Opposites Abroad

Beyond the Shire: Exploring New Zealand

Join us as we dive into the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant city life of New Zealand, with a special focus on Auckland and the legendary Lord of the Rings filming locations.

In this podcast, we’ll uncover:
🏙 Auckland’s Best-Kept Secrets – From its bustling waterfront to volcanic islands and world-class food scene.
🏔 Middle-earth in Real Life – A journey through iconic film locations like Hobbiton, Tongariro National Park (Mordor), and Fiordland’s dramatic landscapes.
🎬 Behind-the-Scenes Stories – How New Zealand became the home of Middle-earth, with insights from locals and tour guides.
🚗 Travel Tips & Hidden Gems – The best ways to experience New Zealand like a local.

Whether you're a movie fan, adventure traveler, or just dreaming of a trip to NZ, this podcast brings the magic of Aotearoa to your ears. 🌿✨

Denver - The Capital of the Rockies

Today we're exploring TT's home town of Denver! If you like the sound of Rocky Mountain Oysters, concerts, sports, food and strong opinions then come along!

Maximize Your Travel Budget - Look For Value Not Price

Today we're talking about how to maximize value from your travel, and we dive into flights, hotels, food and attractions. The bottom line is - figure out what matters to you and then make it fit, and we illustrate this with a few real life examples. Travel doesn't need to cost the Earth, and in this episode we'll explain how!

How to Pack Like a Pro

Packing can be one of the trickiest and most frustrating elements of travel, but it doesn't need to be! In this episode we'll share our strategies to make packing easier, cheaper and more effective. And, this being the Opposites Abroad podcast, we take a few detours as well....

The Biggest (And Best?) City on Earth - Welcome to Tokyo

Listeners to Opposites Abroad will know that we both love Tokyo, so today we're taking a deep dive into the world's largest city. Think sushi, school girl outfits, rush hour metro rides, sunsets and why going up big towers is boring!

Daily Life in Ukraine - Hear from a Local

Nicholas Sarabin lived in Ukraine for 6 years before the Russian invasion but left just before the war began. After 6 months away from Ukraine his heart took him back, and he returned to the country for 2 years as war ravaged the place he loved. In this episode we talk to him about what it's really like to live in a war zone, and how the people of Ukraine are coping with the existential threat that looms over them.

Get Paid to Travel - What's It Like to Be a Guide?

Ever wondered what it's like to get paid to travel? In this episode we dig into Charlie's years working as a trekking guide and expedition leader, and cover the guiding lifestyle, difficult clients, and why the job is incredibly rewarding, but maybe only for a while. 

Texas-Sized Adventures: Dallas, Houston, Amarillo & Austin

Everything’s bigger in Texas—including the personality, the food, and the contrasts between its cities. In this episode, we hit the road across the Lone Star State, exploring the urban sprawl of Dallas, the space-age energy of Houston, the quirky cowboy charm of Amarillo, and the live music mecca of Austin. From brisket to blues, rodeos to rocket launches, and honky-tonks to high-rises, we break down what makes each city unique—and which one fits our travel styles best. Will we find common ground in Texas, or is this state just too big for our differences? Saddle up and join the ride!