Travel Talks
Join our FREE Travel Talks and photography masterclasses. Our expert speakers will give you unique insight into their experiences and take you on fascinating and memorable journeys to inspire your next trip.
Spaces are subject to availability on the day and and will be offered on a first-come first-served basis.
friday
29th november 2024
10:30 - 11:15
Travel health tips – how to sh*t around the world
Declared the most impressive travel health authority by Simon Calder of the Independent, straight-talking Dr Jane, has spent years working in remote regions treating sick locals and travellers. Her comprehensive “Staying Healthy When You Travel” launched in December, and her best-selling book is “How to Shit Around the World”. She’ll share tips from her extensive clinical experience, photos of dangerous animals, explode traveller myths and give the low-down on malaria pills and new vaccines.
Dr Jane Wilson-Howarth - Book Author
Dr Jane Wilson-Howarth has degrees in zoology, parasite biology and medicine; she’s worked on health programmes in Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Nigeria as well as for Rohingya and Syrian refugees; she’s served as a GP and was medical director of a travel clinic in Cambridge. From 2017 to 2022 she mentored paramedics in remote Himalayan villages. Her first book, “Lemurs of the Lost World” is about expeditions to Madagascar, and next came “Bugs Bites and Bowels” which was published as an expanded, 320-page, sixth edition in December as “Staying Healthy When You Travel”. Her best-seller is “How to Shit Around the World”. She’s written “A Glimpse of Eternal Snows” about living en famille on an island in the middle of the largest tributary of the Ganges, and also three wildlife-rich Himalayan adventure stories for children. She’s fascinated by creepy-crawlies and is always keen to identify animal species by their faeces.
11:20 - 12:05
A Ride across america with simon parker
In the build-up to the 2024 US Presidential Election, Simon Parker embarked upon a 4,373-mile cycling journey through 11 states, meeting hundreds of wonderful characters along the way. His aim? To better understand America, its people, politics, and problems. All seen at the gentle pace of a bicycle.
Simon will share some funny anecdotes and fascinating stories from this epic adventure.
Simon Parker
He's interviewed sports stars, politicians and celebrities, including Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Virat Kohli, and reported on stories as diverse as product shortages in Venezuela, the ‘migrant crisis’ in Greece and social inequality in the barrios of Northern Colombia. He's paraglided solo through the Andes, hiked Bali’s highest volcanoes and driven a rickshaw the length of India.
In 2016 he sailed and cycled from China to London in 133 days, for a Telegraph series and BBC World Service documentary.
His first book, Riding Out, was published in April 2022 – it charts a 3,427 mile journey around “Pandemic Britain”. An award-winning TV travel series, Earth Cycle, has been distributed in 20+ countries globally and can be found on Amazon Prime, FOX Australia and YouTube.
He's reported from over 100 countries in the past decade – from Bhutan and French Polynesia to Hawaii and Namibia, via Svalbard, Greenland and Saint Helena.
12:10 - 12:55
cruising with a difference
Cruising: exploring the parts of the globe best accessed by water! With ships varying in size, style, and amenities, our experts will talk you through the options. Whether you’re looking for the thrill of an adventure on a mega-ship equipped with the latest in entertainment and leisure or seeking the tranquillity of an intimate vessel with a refined atmosphere, there’s a ship out there for you.
Millie Windeler - Ponders Travel
I have been working for Ponders and in the travel industry since May 2016. My love for travel started at a very young age and I have been very lucky to have visited some exceptional destinations already. I realised I wanted to pursue a career in travel when I was in college working on my art diploma and realised that I wanted something different, yet something that I could still be creative and passionate! I became manager of Ponders Travel in 2020 and absolutely love working for a company with such a friendly, close-knit team that take such pride in the personal service we can give our customers and getting to know each and every one of them. Places I have visited so far include France, Spain, Holland, Belgium, Portugal, Croatia, Italy, Norway, Iceland, Turkey, Barbados, Florida, Argentina, India, Thailand, and Antarctica, but I plan to extend that list much further!
Millie Windeler - Ponders Travel
I have been working for Ponders and in the travel industry since May 2016. My love for travel started at a very young age and I have been very lucky to have visited some exceptional destinations already. I realised I wanted to pursue a career in travel when I was in college working on my art diploma and realised that I wanted something different, yet something that I could still be creative and passionate! I became manager of Ponders Travel in 2020 and absolutely love working for a company with such a friendly, close-knit team that take such pride in the personal service we can give our customers and getting to know each and every one of them. Places I have visited so far include France, Spain, Holland, Belgium, Portugal, Croatia, Italy, Norway, Iceland, Turkey, Barbados, Florida, Argentina, India, Thailand, and Antarctica, but I plan to extend that list much further!
Millie Windeler - Ponders Travel
I have been working for Ponders and in the travel industry since May 2016. My love for travel started at a very young age and I have been very lucky to have visited some exceptional destinations already. I realised I wanted to pursue a career in travel when I was in college working on my art diploma and realised that I wanted something different, yet something that I could still be creative and passionate! I became manager of Ponders Travel in 2020 and absolutely love working for a company with such a friendly, close-knit team that take such pride in the personal service we can give our customers and getting to know each and every one of them. Places I have visited so far include France, Spain, Holland, Belgium, Portugal, Croatia, Italy, Norway, Iceland, Turkey, Barbados, Florida, Argentina, India, Thailand, and Antarctica, but I plan to extend that list much further!
13:30 - 14:15
travels along the mekong river with alex robinson
Alex will talk about the Mekong River in Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam; how it cuts through and defines the region and the wonderful things to see and do along its watershed from Luang Prabang to Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh to Saigon.
Alex Robinson - Author & Photographer
Alex Robinson is a prize-winning photographer, videographer and writer with among other awards a National Magazine Award in the United States, the magazine equivalent of a Grammy. He writes regularly for the leading travel publications, including JRNY, Sunday Times, Independent and Wanderlust, specialising on Latin America, South East Asia and Portugal. He is the author of more than fifteen travel books and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. In 2025 he will lead group trips on the Mekong and Amazon Rivers where participants will have the chance to hone their writing and photography skills as well as learn about the regions.
14:20 - 15:05
in conversation with simon parker and byron shirto
In the build-up to the 2024 US Presidential Election, Simon Parker embarked upon a 4,373-mile cycling journey through 11 states, meeting hundreds of wonderful characters along the way. His aim? To better understand America, its people, politics, and problems. All seen at the gentle pace of a bicycle.
Byron Shirto, Cambridge Travel Festival Director, will be speaking to Simon about his travels and his latest book.
Simon Parker
Simon Parker is a British travel writer, author, filmmaker, public speaker and broadcast journalist, working across a wide range of themes and subjects.
He's interviewed sports stars, politicians and celebrities, including Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Virat Kohli, and reported on stories as diverse as product shortages in Venezuela, the ‘migrant crisis’ in Greece and social inequality in the barrios of Northern Colombia. He's paraglided solo through the Andes, hiked Bali’s highest volcanoes and driven a rickshaw the length of India.
In 2016 he sailed and cycled from China to London in 133 days, for a Telegraph series and BBC World Service documentary.
His first book, Riding Out, was published in April 2022 – it charts a 3,427 mile journey around “Pandemic Britain”. An award-winning TV travel series, Earth Cycle, has been distributed in 20+ countries globally and can be found on Amazon Prime, FOX Australia and YouTube.
He's reported from over 100 countries in the past decade – from Bhutan and French Polynesia to Hawaii and Namibia, via Svalbard, Greenland and Saint Helena.
Byron Shirto
Festival Director
Byron Shirto
Byron worked for leading luxury Tour Operator, Abercrombie & Kent, for over 10 years, before setting up Tailormade Inspiration, a marketing and communications agency, in 2009. Byron served on the board and as Chairman of the Latin American Travel Association (LATA) for over 8 years. He has created and launched three successful large-scale trade B2B events in the last 10 years (LATA Expo, Experience Africa and Brand USA Travel Week). In 2022, he launched Inspire Global, a worldwide community promoting positive impact tourism. In 2023, he launched the Inspire Global Media Awards, celebrating positive impact storytelling, and in the same year, The Travel Festivals, the #1 series of travel festivals in the U.K.
15:10 - 15:55
travel photography masterclass by Jordan Banks
The 45-minute classes are aimed at beginner- and intermediate-level travel photographers, providing invaluable advice on all aspects of the craft. Whether you’re shooting with a smartphone or professional kit, this introduction session explores how to travel better as a photographer, what and how to photograph, and simple ways to improve quality.
Kav Dadfar - Jordan Banks Photography
Jordan’s career has spanned two decades and includes numerous accolades for his work, including awards from National Geographic, Lonely Planet & TPOTY. Jordan’s work and expeditions have taken him to over 100 countries to cover some of the most diverse regions of the globe. Leading expeditions through Baffin Bay, the High Arctic, Antarctica, South Georgia, Bhutan, Patagonia, the Kumbh Mela, Sea Gypsies of the South China sea, Namibia, Botswana, Uganda, The Jordan Trail and Central America. His images can be seen throughout the world on the covers of books, magazines, billboards and television. Jordan’s career has been the subject of a Sky Arts documentary syndicated worldwide as well as collaborating on film projects with Adobe and LEE filters.
Saturday
30th november 2024
10:30 - 11:15
exploring the 'real' canada by train
VIA Rail is the perfect way to Explore the beautiful and varied landscapes, cultures and experiences that make Canada so unique. Come and learn about the onboard services available but more importantly how you can incorporate train travel in your next Canadian adventure; from viewing wildlife, exploring national parks, discovering cities, and experiencing new cultures to even combining with a cruise or a self-drive holiday.
Natalie Smith - VIA Rail Canada
Natalie has 17 years of experience working in travel with 12 of those working for VIA Rail Canada and other Canadian companies. She has a true passion for the country and enjoys inspiring others to explore the vast options available and suggesting new and exciting itinerary ideas that might not have been considered. When not talking about or travelling to Canada she is an avid cruiser and has a soft spot for both Iceland & Norway.
11:20 - 12:05
In conversation with Hilary Bradt and chris haslam
Sharing memories of 50 years of travel will be the co-founder of Bradt Guides. Hilary’s latest book ‘Taking the Risk: My Adventures in Travel & Publishing’, is a beautifully written memoir, that weaves together insightful reflections, hilarious anecdotes and heart-stopping moments from her serendipitous adventures in travel and publishing.
Chris Haslam, Chief Travel Writer at The Times and Sunday Times will be speaking to Hilary about her life, her travels and her latest book.
Hilary Bradt
Hilary Bradt’s career as an occupational therapist ended when potential employers noticed that the time taken off for travel exceeded the periods of employment. In 1963, she hitch-hiked to and around the Middle East. In 1969, she spent six months travelling from San Francisco to Rio de Janeiro. With her former husband George, she self-published her first guidebook in 1974 during an extended journey throughout South America, thus founding Bradt Travel Guides. Travels in Africa in 1974-77 resulted in a backpacking guide to Africa, followed by four more to South America. By 1980, she was established as a publisher, winning IPG/Sunday Times Small Publisher of the Year that decade. For the first 25 years she combined writing guide books and running the company with leading adventure and natural history tours to South America, Africa and Madagascar. Her contributions to tourism have resulted in an MBE among other major awards.
Chris Haslam - The Sunday Times
12:10 - 12:55
Something a bit different
Our travel experts pitch experiences from across the world that they think should be on your bucket list. Sian will uncover India’s hidden gems and take you to its most captivating offbeat destinations. Rosanna will talk about getting out of your comfort zone and the rise of experiential travel experiences. Robin will lead you through some of his most favourite destinations, to include South / East Africa, Papua New Guinea and Japan.
Sian Warren - South Asia Uncovered
Siân is the Founding Director of South Asia Uncovered, with 15 years of extensive travel experience across India. Beginning as a backpacker and volunteer, she later worked with some of the top UK luxury travel operators. Siân has a deep emotional connection to India, having lived with local families in the country, launched her own Indian artisan-made clothing brand and studied beginners Hindi in London.
Driven by her passion for India and showcasing authentic and immersive experiences, she founded her own company to share her love for the country. She now creates unique, tailormade itineraries and small group tours that emphasise storytelling, community, textiles and human connection. Siân's comprehensive knowledge of India's hotels and homestays and her key relationships with guides across the country allows her to craft exceptional and niche experiences for her guests.
Sam Clark - Experience Travel Group
Rosanna leads the marketing team at Experience Travel Group (ETG), an award-winning tour operator specialising in bespoke, immersive holidays across South and Southeast Asia.
Her passion for exploration began in 2013 when she stepped off the plane into the vibrant streets of Bangkok, igniting a love for travel that has taken her across the region and beyond. With over nine years of experience in luxury, adventure, and experiential travel, Rosanna is driven by a passion for those moments that allow travellers to deeply connect with a destination, its culture, and its people. For her, the magic of travel lies in the stories travellers take home—the ones born from genuine connections, unique experiences, and unforgettable moments.
Robin Russell-Pavier - Briggate Travel
Robin's career spans more than 25 years. Robin has worked with a wide range of destinations in the Asia Pacific Region, East and Southern Africa, the US and Canada. He has also worked as a travel journalist for Thames Television.
13:30 - 14:15
WHERE TO VISIT IN 2025
A shift to the north, relaxed visa regulations, and new routes by planes, trains, boats, bikes and even balloons make 2025 the most exciting for travel in years. Veteran journalist and Times and Sunday Times Chief Travel Writer Chris Haslam highlights the new trips that should be on your radar for the coming year. EG: Georgia, Pakistan, Colombia, the Silk Road, Angola, Portugal, Scotland, Finland, Greenland, Japan, Brazil, India…
Chris Haslam - The Sunday Times
14:20 - 15:05
In conversation with Hilary Bradt and chris haslam
Sharing memories of 50 years of travel will be the co-founder of Bradt Guides. Hilary’s latest book ‘Taking the Risk: My Adventures in Travel & Publishing’, is a beautifully written memoir, that weaves together insightful reflections, hilarious anecdotes and heart-stopping moments from her serendipitous adventures in travel and publishing.
Chris Haslam, Chief Travel Writer at The Times and Sunday Times will be speaking to Hilary about her life, her travels and her latest book.
Hilary Bradt
Hilary Bradt’s career as an occupational therapist ended when potential employers noticed that the time taken off for travel exceeded the periods of employment. In 1963, she hitch-hiked to and around the Middle East. In 1969, she spent six months travelling from San Francisco to Rio de Janeiro. With her former husband George, she self-published her first guidebook in 1974 during an extended journey throughout South America, thus founding Bradt Travel Guides. Travels in Africa in 1974-77 resulted in a backpacking guide to Africa, followed by four more to South America. By 1980, she was established as a publisher, winning IPG/Sunday Times Small Publisher of the Year that decade. For the first 25 years she combined writing guide books and running the company with leading adventure and natural history tours to South America, Africa and Madagascar. Her contributions to tourism have resulted in an MBE among other major awards.
Chris Haslam - The Sunday Times
15:10 - 15:55
travel photography masterclass by Jordan Banks
The 45-minute classes are aimed at beginner- and intermediate-level travel photographers, providing invaluable advice on all aspects of the craft. Whether you’re shooting with a smartphone or professional kit, this introduction session explores how to travel better as a photographer, what and how to photograph, and simple ways to improve quality.
Jordan Banks - Photographer & Editor
Jordan’s career has spanned two decades and includes numerous accolades for his work, including awards from National Geographic, Lonely Planet & TPOTY. Jordan’s work and expeditions have taken him to over 100 countries to cover some of the most diverse regions of the globe. Leading expeditions through Baffin Bay, the High Arctic, Antarctica, South Georgia, Bhutan, Patagonia, the Kumbh Mela, Sea Gypsies of the South China sea, Namibia, Botswana, Uganda, The Jordan Trail and Central America. His images can be seen throughout the world on the covers of books, magazines, billboards and television. Jordan’s career has been the subject of a Sky Arts documentary syndicated worldwide as well as collaborating on film projects with Adobe and LEE filters.