The World Awaits: travel tales to inspire your wanderlust

You might need the tissues for this one. This is the heartfelt story of Silva McLeod, the first Tongan woman to become an airline pilot, who wrote about her incredible journey from 'Island Girl to Airline Pilot' in a memoir of that name.  
Silva always dreamed of becoming a pilot, but never imagined it'd come true until she met Ken, who she eventually married, but it wasn't until a near-death experience that she pursued her lifelong passion.
As well as telling us about her remarkable story, she also breaks down some myths about flying, from where pilots sleep to should you really drink the water on the plane.
Buy her book here: https://exislepublishing.com/product/island-girl-to-airline-pilot/
 We also chat about the winners of Roy Morgan’s annual customer satisfaction awards. It might come as a surprise who was the domestic airline winner.
Full list here: https://www.roymorgan.com/findings/10212-roy-morgan-customer-satisfaction-annual-awards-2025
And, the Meat & Wine Co has come up with Australia's best wine regions to visit this autumn.
Check out its full list here: https://themeatandwineco.com/blog/australias-best-wine-regions-to-visit-this-autumn/
Support the show
Visit us at https://theworldawaits.au
 
Send us Fan Mail
Support the show
Visit us at https://theworldawaits.au

White ski gear? Wearing pink on safari? Are shoes optional on flights?
This week, hosts Kirstie and Belle ask the big questions about what to wear when you travel. We're talking dress codes on cruises, debate the merits of zip-off trousers and share a couple of our favourite savvy travel clothing buys.
Should we make more of an effort to dress nicely for flights? Pyjamas in public?  When are too many sequins never enough? 
Strong opinions, we've got 'em, from activewear on planes and the fashion choices of Aussie men.
Fabulous and faux pax, we share them all. 
Also, tips on safe travels with your beloved power bank. 
Send us Fan Mail
Support the show
Visit us at https://theworldawaits.au

Slowing down, connecting with nature and managing mental health are all the benefits of barefoot hiking, says our interviewee this week.
​
Dale Noppers is a safety professional in Western Australia who has been taking people barefoot hiking for more than seven years. He talks this week about the reasons it's so important to get your shoes off, and explains some simple ways to get started in your own backyard. 
We also chat about the most Instagrammable hotels in Australia with Sovereign Interior's designer Cayley Scrooby, and Sherry Peters, who has been a flight attendant for 27 years and flies up to 12 times a month, gives us her top tips for the best sleep solutions when you're travelling long-haul.
Dale Noppers barefoot hiking tours can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565575561949
The story Kirstie mentioned is here: https://karryon.com.au/luxury/aktg-australian-advisors-exclusive-event/
Support the show
Visit us at https://theworldawaits.au
Send us Fan Mail
Support the show
Visit us at https://theworldawaits.au

How do you like to see wild animals? From the comfort of a guided safari vehicle? What about driving by yourself or perhaps by ebike? Host Belle Jackson tried all three options in South Africa recently, and shares her successes. 
We're talking the all-inclusive and exceptionally knowledgeable experiences provided by leading luxury safari company Sabi Sabi Game Reserve; sabisabi.com 
And also, what it's like to self-drive through Kruger National Park, with expert travel planner Travel Africa Your Way and about spotting ostriches and kudu while e-biking to the Cape of Good Hope, South of Cape Town, thanks to new tour company Cape Point Bike Tours, led by its enthusiastic owner Neil Kohler;  capepointebiketours.com; travelafricayourway.com.au
We're also announcing the winner of our giveaway of a night & buffet breakfast at the Novotel Melbourne Airport! Thanks to everyone who entered, it was a hard-fought comp!  See https://all.accor.com/hotel/B327/index.en.shtml 
Also, why Gen Z's lost interest in taking an overseas working holiday, according to new research from Southern Cross Travel Insurance. And finally, Crusader Caravans shares tips on how road trippers can manage increasing fuel prices.  
Download SAILY in your app store and use our code 'theworldawaits' at checkout to get an exclusive 15% off your first purchase; see saily.com
Send us Fan Mail
Support the show
Visit us at https://theworldawaits.au

Rob Goss is a UK-born, Tokyo-based writer who has lived in Japan for almost two decades and authored more than a dozen books about the popular island nation. 
His latest book, Another Japan (Gestalten, Sep 2026), with photographer Irwin Wong, looks at community, rejuvenation, and cultural preservation in non-urban Japan.
Here, he talks to us about some of the best lesser-known places to go, and he has some top tips for first-time visitors.
You'll find him at:
 https://www.tokyofreelance.com/bio/ https://www.instagram.com/robgosswriter/
The story Kirstie mentioned about Australians still prioritising travel is here
And the village of dolls in Japan which Rob and Kirstie talk about is here.
We also discuss how fuel surcharges are impacting flights, and give you an update on the cruise industry in light of the Middle East conflict, and we have found some of Australia's prettiest national parks that you may have never heard of. 
Download SAILY in your app store and use our code 'theworldawaits' at checkout to get an exclusive 15% off your first purchase; see saily.com
Support the show
Visit us at https://theworldawaits.au
Send us Fan Mail
Support the show
Visit us at https://theworldawaits.au