Ep 192 w/ Melissa Rodway (Fly Travel Radio) - The People You Meet While Travelling: Melissa on Stories, Meaning & Modern Travel

Ep 192 w/ Melissa Rodway (Fly Travel Radio) - The People You Meet While Travelling: Melissa on Stories, Meaning & Modern TravelIn this episode of the Winging It Travel Podcast, I’m joined by fellow traveller, podcaster, and author Melissa Rodway for a deep, honest, and refreshingly real conversation about travel, purpose, and why simply “wandering” isn’t always enough anymore.Melissa shares how her early travels — including growing up in Australia, moving across Canada, and later long-term adventures — shaped her outlook on life. We talk about why travel doesn’t magically fix everything, how purpose can completely change the way you experience a place, and what happens when the romantic idea of endless travel meets real life, work, and money.We also dive into:Why having a reason to travel matters more as you get olderThe myth that travel automatically transforms youHow Melissa’s book The People You Meet was born from long bus rides and storytellingGroup travel vs solo travel — and why both still matterWhy freedom is such a powerful (and addictive) part of travelHow travel changes your relationship with yourself, not just the worldThis is an episode for travellers who’ve felt restless on the road, questioned the “quit your job and go” narrative, or wondered how to keep travel meaningful long-term. There are plenty of laughs, reflections, and moments that’ll make you rethink how — and why — you travel.The People You Meet Book - https://www.amazon.ca/People-You-Meet-Interesting-Characters/dp/106904430X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=19KA4X9DS5MC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.TlZrHy0V02MWPGcybuwtIZ36r168mkudXDX-0BnO-PY.RMq3iGOHHwk_fUKjKAbvOpOHqcoGuXa_ytyCwKSY9wE&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+people+you+meet+melissa+rodway&qid=1751589354&sprefix=%2Caps%2C65&sr=8-1Melissa RodwayWebsite - https://flyrodway.com/Podcast - https://flyrodway.com/flypodcast/Want to travel with me to El Salvador? Click this link to hear more - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/winging-it-podcast/id1559489384?i=1000734952340Click here to book - https://intrepid.wetravel.com/i/68fa168c8d157da799033142❤️ Support the ShowIf you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review on your favourite podcast app — it helps new listeners discover the show. And share this episode with a friend who loves adventure, travel and big ideas.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Why this episode matters & introducing Melissa Rodway03:40 – Growing up between Canada & Australia08:55 – Early travel memories & cultural exposure13:10 – Searching for meaning through movement15:45 – Why travel doesn’t “fix” you18:10 – The myth of constant travel epiphanies21:20 – Why purpose changes everything on the road25:35 – Group tours vs solo travel30:10 – Canada vs Europe for hiking (and the bear problem)34:05 – Culture shock moments around the world37:45 – Funding travel & taking career breaks responsibly40:05 – Budget, mid-range & luxury travel realities43:55 – Why hostels feel different now47:25 – Hiking, movement & simple travel routines51:30 – Freedom, identity & who we become when travelling57:15 – Why some people can’t stop travelling1:00:30 – Why others don’t want adventure at all1:03:20 – Places still calling Melissa1:05:45 – Final reflections on meaning, people & travel--------------------------------------------------------------Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com⁠Voyascape: Travel Podcast Network - https://voyascape.com/Winging It Travel Podcast - WebsitePlease leave a review and a 5-star 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.