who is the travel guides narrator

• Entertainment
• Sexiest People
• The Travel List

Meet the cast of Travel Guides 2023

• 01 Dec 2021

Travel Guides is back for a new season - and there's a new cast member in the mix!

WATCH BELOW: Travel Guides 2019 | The Fren Family visit Germany

The Bachelor's Locky Gilbert and Irena Srbinovska get married

Cate blanchett at the 2023 oscars, janelle shows up to the mafs dinner party ready for revenge, louis tomlinson calls james corden out, meet the dancing with the stars 2019 cast, mkr amanda confirms the truth about her scary cancer diagnosis, justin lacko addresses what everyone is thinking, mafs jules tells: how things ended up with me and justin, celine dion has something to say about these startling photos.

Fans adore the show's hilarious cast as they travel beyond their comfort zones to explore random holiday destinations around the world. 

Now, Travel Guides is back for its latest season and will  return to Channel 9 on Wednesday, April 19 at 7:30pm .

While fans are very keen to see the friendly faces on our screens once more, there have been some changes to the traditional  Travel Guides cast.

Cowgirl Mel - who appears on the show with her identical twin sister, Stack - is taking some time off from this season to be with her one-year-old daughter, Savannah. 

However, Stack's new partner remains in the family, with brother Josh joining the team in Mel's place.

With that in mind, meet the Travel Guides cast for 2023...

Meet Josh! He'll join sister Stack in place of Mel this season.

Stack and Josh

There will be a switch-up to the traditional pairing of identical twins and country cowgirls, Stack and Mel. This year, you'll see Stack and Josh. While not an identical twin, Josh is the sisters' younger brother.

As was the case with his older siblings, Josh is a little wary about travelling beyond the family's home in outback Queensland. In fact, he's never been out of Australia (until now).

While Stack and Mel were more comfortable at a local rodeo, they felt like fish out of water on their Travel Guides adventures. And Josh will be just the same! 

Will he be as game as his sisters? We're sure this construction worker will do just fine.

Matt and Brett

Bona fide travel addicts Matt and Brett joined the show in season four, hailing from Newcastle in New South Wales.

The married couple, who have been together for 19 years now, describe themselves as ‘high end travellers’ who also love a bargain.

While Matt is organised, and packs his outfits into plastic bags via the suitcase, Brett is much happier going along for the ride, leading to a delightful Bert-and-Ernie energy that makes for great TV.

They’re also hilarious, giving biting commentary, and always making the audience laugh.

The Fren Family

The Fren family

The delightful Fren family have been regulars since season one, bringing immediate joy to the show with their upbeat nature.

Dad Mark is upbeat and forthright, with a knack for negotiating room upgrades. He’s been married to wife Cathy for over 30 years, and their two kids, Victoria and Jonathan, are always along for the journey.

Their family grew earlier this year, with Jonathan marrying his long-term partner, Danielle Clarke .

Other members of the Travel Guides cast Matt, Brett, Kevin, Janetta, Mel, and Stack were all in attendance – too cute!

Kevin and Janetta

‘Holiday snobs’ Kevin and Janetta always bring the laughs.

The pair, who are in their 60s, are passionate wine enthusiasts and seasoned travellers. They’re also avid researchers when it comes to their holidays, making sure they have the best possible experience, so being thrown into strange situations on the show always makes for a good laugh.

They also won’t hesitate to ask for the manager, which has earned them the catchphrase “we don’t suffer in silence”.

Kev, Dorian and Teng

Besties Kev, Dorian and Teng love food, computer games, movies, and music.

Kev is a pop-culture expert, Dorian studies teaching, and Teng is the risk-taker, who keeps deferring university in the hopes of finding a good time.

Their combined heritage spans China, Greece and Vietnam, giving them a unique take on the world when it comes to the show.

Travel Guides Season 6 starts on Wednesday, April 19 at 7:30pm on Channel 9 and 9 Now .

Subscribe to Who magazine-& save!

JUST IN: Huge news if you want to be on Travel Guides

Masterchef's poh ling yeow opens up on her relationship with her ex-husbands, loved up all the farmer wants a wife couples still together, beck zemek’s post-mafs love story with fiancé ben michell, inside jackie and ben gillies heartwarming love story, locky gilbert & irena srbinovska's sweet love story, selling sunset's chrishell stause and g flip tie the knot, olivia frazer reveals her huge onlyfans earnings, a definitive list of the best bachelor transformations, how michael crocker found love and a family with fiancée kiri-moana proctor, after three marriages, deni hines has found lasting love, everything we know about emily seebohm's once "secret" boyfriend, all the love island australia couples that are still together, your definitive guide the new season of the bachelor, magazine subscription offer.

Denise Scott on why she loves Travel Guides' 'fat family'

6 years ago

Denise Scott may well be voicing Channel 9's  Travel Guides commentary from an armchair, but the veteran comedy queen is quite the seasoned traveller – in fact, her job as a presenter and performer has taken her to some exotic – and, erm, not-so-exotic – far-flung pockets of the globe.

With season 2 now well underway, 9Honey Travel caught up with the funny-woman to talk most memorable travel destinations, and find out which of our Travel Guides she enjoys watching most – or maybe even sees a little bit of herself in.

1. Have your travels around Australia as a comedienne taken you to any unique places?

I was doing a government-funded comedy tour for drought-stricken farming towns in western Queensland and consequently ended up in a town called Meandarra; population 100.

I met a local woman who was so excited to see me she nearly fainted. "Oh Denise, I can't believe you're in our little town. Oh, I just love you. I've watched you on TV. I've read your books..." I said: "So are you coming to the gig tonight?" She said: "Nah." What's more, the gig was free!

2. Favourite holidays spots?

I love Point Lonsdale, a seaside town in Victoria – it has an old-fashioned, quiet, family-fun vibe. And I LOVE Oman – a marvellous country of moonscape vistas, vast sand dunes and lush oases filled with date palms. And the Omani people are superb.

3. Which family would be your travel match?

Given my love of drinking wine and loathing of extreme physical activities it would have to be Kevin and Jeanetta, aka the "snobs".

READ: TV travel 'snobs' talk Bali and 'bogans'

4. Do you have any favourite Travel Guides from this season? 

I'm loving the Fren family. For all their claims of being the "fat family" who hate physical activity they're actually always up for doing anything and everything. I love their 'team' like spirit and constant laughter.

5. What's the best and worst traits to have as a traveller?

Best travelling trait: curiosity. Worst travelling trait: whinging.

6. Of the destinations covered in season 2, where are you gunning to visit?

I loved South Africa. It looks amazing. Then again, for sheer wonder and beauty, North Queensland is hard to beat. But oh, the skiing in New Zealand... and the food in Italy... I want to go to them all!

Travel Guides air on the Nine Network at 9pm. Catch up on the latest episodes on 9Now.

Property News: How do you afford a home in 2024? Don't live in it. Here is why.

The best affordable accommodation options in London

This hotel room has turned me into a travel 'princess'

Aussie 'shocked' by bright pink signs around cruise pool

Join or Sign In

Sign in to customize your TV listings

By joining TV Guide, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy .

• Seasons & Episodes
• TV Listings
• Cast & Crew

Travel Guides - Full Cast & Crew

• Documentary, Travel, Reality
• Watchlist Where to Watch

Five ordinary British households review some of the world's most popular holiday destinations. Each week, the same people sample identical holidays and then describe their experiences, reporting on everything from accommodation to food and activities.

• Beauty & Style
• Health & Wellbeing

Travel Guides (2015– )

Full cast & crew.

Series Directed by 

Series cast  , series produced by , series music by , series editing by , series production management , series second unit director or assistant director , series sound department , series camera and electrical department , series casting department , series editorial department , series additional crew .

Release Dates | Official Sites | Company Credits | Filming & Production | Technical Specs

Contribute to This Page

• Full Cast and Crew
• Release Dates
• Official Sites
• Company Credits
• Filming & Production
• Technical Specs
• Plot Summary
• Plot Keywords
• Parents Guide

Did You Know?

• Crazy Credits
• Alternate Versions
• Connections
• Soundtracks

Photo & Video

• Photo Gallery
• Trailers and Videos
• User Reviews
• User Ratings
• External Reviews
• Metacritic Reviews
• Episode List

Related Items

• External Sites

Related lists from IMDb users

Recently Viewed

• Celebrity News
• British Royal Family
• International Royals
• Sex & Relationships
• International News
• Competitions
• Homes To Love
• Home Beautiful
• Better Homes and Gardens
• Hard to Find
• Now to Love
• Now to Love NZ
• That's Life
• Women's Weekly
• Women's Weekly Food
• NZ Women's Weekly Food
• Gourmet Traveller
• Bounty Parents
• marie claire
• Beauty Heaven
• Beauty Crew

Travel Guides: The extraordinary adventures of ordinary travellers

Seven years ago, an unsuspecting teenager named Dorian was hanging out in his local kebab shop with two mates discussing a trip away. The trio – Kev, Teng and himself – had bonded while working at the local shopping centre and were thinking a holiday in Bali or Thailand could be fun. Then Kev dropped a bombshell none of them knew was about to change their lives.

“Kev mentioned he’d seen an online ad offering free travel for participants in a new TV show called Travel Guides ,” Dorian, now 27, tells TV WEEK . “We sent in an audition video for a laugh, expecting to never hear back. Lo and behold, we did!”

Kev saw an online ad for Travel Guides.

Before they knew it, the trio were on their way to New Zealand for rock-climbing, snowboarding and a U-Fly plane experience, where the pilot let the lads take the joystick and fly across the mountain.

“And this was just trip one out of 10 for that series – things only got crazier from there on!”

It’s a similar story for the Fren family, who were running a restaurant in Newcastle in NSW when a TV producer approached them, looking for chefs to appear in an upcoming cooking series.

“We were working together in a German family restaurant in 2011,” Mark, 62, tells TV WEEK . “A talent scout approached Cathy to apply for a cooking show, as so many people loved the family dynamics. That show was cancelled, but then Nine contacted about this new series coming to Australia, and the rest is history!”

They’ve visited Africa, Asia, Europe and Australia.

The first trip for the family was to Queensland’s Gold Coast, a destination they’d visited before, but never in Travel Guides style.

“Staying at Palazzo Versace [the luxury hotel] was a dream come true,” Mark says. “We visited so many holiday hotspots. It turned out to be a great first episode for the Fren family.”

However, not so much for Sydneysiders Kevin and Janetta , who had worked in the travel industry for years before they applied for Travel Guides and were accepted.

“We were pumped and looking forward to some exotic destination – then, on the morning of the trip, the destination was revealed: the Gold Coast, ho hum,” he says with a laugh. “However, we then went on to Tokyo and Oman, so not all our dreams and expectations were dashed.”

That dream has well and truly come true for the accidental stars of Travel Guides ever since as they visited Africa, Asia, Europe and Australia in what has been, Dorian admits, “an incredibly wild ride”.

“We still pinch ourselves at how lucky we are to be given the opportunity to travel to so many places and see and do so many amazing things,” he says.

“We’ve been lucky enough to travel to more than 50 locations worldwide and, without sounding too preachy, I’d say this has really opened our eyes to so many different cultures and aspects of life.

“Hopefully, we’d like to think it’s made us a lot more open-minded overall. It’s just been amazing.”

And not just for the travellers. The wide-eyed, honest and often hilarious adventures of these TV tourists have turned Travel Guides into one of the most popular programs on television, regularly topping the ratings and winning TV WEEK Logie Awards for Most Popular Lifestyle Program in 2022 and 2023.

It’s turned the participants into stars, with Cathy Fren admitting she and her family are often recognised as they travel.

“We still pinch ourselves at how lucky we are…”

“Mark usually gets the comment that he goes a little hard with the hair dye!” she says with a laugh.

Two participants who won’t be returning in 2024 are Stack and Mel, cowgirl twins from country NSW, who had been on the show since season one. This year, their younger brother Josh filled in for Mel while she focused on her family. Now, Stack has followed suit.

Filling their seats on the plane will be friends Karly and Bri, who are no strangers to TV, having met while filming last year’s season of Beauty And The Geek . Couple Matt and Brett, who joined the show in 2021, will be back in 2024.

And it’s sparked a career change for Dorian, who fell in love with television production and has now worked as a producer on Nine’s The Block, Emergency and the ABC’s Magda’s Big National Health Check . However, none of that is going to stop his first love: heading overseas with his mates.

“We’ve experienced so many unique things together in so many different and exotic places that are just unfathomable,” Dorian says. “We’ve definitely surpassed any form of a normal friendship.

“Maybe the day will come where we do grow sick of one another and want more of a normal, calm, settled-in-one-place kind of life, but for all three of us, that day is very far away. Right now, we never want to stop travelling the world together.”

Kevin is like-minded.

“Let’s face it, who wouldn’t want this gig?” he says. “You travel around the world with an adopted family and see things you’d never otherwise see. When travel stops being fun, we’ll stop travelling. Until then, it’s anchors aweigh!”

Related stories

The Travel Guides Kevin Moloney and Janetta Stones pack their bags for the final time this season

The Fren family reveal: “Travel guides saved us!”

Native ad body.

Travel Guides: “I’d rather be a snob, than a bogan”

Drinks in hand, enjoying jetsetting, but kevin & janetta have no issue with how they are portrayed on nine's travel guides..

• Published by David Knox
• on April 18, 2023
• Filed under News , Top Stories

Intrepid travellers Kevin Moloney & Janetta Stones recently finished filming their 7th season of Travel Guides for Nine.

In a joint interview the retired couple spoke with TV Tonight about their time on the hit Nine series, proudly toasting the finer things in life and acknowledging how their reviews provide a perfect contrast to other cast reviews.

How were you cast?

Janetta: I saw an ad on Channel Nine that said, ‘If you can give up three months next year, and you like traveling, apply here.’ We’d just retired at that stage so I said to Kevin we should apply, and he said…

Kevin: ‘What would they want with old things like us?’

Janetta: So that was my cue to go down the track and apply.

Kevin: We didn’t know anything about the show but we saw an episode of the British Travel Guides and we thought, ‘Oh, God, what have we got ourselves into? It looked pretty terrible!’

The Australian version is very different, thankfully. So we were thrilled to get involved in the first series. And then it just grew its own legs, and here we are at Season 7.

How do you feel about the way the show portrays you?

Janetta: We come across exactly as we are in real life. We like the nice things of life.

Kevin: We’re are a bit older, a bit more discerning them than some of the others. In the first season they introduced us as ‘Travel Snobs.’ But we’re fine with that.

Janetta: If it means we don’t like camping, we prefer to go business class, five stars, like fine food and wine, that’s what it is.

I’d rather be a snob than a bogan, but we’re not snobs by any stretch of the imagination. We just know what we like, and what we don’t.

Kevin: Nothing is scripted. No words are put into our mouths. If we don’t like something, we’re free to say we don’t like it. But I think that’s what people can relate to.

Janetta: We have fans in the street quite literally from 8 to 80. People will say that ‘You’re just like my parents,’ or ‘I want to be like you when I get older.’

What have been some of the more memorable things you’ve done on the show?

Kevin: Last year, or the year before, I jumped out of a plane. Now, I would never think of doing that on a holiday. So there are situations you find yourself in and we end up liking some things that we would never have even tried.

Janetta: They juxtapose us against pretty much nearly all of the other groups, which makes makes the show what it is. What we like, they don’t.

Kevin: That’s the magic of the show. ….One of the places we went to was the Arctic Circle. Janetta doesn’t like the cold so somwehere like that wouldn’t really feature on our travels. But we absolutely loved it.

Janetta: It was so memorable, really, really incredible.

Tell us about behind the scenes, and how you shoot the show?

Janetta: We don’t know where we’re going until we actually get to the airport. We only get an email the night before telling us where we have to be, and what sort of clothes to wear. That’s very much against how we are, which is being very organised.

We could be doing anything from FinAir business class, that we did on our last trip, or we could be doing the Perth – London flight, middle seat, third back row in economy.

Kevin: For 17 hours solid. That was pretty close to torture.

Janetta: We quite often will use our points or money to upgrade.

Kevin: The older you get, the more comfort you need.

How much interaction do you have with the other cast?

Kevin: We all travel together. But on camera, we don’t have any interaction whatsoever. They’re doing their thing and we’re doing our thing, and we try not to influence each other.

We don’t talk about the experiences we do together. So if, say the Fren family or the Target boys or Stack & Mel, have a certain opinion on an activity, our opinion might be different. So we don’t want to influence them with our opinion, and they won’t influence us with theirs

What is your essential item to take on aeroplane?

Kevin: Noise cancelling headphones.

Janetta: I have an e-reader with me.

Kevin: It really depends on what class you’re in, and the how long the flight is. Some people take neck pillows, all that sort of rubbish. I try to have the least amount of stuff around me when I’m on an aeroplane. I hate stuff on the floor and all over the place. The less I have the better.

Where do you travel to this season?

Kevin: We did 10 episodes. We went to Europe twice, Africa twice.

Janetta: We only did two episodes in Australia in Melbourne and the Riverina, but also South Africa, Zambia, England, Scotland, Croatia, Helsinki, Borneo, Vanuatu, New Zealand. Pretty much for 4 months we aren’t on any particular timezone.

Kevin: You come back from Europe or the Americas or wherever, and you’re only home for two or three days. There’s no way you get back into your home timezone. So you’re just floating for 4-5 months.

Janetta: Croatia was absolutely beautiful.

Kevin: We saw a different side of Croatia than we had in our last trip, which was our own holiday a few years ago. Travel Guides took us to different places in Croatia, which was sensational. But for me it was probably Lapland (Finland)…..to be knee deep in freshly powdered snow was an experience that I’ll never forget.

Have you ever met narrator Denise Scott?

Kevin: No. I’d like to, I like Denise, she does a great job.

It’s now 7 seasons, how long do you see yourselves doing the show?

Janetta: Each series we get home and we say ‘Never again.’ But I think it must be like childbirth. I’m terrible at the time on that flight home. But once it’s over you forget about it, and you’re ready to go again.

Travel Guides returns 7:30pm Wednesday on Nine.

• Tagged with Travel Guides

13 Responses

Love this show and all the participants…..their differences make it what it is….👌

Very good amateur actors, get paid to overact and over dramatise, but people like watching it🤦‍♂️

Interesting behind the scenes look at Travel Guides. Thanks, Mr. Knox.

The casting on this show is the best, it’s a great mixture of different people who like different things and but they’re all so likeable and great personalities, there’s not one person I don’t like!!

The differing personalities makes the show.

Love the show and Janetta and Kevin are my favorites. To me they are the least irritable and make the most sense in their evaluation of the places they visit (not like the ‘over the top’ Fren family – where I turn down the sound when they are on – LOL)

I think you hit the nail on the head regarding the appeal of Kevin and Janetta, they say it as it is and provide really useful feedback on their stay, which is why they are my favourite too. I also quite like the Target boys as everything seems to be so new to them, it’s like watching them grow as people.

I really enjoy Kevin and Janetta too, they are entertaining and perhaps share a similar perspective, I like some of the nice things too, but am younger and can’t necessarily afford them!

Not snobs at all, nor old things (age is only how you feel) just sensible people who enjoy travelling and a bit of luxury. They don’t try to outdo each other with the comedy, they certainly don’t put each other down because they are afraid to partake in an activity unlike some on the show and they certainly don’t make Australians look like bad tourists with OTT antics.

I love these two! They give great balance to Travel Guides! Love this show (it’s one of my favorites) and I’m realling looking forward to the return on Wednesday!

The british version has a snobby couple as well.

the british show has not been on since 2015 ….

Love this show,so glad it’s back for another season.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Three of the most adrenaline-fuelled moments from the Travel Guides' trip to New Zealand

Just a three hour flight from Australia's east cost is our friendly neighbour New Zealand.

And while the Travel Guides are no stranger to the country's South Island they headed on an adventure to the less-explored North Island.

"Holiday snobs" Kevin and Janetta , the Frens , siblings Stack and Josh , best mates Kev, Dorian and Teng and Matt and Brett took on a scenic driving tour with a detour for adventure.

Stream new episodes of Travel Guides on 9Now.

And as the home to the adrenaline capital of the world, New Zealand certainly delivered thrills at every stop.

From throwing themselves off sky high buildings to rafting the world's tallest waterfall, we take a look at the most electrifying activities the Guides took on in New Zealand.

Matt overcomes his fear of heights

Auckland's Sky Tower stands at a toe-tingling 330 metres tall.

And despite having been to Auckland at least seven times before Matt and Brett had done their best to avoid the dizzying heights... until now.

It was time for the couple to take on the SkyWalk. 

"This is the stuff of nightmares. This is like my number one top fear ever," Matt told cameras.

Not wanting to back down, Matt teetered along the one-metre wide ledge 53 floors above the ground.

"I've never been more terrified in my life," Matt was brought to tears.

"It escalated for me really quickly, but now I'm out here I don't want to retreat. I have to push myself to see how far I can go."

EXCLUSIVE: The first look inside Victoria from Travel Guides wedding

He wobbled out onto the edge but achieved his goal making husband Brett "very proud".

Matt wasn't the only one freaked out by the height, with Kevin and Janetta "not even making it out the door"

The Guides take the plunge over the world's highest waterfall

A gentle stream down Kaituna River sounds like the perfect way to spend an afternoon in nature.

But that's not what Rotorua Rafting had in store for our Guides.

They were about to take on the world's highest commercially rafted waterfall and while Victoria thought it was "awesome" not everyone was as thrilled about it.

"We're gonna die," Kev blurted out.

READ MORE: 3 of the most memorable moments from the Travel Guides' Riverina road trip 

As a non-swimmer, he admitted that water was his "biggest phobia".

"I'm terrified of the ocean, I'm terrified of currents. I am not excited to do this, I'm terrified," Kev told cameras.

And while his mates Dorian and Teng were delighted at every drop, Kev "knew it was only going to get worse".

The rafting wrapped up with a plunge over the world's highest commercially rafted waterfall – the seven-metre Tutea Falls.

Kev's nerves were not eased when the instructor told him that he once spent 40 seconds under water following the drop.

The moment the raft dropped over the waterfall, Kev, Dorian and Teng came flying out and surfaced in the wash.

EXCLUSIVE: The Guides share their 'genius' packing tips

"That was the most scared I've ever been, that was insane," Kev later told cameras.

"I think near-death brought us closer together."

"To see your mates in that much fear, it's the rawest you can get," Teng added.

The travellers have a ball Zorbing 

To wrap up their New Zealand road trip, the travellers made sure to (literally) have a ball with one last adventure activity – Zorbing.

The Guides hopped into a giant ball where they would then be pushed down a hill.

EXCLUSIVE: The Guides reveal the weirdest foods they've ever eaten overseas

"Zorbing was invented in 1994, in Rotorua New Zealand," narrator Denise Scott revealed.

And the Target Boys wanted to make sure to go out with a bang and rolled down the highest and fasted track on the course.

Siblings Victoria and Jono also got in on the action although it's safe to say the journey downhill wasn't without it's obstacles.

"I think Victoria's got her head in Jonathon's crotch," mum Cathy laughed.

And upon exiting the Zorb ball Victoria said: "That is like a washing machine on turbo cycle."

Travel Guides airs on Wednesdays at 7.30pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.

• New Zealand
• Matt And Brett
• Kev Dorian And Teng
• Stack And Josh
• Kevin And Janetta
• Travel Guides 2023

Property News: Residents of a luxury Sydney apartment complex will get exclusive access to a brand-new car.

Knowledge and Science Bulletin Board System

Exploring the World of Knowledge and Understanding

Behind the Scenes with the Narrator of Your Favorite Travel Guides

By knbbs-sharer

Have you ever wondered who the voice is behind the travel guides that you’ve listened to during a long drive or important trip? Well, today we’re going to dive deep into the life of a narrator and reveal what goes into creating those enchanting travel guides that keep us engaged and informed until the very end.

Preparation is Key

First off, a professional narrator needs to be well-prepared before diving into the script. This requires hours of research and familiarization with the content, including some of the destinations featured, the local cultures, and any prevalent historical information. This background knowledge is critical to create an authentic and informed narration of the guide.

Capturing the Tone

The narrator of a travel guide must deliver the material in a way that sets the tone for the rest of the listener’s journey. They must sound engaging, enthusiastic, and upbeat while striking the right balance between being informative and entertaining. The best way to capture the tone is to illustrate it by example and mimicking the energy of the surrounding environment. This way, the listener can experience the destination through the narrator’s voice more accurately.

Building a Connection

A travel guide narrator’s voice is not just a voice; it’s also supposed to convey emotions, feelings, and genuine excitement for the destination. The narrator assumes a character that is likable and relatable, even though they might never meet the listener in person. In constructing a connection with the audience, the narrator creates an environment of trust, and the travelers feel more excited to go on the trip.

Walking the Fine Line

Creating a memorable travel guide narration involves walking the fine line between imaginative storytelling and factual information. The guide must never present false facts or exaggerate certain landmarks’ details to make them more engrossing. The narrator should be straightforward and honest in their description while adding a little bit of colorful commentary to keep the listeners engaged and excited.

Final Words

In conclusion, the narrator of a travel guide plays an essential role in our adventures. They’re responsible for setting the tone of the journey, capturing the listener’s attention, and making the experience more memorable through their engaging and informative narration. Behind those few hours of recording, there lies extensive preparation, research and dedication on the part of the narrator, and we should appreciate their hard work in taking us on our travels.

(Note: Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.)

Share this:

Discovery new post:.

• From City Slicker to Wilderness Explorer: A Beginner’s Guide to Adventure Travel
• Travel Pants: The Ultimate Guide for the Adventurous Explorer
• The 10 Best Amazon Travel Guides to Explore the Wild Side of South America
• Your Ultimate Resource: Top-Rated Amazon Travel Guides to Navigate the Riverine Jungle

Hi, I'm Happy Sharer and I love sharing interesting and useful knowledge with others. I have a passion for learning and enjoy explaining complex concepts in a simple way.

Related Post

Embark on a royal adventure: the ultimate guide to luxury travel and tourism, exploring nature’s wonders: a journey with rebecca adventure travel, embark on an unforgettable royal adventure travel experience, explore the colors and traditions of global cultural festivals, 5 simple strategies for learning english faster and more effectively, 5 common great dane health issues you need to know about, 2023 food business trends: from sustainability to automation.

Spy: Meet TVNZ's new comedic Travel Guides

Ricardo Simich

Share this article

TVNZ's new travel Guides Hyrum and Ray Letoa and Tulima Nonu.

Does the idea of travelling the length and breadth of our beautiful country, all expenses covered, holidaying to your heart's content, sound like an ideal scenario?

For a handful of intrepid Kiwis, it could be said they've had more holidays than they can handle just recently, having been selected to be part of the New Zealand version of Travel Guides, which is set to screen on TVNZ 2 next month.

Wellington brothers Ray and Hyrum Letoa and their cousin Tulima Nonu are one of many families chosen for the NZ version of the popular reality TV show.

Long considered the TripAdvisor of television, Travel Guides NZ follows five groups of Kiwis as they swim with sharks in Southland, parasail in Northland, and get up close and personal with all the wildlife and nightlife our islands have to offer.

But although the idea of constant holidays might sound like a dream come true, the guys acknowledge that sometimes the constant travelling becomes a little wearying.

"Don't get me wrong to have this opportunity to be on holiday with the boys is flipping awesome," Ray tells Spy. "But it does get a bit hairy and scary when we're running out of clean underwear with no real sight of a time to do a load of washing and I do get homesick easily."

The comic trio, who grew up together, and admit to spending "far too much time together", have set the bar high for crazy stunts during their time on the show. They have become notorious for giving everything a try and making far too much noise when filming, with Ray even going so far as to do a nude run while touring in Southland.

"It seemed like a good idea at the time, not sure how it's going to look on the television though. Might be best if audiences avert their eyes when that part screens," he says.

Notoriety isn't new to Ray. His career as a mixologist and co-owner of the popular Wellington Cinema, The Roxy, has made him somewhat of a local celebrity in NZ's capital city with people travelling from far and wide to try his infamous cocktails.

Given his reputation for creating award-winning drinks, Ray fancies himself as a bit of a party expert and admits he definitely judged the nightlife in some of the other towns on their tour, and found it lacking.

"The Invercargill nightlife couldn't handle us," he says.

"When we're together we don't need nobody, we can make our own entertainment no matter where we are. I don't think Invercargill was prepared for us."

The six-episode show is packed with the boys having a laugh, mostly at each other's expense. The first episode sees them trying and failing to pitch a tent, with very little help from the youngest in their crew. Baby of the family, 20-year-old Hyrum confesses: "I'm not much of a traveller, I'm more a stay-at-home guy, so this experience was a bit of a shock for me."

Producers of the series are yet to reveal if Ray gets the opportunity to mix up some of his infamous drinks for the rest of the Travel Guides, but we're sure that if they do visit the Capital City, a visit to The Roxy will definitely be on the cards.

Latest from Entertainment

Spice Girls reunite at Victoria Beckham's birthday party

The girl group performed 1997 hit Stop for attendees celebrating Victoria's 50th birthday.

Before Netflix's Baby Reindeer: The sad saga of David Letterman’s schizophrenic stalker

Finally a spice girls reunion?

Beckham doco sparks interest in new Geri and Christian Horner series

How smart charging saves money, power

• Live TV & Guide

• Full Seasons
• Documentary
• Te Ao Māori
• Sci-Fi & Fantasy
• Natural World
• News & Current Affairs
• Sport Documentaries
• Travel Guides New Zealand

Explore one of the most amazing places in the world - our home! Rediscover our magical country through the eyes of ordinary Kiwis on extraordinary adventures.

• Home & Living
• Informative
• Thursday 18 Feb 2021

PG Meet the five families chosen to be New Zealand's Travel Guides as they take on their first adventure in Northland. They explore the sights and sounds - but there are a few unhappy campers when the sleeping arrangements are revealed.

• Thursday 25 Feb 2021

PG Our Travel Guides explore the dramatic scenery and wild coastline of Southland in an adventure that takes them to Invercargill, Bluff and Stewart Island.

• Advertisement
• Thursday 4 Mar 2021

M Our Travel Guides head to the East Coast for a classic Kiwi road trip in campervans.

• Thursday 11 Mar 2021

ML Our Travel Guides enjoy a luxury escape at a five-star resort in Marlborough's Bay of Many Coves.

• Thursday 18 Mar 2021

ML Our Travel Guides explore Fiordland in an adventure that takes them to Te Anau, Lake Manapouri and Doubtful Sound.

• Thursday 25 Mar 2021

PG Season Final: For their last holiday, our Travel Guides head to Auckland.

You may also like

Titles, characters and all other elements are the trade marks and copyright of TVNZ or its licensors. All rights reserved. Further details available here.

• HOW IT WORKS
• TRIP PLANNERS

Location-based audio tours

Don't Miss a Thing

Guiding you to all the best things to see and do, with trip planners and suggested half, full and multi day itineraries.

Explore Freely

Freedom to travel at your own pace. Spending more time at places that interest you and bypassing those that don’t.

Easy to Use

All commentary autoplays as you drive, based on your GPS location and direction.

Tour Offline

Pre-download content for offline use. Tours use GPS to trigger audio, no signal or data needed.

Explore tours by region

Including yellowstone, utah, and more.

Browse all audio tours >

Including the Great Smoky Mountains

Including maui and the road to hana, including banff, jasper, and lake louise, including the great ocean road, 43 destinations, browse tours by local destination.

ACADIA NATIONAL PARK TOUR

ARCHES + CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK TOURS

BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY TOUR

CATSKILLS TOUR

GREAT SMOKY MTNS NATIONAL PARK TOUR

JOSHUA TREE TOUR

KANCAMAGUS TOUR

KAUAI TOURS

KEWEENAW COPPER COUNTRY TRAIL TOUR

LAKE SUPERIOR NORTH SHORE, HWY 61 TOUR

LAKE TAHOE TOUR

MAUI – ROAD TO HANA TOUR

MIAMI KEY WEST TOUR

MICHIGAN LAKESHORE, M-22 TOUR

OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK TOUR

SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK TOUR

VERMONT, RT100 SCENIC BYWAY TOUR

YOSEMITE TOUR

ZION + BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK TOURS

See what our users are saying.

              View this post on Instagram                           A post shared by Tim and Fin | not influencers. (@timandfin)

              View this post on Instagram                           A post shared by Maricel Simmons (@maricelly01)

              View this post on Instagram                           A post shared by GyPSy Guide Audio Tour App (@gypsyguides)

              View this post on Instagram                           A post shared by TIFFANY 🍎 Homeschool + Motherhood (@cirquedusewell)

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by Been There Done That (@btdttravel)

              View this post on Instagram                           A post shared by ADRIANNA & JEFF | Travel (@wander.smore)

Frequently asked questions

How does it work without cell signal.

Our app uses GPS co-ordinates to determine your location and play commentary, not cellular or wifi signal.

Just pre-download both the app and tour content (audio, maps and images) to your phone, well before you leave signal, so you’ll have everything ready to tour offline.

And as there’s no time limit to use the tours, you can preview the tour routes, major highlights, itineraries and other travel tips as part of your trip planning.

How do I buy tours?

BUY DIRECT & SAVE:

• From our webstore, sign in to unlock tours to your existing Apple or Google Play store profile.
• Buy tours or bundles directly from GuideAlong and enter your payment method on our secure Stripe site.
• Download the GuideAlong app from the link within your receipt. Sign in using the same Apple or Google Play store ID.
• Open the Guidealong app and view your tour collection in the My Tours tab. Browse route maps, highlights, trip planners and other travel tips.

BUY IN-APP FROM APPLE OR GOOGLE PLAY STORE ACCOUNT:

• Download the free GuideAlong app from the Apple or Google Play store and sign-in using your Apple or Google Play store ID.
• Tap the Explore menu to view (unpurchased) tours and bundles. 
• Tap to BUY tours or bundles. Apple or Google Play manage transactions and payment methods.

Can it help me plan my trip?

Condensed Trip Planners are available in app with full versions available on our website for download.

Contents include

How to Get Here Getting Around Entrance Fees Where to Stay When to Visit How Much Time Do You Need How to Avoid the Crowds Things to See and Do Best Hikes Family Fun Adventure Awesome Experiences Best Sunset and Sunrise Spots Food You Have to Try Packing List Top Travel Tips

What languages do you offer?

Only English at this time, but keep watching …

Can I gift a tour?

Aren’t you nice! Yes, you sure can, just head over to our store and toggle on “send tours as a gift” option. 

Is there a time or date limit?

Tours are a one-time purchase with no date/time limit or expiry.  That’s right, no need to worry about using it within a certain timeframe.

And guess what? We’re always improving and updating our tours, so you can keep enjoying them. That’s just one of the ways we show our appreciation for your support.

How much does it cost?

Each tour is priced individually and listed on the tour page.

Tours and bundles are one time purchase, with no time/date limits or expiry and include free updates. There’s no monthly subscriptions.

Make sure to check out the bundles to save even more!

Do I have to follow a set itinerary?

Our tours are designed to be flexible, so you can divide the commentary and customize into your own half, full or multi sightseeing day trips.

What devices will it work on?

All mobile devices that include a GPS chip and meet the minimum operating system requirements.

Apple iPad wifi models and Kindle Fire do not include a GPS chip and are prevented from downloading as they will not determine location in remote areas.

Will it work alongside music and navigational apps?

Our app works in background mode, allowing you to listen to your own road trip playlists.

Commentary will automatically pause or lower the volume of your music at triggered audio points.

Navigation is included as part of the narration, providing advanced notice on critical intersections, recommended side trips, as well as the best scenic viewpoints, along the tour routes.

If you do use another navigational app at the same time, (say to direct you to a specific restaurant or hotel) be aware they may direct you off our touring route.

Race Across the World series 4 guide: contestants, rules, prize money and famous narrator

Five brave duos embark on an epic 15,000-kilometre race in the bbc series.

The BBC 's hit adventure show Race Across the World is back on our screens with a brand new series, introducing a fresh set of five duos going head to head in an epic 15,000-kilometre race across several countries for a chance to win a huge cash prize. 

As the series continues and the competition heats up, here's your ultimate guide to the show, including the contestant line-up, the rules, the route, and the famous face who narrates the episodes. 

Meet the Race Across the World series 4 contestants

As with the previous seasons, the show sees five duos from different walks of life navigate their epic journey across the world.

Among this year's contestants are two mother and daughter duos: snowboard instructor Brydie and cleaner Sharon, and teacher Eugenie and trainee clinical scientist Isabel. 

Also taking part in the race are 20-year-old best friends, Alfie and Owen; married couple, Stephen and Viv, and brother and sister, Betty and James.

MORE BBC SHOWS

Race across the world series 4 route and cash prize.

This time, the contestants will cover Eastern Asia, starting in northernmost Japan. From there, they'll cross an impressive six seas and eight borders before reaching the finish line in Lombok, an island in West Nusa Tenggara province in Indonesia.

During their journey, they'll skirt the path of the "volcanic ring of fire", which is " the most geologically unstable region on the planet ", according to the synopsis, and contains 75 per cent of all active volcanoes on Earth. 

The first team to arrive at the final checkpoint will walk away with a whopping cash prize of £20,000. 

Race Across the World series 4 rules

Each team will begin their journey in Japan with a tight budget of £1,329. From there, they'll have to get creative when it comes to their travel, hopping on buses, trains, and even hitching a ride with strangers. 

The usual rules apply for series four, meaning no smartphones, access to the internet or bank cards, and no plane journeys.

Who narrates Race Across the World? 

If you recognise the voice that narrates the show, that's because it belongs to esteemed Scottish actor John Hannah, who is known for his roles in Four Weddings and a Funeral, Sliding Doors  and  The Mummy trilogy. 

John has narrated all seasons of the show, including its celebrity spin-off. 

Race Across the World continues on Wednesdays at 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

• Whats on TV

More TV and Film

Inside Bargain Hunt's Christina Trevanion's sweet years-long friendship with co-stars Philip Serrell and Charles Hanson

Helen George confirms future on Call the Midwife with huge update on series 14

BBC’s new noir drama about a missing boy sounds seriously intense - details

Death in Paradise star's new drama revealed after shock exit

Blue Lights viewers saying same thing as show returns with season 2 debut

Meet Blue Lights star Sian Brooke's famous husband and family

Antiques Roadshow guest emotional and in disbelief as expert reveals 'amazing' valuation of family heirloom

'Legendary' BBC presenter steps down from role 50 years after joining BBC

Meet the repair shop's new star rebecca bissonnet - and her amazing link to princess kate, beyond paradise star felicity montagu says margo could be 'in for a shock' as station faces closure, bbc breakfast star jon kay sparks health concern among viewers, death in paradise casts anna samson as new detective in spin-off return to paradise – details.

Using the GuideAlong App: Audio Tours for Awesome Road Trips

Have you ever wished that you had a tour guide in the backseat of your car for road trips through national parks or along scenic byways?

The beauty of GuideAlong App ( formerly known as GyPSy Guide ) is that these location-based audio tours perfectly direct you to all of the best things to see and do along your way so you don’t miss a thing. Plus they are:

• Easy to use
• Allow you to travel and explore at your own pace
• Quick to download for offline use

Table of Contents

What are GuideAlong Audio Tours?

As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This page may contain affiliate links. I would love your support through clicking on the links. Read the full disclosure here.

The GuideAlong driving tours are the best audio guided tours that you can download that provide narrated guides for your road trips and scenic drives.

The GuideAlong Audio Tours provide a guided commentary that uses free satellite GPS signal along with the GPS on your cell phone.

It IS just like bringing you own tour guide along for the ride!

Even Yellowstone National Park recommends the GuideAlong narrated driving tours as one of their main tips for seeing the park with the best audio guides tours app.

How Does the App Work?

Begin by downloading the app and then selecting the audio tour for the destination of your choice.

Click the link below and then scroll to the bottom of the page to download the best audio tour app from the Apple Store or on Google Play .

Using free GPS signals provided by satellites around the world as well as your phone’s GPS chip, the GuideAlong app determines your location.

As you drive along, the GPS signal uses your location and when you pass a pre-determined point, the commentary from the app plays pre-recorded content automatically.

You don’t have to do anything to queue the commentary.

Your GuideAlong narrator may suggest side trips to take, crack a corny joke, give a history lesson of the area, share insights on significant historical figures from years gone by, or present behind-the-scenes stories to enhance your visit.

Often locals know of little known tips and locations to visit . GuideAlong shares them with you too. You can travel at your own pace, choose to skip a side route, spend a little longer at a scenic overlook, or return to a highlight on the route that sparked your interest.

The path and the timeline are up to you. You can start anywhere on the tour or start from the official tour start location. It is up to you.

Each of the audio guides that you purchase from the GuideAlong app are yours to keep. Forever.

There are no time limits to its use and no monthly subscriptions to maintain. As tours are updated, you will receive FREE updates.

Our GuideAlong Reviews

Sometimes all we need is a suggestion from others to inspire us to try something new. These GuideAlong reviews from simplyjolayne.com articles show our enthusiastic support of these app tours.

In his research, my husband, Chris found an app called  GuideAlong . It was an excellent guided tour throughout the park. Using the wonders of GPS and satellites, the commentary played automatically as we passed a GPS point, sharing behind-the-scene stories, tips, side trips, and driving directions. The guide was excellent. Vibrant Fall Foliage in North Carolina

Chris and I highly recommend the  GuideAlong app for Yosemite National Park  or other national parks you may be visiting this summer. The guides are available for a number of destinations, and provide lots of information, history, significant contributions of different people, and random interesting information. National Park Adventures in Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia

Audio Guides: Locations

Currently, the GuideAlong app offers audio tours throughout the United States, in Canada, and Australia. You can purchase each tour separately or check out the p re-packaged bundles in a variety of locations to save money .

The GuideAlong Bundled Locations

1. guidealong utah “mighty 5” national parks.

Includes Arches National Park , Bryce Canyon National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, and Zion National Park.

Buy the Utah Mighty 5 Bundle

2. GuideAlong Glacier National Park and US Northern Parks Tours

Includes the Black Hills, Badlands, and Mount Rushmore of South Dakota, Glacier National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and Grand Teton National Park.

Buy the US Northern Parks Bundle

3. GuideAlong Yosemite, Grand Circle and California

Includes Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, GuideAlong Big Sur Pacific Coast Highway 1 , Capitol Reef, the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas (Grand Canyon West, Hoover Dam, and Red Rock Canyon), Sedona, Yosemite National Park , and Zion & Bryce Canyon National Parks.

Buy the Grand Circle and California Bundle

4. GuideAlong Canadian Rockies and Vancouver

Includes Banff National Park, Lake Louise, Yoho, the Icefields Parkway, Jasper, Vancouver, Whistler and locations along the Canadian Rockies .

Buy the GuideAlong App Canadian Rockies Bundle

Buy the GuideAlong App Canadian Rockies and Vancouver Bundle

5. GuideAlong Rocky Mountain National Park and All United States West Tours

Includes Arches and Canyonlands, Big Sur, Capitol Reef, Badlands, Black Hills and Mount Rushmore, Going to the Sun Road in Glacier National Park, the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas (Grand Canyon West, Hoover Dam, and Red Rock Canyon), Sedona, Yosemite National Park, and Zion & Bryce Canyon National Parks, Rocky Mountain National Park, and Yellowstone and Grand Teton.

Buy the All US West Bundle

6. GuideAlong Road to Hana Tour and Four Hawaiian Islands

The GuideAlong Road to Hana Tour and Four Hawaiian Islands includes Oahu, Maui, Kauai and Big Island, Hawaii (the complete collection of the Hawaiian Islands).

Buy the Road to Hana Tour and Hawaii Bundle

All of these locations can also be purchased as individual tours as well.

Buy the GuideAlong Road to Hana Tour

Additional Options

For example, if you are headed to Montana and plan to visit Glacier National Park, download the audio tour from the GuideAlong App for Glacier National Park . Upgrade your vacation experience to a whole new level.

If your travels take you to the East Coast, take the GuideAlong along with you to Great Smoky Mountain National Park , Vermont , and Key West in Florida .

The Australia tour includes the scenic drive along the Great Ocean Road .

There are many more GuideAlong driving tours not listed above. Check out the website to see if there are audio guide that fits your travel destinations this year .

Pair the GuideAlong app with an American the Beautiful National Parks Pass . The Pass will require a separate purchase but allows you entry to ALL National Parks within the United States.

Check out the Discovery Pass (also a separate purchase) when visiting national parks within Canada.

How Do I Access the GuideAlong App?

The App is free to download from the Apple Store or on Google Play (scroll to the bottom of the page). You would then buy individual tours or bundles as IN-APP purchases.

Need a refresher on how to download an app ?

Follow these simple instructions:

• Open the Apple or Google Play App Store to GET apps for your device.
• Search for the GuideAlong app.
• Touch the “GET” button to download the app to your device (Note, there will be In-App Purchases).
• Click the button to Install the app on your device. If you see “OPEN” the app, you have already downloaded the app and simply need to open it on your device.
• Search or browse for content or destinations on the GuideAlong App that you wish to purchase.

What Happens if the Area You Visit Does Not Have a Great Cell Signal?

Download the GuideAlong App and the tour you have selected while you DO have wifi or good cell service.

Because the app uses the magic of GPS to automatically play the audio tours, you do not need to have cell service to use the app once you have downloaded your tour .

The GPS signal comes from satellites and is free.

Reminder * Download the App and your selected tour BEFORE you set off on your adventures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is guidealong worth it.

Yes! Sarahbera 2 offers one of many reviews: “Wow! Significantly improved our trip to Maui! We are so impressed with the GuideAlong app, we bought the Maui packed and used it for road to Hana among other routes. The commentary is useful and spot on! We would drive by past something and say “I wonder what this is?” And then our audio guide would answer that exact question. It was so informative and perfectly paced. Can’t wait to use it in other areas of the world!”

Is GuideAlong free?

The GuideAlong app is free to download. Once downloaded, there are In-app Purchases for each of the audio tours or bundled tours you wish to enjoy.

Who is the GuideAlong narrator?

Dave Pettitt , a Canadian actor who has also done voice overs for television series and video games, is the GuideAlong narrator.

Do your GuideAlong purchases expire?

Once you make a purchase, that specific tour is yours for good. You can do the whole tour again, pick up where you left off, or start from the opposite end for MORE sensational views and information.

Are there any GuideAlong app discounts?

There is a FREE tour “ From Calgary to Banff ” that introduces you to the Canadian Rockies. Your best discounts would come from purchasing “Bundled” Tours.

When is the best time to download GuideAlong?

The BEST time to download the app and your selected tours is when you have access to WiFi or have good cell service. I recommend doing this BEFORE you set off on your adventures.

Is the GuideAlong app the BEST audio tour app?

In my humble opinion, yes. Check out the GuideAlong reviews if you want to read what other people are saying.

What does GPS mean?

GPS stands for Global Position System. It was developed by the U.S. Military and is free for anyone to use.

I have always wanted to see giant sequoia trees. Is there a GuideAlong Sequoia tour?

You can see the giant sequoia trees in the Grand Circle and CA bundle as well as in the Mariposa Groves of the Yosemite GuideAlong audio travel guide.

Love this Post? Pin it!

Final Thoughts on Using the GuideAlong App for the Best Driving Tours in 2023

GuideAlong audio tours are amazing. You will love the stories, the quaint side trips, and intriguing historical information from the GuideAlong narrator . He has a voice that is interesting to listen to and his crazy “dad” jokes will have you laughing or shaking your head!

Your kids will love it too.

Headed to a national park this summer? Download the app today and bring GuideAlong on all of your road trips this summer. Consider giving the tours as gifts to family and friends as they set off on travel excursions of their own!

You may also enjoy these posts…

• Super Picturesque Stops in Big Sur, CA with GuideAlong Audio Tours
• 12 Awesome Off-Season Destinations for Fall
• 41 Coolest Gift Ideas for Travelers (That They Actually Want!)
• Vibrant Fall Foliage in North Carolina
• National Park Adventures in Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia

Share on Social Media

I’m a Colorado-based travel blogger with a passion for exploring the world, enjoying family time, and taking fantastic photographs. I am also a book writing, creative thinking, detail loving, frequent flying, comfort loving mom of three girls and wife to an amazing guy. Discover More .

Similar Posts

15 Terrific Things to Do On Moorea Island, Tahiti

20 Fun Things to Do on A Weekend Trip to San Francisco with Kids

101 Love Notes for Your Favorite Traveler

5 Delightful Days in Switzerland

103 Romantic Instagram Quotes for Couples Who Love to Travel

24 Super Smart Apps for Your Next Adventure

52 comments.

I had no idea this was even a thing! How cool! I am so excited to check this out.

We have enjoyed using the app. Hope you find it helpful as you travel.

I’ve never heard of this. Thank you for sharing ?. I am going to check it out now.

This isn’t available in my country just now, but what a good idea. Love the idea of getting a bit of insider knowledge!

They seem to be expanding, slowly but surely. Hopefully it will make it to the United Kingdom and beyond soon.

This is a great find! I’d love to have it while still enjoying my alone time! Thank you for sharing.

It is pretty great. Let me know what you think if you decide to try it.

This app sounds SO cool. I’m definitely going to look into it. Thank you so much for sharing this!

You’re welcome.

Great explanation of the app! It sounds perfect for our full time RVing!

Thanks so much for sharing!! Always looking for new apps for trip planning, especially for the National Parks.

I had never heard of the GyPSy app before. But I do like the idea of getting an audio tour as I take a drive. And awesome to get tips from locals and tidbits of history. I will have to check this out on our next road trip.

I hope you love it.

I have never heard of this app. I wish they did destinations on the East Coast. I would buy it to get narrated tours of Skyline Drive in Shenandoah Park.

They have added more tours in the past year and I am sure they will continue to add more. Keep checking back.

This is so cool! I had no idea GyPSy Guide existed, and I really wish I’d known for my Utah Mighty 5 road trip. What a missed opportunity! I’ll know better now for my next road trip – thank you. Xx Sara

I haven’t heard of the GyPYsy guide before, but it’s definitely an app that I’d find useful. Thanks for recommending it!

Let me know what you think.

I’d never heard of GyPSy Guides before but it sounds so helpful! Especially great that you can download it so that it works where there’s poor reception, I’ll have to give it a try!

As most people here saying I had no idea about this app. I will give it a try when in Australia:) Thanks for sharing!

I’d love to try out the Australia tour as well!

what a fun app! I love audio guides!!!

I can’t wait to check out the GyPSy app on my next US road trip!

This sounds so awesome! We are heading to a few parks over spring break, so I’ll be sure to download this!

Wow, I didn’t know about this app out there, so helpful! thank you for putting it together

I hope you get a chance to try it. Let me know what you think of the audio tours if you do.

We really enjoyed listening to the tours last summer and hope to listen to a few more in our travels this summer.

How fun! This will be so helpful in national parks.

I never thought this was even possible! Love it! Thanks for sharing!

What a great travel app! New to me, I will definitely be sharing this with my kids on our next road trip. Thanks for sharing it – we love hearing local stories and legends.

This sounds awesome! Thanks for sharing about this resource!

GyPSy Guides are terrific! I purchased the Yosemite and the Candian Rockies tours and so happy that I did. The auto tour added so much to our experience.

We used the GyPSY app for the first time in Maui for Haleakala NP and the Road to Hana. We really enjoyed it, I cant wait to use it again at other parks!

This is such a good idea! Definitely the sort of tool I’d use as I’m not a guided tour kinda gal.

How did I not know this was a thing? This is definitely something that I will check out before our next vacation. Thank you for such an informative post on something I didn’t know existed!

Wow this is such an awesome app, I did not know this existed!

You learn something new every day! I will look into this app!

I love that there is an element of humanness to this guide. And of course, Gypsy Guides sounds great for those who prefer to listen rather than read. I had heard about this, so will look up the Hawaii one now 🙂

GyPSy Guide seems to be the best! We are planning an Australia trip soon and I will download this app. The tip to download earlier if there is no phone signal is great! Thank you for this great blog post. 🙂

What a great concept. I have never heard of it but will keep a lookout for the Australian ones. Thanks for sharing.

Wow! This is such an amazing application. Love the idea behind it. Self-guided tours are the best.

I’ve never heard of this before. But, since we are traveling to more and more places like this, I’m sure it will come in handy. Thanks for sharing!

I’ve never heard of this app, but it sounds really useful! I might look at trying it out. Thanks for sharing 🙂

I definitely need to check out this app. I love audio guides and I love that you can download it ahead of time!

Oh I’ve never heard of this app before but what a fantastic idea, thank you for introducing it to me!

This sounds like a great idea for an app in the modern day! I hadn’t heard about it before but I’ll definitely be checking it out now.

This sounds like a perfect app. We’ve used a similar app before on a tulip route in Flevoland, the Netherlands and thought it so convenient.

I’ve never heard of anything like this, but it’s such an incredible idea! That’s for sharing such a thorough review

This is such a helpful tool! I’ve gone on so many road trips and never new about GuideAlong. Thanks for sharing this.

What great useful information! I will bookmark this and remember to use on my travels

I pinned this for later as the hubs and I are discussing a road trip this fall. Very cool!

This peaked my interest so much that I had a look at their other guides and found that they have an Australian guide for the Great Ocean Road, so I may use that at some point. Thanks for the info!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

‘Conan O’Brien Must Go’ Is a Keeper: TV Review

Legendary talk show host and hot wing evangelist returns to television with hilarious new Max travel show

By Stephen Rodrick

Stephen Rodrick

• ‘The Dynasty’: How the Apple TV+ Documentary Chronicled the New England Patriots’ Legacy After Their Championship Run 1 month ago
• SXSW Doc ‘Clemente’ Showcases the Enduring Influence of a Pioneering MLB Star 1 month ago
• Emma Stone and Yorgos Lanthimos on ‘Poor Things,’ Crazy Rehearsals and Never Making a Taylor Swift Joke Again 2 months ago

The key to understanding Conan O’Brien’s comedy is knowing that it comes from a point of kindness. Yes, I know in this age of comics punching down , this kind of compliment may leave you with a neon “Must Avoid!” sign flashing in your bleary eyes — but stay with me.

Popular on Variety

Conan’s three-decade run as a talk show host ended in 2021 under less-than-optimal circumstances , as he wound down his TBS show during the pandemic year. He talked to longtime sidekick Andy Richter , who sat among dozens of cardboard cutout fans. O’Brien quipped that they were last in line for the vaccine because the CDC had looked at the shows and “they said ours is the least essential of pretty much all the non-essential shows.”

There was some truth in that, but Conan had already started his move to other outlets , starting with his “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend” podcast in 2018.

The podcast is funny and sweet, especially the pre-interview segments with longtime associate Sona Movsesian and producer Matt Gourley. Conan mocks Sona’s legendarily bad work habits. and Gourley’s flea market predilections, but any kind of comedic acid is reserved for the self-lacerating O’Brien. (On a recent episode, Conan runs down his own looks, and it is cruel and hilarious, but part of me is thinking, “Dude, cut yourself a break.”). The only time things get contentious is when Conan visited by longtime friend Kevin Nealon — perhaps the podcast’s best episodes.

The podcast had an offshoot called “Conan O’Brien Needs a Fan,” on which O’Brien would talk to a fan, often in a faraway land. That led to O’Brien traveling to Norway, Thailand, Ireland and Argentina to meet them. Why? Well, a dour and ominous narrator, aka Werner Herzog, offered this rationale at the beginning of each episode: “Once a proud talk show host, he’s been driven by a changing ecosystem to a drier and harsher climate: the weekly podcast. Here , without the nourishment of his studio audience, this clown with dull , tiny eyes, the eye of a crudely painted doll , is forced to feed on that meagerest of morsels: the random call-in fan. Unhinged by the feral scent of their mild enthusiasm. He scavenges in distant lands uninvited, fueled by a bottomless hunger for recognition , and the occasional selfie.”

It’s a self-deprecating bit, but it’s also the truth. Conan has been doing travel shows for years, most notably one to Movsesian’s native Armenia , as well as a chaotic trip to Finland where O’Brien is treated as a god because of his physical resemblance to the Finnish president who happens to be a woman. He clearly loves the journey. And he loves the comedy set piece–see his classic “Old Timey Baseball” opus — which has always been an essential part of his appeal.

The encounters work because O’Brien doesn’t treat his new friends as fools — rather , he revels in the fact that he is the fool. (See his instant-classic appearance on “Hot Ones,” the show where interviews are conducted while the celebrity consumes increasingly acidic chicken wings. Conan rhapsodizes on comedy being all around us as green-yellow mucus drips down his nose.) Of course, there are exceptions made for old friends. Conan goes out for asada in Buenos Aires with the effete and erudite Jordan Schlansky, a longtime producer and frenemy. Schlansky and Conan are the Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon of American cable , and on his TBS show and podcast the two have tangled over Japanese customs, Conan hosting Schlansky’s bachelor party in his own office, and Schlansky hiding an expensive Espresso machine in an inaccessible part of their offices. (As with the Courtney Thorne-Smith segment, Conan’s visceral malice toward Schlansky works because it is so out-of-character).

During the Argentina episode, they get into a fierce argument about the proper pronunciation of the word “tango,” Conan then licks Schlansky’s favorite cut of meat — wait, that came out wrong. After, they go on an ill-fated trip to the Pampas, where both fail spectacularly at gaucho life.

Not everything works. O’Brien does a self-referential bit about the expensive drone he is using on the first show , and for the next four episodes I am distracted every time I see a beautiful shot thinking about the drone’s specifications and capabilities. Some of the stuff goes on a bit long, but so does my writing.

These are minor quibbles. If you’re a Conan fan, you’ll treasure the trips, just like his completists treasure encounters with a masturbating bear. The series ends with Conan tracing his family’s roots in Ireland. He comes across his ancestor’s land, makes a few jokes, but then looks at the land, clearly moved. Conan O’Brien has played the fool long enough; we grant him this moment of humanity with all our hearts.

All four episodes of “Conan O’Brien Must Go” are now available on Max.

More From Our Brands

Kevin abstract, lil nas x premiere new song ‘tennessee’ at coachella, inside the hidden world of vip perks at america’s marquee sports arenas, south carolina plans to buy women’s final four center court, be tough on dirt but gentle on your body with the best soaps for sensitive skin, cbs cancels two dramas, including so help me todd, verify it's you, please log in.

In Jane Smiley’s rock ’n’ roll novel, does good sense make good fiction?

• Show more sharing options
• Copy Link URL Copied!

Book Review

By Jane Smiley Knopf: 384 pages, $29 If you buy books linked on our site, The Times may earn a commission from Bookshop.org , whose fees support independent bookstores.

Toward the end of Jane Smiley’s new novel, “Lucky,” its narrator takes a moment to flip through her mother’s record collection. It’s got a lot of ’60s folk-rock, including, she notes, “the four J’s.” Presumably she means artists like Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez, Judy Collins and Janis Ian. But maybe one of the J’s is the narrator herself — Jodie Rattler, a moderately famous singer with a knack for writing melancholy love songs.

“Lucky” is framed as a rock ’n’ roll novel, but it’s a tricky and surprising one. Smiley seems determined to upend the conventions of the genre. Rather than a tale of outsize fame and fortune — or vice-induced failure — the Jodie Rattler story is about how she … does OK, rising from backup singer to ’60s and ’70s solo act who enjoyed modest success. She rode the folk-rock boom to hit the lower range of the Billboard charts at a time when that still meant decent money. (She logs her singles’ earnings down to the penny: One got her $65,857.52.)

And rather than play coy about lyrics, as many rock-novelists do, Smiley takes a crack at writing a bunch of them, which have a few groaners but are more often creditable faux-Joni: “I’m done with men, or so I say / Women say that every day / But we want something / Something fine. And you are It, / Though you’re not mine.”

But the biggest distinction between “Lucky” and other such novels is that music doesn’t define its hero. “Lucky” is as much a story about Jodie’s experience racking up lovers (23, she counts) and dedicating time to her family back in her hometown of St. Louis. Music gives her a measure of fame, but she can take it or leave it.

The same goes for men: Though she falls for a kind-hearted Englishman named Martin (pointedly, the name of a bespoke guitar brand), she’s comfortable abandoning him. Visiting his parents at their tony manor, she sees married domesticity as something cold and alien. Becoming a person in full, for her, means avoiding conventional attachments: “I still sometimes felt a longing for his grace and the comfort of his embraces, but I didn’t feel guilty for setting out on my own,” she muses.

Jodie’s sensibility is, well, sensible. Throughout her life she’s determined to preserve the good luck that provides the book with its title. But Jodie’s story opens up the question of whether good sense makes for a good novel.

Company News

Los Angeles Times Book Prizes to Honor Jane Smiley and Access Books

The 44th annual awards will recognize outstanding literary achievements in 13 categories, including the new prize for achievement in audiobook production, with winners to be announced on April 19

Feb. 21, 2024

Domestic fiction tends to thrive on strife and fireworks — something Smiley knows well herself, having won the Pulitzer for 1991’s “A Thousand Acres,” a Midwestern farm saga modeled after “King Lear.” There’s some of that conflict in “Lucky,” as Jodie returns home to find her mother sinking into alcoholism. (“At what point do you say to your mother that she looks like a war orphan?”) But Smiley eschews the screamfests and betrayals.

What emerges instead in “Lucky” is a simple yet provocative idea — what if a woman protagonist were allowed to live independently on her own terms, not tied down by typically novelistic men or the bad blood that infects family life? (Whatever the opposite of a Joyce Carol Oates novel is, this is it.) A Jodie lyric gets at the idea: “Nobody told me the pleasures of fading, / That success requires evading.” The novel’s title, upbeat on the surface, is darkened by the notion of how rare such a character is. And the novel’s tension isn’t about Jodie seeking freedom so much as figuring out how to live as a person who’s always had it. Late in life she writes a “regrets song…about spending my whole life being careful. What had I missed?”

To that end, Jodie writes about her process of trying not to miss things, to be alert to myriad ways she’s connected to music and the world, albeit cautiously. (She seeks out her absent father and stands next to him in a New York deli line, just because.) She strives to be a good observer of both life and herself, and to put it into words. There’s a name for that: songwriter. There’s another name for that: novelist.

Russell Banks found the elusive heart of Trumpism in a fictional New York town

In ‘American Spirits,’ the late author Russell Banks returns to rural New York to explore the ego, territorialism and violence that define our society.

March 11, 2024

The cleverest trick in “Lucky” is that it introduces a fifth J: Jane Smiley, who we first meet as an unnamed high-school classmate of Jodie’s, a “gawky girl” who grew up to write acclaimed novels. Smiley isn’t Jodie, exactly, but Smiley is chasing the autofictional vibe of Rachel Cusk and Karl Ove Knausgaard, trying to capture the grit of everyday life, just like a songwriter might.

“Lucky,” much like Smiley’s epic the Last Hundred Years trilogy, operates at a deliberately low boil. Life and death flow in and out, and Smiley observes it clearly but empathetically. (Not for nothing is Dickens among her favorite writers.) And “Lucky,” like those books, shows how the business of just being yourself can be a source of struggle and effort. She is, Jodie writes, a “thoughtful young woman with ideas and determination,” and impressively that is enough to carry the novel.

There’s no signal that “Lucky” is Smiley’s final book, but if it were, it would make for an admirable summing up — the story of a well-traveled, keen-eyed writer who’s spent decades making sense of the world in words, and taking pleasure in it for its own sake. A lucky way to make a living.

Mark Athitakis is a writer in Phoenix and author of “The New Midwest.”

More to Read

A return to L.A. and a shattered friendship, 44 years later, in Maria Hummel’s new novel

Jan. 4, 2024

From Madonna to Barbra Streisand, it was the year music took over books

Dec. 5, 2023

Ella Fitzgerald never stopped moving. That’s how the jazz singer became an icon

Dec. 1, 2023

A cure for the common opinion

Get thought-provoking perspectives with our weekly newsletter.

You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.

More From the Los Angeles Times

A mysterious photographer of the Civil War, under a new microscope

April 18, 2024

Los Angeles’ mass uprisings in search of Black justice have punctuated my life, and my library

April 17, 2024

Amy Tan journeys from novelist to naturalist without leaving her backyard

April 16, 2024

A mother tries to exercise choice in the face of class struggles and incarceration

April 15, 2024

3 new novels set their mysteries deep in the night

‘here in avalon,’ ‘nightwatching’ and ‘anna o’ plumb the dark’s pleasures and perils.

Sleep is every bit as personal as sex and more essential. Not getting any sex is frustrating; not getting any sleep is dire. Insomniacs curse the easy sleepers who have no idea what it’s like to live without sleep, never known the discomfiting feeling of being awake in the middle of the night, turning the phone over so you can’t check the time, tossing and worrying and flinging arms and legs outside of rumpled sheets. The imagination often takes over in this troubled, sleepless state, so why not read?

Crime fiction and thrillers have long been interested in night ramblings and the richness of the dark. Think of the masterly first line of “Rebecca,” Daphne du Maurier’s 1938 gothic classic about marriage and manipulation: “Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again.” Who is the dreamer? What and where is Manderley, and why did the narrator leave? Starting the novel with a dream establishes “Rebecca” as a study in sensation and fantasy. In “The Big Sleep” (1939), Raymond Chandler introduces private investigator Philip Marlowe, someone you call to navigate the dark places in sunny Los Angeles. He’s the kind of guy who would take a bottle of whiskey and some smokes as payment over a hot meal and a good night’s sleep.

Three recent novels plumb sleep’s pleasures and perils with varying amounts of creativity and success.

Tara Isabella Burton’s “ Here in Avalon ” (Simon & Schuster, $28.99) centers on two sisters with a rent-controlled apartment in New York City. The apartment, in the quaint enclave of Tudor City on Manhattan’s east side, is initially a more captivating character than either of the sisters. Raised by a bohemian mother who left them the apartment and a memory bank rich with chaos, Rose and Cecilia are curiosities. “When people asked Rose what it was like, having had her kind of childhood, she found it easiest to say that the city had been their real mother,” Burton writes. Rose is the responsible sister, engaged to an appropriate suitor she has been dating for five years. She’s worked very hard at a self-help start-up called OptiMyze. She makes sure the beds are made, the heat is on, and the rent and the bills are paid. Rose also routinely bails out the flighty Cecilia, whose life is a litany of bad decisions. When Cecilia reemerges only to disappear into the ranks of a murky cabaret troupe called the Avalon, Rose is drawn into a sensational nocturnal world vastly unlike her conventional daytime one. Where is Cecilia? Will she make it back? Burton has a philosophical bent, which enriches the thin plot. And as in her past novels, “Social Creature” and “The World Cannot Give,” her welcome observations about class and money are sharp.

The reader is thrust into a scenario of unadulterated fear in Tracy Sierra’s stellar debut, “ Nightwatching ” (Pamela Dorman, $29). A woman asleep in her old, creaky house hears one noise, then another, then one that triggers horror to wash over her as she accepts she is not dreaming. The noises are real. She scrambles to get her children, who are asleep in their bedrooms down the hall, to safety without scaring the wits out of them or rousing the suspicions of the intruder. As she navigates through the darkened house, hiding with the children in a secret room, she slowly pieces together who the intruder is, and what he might be after. She doubts herself, too: Is he a boogeyman from her past? A random home invader? To describe this novel as nightmarish contrasts with the vividness of this night, as Sierra escorts the reader beyond metaphor: Is it a nightmare if it’s real? “Nightwatching” is a terrifying cat-and-mouse thriller in which the creak on the stairs is an overture to a fight for survival.

Matthew Blake’s glossy and borderline vapid “ Anna O ” (Harper, $30) is a riff on sleep medicine and a wan homage, named for one of Sigmund Freud’s critical early patients. Blake’s Anna Ogilvy is a 25-year-old editor in London. Her promising career was cut short when she might have committed a double murder while sleepwalking. In fact, she might not even be awake now. Forensic psychiatrist Benedict Prince is brought in to help with the curious case and subsequent investigation. Anna is brought to a ritzy joint called the Abbey Sleep Clinic, where Prince can treat her for the rare diagnosis she’s been given: “resignation syndrome.” But Anna cannot be treated if she does not wake up.

All three of these books pit an impaired heroine against a brutish adversary. In each, the struggle to survive the night is correlated to resilience, creative thinking and cooperation: to action. The metaphors for sleep — falling, being knocked out, resting like the dead — all have violence implicit in them. Sleep is the closest we get to death in life. Every night is practice for the big sleep.

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.