The Silk Road
- Author
- Paula Barnes
- Published
- Tue 09 Sep 2025
- Episode Link
- None
Episode 15: Julie Talbot -A Modern Journey Along the Ancient Silk Road
This Week's Chat Join me as I sit down with Julie Talbot, a British expat travelling the world, who shares her incredible journey along the legendary Silk Road. We dive deep into what makes this historic route so captivating and why it's become one of her most transformative travel experiences.
About Julie: is an ex-expat turned global nomad. After spending 12 years in the UAE with her husband’s work, Julie and her family took the leap into full-time travel. While worldschooling her children, she also runs a their UK property business, proving that you don’t need to be on the ground to grow a UK property portfolio.
What We Discuss
- Julie's Expat Journey: How she ended up on the Silk Road and her passion for off-the-beaten-path travel
- Discovering the Silk Road: The story behind her decision to tackle this epic route and what drew her to this historic journey
The Highlights:
- Must-visit cities along the route
- Incredible architecture and UNESCO World Heritage site
- Local cuisine experiences
- Best time to travel the route and seasonal considerations
Practical Bits: Transport options, accommodation styles, and home schooling across Central Asia.
Local Insights: What the guidebooks don't tell you about traveling this ancient trade route
Key Takeaways
- Julie's top tip for first-time Silk Road travellers: embrace the slower pace of travel
- The one thing you absolutely mustn't miss: staying in a traditional yurt
- How to experience the Silk Road respectfully and authentically
- Common mistakes travellers make and how to avoid them (especially around cultural sensitivities)
Mentioned in This Episode
- Accommodation: Traditional guesthouses, yurt stays, boutique hotels in historic centers
- Must-Try Foods: Plov (pilaf), lagman noodles, samsa pastries, fresh pomegranates and cherry juice
- Attractions: Registan Square in Samarkand, Itchan Kala in Khiva, Ark Fortress in Bukhara
- Useful Apps/Websites:
- Evisa option
- Airalo for your esim
- 3 Simple Steps To Location Freedom & UK Property
- Connect with Julie Talbot
- Instagram: @julierosetalbot
- Facebook @Julie.talbot.359
- Property Info: Views from Overseas With Ease
- Next Week I'll be chatting with Carm Gleeson about her love affair with Mexico - you won't want to miss her stories about her food tour.
Are you an expat with a favourite holiday destination you're passionate about? Drop me a line at [email protected] I'd love to hear your story!
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