Travel Off the Beaten Path – Way Off
Some destinations are on everyone’s travel bucket list. And then there are the ones that make people raise an eyebrow and say, “Wait, you went where?” In this episode of The Radio Vagabond, I sit down with three tour operators who specialize in exactly those kinds of places – the hidden gems that most people overlook, either because they’re hard to get to or because the headlines have scared people off.
I met these three fascinating individuals at the Extraordinary Travel Festival in Bangkok. And let me tell you, this is not your average panel of tour guides. They are redefining what it means to explore the world.
David Van Driessche:
Papua New Guinea Beyond the Postcards
Let’s start with David Van Driessche. He’s originally from Belgium, but he’s been based in Asia for more than two decades, combining his skills as a photographer and travel expert. David has a deep connection with Papua New Guinea, a place he’s visited over ten times, spending more than a year there in total.
PNG, as it’s often called, is tucked away just north of Australia, and it’s truly one of the most culturally diverse places on Earth – with over 800 languages spoken. It’s rugged, remote, and not the easiest place to get around. But that’s kind of the point. David has used his photography to spotlight the traditions and tribal life in Papua New Guinea and has even helped build eco-lodges in remote villages through his project, Tribes of Papua New Guinea.
“It’s not just about visiting,” David told me. “It’s about immersing yourself. These tribal communities have so much to teach us about connection, tradition, and resilience.”
His work has been featured in big-name magazines like National Geographic Traveler and TRAVEL + LEISURE, and he leads photography tours that are about way more than getting the perfect shot – they’re about real experiences.
Visit David’s website for more: Tribes of Papua New Guinea.
Fadi Assi:
Rediscovering Syria with New Eyes
Next, I spoke to Fadi Assi, a man who’s passionate about changing the narrative around his home country. He’s the co-founder of Golden Team Syria, a travel company working to show the world that there’s more to Syria than the headlines.
Fadi was born and raised in Syria, and after years of conflict, he’s now helping rebuild its tourism industry by offering cultural, historical, and even adventure tours. And let me tell you, he’s doing it with heart. I had the chance to travel with him earlier in 2024, and the welcome I received from him and his family was something I’ll never forget.
“People still think Syria is off-limits,” Fadi said, “but that’s changing. Damascus, Aleppo, Palmyra – these are living stories waiting to be told.”
Fadi also recently won “Most Trusted Fixer” at the NomadMania Travel Awards, and honestly, it’s easy to see why. He’s creating safe, thoughtful, and eye-opening travel experiences in a country where tourism was nearly erased.
You can explore his company here: Golden Team Syria.
Baba Ahmed El Bekay:
The Soul of Mauritania
And then there’s Baba Ahmed El Bekay, the man behind T’Ore Mauritania. Baba launched his company in his early twenties after traveling to nearby countries and realizing just how much his homeland had to offer that no one was talking about. Today, he’s on a mission to change that.
Mauritania isn’t exactly high on most travelers’ lists. It’s in West Africa, between the Sahara and the Atlantic, and it’s not known for being easy to explore. But if you’re looking for raw, unfiltered adventure, Baba’s your guy.
He organizes trips that include riding the Iron Ore Train – a massive open-air freight train that crosses the Sahara – and visiting ancient cities like Chinguetti, with its libraries full of centuries-old manuscripts.
“We have stories, landscapes, and traditions that people just don’t know about,” Baba told me. “My goal is to show the world that Mauritania is full of beauty and history.”
Baba’s website: T’Ore Mauritania.
