Ep 182 w/ Dave Seminara - Why Suriname Should Be Your Next Adventure Travel Destination

This week, I’m joined once again by travel writer, YouTuber, and author Dave Seminara to explore a country rarely found on bucket lists — Suriname. Tucked between Guyana and French Guiana on South America's northern coast, this former Dutch colony is bursting with untouched jungle, rich multicultural heritage, and wildly underrated adventure experiences.Dave recently spent eight days solo travelling across Suriname, from the capital, Paramaribo, to the remote Maroon villages deep in the rainforest. He shares everything — how to get there, where to stay, why the Upper Suriname River is a must-do journey, and why it may just be the friendliest country in the world.We dive into:The colonial history and ethnic diversity that make Suriname one of the most culturally layered countries in the AmericasUnique cultural practices like polygamy and menstruation houses in Maroon communitiesWhy Suriname is known as the most Asian country outside Asia and the most African country outside AfricaIncredible food: from roti to Indonesian cuisine — and why Suriname is a hidden foodie destinationThe realities of getting around Suriname, including limited flights, overland routes, and remote access pointsVisiting remote villages via dugout canoe and navigating rivers that cut through untouched rainforestWhy Paramaribo is worth a short visit — plus tips on markets, accommodation, and cultural etiquetteAn honest take on safety, infrastructure, friendliness, and why the locals are genuinely curious about travellersThis episode is full of inspiration for anyone dreaming of a more authentic, remote, and meaningful travel experience. Dave’s storytelling is full of insight, humour, and practical tips — and by the end, you might be planning your own trip to Suriname.Thanks to Dave for coming on again, and he is welcome back anytime, as he is a much-loved guest on the podcast. 🎙️ Hosted by James Hammond | Part of the Voyascape Network🌐 Explore more episodes + content at voyascape.com☕ Support the show: buymeacoffee.com📺 Watch Dave's Suriname vlogs on YouTube: Mad Traveler🌐 Visit Dave's website to buy his books or read his work: websiteTimestamps00:00 – Intro: Where is Suriname?02:30 – Dave’s travel style and why he chose Suriname04:45 – Suriname’s location, Dutch colonial past & unique geography06:55 – The most diverse small country in the world09:00 – Maroon tribes, escaped slavery & cultural preservation11:30 – Polygamy, menstruation houses & village customs13:45 – Food in Suriname: Caribbean, Indian, Indonesian & more15:50 – Is Suriname the world’s friendliest country?17:00 – Can white travellers visit every village? The Dahomey debate19:20 – How to get to Suriname (flights from the US & Europe)21:30 – Suriname’s surprising lack of tourism infrastructure23:00 – Visa tips, borders with Guyana & French Guiana25:00 – Safety, yellow fever, currency & costs27:30 – Paramaribo: What to do in the capital30:15 – Maroon Market & cultural etiquette with cameras32:00 – Languages spoken & how much English is used34:40 – Upper Suriname River journey begins37:10 – Dugout canoe rides, jungle breeze & remote villages40:00 – Organised trip logistics: where to stay & how far to go42:15 – Meeting locals, learning traditions & polygamy explained45:30 – Funeral customs, marriage symbols & menstruation rules48:10 – Do locals ask about your life? Curious about the US50:00 – Dave visits a village school & shares what happened52:10 – Booking info: Kanini Paatie, tour companies & great guesthouses54:30 – Excursion to Jodensavanne: Jewish history in Suriname58:10 – Why day trips from Paramaribo are ideal59:50 – A visit to a former plantation and jungle cycling paradise1:02:00 – Hard truths about slavery, resistance & Suriname’s past1:04:00 – Off-topic but relevant: Safety in El Salvador1:08:00 – Final thoughts: Is Suriname safe to travel to?--------------------------------------------------------------Voyascape: Travel Podcast Network - https://voyascape.com/Winging It Travel Podcast - WebsitePlease leave a review and rating wherever you get your podcasts!--------------------------------------------------------------Winging It Travel Podcast CreditsHost/Producer/Creator/Composer/Editor - James HammondContact me - [email protected] Social Media - follow me on:InstagramTikTok Facebook --------------------------------------------------------------Support My Podcast - MembershipsPatreon - HereBuy Me A Coffee - HereAffiliate Links If you click one of the below to book something, I get a tiny commission, which helps the podcast.Book Flights with Skyscanner - Here Use Revolut Travel Card - HereBook Your E-Sim With GigSky - Here Book Hostels With Hostelworld - HereBooking.com - HereBook Experiences With Viator - HereDiscovery Car Hire - HereBook Buses With Busbud - HereBook Trains With Trainline - HereTravel Insurance with SafetyWing - HereBook Flights With Expedia Canada - HereBuy my Digital Travel Planner - Here--------------------------------------------------------------Thanks for supporting me and the podcast!Cheers, James.Mentioned in this episode:Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the worldThis podcast is part of Voyascape, a podcast network that brings together the world's best travel podcasts. 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