FLY Travel Radio, with Melissa Rodway

FLY Travel Radio Episode 181: Life As An Eco-Guardian at Race Rocks, with Jillian Brown

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.

FLY Travel Radio Episode 180: Bhutan, ROAMIES, & Trends, with Bruce Poon Tip, Founder, G Adventures

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.

FLY Travel Radio Episode 179: Dreamers Creative Writing Farm, with Kat and Ryan

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.

FLY Travel Radio Episode 178: Earning Travel Points with Garrett & Mandi Oler, ConnectedFamilyTravel

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.

FLY Travel Radio Episode 177: La Fortuna at Atitlan, Boutique Hotel in Guatemala

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.

FLY Travel Radio Episode 176: Kylik’s Arctic Eco Village (Tundra North Tours)

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.fm

FLY Travel Radio Episode 175: Bruce Poon Tip, Founder of G Adventures: Lift of Canadian Travel Ban

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.

FLY Travel Radio Episode 174: Tales, Tips & Grilled Cheese, with Jonathan van Bilsen, photosNtravel

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.
You can check out his latest episode of photosNtravel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJPEXUPqcAE
Original broadcast on CIUT 89.5FM and www.ciut.fm. For all episodes and blog posts, go to flyrodway.com.

FLY Travel Radio Episode 173: Embracing Unexpected Change, with Hilary Messer-Barrow

This week on FLY, you will meet Hilary Messer-Barrow. Hilary is a Vancouverite who had never lived too far from her childhood home. All of that changed in 2019, when she left her family and familiar urban comforts to move with her now husband up to Beaver Creek. Beaver Creek sits on the border of Alaska and the Yukon and is home to approximately 93 people. The closest city is Whitehorse which is 450kms away. This is a story about making big changes, discovering a relationship with nature, and how an unexpected transition can lead to a whole different way of being in the world.
Original broadcast on CIUT89.5FM and www.ciut.fm.
FLY Travel Radio episodes and blog posts can be found at https://flyrodway.com/. Contact me if there is a topic or person you are interested in hearing about on FLY Travel Radio at info@flyrodway.com.

FLY Travel Radio Episode 172: Coast to Coast to Coast Active Adventures, with Great Canadian Trails

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. Go to https://flyrodway.com/flypodcast/travel-podcast-episodes/ for all episodes.