travel
The Winging It Travel Podcast is your weekly ticket to the world—dropping every Monday and hosted by me, James Hammond, proudly part of the Voyascape Network. This is more than just a travel podcast—it's a cinematic audio experience that takes you deep into the heart of each journey. Through rich immersive soundscapes, on-the-ground reactions, and authentic storytelling, I bring you right alongside me—whether I’m hiking up volcanoes in Guatemala, navigating the chaos of a city market in India, or camping under the stars in British Columbia. With over fifteen years of travel behind me, I've met incredible people, seen breathtaking places, and collected unforgettable stories—and now I get to share them with you. Expect a mix of: 🎧 Immersive-Audio episodes that let you hear the world as I experience it 🎙️ Raw, reflective solo episodes filled with insights, tips, and honest travel tales 🌍 Guest conversations with some of the most diverse and well-travelled people I've encountered on the ro
James Hammond details the cost and booking experience for flying from Moorea to Bora Bora via Air Moana, noting it cost 400 Canadian dollars or 290 USD per person including checked bags, with a sparse passenger count on the plane.
James Hammond shares the cost and details of staying at the Royal Bora Bora for two nights, which cost 916 Canadian dollars or 655 USD for a garden view room including breakfast.
James Hammond discusses the cost of booking an overwater bungalow at the InterContinental La Moana in Bora Bora for his anniversary, reporting a rate of 2,451 Canadian dollars per night.
James Hammond outlines his booking for a scenic helicopter tour over Bora Bora with Tahiti Nui Helicopters, noting it cost 600 Canadian dollars for a 20-minute flight.
James Hammond recounts travel disruptions on his return trip from French Polynesia, noting that their flight back to San Francisco was initially delayed by four hours before being completely cancelled.
This updated 2026 travel guide to Hornby Island details ferry costs and booking requirements. A return ticket for two passengers and a small car from Horseshoe Bay to Tsawwassen costs $263 Canadian dollars, with specific vehicle size restrictions mentioned. Booking ferries in advance is stressed as crucial, especially for long weekends.
Traveling to Hornby Island involves a 'double ferry shuffle' which is presented as part of the adventure. The process includes a ferry from Buckley Bay to Denman Island, followed by a drive across Denman to another ferry terminal for the final leg to Hornby. The speaker emphasizes that getting to the ferry terminal early is essential due to high demand.
A cautionary tale is shared about an incident at the Hornby Island ferry queue where a driver, apparently unaware of the parking arrangements, caused a multi-car collision. The speaker stresses the importance of caution when navigating the bend while queuing for the ferry.
Hornby Island is described as being nestled in the Salish Sea, south-east of Courtney and Comox, and is nicknamed the 'Hawaii of the North'. The island is characterized by its peaceful atmosphere, horseshoe-shaped community, wooded landscape with sandstone cliffs, unique ecosystems, and a world-class beach called Tribune Bay. Approximately 40% of its land is protected parkland, and it is known for its laid-back, creative artisan culture.
Host James Hammond discusses the phenomenon of the 'post-trip hangover,' suggesting it's not the travel destination itself that is missed, but rather the liberated version of oneself that exists while traveling. This feeling is exacerbated by the stark contrast between the high-stimulus travel life and the routine of daily domestic life, leading to a 'dopamine crash' upon return.
James Hammond introduces the concept of 'no trip phobia,' a panic that sets in when one's calendar is empty of travel plans. This fear stems from the dread of having nowhere to go and no future travel on the horizon, a feeling that contrasts sharply with the freedom experienced while traveling.
The podcast highlights the concept of 'travel fitness,' characterized by hitting high step counts daily and engaging in high stimulus activities, which host James Hammond finds leads to better physical and mental health. This contrasts sharply with the 'shock of mundane' and predictable routine of domestic life upon returning home.
James Hammond describes the 'archive trap,' where editing past travel footage, such as drone shots of Finland, evokes intense longing to return to those carefree days. This process of reliving memories through editing can be a form of self-torture, making the present feel too rigid.
James Hammond explores the challenge of finding a balance between the desire to travel and the need for domestic routine, contemplating a personal ideal of 60% travel to 40% home life. He notes that even enjoying local activities like park runs doesn't sustain the contentment for long, emphasizing the constant need to analyze and adjust this balance.
Hammond posits that the intensity of short-term travel enjoyment, often involving drinking and maximum engagement, stems from its finite nature, creating a 'temporary persona.' He argues that this travel self might even be perceived as one's 'real self,' leading to sadness that this persona cannot be sustained in daily work life.
To break the cycle of longing for past travels, James Hammond suggests accepting that specific trips are finite and cannot be recreated. He advocates for enjoying travel memories without being 'held by them,' recommending strategies like 'smuggling travel into daily life' through local explorations or visiting new museums.
A traveler recounts how they managed to save between $12,000 and $14,000 AUD in approximately six to seven months while living in Melbourne. The speaker details how they secured a job paying $25-$30 AUD per hour, which was crucial for recovering travel expenses and funding further trips.
The speaker describes their experience living in Urban Central Hostel in South Melbourne for three months as a long-term guest. They initially secured accommodation by paying cash for extra weeks after paying for the first week upfront, due to receiving regular pay from their new job.
The speaker describes South Melbourne as a trendy and expensive area to rent, located a short walk from the CBD and bordering Albert Park. The area features a mix of Victorian architecture and modern buildings, with spacious roads and a vibrant community.
The speaker reflects on acquiring their first smartphone, an iPhone 5C, during their seven months in Melbourne. This marked a significant shift, enabling access to social media, music streaming, and online research, which they suggest began to change the nature of travel.
The speaker details their introduction to the Australian Football League (AFL) while in Melbourne, highlighting the sport's unique nature and the electric atmosphere at games, particularly at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). They describe supporting the Richmond team despite their poor performance at the time.
The speaker recounts suffering from a severe gum and ear infection during their time in Melbourne, which was so painful they had to visit A&E. They were prescribed Endone, a strong painkiller, which they used to manage the pain, although their doctor was surprised by the prescription due to its potency and street value.
This episode of the Winging It Travel Podcast offers an immersive ASMR-style experience from the Finnish Lakelands, specifically Lake Maunolanselkä. The recording aims to transport listeners to the serene environment, encouraging them to relax and envision their own dream trips.
The podcast describes the 'Moki life' experienced in a Finnish cabin by a lake, which involves a slow pace of life. This includes activities like reading, swimming, sauna use, and enjoying coffee outdoors.
The podcast host James Hammond described the process of taking a ferry from Estonia to Helsinki. He mentioned Viking Line as the primary service, with Tallink C-Line and A-line as alternatives. The booking process involves selecting a date and time online, paying in euros, and using a barcode for check-in at the ferry terminal. The journey takes just over two hours and offers onboard services, including a bar.
James Hammond highlighted a trendy cafe in Helsinki called La Tora Fazione, located on Alexander Inka Street. This cafe serves special beans roasted by a local roaster named Kaffa, which are exclusive to this establishment. Hammond enjoyed a "catch-up style" sandwich there, noting it's a must-visit for its unique coffee.
The podcast host experienced a free walking tour in Helsinki booked through Green Cap Tours. The tour covered Finnish and Helsinki history, visiting notable sights and concluding at the Helsinki Central Library Oodi. Hammond described Oodi as a stunning new building ideal for reading, working, or socializing, with a large outdoor square.
James Hammond recommended Kao Tip, a Thai restaurant in central Helsinki run by Thai staff. He described the food as sensational, mentioning he had sweet and sour chicken and massaman curry. The estimated cost for a Thai dish is between €15 and €18.
On day five in Helsinki, James Hammond participated in the Saturday morning park run at Tökönrantha, describing it as a great way to start the weekend and a cool vibe with a large group. He also mentioned visiting Cafe Tintin Tangu for coffee and lunch while waiting for laundry to be done, noting the cafe felt local and had a quirky menu.
James Hammond described his experience at Löyly, a sauna rated by Time magazine as one of the greatest places in the world. For €29, visitors get a two-hour slot at the waterfront sauna, which includes a bar, water, towels, and lockers. He recommended the cycle of sauna, cooling off outside, and showering, calling it a trendy and unreal must-do in Helsinki, though possibly touristy.
For a Saturday night out in Helsinki, James Hammond visited Mama Telli, described as a cool, closed-off outdoor street costing €13 to enter. It features bars and karaoke, with live music playing 70s and Finnish classics. Hammond noted it was packed with locals and involved a lot of dancing and drinking.
On Sunday morning in Helsinki, James Hammond visited St. George's Cafe, noting a queue at 9:15 AM for coffee and pastries, indicating its popularity among locals. Later, for breakfast, he went to Lazy Fox, which also had queues. Lazy Fox is highly rated online for brunch and serves classic breakfast dishes with big portions, with Hammond opting for an English breakfast.
James Hammond, host of the Winging It Travel Podcast, shared that his partner, Emma, has been diagnosed with celiac disease. This diagnosis significantly impacts their travel plans, as it requires careful consideration of food preparation and potential cross-contamination when dining out.
James Hammond revealed that his upcoming trip to French Polynesia in September/October will be a significant test for traveling with his partner's celiac disease. The primary concern is the language barrier, as they will need to effectively communicate dietary needs in French.
James Hammond highlighted Victoria as a good starting point for celiac travelers, noting that the city is well-equipped to accommodate individuals with celiac disease. This positive experience sets a hopeful tone for future gluten-free travel.
In a catch-up segment, James Hammond briefly mentioned his previous solo trip to El Salvador, Guatemala, and Mexico. He described El Salvador as a bit of an unknown, with travelers unsure about its safety.
James Hammond emphasizes the importance of flexibility in travel planning, suggesting that rigid itineraries can lead to missed opportunities. He recounts an experience in Thailand where fixed flight dates prevented him from attending a Formula 1 Grand Prix and a subsequent event. Hammond advises booking a flight into a region and then arranging onward travel locally, allowing for spontaneous decisions and recommendations from locals or fellow travelers.
James Hammond revisits his earlier advice on travel flexibility, acknowledging its general merit for spontaneous travel. However, he cautions that in 2026, popular activities like the Inca Trail or Patagonia hiking can book up months in advance, necessitating pre-booking. He suggests flexibility is still valuable for medium to long-term travel but requires strategic planning for certain sought-after experiences.
James Hammond, host of the Winging It Travel Podcast, shares his travel philosophy inspired by travel bloggers like Nomad Rick. He advocates for adapting to situations and learning from locals and fellow travelers rather than relying solely on online information. Hammond believes that genuine insights and the best experiences come from human connection during travel.
Host James Hammond detailed his upcoming travel plans, which include trips to Toronto, Tallinn, and Helsinki, with a potential six to eight-week trip in the fall. He is recovering from kidney stones, which have impacted his ability to travel and release episodes on his normal schedule.
James Hammond argues that despite issues with corruption in sports organizations and host countries, the World Cup demonstrates the power of travel to bring people together. He points to the positive atmosphere and interactions between fans from different nations as evidence of people's willingness to learn from and respect each other's cultures.
James Hammond shared details of his upcoming travel plans, starting with a long weekend in Toronto in three weeks to visit Aaron from The Curious Tourism podcast. He will then travel to Tallinn, Estonia, for a few nights before taking a ferry to Helsinki, Finland, for another long weekend. He also mentioned a potential six to eight-week trip before Christmas, with options including Cape Verde, Sao Tome, South Africa, and Kenya.
James Hammond described his painful experience with kidney stones, detailing the excruciating pain that led to hospitalization and IV medication. He mentioned having two stones, each around 4 millimeters, and is currently focused on managing the pain and drinking a lot of water for them to pass, predicting another two weeks for full recovery.
James Hammond plans to experiment with new content formats, including potentially daily podcast vlogs for his upcoming trips. These vlogs would be short, around five to six minutes, reflecting on his daily activities and experiences. This is part of a broader strategy to re-evaluate his content for the next year.