Nicholas Wood on Traveling Through the Headlines, Political Tours & Seeing the World Beyond the News

In this episode of World of Travel: The Podcast, Lindsey and Kolyn sit down with former New York Times and BBC foreign correspondent Nicholas Wood, the founder of Political Tours — a company redefining what it means to explore the world.After years reporting from the front lines of global conflict and alongside world leaders, Nicholas shares how the quiet, human stories shaped his next chapter: creating immersive travel experiences that take people beyond the headlines and into the realities of life on the ground.Now running Political Tours with his wife Karen, Nicholas leads journeys across more than 40 countries, connecting travelers with journalists, academics, and local voices who unpack the politics, history, and culture shaping each destination.From Taiwan to Hungary to Turkey, and even places often misunderstood like Iran , this conversation explores how travel can challenge assumptions, deepen global awareness, and bring humanity back into the stories we think we already understand.This episode is about perspective, access, curiosity, and why the most meaningful travel experiences don’t just show you a place...they help you truly understand it.