Far and Away Adventures

About Far and Away Adventures

Join "Far and Away Adventures" as we take you deep into the heart of the world’s most captivating destinations. Go beyond the ordinary to uncover hidden stories, vibrant cultures, and undiscovered treasures that define each place. From ancient traditions and local legends to secret spots only the insiders know, each episode offers a fresh perspective on travel. Experience the magic of exploring the unexpected, connect with fascinating people, and be inspired by the adventures that await in every corner of the globe.

Publisher

Normand Schafer

Category

society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

25 Jul 2023

Latest episode

4 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

135 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   4 Oct 2026

   How One Cook Islands Artist Gives Ocean Waste a Second Life

   In this episode, we talk about how Sabina from Circle Cook Islands creates award-winning handcrafted bags and accessories from discarded plastics, wrappers, inflatables, and reclaimed materials in Rarotonga. We also discuss sustainable tourism, creativity, environmental awareness, and authentic local experiences travelers can discover through Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com. This episode is sponsored by Far and Away Adventures and Cook Islands Tourism. Far and Away Adventures https://farandawayadventures.com Cook Islands Tourism https://cookislands.travel Normand Schafer visits the Rarotonga market to speak with Sabina, the founder of Circle Cook Islands, about her journey from environmentalist and dive shop owner to internationally recognized artist and sustainability advocate. After COVID changed tourism across the islands, Sabina turned her creative hobby into a full-time business focused on recycling and upcycling materials that would otherwise become waste. Throughout the conversation, Sabina explains how she transforms candy wrappers, inflatable toys, upholstery scraps, and reclaimed fabrics into one-of-a-kind bags and accessories. Every item is handcrafted, every design is unique, and many pieces include personal stories or poems sewn into the lining. Her work demonstrates how creativity can inspire awareness around waste reduction and environmental responsibility while also supporting local artisan culture in the Cook Islands. The episode also explores how tourism and sustainability can work together in island destinations. Sabina shares how locals and travelers now bring her materials to recycle, helping keep rubbish out of the environment while creating memorable handcrafted souvenirs connected to the islands themselves. Listeners will also hear about Sabina’s international awards for recycling and women’s leadership, her community outreach with local schools, and the growing interest in sustainable travel experiences across the South Pacific. Cook Islands Vacations https://farandawayadventures.com/cook-islands/ Rarotonga Activities https://farandawayadventures.com/south-pacific/cook-islands/rarotonga-activities/ Cook Islands Hotels https://farandawayadventures.com/south-pacific/cook-islands/rarotonga-hotels-cook-islands/ If you are planning a Cook Islands vacation, connect with a Far and Away Adventures specialist to discover meaningful island experiences, artisan markets, local culture, and sustainable travel opportunities throughout the South Pacific.

2. 

   27 Sept 2026

   A Cook Islands Farming Story That Reveals the Islands Beyond the Postcard

   In this episode, we talk about a side of the Cook Islands that visitors often appreciate most once they encounter it: the people and food systems that support daily island life. Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com are included near the beginning because this episode offers the kind of local perspective that can shape a much more meaningful trip. Normand Schafer interviews Tupo Fica of Vitica Farms in the market and learns about his journey from the northern islands of Penrhyn and Manihiki to building a produce and egg business in Rarotonga. The conversation explores what he grows, including coconuts, bananas, tomatoes, watermelon, beans, capsicum, and sour sop, and why local food production matters so much in an island setting. Tupo Fica also reflects on how different life was growing up in places where soil was scarce, and the sea provided most of what people needed. That background makes his later embrace of farming in Rarotonga especially compelling. He also talks about supplying eggs, the demand for fresh local products, and the role this work plays in the wider community. The episode goes beyond agriculture into health, sport, fishing, and free diving, making it a rich portrait of adaptability and island resilience. If you want a Cook Islands trip that includes more than scenery and gives you a better feel for the realities and strengths of local life, this conversation is full of value. Far and Away Adventures can help you plan a trip that brings those stories and that sense of place closer to the center of your experience.

3. 

   20 Sept 2026

   Could This Cook Islands Cultural Evening Be the Highlight of Your Trip?

   In this episode, we talk about a question that comes up for many travelers choosing their next island destination: what experiences will actually make the trip feel special once you get there? Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com are mentioned early because this episode gives listeners the kind of insight that is most useful before the trip is booked. Normand Schafer speaks with Namit Tua of Tumutoa Tours about a home-based cultural experience in Rarotonga where guests prepare traditional food, weave, work with coconuts, eat the traditional way, and enjoy music and a fire show. It is an appealing conversation not only because the activities sound fun, but because the experience is clearly shaped by Namit Tua’s personal passion for sharing his culture. He talks about growing up in the Cook Islands, wanting to preserve traditional ways, and seeing guests respond emotionally to being included rather than simply entertained. That sense of welcome is what makes the episode especially powerful. If you are trying to decide where to go next and what kind of travel you really want, this conversation is a strong case for choosing experiences that bring you close to the life of a place. Far and Away Adventures can help you pair those experiences with the right island stay and create a Cook Islands trip that feels personal from beginning to end.

Who has been a guest on Far and Away Adventures

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Steven
• Rob
• in-house biologist
• photographer
• Ahura Resorts representatives

Podcast Authority Score: 29 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

57

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

0

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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