The World Awaits: travel tales to inspire your wanderlust

Algeria is calling – did you hear it? Located between the powerhouses of Morocco and Egypt,  North Africa’s largest country remains off the beaten path. But that's all changing, says James Willcox, founder of adventure travel company Untamed Borders. 
Named BBC Travel's #2 must-visit country in 2026, Algeria is opening up its Roman ruins, medieval walled cities, Mediterranean coastline and the deep, deep Sahara to travellers, says James.  He joins us to talk about its music, fabulously preserved archeological sites, the fascinating Tuareg people and the deep, deep Sahara, 
You can join Belle and Untamed Borders on her travel-writing tour to Algeria, an adventure through the Sahara and souqs, kasbahs and the footprints of civilisations past; departs March 2027. For more, visit globalsalsa.com
Also, is Japan the new Bali? New travel data from the Australian Travel Industry Association suggests we're going loco for Tokyo. Also, we love babies, but do we want to share a 14-hour flight with a wailing babe (that's not yours!)? We've got a few canny tricks up our sleeves for a tears-free, long-haul flight. And the airlines that are most accommodating may surprise you.
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Elephants, tea, ancient cities and fish markets; Belle is in the guest's seat this week, talking about travelling through the cultural triangle of central Sri Lanka.
We're talking coconut hoppers with pineapple jam, cave temples and best times to visit the UNESCO sites of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Dambulla. Belle flew Jetstar's inaugural flight from Melbourne to Colombo, travelling with Intrepid Travel and staying with Sri Lankan hoteliers Jetwing Hotels.
We're also looking at the best places to eat in southwest USA, which now has its own Michelin guide. Too rich for your wallet? Don't forget the Bib Gourmand rating for classic regional dishes at affordable prices.
And our tip this week is how to shut down a chatty seatmate on flights; we're quoting flight-attendant-turned-etiquette-coach Jacqueline Whitmore, tune in for our take on this story in Travel & Leisure magazine. 
Links: Check out the new Michelin guide to eating in the USA's southwest states and and their best places to eat near London Tube stations.
Jetstar now flies Melbourne-Colombo direct; jetstar.com
Intrepid Travel has 11 Sri Lankan itineraries intrepidtravel.com
 Sri Lanka's Jetwing Hotels offer value, stylish mid-range and new luxury villa stays, jetwinghotels.com
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Want to escape the crowd? Support the locals? Travel better? 
Join us as we count down the 10 best destinations to visit in 2027, according to Intrepid Travel, where you can support local communities and have extraordinary experiences, from spotting rare wildlife in Africa to walking through tea plantations or letting the energy of the Northern Lights wash across you. 
Intrepid's annual Not Hot list encourages us to explore under-the-radar destinations where our tourism dollar really can benefit local communities, who are ready and prepared with infrastructure to support tourism. 
Also, would you trust AI to plan your holiday? Australian government advisory travel website Smartraveller has a thing or two to say about this hot topic...
To read the full Not Hot list, visit intrepidtravel.com/au/not-hot-list
And Smartraveller on AI holiday planning smartraveller.gov.au/news-and-updates/travel-planning-ai 

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Do you return from holiday carrying a few extra kilos, and we're not talking luggage here...? 
Nutritionist and weight-loss expert Sheryl Takayama helps people all over the world manage their weight, and travel is a key time when many are put to the test.
She breaks down what's causing that extra weight gain, and has some top tips for what to do both before you travel, and during your trip to set you up for success.
Also, what type of travel personality are you? Travel Insurance Direct says we all have one – we discuss some on the list; and our tip this week is about international driving permits (IDP), what is it and do you need one? 
Sheryl's eight-week blood sugar solution programme is here:  https://www.whyweightacademy.com/the-blood-sugar-solution
Why Weight? Start now podcast can be found here:  https://www.whyweightacademy.com/podcasts/why-weight-start-now
 You can also follow Sheryl here:
https://www.tiktok.com/@sheryltakayama
https://www.instagram.com/sheryl_whyweightacademy/
https://www.facebook.com/WhyWeightAcademy/
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When Melburnian Angela Mellak got lost in the 10th-century medina of Marrakech years ago, she found... a husband! 
Fast forward a decade, and the Moroccan-Australian duo are now the owners of a classic five-room riad, a boutique hotel awarded a Michelin Key and recommended by Conde Nast.  
One of the reasons for their success is Angela's (not so) little book of local experiences for guests within Marrakech and beyond.
Join Angela as she walks us through her favourite places in the wondrous city she now calls home, with restaurants, shopping tips, bars and experiential masterclasses. https://riadbotanica.com/.
Also, we chat about the best places for luxe for less – the most affordable luxury destinations from digital entertainment platform JB.com, and we reveal the airports with the best entertainment, from best shopping to slot machines, from casino.com 
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Send us Fan Mail
Support the show
Visit us at https://theworldawaits.au