LIVE with The Famous Dr AL and Meena Thiru

Exploring the World with Meena Thiru

Introduction

Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes travel journalist and world explorer Meena Thiru. With visits to over 50 countries and all seven continents, Meena has written thousands of articles and contributed to top publications like Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, and Fodor's. She is also the founder of www.travelwithmeena.com and a Lonely Planet guidebook author.

Early Inspiration for Travel

Meena's passion for travel began in childhood, accompanying her immigrant parents on trips to India and other destinations. This early exposure inspired her to make travel a way of life rather than just an occasional vacation.

Most Surprising Destination

Iceland left the biggest impression on Meena due to its natural beauty and the warmth of its people. She was welcomed with open arms, quickly making friends and feeling at home. The friendliness and hospitality of Icelanders continue to draw her back.

Most Underrated Destination

Halifax, Nova Scotia, impressed Meena with its charm and vibrant cultural diversity. She was fascinated by the strong Indian community and was deeply moved by the Canadian Immigration Museum at Pier 21, which presented a nuanced perspective on immigration history.

Biggest Travel Challenge

Antarctica posed the greatest challenge due to its remote location and the rough seas of the Drake Passage. Despite the difficulty, its untouched beauty and the unique experience of complete disconnection from technology made it one of the most impactful trips of her life.

Traveling as a Solo Woman

Meena shared insights into solo female travel, particularly in Dubai, where she felt completely safe. She highlighted the importance of preparation, researching cultural expectations, and maintaining communication with trusted friends.

Experiencing Local Life

To truly immerse herself in a destination, Meena prioritizes walking through cities, exploring non-tourist areas, and using public transit. She believes this approach leads to the most authentic experiences, such as discovering hidden cafes and unique neighborhoods in Brussels and Paris.

Debunking Travel Myths

One major myth Meena debunks is that travel must be expensive. She shares how she traveled extensively using frequent flyer miles, work trips, and staying with friends to make travel more accessible.

Writing for Lonely Planet and Top Travel Publications

Meena explains that the key to a great travel guide is storytelling combined with actionable information. She ensures readers can replicate her experiences and truly engage with a place.

Most Memorable Destinations

Meena shares her experiences in Egypt, reflecting on the thrill of walking through ancient history. She also describes the surprise of visiting the Philippines, where the Christmas season transforms Manila into a festive wonderland.

Bucket List Destinations

If Meena had to choose three countries to live in forever, they would be Finland (for its social policies and summer daylight), Singapore (for its safety and healthcare), and the U.S. (because it's home and still has so much to explore).

Final Thoughts on a Fantastic Life

Meena believes in living fully, building meaningful relationships, and making an impact through her work. Her advice is to embrace every opportunity and remain curious about the world.

Connect with Meena

Visit www.travelwithmeena.com for more travel insights and articles.

Tune in Next Time!

BIO:

Meena Thiruvengadam is a journalist who has visited more than 50 countries and all seven continents, writing thousands of articles along the way. She is the founder of travelwithmeena.com, a guidebook author for Lonely Planet, and a contributor to publications including Travel+Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, and Fodor's.

Social Media:

instagram @meenathiru tiktok @travelwithmeena X @meena_thiru