Word Travels - the Truth Behind the Byline

Finding a good travel story often involves the help of serendipity, a word itself derived from the old name for Sri Lanka. Damaged by decades of civil war, this beautiful island off the coast of India is in desperate need of good press. Robin and Julia explore a remarkable religious festival, stumbling upon a bizarre, bloody ritual guaranteed to make your jaw drop.

Investigating a story about travellers teaching English in Asia, Robin learns that teaching a class of 11 year-olds is as terrifying, and rewarding, as any adventure activity. Together, our journalists spend the night in a unique Buddhist temple, where tourists are invited to learn about Buddhism, and experience life in a monastery.

Travel stories come in many guises, from activities and events, to culture and destinations. Exploring the island of Palawan, known for its incredible limestone cliffs and scuba diving, Robin focuses on the northern tip of El Nido, the place that inspired the book and film, "The Beach." In Manila, Julia's gets a taste for balut, a fertilized duck egg delicacy.

Vancouver Island is an interesting destination for international readers, accustomed to images of snow-covered Canada. Robin is fascinated by Tofino's surfing community, and figures any story that features "surfing" and "Canada" is bound to stoke the interest of editors. Meanwhile Julia gets the low down on how to live off the land with Gisele, a local Tla' Ook guide.

In this tiny nation, a jewel in Central Europe, Robin saddles up in Lipica, the birthplace of the legendary Lipizzaner horses. Julia prefers to write about smaller creatures in the form of traditional beekeeping. Heading north to the Julian Alps and the medieval town of Bled, viewers learn how different writers have different beats.

There's more to Romania than vampire myths and gothic castles. Robin and Julia head into the Transylvanian countryside on a cultural tour, embracing the music, food, and farm life of a village that has seen little change in centuries. But there's still time for a little paranormal investigation as Julia checks out one of Europe's most haunted forests.

Travel writers lead a nomadic existence, and relationships can be a real challenge. Writing about the world's ultimate honeymoon destination, Robin finds himself alone, feeling the irony of his "honeymoon for one." Julia leaves the tourist brochure behind to discover life in the overcrowded capital of Male.

Genesis is the theme this week, as Robin and Julia head east to investigate a story about biblical tourism. Walking amongst ancient ruins, drinking from the well of the prophet Abraham's birth cave, they also reflect how much their own lives have changed since first meeting in Turkey several years ago.

Robin and Julia explore the "cradle of Slavic civilization" on the streets of Kiev. Following travel writing trends, Julia discovers the best things to see and do in Kiev in 24 hours. Meanwhile, Robin chases a story about an eerie former nuclear missile base. Together, they head off to Chernobyl, site of the world's worst nuclear reactor disaster and a bone-chilling tourist attraction.

New travel writing assignments have brought Julia and Robin to Taipei. For her latest column, Julia decides to go against the tourism board's wishes and write about the betel nut girls - young scantily-clad women, selling this addictive treat on Taiwanese roadsides. Meanwhile, Robin discovers the creator of fire therapy - a risky form of traditional medicine for both patient and doctor alike.

Travel writers are seasonal creatures, and it's the wrong time of year to enjoy the coastline of this small, Central American country. Instead, Robin and Julia immerse themselves in the jungle, surrounded by ancient Mayan ruins. While Julia enrolls herself in a jungle survival course, Robin goes underground to explore a vast system of cave waterfalls.

From the Blue Mountains to the gritty streets of Kingston, Robin and Julia learn about Rastafarians and dancehall - two cornerstones of Jamaican culture. Julia's foray into music takes her to record studios, musicologists, and finally an all night dance party.

Robin and Julia discover that there's more to tequila than a good night out and a hangover as they shoot back this week's story about Mexico's national drink. From the region of Tequila, they head to Mexico City, where Julia explores a local witches market and gets blessed by a Satan worshipper.