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A Window-Seat Guide To Flying Over The Belize Blue Hole
A perfect circle of deep blue in the middle of the Caribbean Sea sounds unreal until you see it from a window seat. We’re on the ground at San Pedro Airport in Belize, moments from boarding a Tropic Air flight tour to the famous Belize Blue Hole, a vast marine sinkhole set within the Belize Barrier Reef, a protected UNESCO World Heritage site. If you’re planning a Belize holiday and want a high-impact experience that fits into a tight schedule, this short Travel Wise vignette is built to help you decide quickly and travel smarter.
Phil Blizzard talks to Roanne Badillo, Tropic Air’s Director of Sales and Customer Engagement, who walks us through what makes this aerial sightseeing trip special: flying out from San Pedro gives you bonus scenery over smaller islands and reef formations before you even reach the main event. Once you arrive, the captain turns the aircraft on both sides so everyone gets a clean view for photos and video, and you may even spot a nearby shipwreck and Half Moon Caye. It’s a visual feast of shifting blues and greens that you simply can’t understand from sea level.
We also dig into the practical details travellers actually care about, including the small aircraft set-up and why the Blue Hole tour caps passenger numbers so everyone gets a window seat. Plus, if you want to mix reef views with ancient history, we touch on Tropic Air’s Lamanai tour towards Orange Walk, combining a flight with a river journey and time exploring Maya temples.
If you enjoy quick, useful travel tips and destination guides, subscribe, share the episode with your travel mate, and leave a review so more people can find Travel Wise.For more information visit www. TropicAir.com
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In this edition of TravelWise, join Phil Blizzard as he ventures off the beaten track in Hua Hin, Thailand. to visits the Wildlife Friends Foundation, a sanctuary dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating animals in need. He joins Richard Jackson from Surf Radio for their weekly live radio show. So in this special podcast get behind the scenes of their vital work and find out what visitors can expect when supporting this incredible cause
"The morning starts with elephant breakfast and a blinking mixer light. We’re broadcasting from the terrace of the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand, a vast sanctuary inland from Hua Hin where apes call across an island and volunteers gather at first light.
This is a travel story with teeth: ethical tourism in practice, a working wildlife hospital, and the logistics of caring for more than 900 animals without turning them into attractions. Founder Edwin Wiek joins us to share the sanctuary’s mission and its limits: rescue and rehabilitation are possible, but release is often blocked by injuries, human imprinting, or vanishing habitat. He breaks down the reality of elephants in Thailand—wild populations are strictly protected while captive elephants are treated as livestock—and explains how WFFT builds better lives within that framework. We explore the scale of care across elephants, bears, big cats, gibbons, and macaques; the rules that keep interactions ethical; and the choice to open a small lodge that funds welfare without staging encounters. A fully staffed hospital handles daily emergencies, many from outside the centre, reinforcing the sanctuary’s role in regional conservation.
Alongside the animal work, the Surf Radio kit powers a four-hour English-language show that brings listeners practical travel intelligence. Expect route updates after a recent expressway collapse, a rundown of Hua Hin events, and a sense of the place you can hear: bus tours rolling out, birds and apes in the background, and volunteers swapping notes over coffee.
A guest from Illinois shares how he found the sanctuary on TripAdvisor, what stood out on the tour, and how Hua Hin works as a gentler coastal base for exploring Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. We wrap with clear ways to visit, volunteer, or book a stay through WFFT’s site and major platforms, plus where to stream Surf Radio worldwide.
Subscribe for more stories that pair real travel with real impact, share this episode with someone planning Thailand, and leave a review to help others find ethical wildlife experiences.
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Looking for Thailand without the noise? We escape to Pranburi, the quiet stretch south of Hua Hin where pine trees shade a coastal bike path, fishing boats rest on the sand at low tide, and breakfast is served with warm, homemade bread and jars of jam made from the market’s best fruit. Joined by Nico, the multilingual “Swiss army knife” behind the Beach Boutique Hotel Resort, we explore how a small seaside property can feel like a hub for authentic travel: eight rooms in a main building, a few bungalows, a palm-framed pool, and a terrace that catches sea breeze and sunrise in one sweep.
We dig into what makes Paknam Pran tick: an honest fisherman’s market where crabs, prawns, and squid are steamed on the spot; scooters-turned-mobile shops tinkling past with ice cream; and low-key bars where the soundtrack is the tide rather than thumping bass. Cyclists will love the dedicated coastal route, a smooth ribbon under pine shade that attracts weekend pelotons and first-timers alike, with quirky coffee stops and temple views along the curve of the bay. For curious travellers, Pranburi doubles as a springboard to nearby highlights—mangroves at Pranburi Forest Park, elephant-spotting in Kui Buri National Park, and the luminous cave temple at Sam Roi Yot.
We also break down the practicalities: the easiest ways to arrive from Bangkok, when to swap a taxi for a train or VIP bus, and why many guests base here and dip into Hua Hin only when they want bustle. It’s a portrait of slow travel done right—where connection, routine, and place matter more than checklists. If you’re craving real Thai coastal life with room to breathe, press play and plan your ride by the pines.
Enjoyed the journey? Follow the show, share it with a travel friend, and leave a quick review so more explorers can find authentic Thailand. -
The future of travel isn’t arriving someday; it’s booking rooms, approving refunds, and answering questions right now. From the floor of World Travel Market London, Phil Blizzard joins three leaders pushing AI from buzzword to business value—speeding up claims, selling smarter, and restoring trust where it’s been eroded.
First, Steven Joyce of Protect Group shows how Refund Protect turns non‑refundable trips into peace of mind with AI‑accelerated approvals and payouts within hours, not weeks. By partnering with tour operators, OTAs, airlines, and hotels rather than selling direct, the model boosts conversion while removing pre‑trip anxiety for travellers. We break down costs, workflows, and why a customer‑first claim experience matters more than ever.
Then, Benjamin Manzi of Maya opens the hood on travel‑specialist AI agents built to sell more trips and handle support across 150+ languages. Beyond chat, internal agents draft quotes, invoices, and emails, giving human teams leverage where it counts. We explore how market maturity flipped from scepticism to urgency, what differentiates domain‑trained travel AI, and why capturing traffic from search and assistants depends on agents that speak the industry’s language.
Finally, Daniel Reeves of Room Angel tackles the surge of scam sites and opaque pricing. Their verification tokens bring cryptographic trust to hotel bookings and agentic conversations, while fair‑price benchmarks help consumers and regulators see whether a rate is reasonable. With consolidation on the horizon and agentic distribution set to grow rapidly, we discuss the partnerships, data, and rules that will define how hotels compete on transparency and value.
If you care about faster refunds, smarter sales, and safer bookings, this conversation is your map to what’s next. Subscribe, share with a colleague, and leave a review to tell us which AI upgrade you want travel brands to adopt first. -
What if a small Caribbean island could turn sport and technology into a tourism superpower? Phil Blizzard talks with Anguilla’s Minister of Health, Tourism and Sports, Cardigan Connor, and cricket great Joel Gardner to unpack a strategy that blends tennis and golf events, boat racing heritage, and a surprising digital advantage: the .AI domain.
Connor shares how Anguilla plans to scale sports tourism with the Anguilla Cup, a world-class Greg Norman golf course, and youth programmes that lead to scholarships, jobs, and professional pathways. He explains why boat racing remains the island’s heartbeat and how cricket links Anguilla to a wider Caribbean legacy. The conversation pivots to technology as Connor argues that .AI must be more than a revenue stream; it should fund education, bring global conventions and awards to the island, and prepare young people to build and work with AI. By merging destination marketing with real skills, Anguilla positions itself as both a place to play and a place to learn.
Gardner then makes the case for Caribbean cricket as a training destination with soul. He recalls county tours, outlines the facilities and pre-season windows, and contrasts Barbados’ loud, lively matchdays with quieter English grounds. With rivals like Dubai drawing teams away, he believes the region can win by showcasing authentic culture, community energy, and tournaments that have already launched West Indies talent. Together these stories reveal a blueprint for resilient tourism: anchor events, invest in pathways, and use technology to amplify identity rather than replace it.
If you’re curious about how destinations can fuse sport, culture, and AI to create real value for locals and travellers alike, this conversation is a must-listen. Subscribe, share with a friend who loves cricket or tech, and leave a review to tell us which sports event you’d fly to see first. -
Welcome to Travelwise with Phil Blizzard! Our journey in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues as we explore a heritage hotel which has been recognised by TIME magazine as one of the Top Hotels in the World and is in the Conde Nast Traveller 2025 Hot List. Welcome to the Dar Tantora The House Hotel in Al Ula.
In this podcast Phil Blizzard discovers more about this hospitality group, their philosophy, the location of hotels they manage and what is in their development pipeline and talks to where we talk to Antony Doucet the Chief Experience Officer at Kerten Hospitality.
Anthony talks about the significant rise of Saudi homegrown hospitality, takes us on a guided tour of Dar Tantora and concludes with a personalised guest experience.For more information visit https://dartantora.co/
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In this episode, Phil Blizzard at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, explores the rich history and vibrant culture of this fascinating kingdom. Starting with the historic centre of Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage site that's steeped in tradition and heritage he talks to Naif Awlia, Tourism & Engagement Director, Diriyah
Then a preview of Bab Al Samahn, first hotel to open within Diriyah where ancient charm meets modern luxury. Phil taks to Fabrice Ducry, GM, of this Luxury Collection Hotel by Marriott.
From there we head south, so to speak, to the stunning region of Aseer, where natural beauty and warm hospitality await - according to Dr Amr Homoud Almari, CEO - Oerations, Aseer.
You can watch the interviews in this podcast on You Tube, using the links below.
Diriyah interview https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTrdEePg3GY
Bab Al Sanhan interview- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNEDvjQaYUY
Aseer interview - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7Jt0AUC9cA
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A TravelWise podcast vignette with Jawad Saade, GM, Hilton Dubai Creek Hotel & Residences, Jewel of the Creek talking about their Ramadan Iftar offerings along side the wonderful Dubai Creek.
The podcast of the full interview with Jawad Saade, GM, Hilton Dubai Creek Hotel & Residences, Jewel of the Creek is now available.
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Join Phil Blizzard as he continues his exploration of Dubai's newest destination - the Jewel of the Creek.
In this episode he visits the Hilton Dubai Creek Hotel & Residences to meet Jawad Saade, General Manger who talks about the guests first point of contact - the traditonal Arabic welcome with a cup of qahwa (listen to find out what this is). He talks about the appeal of the serviced apartments, their creekside location and some of the activites they offer visitors staying at 'The Heart of Dubai'.
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Join Phil Blizzard as he explores one of Dubai's newest destinations - Jewel of the Creek. In this episode he visits the Marriott Marquis Dubai and meets Fredrik Reinisch, the general manager to talk about this newly opened hotel and what guests can expect, the heritage of the location and the importance of the MICE market, plus a lot lot more!
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The first TravelWise podcast of 2025 with Phil Blizzard talking to Bani Haddad, Co-founder and managing director of Aleph Hospitality, a Dubai based, independent hospitality management company, which will be 10 years old in 2025
The talk is about the services they offer to key markets across the MIddle East and Africa, their entry into Morocco and, of course, Saudi Arabia - the challenges and opportunities.
Along with a reflection on key activities in 2024 and a look ahead to plans for 2025 - including further development of their Innovation Lab, their collaboration with 'Evolvin Women' and the development of Dubai's Jewel of the Creek. -
TravelWise onboard the Star Legend luxury yacht in the Mediterranean for the inaugural 'Legendary Winter in the Mediterranean' cruise.
Join Phil Blizzard on board Star Legend, from Windstar, as he explores the luxury yacht as it sails from Rome to Barcelona. He talks to key members of staff about the facilities, the various dining options, entertainment and the shore excursions available at ports of call along the way, This boutique yacht has just over 300 passengers per sailing!
Ports on the cruise include Civitavecchia, Rome and Livono for Pisa in Italy, Nice and Marseille in France and the arrival port of Barcelona, Spain.
Phil concludes this episode with Janet Bava, Chief Commercial Office, Windstar and some exciting news about future 'Legendary Winter in the Mediterranean' cruises for Winter 2024/25
If you are someone who is looking at a boutique cruise experience which is personal and friendly and takes you to the less-visited places than this is the travel experience for you.
For further information about this cruise and the others operated by Windstar contact www.CruiseMaster-ME.com
Travel Wise from Phil Blizzard - News, Views & Interviews, along with travel tips to enhance your journey. -
Abu Dhai tourism news from Abdullah Yousef, Director of International Operations, Department of Culture & Tourism who talks to Phil Blizzard at the World Travel Market, London.
Listen to this comprehensive overview of the tourism development plans for the capital of the United Arab Emirates - from dedicated zones to the worlds largest entertainment sphere. -
TravelWise on the road in the 'Land of Smiles' with Phil Blizzard and this trilogy which will take you 'off the beaten track' down south in Khao Tao, jungle trekking in Chiang Mai and a re-vist to the increasingly popular Hua Hin. This episode begins in Wongamat, Northern Pattaya, which is close to U-Tapao the arrival point in Thailand for flydubai and their daily service from Dubai.
Travelling south to the 'Royal Resort' of Hua Hin Phil catches up with Richard Jackson from English radio station Surf Fm to talk about the latest news on events, happenings & places to go. Plus information on a super affordable way to travel to the capital from Hua Hin airport in a comfortable air condition bus.Plus my travel tips on where to stay, places to go in this 'The Royal Resort of Thailand'.
Featured hotel - Supatra Beach Resort Hua Hin - https://www.daviniaresort.com/
Featured High Spot - Vana Nava Sky Bar - Holiday Inn Hua Hin - https://www.vananavasky.com/
Recommended Transportation Service - Thanyakarn Ying Transport - https://www.facebook.com/ying.transport -
The settings of the fabulous Brecon Beacons, Bannau Brycheiniog, in Wales is the location for this podcast whereby Phil Blizzard, in his studio, links up with organiser Janine Price to talk about the regions first Wellness and Outdoor Recreation Festival.
Further details - https://wellsynergy.wales
Location of the festival is Onnenfawr Leisure Ltd Crai LD3 8PY
Bannau Brycheiniog means “The Peaks of Brychan's Kingdom”, with Brychan a legendary king who is said to have ruled the Brecon area during the 5th century -
Discover Qatar with Phil Blizzard talking to Phil Dickinson from Qatar Tourism who is responsible for the Leading International Markets & MICE marketing. Highlights of the interview include the 'Discover Qatar Stop-Over' programme which, in conjunction Qatar Airways, offers visitor stays in 4* hotel from just US$14 per person per night, along with a 24hr check-in service!
Phil Dickenson also talks about the key aspects of their current tourism strategy programme which, following the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 , is based around 'demand spaces' in the leisure, cultural and romantic stay sectors.
For more information visit the website - www.visitqatar.qa -
Seychelles Tourism minister, HE Sylvestre Radegonde, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, talks to Phil Blizzard about their developments and key focus for the future of this industry within the Seychelles islands. The podcast also features. Sherin Francis, Principal Secretary, Seychelles Tourism who talks about new hotels opening, the events and festivals taking place, including the prestigious FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2025 which will be taking place in the capital Victoria in May 2025.
For more information visit:
Seychelles Tourism www.seychelles.com/culture/creole-rendezvous
Seychellois Creole Experiences - www.kokosye.com -
TravelWise podcast with Phil Blizzard and in this vignette epsiode we link up with travel and tourism expert Gemma Greenwood who is in Sydney, Australia. Gemma takes us away from the city centre and it's iconic tourists magnets - Bondi Beach, the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. This time her 'Off The Beaten Track' recommendation is a 9 hour drive up the coast from Sydney to Cabarita Beach in northern New South Wales! Listen to find out why!
TravelWise vignettes are short, snappy podcasts less than 10 minutes in duration, featuring all the essential information you need to know about a particular destination and this is what you will hear from Gemma. -
A TravelWise vignette as Phil Blizzard checks into Dubai’s newest destination the Jewel of the Creek – home to the glittering Marriott Marquis Dubai and Hilton Dubai Creek Hotel & Residences.
In this podcast he discovers what the destination has to offer by talking to Anders Lingard-Johannesson, General Manager, Hilton Dubai Creek Hotel & Residences. -
Jump onboard this podcast with Phil Blizzard for an exploration of the world's newest cruise ship the gigantic Sun Princess. You will be taken on journey starting in Barcelona, cruising acoss the Mediterranean to Athens. Enroute you will be discovering the cuisine in its many restaurants, with entertainnment galore and take a visit to the bridge for a conversation with Captain Craig Street.
For more information visitwww.princess.com
and
www.cruisemaster-me.com - Visa fler
