A Long Weekend in Kelowna, British Columbia - Kelowna to Osoyoos: Wine Country, Lakeside Strolls & the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre

This week on the Winging It Travel Podcast, I’m sharing a relaxing but adventure-packed Easter weekend getaway in Kelowna and Osoyoos, located in the heart of British Columbia’s stunning Okanagan Valley. If you’re dreaming about a scenic road trip filled with vineyard views, coffee shop gems, and meaningful cultural experiences, this episode is for you.

We based ourselves in downtown Kelowna, staying at the centrally located Royal Anne Hotel, and explored everything from lakeside trails to vibrant cafes and local eateries. Then we hit the road to visit Vernon, the desert-like town of Osoyoos, and the powerful and educational Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre, where I share my honest reflections about Canada’s colonial history and the importance of Indigenous learning spaces.

From sipping wine at Frind Winery next to the beach, to an epic brunch at Eatology, to sipping third-wave espresso at Slow Side Coffee, this weekend was the perfect mix of downtime and discovery. I also dive into travel costs, local transport tips, and why Kelowna might just be your next affordable getaway from Vancouver.

Here’s what you’ll discover in this episode:

• 🧳 How to spend 4 days in Kelowna without breaking the bank
• ☕ Where to find the best coffee in Kelowna
• 🍷 A must-visit beachfront winery in West Kelowna
• 🍽️ My top food spots: from Vietnamese banh mi to fine Indian cuisine
• 🏞️ The Okanagan Region is one of Canada’s sunniest destinations
• 🎓 An honest take on the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre and its powerful Indigenous education
• 🚗 How to plan a mini road trip through the Okanagan with a cheap rental car
• 🌅 Scenic walking routes along Okanagan Lake and Tugboat Beach
• 💡 Tips for booking travel during holidays like Easter

If you’re considering a short break within BC, this episode shows why Kelowna and Osoyoos offer the perfect mix of relaxation, culture, and natural beauty. I’ll also touch on how this trip made me reconsider future moves—Kelowna might just be a contender!

Here is my episode on our time in Penticton and Nelson when on our road trip in 2023 - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/winging-it-podcast/id1559489384?i=1000622426622

https://open.spotify.com/episode/25S9EOPiUSljD2KJuYMbvs?si=KuXDBWWBTp-fdDnprr7Ldw

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome to the Winging It Travel Podcast

00:30 Exploring Kelowna: A Weekend Getaway

01:55 Adventures in Kelowna: Food and Coffee Stops

05:44 Day Trips: Vernon and Asoyus Highlights

09:33 Cultural Insights: Inka Meep Desert Cultural Center

10:58 Reflections on Kelowna and Future Travels

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In this episode of the Winging It Travel Podcast, I share my real-time experience during a 4-hour layover in Hong Kong International Airport (HKG). From navigating quick immigration to sampling authentic local food, I break down how to make the most of a short stopover in one of Asia’s busiest transit hubs.

You’ll hear tips on how to leave the airport, our experience of finding local street food, great viewpoints around Central Station and ideas on how much things cost. I also dive into a few other fantastic cities around the world for layovers, including:

✈️ Singapore Changi Airport – Nature, food, and luxury in one

✈️ Kuala Lumpur – Affordable and easy to get around

✈️ Amsterdam Schiphol Airport – Europe’s layover gem

✈️ London Heathrow – Historic sites just a train ride away

✈️ Reykjavik – Utilise Icelandic Air's free layover service with your airfare

Whether you’re a frequent flyer or planning your first big trip, these layover travel hacks will help you turn airport downtime into a mini-adventure.

🔗 Connect & Subscribe:

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and share it with your travel-loving friends.

Follow the journey on Instagram and YouTube at Roaming with Hammo.

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome to Winging It Travel Podcast

00:30 Layover Adventures in Hong Kong

06:07 Exploring Other Layover Cities

10:21 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

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Please leave a review and rating wherever you get your podcasts!

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Winging It Travel Podcast Credits

Host/Producer/Creator/Composer/Editor - James Hammond

Contact me - jameshammondtravel@gmail.com

Social Media - follow me on:

Instagram

TikTok

Facebook

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Support My Podcast - Memberships

Patreon - Here

Buy Me A Coffee - Here

Affiliate Links

If you click one of the below to book something, I get a tiny commission, which helps the podcast.

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Ep 179 w/ Mark Wolters - Honest Travel Tips from Wolters World: 1M+ YouTube Followers + The Power of Being Real

In this week’s episode of the Winging It Travel Podcast, I sit down with Mark Wolters, the face behind the hugely popular Wolters World YouTube channel — with over 1 million subscribers tuning in for his brutally honest, no-fluff travel tips.

Mark has built a reputation on keeping it real — no sugarcoating, no sponsored fluff, and zero tolerance for BS. Whether you're a first-time backpacker, a digital nomad, or a seasoned globetrotter, you're going to love this chat.

Here’s what we dig into:

🌍 Travel before the internet – What it was like exploring the world in the 90s and early 2000s

📱 YouTube honesty – Why Mark refuses to take money for travel reviews and how that keeps his content real

🧳 Backpacking in South America & study abroad insights – Why these were game-changers in Mark’s travel journey

🏕️ Budget travel vs. today's hostel prices – Has the travel industry lost the plot post-COVID?

🌍 Underrated destinations – Why Rwanda, El Salvador, and South America deserve way more love

🚫 What NOT to do when travelling – The philosophy behind his “Don’ts of Travel” series

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family travel tips – How Mark makes world travel work with kids

🛫 Overcoming fear of travel – The media vs. the reality on the ground in countries you might think are “dangerous”

🏰 Upcoming trips to Banff, Serbia, and beyond – Plus, why his dad is finally visiting a castle from a 50-year-old painting!

Whether you're here for inspiration, insight, or a bit of nostalgia, this episode is packed with wisdom from a guy who’s travelled the world, filmed it all, and still sends postcards home.

👉 Hit play and discover why 1m+ subscribers trust Mark for honest travel advice that actually helps.

🔗 Links & Resources

• Wolters World YouTube Channel
• Follow Mark on Instagram: @woltersworld
• Wolters World Website
• Find all episodes & more travel podcasts at Voyascape

📍 New episodes every Monday on Spotify, Apple, and all your favourite podcast app.

YouTube version is HERE

💬 Love the episode? Share it with a friend and tag us @wingingittravelpodcast

Timestamps

00:00 Nostalgia for 90s Travel

01:47 Introduction to Mark Walters

02:12 Mark's Early Travel Experiences

06:11 First International Trip and Its Impact

09:50 Travelling as an Adult

11:40 Backpacking in South America

13:34 Advice for Study Abroad Students

15:42 Travelling in the Digital Age

17:15 Camaraderie in Travel

20:24 Types of Travellers

22:03 Lessons Learned from Locals

24:13 Overcoming Travel Fears

25:57 Experiencing Culture Shock

27:45 Accommodation Preferences

30:11 The Changing Landscape of Hostels

31:30 The Evolution of Hostels

32:50 Travel Disappointments and Expectations

33:48 Local...

In this final episode of my month-long adventure through Central America and Mexico, I dive into the last stop of my trip — Mexico City — and share how I explored as much as possible in one of the world’s largest cities in just 36 hours. I cover everything from using the Mexico City Metro to where I stayed near the airport, the incredible Roma Norte neighbourhood, and major landmarks like El Zócalo, Palacio de Bellas Artes, and Bosque de Chapultepec.

After the travel stories, I break down my full one-month backpacking budget, revealing exactly how much I spent across El Salvador, Guatemala, and Mexico — including flight costs, food, accommodation, activities, transportation, and more.

Whether you're planning a backpacking trip through Central America, looking for budget travel inspiration, or curious about solo travel safety and tips, this episode packs a ton of value.

🧳 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• What to see and do with just 36 hours in Mexico City
• The best neighbourhoods for backpackers in CDMX (hint: Roma Norte!)
• Tips for navigating the Mexico City Metro and using Uber
• My favourite cheap eats and local food experiences in Mexico City
• Full breakdown of my travel budget
• Average daily spending by country
• Honest reflections on travelling solo, safety, and must-see spots like Lake Atitlán, Acatenango Volcano, Antigua, Oaxaca and Tikal.

🎒 Useful Resources:

• 🌐 Winging It Travel Podcast Website
• 📺 Watch the Vlogs on Roaming with Hammo (YouTube)

🎧 Listen to Past Episodes:

• El Salvador Playlist on Spotify
• Guatemala Series
• Oaxaca Episode

🗣 Like, Review, Subscribe & Share

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate it, leave a review, and subscribe on your favourite podcast platform.

Please share it with your fellow travellers and follow me on YouTube @roamingwithhammo too!

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to the Winging It Travel Podcast

00:30 Exploring Mexico City: Arrival and First Impressions

01:58 Navigating Mexico City: Metro and Transportation Tips

02:58 Cultural Landmarks: Plaza de la Constitución and Palacio de Bellas Artes

05:06 Discovering Roma: Trendy Neighbourhoods and Cafes

07:03 Experiencing Festivals: Angel of Independence and Local Culture

08:25 Reflections on Mexico City: A Quick Visit

09:20 Trip Summary: Insights from Central America

10:49 Budget Breakdown: Costs of the Month-Long Trip

13:07 Final Thoughts: Future Travel Plans and...

Bonus Episode - The Armchair Explorer

Hello and welcome to this week’s episode! I’ve got something a little different—and very exciting—for you. Today, I’m sharing a powerful episode from The Armchair Explorer, hosted by my good friend Aaron Millar. It is called "IMMERSION: Homecoming: Chief Joseph’s Promise and the Flight of the Nez Perce" from the Hidden Trails of Oregon Series.

The episode is called Homecoming, and it tells a moving story about the Native American tribes of Eastern Oregon—specifically, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla. It uncovers a nearly forgotten chapter of history involving two chiefs and a sacred promise to bring their people home.

The Armchair Explorer is a phenomenal travel podcast that blends immersive audio, rich storytelling, and a deep sense of human connection and adventure. It’s a huge inspiration to me, and I think you’ll find yourself transported by the vivid way these stories are told. I am absolutely delighted to share this episode today, as quality content is the most important aspect, and Aaron has that in abundance with his podcast.

See the shownotes below for all the links to the Armchair Explorer Podcast and everything mentioned in the episode. You have to check in to Aaron's podcast like I do every week!

So sit back, relax, and let this journey take you somewhere unforgettable. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Shownotes

Welcome back to the Hidden Trails of Oregon! In the first episode of our new season, host Aaron Millar heads to the eastern edge of the state, far from the bustle of coastal cities and the craggy heights of the Cascade Mountains.

We're going on location in the traditional lands of the Nez Perce to uncover a piece of history unknown to most outsiders. In the late 19th century, the Wallowa Band of the Nez Perce tribe were driven from their homeland. 200 warriors, protecting hundreds more women and children, fought for five days against 520 US soldiers. Their leader, before surrendering, promised his people that one day they would come home. After nearly 200 years, his promise may just be starting to come true.

This is a unique story of generational resilience, cultural preservation, and the ongoing work for recognition and ancestral lands.

RESOURCES

To plan your next Oregon adventure:traveloregon.com

Adventure Along With The Hidden Trails of Oregon - https://traveloregon.com/plan-your-trip/destinations/lakes-reservoirs/adventure-along-with-the-hidden-trails-of-oregon-podcast/

Visiting the Nez Perce Homeland and the Tamkaliks Celebration powwow:wallowanezperce.org

Local and cultural history at the Josephy Library: library.josephy.org

Thank you to our guests: Bobbie Conner, Rich Wandschneider, Jacey Sohappy, and Nancy Crenshaw.

CREDITS

This series was produced by Armchair Productions, the audio experts for the travel industry. Find out more at armchair-productions.com

Brian Thacker: pre-production

Charles Tyrie: assistant audio editing

Jason Paton: writing, recording, mixing, sound design

Aaron Millar: host, writing, executive producer

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🎙️ Episode Title: 3 Days in Oaxaca, Mexico: A Local Food Tour, Cafe Culture & Colourful Streets

In this solo travel episode, I (James) take you through my chilled, food-filled, coffee-fueled 3-day escape to Oaxaca, Mexico — a destination famous for its rich culture, incredible street food, artisan markets, and laid-back digital nomad vibes.

After weeks of travelling through Central America, Oaxaca was the perfect place to unwind before my trip home to Vancouver via Mexico City. Tune in to hear about my stay at a local hostel, my favourite cafes, a mouthwatering food tour, and why Oaxaca should be on every traveller's bucket list— especially if you love mole, mezcal, and Mexican culture.

Whether you're a foodie, a coffee addict, a digital nomad, or a curious backpacker, this Oaxaca travel guide will inspire your next adventure!

Three days was nowhere near enough for this place which just means I will have to return one day to stay longer!

Lupita's food tour - https://www.guruwalk.com/walks/41086-free-gastronomic-tour-oaxacan-food-intangible-cultural-heritage-of-humanity

📌 Travel Tips & Highlights:

✅ Best cafes in Oaxaca for digital nomads & breakfast lovers

✅ Top hostels in Oaxaca City for solo travelers

✅ What to eat in Oaxaca: mole, tlayudas, chapulines (yes, bugs!)

✅ Local tours worth booking (food, chocolate, mezcal)

✅ When to visit: December sunshine, festive vibe, fewer tourists

✅ Easy transport options from Mexico City & Guatemala

📢 Mentioned In This Episode:

• Hostal Luz de Luna Nuyoo
• Casa Angel Hostel
• Iguana Hostel
• Boulenc Cafe
• Muss Cafe
• Lupita’s Oaxaca Food Tour
• Las Quince Letras Restaurant
• Hierve el Agua Natural Springs
• Monte Albán Ruins

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Winging It Travel Podcast - Website

Please leave a review and rating wherever you get your podcasts!

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Winging It Travel Podcast Credits

Host/Producer/Creator/Composer/Editor - James Hammond

Contact me - jameshammondtravel@gmail.com

Social Media - follow me on:

Instagram

TikTok

Facebook

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Support My Podcast - Memberships

Patreon - Here

Buy Me A Coffee - Here

Affiliate Links

If you click one of...

In this episode, I’m joined by Kristina Plattner, the managing director of Kamba Rainforest Experiences, a groundbreaking eco-tourism initiative deep in the heart of the Republic of Congo (ROC). Kristina shares her fascinating journey from growing up in the hospitality world of South Africa to creating immersive travel experiences in one of the world’s last great rainforests. Her passion for conservation, community engagement, and storytelling shines as we talk about how Kamba connects travelers with the lush, biodiverse environment of the Congo Basin—a region few tourists have explored but which holds incredible ecological and cultural significance. From tracking western lowland gorillas and forest elephants to collaborating with local guides and Ba’Aka communities, Kamba is all about meaningful, ethical, and unforgettable encounters.

We also dive into the realities of running a responsible tourism business in such a remote, logistically challenging region. Kristina discusses the balance between luxury and sustainability, the importance of respecting local traditions, and the vision for Kamba to become a leader in regenerative travel across Central Africa. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or dreaming of going off-grid for the first time, this episode will open your eyes to the beauty and potential of the Republic of Congo as a premier destination for nature and culture lovers alike. If you’re seeking untamed wilderness, rare wildlife encounters, and a chance to travel with purpose, this conversation will both inspire and inform.

We discuss:

✅ What makes Kamba Rainforest Experiences unique

✅ How Kristina fell in love with the Congo and transitioned from hospitality in South Africa to jungle adventures in the ROC

✅ Gorilla trekking, forest safaris, and cultural immersion with local communities

✅ The challenges and rewards of running an eco-tourism initiative in remote Central Africa

✅ Why the ROC is an off-the-beaten-path travel gem worth discovering now

🌍 Whether you're a curious traveller, conservation enthusiast, or looking to visit lesser-known destinations in Africa, this episode will inspire your next adventure.

Kamba Links

Kamba Rainforest Experiences - https://kambaafrica.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kamba.africa/

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction

02:29 Tina Plattner's Journey and Background

09:17 The Founding of Kamba African Rainforest Experiences

11:40 Understanding the Republic of Congo

16:25 Exploring Otsala Kukua National Park

20:06 Wildlife Encounters and Gorilla Tracking

23:05 Adventure Packages and Guest Experiences

27:11 Sustainability Practices and Community Impact

29:24 Gorilla Tracking and Wildlife Interactions

31:07 Conservation Efforts and Local Communities

34:27 Empowering Local Guides and Education

36:24 The Shift in Travel Mindset

38:25 Budgeting for Unique Experiences

40:14 Why Choose Kamba for Your Adventure?

43:22 Exploring Beyond the Rainforest

46:08 Cost of Living and Travel in the Republic of Congo

48:05 The Allure of the Untouched Wilderness

50:29 Connecting with Kamba: Booking Your Journey

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Winging It Travel Podcast - Website

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One Epic Day in Tikal: Exploring Guatemala’s Ancient Mayan City

In this episode of the Winging It Travel Podcast, I take you deep into the Guatemalan jungle for an unforgettable one-day adventure through Tikal National Park—one of the most breathtaking and mysterious Mayan archaeological sites in the world.

Join me as I travel from Lake Atitlán to Flores, flying from Guatemala City Airport (not part of the plan!). I take you on a journey into the heart of Tikal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Guatemala’s must-see destinations. I share my real-time experiences, from booking the guide and finding accommodation to dealing with hostel mishaps and late-night boat rides on Lake Petén Itzá.

🎒 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• How to visit Tikal in one day (and why it's totally worth it!)
• The best tips for booking your Tikal day tour
• Why staying on the island of Flores is essential
• What to bring to Tikal: cash, ponchos, and good shoes!
• Temple highlights: Temple I (Temple of the Great Jaguar), Temple II (Temple of the Masks), and the towering Temples IV and V
• Insights from my incredible guide, Georgino
• The mystery of Tikal’s collapse and what still lies hidden beneath the jungle
• My recommended hostels in Flores, Guatemala
• Whether you need a guide to explore the ruins (hint: it’s highly recommended!)

🌿 Why Tikal Is So Special:

Tikal was once a thriving Mayan city and holds deep historical, cultural, and spiritual significance. With only 10–20% of its ruins uncovered, this ancient city in the jungle offers visitors a rare and humbling glimpse into a civilization that mastered architecture, astronomy, and jungle living. It's an absolute bucket-list destination in Guatemala, and a highlight of my Central America backpacking trip.

📸 PRO TIP: Take your best camera—Tikal is a content creator’s dream with panoramic jungle views, ancient pyramids, and wildlife all around.

🧭 Essential Travel Info for Tikal, Guatemala:

• Location: Tikal National Park, Petén, northern Guatemala
• Entry Fee: 150 Quetzales (cash only)
• Best Time to Visit: Dry season (Nov–Apr), but bring a rain jacket regardless
• Tours: Easily booked through hostels like Los Amigos or Casa Maya Itza

✈️ After Tikal, I flew back to Guatemala City, en route to Mexico City and Oaxaca—coming up in future episodes!

Book Hostal Cada de Grethel on Booking.com

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome to the Winging It Travel Podcast

00:30 Journey to Tikal: Planning and Logistics

02:20 Experiencing Flores: Accommodation Insights

04:14 Exploring Tikal: The Guided Tour Begins

05:41 The Wonders of Tikal: History and Architecture

09:00 The Mysteries of Tikal: Collapse and Rediscovery

10:26 Final Thoughts on Tikal: Recommendations and Reflections

Support...