About this episode
🎙️ Exploring Train Journeys & Forgotten British Histories with Shafik Meghji 🚂 | Winging It Travel PodcastIn this week's episode, I'm joined for a hat-trick appearance by award-winning travel writer, journalist, and broadcaster Shafik Meghji, as we dive deep into the romance of train travel, chance encounters on the road, and his brand new book Small Earthquakes: A Journey Through Lost British History in South America (out July 24, 2025).We start with a ride on the Tren del Fin del Mundo, the world’s southernmost railway near Ushuaia, Argentina — a former prison line turned into a stunning tourist route through Tierra del Fuego National Park. We chat train adventures across the globe, from the Rocky Mountaineer in Canada to India’s rail journeys, the Trans-Siberian, Vietnam’s Reunification Express, and future plans for travel by rail through Europe, Japan, and Australia.But that’s not all — we explore unexpected British footprints across South America, from Welsh-speaking communities in Patagonia to Victorian architecture in Montevideo, British-built railways in Argentina, and even the story behind the iconic Fray Bentos pies in Uruguay.Whether you’re into epic train journeys, unusual travel histories, or looking for South America travel inspiration, this episode will ignite your wanderlust.🌍 Topics Covered:Shafik’s top global train journeys & bucket list routesLife and landscapes aboard the Tren del Fin del MundoA deep dive into Uruguay’s underrated capital, MontevideoThe incredible stories behind his new book Small EarthquakesBritish history in Argentina, Uruguay, Chile & beyondSerendipitous travel encounters and the magic of slow travelCentral America travel tips – including El Salvador, Panama & BelizeThe polar bears (and beluga whales!) of Churchill, Manitoba via trainStreet tango, carne asado, and the culture of the River Plate📚 Pre-order Small Earthquakes – A powerful and fascinating narrative connecting British history to forgotten corners of Latin America. Out July 24, 2025 - order here!Shafik MeghjiWebsiteInstagram💬 Have you taken a memorable train journey? Visited South America recently? Drop a comment and share
