Home Run Holiday: How Comedian Samantha Andrew Took A Swing On A Trip To South Korea

Magic, connection and a well-earned break are what keep comedian and podcaster Samantha Andrew pressing “book” on her next adventure.

And after a multi-city tour of her bucket list destination—organised by the legends at Contiki—Samantha fell head over heels for South Korea. 

“Travelling to South Korea with Contiki superseded my expectations, in a gorgeous way. I didn’t really know what to expect. I was definitely taken aback by just how deeply warm and welcoming a lot of the local people in each city were,” she says. 

When it came to locking in her itinerary, Andrew turned to Contiki for hand-picked, locally loved gems. “It felt a little bit magical,” Andrew says. “South Korea had always been on my list, but if I’d planned it myself, I wouldn’t have known where to start. All the must-see planning was done for me, so I could just sit back, hop on the minibus and take it all in.”

For Samatha, there were a few standout moments that left a lasting impression. One was South Korea’s electric baseball culture. “I had no idea baseball was so huge in South Korea! My favourite part was watching the synchronised dances they would do after each bat. Is bat correct? If it isn’t obvious, I don’t know sport.”

When she wasn't soaking up a ball game, Samantha was stepping well outside her comfort zone and getting down in a local K-pop dance class. “Doing. A. Local. Kpop. Dance. Class. Boy, was it hard," she recalls. 

"I was also with a bunch of dancers who picked it all up in the time it took me to tie my dance shoes. I love how ‘fish out of water’ I felt. The teacher did giggle at my inability and clunkiness, but I found it endearing, and even though I sucked at it, I had the best time.”

It wasn’t just the experiences that stuck with Samantha. Throughout her time in South Korea, she was just as taken by the warmth and generosity she encountered—something Contiki opened the door to, whether intentionally or by chance.

“A few of us got stuck in a massive downpour of rain. Our maps weren’t loading, and it’s safe to say we were lost," Andrew reflects. "These two locals stopped us on the street. Despite the hectic rain, none of us had umbrellas or raincoats on, yet this couple stood with us, huge smiles on their faces, and used Google Translate to help us figure out where we were,” she explains.

“I stood there watching them get soaked, but they didn’t seem to mind at all as they grinned and kept extending the conversation. I left that encounter thinking, ‘God, people are just so kind.’”

Not one for souvenirs, Samantha prefers to sink her teeth into experiences instead. Her favourite keepsake from her travels? “Hands down, the Korean BBQ we had on one of our final nights in Seoul," she says. "I now eat bulgogi regularly because of that night!” 

When it comes to advice, Samantha keeps it practical. “Note down on Google Maps that ‘cool cafe’ you walked past, because you may think you remember the way back to it from the hotel, most likely you won’t.”

As the tour wrapped up, Samantha knew this one was truly one for the books. With a full stomach, sore limbs and a head full of memories, she was already dreading the trip home. “I WISH the trip was longer. I felt a little hungry for more on the plane home, which is always the sign of a great holiday,” she says.

And for anyone on the fence about a group trip, she’s clear. “If you’re tossing up going on a Contiki, my advice would be do it. You have nothing to lose. If you’re worried about making friends, rest assured that others have also signed up knowing that meeting people is part of the game. You have nothing to worry about! Make sure your phone’s fully charged, and they'll figure out the rest,” she says.

Make like Samantha Andrew and return home from overseas with a head full of memories and a mouth full of stories, by booking in your next trip here.

Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Contiki and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.

Image: Supplied.