Why the World Cup Proves Travel Brings People Together | My Updated 2026 Travel Plans & Recovering From Kidney Stones

Check out the new Smart Travel PodcastThis episode is supported by Smart Travel a new podcast from Nerd Wallet. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Follow Smart Travel wherever you get your podcasts.Smart Travel PodcastWhy the World Cup Proves Travel Brings People Together | My Updated 2026 Travel Plans & Recovering From Kidney StonesThis week I'm sharing a more personal update as I recover from kidney stones, reflect on the incredible atmosphere surrounding the FIFA World Cup, and look ahead to an exciting second half of the year packed with travel.After a slower start to 2026, I'm finally getting ready to hit the road again with trips to Toronto, Estonia, Finland, Paris and French Polynesia. I also share how this period away from travelling has helped me rethink my content, my business and what I want the future of Winging It to look like.I also explain why I believe the World Cup is one of the greatest examples of how travel brings people together. From the incredible hospitality shown by Mexican fans to England supporters, to thousands of people from different cultures celebrating side by side, it's a reminder that travel creates understanding, respect and unforgettable memories.Finally, I open up about dealing with kidney stones over the past couple of weeks, what it's taught me about appreciating everyday life, and why I'm looking forward to getting back out into the world once I'm fully recovered.If you've been thinking about booking your next adventure, hopefully this episode gives you the inspiration to finally go for it.In this episode:• Why the World Cup is about far more than football.• The incredible hospitality between travelling fans.• My upcoming trips to Canada, Estonia, Finland, France and French Polynesia.• How I've been rethinking my travel content and podcast plans.• Recovering from kidney stones and what the experience has taught me.• A look ahead to what's coming next on Winging It Travel Podcast.Support Winging It Travel PodcastIf you enjoyed this episode:⭐ Leave a 5-star rating or review on your podcast app☕ Support the show at buymeacoffee.com/wingingit🌍 Explore more episodes at wingingittravelpodcast.com✈️ Check out more great travel podcasts at https://voyascape.com📺 Now also on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@wingingittravelpodcast⏱️ Timestamps01:38 Why the release schedule has changed02:30 What the World Cup teaches us about travel05:10 England, Mexico and the power of football to unite people07:45 Why travel creates cultural understanding09:25 My upcoming trips: Toronto, Estonia, Finland and Paris12:15 French Polynesia, future travel plans and new podcast ideas13:45 Recovering from kidney stones and appreciating normal life15:10 Podcast updates, reviews and supporting the show--------------------------------------------------------------Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com⁠Voyascape: Travel Podcast Network - https://voyascape.com/Winging It Travel Podcast - Website--------------------------------------------------------------Winging It Travel Podcast CreditsHost/Producer/Creator/Composer/Editor - James HammondContact me - [email protected] or [email protected] Media - follow me on:InstagramTikTok Facebook--------------------------------------------------------------Affiliate Links If you click one of the below to book something, I get a tiny commission, which helps the podcast.Book Flights with Skyscanner - HereUse Revolut Travel Card - HereBook 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 - Here--------------------------------------------------------------Thanks for supporting me and the podcast!Cheers James.Check out all of our other travel podcasts from aroundthe worldThis podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world’s best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape Podcast Network . For advertising or sponsorship opportunities on this show and across the network, email [email protected] or you can find more information at Voyascape Ads.