Explorations All Over

Uganda isn’t usually the first place people imagine when they think about Africa.

For us, it became one of the most humbling experiences of our travels.

In this episode of Explorations All Over, we journey into the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for a mountain gorilla trek — an experience that demanded patience, effort, and a willingness to give up control. There were no guarantees we would see anything at all.

The climb was steep. The fo...

Ancient Faiths, Modern Worlds is not an episode about geopolitics or theology.
It’s about what happens when travel quietly reshapes the way we see belief, belonging, and one another.

In this episode of Explorations All Over, I take you through sacred spaces across cultures and continents — from the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi to Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Masada, Vietnam, Antarctica, and Dubai. Along the way, I found myself unsettled,...

Antarctica isn’t a place most people plan to visit.
And that’s exactly why this episode isn’t about planning a trip.

In this episode of Explorations All Over, I reflect on what happens when you step into an environment that doesn’t accommodate you — where scale breaks your sense of proportion, silence carries weight, and life unfolds without regard for human presence.

From misjudging the size of distant icebergs, to standing stil...

 In the Glow of Christmas is the first episode of Explorations All Over Season 2—and the beginning of a more immersive way of traveling together.

Rather than focusing on schedules or daily itineraries, this episode invites you into the atmosphere of Europe’s Christmas markets along the Rhine. From the warmth of mulled wine cradled in your hands to the glow of lights reflected on cobblestone streets, this journey is about how the sea...

What do you do when the sun refuses to set?

Join Russ as he sails north — way north — past the Arctic Circle into the Land of the Midnight Sun. From Bergen to the North Cape, this voyage along Norway’s rugged coast promised postcard-perfect scenery, endless daylight, and a little too much similarity onboard.

In this episode, Russ and Duncan discover:

• The surreal reality of sunlight at 2:00 a.m. — and what it does to your sense of ...

Trains. Most people think of them as part of the daily grind — commuting, delays, and crowded cars. But rail travel can also be magical, maddening, and unforgettable.

In this episode of Explorations All Over, Russ takes you along on four very different train journeys:

🚆 VIA Rail “Yellow and Blue” (Canada) – A cross-country ride through the Rockies and across endless prairies.
🚆 Paris to Barcelona Overnight (Spain) – A smoky, s...

Japan is a country where the past isn’t left behind—it walks alongside you. In this first part of my Far Flung Adventure, join me as I uncover the timeless beauty of Kyoto and the vibrant contrasts of Tokyo.

We’ll slip off our shoes at a centuries-old ryokan in Gion, savor a kaiseki dinner that’s as much art as cuisine, and wander through vermilion gates that seem to climb into the clouds. You’ll hear about the rituals, the surprise...

🌴 Thinking about your first cruise? Or maybe you’re wondering what all the fuss is about? In this episode of Explorations All Over, host Russell Gibson breaks down everything you need to know before you set sail on a Caribbean cruise.

From choosing the right cabin and cruise line to understanding shore excursions, dining options, motion sickness remedies, and those sneaky hidden fees—this is your no-nonsense, highly entertaining in...

Behind the Binoculars — Ethical Safaris with James Ward

In this episode, Russ talks with James Ward, Chief Explorations Officer at Rewild Safaris, about what makes a safari truly meaningful. From red flags in booking to supporting conservation and finding hidden gems like Zambia and Botswana, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone planning (or dreaming of) a safari.

Highlights:
– What to look for—and what to avoid—when bo...