor, an award-winning editor, writer and broadcaster, is the founder of NOON – a community focused on supporting, empowering and reframing the conversation around middle-aged women (aka Queenagers)Feel inspired as Eleanor discusses everything from NOON’s mission to get women excited about midlife and all the joys that come with it to her experiences of travel’s transformative power.To find out more about Eleanor, you can head over to:Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/eleanorkjmills/?hl=en)The Noon Website (https://noon.org.uk/)Pre-order the book (https://lnk.to/MuchMoretoCome?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaa7Q_Eur9TgtUME2ruDVSDQtLyb7ctx1EnmPRN7XHF50fv2asQXb7oWsrQ_aem_hNbs4c1T1PR79CGTTOuWYA)And you can e-mail Eleanor at: eleanor@noon.org.uk (mailto:eleanor@noon.org.uk)For more information about travel for your curious mind:Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast (https://www.vjv.com/travel-for-curious-minds-podcast/)Instagram - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast (https://www.instagram.com/travelforcuriousmindspodcast/)YouTube - Travel for Curious Minds (https://www.youtube.com/@travelforcuriousmindspodcast)For more about Jules Verne Travel:Website - Jules Verne Travel (https://www.vjv.com/)To subscribe to this podcast so you get each new fortnightly episode straight into your inbox the moment it goes live, you can either subscribe on your podcast app (search for Travel for Curious Minds) or go here:Travel for Curious Minds (https://blubrry.com/3884066/)

Today we have YouTuber and Travel Journalist, Jo Kessel, in the 'Travel for Curious Minds' hot seat, revealing top travel tips and destinations in a round of quickfire questions.If you haven't yet listened to the full episode with Jo, it will be on your podcast feed if you've subscribed, or search 'Travel for Curious Minds' wherever you get your podcasts.To find out more about Jo, you can head over to:YouTube - Go with Jo (https://www.youtube.com/@gowithjo1)Instagram - Jo_Kessel (https://www.instagram.com/jo_kessel?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==)X - Jo Kessel (https://x.com/jo_kessel)For more information about travel for your curious mind:Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast (https://www.vjv.com/travel-for-curious-minds-podcast/)Instagram - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast (https://www.instagram.com/travelforcuriousmindspodcast/)YouTube - Travel for Curious Minds (https://www.youtube.com/@travelforcuriousmindspodcast)For more about Jules Verne Travel:Website - Jules Verne Travel (https://www.vjv.com/)To subscribe to this podcast so you get each new fortnightly episode straight into your inbox the moment it goes live, you can either subscribe on your podcast app (search for Travel for Curious Minds) or go here:Travel for Curious Minds (https://blubrry.com/3884066/)

This week on Travel for Curious Minds, our host, Abbey Cousins, chats with Jo Kessel, a YouTuber and Travel Journalist. We hear all about where her passion for adventure came from and her top tips on how to truly immerse yourself in a country. From family holidays to France as a young girl to venturing into the depths of Antarctica or observing local life along the banks of the Mekong River, Jo has spent her life travelling the world and is eager to inspire others to do the same.To find out more about Jo, you can head over to:YouTube - Go with Jo (https://www.youtube.com/@gowithjo1)Instagram - Jo_Kessel (https://www.instagram.com/jo_kessel?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==)X - Jo Kessel (https://x.com/jo_kessel)For more information about travel for your curious mind:Website - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast (https://www.vjv.com/travel-for-curious-minds-podcast/)Instagram - Travel for Curious Minds Podcast (https://www.instagram.com/travelforcuriousmindspodcast/)YouTube - Travel for Curious Minds (https://www.youtube.com/@travelforcuriousmindspodcast)For more about Jules Verne Travel:Website - Jules Verne Travel (https://www.vjv.com/)To subscribe to this podcast so you get each new fortnightly episode straight into your inbox the moment it goes live, you can either subscribe on your podcast app (search for Travel for Curious Minds) or go here:Travel for Curious Minds (https://blubrry.com/3884066/)

In this trailer, we hear from Debbie O'Neill - Managing Director at Jules Verne, about this brand new podcast - Travel for Curious Minds.We find out:* What you can expect* Why we are producing a NEW podcast* What it's all about* Why YOU should subscribe and join in as we launch very soonFor more information about travel for your curious mind:Website - Jules Verne (https://www.vjv.com/)Instagram - Jules Verne (https://www.instagram.com/julesvernetravels?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==)YouTube - Jules Verne Travels (https://www.youtube.com/@JulesVerneTravels)To subscribe to this podcast so you get each new fortnightly episode straight into your inbox the moment it goes live, you can either subscribe on your podcast app (search for Travel for Curious Minds) or go here:Travel for Curious Minds (https://blubrry.com/3884066/)yDQFq0FzwCsK78cgcIHj