Mountain Gorillas, Chimps, 'The Big Five': Awesome Animal Quests In Rwanda And Uganda

What does it take to be 'the world's most traveled man'? Our guest, Harry Mitsidis, founder of NomadMania, reveals how he has visited all 193 sovereign countries as recognized by the United Nations -- many, more than once. Harry paints a vivid picture of his travels, sharing not just the stamp-laden passport but the  interactions, deep cultural immersions, and customs that have shaped his journey. His  insights and strategies for extensive traveling are lessons for both the novice and seasoned traveler.

We discuss favorite and least favorite countries, beauty and unique customs, dangerous situations and lessons learned.  And Harry’s closing memory about how a simple act of giving a dollar led to an outpouring of gratitude in a local village will leave you contemplating the value of small gestures.
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Harry Mitsidis (harry.mitsidis@gmail.com is one of maybe 400 people out of  billions, who has traveled to all the countries on earth. He is founder of NomadMania.
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Podcast host Lea Lane  has traveled to over 100 countries, and  has written nine books, including the award-winning Places I Remember  (Kirkus Reviews star rating, and  'one of the top 100 Indie books of  the year'). She has contributed to many guidebooks and has written thousands of travel articles.
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Our award-winning travel podcast, Places I Remember with Lea Lane, has produced over 100 travel episodes! New podcast episodes drop on the first Tuesday of the month, on Apple, Spotify, and  wherever you listen. Check them out.

Travel videos of each 2024 podcast -- with creative, added graphics -- now drop on YouTube the 15th of every month!

Please consider sharing, following, rating and reviewing us.  And leave your travel questions and comments on our YouTube videos— Lea will answer.

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Website: https://placesirememberlealane.com
Travel Blog: forbes.com
X (Twitter):@lealane
Instagram: PlacesIRememberLeaLane 
Facebook: Places I Remember with Lea Lane 

Discover Croatia's allures with travel experts  Leila Krešić-Jurić  and Antonia Urlic,
as we traverse the nation's vibrant history and culture. From ancient cities to contemporary charms, we uncover the reasons behind Croatia's soaring popularity. The 'Pearl of the Adriatic', Dubrovnik, unveils its deep cultural significance and Game of Thrones fame, and a thriving culinary scene.

Zagreb offers festive markets, a cathedral that dominates the skyline, and the quirky  the Museum of Broken Relationships. Indulge in Zagreb's traditional Strukli, a gastronomic gem best savored within the grandeur of the Hotel Esplanade.

From the storied walls of Diocletian's Palace in Split to the cascading beauty of Plitvice Lakes National Park.

And for those seeking a connection with nature, we share personal stories including a mesmerizing encounter with a dolphin off the island of Hvar,  in the Adriatic.
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Leila Krešić-Jurić (leila.kresic.us@croatia.hr) is ...,  Antonia Urlic (antonia.urlic@stories-hotels.com) is ....

Podcast host Lea Lane  has traveled to over 100 countries, and  has written nine books, including the award-winning Places I Remember  (Kirkus Reviews star rating, and  'one of the top 100 Indie books of  the year'). She has contributed to many guidebooks and has written thousands of travel articles.
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Our award-winning travel podcast, Places I Remember with Lea Lane, has produced over 100 travel episodes! New podcast episodes drop on the first Tuesday of the month, on Apple, Spotify, and  wherever you listen. Check them out.

Travel videos of each 2024 podcast -- with creative, added graphics -- now drop on YouTube the 15th of every month!

Please consider sharing, following, rating and reviewing us.  And leave your travel questions and comments on our YouTube videos— Lea will answer.

****************************************
Website: https://placesirememberlealane.com 

Travel Blog: forbes.com

 X (Twitter):@lealane 

Instagram: PlacesIRememberLeaLane 

Facebook: Places I Remember with Lea Lane 

Get set for an exhilarating journey through South Africa's most awe-inspiring landscapes, as Andrei Von Ketz,  director at Drive South Africa Car Rental Company, takes us on a virtual road trip.

We first cover the Cape Town area, from the haunting echoes of Nelson Mandela's imprisonment at Robben Island to the vibrant Victoria & Albert Waterfront, home to the largest museum of contemporary African art. We visit the colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood, and the District Six Museum, a stark reminder of apartheid's brutal past. This journey culminates at the Cape of Good Hope, the junction of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.

Then we focus on some of South Africa's best drives, including the renowned Garden Route and offbeat Route 62 through the Karoo region. Andrei, our steadfast guide, recounts his memorable family road trip during the COVID-19 pandemic. So tune in, get inspired, and gear up to hit the open road in South Africa!
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Andrei Von Ketz, lives in South Africa and is director at Drive South Africa Car Rental Company, and loves to hit the road.
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Podcast host Lea Lane  has traveled to over 100 countries, and  has written nine books, including the award-winning Places I Remember  (Kirkus Reviews star rating, and  'one of the top 100 Indie books of  the year). She has contributed to many guidebooks and has written thousands of travel articles.
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Our award-winning travel podcast, Places I Remember with Lea Lane, has produced over 100 travel episodes! New podcast episodes drop on the first Tuesday of the month, on Apple, Spotify, and  wherever you listen. Check them out.

Travel videos of each 2024 podcast -- with creative, added graphics -- now drop on YouTube the 15th of every month!

Please consider sharing, following, rating and reviewing us.  And leave your travel questions and comments on our YouTube videos— Lea will answer.

****************************************
Website: https://placesirememberlealane.com 

Travel Blog: forbes.com

 X (Twitter):@lealane 

Instagram: PlacesIRememberLeaLane 

Facebook: Places I Remember with Lea Lane 

Part Two of our 100th episode transports you across the globe, to explore memorable adventures, as shared by our remarkable guests: from the rich culture of Guatemala; the allure of Scotland; the intrigue of a hidden Rembrandt during World War II in the Netherlands; to Panamanians, who embrace the elderly.

We journey from Ecuador's steam trains and the sandy beaches of the British Virgin Islands to the speed of Shanghai's trains and the tranquility of Tianjin Park, China. We share little-known facts about Jamestown, Virginia, and Madrid.  Patricia Schultz, author of A Thousand Places to See Before You Die, shares a special trip to Machu Picchu.

Master architect, Tim Peck joins us from Mozambique, there's a heli-skiing trip in Whistler to remember, and a refreshing hike to a waterfall in Dominica. Prepare for a moment in Egypt at King Tut's tomb, a Russian MiG jet chase, a visit to a modern replica of Noah's Ark, and a sacred experience during a massive bird migration.

This two-part 100th episode is about more than just sharing incredible stories; it's a testament to the transformative power of travel, and the memories we create along the way.
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Suggestion: Take down the episode numbers of any of the tales you especially enjoy, to hear the full stories.
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Podcast host Lea Lane blogs at forbes.com, has traveled to over 100 countries, and  has written nine books, including the award-winning Places I Remember  (Kirkus Reviews star rating, and  'one of the top 100 Indie books of  the year). She has contributed to many guidebooks and has written thousands of travel articles.

Contact Lea- she loves hearing from you!  @lealane on Twitter; PlacesIRememberLeaLane on Insta; Places I Remember with Lea Lane on Facebook; Website: placesirememberlealane.com. 

New episodes drop on the first Tuesday of the month, wherever you listen. Please consider sharing, following, rating and reviewing this award-winning travel podcast.

We're celebrating our 100th episode with a two-part series! We've handpicked favorites from past guests, in this double-sized episode with tales from every corner of the globe.

Guest's travel memories include: an encounter on the pilgrimage along Spain's Camino de Santiago; wildlife sightings in Yellowstone National Park;  a serendipitous mishap in the Norwegian fjords; and the transformational tale of Meg Daly, whose bike accident sparked a revolution in Miami. We'll also travel to awe-inspiring destinations, experiencing the beauty of the Northern Lights in Alaska, and paying homage to the solemnity of World War cemeteries in Belgium and France. We're not just sharing stories; we're exploring the unique ways these experiences have shaped the lives of our guests.

We take you to Ohio's Duck Tape Festival, share a climber's experience of summiting Mount Everest, and unearth the mysteries of an archaeological dig in France. We’ll also share an emotional visit to a Holocaust survivor's hiding place in Poland. To close out this special episode, we'll recount my voyage through a pirate zone in the Indian Ocean off the coast of East Africa. Whether it's the bizarre, the beautiful, or the downright scary, we're celebrating the transformative power of travel and the universal nature of shared experiences. (And Part Two, coming next, will offer more!)

Suggestion: Take down the episode numbers of any of the tales you especially enjoy, to hear the full stories.
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Podcast host Lea Lane blogs at forbes.com, has traveled to over 100 countries, and  has written nine books, including the award-winning Places I Remember  (Kirkus Reviews star rating, and  'one of the top 100 Indie books of  the year). She has contributed to many guidebooks and has written thousands of travel articles.

Contact Lea- she loves hearing from you!  @lealane on Twitter; PlacesIRememberLeaLane on Insta; Places I Remember with Lea Lane on Facebook; Website: placesirememberlealane.com. 

New episodes drop every other Tuesday, wherever you listen. Please consider sharing, following, rating and reviewing this award-winning travel podcast. 

We'll transport you to the heart of the Philippines with our special guest, David Haldane. As an expat and author of the book, A Tooth in My Popsicle And Other Ebullient Essays on Becoming Filipino, David offers a uniquely insightful perspective on the blend of the Philippines' cultural landscapes --from bustling Manila, with its mix of modern skyscrapers and Spanish colonial architecture, to untouched islands including Cebu, Palawan and Boroquay! 

We'll not just traverse the geographical diversity of the Philippines, but delve into the country's rich culinary traditions (including delectable lechon and ube ice cream), and tight-knit village communities.  David recounts his warm welcome into a village, showcasing the Filipino's inherent hospitality and strong sense of community. And of course, we'll delve into tales from his book.
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David Haldane is an expat who lives in the Philippines part of the year, and is author of the  travel memoir, A Tooth in My Popsicle.
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Podcast host Lea Lane blogs at forbes.com, has traveled to over 100 countries, and  has written nine books, including the award-winning Places I Remember  (Kirkus Reviews star rating, and  'one of the top 100 Indie books' of  the year). She has contributed to many guidebooks and has written thousands of travel articles.

Contact Lea- she loves hearing from you!  @lealane on Twitter; PlacesIRememberLeaLane on Insta; Places I Remember with Lea Lane on Facebook; Website: placesirememberlealane.com. 

New episodes drop every other Tuesday, wherever you listen. Please consider sharing, following, rating and reviewing this award-winning travel podcast. 

Colombians Carlos Boggio and Ana Maria Matallana guide us to the pleasures of this stunning South American country, set on three coasts -- a fusion of Spanish, African, and indigenous influences  Learn of natural wonders like the Cano Cristales riverbed and the Tayrona National Park. We cover Colombian cities, filled with culture and history, including Bogota,  Cartagena, Barranquilla, Cali and Medellin.

We discuss colorful festivals, carnivals, day trips to mountain plantations and beach resorts, and Colombian food and drink -- from arepas to ants! Shopping tips cover famous Colombian coffee, clothing and emeralds. As always, we end with memories: Carlos remembers the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, with a tale of a small bronze angel, a reminder of his father's friendship with the artist.
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Carlos Boggio and Ana Maria Matallana live part of the year in Colombia.
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Podcast host Lea Lane blogs at forbes.com, has traveled to over 100 countries, and  has written nine books, including the award-winning Places I Remember  (Kirkus Reviews star rating, and  'one of the top 100 Indie books' of  the year). She has contributed to many guidebooks and has written thousands of travel articles.

Contact Lea- she loves hearing from you!  @lealane on Twitter; PlacesIRememberLeaLane on Insta; Places I Remember with Lea Lane on Facebook; Website: placesirememberlealane.com. 

New episodes drop every other Tuesday, wherever you listen. Please consider sharing, following, rating and reviewing this award-winning travel podcast.

History, mountains, beaches, cities, arts --  that's just a part of North Carolina's treasures. Wit Tuttle, Executive Director of Visit North Carolina, enlightens us with  captivating stories and insights. We talk of  the vibrant Triangle area, with the cities of Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. The journey continues to the thriving city of Charlotte. On to Asheville, with the famed Biltmore house. We discuss Cherokees and civil rights, arts and food.

On North Carolina's Outer Banks, there's everything from kite boarding and the history of the Wright Brothers, to the intriguing tale of Blackbeard. Wildlife includes wild horses and sea turtles.

And we end with a memory, centering on -- barbeque.
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Wit Tuttle is Executive Director of Visit North Carolina. He loves pulled pork!
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Podcast host Lea Lane blogs at forbes.com, has traveled to over 100 countries, and  has written nine books, including the award-winning Places I Remember  (Kirkus Reviews star rating, and  'one of the top 100 Indie books' of  the year). She has contributed to many guidebooks and has written thousands of travel articles.

Contact Lea- she loves hearing from you!  @lealane on Twitter; PlacesIRememberLeaLane on Insta; Places I Remember with Lea Lane on Facebook; Website: placesirememberlealane.com. 

New episodes drop every other Tuesday, wherever you listen. Please consider sharing, following, rating and reviewing this award-winning travel podcast. 

With Lori Erickson, author of Every Step is Home, we uncover the sacred essence within natural wonders in the U.S. -- each linked to an element such as air, water, and stone. From the Marching Bears Iowa mounds to the hallowed dirt of El Santuaro in New Mexico, to the spiritual stones at the Pipestone National Monument in Minnesota, Lori leads us on these and other journeys of discovery.

Our talk includes the mesmerizing Northern Lights, the astronomical marvels of New Mexico's Chaco Canyon, and the destructive and regenerative power of fire at Hawaii's Volcanoes National Park.

Lori ends with the Sandhill Crane migration in Nebraska. You'll see that the sacred is all around us, waiting to be discovered, as you join us in this captivating conversation.
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Lori Erickson's newest book is Every Step is Home: A Spiritual Journey from Appalachia to Alaska. She is one of the foremost writers of  sacred and spiritual travel in the U.S.
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Podcast host Lea Lane blogs at forbes.com, has traveled to over 100 countries, and  has written nine books, including the award-winning Places I Remember  (Kirkus Reviews star rating, and  'one of the top 100 Indie books' of  the year). She has contributed to many guidebooks and has written thousands of travel articles.

Contact Lea- she loves hearing from you!  @lealane on Twitter; PlacesIRememberLeaLane on Insta; Places I Remember with Lea Lane on Facebook; Website: placesirememberlealane.com. 

New episodes drop every other Tuesday, wherever you listen. Please consider sharing, following, rating and reviewing this award-winning travel podcast. 

We chat with  Sandrine Camila, Deputy Director at Visit Monaco, who shares recommendations on must-see attractions along the French Riviera. We talk of markets and museums in Nice, and an encounter with a young Michael Douglas at the Cannes Film Festival.

We ascend to the picturesque villages of Eze and St. Paul de Vence,  which date back to the Middle Ages. You'll almost be able to smell the fragrant concoctions in the Fraganard perfume factory, and visualize gardens within ruins of original castle walls.

We then whisk you to Monaco, the second smallest independent state globally, where we uncover its best attractions.

This episode captures the historical, artistic, and natural splendor of the Cote d'Azure.
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Sandrine  Camilla is Deputy Director at Visit Monaco.
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Podcast host Lea Lane blogs at forbes.com, has traveled to over 100 countries, and  has written nine books, including the award-winning Places I Remember  (Kirkus Reviews star rating, and  'one of the top 100 Indie books' of  the year). She has contributed to many guidebooks and has written thousands of travel articles.

Contact Lea- she loves hearing from you!  @lealane on Twitter; PlacesIRememberLeaLane on Insta; Places I Remember with Lea Lane on Facebook; Website: placesirememberlealane.com. 

New episodes drop every other Tuesday, wherever you listen. Please consider sharing, following, rating and reviewing this award-winning travel podcast.