In conversation with tourists

Podcast by Oana

In conversation with tourists

"In Conversation with Tourists" is a series of interviews designed to explore travelers' stories and encourage reflection on the meaning of journeys. Through honest, heartfelt conversations, we aim to understand our shared desire for exploration, adventure, authentic experiences, self-discovery, cultural understanding or meaningful connections. We advocate for slow tourism—encouraging pauses, observation and thoughtful reflection. At the same time, we invite local tourism industry experts, creatives and sometimes residents to share their insights, with the hope of fostering a more human and relatable understanding of Edinburgh’s rich history, vibrant present, and authentic character.

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Latest episodes

27 July 2026

The purpose of a museum is to bring meaning

In this episode of In Conversation with Tourists, Oana speaks with Evelyn, a recent University of Edinburgh graduate and the founder of TheiaMuse, an emerging app focused on travelling exhibitions.

Together, they explore how museums are changing, what happens to the collections that remain hidden in storage, and how new and more experimental exhibitions are being developed.

They also consider whether museums need to be packed with objects, information and historical detail, or whether a carefully designed experience can sometimes create a more meaningful connection.

Why do people visit museums? Do visitors really explore every room? What motivates us to enter, move through and spend time in these cultural spaces? Are we there to learn, to be entertained, to feel connected, or simply to find something that speaks to us?

At the heart of the conversation is Evelyn’s thoughtful observation:

“The purpose of museums is to find meaning.”

A reflective discussion about collections, curiosity, visitor behaviour and the future of the museum experience.

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37:08

06 July 2026

The Thoughtful Traveller: Planning, Wandering and the Perfect Wild Card

In this episode of In Conversation with Tourists, I speak with travel consultant Lindsay Nielsen about what really goes into planning a memorable holiday.

Drawing on her experience in travel consultancy, tourism boards and her own journeys around the world, Lindsay shares how she helps clients shape holidays around their interests, preferences, budgets and personalities. We discuss the many different ways people travel, from adventurous itineraries and cultural exploration to cruises, beach holidays and trips where the best moments come from leaving space to wander.

Our conversation explores the balance between planning and spontaneity, the value of having someone who can take care of the practical details, and the importance of listening carefully to what travellers actually want. Lindsay also explains how she brings creativity into the process, sometimes offering a “wild card” suggestion that gives clients something extra to consider.

This is a conversation about travel trends, customer experience, thoughtful planning and the quiet work that happens behind the scenes before a holiday begins.

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29:35

11 May 2026

Cloudy Places, Strange Foods & Falling for the Philippines

n Conversation with Tourists explores how people travel, what they notice, what they love, and what makes a place stay with them long after the trip ends.

In this episode, Yana shares stories from travelling through more than 20 countries, from her love for the Philippines to her fondness for cloudier places, unusual foods, and the small personal rituals that make travel feel like her own, including sometimes bringing her console along for the journey.

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27:21

15 April 2026

It's fun to go to places that don't exist anywhere other than the new place you're in

In this episode of In Conversation with Tourists, I speak with Salma, a student from Chicago spending a semester in Edinburgh.

We explore the ideas of mindful tourism, sustainable travel practices and what it means to truly be present while exploring a new place.

One moment that stayed with me is when Salma said, “It's fun to go to places that don't exist anywhere other than the new place you're in,” but the entire conversation is insightful, thoughtful and full of inspiration.

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25:34

02 April 2026

Visiting Stockholm - Same city two different experiences

In this episode of In Conversation with Tourists, I’m joined by Charlie for an unexpected follow-up to our recent trips to Stockholm.

By pure coincidence, we found ourselves on the same departure flight , and we've decided to record an episode of experiencing the city in completely different ways.

Charlie’s trip was shaped by friends, gym, some quirky bars and exploring Stockholm’s more youthful, social side. Mine leaned towards slower days, family time, and, unsurprisingly, a few museums along the way.

Together, we reflect on how the same city can offer entirely different experiences depending on where you are in life and personal needs, rather than being mainly guided by a list of must-do activities.

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23:43

04 February 2026

❤️ There’s something magical about travel & love

I’m in love… with this conversation!

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, I’m sharing one of the most heartwarming episodes we’ve ever recorded. For the first time, I interviewed a newlywed couple, an adventurous duo from the U.S., who are traveling the world together and spending a few months in Edinburgh.

From meeting in New York, to discovering Scotland (Robert Burns, haggis, whiskey, and the Borders!), and exploring Europe from Italy to Georgia, their stories are full of curiosity, joy, and the magic of connecting with people and places.

This episode is a little gift for anyone who loves travel, love stories, or just celebrating human connection.

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37:06