Listen to today’s podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-travellers-daily/id1842920062
True Travellers Society Podcast — November 16, 2025
Today’s podcast episode was created from the following stories: a mix of tourism milestones, thoughtful travel reporting, festive getaways, imaginative hospitality, and safer-streets policy shaping how and why we move.
Explore the excitement in Sabah
As Malaysia gears up for Visit Malaysia 2026, federal and state agencies teamed with industry to close out the “Explore. Experience. Excite.” campaign at SKCCM Sabah, featuring 80 exhibitors from across the tourism ecosystem. Leaders emphasized affordability through partnerships with Malaysia Airlines and Firefly and launched Fly Borneo Vol. 3, offering 26 curated packages across Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan.
Why it matters: coordinated efforts and value-focused air-and-holiday bundles aim to unlock domestic demand and spread tourism benefits more widely across Borneo.
British man encounters extraordinary kindness while traveling through Taliban controlled Afghanistan
Traveler Mike O’Kennedy recounts profound hospitality across Afghanistan while acknowledging his privilege as a foreign man and the harsh restrictions locals—especially women—face. He describes navigating Taliban authorities as a pragmatic necessity and highlights human connections, like with English teacher Yaser’s family, that revealed both kindness and heartbreak.
Why it matters: the story adds nuance to perceptions of Afghanistan, balancing ethical considerations with on-the-ground realities and the power of person-to-person encounters.
NZ Michelin Guide will grow and become a great promotional tool – Editorial
Tourism New Zealand is investing $6.3 million over three years to bring the Michelin Guide to Aotearoa, debuting in June with Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown and plans to expand. Officials say the move could attract high-value visitors, with data suggesting strong influence among affluent diners and broad marketing benefits for the national dining scene.
Why it matters: global recognition can amplify New Zealand’s culinary brand, funneling spend into local restaurants and regions while complementing existing domestic awards.
6 borghi magici dove scoprire la magia del Natale in Lombardia
This guide spotlights charming Lombardy hamlets—Palanzo, Corniga, Suira, Grazzano Visconti, Angera, and Arnosto—perfect for festive markets, lake views, and medieval streets aglow with lights. Practical tips cover ideal timing, layering up, and using boats, funiculars, and short trails for easy, photogenic winter escapes from Milan.
Why it matters: timely, close-to-home itineraries help travelers find low-stress seasonal magic while supporting local artisans and small hospitality businesses.
Limited-Time Stay in the Boston Sheraton’s Goodnight Moon-Themed Suite
Sheraton Boston unveiled a faithful Goodnight Moon suite—green walls, red balloon, glowing fireplace—available through February 28, 2026, as part of a $100M renovation and partnership with HarperCollins. Stays come with kid-friendly perks, late checkout, F&B credit, View Boston tickets, a Marriott Bonvoy Moments experience, and a charity component; book with promo code ZE2.
Why it matters: this playful, limited-capacity experience blends nostalgia with smart brand storytelling, turning a renovation into a bookable cultural moment.
Vision to protect schoolkids, cyclists after tragedies
Infrastructure Victoria’s 30-year strategy backs 30 km/h limits around schools and child-focused areas and calls for protected, connected cycling corridors in major cities. The body cites minimal impacts on travel times and aims to boost safety and bike uptake alongside complementary measures like cheaper off-peak fares and expanded social housing.
Why it matters: safer streets and better infrastructure can prevent tragedies, encourage active transport, and improve urban livability at scale.
