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Thinking about moving overseas or already living the expat life? In this episode of Bantering Across Borders, Sarah and Tony share their personal journeys of building a life abroad—the highs, the lows, and everything in between. From making friends and handling culture shock to the practical realities of expat living, they explore the benefits, disadvantages, and lessons learned along the way.

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Bantering Across Borders – Episode: Building a Life Abroad

In this special episode of Bantering Across Borders, Sarah and Tony step away from their usual trip-by-trip storytelling to reflect on what it really means to build a life abroad. From the funny to the frustrating, they share their personal journeys, lessons learned, and the realities of life as British expats.

Expect honest banter, practical advice, and a peek behind the curtain of expat life—everything from making friends in new places, to battling culture shock, to redefining what “home” actually means. Whether you’re already an expat, considering a move, or just curious about life overseas, this episode has something for you.

Join us as we swap stories, laugh at our misadventures, and share what we’ve learned along the way.

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Welcome back to Bantering Across Borders! In this episode, Tony and Sarah shine a spotlight on Oman — the Gulf’s hidden gem.

With its chocolate-brown mountains, lush greenery, and vast deserts, Oman is nothing like its glitzy Gulf neighbours. It’s chilled, authentic, and full of surprises for travellers looking to step off the beaten path.

Join Tony and Sarah as they relive their epic road trip across the country — a journey that included following every brown tourist sign, crossing the Tropic of Cancer, and uncovering wadis, forts, and breathtaking scenery (all with the help of a “sexy” GPS system). You’ll also hear about their turtle-watching misadventure in Ras Al Haad, the charms of Muscat, the unique beauty of Salalah during Khareef season, and why camping in the Empty Quarter is something everyone should try at least once.

Expect plenty of laughs, random detours, and the kind of friendship banter that only comes from hours on the road together.

🎧 If you’ve ever wondered what makes Oman so special, this is the episode for you.

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Welcome back to Bantering Across Borders! In this episode, Tony and Sarah head to a part of the world they knew very little about just three days before setting off — Uzbekistan, the historic crossroads of Central Asia.

This spontaneous trip takes them through a land of dazzling architecture, rich history, and hearty meals of plov. From Tashkent’s vibrant markets and metro stations to the iconic city of Samarkand with its Shah-i-Zinda mausoleums, Registan Square, and Bibi-Khanym Mosque, Uzbekistan delivers surprise after surprise.

Along the way, Tony and Sarah discover the legacy of Amir Temur, stumble upon Tony’s namesake restaurant, and share their best tips for making the most of a short 3-day getaway.

Of course, no Bantering Across Borders episode would be complete without laughs, reflections on friendship, and the ultimate question: would they go back?

🎧 If Uzbekistan has ever been on your radar (or even if it hasn’t!), this episode will inspire you to add it to your travel list.

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Welcome back to Bantering Across Borders! In this episode, Tony and Sarah take you to Sri Lanka — one of their earliest trips together — and prove just how much culture, adventure, and fun you can pack into a single weekend.

From watching elephants being bathed at Pinnawala 🐘, exploring the ancient Dambulla Caves 🪨, and staying overnight at the iconic Cinnamon Lodge 🎶 to climbing (or refusing to climb!) Sigiriya’s Lion Rock 🦁, going on safari in Minneriya National Park and more 🐘🦓 — this whirlwind trip covers the cultural and natural highlights of Sri Lanka.

As always, Tony and Sarah share plenty of laughs, misadventures, and reflections on travelling together — including what they learned about each other on only their second ever trip as friends.

🎧 Whether you’re short on time or planning a longer adventure, this episode is packed with tips and inspiration for making the most of Sri Lanka in just a few days.

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Welcome back to Bantering Across Borders! Join Tony and Sarah as they turn their expat lens onto Dubai – their home for over a decade – to share a very different side of the city that most tourists never see.

Forget the clichés of mega malls and shiny skyscrapers. In this episode, your favourite bantering duo reveal their insider tips for getting off the tourist trail and uncovering Dubai’s surprising hidden gems. From flamingos in the desert, serene lakes at sunrise, and the bustle of the old town, to camel racing, comedy nights, and why a golf course restaurant might just be the perfect spot for people-watching, Tony and Sarah uncover the quirks and charms of life in Dubai.

Along the way, they share how living in this ever-changing city has shaped them, reflect on their friendship, and drop a few laughs about the everyday realities of expat life.

🎧 Whether you’re planning a trip, living in the UAE, or just curious about what lies beyond the glitter, this episode will give you fresh perspectives on Dubai.

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Ready to hear about ancient pyramids, and unexpected sandstorms? In this episode, we take you deep into Sudan, as we road trip from Khartoum to the pyramids in Meroe.

Expect history, humour, and a bit of mayhem. This is not a travel guide—it’s a real-life travel tale packed with laughs, surprises, and heartfelt moments

In this episode, we cover:

• The real story behind Sudan’s pyramids
• What’s inside the National Museum of Sudan
• Surviving a sandstorm while camping in the desert
• What it’s really like to travel in Sudan as a foreigner

If you’re curious about off-the-beaten-path travel, and love a good laugh, this episode is for you.

Perfect for listeners who love:

• Travel podcasts with personality
• African travel stories
• Underrated destinations
• Funny and authentic storytelling
• British humour and expat adventures
• Real travel, not Instagram gloss

Mentioned in this episode:

Escape Travels – Get your exclusive discount on your next adventure. Visit https://www.escape-travels.com and listen in for the promo code!

Don’t forget to listen to the rest of the series and join us as we share our travel tales from Saudi, South Korea, Azerbaijan, and Kuwait.

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In this episode of Bantering Across Borders, Sarah and Tony—British expats and best friends—take you on a three-day journey through the stunning and surprising country of Azerbaijan.

From staying overnight with locals in Xinaliq, one of the highest and most remote villages in the Caucasus Mountains, to exploring the ultra-modern skyline and unexpected gems of Baku, this episode is full of laughs, cultural insights, and memorable travel moments.

Find out why Tony unexpectedly fell in love with a carpet museum, why Sarah ended up in a heated dinner table debate, and what it's really like to travel as part of a group tour for the first time. As always, their signature banter brings a mix of storytelling, personal reflection, and friendship-fuelled travel inspiration.

If you're curious about off-the-beaten-path travel, meaningful shared experiences, and the quirky dynamics of long-time friends exploring the world together, you’re in the right place.

In This Episode You’ll Discover:

- What makes Xinaliq one of the world’s most unique mountain villages

- How Baku’s modern architecture and culture defy expectations

- Why Tony is obsessed with Azerbaijan’s Carpet Museum

- The ups and downs of joining a group trip as independent travellers

- How travel continues to strengthen their friendship

Perfect for listeners who love

✓ Travel podcasts

✓ Exploring lesser-known countries

✓ Authentic friendship dynamics

✓ British expat stories

✓ Travel guides with personality

Planning your next adventure?

Check out our friends at Escape Travels and use the discount code mentioned in the episode to save on your next adventure: https://www.escape-travels.com

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Welcome back to Bantering Across Borders! Join Tony and Sarah as they take a trip down memory lane to share their recollections about a weekend jaunt to Kuwait. Listen in as they go from anticipating Kuwait to being boring to finding unexpected adventure and lots of charm in this serene country.

Discover why they get stuck on a once military strategic island, and what they thought about the cultural activities on offer in this Gulf state.

They also dive deeper into their own personal stories, thoughts and feelings, covering topics such as faith, destiny and their definitive soundtrack for life.

Tune in for some more hilarious banter as the two best friends unpack their friendship and reveal why travel continues to bond them. 🎧

Planning a trip to Kuwait? Tony and Sarah will share everything you need to know.

Discover Kuwait – it’ll definitely surprise you. Hit play now! 🗺️

Check out our friends at escape travels and use the discount code in the podcast to secure a place on one of their next trips https://www.escape-travels.com/

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