In conversation with tourists

Different format, two short street interviews with tourists in Edinburgh in the summer of 2025. Delighted to find out what caught their attention and what they would recommend others to do in the city.

As the year slows down and many of us start reflecting rather than rushing, this conversation feels especially timely.

In this episode of In Conversation with Tourists, I sit down with Téa, a thoughtful traveler and researcher whose journeys have taken her through the Himalayas, Peru and many other places — and closer to home, Scotland.

Téa doesn’t travel to collect destinations. She travels to meet places. Through breath, body awareness, nutrition and a deep sense of presence, she explores how landscapes can be felt, not just visited. We talk about moving through powerf...

In this uplifting episode of In Conversation with Tourists, I speak with Umar, a savvy and thoughtful traveler who knows how to make the most of every journey. From prioritizing what truly matters while traveling to uncovering unexpected experiences, Umar shares practical tips on planning ahead, finding affordable accommodations, and embracing the surprises that make travel unforgettable. He tells stories of being the only guest on a remote island, connecting with locals, and learning from the people and places he encounters along the way. Full of positivity, curiosity, and inspiration, this episode is a joyful reminder of why we...

This conversation with Nadia felt like paging through a living album of travel—full of warmth, laughter, and quiet reflection. She brought me into her childhood summers in Italy, her teenage adventures in Rhodes and the Swiss Alps, and the years of building new memories with her own family. What struck me most was how each trip wasn’t just about the destination, but about who she was at that stage of life. Now, in her fifties, Nadia is wondering what solo travel might awaken in her, if she can gather the courage to step into it. Sitting with her...

At the Edinburgh Fringe, every street corner buzzes with possibility—and in this heartwarming episode of In Conversation with Tourists, I speak with Gabe, a young writer and actor from Chicago, who has brought his play to the Edinburgh Fringe. From his research to uncover the family history and heritage to memories of New Mexico, we explore how travel, performance and curiosity shape the way we see the world. A joyful, optimistic and deeply human episode about connection, gratitude, and the magic of stepping into new places with open eyes and an open heart.

This episode is with Erica, a wonderful performer from California whose soothing voice feels like it was made for storytelling. We talk about her show, of course, but also about how deeply she connected with Edinburgh—how the city feels beautiful, old, and alive, and why the Meadows quickly became her favorite place. I loved hearing what she would take home as souvenirs: her daily journal entries, written no matter how tired she was, so she’ll never forget this experience, and maybe a piece of locally crafted jewelry to treasure. Erica also shares her refreshing way of traveling—blendi...

This week I’m joined by Evelyne, an incredible artist from California whose play Painkiller pushes boundaries both on the page and on stage. We explore the deeply personal inspirations behind her work, what it feels like to perform at the world’s largest cultural festival, and the surprising ways an international audience can shape an artist’s voice. Evelyne also shares her impressions of Edinburgh—its warmth, its multicultural vibrancy, and we discuss the city’s striking contrast of cobbled streets, grand Georgian architecture, and wild natural beauty. Evelyn’s story is both an artist’s reflection and a visitor’s love...

On this episode of In Conversation with Tourists, I meet The Traveling Janes, an international band performing at the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe. With members from the U.S., France, and Scotland, they come together as a colective, blending diverse influences into what they call “dirty blues, wild vintage jazz and folk music.” We talk about their musical journeys, how they navigate the world while collaborating across borders and what the Fringe means to them as performers. From the thrill of impromptu street performances to the opportunities of playing for a global audience, this conversation explores the intersections of music, travel and t...

In this warm and curious conversation, I’m joined by Rossano—a Scottish traveller with deep Italian roots—as we explore the essence of what makes a journey truly memorable. From reconnecting with family across borders to soaking in the light, smell and sound of faraway places, Rossano shares his reflections on travel. We chat about travelling with companions, collecting keepsakes (yes, even the humble fridge magnet), and the often-overlooked details that stay with us long after we've returned home. It's an episode about presence, connection, and the small things that make big impressions. Join us for a beautifully human...

In this podcast episode, Lucy, born and bread in Edinburgh, delves into the transformative changes the city has undergone over the years. We touch on Edinburgh's identity, community spirit, and the effects of increased tourism and festivalization. Despite the changes, the pandemic offered a silver lining, fostering community connections in unexpected ways and prompting reflections on the city’s dual nature of being both a beloved hometown and a global attraction.

In this episode of In Conversation with Tourists, Oana sits down with Jake—a traveler who’d happily swap a must‑see monument for a quiet chat over a neighborhood café table. Jake explains why the real itinerary begins where the guidebook ends: on unbeaten paths, in spur‑of‑the‑moment detours, and in the stories locals share when you bother to listen.

Their conversation ranges from Edinburgh’s close to American city grids, pausing where prayer calls mingle with military drills to prove a place can hold seeming opposites without losing its charm. 

Expect insights on forging you...

In this reflective solo episode, I explore how our travel behaviors shape the meaning and depth of our holiday experiences. From navigating group dynamics and compromising on activities, to overcoming fears around solo travel—especially for women in midlife—I invite listeners to pause and question the why behind their travels. We’ll also unpack the idea of moving beyond mass urban tourism to embrace authentic, sustainable experiences that connect us with local communities. What would it mean to plan a holiday not by what we should see, but by how we want to feel and who we wish to bec...

In this episode of In Conversation with Tourists, my guests trade the library for lochs, greenery and calm. They explain how climbing with a mixed group of friends turned a tough ascent into a lesson in teamwork, and why they want to learn from Scots to celebrate small wins.

This dynamic travel duo discuss about warm welcomes and the surprise of a 10 p.m. alcohol curfew and nightlife that slips away at midnight like Cinderella’s coach. They laugh about the eternal debate over what (if anything) lurks beneath a kilt and the local habit of sunbathing in...

Jo travelled to Australia, America and in Europe, but one place changed everything for her: India.

In this episode, Jo - now 66- opens up about the transformative power of travel. We talk about her experiences in India - learning from artisans, observing the rhythm of daily life and building warm and lasting connections with locals.

Whether you've been around the world or are still dreaming of your first trip, Jo's story is a beautiful reminder that travel is not always about the destination... it's about who you become along the way if you give...

What happened to the magic of travel? In this trailer for In conversation with tourists, host Oana reflects on how we've lost the spark of discovery, buried under over-planning, bucket lists and Instagrammable moments. This podcast isn't about giving travel tips. It's about listening to real stories from tourists around the world: what surprised them, what moved them and what they truly remember. Based in Edinburgh and open to the world, this show invites you to rethink what it means to travel and rediscover the joy of the unexpected. Please subscribe now and join the conversation.