FLY Travel Radio with Melissa Rodway

If you haven't seen The Last Tourist, you must. The film was written and directed by Tyson Sadler and executive produced by Bruce Poon Tip, Founder of G Adventures. I had the pleasure of discussing the film with Tyson in this interview. We spoke of the impact of over-tourism, improper animal tourism, and the importance of recognizing humanitarian issues when we travel. If we seek authentic and responsible experiences, there is so much good that travel can do for the world at large. This is a must see. Original broadcast on CIUT 89.5FM and www.ciut.fm.

Jillian Awesome Brown returns to FLY Travel Radio! Jillian is one of my favourite guests due to her honesty, her courage and her sense of adventure. Jillian had a recent stint as an Eco-Guardian at Race Rocks Marine Protected Area on Vancouver Island. She discusses her encounters with sea lions, her love of solitude, her ability to confidently adapt to new skills, and her natural connection to the outdoors. Jillian is also a PTSD survivor and is open about her experiences and how nature continues to be a place of healing for her.Original broadcast on CIUT 89.5FM and www.ciut.fm.

Bruce Poon Tip, Founder of G Adventures, makes a repeat visit to FLY. Bruce discusses two new amazing hiking trips on the Trans Bhutan Trail, with G being the first group adventure operator to have people back on this ancient route. We also learn about a new G Adventures style of travel called ROAMIES, combining adventure travel with the energy of hostel life. Finally, Bruce discusses current trends and how the line between work and travel is starting to blur, one of the more interesting side effects of COVID.Original broadcast on CIUT 89.5FM and www.ciut.fm.Complete FLY Travel Radio Collection can be found at https://flyrodway.com/

When everyone else settled back into the routine of school and work after Labour Day, I went on a road trip to Grey Bruce County. We stumbled upon the most amazing Airbnb which turned out to be a 420 friendly accommodation (that means cannabis for some of you). Set in a magical, countryside location one hour south of Tobermory, Ontario this is a year-round haven for outdoor lovers, nature seekers, and those just wanting some peace. It also happens to be a writing retreat, with bunkies named after famous Canadian authors, and a must see secret garden. Wait until you hear about the goats....Original broadcast on CIUT 89.5FM and www.ciut.fm.

As we wind down from the holidays, some of us will start thinking about the year ahead and what we want 2022 to look like. Garrett and Mandi Oler of Connected Family Travel are the perfect guests to get you thinking about how to make travel more possible in your life. They are experts in racking up travel points through simple everyday behaviour, and are living proof, taking their family of four on several incredible vacations every year, mainly through points. Garrett and Mandi are also big advocates for people travelling with their kids and give some useful tips on how to make this a little more seamless. Although there may still be travel restrictions due to the pandemic, Garrett and Mandi talk about how this can be a great time to earn your points for the future, and to learn how to do it. This is the perfect show for those making some New Year's Resolutions!Original broadcast on CIUT 89.5FM and www.ciut.fm.

Anything can happen when you travel. In 2008, Steve (from Phoenix, Arizona) and Kat (from Toronto, Ontario) met randomly while travelling in Costa Rica. By 2010, they bought a property together on the shores of beautiful Lake Atitlan in Guatemala. By 2012, they opened the doors to their stunning boutique hotel, La Fortuna at Atitlan, located in the lush Guatemalan jungle. Tune in to learn more about their story and this amazing lakeside property in a very magical country.Original broadcast on CIUT 89.5FM and www.ciut.fm.For all FLY Travel Radio episodes, go to https://flyrodway.com/flypodcast/travel-podcast-episodes/

Dana Meise is the first Canadian to hike the entire Trans Canada Trail, now known as the The Great Trail. 10 years, 21,000kms, 3 oceans and a bit of frost bite later, he completed his journey in November, 2018. Dana probably knows Canada better than anyone, traversing through mountains, abandoned railroad tracks, forest, bush, urban streets, country roads and highways while meeting thousands of Canucks from coast to coast to coast. Tune in to hear about why and how he did it, why we need to put Canada first in our travel plans, and the importance of fulfilling our dreams and promises.Originally broadcast on CIUT 89.5FM and www.ciut.fm.

Kylik Kisoun Taylor, owner of Tundra North Tours, makes his return visit to FLY. Kylik, as he will simply be known in the future, mark my words (think Cher, Seal, Madonna), discusses the impact of COVID on his indigenous tourism company located in Inuvik, Northwest Territories. Always one to make lemonade from lemons, Kylik turned a difficult time into an opportunity, creating the Arctic Eco Village along the Mackenzie Delta, where a small community uses land resources to sustainably ensure food and housing security. Kylik is a passionate advocate for creating a lifestyle that has more time for healing, spending time with family, practicing Inuit culture, and living life however it speaks to you. There is much to learn from Kylik, as he openly discusses indigenous issues and the problems faced by his people.Original broadcast on CIUT 89.5FM and www.ciut.fmComplete FLY Travel Radio collection can be found on www.flyrodway.com or https://soundcloud.com/fly-melissa-rodway/tracks

Kylik Kisoun Taylor, owner of Tundra North Tours, spoke to FLY about life in Inuvik in the Northwest Territories, and the importance of Indigenous Tourism. For a unique experience, head to this part of Canada which is truly like no other. Infinite landscapes, traditional culture, welcoming people, humbling weather, important learning, and more once in a lifetime adventures than you could possibly imagine.Original broadcast on CIUT 89.5FM and www.ciut.fm, 2019.

Bruce Poon Tip, Founder of G Adventures, talks to FLY Travel Radio about the Canadian government lifting the ban on non-essential travel for Canadians, and what this means for people who have been chomping at the bit to get back out there. Bruce discusses the welcome that communities are giving travellers as people start to come back, the privilege of travel, where we may see increased costs, and the new mindset that has resulted from a travel hiatus. Find out what Bruce cannot leave home without - it may surprise you!Original broadcast on CIUT 89.5FM and www.ciut.fm. All episodes can be found on https://soundcloud.com/fly-melissa-rodway/tracks and www.flyrodway.com

It was a true pleasure to speak with Jonathan van Bilsen of photosNtravel back in May. Jonathan is a natural storyteller who happens to live in my hometown of Port Perry, Ontario where you can often find him interviewing some of the 'movers and shakers' who live there. Everyone has a story. An avid traveller, Jonathan has been to 106 countries (soon to be 107, our fingers are crossed for him), resulting in entertaining stories, useful travel tips and the impressive fact that he never gets sick. JVB is an author, photographer, keynote speaker, columnist, talk show host and the television host of photosNtravel. He is extremely funny, and I had a lot of laughs during my time with him.Original broadcast on CIUT 89.5FM and www.ciut.fm. For the complete FLY Travel Radio collection and blog posts, go to https://flyrodway.com/.

Now this is a company I will definitely be booking future adventures with. Nathalie Gauthier, General Manager of Great Canadian Trails, joins FLY Travel Radio this week to discuss the self-guided & small group guided adventures that they offer from coast to coast to coast! There is no shortage of exploration to be had in this beautiful country, such as hiking the Long Range Traverse in Newfoundland, the Chillkoot Trail in BC, biking around PEI, kayaking the Yukon, the list goes on. Better yet, local cuisine, unique delicacies, and the opportunity for community interaction are intertwined with these experiences, allowing you to fully embrace the flavour and culture of the region. Whatever your outdoorsy heart desires, Great Canadian Trails has got you covered in all four seasons. This is definitely one for the post-COVID bucket list, where you can find adventure AND give back to the local economy at the same time. It's a win-win!Original broadcast on CIUT 89.5FM and www.ciut.fm. Go to flyrodway.com/flypodcast/travel-podcast-episodes/ for all episodes.

There are a handful of people who have travelled to every country in the world. There is only one person who is travelling to every country in the world without flying. This week on FLY Travel Radio, Thor Pedersen of Denmark shares his 7+ year journey of traveling through 194 countries and counting via bus, train, and every type of boat. This is not an adventure for the faint of heart. Thor discusses his gruelling schedule, daunting logistics, and minimal budget that has been his life since 2013. Thor is an ambassador for the Danish Red Cross which is a big part of this project, as well as his quest to spread awareness about the universal goodness across countries and cultures. COVID has kept Thor in Hong Kong for the last 14 months, where he is waiting to tackle his 9 remaining countries. You will not meet a nicer guy. I felt honoured to have spent an hour talking with him. Tune in to learn more about Once Upon a Saga.Original broadcast on CIUT 89.5FM.Complete FLY Travel Radio Collection can be found here: https://flyrodway.com/flypodcast/travel-podcast-episodes/

Gary Armstrong, Global Purpose Specialist at G Adventures, stops by FLY to discuss their Travel with Confidence policy, and why we should book now, travel later. Gary reminds us of travel's philanthropic nature, the importance of visiting remote communities, and how even COVID can unite us. When the time comes to travel again, G is ready to keep you safe and healthy without any compromise to the authenticity of your adventure.Original broadcast on CIUT 89.5FM and www.ciut.fm. Complete FLY Travel Radio Collection can be found here: https://soundcloud.com/fly-melissa-rodway/tracks. For blog posts, go to www.flyrodway.com.

I truly loved talking to Anastasia Allison. Anastasia is the Founder of Kula Cloth, an "antimicrobial pee cloth for anybody who squats when they pee" (kulacloth.com). Since my interview with Anastasia, I now have a Kula. I absolutely love it. This is a must for all active, outdoorsy women. In this interview, Anastasia generously shares her experiences about being bullied, shattering suffocating beliefs around work and money, the acceptance provided by the outdoors, and the importance of daily dancing. Anastasia is also a talented violinist who is part of The Musical Mountaineers, where the love of music and the mountains is experienced in the most unique way.This is a conversation that really spoke to me as we all contemplate new chapters, what we are living for and how to be confident in our passions and dreams. There is much to learn from Anastasia Allison, and I truly wanted to jump through Zoom to go for a hike with her. Enjoy.Original broadcast on CIUT 89.5FM and www.ciut.fm. All FLY Travel Radio episodes can be heard here: https://flyrodway.com/flypodcast/travel-podcast-episodes/

Jillian A. Brown takes her spin on FLY this week. Jillian is so many things. Photographer. Artist. Adventurer. Mental health advocate. Tune in to hear about Jillian's adventures kayaking the Grand Canyon, travelling solo around Canada, and paddling the Great Lakes. Jillian will also talk about how she overcame a very dark time in her life through physical activity in the outdoors. Tune in to learn about Camp My Way, a non-profit outdoor retreat in BC that was created to help those suffering from PTSD. It won't surprise you that Jillian is the CEO and Lead Guide of this inspiring and worthy operation. https://flyrodway.com/ Original broadcast on CIUT 89.5FM and www.ciut.fm. FLY Travel Radio also airs of CKUW 95.9FM. Complete FLY Travel Radio collection can be found on https://bit.ly/3sdUFHO.

This feels like perfect timing. Angel Herrera joins me on FLY to discuss travel and healing holidays. We will specifically delve into ayahuasca retreats, where he will teach us all about the plant science behind this medicine, its history, what the experience is like, and how it can change your life path. With his father being a shaman, Angel and his family run a very safe retreat staffed with healthcare workers in the Sacred Valley of Peru. That is all I am going to tell you, you must tune in to learn more. Fascinating stuff. Bring on 2021!Original broadcast on CIUT 89.5FM and www.ciut.fm. FLY airs every Sunday at 1pm EST. Complete FLY Travel Radio Collection can be head on SoundCloud at https://soundcloud.com/fly-melissa-rodway/tracks.

Having finished his latest adventure only weeks ago, Explorer Mario Rigby returns to FLY to discuss his kayaking expedition along Lake Ontario, from Hamilton to the Thousand Islands. An intriguingly profound person, Mario has much to share. Tune in to hear our discussion about his thoughts on exploring local adventures, Canada’s indigenous communities, the positive impacts of COVID-19 and inclusivity in the outdoors.FLY Travel Radio airs every Sunday at 1PM EST at CIUT 89.5FM and www.ciut.fm. Complete FLY Travel Radio Collection can be heard on bit.ly/31ielil. Most recent tracks on Spotify, iTunes, Podomatic and Stitcher.

When I grow up, I want to be just like Lynn Salvo. Today on FLY, two time Guinness World Records holder Lynn Salvo joins us to talk about her titles as the oldest female to cycle across Canada and the US. Lynn achieved both of these in her mid to late sixties. Now at almost seventy-one, she is going for two more cycling records, once COVID allows her to. Tune in to hear about Lynn's discoveries riding around North America, as well as her crusade for peace. Remember, it is never too late. Just take it one pedal stroke at a time.FLY Travel Radio can be heard every Sunday at 1pm EST on CIUT 89.5FM and www.ciut.fm. Complete FLY Travel Radio collection can be heard at https://soundcloud.com/fly-melissa-rodway/tracks

The realities of COVID-19 are very different depending on where you live in the world, and what your opportunities have been. Christian De Boer, Managing Director of Jaya House Hotels, joins FLY today from Siem Reap, Cambodia. Christian and I discuss the realities of a country completely dependent on tourism when tourism no longer exists, and the additional problem of the current rainy season, which inevitably brings disease and malnutrition. Using the hospitality industry as a vehicle, we will learn about the many endeavours Christian has undertaken to help the people of Cambodia. Most importantly, we will talk about Hotels Joining Hands, an initiative that his and two other hotels created during COVID to help feed Siem Reap's most vulnerable during what is, and shall continue to be, a very difficult time.FLY Travel Radio can be heard every Sunday at 1pm EST on CIUT 89.5FM and www.ciut.fm. Complete FLY Travel Radio collection can be heard at https://soundcloud.com/fly-melissa-rodway/tracks