A $619 flight to Thailand changed Bill Mullen's life. Eight years on, "Bangkok Bill" shares how to get around, what to eat, and the Bangkok most visitors miss.

Paula talks with Bill Mullen, author, podcast host and founder of Thailand Adventure Network. Bill booked a cheap flight on a whim and swapped his Key West retirement plan for Thailand. Whether it's your first visit or your fifteenth, this episode is packed with practical tips for travelling Bangkok well.

IN THIS EPISODE
- Why Bangkok is friendlier than it looks, and the "saving face" tip every visitor should know
- The easiest way from Suvarnabhumi Airport into the city
- Beating traffic with Grab bikes and win motorcycle taxis
- Tipping in Thailand (spoiler: it's not expected)
- Must-try dishes, plus how to say "not spicy" (mai phet)
- Hidden cafes, ICONSIAM by boat, and day trips to Erawan Falls and Kanchanaburi
- The tuk-tuk lesson Bill learned the expensive way
- Bangkok's best bars: Saxophone Pub and Havana Social's secret phone booth
- The best time to visit, and why the rainy season is underrated

BILL'S BOOK + LISTENER OFFER
Getting Lost in the Magic of Thailand: Island Hopping Down the Siam Spice Route. Order the paperback through Bill's special deal link, mention you're a Truly Expat Travel Podcast listener, and he'll send you the full-colour ebook free: here

CONNECT WITH BILL
Podcast - Thailand Adventure Secrets podcast:
Website: thailandadventurenetwork.com
Email: support@thailandadventurenetwork.com

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Running this podcast takes a lot of coffee (and countless hours exploring every destination!). If you found this helpful and want to support more honest, detailed travel guides and itineraries, you can buy me a coffee. No pressure though – I'm just happy you're here and hope you have an incredible adventure! 🙂

What’s it really like to see the world by sailboat? Alison has spent eight years sailing from the Caribbean to the Azores to French Polynesia, and her very first crossing nearly ended it all.

Alison and her husband Dan set off to chase a childhood dream of sailing around the world. Alison joins me from the islands of French Polynesia to share what it’s like to arrive somewhere by sea, from Moana-style reefs and remote atolls to waterfall hikes in the Marquesas. She also explains why the Azores is her favourite place of all.

IN THIS EPISODE

• The “perfect storm” with 20-foot waves on their first ocean crossing
• Sailing inside the reefs that inspired Moana
• Snorkelling the Tuamotu atolls and waterfall picnics in the Marquesas
• The Azores: whale spotters, $2 wine, island cheeses and a free sardine festival
• A $20 anniversary feast at a farmhouse with no menu
• Tips for trying slow, nomadic travel one chunk at a time

CONNECT WITH ALISON
Books: alisongieschen.com
Blog: sailmates.org
Instagram and Facebook: Sailmates

This episode contains affiliate links. If you book through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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🎙️ Abrotha Abroad
abrothaabroad.com

Real, honest conversations about what life abroad actually looks like — the culture shocks, the pivots, and the personal reinvention that comes with it. Host Al B, a retired U.S. Air Force veteran now based in Belgium, talks to expats who've built lives beyond their home country. If you're thinking about making the leap, this one's for you. Available wherever you listen to

Help Truly Expat Travel by leaving a review or making a donation

Here is the link - https://buymeacoffee.com/trulyexpat

Find me on:

Website: Truly Expat Travel

Facebook: Truly Expat

Instagram: Truly Expat Travel

TikTok: Truly Expat Travel

Running this podcast takes a lot of coffee (and countless hours exploring every destination!). If you found this helpful and want to support more honest, detailed travel guides and itineraries, you can buy me a coffee. No pressure though – I'm just happy you're here and hope you have an incredible adventure! 🙂

Planning a trip to Donegal, Ireland? Local fiddler Tara Connaghan shares where to hear real Irish music, see the Northern Lights and escape the tourist crowds.

Donegal is Ireland's wild northwest corner: fewer tourists, friendly locals and some of the best traditional music on the island. Paula chats with Tara Connaghan, a professional fiddle player, tour guide and podcaster from Glenties, about why serendipity is the best plan in Donegal, how to find an authentic Irish music session (and the etiquette visitors need to know), and where she'd take a friend for three days.

IN THIS EPISODE
• Why you drive through Northern Ireland to reach Donegal
• Best time to visit: September and May
• Northern Lights and rare moonbows in Ireland
• Why you need a car in Donegal
• Finding trad music sessions and session etiquette
• Irish dancing explained: sean-nos, step, ceili and set dancing
• Is Donegal safe for solo travellers?
• A 3-day itinerary: Arranmore Island, Sliabh Liag cliffs, Donegal Town
• The Irish whiskey revival, Donegal tweed and Hanna Hats (as worn in Peaky Blinders)
• Little Mamma's Gelato and the half-tub ice cream story

READ MORE ABOUT DONEGAL
Ultimate Guide to Donegal
Things to Do in Donegal Town (incl. Little Mamma's Gelato):
Things to Do in Letterkenny
Best Day Trips from Letterkenny

Connect with Tara.

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tarafiddle/
• Website: https://www.sessionetiquette.com
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SessionEtiquette

Some links are affiliate links. If you book through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Send us Fan Mail

🎙️ Abrotha Abroad
abrothaabroad.com

Real, honest conversations about what life abroad actually looks like — the culture shocks, the pivots, and the personal reinvention that comes with it. Host Al B, a retired U.S. Air Force veteran now based in Belgium, talks to expats who've built lives beyond their home country. If you're thinking about making the leap, this one's for you. Available wherever you listen to

Find me on:

Website: Truly Expat Travel

Facebook: Truly Expat

Instagram: Truly Expat Travel

TikTok: Truly Expat Travel

Running this podcast takes a lot of coffee (and countless hours exploring every destination!). If you found this helpful and want to support more honest, detailed travel guides and itineraries, you can buy me a coffee. No pressure though – I'm just happy you're here and hope you have an incredible adventure! 🙂