TravelStories Episode 39: SightDOING with Becky Pokora

Episode 39: Show Notes Are you bored of the usual tourist travel tropes and looking for more? Have you ever wondered how to turn a simple trip into an unforgettable adventure? In this episode, we dive into the art of ‘sightDOING’ with travel expert Becky Pokora, who transforms ordinary travel experiences into extraordinary, hands-on journeys. Becky is a seasoned travel expert and writer passionate about adventure and exploration. As the founder of the travel blog sightDOING, she shares her experiences and tips on active travel and immersive adventures. Becky has a knack for discovering unique destinations and engaging activities, encouraging her readers to dive deeper into their travel experiences. In our conversation, we explore the secret behind authentic travel, why first-hand travel recommendations are superior, and the benefits of going with the flow. Discover strategies for finding the best experience while traveling and helpful resources to get you started. Becky recounts some of her most memorable travel moments, including seeing a volcano erupt, attending an ice festival in China, and experiencing the wonders of Antarctica. She also shares advice for communicating when you don’t speak the local language and red flags to watch out for when looking for accommodation. Join us as we journey into the world of authentic travel with Becky Pokora. Tune in now! Key Points From This Episode: [00:45] Background about Becky, her travel blog, and the concept of ‘sightDOING.’ [04:12] Strategies she uses to uncover special and authentic travel experiences. [08:35] Hear about some of the unconventional travel experiences she has had. [13:03] Rigid travel planning versus taking a more unstructured approach. [16:38] An example of a top non-traditional travel experience she had in Mexico. [20:57] She shares the most underrated travel options available in Mexico.  [25:40] Why knowing the local language is not a prerequisite for authentic travel. [29:38] The Harbin Ice Festival and her New Zealand and Australia travel highlights. [38:45] Her approach to finding accommodation and why hotels are not always an option. [44:00] SightDOING in Antarctica and recommendations for those considering the trip.  [52:51] Final takeaways for listeners and how to contact Becky. Quotes: “That first-hand touch from someone that you trust and from someone where you understand their frame of reference is a great way to filter [travel ideas].” — @sightDOING [7:20] “Sometimes taking what is easy is a legitimate way to plan a trip or plan an activity.” — @sightDOING [10:33] “Sometimes even when you have fantastic plans, they just get rearranged based on conditions or things you never expected.” — @sightDOING [20:00] “I like hotels but a lot of places I go don’t have a lot of hotels which means you have to get a little bit more creative.” — @sightDOING [39:01] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: sightDOING sightDOING on X sightDOING on Instagram <p clas