Listen Now

Geoff Devito has been consulting in the travel, tourism, and hospitality business for many years, however, in a capacity that you would never expect.His goal is to help make the travel experience to foreign lands meaningful and educational. He basically thinks a lot like me, which is the need to travel for a purpose, not just for enjoyment. Of course it is great to just lounge on a beach somewhere or visit a historical building in a major city such as London or Paris, for example, but enriching your life and learning about foreign cultures adds that little extra to the experience.Before the pandemic hit, Geoff was spending 11 months of the year on the road, with is incomprehensible to most people. I thought I was bad.He recently hosted a conference with the "Our World Heritage"  Organization to discuss cooperation between conservation and consumption in the tourism industry, with members from around the World. Check them out at ourworldheritage.org.Find Geoff at GDSynergy.com

Myanmar is never too far from making news headlines. It is a country that has endured much turmoil in its history, especially during World War II. More recently there was the UN reports for human right violations under military rule, but in 2010, a civilian government was installed, and then shortly afterwards it was approachable in my humble opinion.On the good side, it is a country of priceless treasures.2014 came about. After careful planning, I took the trip. This came to a grinding halt at immigration,  where I was refused entry and put inside a "Holding Room" before taking the last flight out of town.There were a few anxious moments, but I lived to tell the story.It cost me $ 400 for a non-refundable hotel bill, but I returned in 2015 for a more successful trip.Advice - do not argue with immigration officers in Myanmar.

Based just outside Singapore, one of my favorite places on the planet, is where I found Jermaine Cheathem, an entrepreneur with his own  set of rules that achieves a satisfying lifestyle for himself.We all want to be happy and contented in life, but sometimes when the pressure of work is so intense,  there is little time to just chill out and do more recreational activities.Many entrepreneurs become successful,  and the more they do, the more they want to  do.  It is almost like confidence in overdrive, however with  growth, there will always be challenges, stress, missteps, employee and customer issues along the way.This could also be said for wealth.When is enough, enough?Without sounding religious, the Buddhists  have the following statement absolutely correct, "Wealth does not equate to happiness."Jermane explains his work ethic. His company is almost on auto-pilot, which provides him space and time to do the things he loves.His common sense approach of "keeping it simple", relatively speaking,  is a path many should follow. No one gets out of this place alive,  but don't work yourself to death when you don't have to.

My first visit to Russia was back in 1990 to Moscow during the final days of the Soviet Union's existence and of course the end of communism. That episode is documented in the "Travel Diaries of an Atypical Businessman - Unfiltered" book in the chapter "The Gusty Winds of Change."My trip to St. Petersburg, Russia, although brief, was for pleasure reasons, as opposed to my working trip to Moscow all those years ago.In spite of government web site warnings and the closure of the U.S. consulate due to a spat between the two  countries, I deemed it safe enough.St. Petersburg is steeped in history and turmoil.  In addition, the architecture and iconic buildings are spectacular. Kazan Cathedral, Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, Peter and Paul Fortress, Hermitage Museum are just a few must see places.Theater is also big business in the city, however I didn't get to experience either an opera or classical music concert on this trip. I'll just have to go back.I stayed at the very nice Corinthia Hotel on Nevsky Prospect, an ideal location in the middle of the city, within walking distance of the main sites to explore.Obtaining a visa is a bit of a process, but well worth the time and expense.My only regret is that I did not stay a few extra days.A more detailed description of my trip to St. Pete is detailed in the book, "Planes, Trains, Taxis, and Tuk Tuks."

There's nothing like starting out with a bang on your very first podcast hosting gig. Joining me was Bing Fraser from a land down under, where women glow and men plunder. He has some candid advice on how NOT to travel around the world, by actual experiences of being arrested, losing his front teeth, a case of schizophrenia, being robbed a few times, and cracking his skull open. Realistically he should be dead, but survived to tell the stories. For those of us who have traveled to various places in the world, we likely have had a few moments of nervousness or regret, but we all learn from our mistakes.Nothing ventured, nothing gained I say.Bing lives in the great city of Sydney, which, if you haven't been there already, add it to your Bucket List.  While you are there, take a few days to visit New Zealand or one of the South Pacific Islands.You can read more about Bing here:https://www.instagram.com/kingbingfraser/https://www.bingfraser.com/He has also written a book with the dubious title of "Unprotected Treks" which details his escapades. Fasten your seat belt and give it a listen. Best enjoyed after a few beers or a couple of glasses of wine.

Patttaya diehards will look at this title and say BS and to be honest my explanation for being there is somewhat lame. My aim was to scuba dive around the islands of nearby Koh Khrok and Koh Larn. Not the best diving in the world, but decent enough to tempt me away from a 2-3 day layover in Bangkok. The diving never happened because of a sinus infection, likely from the international flight into BKK Airport. Yep, the old "sinus infection excuse" but I did have to go to the hospital to get checked out. Aside from that, I was able to venture out at night for a beer or two along Walking Street. My eyes nearly popped out of my head, when I encountered the wildest nightlife I have ever experienced. Hundreds of bars, cabarets of naughtiness, 24-hour nightclubs, live music, freelance ladies of the night,  and even a Muay Thai boxing ring. You have to see it to believe it. Then you get sucked in to the electric atmosphere with the many tourists and ex-pats. What was once a quiet fishing village is now the craziest party town on the planet. Check it out on You Tube or Google, you'll see what I mean.  I stayed 2 nights before I had to fly to somewhere a little saner and peaceful.  If risque activities offend you, then don't go there. For me, not much on this planet surprises me any more these days. However, I can look back on this trip and smile a little. Pattaya is a city that ticks along like a well-oiled machine. Job opportunities and paying customers abound. Go there, I dare you.

Palawan is mostly always included in the top 10 of World's Best Islands by the premier travel magazines.  From the stunning landscape and beaches of El Nido in the north to the natural and unspoiled beauty further south, it is worth a few days of your time. Even the typical Filipino will have this island of their country on the "Bucket List."I stayed in Puerto Princesa, the main  city, to be close to great scuba diving and one of the Natural Wonders of the World, The Underground River. Two days of exquisite diving in the unbelievable calm waters provided me with time to completely chill out.Add to that, a boat ride into a cave with spectacular and haunting rock formations. Did I mention bats? Yes, there are loads of them in there. It's their home. Just had to remember to keep my mouth closed while looking upward.

Since I was on official business in India, I extended my stay for the very worthwhile trip to one of the wonders of the World, The Taj Mahal.Located in Agra, about a 4 hour drive from the chaotic city of Delhi, I booked an excursion. To keep my sanity, I would never drive in and around Delhi for any amount of $.The Taj Mahal is a magical place with unique architecture made from white marble. As the sun rises and sets, the light spawns off the colors of the rainbow. Commissioned by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died while giving birth to their 14th child, it emits an aura of something special and important.The musician Yanni played his epic "Tribute" concert on the grounds, a perfect complement to enhance its beauty. It's on video by the way.Listen to my trip experience, which is also detailed in my book Asia Specific.Another item on my bucket list fulfilled.   

I went there twice, so you may ask the question of why? Actually, I don't have a believable answer other than it was a 2 day layover in Manila. It is not for the faint of heart, intolerant, or easily offended type of people.Although the city has an extensive history including American occupancy, it is today a haven for the partying crowd and the odd inquisitive type of individual such as myself.The famous "Over the Top" ABC Hotel (Angeles Beach Club) beckoned me, so I was led into temptation to experience what all the fuss was about.Think of these words from the Eagles song Hotel California. "You can check out anytime you want, but you can never leave." Just somehow seems appropriate.If it crosses my mind to consider anther visit, I vow to send myself to counselling.Mae West's famous quote applies here. "You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough."Go and visit, I dare you.

Which is the World's greatest country? An intriguing question isn't it. Living in the USA, you may have heard the statement from friends, relatives and politicians, "We are the greatest country in the World." People in other countries may say the same thing about their land. I am an inquisitive type of person, so I have replied to that statement a few times with the question of, "So why are we the greatest country in the World?" The response is typically either silence or something that does not answer the question.  This presentation is about various world indexes and rankings that are factors in determining our standard of living. While some countries can take credit for being the best at one thing, they may not excel at another. We probably would do better if we learned a little from each other. Included in this 30 minutes spiel are responses to the, "Why are we the greatest?" question and various factual information from many documented trustworthy sources that support such parameters as: happiness, quality of life, corruption, human development, safest, mortality, longevity, health care, smartest, social progress, environmentally correct, stability, freedom, etc. You may be surprised at the answers.

I went there twice, but the first time they would not let me in. Managed to get on the last flight out of town. One year later was the second attempt, however successful this time. A poor country with riches beyond belief. Shwedagon and Botataung Pagodas are both priceless and breathtaking in appearance. Areas of British colonialism such as Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Strand Hotel made me think I was back in the old country for a moment. In fact, there are pockets of Brits still living there.Food markets with unrecognizable meat and veggies. A band playing the Heart song "Alone" to me as I sat in a club by myself while being teased by flirtatious local girls. Feelings of being kidnapped by a taxi driver. Walking between pubs and getting lost at night. Guard dogs roaming the streets.Apart from that, just a normal type of trip you could say.

There is nothing quite like visiting Latin America to conduct business. However me, the Brit, visiting Buenos Aires, Argentina maybe classed as biting off more than being able to chew.Remember history - the Falklands War in 1982, the World Cup of 1966, Maradona's "Hand of God" goal in 1986. There were a few incidents that could rear their ugly head.Formal meetings, attending a local soccer game between rivals, cow glands for lunch, massive steaks, dog walking in bulk, an economic collapse, bars of questionable merit, plus others. All in the quest to succeed in business.I came through unscathed and intend to go back one day so I can learn the Tango and visit Patagonia. Fulfilling experience, passionate people, great city. 

A long awaited Bucket List item was finally fulfilled. A long trip via Shanghai (incl. a ride on the world's fastest train) and Chengdu (incl. a trip to the Panda Rehabilitation Center) in China.Tibetan culture is unlike any other in the World. Going back in time to a region that is steeped in religion and spirituality with iconic temples and palaces is an truly epic adventure. Potala Palace, The Dalai Lama's residence before the uprising in 1959 was worth the trip by itself, but there is so much more to see and enjoy.Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery,  Drepung Monastery, Debating Monks, Stir Fried Yak, my accommodation of the House of Shambhala, Smoldering Juniper, Himalayan Mountains, and the list goes on. Memories are precious.There's a process in getting permits and traveling there, but the information is here in this broadcast.If you have one trip left in you, this could be it.  

A description of my awesome adventure to the country of Bhutan and my climb to Tigers Nest Monastery, situated high up on a rock face in the Himalayan Mountains. Just google it to see a picture and you''ll think it is unreachable.The adrenaline rush from the climb was quickly diminished on entering a meditation room to a feeling of inner peace and visions of my parents. It was indeed a spiritual moment, one that I have never experienced before. Words cannot adequately describe that feeling.The following day, I witnessed the King's birthday celebration at the national soccer stadium.Bhutan is a happy and peaceful country and I was very fortunate to have spent a few days in a land that develops and modernizes at its own pace.  

Likely you have already thought about this but the planning logistics are a little challenging. Anything is possible and almost everywhere is accessible. This podcast presents some ideas, many of which have been experiences of yours truly, The Travel Addict. If there is one final adventure trip left in you or many, then just get it done. You do not want any regrets before you bow out of this World. These memories will stay with you forever.  "Of all the books in the World, the best stories are found between the pages of a passport." www.malcolmjteasdale.com

Start learning how to speak English and American. Having lived half of my life in the USA and half in Great Britain, I have become bilingual. Believe me, there is a difference. Accents, Dialects, Culture also play a part. I could say that I speak 5 languages if you throw in Canadian, Australian and South Africa, however I am not fluent in those. This two part podcast takes a lighthearted look at the some differences between English and American so people from both sides of the Atlantic can "seamlessly fit in" when they travel across the Pond. Enjoy.www.malcolmjteasdale.com

Start learning how to speak English and American. Having lived half of my life in the USA and half in Great Britain, I have become bilingual. Believe me, there is a difference. Accents, Dialects, Culture also play a part. I could say that I speak 5 languages if you throw in Canadian, Australian and South Africa, however I am not fluent in those. This two part podcast takes a lighthearted look at the some differences between English and American so people from both sides of the Atlantic can "seamlessly fit in" when they travel across the Pond. Enjoy.www.malcolmjteasdale.com