Sunshine Travelers Podcast (Scott and Melissa Barronton)
Explore every episode of Sunshine Travelers Podcast
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 Apr 2023 | Episode 1: Creating a Travel Bucket List | 00:18:12 | |
Many people we talk to have fallen into the habit of vacationing in the same place year after year. While there is nothing wrong with that as it creates traditions and lasting memories of a familiar place, you may find yourself intrigued by that friend or family member that is always traveling somewhere new. If that is you, but you aren’t sure where to start, pack a bag and come with us today as we explore travel bucket lists. We’ll share with you what is on our list and tips for creating your own. In this episode we dive into the different ways a travel bucket list might look, how we originally began creating our travel bucket list, and strategies for beginning to check those places off of your bucket list. If you have a bucket list or want to start one, are eager to travel more, or want to know how you could possibly afford to do so, tune in NOW! Subscribe to Going (formerly Scott’s cheap flights) to get flight deals sent to your inbox to watch for flight deals on Hopper Get Scott Keyes book, Take More Vacations Follow our travels on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunshinetravelerspodcast/ Follow our travels on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/sunshinetravelerspodcast/ and https://www.instagram.com/melissabarronton/ Save our travel ideas on Pinterest Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> Transcript (continued on episode page): Scott: Melissa, this is right up your alley. Making lists and checking them off. Let’s talk about how we first started our travel bucket list. Why is it important for you to have a bucket list? We didn’t really start out with a bucket list I wouldn’t say but as we started to travel more…we had been to Europe (Paris, London, Madrid, Germany) and Hawaii and started going to Mexico that I think we started thinking of other places we’d like to go. We had a chalk board wall in our farmhouse kitchen 2 houses ago and we started by writing out some New Year’s resolutions one year that really just morphed into a travel bucket list. I think a bucket list gives you a way to dream, something to look forward to, some people like to describe it as manifesting the things you desire. We have our list for sure but if other opportunities arise we aren’t like oh but we need to do that one first etc, we just allow it to be what it is and sometimes that might be adding on a destination like Brussels for example while you are somewhere else in Europe or Puerto Rico to get to the Virgin Islands if that makes sense for the flights etc. Scott: when creating a list, does it have to be specific places or countries, or could you start with something more generic? (Lead up to discussion on visit a new country every year - travel goals). I think it should just look like dreaming brainstorming first… where are some places that you’d love to visit. And then as far as going …at first I it could just be around where you live. When we first got married we lived in Atlanta and we could afford to camp and that was about it so we went to some state parks in Georgia- Ocmulgee, providence canyon, ft McAllister state park near Savannah, camping on the blue ridge parkway but you got to see and experience more than just staying at home. So it may be like where can we go for a day trip that we’ve never been that’s close by- pack a picnic and go for the day. Or it may be what cities can we drive to and visit for a weekend. After that I think it is just your interests- do you like mountains or the coast, hiking, golfing, skiing and it could be centered around where would I want to go so those things that I haven’t been to or seen before. So after we went to 2019 Gibraltar, Monoco, Greece 2020 Portugal 2021 Belize We were like oh we’ve done a new country 3 years now so that’s a goal for us. It could also be I want to visit every every continent or all 50 states, all the islands of Hawaii etc I can only imagine that someone is sitting there and thinking - “there’s no way I could afford trips on my bucket list”. There is no denying that travel isn’t cheap, especially if you are talking about luxury travel
Absolutely! So looking for deals on flights and being flexible on dates and locations and I think that’s why I think it’s great to have a bucket list to pull from so when you see something come up you already know that’s a place you’d like to go. So getting alerts from Going to watch for flight deals (delta also has some deals buried in the app too) Finding the credit card or rewards program that will get you free flights, free hotel rooms, upgrades for your loyalty and spending. For hotels renting peoples timeshare weeks from places like Red Week. Booking sort of last minute travel - so this would be good for weekend trips - I know I get alerts from going about weekend tickets options but last minute hotel deals too on Priceline and hopper and mystery room deals so you know the location and category of room but not the exact price. Reading blogs on some of these techniques is helpful too. And sometimes international travel can end up being less expensive if you get a good flight deal depending on where you are going. 4-5 star hotels in some cities and countries can significantly less so just Googling and researching what others have to say or recommend. Another way to be able to travel is to look at the cost of lodging, food, tours etc at a destination. So for example it can more expensive to travel in Europe than it is in some locations in South America or Asia so looking at the cost once you arrive and mapping out s budget can be helpful. If you can get a good flight deal to a location where it is cheaper to stay, eat, and tour is one way to do some things on your international bucket list. Let’s talk a little about our travel bucket list. Scott: what are some things that we have been able to check off on our travel bucket list so far? Where to next? What’s the biggest trip on our bucket list right now? Well Galapagos was definitely on the list but I would have said that we would have checked off some others first but we had the opportunity to join some friends on the trip and decided that we couldn’t pass it up. Antarctica and an African safari are probably the two other biggest ones in terms of cost I would say and our desire to do them on the sooner side Finally, if someone is ready to start building their bucket list, what would you recommend they read, watch or listen to for information on great places to put on their list? I’ve always been a huge Rick Steves fan. In my mind he was the original travel influencer- figuring out a way to give free content on his website and app and radio shows make a living from travel (books and paid resources) and making international travel accessible and budget friendly. There’s so much more information out there today so I would start with resources that are relatable to you and are within your budget right now. Don’t be dreaming of the Four Seasons and the Ritz Carlton if staying at a hostel or camping or a budget hotel is how you could travel. (You aren’t going to remember the flight or the hotel unless the hotel is the destination which we rarely do). For us it is about seeing as much of the world in the time and with the resources we have. Now we have access to thousands of travel influencers, podcasts, blogs, Pinterest so pick the ones that educate and inspire you. Subscribe to Going (formerly Scott’s cheap flights) https://goingwith.me/9cr8g63w to get flight deals sent to your inbox. Watch for flight deals (on google flights, Hopper https://sharing.hopper.com/refer/melissab8b5 or skyscanner). Subscribe to the Points Guy or —— to learn about using credit card, hotel, airline points and miles wisely. Read the book by the founder of Scott’s cheap flights, Take more vacations which offers great insight about how to stretch and use your time off to get the most vacations in. Lonely planet has great guides as well. One of the greatest parts of a bucket list is to share it with other people and hear what is on their lists. If you have something on your list that we need to hear about, leave us a comment. Most importantly, subscribe to our podcast and share it with your friends to help them catch the travel bug. You never know, they may become your greatest travel companion.
Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 16 Apr 2023 | Episode 2: The Galapagos Islands | 00:20:47 | |
Many of you may be wondering what and where are the Galápagos Islands. Or perhaps this is one of the places that is already on your travel bucket list. And some of you just enjoy living vicariously through our travel adventures. If any of these apply to you, pack your bag and join us as we share our journey to the Galapagos. In this episode we discuss what and where the Galapagos islands are, how we got there (including a little travel delay along the way), what a typical day was like when cruising the Galapagos Islands, and what kinds of wildlife we snorkeled with. We let you know what essential items we packed into our bags and what you won't need and we both our favorite things about of the trip. So if the Galapagos Islands are on your bucket list or you're just curious what it would be like to travel there, tune in NOW! Links we mention in this episode: Our camera gear We booked our trip through Diana Endara at Galapagos Travel Center Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram here and here Save our travel ideas on Pinterest Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> Episode transcript (continued on Episode webpage): I’m Scott and I’m Melissa and we are the Sunshine Travelers. Our passion is travel and sharing our experiences with those who share our passion, want to learn more about travel, or even those that just want to live vicariously through our travel experiences. No matter where you fall along that journey, get ready to hear about our first hand experiences as we visit some of the most amazing places on earth. Many of you may be wondering what and where are the Galápagos Islands. Or perhaps this is one of the places that is already on your travel bucket list. And some of you just enjoy living vicariously through our travel adventures. If any of these apply to you, pack your bag and join us as we share our journey to the Galapagos. Scott: We made it! That was the feeling of exhilaration when we finally made it on board the yacht. Melissa: Yeah it was a bit of a bumpy trip trying to get there, but we made it. We started the morning with an early flight from Quito, Ecuador. A member of our travel company picked us up from the hotel and assisted us with the check-in process at the airport Scott: yeah, by the way check the show notes for a link to the travel company, Galapagos Travel Center, that we used. We worked with Diana and It really is worth it to do business with a local company that will handle all of the paperwork and processes for you. Melissa: We can do another episode on Quito and the tours that were arranged for us by the tour company. For this leg of the trip we realized that there was one stop in the coastal city of Guayaquil. Some people were headed to the coast to enjoy their beach vacation, but we would stay on the plane and make the short hop over to the islands. That’s when things got a little interesting. Neither of us have been on a flight before that experienced a bird strike. Just as we were about to lift off the ground, a bird flew into our left engine with a loud thud. The pilot immediately put the plane back down on the runway and skidded to a stop. Scott: Amazingly everyone on the plane stayed calm and within a couple of minutes the pilot notified us of what happened. They taxied us back to the gate and we began the process of trying to figure out what was next. I honestly thought that there was no way they would be getting us out of there anytime soon. But within a few hours they had another plane on the ground from Quito and we were off to the Galapagos with just a brief delay so only missing the first excursion of the trip but getting there in time for dinner. Melissa: great! Now what and where are the Galapagos you may ask. It’s a chain of approximately 19 islands off the coast of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean right along the Equator. The Galapagos have long been a fascination of people since Charles Darwin’s publication of “Voyage of the Beagle” where he was greatly influenced in his theory of evolution. Today the Galapagos are a National Park where visitors can explore the Flora and Fauna of a relatively young island born of volcanic activity that continues today. The islands are known for their fearless wildlife and spectacular diving and snorkeling. SPOILER ALERT: this trip is going to fall into that category of a luxury trip. But when you think about it, you could easily spend this type of money for a week at Disney. You just have to keep everything in perspective. Scott: I was surprised to learn that almost 25,000 people live on the islands. Most in a few larger cities on the four inhabited islands, but still more than I expected. These islanders make their living on tourism and fishing. Melissa: But the real draw of the Galapagos is the wildlife. Giant tortoise that live to be about 150 years old, sea lions, marine iguanas, sea turtles, and penguins just to name a few. These animals have lived such an isolated life that they almost show an interest in the visitors. Scott: So let’s start with a little insight with what a typical day looks like when cruising through the Galapagos. We were on a yacht named Camila. She is part of the fleet named Royal Galapagos and they call her the Horizon. She had 8 state rooms with 4 on each floor and then a sun deck with hot tub on the very top level. At 16 passengers, this is a very intimate experience. It had just recently been refurbished and everything was in beautiful condition. Each room had a private balcony, king size bed, and full bathroom. Melissa: You have a common dining area where all meals were served by a fabulous chef and friendly stewardesses. We did an 8 day cruise and each day started with an early breakfast and then your first excursion of the day. Sunlight is from 6 to 6 each day year round because you are on the equator. You want to be out and catch the animals during their most active times of the day (morning and afternoon). Sometimes the first excursion is a hike, some days a tender ride (small boat) they call a Pangea, or a snorkel adventure. The night before they will do a briefing and tell you what to expect and how to dress for the next day’s activities. One of our favorite activities was the snorkeling. Scott: the snorkeling was off the charts. Depending on which island you visit the marine life changes. In some places we swam with sea turtles (literally surrounded by sea turtles), some places we swam with penguins, and many others had sea lions. You almost don’t notice all of the amazing tropical fish because of the other sea life that would be swimming alongside you. Scott: I do want to take a minute and tell you about the camera gear that I took and what I would recommend. I am an amateur photographer and love nature photography. I have a Nikon D7000 camera and had purchased a 600mm telephoto lens for the trip. Some people had said you won’t need such a lens and it will be too heavy to enjoy. I am so glad that I ignored them. Most of the people on the trip put their cameras down and just enjoyed the views after they saw some of the photos I could get vs what they were getting with their own cameras. After the trip we I set up a Google drive where we all shared the photos and videos that we took. As far as underwater videos and pictures, I had taken a GoPro HERO 4 that I’ve had for many years. With the clear water it made “good” photos and videos, but I decided to upgrade after the trip and am excited to take my new GoPro HERO 10 on our next trip to St John. They have made a ton of improvements in quality and resolution over what is available on the HERO4 version. I’ll put some links in the show notes to some of my equipment. I also bought Melissa an Olympus TG-6 camera for use in the water and doing video. The quality on that camera is terrific and will be a great compliment to the GoPro for our in true water photography. Melissa: Now back to the trip. After each excursion you were met on deck with refreshing beverages like iced tea or fresh fruit juice and usually some sort of light snack. They would usually have some sort of lunch prepared followed by a brief downtime. You could relax on the sun deck or most people took a short nap to prepare for the afternoon’s activities. Usually if we did a hike in the morning, we snorkeled in the afternoon or vice versa. Every evening started with a briefing of the next day and was followed by an amazing dinner prepared by the chef. He was great at catering for people’s preferences and dietary restrictions. It’s always so important to notify them of your dietary needs so that they can make sure to have things you will be able to eat. I personally am allergic to shellfish so they needed to know that when planning and preparing the meals. We also had vegan shipmates and he did his best to serve them something unique at each meal too. Scott: a couple of times fishermen brought fresh catch to the boat for the chef to prepare. A true boat to table experience. Scott: after dinner most people would linger in the dining room talking and getting to know each other, but would retire to their cabins and be in bed before 9:30. It is a lot of activity and you are tired by the end of day. Melissa: That’s a good point. This is definitely an adventure cruise not a kick back and relax type of cruise. Scott: one of the things we did to get ready for this trip was to read suggested packing lists that others had made <We were limited to a checked bag, and a carry on plus personal item for the flight from Quito to the Galapagos- but we don’t typically like to carry any more than this because it too hard to travel well with too much. We kept our camera gear with us plus toiletries essential, medicines and a few clothes and shoes just in case because those would be impossible to replace once arriving out in the islands. might add that we should do a future episode about packing for travel>. Yeah if you are one of those folks that show up to the airport with everything but the kitchen sink, we highly recommend that you pay attention to this section. One thing that was consistent across all of the suggested packing list was to limit what you bring. You really don’t need complete outfits for everyday of the trip. We also love that the atmosphere of this ship while very luxurious is also very casual. You don’t need to bring dress clothes for dinner. We will warn you that because the humidity is pretty high things don’t dry very quickly. Light weight fabrics will be your friend. Here are a few things that you are going to want to bring:
That’s pretty much the list of necessary items. You’ll find almost everything else to be unnecessary weight. With only 16 passengers, this isn’t exactly a fashion show <Melissa can talk a little about a capsule wardrobe - but mention that we’ll do another episode specifically on packing> Scott: What was your favorite part of the trip? Melissa: Do I have to pick just 1. Swimming with the sea lions, sea turtles and penguins. I didn’t know that we would get to do that on a daily basis and it was really really a cool experience.
What about you Scott? Scott: It was the chance to take pictures of some of the most amazing nature found on this planet. Animals that were not scared of humans and therefore I was able to capture some pictures of a lifetime. Perhaps we can get some of those pictures up to the website sunshinetravelers.com so that people can see exactly what I mean. Melissa: Yes! We will do that in a post over there and also on our instagram @sunshinetravelerspodcast so you can see some pictures and also some of the underwater videos from our snorkeling adventures.
If you like to visit unique places and are up for adventure travels, this is the trip for you. This itinerary could be combined with a trip to the Amazon basin or visiting other locations in Ecuador if you have the extra time to add to your trip. Check out the links in the show notes to learn more about the Royal Galapagos Horizon and tips to help you plan your trip. We hope you enjoyed this episode and will find some inspiration for your next trip or perhaps this is something that you want to add to your bucket list. Most importantly, subscribe to our podcast, leave us a review, and share it with your friends to help them catch the travel bug, especially anyone who is traveling to Equador and the Galapagos. You never know, they may become your greatest travel companion. Links: Go Pro Hero 11 Link Olympus TG-6 Connect with us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/sunshinetravelerspodcast/
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| 16 Apr 2023 | Episode 3: Exploring Quito and the Equator | 00:24:08 | |
Today we’ll be talking about our recent trip to Quito, Ecuador as part of our journey to the Galápagos Islands. We'll journey back in time to the 16th century and Colonial Quito during the Spanish Colonization period. There we'll see the Gilded Churches, and then make our way to the center of the earth as we visit a museum on Andean culture located on the Equator. Pack your bag and joins us as we share the sites, tastes and fun facts that we learned along the way. In this episode we share why we went to Quito, Ecuador in the first place, why we used a travel agency in Ecuador to help us book this trip, and the tour options that were available to us in Quito and why we chose the one we did. We also walk you through what our day in Quito was like, why we loved having a tour guide here, and of course, what you need to pack for a day in this colonial city. So if you are headed to Ecuador or to South America, would like to, or just want to know more about this amazing city, Tune in NOW! Links we talk about in this Episode: Our travel agent was Diana Endara at Galapagos Travel Center Intinan Museum and the Ecuador www.facebook.com/mueseointinan History of Quito: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urban_evolution_of_colonial_Quito Our hotel: Swissotel Quito - Luxury Hotel In Quito - Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts Our Tour Guide: Giovanny Viansaca Phone : (338) 979398449 Email: thisisusecuador@gmail.com Kiva.org Want an easy way to do some real good in the world? Join me on Kiva to make small loans to support local Ecuadorians. Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram here and here Save our travel ideas on Pinterest Quito Packing List:
Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> Episode Transcript (continued on episode webpage): I’m Scott and I’m Melissa and we are the Sunshine Travelers. Our passion is travel and sharing our experiences with those who enjoy it as much as we do, or want to learn more about travel, and even those that just want to live vicariously through our travel stories. No matter where you fall along that journey, get ready to hear about our first hand experiences as we visit some of the most amazing places on earth. Today we’ll be talking about our recent trip to Quito, Ecuador as part of our journey to the Galápagos Islands. We'll journey back in time to the 16th century and Colonial Quito during the Spanish Colonization period. There we'll see the Gilded Churches, and then make our way to the center of the earth as we visit a museum on Andean culture located on the Equator. Pack your bag and joins us as we share the sites, tastes and fun facts that we learned along the way. Scott: Ecuador is a country of 18 million people located on the Western Coast of South America. It is bordered by Colombia on the north, Peru on the east and south, and the Pacific Ocean on the west. Ecuador also includes the Galápagos Islands. Ecuador is made up of many indigenous groups of people that were gradually incorporated into the Inca Empire by the 15th century. The territory was colonized by Spain during the 16th century and finally emerged as its own sovereign state in 1830. For more on the history of Ecuador we'll put a few links in the show notes that can help you visit this incredible country first hand. Our original plan was to record this episode while in Quito but I think we underestimated the impact of Quito's elevation at almost 10k ft above sea level. It takes a little while to get used to and we were only there for 1.5 days. So let’s talk a little about how we ended up in Quito. Melissa, you were heavily engaged in the planning of this trip Melissa: If you listened to the episode where we talked about our bucket list for travel, you’ll know that the Galápagos Islands were on the list even though we hadn't originally planned to go so soon. Last year we were approached by a couple of our friends to join them on this trip and our immediate answer was “let’s go”. So we immediately began making plans because these trips fill up fast. We booked this trip through a travel company called Galapagos Travel Center and their website is https://www.galapagosislands.com/ We worked with Diana. They want you to arrive a day early in Ecuador because from many parts of the world there is only one flight a day and it gives you some buffer (and more tourism for them) so part of our tour package included a guided tour on the day that we were in Quito. We had a choice of three different tour options which included two nature options or a trip to the Equator and tour of Colonial Quito. Scott: I wanted to do the one that included the gilded churches. I’ve been to Quito for work before, but didn’t do any sight seeing while there. Several of my Ecuadorian colleagues had suggested on my next trip I should make time to see the gilded churches. Melissa: When Scott travels for work and I’m not in tow (which was most if his trips when our kids were younger) he sees the hotel, the office or client site, and wherever they take him to dinner. That’s it. I’m working hard to change that, especially when I’m with him. I’ll share a funny story about him in New York in an upcoming episode how I’ve trained him to use google maps to find what’s around him. Scott: Let's back up for just a minute. We don't normally use a tour company when we travel. What made this trip so different? Melissa: You mentioned that some friends invited us to tag along and they had already been working with a travel company to book this trip when we joined in so pretty much except our input on the choice of tour we were happy to just join in on what they had been planning. With this trip though I would say the logistics of getting to and from the airport and taking another flight to get to the ship etc with necessary fees for the National park paid and documents ready to go, having the tour company on the ground in Ecuador handle all that ahead of time made the logistics easy. Scott: Would you recommend using a tour company for anyone thinking of taking this trip? Melissa: Yes I would and I also think having a travel advisor that is super familiar with the trip you are taking specifically is really important and knows exactly what flights from Quito to book and having someone to get you to and from the airport and take you on the tour. So basically we just had to get to Quito by a certain day, and they took care of the rest. So that’s how we got to this point in ths Trip. Now let’s tell you a little about the tours we did in Quito. It was a full day of activity that included history, visiting a volcanic crater, local cuisine and drinks, and doing all of this at approximately 10k ft above sea level. That a big deal for those of us that spend a majority of our time living no more than 20 ft above sea level. Melissa: We started our day with a visit to the Intinan Museum which boasts that the actual equator flows through the site of this Indigenous History museum rather than the official monument that you can see towering over the location which celebrates ancient civilizations that once inhabited this region. If you take the guided tour a student from the local college will provide you with information about the ancient cultures and then lead you to what they claim to be the actual equator. If you have a GPS, you should be able to pinpoint that this location sits less than 2 One-Hundreths of a degree off the actual equator. Scott: It's amazing that these ancient cultures figured this out without the advantage of today's modern tools such as GPS. They literally used rocks and the sun to determine exactly where the Equator or "center of the earth" existed. We were able to do some pretty interesting experiments such as balancing a raw egg on top of nailhead, trying to walk a straight line with our eyes closed, and see how water flows differently depending on which side of the Equator you are standing. While the last one called the correalis effect was forced for the demonstration, it does help to explain why tornadoes are in the Northern Hemisphere and Cyclones are in the southern hemisphere. Melissa: our tour guide gave us an option at this point to go to the actual historical equator monument or go to a volcanic crater. We all chose the crater because we saw the monument driving by so it would be nice to see the volcanic crater too. We left the equator and made a short drive to a volcanic crater. This crater was massive and a small community has formed in the basin of the crater. We just happened to time it with clear skies for beautiful vistas that allowed us to look down and across from the edge of the crater and imagine how massive the volcano that used to sit atop this crater must have been. If you have the time and energy, you can hike down into the crater as a day trip and visit the community that has established itself down in the basin of the crater. Our guide said that may locals will hike down and camp in the basin and is a favorite for school trips. Here was also your opportunity to get some great deals on souvenirs that have been hand-crafted by local artisans in the shops they had set up there and Don't forget to bargain for the best deals but our tour guide was on hand to help with that! (I want to note that every tour I’ve ever taken like this, in Mexico, Portugal and and here- a stop has always been made to support the local shop, tradesman, economy etc so this is very common to have the tour guides help support other aspects of the local economy. ) Scott: After we left the crater, our tour guide knew a local place where you can get Ecuadorian Pan ice cream. It involves spinning a large metal pan on top of ice and pouring in fresh fruit juices until it freezes into a soft frozen treat resembling ice cream. Modern versions include all kinds of flavors and on the day we were visiting, they were making bubble gum flavored. Melissa and a few of our friends that were traveling with us were allowed to try and make the dessert. They quickly realized that it was a lot tougher than it looked. Almost like patting your head and rubbing your tummy. Melissa: This was supposed to just be a quick treat but our guide knew the shop owner and so that was fun to try our hand at making it end of course trying some. We were on our way into downtown Quito where we had reservations for a delicious Ecuadorian lunch but I’ll never turn down dessert first ( I even had to have 2. It was like a sorbet and made from local fruits that we don’t have so why not because I could only get it here. Scott: After lunch it was time to stroll through Colonial Quito. This is something that I have been looking forward to for years since my last visit to Quito for work. We walked out onto a magnificent plaza surrounded by historic buildings, churches, cafes and even the Presidential Palace. In 1978, the city of Quito was recognized as a UNESCO Heritage Site and rewarded for being the best preserved, least altered historic Center in Latin America. Here in Colonial Quito we were able to visit three of the gilded churches built during the Spanish Colonization period. 17th-Century Jesuit church, named La Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, and the 16th Century church and monastery called the Iglesia y Monasterio de San Francisco. These building feature ornate interiors were covered in literaly tons of gold leaf. The Iglesia y Monasterio de San Francisco took nearly 70 years to complete, however, the style of decoration continued to evolve for another 150 years after completion. Imagine every surface covered in ornate wood and gilded with shiny gold leaf. It is definitly a sight to see. If you love architecture, this is definitely a place you are going to want to add to your travel list. A couple of the churches don't want your to take pictures while inside. Use this as an opportunity to fill your memory banks with unbelievable works of art that just isn't replicated today. Melissa: While walking around downtown, our guide introduced us to several local candies including locally made dark chocolate with interesting flavor combinations, local sugar cane liquor and other delicious snacks you will only find in Ecuador. That was the other benefit from having a guide here is that we would have missed trying all the delicious food and snacks if we had been on our own in the Old town. We finished the day with a spectacular view of Quito from an area up on the mountainside and then back to the hotel for a little rest and relaxation before dinner. Scott: We did something for dinner that we normally wouldn't do in many areas of the world. We actuallty ate at the hotel. We were all pretty tired from a full day of activities and we knew that we had to get up very early the next morning for our journey onward to the Galapagos islands. We were recommended to try some seafood paella while here and it just so happened that the hotel had a seafood restaurant in it. I've personally had paella all over the world, and this wasn't bad. It allowed us to get something good to eat and get ready for the next day without staying up too late. If you enjoy an adult beverage or two, you may want to pay attention as they say the effects of alcohol in those altitudes is much more impactful on your body and it goes to your head very quickly. Scott: So Melissa, I think we should try something new for all of our episodes that are about traveling to a specific place. Let's give the listeners a list of the essential items that they need to pack when visiting Quito. Melissa:
We’ll put some links in the show notes where you can learn more about Quito and the contact information for our tour guide that did such a great job in sharing his vast knowledge of the geography, people and culture of Ecuador. If you have a favorite place to visit in Quito that we didn't cover, leave us a comment as we are always looking for new places to discover and things to do. We hope you enjoyed this episode and will find some inspiration for your next trip or perhaps this is something that you want to add to your bucket list. Most importantly, subscribe to our podcast and share it with your friends to help them catch the travel bug. You never know, they may become your greatest travel companion. | |||
| 25 Apr 2023 | Episode 4: Introducing Your Hosts, The Sunshine Travelers | 00:23:51 | |
Today we thought it would be good take step back and introduce ourselves as the host of this podcast. Learn about how we started with our travel adventures, where it has taken us, and what is next as we truly embrace our passion for travel. Pack your bag and journey back to the beginning as you learn more about us as your hosts. In this episode we both share how and where we traveled growing up, why we are called the Sunshine Travelers, and how and when we started traveling to more destinations around the world, and what's next for us on their travel adventures. So to get to know us a little more, Tune in NOW! Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram here and here Save our travel ideas on Pinterest ** I incorrectly referred to San Jose, Costa Rica as San Juan, I guess I had planning for San Juan, Puerto Rico on my brain when we recorded this episode. I apologize for any confusion. Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a>
Episode Transcript (continued on Episode Page): I’m Scott and I’m Melissa and we are the Sunshine Travelers. Our passion is travel and sharing our experiences with those who enjoy it as much as we do, want to learn more about travel, or even those that just want to live vicariously through our travel stories. No matter where you fall along that journey, get ready to hear about our first hand experiences as we visit some of the most amazing places on earth. Today we thought it would be good take step back and introduce ourselves as the host of this podcast. Learn about how we started with our travel adventures, where it has taken us, and what is next as we truly embrace our passion for travel. Pack your bag and journey back to the beginning as you learn more about us as your hosts. It seems kind of strange to do an introduction several episodes in on a podcast. I guess we were just eager to get started and had some great content we wanted to lead off with. Yeah, this is something we have been discussing for a long time and we were gearing up for our big bucket list trip to the Galapagos. We had originally wanted to record some of that content while on our trip, but it just didn't work out the way we had planned. But here we are and there is no better time than the present to do a little introduction. We are Scott and Melissa Barronton and we live in the Sunshine State of Florida. We've lived here for almost a year now but spent most of the rest of our lives near Atlanta, GA. Anyone who knows travel has made a trip or two through Hartsfield Jackson airport. The busiest airport in the world. That is exactly where my travel journeys began. Growing up my mom worked for the airlines and we could hop on a plane and go almost anywhere in the world. At the spur of the moment, we'd pack a bag, head to the airport and then decide where we wanted to go. We had one limitation - what flights were available. If we had the wrong clothes, no big deal, we'd take care of that when we got there. I wouldn't say travel was a passion for me back then. It took me to some really cool places and left me yearning for others. As a child we attempted several times to go to Hawaii. My parents and brother had been before and I heard all of the stories. Unfortunately for me, everytime we tried to we would always get bumped in California. Melissa thought that I was crazy because I didn't like Disneyland when we first got married. For me it was a consolation prize for not getting to go to Hawaii. I know, totally a first world problem. Fast forward to today and we both really enjoy Disney, and you will hear a lot about that as we travel there frequently with our children and grandchildren. How about you Melissa? Another reason that we are the Sunshine Travelers though is that we have a joke that it is always sunny or at least not raining when we travel to a destination, even if we do want it to rain or be a little cooler, like in London for example. Growing up my parents were teachers and so we spent a good amount of time in the summers going on camping trips. We would go both to familiar places as well as on new adventures. One place we went to a lot was the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville or various Georgia State parks. We would also go to beaches in Florida and North and South Carolina like the Outer Banks and would have adventures riding car ferries to get there. As we got older we would take longer road trips - such as several weeks going up the coast from Georgia to Maine stopping at lots of sights along the way. I had never been out of the country though until after we got married. Also my first international trip was with you to Germany to visit friends of your family that began as a student exchange with your brother. And thirty something years later I still try and visit our friends when in or near Frankfurt. In our daily lives, I have been working remotely for global companies for about 8-9 years now. I have employees all over the world and so it is quite common for me to travel internationally as part of my work. About five years ago our youngest son was old enough that he could stay home or with family members that lived just down the street and Melissa started traveling with me. At first mostly in the US, but then eventually on overseas travel as well. While I was working during the day, she would take small trips exploring out by bus, train or Uber taking in all of the sights that each location had to offer One of the first trips I got to tag along on was to Costa Rica. On this first trip with you we stayed in San Juan and I was able to see a few museums there - such as the Jade museum but I also went to a spa one day. You had never done anything in Costa Rica except go to the office and to dinner so thankfully when local people take you, they will usually go somewhere with a view or to a nice local restaurant. So The next time we went a few days early and rented a car and spent the weekend close to San Juan seeing the volcano at the National Park and staying in an Eco resort. We were then able to hire a driver to take me from the hotel to experience a zip line, because that’s not something you would enjoy and then he took me to a coffee plantation. I also got to go to Las Vegas for the first time tagging along on a work trip even though you had been several times before. So since you were working and when you had been before you didn’t really get to experience the area, I think this is really where I started figuring out how to research an area and what to do there using Pinterest to find blog posts, Trip Advisor and google maps to save locations etc. I think the most fun for me was going early with you or staying over a weekend (at our own expense of course) and take you places in the location especially when you had been there several times. We need to back up a little though because before this we took our kids on trips when they were younger for long weekends or vacations and we tried to take one trip as a couple per year just us and bigger ones on special anniversaries. Scott, do you want to talk about some of these trips?
One thing that we are passionate about is married couples taking trips together without their kids, once a year. and it doesn’t have to be far but just to reconnect and recharge and spend time together. We have always been fortunate that our kids stayed with family but if you know someone and are able to help watch their kids to allow them to do this, I would highly encourage it.
Which was…
…. more in another episode so now our travels are a mix of business (with pleasure) and then just pleasure trips like the Galapagos (which we talked about in detail in Episode 2) and an upcoming trip to Puerto Rico and St John. Right now we are:
Melissa: yes because our bucket list is long so when an opportunity arrises, it is likely that it is on the list So now you know a little more about us as your hosts on this journey. We hope you enjoyed this episode and will find some inspiration for your next trip or perhaps this is something that you want to add to your bucket list. Most importantly, subscribe to our podcast, leave us a review, and share it with your friends to help them catch the travel bug, especially anyone who is traveling to Equador and the Galapagos. You never know, they may become your greatest travel companion. | |||
| 02 May 2023 | Episode 5: London Travel Guide | 00:58:26 | |
Today we are excited to talk about one of our favorite International locations - London, UK. For us, London is one of those places we can visit over and over again never doing the same thing twice, unless we want to. If you’ve been to London before, don’t worry, we are going to have some tips that will benefit whether this is your first visit or if you have been multiple times before. So pack your bags, grab your passport and let’s get started on visiting London. In this episode we discuss: -Arriving in London & Navigating Heathrow Airport -Where to Stay in London -What to do in London on a First Visit (then a Second & Third Visit) -Eating in London (including when you need to book ahead) -Where to have High Tea in London -Getting Around London -Day Trips Outside London -Tours in London -Money -Our Suggested Packing List for London Episode Links: Uplift App to Eliminate Jet Lag Hotels we recommend in the vicinity of Paddington Station This time we stayed at London Marriott Hotel Marble Arch We've also stayed at Sheraton Grand London Park Lane, which is right across from Green Park and near Buckingham Palace and close to the Green Park Underground Station. The first time we visited London we purchased the London City Pass by Go City which offers really great value for seeing a number of the attractions we recommend. Afternoon Tea locations Fortnum & Mason - I love Fortnum & Mason tea so this was the perfect experience for me. Book online and come hungry as you can get a refill of anything you want. Harrods Afternoon Tea - pair this with a visit to this iconic department store - we actually had dinner at the Pizzeria & Pasqua located on the 2nd floor this last visit and really enjoyed it! There are afternoon teas in most hotels and in a lot of hotel restaurants including the famous Ivy with several locations in London and more opening in towns surrounding London such as Windsor and Richmond. Other Recommended Tours - as mentioned in several episodes we have booked lots of tours through Viator in several destinations around the world including Italy, Spain, Portugal, Mexico and have used them to book cruise excursions. We have partnered with Viator to bring you the following links. If you book using these links we may receive a small commission that helps us to provide you with this travel content. Inside London Harry Potter fans might enjoy the Harry Potter London Tour. We saw some people on this tour in Leadenhall Market, the location of the Leaky Cauldron in the first movie. Outside London We are planning another episode for outside London but some of our favorite places are listed below. We have either taken the train or had a car and explored them on our own but I've know lots of people to take them as day trips as a part of a tour to make logistics easier. Some of these tours combine more than one of these locations. **We apologize for the quality of the recording in some places in this episode but not to worry, Scott has already remedied it for future episodes with some new equipment and I think you'll be pleased with the new sound quality** Thank you! | |||
| 28 Apr 2023 | Sunshine Travelers Podcast Trailer | 00:01:31 | |
Have you fallen into the habit of vacationing in the same place year after year and are looking for a little excitement to shake it up? While there is nothing wrong with creating traditions and lasting memories of a familiar place, you may find yourself intrigued by that friend or family member that is always traveling somewhere new. If that is you, but you aren’t sure where to start, pack a bag and come with us. I’m Scott and I’m Melissa and we are the Sunshine Travelers. Our passion is travel and sharing our experiences with those who enjoy it as much as we do, those who want to learn more about travel, or even those that just want to live vicariously through our travel stories. Our weekly podcast is a resource for anyone that enjoys either learning new tips or hearing stories about our travels to some of the most beautiful and interesting places on earth. Whether you are a seasoned travel veteran or someone that is just catching the travel bug, this is a great resource for you. We will share our personal experiences and interviews with novices and travel professionals alike. On each episode we attempt to share tips that will make your travel more enjoyable or even what to pack and where to go. So pack your bags and join us each week as we share new content to inspire your travel goals and help you travel like a pro. Follow and share this podcast with your friends and perhaps they will become one of your greatest travel companions. | |||
| 09 May 2023 | Episode 6: 7 Ways to Beat Jet Lag | 00:09:15 | |
For anyone that has ever traveled across time zones you know the effects of jet lag. It's one of the things that can hold you back from really enjoying your travel. If you only have a limited amount of time, jet lag is something you want to avoid if possible. Today, Melissa is going to share some of the tips and techniques that we use when traveling internationally to minimize the effects of jet lag and get your on track quickly with the local time zone to start enjoying your vacation. Pack a bag and travel across time zones with us without the annoying effects. 1. Try to get some rest on the plane. Even if you can't sleep for a long period of time, try to take a couple of naps. 2. Stay hydrated and if possible try to limit your alcohol consumption since it interferes with sleep. 3. When you arrive, get a light bite to eat and go to the hotel. This will prevent you from getting HANGRY. 4. What to do if you arrive at your destination in the morning vs the evening and take a Melatonin or Magnesium Supplement 5. Use Precision Nerve Stimulation via the Uplift App (not an affiliate link, we just love it that much and know it works!) 6. Set an alarm & Take a Nap but make sure that you GET UP or your sleep schedule will be wrecked! 7. Get some Fresh Air - choose an outdoor activity if possible In this episode talk about tips and techniques that we use to fight the effects of jet lag on our trips. These work great for us, but maybe you have something that you’ve found to be helpful. Drop us a note or leave a comment. We love hearing from you and are inspired by your stories. Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram here and here Save our travel ideas on Pinterest Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 16 May 2023 | Episode 7: A Summer Trip to Europe | 00:31:26 | |
On today’s episode are sharing with you a trip from that turned out to be a bucket list trip even though we had not previously had it on our list. We’re going to cover quite a large chunk of the Mediterranean and picturesque towns across southern Europe on a 6 week summer travel adventure. Grab your passport, pack a bag and let’s get started. In this episode we discuss:
We each brought along one bag for the trip in order to make the transitions easier. We love and highly recommend this eBag backpack. Here is an eBag with wheels if it would be easier for you to roll it rather than carry it (I think I'm going to invest in this one soon). Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram here and here Save our travel ideas on Pinterest Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 20 Jun 2023 | Episode 12: The Benefits of Joining Travel Loyalty Programs | 00:17:56 | |
In this episode we are going to talk about brand loyalty, how it helps you in your travel journeys and even our thoughts on when you should use reward points in your travel vs paying for your hotel or flight directly. If you aren't an experienced traveler you may be tempted to always shop based purely on price or location without giving a second thought about how you get there or where you stay. We'll share some of our stories and perhaps this will help you as you think about your upcoming trips. Don't worry, even if you aren't an avid traveler, we'll include some stories from our trips. So pack your bags and join us as we share our thoughts on brand loyalty and using rewards in your travel. Brand Loyalty Tips: 1. Focus on 1-2 Brands in each Category such Airlines, Hotels, and Rental Cars to earn points and status and the benefits that status offers (such as free checked bags, priority boarding, free upgrades, etc) 2. Choose brands that make the most sense for your geographic location and travel habits. We regularly use Marriott, Delta, National Car Rental but choose the ones that make the most sense for you. 3. If you have to book flights outside of your main brand, try to book with a partner airline of your main brand if those points/miles can be earned/used with your preferred brand. 4. When booking rewards (hotel nights and flights) using points/miles, research and compare the rewards required vs the cash price to decide when to pay for flight or hotel vs when to redeem points for it. All rewards are not created equal. Airline mile redemptions can vary widely depending on the time of day but the cash price may be relatively the same. We've also found when booking a hotel that a 3 star hotel night may "cost" the same more points than a 4 star hotel night when the cash price is widely different. Using those points for the 4 start hotel night is a better use of them. Here's an flight example: Round trip Flight to Europe Atlanta to Lisbon was 120,000 miles through Madrid on the way and Charles de Galle on the way back. Instead I found that I could do the same trip for 70,000 miles by booking a multi city flight Atlanta to Madrid with the return Amsterdam to Atlanta and purchase the Madrid to Lisbon and Lisbon to Amsterdam flight for around $129 saving a lot of miles for another trip Here's a hotel example: One night at a Springhill Suites was 50,000 points or $229 and one night at an Autograph Collection Hotel was also 50,000 points but $389. Using the points at the Autograph Collection Hotel was the better value. 5. Get a credit card that gives you travel rewards and earns you reward points on your everyday purchases. Most of them have a great sign on bonus that will get you to a free flight or hotel nights. Use credit cards wisely and don't spend more than you normally would or pay interest on balances but earn points on your spending rather than using cash or a debit card. Look for one without foreign transaction fees and that provides travel rewards benefits that you will use such as free checked bags, free hotel nights, free airport lounge access. Don't overlook a card that has an annual fee if the benefits that you get from it more than outweigh that annual fee. We like the Delta Skymiles American Express Reserve Card for access to the Delta Sky Club, one domestic companion certificate each calendar year, a free checked bag, priority boarding, and you earn miles through purchases and milestones to redeem for free flights. Here's our referral link for this one. If you apply and are approved for it, we both get a nice bonus. See our affiliate disclaimer here. We like the Chase Sapphire Reserve Visa Card for the Sign on Bonus, Airport Lounge Access where there isn't a Delta Sky Club, the points you earn for purchases that can be redeemed on multiple airlines and through Marriott, and the other benefits such as free Instacart and Lyft Pink memberships. Here's our referral link for this one. If you apply and are approved for it, we both get a nice bonus. We like the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Business Card that gives you a free night, status, and you earn points toward free nights through purchases. Here's our referral link for this one.If you apply and are approved for it, we both get a nice bonus. 6. If you have travel reward points that can be redeemed on with multiple airlines, when redeeming points/miles for flights compare the redemption of those on several airlines that operate that same flight. For example a Delta flight from Atlanta to London may be also operated by a partner such a Virgin Atlantic or Air France. Check the rewards redemption on all the airlines that operate that flight and see which one is the best value. Then transfer those points to your account with that airline and book the flight. There is sometimes a huge difference between the number of reward points/miles required. 7. If a brand you usually use is not available for a trip/destination, see if another brand you need to use status matches your other brand. For example, you usually rent from National and are an Emerald Executive and you need to rent from a place where National is not available but Enterprise is. See if you can match your status to Enterprise or another brand that is available. The same is true for airlines. Research to see who will status match. You may not be using that brand more than once but for that particular trip, it is nice to get your status matched. 8. Always, Always, Always sign up for the travel rewards program with a hotel, rental car, and airline even if you don't use that one all the time. Try to stick to the 1-2 in each category to get the most benefit but if you have to use another, sign up for their program anyway. Travel Rewards Guru websites we have learned a lot from that will help you elevate your points/miles game: Read more about this and other travel tips on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram here and here Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 23 May 2023 | Episode 8: 4 Days in Puerto Rico | 00:36:05 | |
On this episode, we have the privilege of recording on-site while in San Juan, Puerto Rico. We are going to discuss how to get here, where to stay, where to eat, and what to do while visiting Puerto Rico. So pack a bag and join us in Sunny Puerto Rico. Just to clarify US citizens don’t need a passport :) to travel to Puerto Rico but non U.S. citizens would still need one when traveling from the US. Some of the following are affiliate links and if you book or make a purchase we may receive a small commission that helps us bring you this content. Links we mention in the episode We stayed at the Condado Ocean Club. Book at Oceanview room for the best views of the Ocean. To see some pictures see our blog post here all about this trip to Puerto Rico. We also considered the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel right next door. Location for walking around Old San Juan We started at Cafe Quatto Sombras toward Casa Rosa and then wandered our way up to Castillo San Felipe del Morro because we mainly wanted to see the architecture Can also start at La Casita de Rones down the Paseo de la Princesa toward El Morro along the outside of the wall Where we ate In Condado Beach Area La Marqueta for quick food - like a food truck park but $$$ Pannes - breakfast and lunch served all day Old San Juan Dinner: Bacaro Coffee Shop in Breakfast: Cafe Quattro Sombras Diner we picked up lunch from: Cafe Manolin La Vergüenza Viejo San Juan is a rooftop bar & restaurant - this bar & restaurant with one of the best meals we have had. Order appetizers as it took the food awhile to come out but it was worth the wait. In Fajardo El Yunque National Forest Recreation.gov link for parking reservations $2 - you'll need this to be able to get into the section to see the waterfalls (30 days in advance and then more open up 24 hours in advance) We recommend you download the app El Yunque National Forest link and offline maps on Google before you go as there is little/no cell and data service in the Forest We loved taking the Mixology class at Casa Bacardi Packing List - See All our Favorite Travel Things Here
Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram here Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Follow us on X (Twitter) Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 30 May 2023 | Episode 9: What You Need to Know When Planning a Trip to St John in the US Virgin Islands | 00:44:20 | |
This episode we continue our “recorded onsite” series as we discover St John in the US Virgin Islands. No need for a passport this week as St John is another US Territory. We will talk about where to stay on the Island, where to eat, and what to do along with conversations that we’ve had over the last few days. So pack a bag and come join us on St John. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Get our full 7 Day St John Itinerary Here! It is a customizable itinerary but we've filled in our favorite places to snorkel and the hidden beaches we love! This is a must have when planning your trip to Saint John, USVi. In the esisode did forget to mention how to get here. To get to St. John you'll need to fly to St. Thomas and take a ferry over to St. John. The ferry runs from Red Hook on St. Thomas to Cruz Bay. You can take a taxi from the airport on St. Thomas to Red Hook to take the ferry. Check here for the ferry schedule. If you are staying at the Westin there is a separate ferry that is available. Check into their desk in the baggage claim area and they provide a shuttle to Red Hook. It is more expensive to take their ferry but it takes you directly to the resort and you can go back and forth to St. Thomas as much as you would like during your stay. Check with the Westin St John for the most up to date ferry schedule. Where to stay: Westin St. John Resort & Villas (this is where we have stayed twice) Gallows Point Resort - right in Cruz Bay Other places to stay in Cruz Bay and in Coral Bay Eco lodge on St John - Concordia Eco Resort in Coral Bay What to do: Rent a car to drive to all the beaches on the island O’Connor Car Rental (this one has a location at the Westin as well) Snorkel - this is what we spent most of our time on this trip doing! Our Top 5 Snorkel Beaches from this Trip
You Tube of Snorkeling Video Link If you are staying on St Thomas or are on a Cruise that ports in St Thomas here are some day trip options so you can see St. John Day trips to St John from St Thomas St John Island Sightseeing Tour from St Thomas St John Island and Trunk Bay Beach Tour from St Thomas Where to Eat on St. John Mongoose Junction St. John Brewers Tap Room Our Market Smoothies - tell our friend Karen that Scott & Melissa sent you Tap & Still - burgers, wings, fries, beer Grocery options - we recommend packing lunches for the beach and picking up breakfast items Dolphin Market - has gluten free, keto etc. options Starfish Market Other Resources St John Packing List is Here Full St John Blog Post Guide is Here Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram here and here Save our travel ideas on Pinterest Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 06 Jun 2023 | Episode 10: Antarctica, From the Icy Unknown to Your Bucket List | 00:48:06 | |
In this episode, we have a guest traveler, Cathy Sandlin, joining us to talk about one of our bucket list destination of Antarctica. We’ll discover how you get there, what you do, and what you need to pack. Cathy will answer those questions for us based on her first hand experiences. So put on your Parka, pack your bags and let’s get started on our Journey to Antarctica. Based on our conversation with Cathy, we've got a huge decision to make now for our 30th Anniversary Trip and Scott's 50th birthday. Should we book a Safari in South Africa or a Cruise to Antartica. Be sure to follow us to find out! Episode Links: National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions - email us info@sunshinetravelers.com and we can help you choose and book a National Geographic Expedition! Cathy mentioned a couple of other places that she recommends in this episode so here are the links: Belize Muy'Ono Copal Tree Lodge (We have stayed at the Muy'ono Sweet Songs Jungle Lodge in Belize and it was top notch -especially the food & beverages!) Jock Safari Lodge in Kruger National Park Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram here and here Save our travel ideas on Pinterest Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 13 Jun 2023 | Episode 11: Journey to the Last Frontier: Our Alaska Road Trip Adventure | 00:58:14 | |
In this episode, we have two guest travelers joining us to talk about one of our bucket list destinations of Alaska that we traveled together on. We’ll discover how do you get there, what do you do, and what do you need to pack. Our special guests will help us answer these questions based on our first hand experiences. So pack your bags and let’s get started on this journey to Alaska. I’ve listed where we stayed but since many of the places are small, some links include several accommodations in each area. Some links are affiliate links, see our disclosure. We recommend that you book as far in advance as possible for accommodations, experiences and some restaurants as due to the short summer travel seasons, they do fill up. Get our 11 Day Alaska Road Trip Itinerary Here! Anchorage Accommodations in Anchorage - We stayed at the Springhill Suites Eat at Moose Tooth Pizza Homer Accomodations in Homer - We stayed at Glacier View Cabins Eat at Saltry Restaurant at Halibut Cove and book the Ferry to get there (opens June 1st) Seward Accommodations in Seward - we stayed at Alaska Creekside Cabins Alaska Sea Life Center Glacier Tour - Kenai Fjords Tours Hike the Exit Glacier at Kenai Fjords National Park Eat at Woody’s Thai Kitchen Talkeetna Accomodations in Talkeetna - we stayed at Talkeetna Wilderness Lodge Eat at Denali Brewing Co (food truck) and Talkeetna Roadhouse (you can also Stay at Talkeetna Roadhouse) Denali/Kantishna Accommodations in Kantishna (End of the Road in Denali): We stayed at the Skyline Lodge We flew in with Kantishna Air Taxi Accommodations outside Denali- We stayed at Denali Hostel and Cabins Eat at Creekside Cafe and 49th State Brewing Whittier to Anchorage Tour & Transfer
Packing List: XtraTuff Boots - mine are Salmon Sisters Octopus Print Rain jacket - mine is Helly Hanson Layers Dramamine for boat and seaplane tours Motion sickness bands Tennis shoes that can double as hikers - these are the ones have used for years
Hear our tips on eliminating Jet Leg here
See the pictures (and videos) from our epic trip on our Instagram (I’ll save them in the Alaska highlights) While we didn’t take the railroad on this trip, we referenced it several times, here is a link to where you can book it here Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram here and here Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 27 Jun 2023 | Episode 13: 10 Essential Packing Tips for Smooth Traveling | 00:23:43 | |
These tips will help streamline your packing process and ensure a smoother and more efficient travel experience. Get Our Ultimate Packing Guide for Traveling Smart and Packing Light + Access to Exclusive Weekly Content here. Find our favorite packing essentials here. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Here's Our 10 Essential Packing Tips for Smooth Traveling:
Read more traveling tips and travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram here Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 04 Jul 2023 | Episode 14: Discover Amelia Island, Florida – A Local's Ultimate Travel Guide | 01:00:32 | |
Amelia Island Travel GuideClick here for a downloadable and Google Doc version of our Guide How to Get Here:Fly into Jacksonville International Airport or drive if you are within 5-6 hours driving distance You will probably want to rent a car, not only to get onto the island from the airport but to get to the beach and to downtown and so you can explore the state parks on the island. Sometimes it is difficult to get an uber to drop you off on the island (Scott has had several times that the Uber has picked up his ride and then dropped it). We will try to keep this guide updated but if you find that something is closed, please contact us and let us know and we will fix it Where to Stay:Rent a house or condo, stay in a bed and breakfast, a local hotel, or a chain hotel. See all options here. Some options include: Near the Beach - North End of the Island Springhill Suites and Courtyard by Mariott Amelia Seaside Inn Elizabeth Point Near Downtown Fernandina Beach Addison on Ameila Amelia Schoolhouse Inn - A Southern Living Hotel The Florida House Inn Near the Beach - On the South End of the Island Omni Amelia Camping at Ft Clinch State Park is on the beach but it books up 12 months in advance so plan ahead What to do:Enjoy the Beach- there is public beach access every ¼ mile along A1A and the beach is dog friendly (just bring along poop bags Golf: Fernandina Beach Golf Club, Amelia River Club and if you are staying at the Omni or Ritz Carlton you will have access to their courses Putt-Putt: McGregors (downtown), Putt Putt Fun Center (at Main Beach), Island- Falls Adventure Golf (on Sadler) State Parks: Ft Clinch State Park - Famous for Shark tooth hunting, the fort, hiking trails, the beach, and biking Amelia Island State Park Festivals- see the events calendar here Dickens on Centre and the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival are favorites! Market Day - Every Saturday Year Round from 9am-1pm Other Activities: Rent Bikes or E bikes Enjoy the Egan's Crekk Greenway Playgrounds - Pirate Playground, Playground at Main Beach, Playground at Central Park Shopping: Local Surf Shops - Driftwood Surf Shop & Amelia Surf Co Downtown Shopping includes your tacky touristy kitsch souvenir shops, tee shirt shops, ladies wear, homegoods, menswear, and more! Where to Eat and Drink - (For Brunch and Dinner we would recommend trying to make a reservation) - be sure to check online for hoursBreweries & Distillery Marlin & Barrel Distillery - Free Tastings - Tell Shannon Scott & Melissa sent you First Love Brewing Amelia Island Brewers Live Music & Night Life Green Turtle The Palace Saloon - The Oldest Bar in Florida- Stop by and have your picture made with the pirate and grab a famous pirate punch. Wine and Cocktail Bar - The Decantery Beach Bars (these are also Restaurants) The Sandbar - right at Main Beach Sliders - at Sadler Road Coffee Downtown - Amelia Island Coffee *1928 Cuban Cafe - Great coffee, breakfast, sandwiches - open for breakfast and lunch Starbucks Breakfast & Brunch Aloha Bagel Garden Street Bistro - small cafe so make a reservation The Patio at 5th and Ash Tortuga Jacks at Sliders - opens early with a sunrise view Leddy’s Porch - weekends only - call for reservations Go Juice - Smoothies, Frozen Coffee Beverages, Acai and Dragon Bowls Lunch Salt Life - we love the Sear Ahi Tuna Salad and their specialty cocktails La Serena - authentic mexican cuisine 4th Street Deli - Sandwiches and Authentic Deli Salads (only open for lunch) Tasty’s Burgers T-Ray’s (known for their burgers, breakfast) - there’s usually a line The Salty Pelican The Sandbar Sliders Pepper’s Mexican Pablos - moving to a new location on Centre Street Grab a Deli Sandwich at Publix Dinner - check for reservations, open days and times as they can get busy The Patio at 5th & Ash - this is one of our favorite spots for outdoor dining and live music - I personally love their mussels Ciao - Italian but they have great seafood options Espana - Spanish Tapas - definitely make reservations The Boathouse The Wicked Bao Sushi Akari - be sure to arrive at least 45 minutes before closing or they will make you do carry out Cafe Karibo Pablos - upscale Mexican and Mezcal Drinks Pizza V’s Pizza - on Sadler Arte - Downtown First Love Brewing Townies - they have a pizza garden outside the restaurant - New York Style Pizza - they serve slices for lunch Seafood Cedar River Seafood Down Under Shucker’s If you have a kitchen go to Atlantic Seafood Market and pick up seafood to cook Publix also carries the Mayport Shrimp Off the island South on A1A Safe Harbor Seafood (there's a market and a restaurant) - you’ll need to take the ferry across the river and it is closed on Monday Palm’s Fish Camp The Sand Dollar Dessert & Ice Cream In Downtown Fernandina: Whatanut - handmade Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches - choose your cookie and ice cream flavor Fantastic Fudge - Handmade Fudge & Yoder’s Ice Cream Nana Teresa’s Bake Shop DeNucci’s on Sadler - try the Hot Brownie Sundae but they also have Dole Whip Groceries: On the North End: Walmart Winn-Dixie Publix Nassau Health Foods - like a small whole foods or Sprouts On the South End: Harris-Teeter Other shopping: Don’t miss our local Ace Hardware - beach essentials, clothing, a huge Yeti selection, flip flops and sunglasses Packing List:Bathing Suit & Cover Up/Rash Guard Lightweight Tropical clothing - shorts, tank top, flip flops Sundresses and Chino Shorts/Polo or Button up for Dinner Beach Chairs, coolers, beach shade, sand toys, shell bags (we have lots of shells in addition to the shark teeth) Books and kindles Golf clubs Tennis Racket for Pickleball
Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram here and here Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a>
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| 11 Jul 2023 | Episode 15: How to Plan a Trip to Walt Disney World with Children | 00:51:53 | |
In this Episode we are discussing a Strategy to Use When Visiting Walt Disney World with Children. We talk about when you should go, where to stay, how long to stay, how to plan your days, and what to pack in your park bag. To get all these tips sent straight to you click here! For our COMPLETE Walt Disney World PLANNING GUIDE click HERE! Episode links: Consider using Standby Skipper to book your lightning lanes for you. Check out Kingdom Strollers for delivery to the Orlando International Airport or your Resort Hotel (on or off Disney property) See Undercover Tourist Crowd Calendar here. Don't wear new shoes. Wear broken in comfortable shoes that are okay to get wet. Crocs are a great option for kids and we like these for men and women. Here's what to pack in your park bag:
Follow our travels on Instagram here and our Disney tips and travels here Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel (and Disney) videos on You Tube Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a>
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| 18 Jul 2023 | Episode 16: Tips for an Adult Walt Disney World Adventure | 00:57:30 | |
This is Part 2 of a 3 part series on traveling to one of our favorite places - Walt Disney World. If you have ever been to Disney before you probably already know how intimidating it can be, but follow along and we’ll help you plan like a pro. This second installment is if you are traveling to Disney either alone as adults or with other adult friends or family members. Use these tips to help devise a strategy for visiting the parks, tips for dining and nightlife both in and out of the park, and choosing the best time to visit. So pack your bag and come with us to one of the most magical places on earth. Check out Undercover Tourist Crowd Calendar to help you decide the best time to go based on Holidays, Events, Etc. Be sure to download the My Disney Experience App ahead of time and know how to make park reservations, complete online hotel check in, buy park and special event tickets, make dining reservations, and navigate Virtual Queue and Genie Plus. For help with all these things and more, check out My Magical Experience Plan Guide and Tutorial. Check out our episode on packing here especially if you are flying or plan to do a split stay. What to pack In your park bag:
Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram here and our Disney trips and tips here Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a>
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| 25 Jul 2023 | Episode 17: Navigating Walt Disney World with Senior Adults | 00:33:26 | |
This is Part 3 of a 3 part series on traveling to one of our favorite places - Walt Disney World. If you have ever been to Disney before you probably already know how intimidating it can be, but follow along and we’ll help you plan like a pro. This final installment is if you are traveling to Disney either alone as senior adults or maybe you have senior adults traveling with you for a family trip. Use these tips to help devise a strategy for visiting the parks, tips for dining and nightlife both in and out of the park, and choosing the best time to visit. So pack your bag and come with us to one of the most magical places on earth. Check out the following links to help you plan your Walt Disney World Vacation with Seniors: Check out Undercover Tourist Crowd Calendar to help you decide the best time to go based on Holidays, Events, Etc. We used Buena Vista Scooter Rentals and were extremely pleased with the scooters and the service. Be sure to download the My Disney Experience App ahead of time and know how to make park reservations, complete online hotel check in, buy park and special event tickets, make dining reservations, and navigate Virtual Queue and Genie Plus. For help with all these things and more, check out My Magical Experience Plan Guide and Tutorial. See if Disability Access Service applies to your senior and learn how to register here. This service can make navigating the parks with a senior more enjoyable if they quality for the service, otherwise we highly recommend using the Genie+ Service and Standby Skipper. Minnie Vans (powered by Lyft) are able to accommodate scooters and wheelchairs and may be helpful if traveling to Disney Springs or another resort hotel for dinner or to the parks. Get a discount here when you sign up for Lyft. Check out our episode on packing here especially if you are flying or plan to do a split stay. What to pack in your park bag:
For more Disney tips check out our episodes on Disney with Children and Disney with Adults Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram here and here Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a>
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| 01 Aug 2023 | Episode 18: Dublin & Southern Ireland Road Trip | 01:00:00 | |
In this episode we take you along on a driving tour of Ireland. Our trip was focused on the southern half of Ireland and anchored through Dublin. Join us as we experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of Ireland. We'll share our itinerary of what we did, where we stayed and what we ate. So pack your passport and join us as we tour through some amazing places. Get our 10 Day Dublin and Southern Itinerary Here! Our Itinerary included 3 nights in Dublin, Kilkenny, Dingle, Galway, Inis Mor and back to Dublin. In Dublin we enjoyed a Dinner Irish River Dance Traditional Music Show, Book of Kells and Trinity College, Dublin Hop on Hop Off Tour, Guinness Storehouse, Teeling Distillery, Evensong at St. Patrick's Cathedral Outside Dublin: Glendalough National Park, Rock of Cashel, Dingle Penisula, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Inis Mor via Ferry from Galway, Joyce Country Sheepdogs Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG and on Melissa's sister Stephanie's Blog about Dublin here and about Joyce Country Sheepdogs here Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram here and here Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 08 Aug 2023 | Episode 19 - How to Plan and Save Money on Excursions Beyond the Cruise Port | 00:26:15 | |
As many people are returning to the open waters and once again enjoying cruises as part of their vacation, we thought we would share some insights on how to plan and book excursions that will help you get outside of the touristy cruise terminals and enjoy the local culture and experiences. Excursions booked through the cruise line can often be very expensive. We'll share with you ways that we were able to book the exact same excursions for sometimes half the price. So pack your flip flops, bathing suits and a couple of small bags and join us as we discover excursions beyond the ports. We use and recommend tours booked through Viator. Most have a 24 hour before cancellation policy that we love. TIP- when searching include from & the name of the cruise port city (ie. Malaga, Cadiz, Livorno, etc) and the word port Here's some of the excursions from cruise ports we booked in the Mediterranean for our cruise: Spain Grenada The Alhambra & Generalife Gardens in Grenada (we did the one from the Malaga Port) Cadiz/Seville Seville Day Trip Transportation from Cadiz Port Barcelona Barcelona Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour Italy Rome Colosseum Underground & The Roman Forum Vatican Early Entry to Sistine Chapel Tuscany Wine Tasting & Tuscany Countryside, San Gimignano & Volterra
Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram here and here Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 15 Aug 2023 | Episode 20 - How to Plan a Trip - Our Step by Step Guide to Planning Your Bucket List Adventure | 00:30:54 | |
We are often asked if we use a travel agent when planning some of our great adventures. The answer is both yes and no. Planning a trip to an unknown place is some of the most intimidating parts of traveling but it can often be part of the fun as well. We hope that this episode will make that task a little less intimidating and encourage you to try new places that you have never been before. Plan for that adventure of a lifetime. And do it like a pro. So grab your notepad and get ready to learn what goes into planning a trip. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclaimer here. Planning tools that we use and love I get regular emails from Going (formerly Scott's cheap flights) to watch for flight deals. If I am looking for a certain flight, I'll put in alerts on Google Flights or Hopper and watch for them that way. We regularly use Booking.com to book hotels, especially when we are doing road trips or not using our main hotel chain. This way we ensure that we are getting a great deal, a great cancellation policy, and there are no gaps in our stay since we can see it all in one place. We also like to use Viator.com to book tours and excursions. Click here to a list of the tours and excursions we have booked through them in the past. Our travel planning spreadsheets can be accessed here. Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram here Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on YouTube Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 22 Aug 2023 | Episode 21 - Scotland Road Trip | 01:07:15 | |
Travel with us this week as we head across the pond to Scotland. We'll tell you where we went, what we did, and how we got there. As usual, we'll sprinkle in plenty of information about what to eat and drink while you are in Scotland. This trip was filled with so many memories including seeing the late Queen's funeral cortege as we were driving to St Andrews. We have a lot of ground to cover, so grab your passport, pack your bags, and let's get started on this journey through Scotland. Some links are affiliate link. See our disclosure. I used and recommend Rick Steves Scotland Listen to How to Plan a Trip - Episode 20 We used Booking.com to book our accommodations for this trip. Here's Our JET LAG Procedure Hillhead area of Glasgow: Argyll Western Hotel - Loop & Scoop Stirling: Stirling Castle & Portullis for lunch St Andrews: The St Andrews Putting Club & The Albany St Andrews Inverness: Highland Malt Whiskey Experience & Castle View Guest House Inverness Oban: No17 the Promenade & Cuan Mor Turberry: Trump Turnberry Hotel & Culzean Castle & Country Park Downtown Glasgow: Native Glasgow & The Citizen for dinner What to Pack for Scotland: Jeans & Pants, Layers, Lightweight Sweaters, Rain Jacket, Blazer, Tennis shoes or lightweight hiking shoes, comfortable dressier shoes for dinner or walking in towns Scotland Blog Post will be linked here soon Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram here and here Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 29 Aug 2023 | Episode 22: Greece Off The Beaten Path | 00:58:50 | |
Sun, salty air, and delicious foods and wonderful hospitality. Today we are traveling to Greece, but we’re going to take you a little off the beaten path as we discover some of our favorite islands you may have never heard of before. We’ll travel on planes and ferry boats as we explore places to stay, magnificent food, and gorgeous waters that are calling your name. So pack your swimsuit and maybe a couple of outfits and let’s get started on an adventure you will never forget. When people think of Greece, they imagine the Parthenon, the Acropolis or maybe one of the cruise port Islands such as Mykonos or Santorini. Today we want to take you deeper into Greece and explore a few minor islands that are part of the Greek Cyclades in the Aegean sea. Our journey starts on the popular Island of Santorini and we talk to our friend Suzanne who booked an unusual experience and got to see parts of Santorini most tourists don't. We will also tell you where we recommend you stay near Oia that's a bit more hidden. Then we will go further off the beaten path as we island hop over to Milos, Sifnos, Paros, and Antiparos. We’ll talk about where we stayed, what we did, and the delicious food we ate. So let’s get started. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. See options to book the Santorini Flying Dress experience Suzanne talks about. On Santorini we stayed at Gemini Caves and had a fantastic experience with our host. They took care of our luggage and every need. It is not overlooking the caldera but had a small private pool and you could see the water from it. It was much cheaper to stay off the beaten path here. Other options nearby. We booked all our accommodations in Greece using Booking.com to keep them all in one place. We generally like the cancellation policy and that you usually pay at the property. We used the Sea Sickness Bands but recently Scott purchased a Relief Band and loves it so far. MILOS: See our Milos Blog Post Here for where we stayed, & the beaches we recommend you visit SIFNOS: Klados Studios & Apartments in Cherronisos but we would recommend staying in PAROS: Tarsa Studios and Apartments. Other places to stay in Drios. Other places to stay on Paros. Tips for Greece:
Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram here and here Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a>
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| 05 Sep 2023 | Episode 23 - How to Handle Travel Disruptions | 00:38:59 | |
Our Tips for Handling Travel Disruptions
Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram here and here Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 12 Sep 2023 | Episode 24 - 2 Days in Barcelona | 00:18:29 | |
For us, Barcelona ranks in the top favorite cities to visit across the world. We only had a 2 days in Barcelona, but it is on our list of cities to revisit and perhaps enjoy an extended stay. You’ve often heard us comment on the podcast about our struggles with places that close down their kitchens early. We just aren’t early birds when it comes to dinner as we are usually going strong during the day enjoying all of the sights and culture of the places we are visiting. By the time we get ready for dinner, the pubs are open, but the kitchen has already closed. And if you’ve been paying attention, we get hangry. But not in Barcelona! But that isn’t the only reason that we enjoy Barcelona so much. Here's what we think you need to be sure to see if you have 2 Days in Barcelona! If you have more, there's plenty to add. See our Blog Post about Barcelona here to see everything we did. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Use the Hop on Hop Off bus as a great starting point. We got on near Port Olympic and got a great overview of the city, stopping to get off at some of the Gaudi sites. La Sagrada Familia is a don't miss. Be sure to get your timed tickets ahead of time to avoid disappointment. We went in the late afternoon and the light was amazing. If we had to do it again, I would take a tour with a guide, so here's that option. We loved spending an afternoon at Park Guell. We also had timed tickets for entry and highly recommend them. We would love to return to Barcelona again and spend more time. On our next trip we will likely take a day trip to Monserrat from Barcelona.
Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram here and here Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a>
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| 19 Sep 2023 | Episode 25 - Why you Need to Visit Belize | 00:33:05 | |
In this episode we are going to visit one of our favorite locations in Central America, the country of Belize. Belize is one of those places that is rich with cultural heritage, but also packed with opportunities for adventure. We’ll talk about where we stayed, what we did, and the friendly people of Belize - truly one of their greatest assets. So if are you are looking for somewhere to go that offers both adventure and relaxation, grab your passport, pack a bag and let’s make that short hop down to Belize. Itinerary: We would recommend that you do a split stay and spend part of your trip in the jungle and visit a Maya ruin and then part of your stay near a beach where you can take a trip to the Great Blue Hole. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. We loved our stay at Sweet Songs Jungle Lodge near San Ignacio and would highly recommend staying here. We booked on Booking.com (link above) and got a great room rate and then decided to purchase their all-inclusive package. We were so glad that we did, it ended up being a more remote location and so having all our meals and drinks on-site was fantastic. When we arrived lunch was already over but we were starving and they fixed us food anyway. The cocktails made with the fresh juices cannot be beat. The all inclusive package also included round trip transportation from the airport so we didn't have to rent a car or worry about hiring a driver. I think what we paid for the all-inclusive package was more than the cost of this alone. We also booked the horseback riding tour to the ruins through the lodge and it was a wonderful experience. We stayed at Mahogany Bay Resort on Ambergris Caye Great Blue Hole Excursion from Ambergris Caye - we booked this through the activities center at Mahogany Bay Resort but would definitely recommend calling ahead to book as it did not go out every day Belize food tours in San Pedro on Ambergris Caye Other recommendations of thing we would add for our next trip: Cave Tubing in Jungle Lamanai Maya Ruins and Lamanai Outpost Lodge Other Muy'ono Resorts to Consider Staying at in Belize: Thatch Caye Resort near Hopkins Copal Tree Lodge near Toledo Hopkins Bay Resort near Hopkins The Placencia Maya Beach near Stann Creek What to pack for Belize: See all our Travel Packing Favorites Here Pack light - hear our tips here Lightweight clothing Leggings or hiking pants for hiking or horseback riding Sturdy tennis shoes or hiking boots for hiking and walking Camera gear for birds in Jungle and Maya ruins - see our recommendations here Water shoes for snorkeling Swimsuits and coverups, Shorts and other lightweight clothing, sundress for dinner, sandals and beach shoes Hat Get Our Ultimate Packing Guide for Traveling Smart and Packing Light + Access to Exclusive Weekly Content here. | |||
| 26 Sep 2023 | Episode 26 - Did You Pack Snacks? | 00:59:37 | |
Our journeys are often influenced by those that we meet and talk to. We love hearing stories of far off adventures that others have taken and we often use those to dream of new places to add to our bucket list. That’s how we met today’s guests Colin and Meg. We enjoy hearing the stories of their journeys around the world with their two small children. Today we have the pleasure of speaking with Colin & Meg from the Did You Pack Snacks? A Family Travel Podcast. Join along as we learn how they travel to some amazing and interesting places all over the globe with their two young girls and what snacks they pack! You can follow Colin & Meg on their journeys on Instagram, YouTube and at colinandmeg.com Listen to Did You Pack Snacks? A Family Travel Podcast on Apple Podcasts & Spotify Podcasts Travel tools we talk about in this episode: Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Sign up for FREE Cheap Flight Alerts they talk about in this episode. Another type of sickness bands YOTO Player+ Starter Pack Bundle Read more on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram here and here Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a>
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| 03 Oct 2023 | Episode 27 - 7 Places You Need to Visit in Italy | 00:42:27 | |
Italy, a mesmerizing country nestled in southern Europe, boasts a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty that has captivated the world for centuries. Italy is a land of diverse landscapes, from the snow-capped peaks of the Alps in the north to the sun-drenched coasts of the Mediterranean in the south. Renowned for its exquisite cuisine, Italy tantalizes the taste buds with its pasta, pizza, and fine wines. Italy’s warm hospitality, passionate people, and timeless allure make it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a blend of history, art, and natural splendor. So grab your passport, pack a bag and let’s journey across the Atlantic to Italy. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. 1. Milan Historic Milan Tour with Skip-the-line Last Supper Ticket We recommend that you stay in Bergamo and spend at least a day there. 2. Cinque Terre Tours to Cinque Terre from the port city of Livorno (if you are on a cruise) 3. Tuscany Tour to Tuscany from Livorno - Wine Tasting & Tuscany Coutryside, San Gimignano & Volterra 4. Rome
5. Pompeii Rick Steves Pompeii Self Guided Audio Tour (all tours in Italy link - Pompeii is at the bottom) 6. Amalfi Coast We hired a driver to take us to the Amalfi Coast from Naples for the day. You can also take the day trip from Sorrento, which is where we would stay and what we would do if we did it again. We would also recommend a Amalfi Coast tour by boat. We would do this next time. 7. Torre Pellice (near Turin) Our recommendation is to find a smaller town (like Torre Pellice) in Italy and stay in a guesthouse or a room in someone's home and spend some time getting to know a family and more about the local culture. You may be able to eat meals in their home or at least find out their favorite local places. What's on our Italy Bucket List: The Dolomites, Venice, Florence, Sicily, Lake Garda & Lake Como, Capri, Sardina, an extended in Tuscany, & spend a few days and nights in Cinque Terre Packing Tips for Italy: Take your camera, Good Walking Shoes for the Cobblestone Streets, Be sure to cover shoulders and knees for going into churches, swimsuit for swimming in the Mediterranean Sea, pack light and use one of our favorite Ebags backpacks (see all our favorite travel things) Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram here and here Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a>
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| 10 Oct 2023 | Episode 28 - Should You Book a Mediterranean Cruise? | 00:45:54 | |
In this episode we are sharing more details about our Holland America Mediterranean Cruise including where we went, what we did, if we would recommend it, and few hints about booking a cruise overseas. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Use this link to get a $50 onboard credit on a Holland America Cruise. I used the Rick Steves Mediterranean Cruise Ports Guidebook which combines the cities you'll visit all in one book instead of having to purchase one for each country. Port excursions Hear about what to do on your days in Barcelona here Click here to see if you are eligible to status match and get a free cruise here. Packing for a Mediterranean Cruise We took one Ebag backpack each I took a small handbag that could be folded that i used for excursions and also taking to the beach sundress swimsuits and coverup that could double as a sundress tennis shoes one workout outfit (black tank and shorts) 1 pair of pants 1 pair of leggings 2 pairs of shorts 1 pair of sandals - I like Birkenstocks for the beach and to wear with dressier clothes several shirts that would work with everything Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram here Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 17 Oct 2023 | Episode 29 - Why We Fell in Love with Cancun, Mexico | 00:50:47 | |
One of the places that we have been many times as we started our journeys outside of the US is Cancun, Mexico. Many people will recognize Cancun as the home of all inclusive resorts, but we want to show you a way to visit Cancun and experience the ancient culture, foods, and places to play while you are visiting. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Where to Stay: Hyatt Ziva Riviera Maya - formerly Secrets Silversands when we stayed there - located near Puerto Morales Westin Lagunamar - this is where we have always stayed since - villa style accommodations with kitchen and laundry in each villa and an amazing infinity pool What to do: Chichen Itza - one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World Mexico Lindo Cooking Class - we loved this authentic class outside of Puerto Morelos Day trip to Isla Mujeres - you can take the ferry from Cancun or book one of these tours what do do on Isla Mujeres - don't miss renting a golf cart, the turtle center, Punta Sur, and if you see signs for the ICE BAR - it was so fun to go, then get lunch or dinner in town and swim in the shallow water Cenotes - Several Cenotes are located along the Monumento Ruta de los Cenotes we've been to Kin Ha most recently Xel- Ha - a natural water park for swimming & snorkeling Swim with the Whale Shark (July) - I've included a link with tours from multiple locations depending on where you are staying Where to Eat: Downton Cancun - La Parilla Cancun Hotel Zone El Fish Fritanga - featured on Diners, Drive-ins & Dives with Guy Fieri Puerto Madero Senor Frogs for touristy fun :) At La Isla Paradise (an outdoor mall) - also know that people will be trying to sell you all kinds of tours and experiences here too La Parilla and Tacos e Taquilla both on the lagoon side if you want to eat by the water Playa del Carmen: What to Pack
Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram here Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 24 Oct 2023 | Episode 30 - Tips for Planning a Trip to New Orleans, LA | 00:59:05 | |
Our bucket list is full of exciting international destinations that we want to visit, but this past week we had to opportunity to cross off a location that has been on our list for a really long time. In this episode we share about our recent trip to New Orleans, Louisiana. We’re going to talk about where to stay, what to eat, and so many things to do while you are in New Orleans. So pack a bag and join us as we cross off this destination from our bucket list. We’re certain that you are going to want to add it to your own list. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Where to stay If you plan to spend the majority of your time in the French Quarter then we would recommend along Canal Street on the French Quarter side, hotels include Ritz Carlton New Orleans, Wyndham New Orleans French Quarter, New Orleans Marriott, etc. If you prefer views of the Mississippi - choose The Hilton New Orleans Riverside, The Westin New Orleans, Four Seasons New Orleans, Intercontinental, Omni Hotel (mentioned on our haunted tour), Le Meridien and a Loews Hotel on that side of Canal Street closer to the water You could also stay at a B&B out in the Garden District - much more quiet - where people live. We would say that if you want to be right in the action, there is a Four Points by Sheraton right on Bourbon Street if you want to be right in the action but i wouldn’t expect to get much sleep but you do have a good view of the action. Where we ate: Red Fish Grill Arnaud’s Restaurant Broussards - brunch Drago’s Seafood Restaurant in the Hilton New Orleans Riverside Hotel Muriels’s Jackson Square Cafe du Monde Ritz Carlton - breakfast Other Places to Eat that were recommended to us: Commander’s Palace - make reservations as far in advance as possible - there is a dress code Brennnen's - make reservations as far in advance as possible Mannings owned by Archie Manning Felix’s Oyster Bar GW Finns Central Grocery and Deli for the Muffaleta Pier 424 Seafood Market Oceanan Grill Deanie’s Seafood Peche Seafood Grill Blue Oak BBQ Mahony’s Po-boys and seafood What to do Tours are a must in New Orleans and there are so many to choose from. We choose to do these 2: Cemetery Tour of St Louis Cemetery No 1 Haunted Tour of the French Quarter at night (do the vip one by _Wiches Brew Tours___ as it was only $10 more but we had about 12 people vs the groups we saw with dozens) You could also do a Garden District Walking Tour including Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 - These used to be open to the public but due to vandalism you have to book a tour now Museums: Sazerac House Museum - FREE but you need to reserve a spot online See: Garden District - take a trolley or an uber/lyft if staying downtown Spend some time wandering the neighborhood We got dropped off at Commander’s palace the first time we went and rode the trolley the 2nd time
Walk - by the river, Jackson Square, French Market Music- Pat O’Briens Maison Bourbon Preservation Hall Going further over to Frenchman street to listen to music - need a Uber/Lyft/Taxi Bars- Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar Roosevelt Hotel Bar French 75 Bar 21st amendment bar at La Louisiane For a visit with kids: Audubon Zoo Audubon Aquarium Children’s museum Steamboat Natchez Ride the Streetcar Older kids - the WWII museum Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram here and here Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 31 Oct 2023 | Episode 31 - Top 5 Scary Things About Travel | 00:43:53 | |
It’s Halloween and there is no better time to address some of the common fears about travel. We asked our followers to tell us what keeps them from achieving their travel goals and have distilled it down to the top 5 reasons. But we don’t think travel is scary at all, so we want to give you some suggestions on what you can do to tackle those fears and live your best life seeing the world one place at a time. So grab your trick or treat bags because we have some goodies for you today. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Top 5 Scary Things About Travel 1. Travel can be expensive but knowing how to look for cheap flights, discounted travel, & use "travel hacking" to your advantage can make travel way more affordable. Going (formerly Scott's Cheap Flights) sends you cheap flight alerts for free with signup (there is a paid version but I encourage you to just start with the free cheap flight alerts. We also just recently found out about Thrify Traveler, a similar service. I signed up for the Free Version to see how I like the deals because who doesn't like Free Flight Alerts for Cheap Flights! There is also a Premium Version in order to get full access to the deals. We use different cards for different things but getting the welcome bonuses is the best and fastest way to get points. 10X Travel has a great free starter course. We have a Bonvoy American Express with a lower annual fee that more than covers the annual free night. Using Marriott points to book your rooms gives you the 5th night free when you book through the Bonvoy site. We recently started leveraging both the welcome bonus and the 3x on all dining purchases on the Chase Sapphire Card - you can transfer the points to a variety of airlines and hotels depending on how you want to use it. HERE IS THE LIST of places to look for discounted travel deals and package deals: Vip Traveler - for luxury travel deals, Travel Zoo, Vacations to Go, Great Value Vacations For Cruises check: Cruise Critic & Cruise Direct We've also used Hopper for flights and hotel deals as well. We also have been able to take advantage of Interval International Getaway Deals through our Sheraton/Westin Vacation Club Ownership (now a part of Marriott Vacation Club). Recently we also learned about Status Matching your Hotel or Airline Status in order to get perks with another Brand. We were able to status match our Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Status to the Caesar's Diamond Status when Scott was recently in Vegas. Then with that, Atlantis Resort and Casino in the Bahamas offers free stays to those who hold status with another Casino (we've also heard of Caesar's and MGM doing this with other brands so it doesn't hurt to ask). In addition, Holland America also offers a free cruise in an inside stateroom to those holding status with a Casino Brand. So these types of Status Matches are definitely worth checking out. We just got back from Atlantis for our free stay so we will be doing a podcast episode soon and we go on the Holland America cruise after Thanksgiving. 2. Solo Travel - Hear Melissa's experience on traveling solo home and her flight getting cancelled on Episode 23 - How to Handle Travel Disruptions Episode Tours can be a great way to see more when traveling solo (Melissa has used Viator to book several in Portugal when Scott was working - see them here) 3. I'm un-familiar with the destination For more help with Trip Planning Listen to Episode 20 - How to Plan a Trip Step by Step 4. Travel Insurance, especially have medical coverage when traveling internationally could potentially save you so much money. This year we took out a one year travel insurance policy that included travel medical coverage. Check out World Nomads, Travelex, and Allianz as possible carriers. 5. Time off for Travel - Check out Take More Vacations for more ways to Maximize your Time Off for Travel Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram here and here Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 07 Nov 2023 | Episode 32 - Traveling Around the World Fast and Slow with Raut Finder | 00:59:40 | |
This week we catch up with some dear friends that have been on their travel journey for a while now. They have literally traveled the world and are now slowing their travel down to have truly unique experiences in the places that they visit. So pack a bag and join us on a trip around the World with our Friends Mo and Erica. Follow Mo and Erica at Raut Finder on Facebook and @raut_finder on Instagram If you are interested in learning more about how your would book an Around the World trips or a multiple destination trip check out Airtreks.com These guys are part of our inspiration for travel. We have been following their travels now for almost a decade. As you heard in the interview, many of the things that are on our bucket list were inspired by their travel experiences. As always we want to encourage you to share your travel stories with us. We love to hear from you and get many ideas from the stories that you share. Read more about these and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram here and here Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a>
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| 14 Nov 2023 | Episode 33 - The Best Way to Visit Napa Valley & Sonoma, California | 00:55:06 | |
In this episode we take you on a trip to one of the places in the US that we enjoy returning to from time to time. Welcome to the wine region of California. We’ll share three ways that we have experienced the wine regions and the pros and cons of each, some of our favorite wineries that we have visited, the wonderful places that we have stayed, and a few great places to eat while you are in the area. Whether you are seeking the perfect wine or just so breathtaking scenery, pack a bag and join us as we travel to Napa Valley and Sonoma, California. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Here's the link to book the private tour wine driver we used on one of our trips - Steve Batory - Fine Wine Tours Where we have stayed: Carneros Resort and Spa - located between Napa & Sonoma White House Inn & Spa in Downtown Napa The Lodge at Sonoma Resort, Autograph Collection Hotel in Downtown Sonoma List of the wineries we have been to Note that Napa Valley includes St. Helena, Rutherford, Yountville and Sonoma includes Glenn Ellen, Kenwood, Russian River Valley Napa Mumm Napa Cade Winery Peju Round Pond Caymus Reverie II Crocker & Starr V Sattui Winery - we had lunch here Sonoma Porter Creek vineyards Martorana Family winery Christopher Creek Pedroncelli Winery picked up lunch at dry creek general store - ate at Martorana Family winery Thomas George Winery Buena Vista Kenwood Anaba Matanzas Creek Winery The Donum Estate Gloria Ferrer Wines Landmark j Rochioli Vineyard & Winery Jacuzzi Family Vineyards Benziger Family Winery - Biodynamic Farming Cline
Where to Eat Eat brunch at Auberge du Soleil - Napa Dry creek general store to pickup sandwiches v. Sarttuli Sonoma market - for sandwich and salads hot bar lunch meat The girl & the fig Sonoma B & V Whiskey Bar & Grille Sonoma In the town of Napa Allegria Oxbow Public Market - with food vendors etc Tarla Mediterrean In Yountville RH Yountville Bouchon Bistro
A couple of other suggestions: In napa and sonoma you are going to also find tasting rooms so if you don’t want to drive from one to another You Have to stop by Muir woods - make a parking reservation online but we think it is a must do when visiting the area San Rafael might be a good stop for lunch on the way in from San Fransisco, we recommend - Taqueria San Jose in San Fafael On the way to Muir Woods stop in Mill Valley - Equator Coffee
Sign up for free travel deals & exclusive content here. Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram here See and Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 21 Nov 2023 | Episode 34 - Gift Guide for Travel Lovers | 00:36:45 | |
In this episode we share a few of our essential items that we use in our travels to make things easy, convenient, and organized. Whether you are looking for travel essentials for yourself or maybe looking for a gift to give that person in your life that loves to travel, we have you covered. Join along as we unpack our bags and give you some insight into our travel essentials. Let’s start out by saying that for us nothing can beat the gift of sharing an experience with someone especially when that comes to travel and seeing new things. If you are one of those people or have one in your life today’s episode is going to be packed with some great gift ideas that can enhance travel experiences. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. To see all these links in one place, see our Gift Guide For Travelers Here For the individual links, keep reading: Melissa's List
Scott's List
Sign up for free travel deals and exclusive content here. Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram here Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 28 Nov 2023 | Episode 35 - Snow Skiing in Colorado | 00:54:21 | |
This time of year I when I see snow storms moving across the west, our minds always goes to snow skiing in Colorado. In this episode will take you to a couple of our favorite resorts in the Colorado Rockies where we enjoy skiing. We’ll tell you where we stay, where we ski, and offer a few suggestions on places to eat while you are there. So pack your warm clothes and join us as we head west to the Colorado Rockies. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Where we stay In Avon, Colorado near Beaver Creek Westin Riverfront Villas Resort & Spa Sheraton Mountain Vista Villas In Steamboat Springs right at the entrance to the main lift Sign up for free travel deals and exclusive content here. Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram here. Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 05 Dec 2023 | Episode 36 - Cruising the Caribbean | 01:13:46 | |
In this episode we share our recent cruise on Holland America to the Western Caribbean. Along the way we’ll make stops in Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel. If you are thinking about taking a cruise to these locations, you’ll want to listen in and hear our suggestions on what to do and where to eat while you are there. So pack your bag and bring your snorkel gear as we set sail to the Caribbean. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Booking a Holland America cruise? Use this link to get onboard credit. Other great places to check for cruise deals are Cruise Critic and Cruise Direct. Ocho Rios, Jamaica Private Sightseeing Tour in & Around Ocho Rios with Tour Jamaica Today (ask for Winston or Leroy) Other Jamaica Shore Excursions (we would have typically chosen a more adventurous one but with Scott's injured foot we were limited:) Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands G&S Taxi Service (Ask for Genrick) (345) 939-4563 or (345) 329-6459 or glenrickandal@hotmail.com Cayman Spirits Company Distillery Tour Other Excursions on Grand Cayman Cozumel, Mexico We ended up renting a Jeep from Solymar www.solymarrentals.com or info@solymarrentals.com 987-869-05-45 We stopped at: The blowhole near Playa bonita Coconuts Bar & Grill Casa Jalisco Tequila Museum Beach Club Bahia de Uvas for Snorkeling Sign up for free travel deals and exclusive content here. Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram here Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 12 Dec 2023 | Episode 37: 12 Destinations you Need to Visit in the Winter | 00:36:09 | |
This week we share some travel ideas that will help awaken your wanderlust for travel in the winter. Most people think of traveling in the summer but we think Winter is the perfect time to explore new destinations and you have so many choices whether you are looking for that magical winter wonderland or maybe escape the cold to somewhere warm and tropical. We will cover it all, so pack your bags with something warm and maybe a bathing suit or two and let’s get started on discovering your perfect winter getaway away. I’ve always had this picturesque image of a winter wonderland at Christmas time, but since moving to the beach, I learning how to appreciate a bit of a sunny, sandy Christmas. It was nice last night enjoying our local Christmas down by the Marina without freezing to death. Make sure you check out some of the videos and pictures on our social media here and here on @sunshinetravelerspodcast. We know some people listening to this episode are experiencing months on end of gray skies and bone chilling cold. You’re probably for that escape to somewhere warm. But for others, the allure of snow and maybe some winter sports is calling for you. We want to give you a few options that will help fill your bucket list for winter destinations. Scott’s birthday is 9 days before Christmas so for the past several years we’ve tried to squeeze in last trip of the year for his birthday but he’s also had some work trips during the Christmas season that has allowed us to see some pretty magical Christmas destinations. Here’s a few we’ve been to and a few that are definitely on our bucket list! For a few of these we do have location specific podcast episodes. So we will mention those as we go and then link them in the show notes for you if you want to dive into a specific location we have talked about. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Here’s the list: 1.New York City, New York The city is magical during the winter, especially with holiday decorations, store window displays, and the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center. One year we were there on the night of the Tree Lighting and once for the Macy’s Thanksgiving day parade to kick off the holiday season. A must visit at least once during the holiday season! 2. Vail/Beaver Creek With the snowy backdrop and the holiday greenery and red bows it’s just magical. Fresh powder and the hot cookies at Beaver Creek are a bonus to visiting these Colorado towns and ski destinations Episode 35 - Snow Skiing in Colorado3. Palm Springs, California, USA Sometimes we just want to go somewhere warm though and Palm Springs is famous for its hot springs, stylish hotels all decorated for Christmas , and golf courses. It is definitely a spot for relaxation and sunshine and make sure that you take a day trip to Joshua Tree National Park. As an added bonus we flew in and out of LA so we spent a day at Disneyland enjoying the Christmas decorations and festivities including seeing Santa Claus 4. Savannah or Charleston or any Historic City They come to life with their historic homes all decked out in their holiday finest. Many will have holiday pop up bars you have to check out but be sure to spend some time wandering the neighborhoods to enjoy the decor. Stay in a smaller boutique hotel or bed & breakfast too! 5. Amelia Island, Florida From the Day After Black Friday Shop Small Pajama Party to the Dickens on Centre Holiday Festival and Market the 2nd week in December, the Holidays are a perfect time to visit this magical island in North Florida. Episode 14: Discover Amelia Island, Florida – A Local's Ultimate Travel Guide6. London We had a chance to visit a few years back just after Christmas and the ice rinks were still going strong and the holiday decor is everywhere and 100% magical! Episode 5: London Travel Guide7. San Diego, CA Don’t miss the decorations and the festivities at the San Diego zoo this time of year and the Gas Lamp District decked out for the holidays. 8. Ft Lauderale & Miami, Florida Known for its warm beaches, lively nightlife, and rich cultural scene. Winter is also the dry season, making it a perfect sunny escape to enjoy the decor and the Holiday Season. We enjoyed a college football bowl game in Miami one year and enjoying the beach on New Years Eve was a bonus of the trip! 9. Walt Disney World in Florida If anyone knows how to do Christmas it’s this Magical Place. From the parks to the resorts to Disney Springs, there are more trees than you can count. Don’t miss resort hopping to see the beautiful themed decorations that match the vibe of each resort and the elaborate gingerbread houses. A must do is the Festival of the Holidays at Epcot complete with the Candlelight Processional at Epcot which includes a celebrity narration of the Christmas story, a mass choir and orchestra, and a candlelight processional of course. This tradition began as Walt’s Vision in the 1960s at Disneyland. We talk about this destination for 3 types of travelers in: Episode 15: How to Plan a Trip to Walt Disney World with ChildrenEpisode 16: Tips for an Adult Walt Disney World AdventureEpisode 17: Navigating Walt Disney World with Senior AdultsHere's three that are on our winter desination bucket list: 10. Lapland, Finland Some friends of ours take their kids here every December and we are always so jealous of their magical pictures. He introduced us to this “official" hometown of thats offers a magical winter wonderland experience with snow-covered landscapes, a chance to meet Santa Claus, and various Christmas-themed activities and attractions. Maybe we will also get to see the Northern Lights? 11. The Christmas Markets in Europe We enjoying seeing everyone’s videos and pictures from the markets this year and have our eyes on a Christmas market river cruise. 12. Banff, Canada There’s so many winter sport options here but just to see this place with its small town charm transformed by snow and holiday decorations…it’s going to be hard to choose one for next year! Sign up for free travel deals and exclusive content here. Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram here Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 19 Dec 2023 | Episode 38 - Lisbon, Portugal and Beyond | 00:49:39 | |
In this episode we embark on a journey to explore the enchanting areas of Lisbon Portugal. Nestled along the scenic coastline of the Atlantic Ocean, this is an area that seamlessly weaves together rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Join us as we meander narrow cobblestone streets, listen to the soul stirring sounds of Fado music and taste the wonderful culinary delights of this coastal area in Portugal’s capital city. Grab your passport and pack a bag as we explore the areas surrounding Lisbon Portugal. If you are reading this on a podcast platform, click here to see the full shownotes. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Get our FREE PORTUGAL MINI GUIDE HERE it includes ALL the information from below! Tips for Booking flights: when traveling to Portugal, or anywhere in Europe, the flight to you final destination may not be the best price or use of points so be sure to check to see if flying into another city in Europe and then buying a ticket on a different airline may be a better option. We highly recommend these tours to see more of the area if you don’t have a car, don’t want to drive, or want to take a tour to learn more about the area! Arrabida and Sesimbra Day Trip from Lisbon with wine tasting Fatima, Nazare, and Obidos Day trip from Lisbon The main attractions in Sintra you'll want to see are:
You’ll also want to try the famous Portuguese Custard Tarts - called Pastel de Nata and in Sintra stop by Pastelaria Vila Velha for them. You had to take a number and wait your turn which is quite common when seeking out these tasty treats. Where we stayed in Cascais: Grande Real Villa Itália Hotel & Spa - fitness center/spa/pool/walking distance everywhere and overlooks the ocean and is a great location for exploring the town but also being by the water Other places to stay in Cascais Here’s a few things worth exploring as I have spent hours just wandering this beautiful town the park - Parque Marechal Carmona - has lots of little trails and lookouts and if you have kids - playgrounds there’s Lots of Museums you could pop into - Santa Marta Lighthouse Museum, Santa Maria House Museum, Musee Condes de Castro Guimaraes Then there is a walking/bike path up the coast starting at the Farol Museum. You can rent a bike in town like I did and ride all the way to Praia do Guincho - which is about 8 Km one way. Some sights on the way is the Boco de Inferno - a famous blowhole - this is right across where where we stayed so we highly recommend the Grande Real Villa Itália Hotel & Spa as it is a great location for exploring but has great views too Check out all the Things to do in Cascais, Portugal Restaruants and shops at the Casa da Guia - so many of them overlook the ocean so we have been to several for both lunch and dinner Monte Mar for fresh seafood was recommended to us by a local so be sure to put it on the list and make reservations in advance to be on the safe side to be able to get in Moules & Gin is my absolute favorite - i still think of this place. The restaurants served fresh mussels either with pasta or fries and then Gin and Tonic to drink. You can get the mussels seasoned dozens of ways or have your choice of dozens of kinds of gin but That’s it. so if you don’t like mussel or gin then you’re out of luck. Simple and delicious. There are Lots of restaurants at the Marina de Cascáis and it is always nice to sit out by the water Baia do Peixe - we also ate here for lunch on the balcony that overlooks the beach in the downtown Cascais area. You can also get the famous Pastel de nana in Cascais at NATA Lisboa at on the main street Passeio de Dom Luis I - there’s also an adorable carousel at the end of this street in a park if you have children they would love it Things we did in Lisbon. There are so many things to do here so we by far did not get to explore everything. We spent a lot of time just walking around but be aware of the steep inclines. There are the trams which we might think of as streetcars so we used those a time or two but you can always get a uber as well. But highly recommending exploring by walking around as well. There’s so many cool neighborhoods to explore and so much to see. We stayed at Portugal Boutique Hotel in Lisbon which is a boutique hotel near a train station. The tv was in the mirror which was unique. There was also an outdoor market nearby. It was in a good location for sharing and is a good value for the cost. Other hotels in Lisbon to consider Main attractions that we were able to explore: Sant George’s Castle( Sao Jorge Castle) - is an 11th century Moorish castle and royal residence with so much history and amazing views of the city from above. You can also see the peacocks and there was a wine truck outside. The Jeronimos Monastery - this is a late gothic monastery which has both archaeology and maritime museums. I highly recommend that you book a timed ticket in advance as this is very popular and the wait times can be long. We caught this is the gorgeous late afternoon golden hour light which is spectacular on the stone Nearby is the famous place in Lisbon for the Pastels de Nata - Pasteis de Belem making them since 1837 - there will be a line but worth the wait to try theirs Definitely Try to find a Fado show somewhere like we did a bar or restaurant or again if you like to plan ahead get tickets to Fado in Chiado Show. Another recommendation that we did not do here would be one of the hop on hop off buses so that you could see all of Lisbon that way. It is very hilly so this is a good option to walking to get an overview of the city and then be able to get off to see the stops. Check out Hop on Hop Off Bus in Lisbon here. Where to eat in Lisbon: Pasteis de Belem for the Pastels de nada Beher Autentico - this was a few blocks from our hotel - fresh sliced jamon sandwiches on fresh bread Also check out the Time Out Market in Lisbon if you like indoor food halls with a variety of food options and vendors. Be sure to also check out the Santa Justa Lift that connects the lower streets with Carmo Square and offers views of the city. What to Pack (see our favorite travel things here): 1st trip we took was in Feb/early March 2nd trip was in late April/early May so it was definitely warmer
There was no way that we could cover everything so all be sure to check out Rick Steves Lisbon or Portugal would be a great resource to plan your trip as well. Get it here. Sign up for free travel deals and exclusive content here. Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram here. Save our travel ideas on Pinterest. See our travel videos on You Tube. Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a>
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| 02 Jan 2024 | Episode 39: 2023 Adventures, Stories & Surprises | 01:05:09 | |
What an amazing year it has been. In this episode we wrap up on the year and give you some insider knowledge on what we loved and what we would do differently next time. We also give you an idea of what you can expect in 2024. So pick your seats and let’s get started as we Journey through 2023. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. This year we visited 7 countries,
We launched the podcast on April 11th and released 39 podcast episodes this year. Even though we had been to Mexico before we visited Cozumel for the 1st time and although not a country, we went to Puerto Rico for the 1st time. We checked off 3 Bucket List destinations
But we also had some experiences that were on our bucket list too
Our very first episode is about Creating a Travel Bucket List. It’s actually the 2nd most popular episode so if you haven’t heard it yet it will give you some great inspiration. You can listen to it here. Here's a recap of the year including links to the episodes: January Since we are only 3 hours from WDW and have annual passes we wanted to take advantage of it and Melissa also wanted to stay at as many different hotels o hadn’t stayed at getting AP or Florida resident or last minute Disney Vacation Club rooms at a discount. Check for discounted rooms here. February The Galapagos Islands was our big bucket list trip for the year. In Episode 2 we talk about our experiences in the Galapagos and in Episode 3, Quito and visiting the Equator. March Pittsburgh We should record an episode on this because there are so great things to see in Pittsburg and some our friends had never been too. We highly recommend the Aviery, the Andy Warhol museum and the Botanical Gardens. Link to blog post for all our food recommendations and pictures here. April Slovakia and London We love London and have been several times and so in Episode 5 we bring you an Ultimate London Travel Guide with what to do if you never been or if you ever been a lot like we and hear about our Travel Disruption and how we made the best of it. We also have a London packing list for you on the blog. May We visited Puerto Rico for the first time and tell you all the details on Episode 8. There's also a 4 days in Puerto Rico Blog Post here. From there we flew Jet Blue to Saint John, USVI. This episode about Saint John is actually our 3rd most popular episode. There's also a packing list for Saint John here. August Episode 14 is a Local's Guide to Amelia Island and there's also a blog post where you can print a guide too. September We rounded out our Trips to Disney for the Year so be sure not to miss our tips on Disney: Episode 15 - Planning a trip to Disney with Kids Episode 16 - Planning an Adults Trip to Disney World Epiosode 17 - Navigating Disney with Senior Adults October We finally visited New Orleans together which was on our original chalkboard bucket list. Hear all about it in episode 30. We ended the month with a last minutes trip to the Bahamas thanks to status matching our Marriott to Caesar's then to Atlantis. See how to status match at Atlantis here. November We also went on a Holland America cruise that was planned short notice with the status matching. How to match with Holland America. Hear all about Cruising the Caribbean in Episode 36 here. As we look forward to 2024, what’s on the list?
And we are already starting to talk about a 2025 trip to Antarctica. Who’s wants to go with us? Sign up for free travel deals and exclusive content here. Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram here Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 02 Jan 2024 | Episode 40 - A New Year and a New Bucket List | 00:42:11 | |
As we get started on a fresh new year, we felt it was time to update our bucket list with all of the suggestions that have been made to us over the last year. Our very first episode back in April of 2023 talked about creating a travel bucket list. Something that you can use as an inspiration for your travel journeys. Today we want to give you a glimpse into what our bucket list looks like now. We’ll share with you our top 10 destinations that are at the top of our bucket list. So grab a notebook and pencil and let’s get started on helping you build out your travel bucket list. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Our favorite way to book local experiences is through Viator. Do more with Viator! Discover Your Perfect Stay with Booking.com! Here's the link to the Forbes list! Sign up for free travel deals and exclusive content here. Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram here. Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube. Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a>
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| 09 Jan 2024 | Episode 41 - Arizona and the Grand Canyon | 01:17:53 | |
In this episode, we are taking you to two very different places in the state of Arizona. We’ll start off the trip playing golf, we’ll walk through a vibrant downtown, and enjoying the warm weather of Scottsdale. Then we’ll take a train north into the Grand Canyon as we explore beautiful sights, endless nature, and the historic El Tovar hotel. So pack a bag, grab some hiking shoes and your golf clubs and let’s get started on this epic adventure as we check off one of our bucket list places. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Get our 5 Day Arizona and The Grand Canyon Itinerary Here! Where we stayed: Westin Kierland Resort and Spa in Scottsdale, AZ High Country Motor Lodge in Flagstaff, AZ (don't miss the Nordic Spa Experience which you can book directly by calling the hotel) If you are taking the train, you can also stay at Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in Williams, AZ Grand Canyon Railroad Tickets can be reserved here. In Grand Canyon National Park, we stayed at the Historic and Iconic El Tovar Hotel and I'm so glad we did. Other options if you are taking the train are Bright Angel Lodge, Maswik Lodge, Kachina Lodge & Thunderbird Lodge. Information about all the lodges and dining options can be found here.
Book a rental car here. Sign up for free travel deals and exclusive content here. Our favorite way to book local experiences is through Viator. Do more with Viator! Discover Your Perfect Stay with Booking.com! Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram here. Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube. Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 16 Jan 2024 | Episode 42: A Weekend Itinerary for Pittsburg, Pennsylvania | 00:26:48 | |
In this episode, I’m already missing college football and dreaming of baseball season. Today we are going to jump on a short flight up the east coast and visit the City of Bridges, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. Once one of the largest producers of steel in the world, they definitely put it to use making bridges. 446 of them to be exact. Once known as Hell with the lid off because of the smoke, smog and fire that were prevalent during the steel making days, that is no longer true about Pittsburgh. Journey along with us as we’ll talk about what we did for a weekend trip. Where to stay, what to do, and what to eat. So pack an overnighter and join us as we travel to Pittsburgh. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Find your Perfect Stay at sunshinetravelers.com/booking Do More with Viator. Visit sunshinetravelers.com/viator to book local tours & experiences you'll remember. Stay We stayed on the North Shore here but I think would stay here next time for a view of the river (unless we were there for a game). Do Andy Warhol Museum National Aviary Ride the Duquesne Incline Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens Walk across the Aztec Gold Bridges See All Pittsburg Tours & Experiences on Viator Eat Southern Tier Brewery Monterey Bay Fish Grotto The Speckled Egg The Porch at Schenley Sign up for free travel deals and exclusive content here. Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram here Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 23 Jan 2024 | Episode 43 - Trip Ideas for a Day or a Week in Nassau, Bahamas | 01:13:01 | |
In this episode, we are going to fly a short distance off the eastern coast of Florida to the Island of New Providence in the Bahamas. Many of you will recognize this place as Nassau, Bahamas. Nassau is the largest city and capital of the Bahamas so many people refer to the Island as Nassau. Join us as we discuss a couple of different ways that you can visit the island and we’ll share our tips on where to stay, what and where to eat, along with some must do activities while you are there. So grab your passport, pack a bathing suit and let’s get started. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Get our one day or one week Nassau, Bahamas Itinerary here. Our itinerary is great if you have one day in the cruise port or several days to a week. We share where to eat, what to see and do, which excursions to book and more and it will save you so much time just knowing exactly what to do when you get there! Find your Perfect Stay at sunshinetravelers.com/booking Do More with Viator. Visit sunshinetravelers.com/viator to book local tours & experiences you’ll remember. Sign up for free travel deals and exclusive content here. Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram here. Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 30 Jan 2024 | Episode 44 - How These Tools Will Help You Travel Better | 00:35:28 | |
In this episode, we are going to help those who want to travel more and better with some tips on tools that will make your travel and travel planning easier and better. These are tools that we use while planning and while on our travel adventures. Some are apps that you can install on your phone, and some are websites that will make your planning easier and faster. So grab your laptop and phone and let’s get started. While this is not an all inclusive list, this list intends to tell you about the ones we reach for over and over again, regardless of our trip or destination. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Find your Perfect Stay at sunshinetravelers.com/booking Do More with Viator. Visit sunshinetravelers.com/viator to book local tours & experiences you’ll remember. 1. The mobile app for the airline you are flying.Be sure create a login, become a member of their rewards program, and have the reservation loaded into the app. Also make sure to use it to check in online, select seats, check in and pay for bags and other options offered by the airline. Not doing this in the app ahead of time can cost you more money. 2. The mobile for the hotel or accommodation you are staying at. Be sure create a login, become a member of their rewards program, and have the reservation loaded into the app. 3. Trip Advisor - We've been using Trip Advisor since 2015 when our brother in law used it to find the number 1 ranked restaurant on our trip. You can find things to do, restaurant recommendations (you can make folders and save places to eat and stay etc) I like that it rates the top places and you can filter by near you, meal, type of cuisine etc 4. Google Maps - create an account and log in and save places to a folder for the location where you are traveling. Also make use of downloading offline maps if you won't have data when traveling or are traveling to a place where service is limited. 5. A ride share app such as Uber, Lyft or Bolt (when traveling in Europe). Create an account and load profile information and a credit card payment ahead of time. 6. Xe Currency Converter so you'll know what you're actually paying for something. Tip: Get a travel credit card that doesn't have foreign transaction fees and pay for the item in the local currency of asked. 7. Google Translate - We have seen this evolve so much and now being able to record a phrase and then have it translate or pronounce for you is life changing! 8. Google Flights (can also look into others such as Kayak, Hopper, Skyscanner) - use this when planning a trip and watch flights to check prices. The desktop version has lots more features to be able to search by prices on a calendar and also by nearby airports. 9. Credit Card and Banking apps - create online logins and know your passwords etc. This way you can contact your credit card company and bank in the case of a lost or stolen card or denied transaction, etc. Alert your bank and credit cards ahead of time where and when you will be traveling. 10. UpLift to Ease Jet Lag - Listen to Episode 6 for our Full Jet Lag Remedy - it really works! 11. Our Itineraries - Our Itineraries give you quick access to all of the information on how we got there, where we stayed, where we ate, and what we did. All you have to do is grab one of those itineraries and book your trip. We’ve taken care of all of the research. If you are a more seasoned traveler, this will help spur your research on a location and hear directly from us about what worked and what didn’t. Final Tip: Organize these into a TRAVEL folder on your phone so they are easy to locate all in one place.
Sign up for free travel deals and exclusive content here. Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram here Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 06 Feb 2024 | Episode 45 - What You Need to Know About Aruba | 00:54:27 | |
Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. We are planning to visit Aruba and Curacao in March, and as part of our trip planning process, we try to talk to people who are already familiar with the location and get all their tips on where to stay and especially where we should eat. In this episode, we invited Tammy, a friend of ours who has visited Aruba several times to this epsisdoe to give us her insider recommendations. During our conversation, Tammy mentions that she loves Aruba and has been there more times than she can count (10-12 she thinks). She says that Aruba is always a great place to vacation because it's outside the hurricane belt, and the weather is always nice. Although there is a rainy season from October to January, the storms pass quickly due to the island's desert climate. Tammy suggests visiting Aruba during the last two weeks of August and the first week of October, which are her favorite times to go. When asked about her favorite things to do in Aruba, Tammy mentioned that there is so much to do, and the food is amazing. She recommends trying out the restaurants at Palm Beach, where there are plenty of options for every taste and budget. She also suggests going on a sunset cruise, which is a romantic and relaxing way to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Aruba. For adventure seekers, Tammy recommends taking a UTV tour, which is an off-road adventure that takes you to some of the island's most beautiful and secluded spots. In addition to talking to friends like Tammy for recommendations, we love using Viator for finding and booking local experiences at our destination. We like Viator because it has a free cancellation policy, which is handy if plans change (because they can, or we might change our mind). We certainly appreciate the trusted reviews on the site, which help us make informed decisions about what to do and see during our trips. Visit sunshinetravelers.com/viator to book local tours & experiences you’ll remember. Our conversation with Tammy provides a wealth of information for us and for anyone planning a trip to Aruba. From insider tips on the best places to stay and eat, to recommendations on exciting activities to do, this episode of the show is a must-listen for travel enthusiasts. We can't wait to go! We booked our upcoming stay for our Aruba & Curacao trip on Booking. Find your Perfect Stay at sunshinetravelers.com/booking Sign up for free travel deals and exclusive content here. Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram here Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 13 Feb 2024 | Episode 46 - Falling in Love with the Maldives | 00:57:18 | |
The Maldives is a place that has been on our bucket list for quite some time. However, the Maldives is so far away from us and it's not something that we could ever do on a short trip. Before talking with our guests we actually had no idea what the flights for us from the US to the Maldives would look like (we do now and share that toward the end of the episode). In this episode, we talk to our friends Ali and Shep, who have visited the Maldives six times. Ali is an expert in researching and booking the right resort, which is critical in the Maldives due to the hundreds of islands and resorts with slight nuances in terms of five-star versus four-star ratings and service. She emphasizes the importance of research and finding the right place, which can make or break a trip. Shep & Ali also talk about the importance of service and the people at the resorts, which they consider the main reasons for going back to the same places. We want to start planning a trip to visit the Maldives (even if its a year or more away) and this helped us so much! We want to encourage you to learn more about the Maldives and get Shep & Ali's advice to help you plan your trip too! Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Here are a few great places to start that Shep & Ali mentioned: Ozen Reserve Bolifushi Maldives Be sure to listen to hear all their tips on choosing a resort, how to get there, and everything else you need to know before booking your bucket list trip to the Maldives. Find your Perfect Stay in the Maldives at sunshinetravelers.com/booking Do More with Viator. Visit sunshinetravelers.com/viator to book local tours & experiences you’ll remember. Sign up for free travel deals and exclusive content here. Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram here Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 20 Feb 2024 | Episode 47 - Thinking About Driving Abroad? Here's What You Need to Know! | 00:55:31 | |
In this week’s episode, we wanted to address a common concern that we hear from our listeners. They are concerned about renting a car and driving in a foreign country. As you know, we have rented cars all over the world and think of this as a magnificent way to see and interact with the local cultures. That’s where Tripiamo comes in. Their goals is to help others travel safely, confidently, and further than ever before. They provide online driving guides for travelers considering driving in a foreign country. Today, we will hear from their CEO and Founder how all of you Sunshine Travelers can get expert guidance that helps you prepare and be confident in your ability to drive in a foreign country. So grab your driver’s license and let’s get started. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Explore all the International Driving Guides at Tripiamo.com Sign up for free travel deals and exclusive content here. Read more on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram here Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 27 Feb 2024 | Episode 48 - Barrels and Beyond: The Kentucky Bourbon Trail | 00:45:57 | |
In this episode, we venture to the Bluegrass State. Home of horse racing, Corvettes and America’s beloved Bourbon. The Kentucky Bourbon Trail isn’t just a route; it’s a pilgrimage for bourbon enthusiasts and curious travelers alike. Join us as we uncover the rich history, craftsmanship, and flavors that define this iconic trail. And for all of you non Bourbon drinkers, don’t worry, there is plenty to see and do along the way, and all of the bourbon fans that travel along with you are going to be glad to have a designated driver. So pack a bag, and a snack or two and let’s get started as we immerse ourselves in the sights and flavors of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Get our long weekend Kentucky Bourbon Trail Itinerary Here! Find your Perfect Stay on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail at sunshinetravelers.com/booking Do More with Viator, including booking Bourbon Trail Tours and Experiences. Visit sunshinetravelers.com/viator to book local tours & experiences you’ll remember. Sign up for free travel deals and exclusive content here. Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram here Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a>
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| 05 Mar 2024 | Episode 49 - A Journey Through Morocco: Culture, Cuisine, and Landscapes You Can't Miss | 00:49:53 | |
In this episode we will be embarking on a trip that has been at the top of our bucket list for quite some time. Although we have visited locations close to Morocco, we have never been on its shores. Join us as we chat with our friend, Ashlyn, about her experiences planning and visiting Morocco. She will be sharing how she decided where to go and what she had to skip, how she planned the trip, what to see, where to stay, and what to know before you visit. Ashlyn will share her favorite location in Morocco which i think will surprise you too, because we had never heard of it! So, pack your bags and let’s head towards what we hope is our first destination on the African continent really soon. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Find your Perfect Stay at sunshinetravelers.com/booking Do More with Viator. Visit sunshinetravelers.com/viator to book local tours & experiences you’ll remember. Sign up for free travel deals and exclusive content here. Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram here Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 12 Mar 2024 | Episode 50 - How to Plan the Ultimate Costa Rica Getaway & Vacation like a Local | 01:09:32 | |
In this episode, we are exploring the Pura Vida lifestyle in Costa Rica. The phrase “Pura Vida” means “pure life” in English, but in Costa Rica, it represents a lot more. It’s a way of life, an attitude, and a perspective that highlights the importance of appreciating life’s simple pleasures and finding happiness in the little things. It has been quite some time since our last visit, so we invited a friend of ours who is from Costa Rica to share an itinerary that anyone can follow to experience their own Pura Vida in this beautiful Central American country. Mile will guide us on where to go, what to do, and what to eat while we are there. So, let’s hop on a short flight from Florida, pack light, and don’t forget to bring your bathing suit as we embark on a journey to Costa Rica. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. When traveling to Costa Rica, choose Vamos Rent A Car. It may be tempting to use a company you use at home but trust us, you'll want to rent from Vamos. You can pick up the car in San Jose and drop the car off in Guanacaste or vice versa. With Vamos there are no hidden fees and lots of perks you won't get from any other company. Learn more and book with Vamos here. Find your Perfect Stay at sunshinetravelers.com/booking Do More with Viator. Visit sunshinetravelers.com/viator to book local tours & experiences you’ll remember. Here's a few places that we have been that we would recommend: Restarurante y Mirador Ram Luna Marriott San Jose Hacienda Belen Here's Mile's recommended itinerary and lots of tips: Day 1: Arrival in San JoseSan Jose, our capital, is a lively mix of old and new right in the heart of the country. You'll find charming colonial touches alongside a modern vibe. Wander through places like Barrio Amón, dive into the bustling Central Market, and savor our diverse cuisine. It's not just a city; it's a cultural hub, a starting point for adventures, and a piece of our Costa Rican life.
Day 2 & 3: Arenal VolcanoDrive time from San José to La Fortuna: 3.5 hrs approx Arenal Volcano is a big, impressive volcano. You can hike around it, soak in hot springs, and see a cool lake nearby. It's a great place to enjoy nature and maybe even spot the volcano at night.
Day 4 & 5: Guanacaste - Playa ConchalDrive time from Arenal to Conchal: 4.5 hrs approx What makes it special is its unique sand – it's not the typical sand, its made up of tiny, crushed shells. The water is clear and calm, perfect for swimming or just relaxing by the shore. It's a serene spot with a tropical vibe, surrounded by greenery. Great place to unwind and enjoy the sun and sea.
Food Recommendations:
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Tips
Other Places to Consider
Sign up for free travel deals and exclusive content here. Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram here and here Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 19 Mar 2024 | Episode 51 - Buenos Aires, Argentina & Beyond | 01:01:05 | |
In this episode, we join our tour guide Santiago as he shares with us his love and passion for his home country of Argentina. Buenos Aires is one of those places that has been on my bucket list of places to return to with you and spend some time visiting as tourists. We had one day to hit the highlights on a business trip a few years ago, but let’s hear from Santiago on whether or not that is enough time. He’ll take us through the city of Buenos Aires and it’s many neighborhoods that each have a history and culture of their own. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Find your Perfect Stay at sunshinetravelers.com/booking Do More with Viator. Visit sunshinetravelers.com/viator to book local tours & experiences you’ll remember. Sign up for free travel deals and exclusive content here. Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a>
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| 26 Mar 2024 | Episode 52 - One Year of the Sunshine Travelers Podcast! Our Most Popular Episodes & What's Next! | 00:48:50 | |
Can you believe that it has been a year since we started this journey having no idea of where it was going to take us? In this episode, we are celebrating our 52nd Episode which marks one full year of the Sunshine Travelers Podcast! We cover our top 10 most downloaded episodes over the last year and add a few stories from each of those locations of why they are such special places. So pop some bubbly and raise a glass as we celebrate the completion of our first year! When we started this we said, even if no one listens to it, we are documenting our stories in our own voices so that our children and grandchildren and generations to come will be able to hear our stories of visiting some amazing places. And now thousands of downloads later, we hear from people all over the world about how much they enjoyed certain episodes and how helpful they found them. We also want to take a minute to thank you for being a faithful listener. It is so encouraging to hear from you after an episode as they give us notes of encouragement and appreciation. Be sure leave a review or a comment to let us know your favorite episode or your favorite story you've heard here on the podcast! Let’s dig in and get started on the top 10 episodes Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. You can help support our podcast by booking our travel through our links. We only recommend and share what we love and we always use Booking.com & Viator when planning our travels! Find your Perfect Stay at sunshinetravelers.com/booking Do More with Viator. Visit sunshinetravelers.com/viator to book local tours & experiences you’ll remember. Sign up for free travel deals and exclusive content here. Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 02 Apr 2024 | Episode 53 - Norway and the Magical Northern Lights | 00:48:56 | |
In this episode, we are journeying to a destination that has a lot of attention on social media this year. People from all around the world are traveling to locations in search of the Northern Lights. They are supposed to be at their peak this year and travel enthusiasts from everywhere are trying to get their glimpse. Join us as we talk to a friend our ours about her recent trip to Norway and some of the exciting places she visited and fun activities she experienced along the way. So pack your bag, bring some warm clothes and let’s head to Norway. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Find your Perfect Stay at sunshinetravelers.com/booking Do More with Viator. Visit sunshinetravelers.com/viator to book local tours & experiences you’ll remember. Sign up for free travel deals and exclusive content here. Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a>
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| 09 Apr 2024 | Episode 54 - What We've Learned About Travel Hacks | 00:57:44 | |
In this episode, we would like to share some travel hacks that we have learned while planning our upcoming trips. If you are unfamiliar with the term “travel hack,” it refers to strategies and techniques used to maximize travel while minimizing expenses. These typically involve loyalty programs, credit card rewards, sign-on bonuses, and other opportunities to earn frequent flyer miles, hotel points, and other travel-related benefits. The goal is to utilize these hacks to get discounted or free flights, accommodations, upgrades, or other travel experiences. It’s not easy, but the benefits can be huge. We want to share with you some of our travel hacks to help you travel more and better. So grab a pen and paper because you are going to want to use some of these for your next travel adventures. Let’s get started. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Here's the blog post we reference in the episode about these travel hacks - Part 1. Find your Perfect Stay at sunshinetravelers.com/booking Do More with Viator. Visit sunshinetravelers.com/viator to book local tours & experiences you’ll remember. Sign up for free travel deals and exclusive content here. Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 16 Apr 2024 | Episode 55 - Want to Visit Egypt? Here's What to Know Before Visiting Cairo | 01:12:16 | |
Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. See the Visa requirements to visit Egypt and apply for an E-visa here Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Find your Perfect Stay at sunshinetravelers.com/booking Do More with Viator. Visit sunshinetravelers.com/viator to book local tours & experiences you’ll remember. Sign up for free travel deals and exclusive content here. Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos and listent to the Podcast on You Tube Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 23 Apr 2024 | Episode 56 - Discovering Curaçao | 01:00:15 | |
In this episode we explore the lesser-known Caribbean nation of Curaçao that is often overlooked by North American tourists. While many of you may be familiar with the blue liqueur that shares its name and is used in cocktails, few have had the opportunity to actually visit the place. Perhaps some of you have been on a cruise that stopped by, but never ventured out of the cruise port to truly experience the local people and culture. Today, we will share our recent Caribbean adventure, including where we stayed, where we ate, and what we did. So, pack your snorkeling gear and get ready to join us on our journey to Curaçao. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure We forgot to mention that you'll need to complete an Immigration Form Prior to Arrival in Curacao. It only takes a few minutes and you can either print it out or have it saved on your phone when you go through Immigration. We had to fill it out a 2nd time when flying back through Curacao from Aruba to return home as well. It is easy and free so don't pay a 3rd party service to complete it for you. Here's the link. Find your Perfect Stay at sunshinetravelers.com/booking Do More with Viator. Visit sunshinetravelers.com/viator to book local tours & experiences you’ll remember. Sign up for free travel deals and exclusive content here. Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 30 Apr 2024 | Episode 57: How to Visit Aruba Both On & Off The Beaten Path | 00:52:29 | |
In this episode, we are heading to the stunning island of Aruba, located just 20 miles north of Venezuela in the Southern Caribbean. It’s a popular destination for North American travelers who want to soak up the sun and enjoy the sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. While many visitors prefer to stay at the luxurious resorts, we are more interested in exploring the local culture and cuisine. So, pack your bags and join us as we embark on our journey to Aruba. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Link to the EZ Raider Tour we loved! Ask for Carlos as your guide! Other Off road and 4 Wheel Drive Tours on Aruba After our visit we would say to choose the Aruba Ocean Club over the Aruba Surf Club where we had our room. You can Visit Flamingo Beach by staying at the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort Find your Perfect Stay at sunshinetravelers.com/booking Do More with Viator. Visit sunshinetravelers.com/viator to book local tours & experiences you’ll remember. Sign up for free travel deals and exclusive content here. Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 07 May 2024 | Episode 58 - Which Caribbean Island Should You Visit, Aruba or Curacao? | 00:27:32 | |
This week we have an exciting episode for you. We recently visited two islands in the Southern Caribbean and wanted to do a comparison of the two. If you’re planning a trip and would like to weigh the pros and cons of each island, this episode is perfect for you. Join us as we debate the merits of Curacao versus Aruba, this or that style? Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Listen to our Aruba Episodes How to Visit Aruba Both On & Off The Beaten PathWhat You Need to Know About ArubaListen to our Curaçao Episode here Discovering Curaçao
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| 14 May 2024 | Episode 59 - Visiting Amelia Island: What to Do and See in 2024 & 2025 | 01:01:59 | |
This week, we are staying close to home while we experience the 59th Annual Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival on Amelia Island. It has been a while since we did our last episode on Amelia Island, and as usual, some things have changed. Join us as we take you to a few of our favorite places and update you on new places we have discovered, what to see throughout the year, and our favorite times to be on the Island. So pack a bathing suit, towel, beach chair, and your favorite book, and join us on Amelia Island. Read more about where to stay, what to do, and where to eat on Amelia Island here. Download our free Amelia Island Guide here. More Episodes you will Like: Episode 14: Discover Amelia Island, Florida – A Local's Ultimate Travel Guide Episode 37: 12 Destinations you Need to Visit in the Winter Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Find your Perfect Stay on Amelia Island at sunshinetravelers.com/booking Visit sunshinetravelers.com/viator to book local tours & experiences you’ll remember. Sign up for free travel deals and exclusive content here. Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a>
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| 21 May 2024 | Episode 60 - The Wild Mississippi | 00:48:15 | |
In this episode, we talk to Dean Klingenberg, author of The Wild Mississippi: A State-by-State Guide to the River’s Natural Wonders and podcast host of The Mississippi Valley Traveler, about some ideas for visiting unique locations along The Mississippi River. Dean will share some of his memories from researching the book and give some suggestions of places to visit that you may not be familiar with. So pack your bags and bring your hiking shoes as we travel with Dean down the Mississippi River. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Get Dean's Book, The Wild Mississippi: A State-by-State Guide to the River’s Natural Wonders Learn more about travel along the Mississippi River on Dean's website, MississippiValleyTraveler.com Listen to the Mississippi Valley Traveler Podcast here Explore Dean's other books, Mississippi Valley Traveler guidebooks & Frank Dodge Mystery Series Find your Perfect Stay for this trip along the Mississippi River at sunshinetravelers.com/booking Do More with Viator. Visit sunshinetravelers.com/viator to book local tours & experiences you’ll remember. Get Our Ultimate Packing Guide for Traveling Smart and Packing Light + Access to Exclusive Weekly Content here. Other Episodes you will Like: Episode 30 - Tips for Planning a Trip to New Orleans, LAEpisode 48 - Barrels and Beyond: The Kentucky Bourbon TrailRead more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 28 May 2024 | Episode 61 - What Are Your Favorite Travel Experiences? | 00:53:03 | |
This week we wanted to take an opportunity for our listeners to get to know us a little bit better and share with you some of our favorite experiences from our travels. Join us as we ask each other questions about our travel favorites and see how they match up against the way you would answer these questions. So pack your bags and come along as we uncover some of our favorite things about travel. Here are the questions we asked each other and now it is your turn to ask your favorite travel companion: Click here for Printable PDF Link to these questions. Other Episodes you will Like: Episode 20 - How to Plan a Trip - Our Step by Step Guide to Planning Your Bucket List AdventureEpisode 1: Creating a Travel Bucket List_____________________________________________________________ 1. What's your all-time favorite travel destination, and why does it hold a special place in your heart? 2. What is your favorite hotel that you have ever stayed in? 3. Do you prefer beach vacations, mountain getaways, or exploring bustling cities? 4. What's the most memorable meal you've ever had while traveling, and where was it? 5. Are you more drawn to off-the-beaten-path destinations or popular tourist hotspots? 6. What's your favorite mode of transportation when traveling: plane, train, car, or something else? 7. Do you have a favorite travel memory or experience that always brings a smile to your face when you think about it? 8. Are you an early riser who loves catching sunrises or more of a night owl who enjoys vibrant nightlife scenes? 9. When it comes to accommodations, do you prefer luxurious hotels, cozy bed and breakfasts, or perhaps the charm of Airbnb rentals? 10. What's the one item you always make sure to pack when you travel, no matter where you're going? 11. Are you more interested in immersing yourself in the local culture, indulging in adventure activities, or simply relaxing and taking it easy? 12. What's your favorite souvenir or keepsake that you've collected from your travels? 13. How do you like to document your travels: through photography, journaling, or perhaps something else? 14. Are there any specific cultural or historical sites that have left a lasting impression on you during your travels? 15. Do you have a favorite season or time of year for traveling, and if so, why? 16. What's the most breathtaking natural landscape you've ever encountered while traveling? 17. Are there any particular cuisines or dishes from around the world that you absolutely love? 18. How do you approach planning your trips: meticulously organized itinerary or spontaneous adventures? 19. Lastly, what was your best flight experience? What was your worst flight experience? 20. Checked bags or carry-on? ______________________________________________________ Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Find your Perfect Stay at sunshinetravelers.com/booking Do More with Viator. Visit sunshinetravelers.com/viator to book local tours & experiences you’ll remember. Sign up for free travel deals and exclusive content here. Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 04 Jun 2024 | Episode 62 - Is a Disney VIP Tour Worth It? | 00:43:27 | |
This week, we will be discussing an option for anyone seeking a unique experience when visiting one or more of the Disney parks - the VIP Tour at Disney. While the cost may seem prohibitive for many, we will also explore some options that could make this experience more affordable for most people. So, put on your Mickey ears, and let’s get started on our VIP Tour at Disney. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. VIP tours can be booked 60 days in advance of the start day of your trip - if you are staying on Disney property. otherwise, 60 days from the day of the tour. The number to call to make a VIP tour reservation is 407-560-4033. VIP tours cannot be booked online. Here's a list of the other tours we discussed: Disney's Keys to the Kingdom Tour Melissa got to take this tour in September and highly recommends it - above the VIP tour actually. It is an amazing value with so much information and history, lunch was included and a water for the tour, a surprise little gift at the end plus the access to see the backstage areas made it an experience she will never forget. A theme park tickets and reservation are required and there are discounts for Annual Passholders but this tour is so worth it. She would take it again in a heartbeat! Behind the Seeds Specialty Cruises Wild Africa Trek
These tours can be booked online 60 days in advance - you’ll find them under enchanting extras or just search the specific name to book. By phone: (407) 939-7529 Disney Vacation Club Members: (800) 800-9800 Other Episodes you will Like: Episode 15: How to Plan a Trip to Walt Disney World with Children Episode 16: Tips for an Adult Walt Disney World Adventure Episode 17: Navigating Walt Disney World with Senior Adults Get Our Ultimate Packing Guide for Traveling Smart and Packing Light + Access to Exclusive Weekly Content here. Find your Perfect Stay at sunshinetravelers.com/booking Do More with Viator. Visit sunshinetravelers.com/viator to book local tours & experiences you’ll remember. Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Follow us on X (Twitter) Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 11 Jun 2024 | Episode 63 - Exploring the UK Beyond London: Our Top 5 Must-See UK Destinations | 00:44:32 | |
In this episode, we want to highlight some options if you have been considering a trip to the UK, but don’t want to spend all of your time in London. There are so many options for travelers from across the world, and you will learn that there are just as many options outside of London that you are going to want to add into your travel destination list. Even if you live in the UK, this episode will definitely have you thinking about options for day and weekend trips to visit places that are straight from our recommendations. So grab your train tickets and let’s get started. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Get Driving and Transportation Guides for the UK from Tripiamo here. Tip- get combo tickets or yearly passes for Hampton Court Palace on Historic Royal Palaces or Stonehenge is part of English Heritage, which also includes hundreds of other locations. We have signed up for both of these in the past when visiting mutiple locations in a single trip. There’s also an overseas visitor's pass for English Heritage. Also be sure to check out Macsadventure.com for some walking adventures in the Cotswolds, in the UK, and around the world. Other Episodes you will Like: Episode 5 - London Travel Guide Episode 21 - Scotland Road Trip Get Our Ultimate Packing Guide for Traveling Smart and Packing Light + Access to Exclusive Weekly Content here. Find your Perfect Stay at sunshinetravelers.com/booking Do More with Viator. Visit sunshinetravelers.com/viator to book local tours & experiences you’ll remember. Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Follow us on X (Twitter) Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 18 Jun 2024 | Episode 64 - The Truth Behind Why We Often Choose International Travel Over Domestic | 00:31:14 | |
We were recently at an event where, of course, the topic of travel came up. The husband asked us what our favorite domestic destination was. We both looked at each other with a blank look and for the first time when talking about travel, we were speechless. Don’t get us wrong, we were able to recover and rattle off some great places but it caused us to take a step back and have a discussion about why we often choose international travel over traveling within the U.S. In this episode, we spend some time exploring why we choose to travel internationally when there is so much to do right here in the USA. Join us as we give a behind-the-scenes peek into how we think about planning for and choosing travel destinations and uncover some interesting things we have discovered about traveling both domestically and internationally. And, of course, we will leave you with some places to consider and new places we want to visit within the U.S. too. Related Episodes you will Like: Episode 41 - Arizona and the Grand Canyon (including Scottsdale, Flagstaff, & Sedona) Episode 33 - The Best Way to Visit Napa Valley & Sonoma, California Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Get Our Ultimate Packing Guide for Traveling Smart and Packing Light + Access to Exclusive Weekly Content here Find your Perfect Stay at sunshinetravelers.com/booking Do More with Viator. Visit sunshinetravelers.com/viator to book local tours & experiences you’ll remember. Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Follow us on X (Twitter) Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 25 Jun 2024 | Episode 65 - How to Get the Group Trip out of the Group Chat with The Travel Squad Podcast | 00:58:29 | |
In this episode, we explore the topic of group travel with our podcast guests, The Travel Squad Podcast. Melissa and I mostly travel just the two of us, so we wanted to bring in some experts to talk through the dynamics of group travel and share their experiences. They will give us some great tips on planning group travel, options for organized group travel, and a few tips to make group travel successful. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Learn more about and tune into the Travel Squad Podcast here. Follow their adventures on Instagram here. Two of the tour companies they mentioned are: They also talked about how flight deals have been the motivator behind booking some of their trips: Check out Thrify Traveler and Going to get email notifications for flight deals! For tips on How to Plan a Trip - Listen to Episode 20 - Our Step by Step Guide to Planning Your Bucket List Adventure Get Our Ultimate Packing Guide for Traveling Smart and Packing Light + Access to Exclusive Weekly Content here. Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Follow us on X (Twitter) Find us on LinkedIn Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 02 Jul 2024 | Episode 66 - Top Mistakes to Avoid When Visiting the Amalfi Coast | 00:41:04 | |
In this episode we talk about our trip to Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast. We did this on a couple of different day trips from Naples and want to share what we loved as well as some tips on what we would have done differently. So pack a bag, grab your sunglasses, and let’s take a drive along Italy’s Amalfi Coast. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Get our FREE Amalfi Coast Mini Guide Here (Itinerary, Packing List, Where to Stay, Tours & More) Book Tours and Experiences along the Amalfi Coast here. See all our recommended Expereinces here. Related Episodes you'll also love:Episode 27 - 7 Places you need to visit in Italy Episode 28 - Should You Book a Mediterranean Cruise? Episode 7 - A Summer Trip to Europe Find your Perfect Stay at sunshinetravelers.com/booking Do More with Viator. Visit sunshinetravelers.com/viator to book local tours & experiences you’ll remember. Get Our Ultimate Packing Guide for Traveling Smart and Packing Light + Access to Exclusive Weekly Content here. Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Follow us on X (Twitter) Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 09 Jul 2024 | Episode 67 - Rome in 48 Hours: Must-See Landmarks and Hidden Gems | 00:51:57 | |
In this episode, we share a 2-day itinerary for visiting Rome, Italy. Rome is a popular destination for people who are traveling to and from Italy when embarking or disembarking from a Mediterranean cruise. It is a city full of history, culture, and food. We’ll share things that we loved and make some recommendations on things that we would have done differently. So grab your passport, and let’s get started to Rome, Italy. Promise I'll find that Reel for you about the Trevi Fountain and post it here. Email me here if you want me to send it to you directly. Information about Jubilee 2025 from the Official Site Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Find your Perfect Stay in Rome with sunshinetravelers.com/booking Do More with Viator. Visit sunshinetravelers.com/viator to book the local tours we talk about in this episode. Get Our Ultimate Packing Guide for Traveling Smart and Packing Light + Access to Exclusive Weekly Content here. Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Follow us on X (Twitter) Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Twitter Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 16 Jul 2024 | Episode 68 - 2-Day Paris Itinerary: Our Must-See Attractions and Tips | 00:27:59 | |
Even with just a few days to view some of the most famous sights, we share with you what we did on our weekend in Paris, making a great itinerary anytime you plan to visit. We also share what we would do with even more time in the City of Love, including our tips for making the most of your visit. So grab your passport and head to Paris, France. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. **NOTE: Since September 2022, as part of the City of Paris energy saving plan, the Eiffel Tower lights are switched off at 11:45pm so the last sparkle is at 11pm along with the special golden lighting always reserved for the last sparkle. The EXCEPTION is during the SUMMER months, when the Eiffel Tower closes its doors at 12:45 am which means there are sparkles at midnight and a final set at 1 am. Though the Tower’s golden lighting and beacon are turned off, the monument continues to sparkle for a few minutes. Don’t miss out on this special and unique experience. The lights twinkle for 5 minutes on the hour every night after dusk and for 10 minutes during its final sparkle. Be sure to check the official website before your visit for times and also for tickets if you do plan to go up in the Eiffel Tower. Download Rick Steves' FREE audioguides for Paris here. Find your Perfect Stay in Paris at sunshinetravelers.com/booking Visit sunshinetravelers.com/viator to book local tours & experiences in Paris. Get Our Ultimate Packing Guide for Traveling Smart and Packing Light + Access to Exclusive Weekly Content here.
Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Follow us on X (Twitter) Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Twitter Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 23 Jul 2024 | Episode 69 - Return to Puerto Rico: Exploring the Caribbean's Most Underrated Destination | 00:38:44 | |
We believe we may have found one of the most underrated travel destinations in the Caribbean. We have just recently returned from Puerto Rico, and this time we discovered so much more that Puerto Rico has to offer. In this episode, we’ll share with you what we learned and why we think you should put this on your travel destination list. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. You will also love Episode 8: 4 Days in Puerto Rico about our first trip Tours we did and recommend on this trip: Don't miss the best Food Tour we've ever been on with The Spoon Experience. See more about our experience here. Book with Roberto with West Side Destinations for a trip to places like La Jungla Beach, Buye Beach and the town of Boqueron Additional Tour Operators we met with and will use when we return for our next trip: Sofrito Tours - Laura offers a variety of tours around the island She is a doctoral student for a PhD in History in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean and talking to the people who were able to join her on one of her tours, had nothing but the highest of accolades about her tour and wealth of knowledge. Isla Caribe tours are dedicated to tours of the town of Ponce in the south. You can join a tour or hire them for a private tour that can be catered to your interests. East Island Excursions - If you’re looking for a water activity, snorkeling, and visiting one of the beautiful island or beaches of Puerto Rico by boat then you are going to want to book with East Island Excursions - they offer a variety of tours so if Culebra, Vieques, Icacos Island are on your list then we recommend that you check them out. Other Recommendations:
Get Our Ultimate Packing Guide for Traveling Smart and Packing Light + Access to Exclusive Weekly Content here. Do More with Viator. Visit sunshinetravelers.com/viator to book local tours & experiences you’ll remember. Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Follow us on X (Twitter) Connect with us on LinkedIn Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a>
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| 30 Jul 2024 | Episode 70 - Europe Family Trip: First-Time Tips & Traveling with Kids | 01:28:47 | |
We recently went on a 2 week trip to Europe with our daughter, son in law and their kids. It was our son in law''s 1st time and the littlest one's first time on an airplane (and we were taking a total of 7 flights). Hear how we planned and budgeted for the trip, navigated planes, trains, and automobiles, navigated 3 countries and made lasting memories traveling with our kids and grandkids. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. You will also love Episode 6: 7 Ways to Beat Jet Lag Episode 5: London Travel Guide Episode 63 - Exploring the UK Beyond London: Our Top 5 Must-See UK Destinations Get Our Ultimate Packing Guide for Traveling Smart and Packing Light + Access to Exclusive Weekly Content here. Find your Perfect Stay at sunshinetravelers.com/booking Visit sunshinetravelers.com/tripiamo to help you prepare to drive when traveling abroad. The car seat alternatives we traveled with are game changers. Here's the link to the Ride Safer Harness and the blow up booster seat. Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Follow us on X (Twitter) Connect with us on LinkedIn Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 06 Aug 2024 | Episode 71 - Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Greek Island Getaway | 01:17:29 | |
One thing that is hard to get wrong is choosing a Greek Island for your vacation getaway, but in this episode, we will compare and contrast the & islands that we have visited to help you plan your perfect Greek Island getaway. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Find your Perfect Stay on the Greek Islands at sunshinetravelers.com/booking You will also love Episode 22: Greece Off the Beaten Path and Episode 70 - Europe Family Trip: First-Time Tips & Traveling with Kids Get Our Ultimate Packing Guide for Traveling Smart and Packing Light + Access to Exclusive Weekly Content here. Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Follow us on X (Twitter) Connect with us on LinkedIn Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 13 Aug 2024 | Episode 72 - How to Travel for Free or Nearly Free with Abby Hatteburg | 01:06:44 | |
People are always asking us how we can afford to take these epic bucket list vacations because they think it must cost a fortune. The truth is Melissa hasn’t paid for a flight to Europe in years, if ever, in all of the trips we have taken. The problem is that we’ve been boxed into using certain brands until our guest this week opened our eyes to a better solution that allows us to be more flexible in how we use reward points to travel. This week we want to share with you some of the secrets to opening new opportunities that you may not know about. We are excited for you to learn from Abby Hatteburg (@wayfarenco) this week on how you can travel for FREE or nearly FREE using her tips & strategies. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Learn more from Abby on Instagram Here and check our her other resources here. Get the Travelfreely app You will also Love: Episode 54 - What We've Learned About Travel Hacks Episode 12 - The Benefits of Joining Travel Loyalty Programs Get more Travel Tips on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Follow us on X (Twitter) Connect with us on LinkedIn Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a>
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| 20 Aug 2024 | Episode 73 - Planning for an African Safari with Piper Mackay | 01:14:28 | |
There is nothing better than being able to check off one of those bucket list experiences that you have been dreaming of for a really long time. This year, Melissa and I will be taking an African Safari in Kenya to celebrate our 30th anniversary and a big birthday for myself. We wanted to do something really special to celebrate those occasions so we decided to cross the safari off our bucket list. We’ve done a lot of planning to prepare for this trip, but we thought for the podcast we might help you shortcut that planning and bring an expert onto the show. In this episode we talk to Piper Mackay from Mackay Africa whom we will use for our safari. So grab your olive green pants and khaki shirt as we head to Nairobi Kenya to start this safari. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Learn more about Esims by GigSky here and use our code SUNSHINE for 10% off data plans Get Our Ultimate Packing Guide for Traveling Smart and Packing Light + Access to Exclusive Weekly Content here. Find your Perfect Stay at sunshinetravelers.com/booking Do More with Viator. Visit sunshinetravelers.com/viator to book local tours & experiences you’ll remember. Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Follow us on X (Twitter) Connect with us on LinkedIn Music credit: Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/momotmusic-36971640/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=164160">Kyrylo Momot</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com/music//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=164160">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 27 Aug 2024 | Episode 74 - 10 Things You Need to Do Before Traveling | 00:48:29 | |
Planning a trip can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience, as the anticipation of new adventures often comes with ensuring everything goes smoothly. To make the most of your journey and minimize potential stress, it's essential to prepare thoroughly before you set off. From organizing your travel documents to packing the right essentials, there are key steps that every traveler should take to ensure a seamless and enjoyable trip. In this episode, we will outline the ten most crucial things you need to do to prepare for your journey, providing practical tips and insights that will help you embark on your adventure with confidence and peace of mind. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Get Our Ultimate Travel Preparation Checklist here + Access to Exclusive Weekly Content We've applied for our Egypt Visa with Atlys and are awaiting its arrival when this podcast aired - We are are happy to report that we received our Visas for Egypt shortly thereafter. Since I had started the Visa application process on my own, Atlys contacted me through What's App (not uncommon for businesses outside the US) and let me know that they needed me to email them some information so they could complete the process. We worked back and forth for a couple of days but they got it done by their deadline. Atlys works like this: you pay the country visa fee up front and they guarantee that they will have your visa by the deadline they set when you apply or they will do it for free. If it's ready by their deadline they will inform you and you'll pay their fee, then you will be redirected to your Visas. Ours were completed by the deadline they had set (even with them needing additional information) and I paid the fee and we now have the visas. We applied for our Kenya visa on our own and received it within a couple of days but it did take me about 1.5-2 hours to get the application completed and submitted. Once I had completed the Egypt one with Atlys, I was given a codes to apply for Visas in Uzbekistan, Kenya, and Vietnam for Free. I would have gladly paid the $40 extra to get the Kenya Visa done for us. Learn more about GigSky for International eSIM Data Plans with Local Prices, no roaming, and and fast data. Use code SUNSHINE for 10% off all plans. Learn more about Global Rescue for international travel services including medical evacuation. Never Overpay for a Flight Again, Get DAILY DROP PRO Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Follow us on X (Twitter) Connect with us on LinkedIn Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a>
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| 03 Sep 2024 | Episode 75 - Travel Tips for Food Lovers with Jay Ducote | 01:11:41 | |
Whether you identify as a foodie or simply want good food while traveling, in this episode, we are speaking your love language as we interview a new friend we recently met on a food tour in Puerto Rico. He’s a Private Chef, Food Blogger, and TV personality who loves to travel and experience new cultures through their food. Hear from Jay his secrets for finding great food while traveling and some of his favorite places for culinary travel. This guy is the real deal when it comes to food. You can even ask Bobby Flay. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Check out the experiences in Puerto Rico Jay talked about here: See Reainamora Puerto Rico Supper Club reservations and Finca La Zafra farm experience You can find and follow Jay Ducote on Instagram here and visit his website here Get his cookbook, Louisiana Outdoor Cooking here We’ve booked our favorite food experiences and cooking classes when traveling on Viator! Visit sunshinetravelers.com/viator to browse experiences and book! Get Our Ultimate Packing Guide for Traveling Smart and Packing Light + Access to Exclusive Weekly Content here. Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Follow us on X (Twitter) Connect with us on LinkedIn Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 10 Sep 2024 | Episode 76 - Staying Connected Abroad Without Roaming Fees | 01:08:45 | |
In this episode, we are exploring one of the most essential yet often overlooked travel tools—staying connected while traveling abroad. If you've ever wrestled with foreign SIM cards, struggled with finding Wi-Fi hotspots only to worry about the security of those hotspots, or worried about hefty roaming fees and slow data, then this episode is for you. We're diving into the world of eSIMs, a game-changer for international travelers. Whether you're hopping from country to country or just looking for a seamless way to stay connected, we’ll share what we’re doing to make our eSIM experience effortless and save money. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Whether you're exploring new cities, relaxing on a beach, or taking a cruise, you can avoid expensive data charges or unreliable Wi-Fi With a GigSky eSIM. Easily get affordable, high-speed data in over 190 countries—no physical SIM card required, They even have CRUISE + LAND packages so you’re connected both on and off the ship without having to pay for 2 different plans. Download the GigSky app, activate your eSIM, and you're ready to explore. Use code **SUNSHINE** at checkout to get 10% off any data plan! Stay connected AND save on your next international adventure! Here’s the link to the story about the couple’s $143,000 cell phone bill Get Our FREE Ultimate Packing Guide for Traveling Smart and Packing Light + Access to Exclusive Weekly Content here. Never Overpay for a Flight Again, Get DAILY DROP PRO Read more about this and other travel must haves on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Follow us on X (Twitter) Connect with us on LinkedIn Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a>
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| 01 Oct 2024 | Episode 79 - Stay Safe, Stay Secure: Cybersecurity Tips While Traveling | 00:36:24 | |
In this episode, we explore essential cybersecurity practices for travelers. In our efforts to help you travel more and better, one of the topics we wanted to raise awareness on is how to keep yourself safe and secure while traveling. We’ll cover topics ranging from smart usage of data while traveling to situational awareness of your surroundings. Join us as we give practical tips that everyone can apply while traveling. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Protect your privacy, increase your security, and keep your browsing data secure and don’t get locked out of websites with Express VPN - get 3 months free with a yearly plan Get Our Ultimate Packing Guide for Traveling Smart and Packing Light + Access to Exclusive Weekly Content here. Find your Perfect Stay at sunshinetravelers.com/booking Do More with Viator. Visit sunshinetravelers.com/viator to book local tours & experiences you’ll remember. For you next International Trip, get a Gigsky eSim to stay connected while traveling. Use code SUNSHINE for 10% off your next Data Plan. Never Overpay for a Flight Again, GET DAILY DROP PRO Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Follow us on X (Twitter) Connect with us on LinkedIn Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 17 Sep 2024 | Episode 77 - Don't Miss These Current Travel Deals | 00:21:36 | |
This week, we want to talk about some amazing deals that we are starting to see pop up for travel between now and early next year. We have been hearing for a few weeks now that airlines are going to be dropping some amazing deals and we want you to be prepared to jump on them when they become available. We also want to give you some strategies for watching out for these types of fare drops and for actually booking them, Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. 1. Sign up for one (or more) of the following Fare Watcher Services 2. Use Google Flights - go to Grid View (easiest on a laptop or desktop) - to see which combination of departure and arrival days gives you the best deal but you'll have to put in specific locations and dates to get started - then go book at the Airlines Website More Travel Tips HERE! More Travel Resources:
Read more about this and other travel tips on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Follow us on X (Twitter) Connect with us on LinkedIn Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 24 Sep 2024 | Episode 78 - The Travel Insurance You're Looking for Isn't Insurance | 00:33:11 | |
The most common fears about global travel often stem from concerns about safety, health, and the unknown. Things like Health and Medical Emergencies, the fear of getting sick or injured abroad and not having access to proper medical care, or concerns about health crises like pandemics or outbreaks in certain regions. In today’s episode, we talk to Jacob Perkins from Global Rescue about how their membership can help you have that peace of mind while traveling, both near and far. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. LEARN MORE about GLOBAL RESCUE HERE! and at sunshinetravelers.com/globalrescue Get our FREE Travel Preparation GUIDE + CHECKLIST - Click HERE! Read more about this and other travel tips on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Follow us on X (Twitter) Connect with us on LinkedIn Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a>
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| 08 Oct 2024 | Episode 80 - Why You Should Use a Travel Agent | 00:57:43 | |
In a world where it seems like you can book everything online with a few clicks, you might wonder why you’d ever need a travel agent. In this episode, we have a guest who has traveled to over 120 countries around the world. She will share some of the reasons that you might want to consider using a travel agent when planning your next trip. We’ll also bust the myth that using a travel agent is more expensive. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. You can connect with Rikimah Glymph at her website, bwelltravel365.com, on Instagram @jetsettingjrsonthego and @bwelltravel365, and on YouTube at Jetsetting Jrs On The Go Get Our Ultimate Packing Guide for Traveling Smart and Packing Light + Access to Exclusive Weekly Content here. Protect your privacy, increase your security, and keep your browsing data secure and don’t get locked out of websites with Express VPN - get 3 months free with a yearly plan Find your Perfect Stay at sunshinetravelers.com/booking Do More with Viator. Visit sunshinetravelers.com/viator to book local tours & experiences you’ll remember. For you next International Trip, get a Gigsky eSim to stay connected while traveling. Use code SUNSHINE for 10% off your next Data Plan. Never Overpay for a Flight Again, GET DAILY DROP PRO Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Follow us on X (Twitter) Connect with us on LinkedIn Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 21 Oct 2024 | Episode 81 - Traveling to Japan: Tips, Hidden Gems, and Must-See Destinations | 01:09:23 | |
Japan offers a captivating mix of ancient traditions and modern wonders, making it a must-visit destination. Explore Kyoto’s serene temples, Tokyo’s vibrant nightlife, and indulge in world-renowned cuisine like sushi and ramen. With its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and welcoming hospitality, Japan promises an unforgettable experience that blends adventure, history, and beauty seamlessly. Today we are talking with a return guest to our show. Melissa’s sister Stephanie was on the show back in episode 11 where we discussed our journey to the last frontier of Alaska. Get all the links mentioned in this episode here. Peak season: Summer (July and August - temperatures from 73-90F with high humidity) and Cherry Blossom Season (Late March to Early April - temperatures from 46-68F) Shoulder season: Spring (March to May -temperatures from 46-73F) and Autumn (September to November- temperatures from 50-81F) Off-peak season: Winter (December to February with temperatures from 39-52F)
Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Get Our Ultimate Packing Guide for Traveling Smart and Packing Light + Access to Exclusive Weekly Content here. Find your Perfect Stay in Japan at sunshinetravelers.com/booking Do More with Viator. Visit sunshinetravelers.com/viator to book local tours & experiences in Japan. Stay connected when traveling to Japan with Gigsky. Use code sunshine for 10% off you next data plan. Watch for Cheap Flights to Japan and Never Overpay for a Flight Again, GET DAILY DROP PRO Protect your privacy & increase your security, keep your browsing data secure, and don’t get locked out of websites with Express VPN. Get 3 months free with a yearly plan! Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Follow us on X (Twitter) Connect with us on LinkedIn Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 22 Oct 2024 | Episode 82 - 4 Days in Cairo: Itinerary & Tips | 01:05:34 | |
We recently had the opportunity to travel to Egypt as part of our 3-week adventure in Africa. We visited archeological sites dating back thousands of years, experienced a culture that was ancient before our country was ever formed, and enjoyed the tastes that are uniquely Egyptian. Join us as we share our experience of spending 4 days in Cairo and how all of this came together in a way that leaves us longing to travel further into this ancient country. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Our amazing tour guide is Manal Helmy can be reached via email at noula.helmy@gmail.com Here's Another Guide, Mustafa Mohamed with Sun Pyramid Tours - he guided us for the Nile River Cruise Dinner but is available for other tours - Reach him on What's App +20 114 482 6963 Please let them know Scott & Melissa, the Sunshine Travelers sent you. See our Cairo Mini Guide: 4 Day Itinerary & Tips Here Get Our Ultimate Packing Guide for Traveling Smart and Packing Light + Access to Exclusive Weekly Content here. Find your Perfect Stay at sunshinetravelers.com/booking Do More with Viator. Visit sunshinetravelers.com/viator to book local tours & experiences you’ll remember. Stay connected when you travel for less with a Gigsky ESim - Use code SUNSHINE for 10% off Never Overpay for a Flight Again, GET DAILY DROP PRO Protect your privacy & increase your security & Keep your browsing data secure PLUS don’t get locked out of websites with Express VPN - get 3 months free with a yearly plan Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Follow us on X (Twitter) Connect with us on LinkedIn Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 29 Oct 2024 | Episode 83 - Caribbean 101: Our Interview on Travel Squad Podcast | 01:01:29 | |
Hear our interview with the Travel Squad Podcast about several of the Caribbean Destinations we have visited, which are our favorite and our tips. You can learn more about them here. You'll also Love: Episode 65 - How to Get the Group Trip out of the Group Chat with The Travel Squad Podcast Episode 58 - Which Caribbean Island Should You Visit, Aruba or Curacao? Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Get Our Ultimate Packing Guide for Traveling Smart and Packing Light + Access to Exclusive Weekly Content here. https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/WeeklyUpdate Find your Perfect Stay at sunshinetravelers.com/booking Do More with Viator. Visit sunshinetravelers.com/viator to book local tours & experiences you’ll remember. Stay connected when traveling with an Esim from Gigsky. Use code SUNSHINE for 10% off Never Overpay for a Flight to the Caribbean (or anywhere) Again, Get DAILY DROP PRO (formerly FareDrop) Protect your privacy & increase your security & Keep your browsing data secure and don’t get locked out of websites with Express VPN - get 3 months free with a yearly plan Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Follow us on X (Twitter) Connect with us on LinkedIn Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 05 Nov 2024 | Episode 84 - How to Choose the Perfect Accommodations for Your Safari | 00:54:01 | |
In this episode we’re kicking off a three-part series diving into the essential components of planning an extraordinary safari. In this first episode, we’ll focus on the unique and immersive lodging experiences you’ll encounter. Outside of game drives, your lodge is where you’ll spend much of your time, and it’s a critical part of what makes your safari truly memorable. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Get the EPICKA Packing Cube Set of 4 30% Off, for a limited time Get Our Ultimate Packing Guide for Traveling Smart and Packing Light + Access to Exclusive Weekly Content here. Protect your privacy, increase your security, and keep your browsing data secure and don’t get locked out of websites with Express VPN - get 3 months free with a yearly plan Find your Perfect Stay at sunshinetravelers.com/booking Do More with Viator. Visit sunshinetravelers.com/viator to book local tours & experiences you’ll remember. For you next International Trip, get a Gigsky eSim to stay connected while traveling. Use code SUNSHINE for 10% off your next Data Plan. Never Overpay for a Flight Again, Now Searchable with Points, Get Daily Drop Pro Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Follow us on X (Twitter) Connect with us on LinkedIn Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/momotmusic-36971640/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=164160">Kyrylo Momot</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com/music//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=164160">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 12 Nov 2024 | Episode 85 - What Experiences Make a Safari Truly Unforgettable? | 01:19:08 | |
This episode is the second of a three-part series diving into the essential components of planning an extraordinary safari. We knew going into this trip that the Safari was the one thing we were looking forward to the most, we just had no idea how much we were going to be amazed by the experiences that Mackay Africa put together for us. In this episode, you’ll discover some of our favorite parks and the wildlife you’ll find in each reserve we visit. Up close and personal we experienced the Big 5, the Ugly 5, and a couple of the small 5. So grab your cameras and join us as we share our experiences from the bush. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Get the EPICKA Packing Cube Set of 4 30% Off, for a limited time Get Our Ultimate Packing Guide for Traveling Smart and Packing Light + Access to Exclusive Weekly Content here. Protect your privacy, increase your security, and keep your browsing data secure and don’t get locked out of websites with Express VPN - get 3 months free with a yearly plan Find your Perfect Stay at sunshinetravelers.com/booking Do More with Viator. Visit sunshinetravelers.com/viator to book local tours & experiences you’ll remember. For you next International Trip, get a Gigsky eSim to stay connected while traveling. Use code SUNSHINE for 10% off your next Data Plan. Never Overpay for a Flight Again, Now Searchable with Points, Get Daily Drop Pro Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Follow us on X (Twitter) Connect with us on LinkedIn Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/momotmusic-36971640/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=164160">Kyrylo Momot</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com/music//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=164160">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 19 Nov 2024 | Episode 86 - Why You Should Say Yes to the Trip of a Lifetime | 01:10:25 | |
This episode is the third part of our series on our trip to Africa, we’re diving into something that goes beyond any single destination or adventure. We’re talking about seizing those once-in-a-lifetime opportunities—the kind of experiences that come knocking only once and leave a lasting mark on your life. Whether it’s a safari across the African savannah, trekking through ancient ruins, or finally booking that dream getaway you’ve always thought about, sometimes life hands us a golden ticket to go beyond the ordinary. In today’s episode, you will discover stories and unforgettable moments that came from saying “yes” to the trip of a lifetime. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Ready to Say Yes to a Trip of a Lifetime to Antarctica in February 2026? Join our Group Trip to Antarctica Waitlist here! Details come soon! Get the EPICKA Packing Cube Set of 4 30% Off, for a limited time Get Our Ultimate Packing Guide for Traveling Smart and Packing Light + Access to Exclusive Weekly Content here. Protect your privacy, increase your security, and keep your browsing data secure and don’t get locked out of websites with Express VPN - get 3 months free with a yearly plan
For you next International Trip, get a Gigsky eSim to stay connected while traveling. Use code SUNSHINE for 10% off your next Data Plan. Never Overpay for a Flight Again, Now Searchable with Points, Get Daily Drop Pro Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Follow us on X (Twitter) Connect with us on LinkedIn Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/momotmusic-36971640/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=164160">Kyrylo Momot</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com/music//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=164160">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 26 Nov 2024 | Episode 87 - 10 Things You Need to Know Before You Visit Cape Town, South Africa | 00:43:11 | |
If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing Table Mountain, sipping wine in the Cape Winelands, watching penguins waddle along a sandy beach, or visiting the Cape of Good Hope, in this episode, you will discover 10 essential things to know while planning your trip. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. You will also like: Episode 86 - Why You Should Say Yes to the Trip of a Lifetime Here's the links to the things we mentioned in this episode: Babylonstoren Wine Farm and Estate Franschhoek Wine Tram Wine & Food Pairing Tour Kirstenbasch Botanical Gardens Table Mountain Cable Car Fast Track Tickets Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point Bo-Kapp & Township Tour with Tours by Locals Explore more Cape Town tours and experiences here Come with us to Antarctica! Join the Waitlist here and be the first to get all the details! Get Our Ultimate Packing Guide for Traveling Smart and Packing Light + Access to Exclusive Weekly Content here. Protect your privacy, increase your security, and keep your browsing data secure and don’t get locked out of websites with Express VPN - get 3 months free with a yearly plan Never Overpay for a Flight Again, Now Searchable with Points, Get Daily Drop Pro Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Follow us on X (Twitter) Connect with us on LinkedIn Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 03 Dec 2024 | Episode 88 - Travel Tuesday 2024 Deals | 00:24:35 | |
Welcome to the Travel Tuesday episode of the Sunshine Travelers Podcast. If you’ve never heard of Travel Tuesday, think of it as the low-key sibling of Black Friday and Cyber Monday - except instead of gadgets, you can score great deals on travel and give the gift of experiences. It’s the perfect excuse to start planning your next adventure without breaking the bank. In this episode we’ll share a few of the savings we have discovered, but don’t wait! Many of these offers end today. Jump on then now; you’ll never regret giving the gift of memorable experiences plus we'll share a few tips along the way that are good anytime! Episodes we mentioned that you'll love: Episode 70 - Europe Family Trip: First-Time Tips & Traveling with Kids Episode 2 - The Galapagos Islands Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Links to some of the deals we talk about in the episode: Never Overpay for a Flight Again, Get Daily Drop Pro and gets flights at up to 80% off plus now you can search for flight redemptions using your points and miles. For a limited time, get $50 off Daily Drop Pro. **Tip**Our tip is to join any flight and hotel rewards programs you think you might EVER use! You'll need those accounts to view available rooms and seats with points and accounts to transfer those points from your credit card programs. You'll want to have them ready and available when you want to use them. Aeroplan - 80% bonus when you buy points (ends Dec 11) TAP Air Portugal - direct flights from NYC to Lisbon for as low as $232 per person American Airlines - Deals to Europe $599 per person, Tokyo for as low as $689 - many more check right away Hawaiian Airlines less than $120 one way from CA to Hawaii One-way flights from NYC to London from $244 on KLM and Virgin Atlantic Booking.com 50% off when purchased by Dec 4 for dates through the end of 2025 Marriott - Until Dec 6, Bonvoy members can get 25,000 Bonvoy bonus points for any 5+ night stay on a Marriott Vacations stay Hilton is offering sales on Stays up to 50% off for various dates and various locations (40% off Hilton Los Cabos) Up to 50% savings by Dec 9 on HX Cruises trip to the Galapagos and Macchu Pichu. Come with us on a Trip of a Lifetime to the 7th Continent! Go to sunshinetravelers.com/grouptrip to sign up for more information about the trip. You will also love: 7 Tips to Make Your Holiday Travel Less Stressful Get Our Ultimate Packing Guide for Traveling Smart and Packing Light + Access to Exclusive Weekly Content here. Protect your privacy & increase your security and keep your browsing data secure and don’t get locked out of websites with Express VPN - Use this link to get 4 Free Months with a Yearly Plan and 6 Free Months with a 2 year plan. Learn more about Staying Safe Online when Traveling here! Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Follow us on X (Twitter) Connect with us on LinkedIn Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 10 Dec 2024 | Episode 89 - How to Turn Your Travel Dreams into Reality with @katieandjoeonthego | 00:55:59 | |
In this engaging episode, Katie and Joe, the dynamic duo behind “Katie and Joe on the Go,” share their inspiring journey of transforming their passion for travel into a sustainable lifestyle and business. The conversation kicks off with Joey’s life-changing high school study abroad experience in Costa Rica, which ignited his love for international exploration. The couple recounts their adventures, including backpacking through Europe, living abroad in Berlin, and transitioning from corporate careers to full-time travel content creators. They discuss the challenges and joys of van life, including their ambitious goal to visit all 63 U.S. national parks. Their travels have taken them through epic locations, from the rugged beauty of Alaska’s remote parks to the diverse landscapes of the western United States. Katie and Joe candidly share the logistical hurdles, financial investments, and lessons learned along the way, emphasizing the importance of flexibility, perseverance, and embracing the unexpected. The couple also delves into their international travel experiences, highlighting memorable moments like driving supercars in Japan, indulging in local cuisines, and fundraising through a charity motorcycle ride. They share their insights on balancing passion and work, offering advice for anyone looking to create a life that supports their dreams. Katie and Joe wrap up by discussing future plans, including a return to international travel and their goal of fostering a deeper connection with destinations through slow travel. Their story is a testament to the transformative power of pursuing your passions with purpose and intention. Takeaway: Katie and Joe inspire listeners to dream big, plan intentionally, and embrace the challenges of turning travel dreams into reality. Their advice to “cut yourself some slack” and find balance in your journey is a reminder that success and fulfillment often come through patience and adaptability. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. You will also Love: Episode 1 - Creating a Travel Bucket List Episode 26 - Did You Pack Snacks? Episode 32 - Traveling Around the World Fast and Slow with Raut Finder Come with us to Antarctica in 2026! Get Our Ultimate Packing Guide for Traveling Smart and Packing Light + Access to Exclusive Weekly Content here.
Read more travel tips & destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram Subscribe to the Podcast on You Tube & follow our travel videos! Follow us on X (Twitter) Connect with us on LinkedIn Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 17 Dec 2024 | Episode 90 - Travel Letdowns and Highlights: Our Best and Worst Experiences of 2024 Reviewed | 01:08:35 | |
Welcome to this episode of the Sunshine Travelers Podcast, where we’re reflecting on our adventures from this past year! Join us as we revisit the incredible destinations we’ve explored and rate them on three key factors: affordability, culture, and food. From savoring local flavors to immersing ourselves in unique traditions and navigating travel budgets, we’ll break down what made these places stand out—or fall short. Whether you’re planning your next getaway or just love hearing about new destinations, this episode is packed with tips, insights, and plenty of travel inspiration. Let’s dive in! Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Interesting in learning more about the destinations we visited this year? Click the links below. Curacao & ArubaEpisode 56 - Discovering Curaçao Episode 58 - Which Caribbean Island Should You Visit, Aruba or Curacao? Episode 45 - What You Need to Know About Aruba Episode 57 - How to Visit Aruba Both On & Off The Beaten Path London, Germany & GreeceEpisode 5 - London Travel Guide Episode 63 - Exploring the UK Beyond London: Our Top 5 Must-See UK Destinations Episode 70 - Europe Family Trip: First-Time Tips & Traveling with Kids - London Episode 71 - Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Greek Island Getaway Episode 22 - Greece Off The Beaten Path Puerto RicoEpisode 8 - 4 Days in Puerto Rico Episode 69 - Return to Puerto Rico: Exploring the Caribbean's Most Underrated Destination Episode 75 - Travel Tips for Food Lovers with Jay Ducote EgyptEpisode 82 - 4 Days in Cairo: Itinerary & Tips Kenya & An African SafariEpisode 73 - Planning for an African Safari with Piper Mackay Episode 84 - How to Choose the Perfect Accommodations for Your Safari Episode 85 - What Experiences Make a Safari Truly Unforgettable? Episode 86 - Why You Should Say Yes to the Trip of a Lifetime South AfricaEpisode 87 - 10 Things You Need to Know Before You Visit Cape Town, South Africa Get Our Ultimate Packing Guide for Traveling Smart and Packing Light + Access to Exclusive Weekly Content here. Join us on a Group Trip to Antarctica! Find your Perfect Stay at sunshinetravelers.com/booking Do More with Viator. Visit sunshinetravelers.com/viator to book local tours & experiences you’ll remember. Gigsky E-Sim - Use code SUNSHINE for 10% off https://gigsky.pxf.io/sunshinetravelers Never Overpay for a Flight Again, Get Daily Drop Pro Protect your privacy & increase your security - Keep your browsing data secure and don’t get locked out of websites with Express VPN - get 3 months free with a yearly plan Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Follow us on X (Twitter) Connect with us on LinkedIn Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 24 Dec 2024 | Episode 91 - Travel Stories We've NEVER Told | 00:33:37 | |
In this episode we’re sharing a side of travel that doesn’t always make the highlight reel—the untold stories. These are the funny, unexpected, and sometimes not-so-glamorous moments that happen when you’re out exploring the world. From travel mishaps and embarrassing encounters to the kind of stories that make us laugh now (but maybe not so much in the moment), we’re pulling back the curtain on the real side of travel. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Get Our Ultimate Packing Guide for Traveling Smart and Packing Light + Access to Exclusive Weekly Content here. Never Overpay for a Flight Again, Get Daily Drop Pro Protect your privacy, increase your security, keep your browsing data secure, and don’t get locked out of websites with Express VPN - get 3 months free with a yearly plan Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Follow us on X (Twitter) Connect with us on LinkedIn Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 31 Dec 2024 | Episode 92 - How to Manifest your Travel Bucket List | 00:36:15 | |
In this episode we’re looking ahead to 2025 and sharing our travel plans for the year. We’ll talk about the trips we’ve already booked, the destinations we’re excited to explore, and a few places still on our wish list that we hope to make happen. Whether it’s a long-awaited adventure, a return to a favorite spot, or a new bucket list destination, we’re laying it all out and giving you a glimpse of where the Sunshine Travelers are headed next. If you’re looking for inspiration to plan your own travels, this episode is for you! Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Come with us to Antarctica in 2026! Get all the details and sign up here! Get Our Ultimate Packing Guide for Traveling Smart and Packing Light + Access to Exclusive Weekly Content here. Find your Perfect Stay at sunshinetravelers.com/booking Do More with Viator. Visit sunshinetravelers.com/viator to book local tours & experiences you’ll remember. Never Overpay for a Flight Again, Get Daily Drop Pro Protect your privacy, increase your security, keep your browsing data secure, and don’t get locked out of websites with Express VPN - get 3 months free with a yearly plan. Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Follow us on X (Twitter) Connect with us on LinkedIn Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 07 Jan 2025 | Episode 93 - What You Need to Know When Planning a Cruise to Antarctica & Why You Should Come With Us | 00:51:53 | |
Don't let this Bucket List opportunity pass you by - come with us Feb 2026 so you have more than a WHOLE YEAR to prepare! Click here to get ALL THE DETAILS! In this episode, we're diving into one of the most awe-inspiring destinations on Earth: Antarctica. Known as the final frontier for explorers, this icy wonderland offers a truly unparalleled experience. Imagine standing amidst towering glaciers, spotting playful penguins and majestic whales, and witnessing the raw, untouched beauty of nature in its purest form. An Antarctic cruise isn’t just a trip—it’s an adventure of a lifetime. In this episode, we’ll share why a journey to the 7th Continent should be at the top of your bucket list, what makes it so magical, and how you can make this dream destination a reality. Get ready to discover the allure of Antarctica, where every moment is nothing short of extraordinary! Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Never Overpay for a Flight Again, Get Daily Drop Pro Get Our Ultimate Packing Guide for Traveling Smart and Packing Light + Access to Exclusive Weekly Content here. Protect your privacy, increase your security, keep your browsing data secure, and don’t get locked out of websites with Express VPN - get 3 months free with a yearly plan. Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Follow us on X (Twitter) Connect with us on LinkedIn Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 14 Jan 2025 | Episode 94 - A Festive Arizona Getaway: Scottsdale, Sedona, and the Grand Canyon in Winter | 01:01:38 | |
In this episode, we explore the magic of Christmas and New Year’s in Arizona. From the festive charm of Scottsdale to the breathtaking beauty of Sedona’s red rock landscapes, and finally to the serene wonderland of the Grand Canyon, we’ll show you how to create unforgettable holiday memories in the desert. Whether you’re dreaming of luxury resorts decked out in holiday lights, cozy moments in small-town Sedona, or the awe-inspiring vistas of the Grand Canyon, this episode is packed with tips and inspiration to make your winter season truly unique. Be sure to also check out our first Arizona Episode - Arizona & the Grand Canyon where we talk about traveling by train into the Grand Canyon Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Come with us to visit the end of the Earth, Antarctica, the seventh continent — a true-bucket list destination - in 2026! Get all the details and sign up here! Get Our Ultimate Packing Guide for Traveling Smart and Packing Light + Access to Exclusive Weekly Content here. Find your Perfect Stay at sunshinetravelers.com/booking Click here to check out and book local tours & experiences.
Never Overpay for a Flight Again, Get Daily Drop Pro Regardless if you are at home or away, Protect your privacy, increase your security, keep your browsing data secure, and don’t get locked out of websites with Express VPN - get 3 months free with a yearly plan Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Follow us on X (Twitter) Connect with us on LinkedIn Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 21 Jan 2025 | Episode 95 - Nepal, South America, Europe and The Joys of Jet Lag with Kat Medina | 00:59:47 | |
In today’s episode, we’re diving into the incredible travel adventures of Kat Medina, author of The Joys of Jet Lag. Join us as Kat takes us on a journey through her awe-inspiring sunrise trek in Nepal’s Annapurna Range, her deep appreciation for the historic charm of Europe, and her love for the raw beauty and rich culture of South America. From breathtaking fjords and towering peaks to the vibrant streets of Ecuador and Argentina, Kat’s stories will spark your wanderlust and remind you of the transformative power of travel. Get ready to explore the world through her eyes and gain insights into embracing a traveler’s mindset wherever you go! Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. What you'll discover in this episode:
Get Kat's book, The Joys of Jet Lag: How to Use a Traveler's Mindset to Not be an A-Hole in Daily Life Come with us to Antarctica in Feb 2026 - Get all the details here! Get Our FREE Ultimate Packing Guide for Traveling Smart and Packing Light Never Overpay for a Flight Again, Get Daily Drop Pro Protect your privacy, increase your security, keep your browsing data secure, and don’t get locked out of websites with Express VPN - get 3 months free with a yearly plan Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Follow us on X (Twitter) Connect with us on LinkedIn Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 28 Jan 2025 | Episode 96 - 5 Trending Travel Destinations for 2025 | 00:43:43 | |
Are you looking for your next adventure away from the usual tourist crowds? Let us guide you to 2025’s emerging travel destinations as you plan your next trip. In this episode, we discuss five destinations that you should consider if you are looking for a destination that is a little off the beaten path but currently trending among travel enthusiasts. We’ll discuss everything from tropical escapes to icy adventures that are gaining attention as trending locations according to Code Nast and Travel + Leisure magazines. Join us as we discover these unique experiences that will help you travel more and better. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Episodes we mentioned you will love:Episode 50 - How to Plan the Ultimate Costa Rica Getaway & Vacation like a Local Episode 11: Journey to the Last Frontier: Our Alaska Road Trip Adventure Resources mentioned in this episode:Learn more about Global Rescue HERE Where to look up the live launch schedule for Florida's Space Coast Get Our Ultimate Packing Guide for Traveling Smart and Packing Light HERE The Gigsky Esim we used throughout Africa and loved - Use code SUNSHINE for 10% off Find More Travel Content From Us Here:Read more about these and other travel destinations and tips on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Follow us on X (Twitter) Connect with us on LinkedIn Connect with us on Threads Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a>
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| 04 Feb 2025 | Episode 97 - How to Travel With Purpose in 2025: Volunteer and Service Travel Trends | 00:21:37 | |
Are you looking for a more meaningful way to travel in 2025? Volunteer travel, also known as service travel, impact tourism, and voluntourism, is on the rise, offering travelers the opportunity to give back while exploring the world. This includes engaging in environmental conservation, supporting youth initiatives, and participating in community development projects. By participating in volunteer activities, travelers not only gain deeper cultural insights but also support sustainable development in host communities. In this episode, we share personal experiences with volunteer travel and provide tips on finding the best service travel opportunities. Plus, we’re announcing a special travel opportunity for those ready to make a difference while seeing the world! Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Click here if you are interested in Registering to Volunteer the Habitat Paraguay Trip May 24-31! Email us here with questions about the trip! Click here if you'd like to DONATE help fund the trip and team! Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Follow us on X (Twitter) Connect with us on LinkedIn Connect with us on Threads Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 11 Feb 2025 | Episode 98 - 10 Banned Activities in Italy Every Traveler Must Avoid | 00:40:45 | |
Are you planning a trip to Italy? Before you pack your bags and set off to explore your bucket list cities and landmarks, there are a few new rules you’ll want to know. Some of these activities have been made famous on Instagram and TikTok, but don’t get caught doing them now. While some might seem harmless, they are now illegal—and the fines can be steep, reaching up to €6,000! In this episode, we’re diving into 10 surprising things that are now banned in many parts of Italy and how much they could cost you if you’re not careful. So join us as we travel to one of our fan-favorite destinations and talk about these new laws you need to know. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Get our FREE Rome & Amalfi Coast Guides Here! Discover More of our Italy Podcast Episodes Here! Come with us to visit the end of the Earth, Antarctica, the seventh continent — a true-bucket list destination - in 2026! Get all the details and sign up here! Get Our Ultimate Packing Guide for Traveling Smart and Packing Light + Access to Exclusive Weekly Content here. Find your Perfect Stay at sunshinetravelers.com/booking When you Travel, do More with Viator. Visit sunshinetravelers.com/viator to book local tours & experiences you’ll remember. Stay connected when you travel for WAY LESS than using your carriers international plan, download an Esim from Gigsky and save a ton of money. Use code SUNSHINE for 10% off Never Overpay for a Flight Again, Get Daily Drop Pro Protect your privacy, increase your security, keep your browsing data secure, and don’t get locked out of websites with Express VPN - get 3 months free with a yearly plan Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Instagram Follow our travels on Facebook Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Follow us on X (Twitter) Connect with us on LinkedIn Connect with us on Threads Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> | |||
| 18 Feb 2025 | Episode 99 - Sunshine Travelers Update and Where We Are Going Next | 00:36:52 | |
In this episode, Scott and Melissa discuss their travel plans for 2023, including trips to London, Iceland, and Alaska. They share tips for planning itineraries, the excitement of travel, and the importance of exploring new places. The couple also highlights their upcoming group trip to Antarctica and their commitment to helping others travel better through their agency, Sunshine Travelers. Key Takeaways from this Episode!
Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Come with us to visit the end of the Earth, Antarctica, the seventh continent — a true-bucket list destination - in 2026! Get all the details and sign up here! Get Our Ultimate Packing Guide for Traveling Smart and Packing Light + Access to Exclusive Weekly Content here. Find your Perfect Stay at sunshinetravelers.com/booking Do More with Viator. Visit sunshinetravelers.com/viator to book local tours & experiences you’ll remember. Stay connected when you travel for WAY LESS than using your carriers international plan, download an Esim from Gigsky and save a ton of money. Use code sunshine for 10% off Never Overpay for a Flight Again, Get Daily Drop Pro Protect your privacy, increase your security, keep your browsing data secure, and don’t get locked out of websites with Express VPN - get 3 months free with a yearly plan Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Follow us on X (Twitter) Connect with us on LinkedIn Connect with us on Threads Music Credit Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">OYStudio</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=128250">Pixabay</a> travel, itineraries, London, Iceland, group trips, Sunshine Travelers, adventure, planning, Alaska, Antarctica | |||