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Turbulence Expected

Turbulence Expected

Written by: Meagan Inafuku and Jacquelyn Girling
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About this listen

Turbulence Expected is a podcast inspired by the unpredictable adventures of traveling and our experiences of a digital nomad life, where every destination came with a story (and usually a breakdown). It’s like a Friday night on the couch with your best friends: unpacking chaos, sharing wild travel tales, and laughing your way through the turbulence of real life.

© 2025 Turbulence Expected
Social Sciences Travel Writing & Commentary
Episodes
  • The Beautiful Mess of Travel: South of France & Dublin
    Sep 2 2025

    Meagan and Jacquelyn recount their adventures and misadventures through the South of France and Dublin, from nearly capsizing in a tiny boat among massive yachts to finding paradise in the blue waters of Villefranche-sur-Mer.

    • Renting a small boat in the South of France becomes a near-death experience when navigating between giant yachts and a cruise ship
    • Discovering jellyfish swarms prevents swimming after finally anchoring the boat
    • A breathtaking coastal hike turns into a dehydration before finding salvation at a Four Seasons resort
    • Villefranche-sur-Mer emerges as a French Riviera highlight with its perfect beaches and spontaneous swimming
    • A sewage situation at a Dublin hotel leads to a last-minute change with a better location
    • Temple Bar delivers the quintessential Irish pub experience despite being considered touristy
    • Trinity College Library provides a magical literary experience
    • The unexpected lessons about travel pressure and tourist guilt while being a digital nomad

    Whether you're planning your own European adventure or just living vicariously through others, this episode offers both practical travel wisdom and the reassurance that even when things go sideways, they make the best stories. So grab your comfiest chair, your favorite drink, and unpack this turbulent journey with us!

    Recommendations mentioned in this episode:

    • South of France
      • Favorite Town in South of France: Villefranche-sur-Mer
      • Airbnb we stayed at: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/19723924?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=ff3f6e4b-cea2-4342-81bf-41da84b41099
      • Beach Club and Restaurant at Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat before hike: Plage de Pasasble - https://www.plage-de-passable.fr/
      • Hike Info in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat: https://www.ultimatefrance.com/hiking/south-france/saint-jean-cap-ferrat
      • Four Seasons in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat: https://www.fourseasons.com/capferrat/
      • Italian Restaurant in Nice: Carmela - https://www.carmela-restaurant.com/en/index
      • Restaurant in Villefranche-sur-Mer on the water: Dry - https://www.dryrestaurant.com/en/
    • Dublin
      • Morgan Hotel: https://www.themorgan.com/en/
      • Temple Bar (Also we forgot to mention we got the "The Irish Christmas Classic" sandwich and it was incredible. I had irish roast chicken, honey glazed ham, brie, onion stuffing, cranberry sauce, and sourdough bread - it was INCREDIBLE): https://thetemplebarpub.com/visit/
      • Library of Trinity College Dublin: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Library_of_Trinity_College_Dublin
      • Pub in Dublin: The Merchant's Arch - https://www.merchantsarch.ie/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onlifeandtravel

    Meagan's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meagan_inafuku

    Jacquelyn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacqgirling

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    54 mins
  • Europe Travel Tales: From London’s Loos to Amalfi Coast Views
    Aug 14 2025

    Meagan and Jacquelyn share their wild adventures in London and along the Amalfi Coast. From embarrassing bathroom emergencies to breathtaking boat rides in crystal blue waters. Their honest travel stories highlight both the challenges and magical moments that make international travel so memorable.

    • Meagan's "Poopapalooza" disaster in London
    • London's vibrant pub culture, beautiful parks, and standout restaurants
    • Transportation nightmares in Positano with canceled ferries and endless stairs
    • How an ant invasion in their Airbnb led to meaningful friendships with locals
    • Culinary highlights including gelato in brioche buns, Spaghetti alla Nerano, and meter-long pizzas
    • A magical private boat tour around Capri with perfect music and crystal-clear Mediterranean waters

    Whether you're planning your own European adventure or just living vicariously through others, this episode offers both practical travel wisdom and the reassurance that even when things go sideways, they make the best stories. So grab your comfiest chair, your favorite drink, and unpack this turbulent journey with us!

    Next time, we'll dive into our South of France and Dublin stories. Follow along as we continue unpacking our travel stories!

    Recommendations mentioned in podcast episode:

    • London Recommendations:
      • Favorite Places:
        • St. James's Park outside of Buckingham Palace
      • Food Spots:
        • Dishoom (Bombay comfort food)
          • Dishes we got:
            • Vegetable Samosas
            • Murgh Malai
            • Chicken Tikka
            • Gunpowder Potatoes
            • Chicken Berry Britannia
            • Corn on the Cob
            • Garlic Naan
            • Broccoli Salad
            • Chicken Ruby
        • Rosa's Thai
          • Dishes we got:
            • Red Curry
            • Cashew Chicken
            • Fried Rice
            • Milk Tea with Boba
            • Veggie Spring Rolls
        • Chai Guys
    • Amalfi Coast Recommendations:
      • Vico Equense Recommendations
        • Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/631657639529020174?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=e3d6e276-59dd-4924-b1d9-f1bf7fa8e826
        • Cooking Class: https://www.penisolaexperience.com/
        • Gelato and Brioche Bun with Gelato: Gelateria Gabriele (Address: Corso Umberto I°, 8, 80069 Vico Equense NA, Italy)
        • Spaghetti alla Nerano (Favorite spot we had this: La Maison Douce)
        • Pizza by the Meter - Pizza a Metro (Address: Corso Giovanni Nicotera, 15, 80069 Vico Equense NA, Italy)
      • Positano Restaurant in Hotel: Hotel Bucca di Bacco
      • Capri Boat Tour with Massimo: https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/995736

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onlifeandtravel

    Meagan's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meagan_inafuku

    Jacquelyn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacqgirling

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    45 mins
  • Regrets & Recommendations: Paris and Florence Travel Stories
    Jul 29 2025

    Have you ever wondered what happens when travel dreams meet reality? Meagan and Jacquelyn introduce their podcast "Turbulence Expected," sharing travel stories from their four and half month European journey where they worked remotely while experiencing the highs and lows of life abroad. Welcome to "Turbulence Expected," where we unpack our travel trauma for your entertainment!

    Moments (or is it better said missteps) included:

    • Travel mishap in Paris when their phone batteries died after seeing the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night
    • Navigating through dark Parisian streets without phones and being packed into a crowded metro
    • Finding a meaningful connection at Luxembourg Garden, where Jacquelyn's great-great-grandparents likely spent time
    • Learning to appreciate Paris's cafe culture and slower-paced lifestyle
    • Experiencing a luggage nightmare when their suitcases got stuck in an elevator in Florence
    • Discovering the incredible food scene in Florence, from authentic sandwiches to properly-made gelato
    • Tips for identifying tourist trap gelato versus authentic Italian gelato

    Whether you're planning your own European adventure or just living vicariously through others, this episode offers both practical travel wisdom and the reassurance that even when things go sideways, they make the best stories. So grab your comfiest chair, your favorite drink, and unpack this turbulent journey with us!

    Recommendations mentioned in podcast episode:

    • Garden in Paris: Jardin du Luxembourg
    • Gelato in Florence / Paris: Grom (Flavors mentioned: Chocolate, stracciatella, crema di grom) and Edoardo il Gelato Biologico (outside of the Duomo)
    • Sandwich Shop in Florence: All’Antico Vinaio (Ham, stracciatella, fresh tomato, basil, and HONEY - Also pistachio creme)
    • Tiramisu and Shakerato in Florence: Caffe Gilli

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onlifeandtravel

    Meagan's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meagan_inafuku

    Jacquelyn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacqgirling

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    49 mins
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