In this episode we talk about how Agnes Gateway Hotel is the starting line for rugged, real adventures in the Solomons. Host Normand Schafer dives into the region’s extraordinary offerings — world-class wreck diving, island-hopping, and rainforest hikes — all made accessible from this friendly, centrally located lodge. If you’re seeking experiences that few have had, start here.
In this episode we talk about adventure at its most authentic. Host Normand Schafer joins Daniel from Cook Islands Tourism to uncover the best of the Cook Islands — from snorkeling in Aitutaki’s dazzling lagoon to exploring Atiu’s caves and bird sanctuaries. You’ll also hear about the new Northern Islands tour that takes travelers to rarely visited atolls where culture, community, and tradition thrive.
In this episode we talk about the ultimate adventure base — White Grass Ocean Resort on Tanna Island. From jungle drives to lunar-like volcanic landscapes, the resort delivers pure wonder at every turn. Lindell shares how guests can balance thrill-seeking with cultural discovery and eco-friendly diving experiences.
In this episode we talk about how Vanuatu earns its reputation as a land of adventure. From cascading waterfalls and lush rainforest trails to ancient traditions and lava-spewing volcanoes, Normand Schafer explores it all with Adventures in Paradise. This is your invitation to leave the comfort zone and embrace the extraordinary.
In this episode we talk about adventure with meaning. Host Normand Schafer interviews Timu from Cook Islands Tours, who reveals how travelers can dive into authentic island life — from reef walks and snorkeling with turtles to home-cooked feasts hosted by locals. Discover how Cook Islands Tours creates experiences that engage the senses, inspire curiosity, and connect travelers to the true rhythm of Rarotonga.
In this episode we talk about setting sail into Fiji’s lesser-known regions with Captain Cook Cruises. Normand Schafer’s conversation at SPTE explores how the cruise offers more than sun and sea — it’s a full immersion into island life. From kava ceremonies to island hikes, the journey becomes an adventure that opens your eyes and heart to the diversity of Fiji’s people and environment.
In this episode we talk about uncovering the South Pacific’s hidden gems with Island Hopper Vacations. Host Normand Schafer interviews Robert, who shares insider tips on witnessing local dance festivals, connecting with island communities, and exploring destinations most travelers never reach. This episode captures the essence of meaningful adventure — where cultural authenticity and natural beauty come together in perfect harmony.
In this episode we talk about how guests at this resort enjoy more than just the sea. Host Normand Schafer highlights waterfall hikes, village visits, island picnics, and conservation workshops that make this a multifaceted adventure hub for curious travelers.
In this episode we talk about what makes Rarotonga the ultimate destination for travelers craving adventure and connection. Host Normand Schafer dives into stories about The Rarotongan Beach Group’s three properties, from the family-friendly Lagoonarium teeming with sea life to the private island overwater bungalows on Aitutaki. Whether you’re seeking a solo adventure, a romantic hideaway, or a cultural deep dive, Rarotonga delivers an experience unlike anywhere else.
In this episode we talk about the wild side of Fiji from the sky. Host Normand Schafer joins Island Hoppers for an aerial adventure, flying over waterfalls, rainforests, volcanic ridges, and uninhabited islands. Discover how these flights offer more than transport—they’re immersive experiences that showcase Fiji’s natural drama from a new angle.
In this episode we talk about how the InterContinental Fiji offers both upscale relaxation and thrilling day trips. Host Normand Schafer looks at how you can golf at championship-level, explore Sigatoka Valley, or snorkel vibrant reefs—all while returning to top-tier dining and sunset views each evening.
In this episode we talk about combining adventure with luxury at Hilton Fiji. Normand Schafer explores how travelers can dive into snorkeling excursions or explore nearby villages — then return to five-star service, waterfront sunsets, and a cocktail by the pool. If you want all the experience with no rough edges, Hilton might be your passport to the perfect trip.
In this episode we talk about how strategic location and comfort make Hexagon properties the ideal beginning or end to your Fijian adventure. Host Normand Schafer discusses how Tokatoka’s proximity to Nadi Airport and the ferry terminals helps streamline transitions to the islands or back home — giving you more time to explore and less time in transit.
In this episode we talk about the bold mix of speed and substance behind Go Dirty Tours Fiji. Host Normand Schafer explores how the tours go beyond typical quad biking with stops at sacred sites, local homes, and natural wonders. Hear what it's like to ride from city streets to jungle trails, all in a single day.
In this episode we talk about First Landing Resort’s fascinating origin story and how it shapes the guest experience. Host Normand Schafer explores how this culturally rich property serves as a base for both exploration and relaxation. Whether you’re heading out on day trips or staying local for traditional dancing and storytelling, the adventure starts here — where Fiji’s story began.
In this episode we talk about traveling through both land and spirit in the ancestral village sites of Haida Gwaii. Norman Shaffer meets Gidinjad, a cultural guide and Watchman with decades of experience welcoming travelers into the spiritual heart of the Guaihanes region. We explore the village sites of Skedans, Tanu, Hot Springs, and SGang Gwaay, revealing their enduring role as places of healing, memory, and ceremony. Book your journey into Haida heritage at https://farandawayadventures.com. Discover how you can walk through living Haida stories at Far and Away Adventures.com.
Gidinjad shares moving stories of his grandchildren learning to live as their ancestors did—fishing, foraging, and feeling the spirit of these villages. Learn about the philosophy behind letting mortuary poles return naturally to the Earth and how the interconnectedness of all life guides Haida tradition. This is not just a podcast about history or travel; it is about the presence of ancestors, the power of cultural renewal, and how every visitor can step gently into that sacred continuum.
Visit https://farandawayadventures.com if you would like to book a trip to any of the places we discuss.
In this episode we talk about the fascinating transformation of Fiji Orchid — once home to actor Raymond Burr — into a tropical sanctuary for modern travelers. Normand Schafer uncovers how the property has kept its cinematic legacy alive while evolving into one of Fiji’s most peaceful getaways. Whether you’re a film buff or serenity seeker, this is a place where story and setting come together.
In this episode, we talk about Skedans (K’una), a site that rests gently on the edge of Haida Gwaii, yet stands boldly in the history of the Haida people. Norm interviews Watchman Melanie, whose deep familial ties to this “village on the edge” guide the conversation into themes of heritage, respect, and spiritual presence. Book your journey into Haida heritage at https://farandawayadventures.com. Discover how you can walk through living Haida stories at Far and Away Adventures.com.
Once home to more than 600 people, Skedans today is a mosaic of fallen and standing poles, grassy trails, and whispers of ceremony. Melanie reveals how mortuary poles housed the deceased in bentwood boxes and how their deliberate return to the earth is a sacred act—not a failure of preservation, but a triumph of belief.
Learn how visitors often arrive confused about why the Haida don’t move or restore their poles, and leave enlightened by their understanding of nature, death, and spiritual ecology. Melanie’s advice? Visit the Haida Heritage Centre twice—before and after your site tours—for a fuller experience.
This isn’t just a walk among ruins. It’s a meeting with memory itself. Start your next passport stamp at https://farandawayadventures.com
In this episode, we talk about SG̱ang Gwaay, an ancient village nestled at the remote southern tip of Guaihanes, where mortuary poles lean into the forest and history whispers through mist and waves. Host Norm speaks with Haida Watchman Teresa Russ, who shares her lived experience of growing up immersed in Haida tradition and now serves as a steward of this revered UNESCO site. Book your journey into Haida heritage at https://farandawayadventures.com. Discover how you can walk through living Haida stories at Far and Away Adventures.com.
From tales of supernatural beings and traditional cedar harvesting to reflections on resilience in the face of cultural erasure, Teresa offers a deeply personal window into the values that shaped her people and continue to sustain them. Learn how SG̱ang Gwaay was selected for UNESCO designation, how visitors often arrive in awe and leave transformed, and how this site remains a testament to the enduring strength of the Haida Nation.
Whether you're seeking adventure or a deeper understanding of the places you travel to, this episode invites you to move beyond sightseeing and into soul-seeing. This is a journey of culture, spirituality, and environmental stewardship you won’t want to miss.
Explore it for yourself at https://farandawayadventures.com.
More information on Haida cultural sites: Haida cultural sites – Gwaii HaanasNational Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve, and Haida
In this episode we talk about turning your travel nightmare into a strategic win, even when airlines like Air Canada throw a wrench in your plans. Host [Your Name] dives deep into practical methods for dealing with large-scale flight disruptions, including how to survive long waits at the airport, navigate rebooking strategies, and stay one step ahead of recovery timelines. With insights gained from decades of guiding travelers through political unrest, border shutdowns, and airline collapses, this episode delivers the tools to keep your adventure alive, even amid turbulence. Whether you're planning your next big trip or currently in the thick of it, this episode will help you pack flexibility and resourcefulness into your passport toolkit. Explore hassle-free adventure planning at Far and Away Adventures.
