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Sicily is an Italian island in the Ionian sea between Italy and the African coast. Greece, Rome, the Arab world, and Norman Europe left remnants there that you can still experience.
Chef, blogger, and tour director Ric Orlando tells us why Sicily feels different from the rest of Italy. His “deep dive” trips take the Anthony Bourdain approach seriously: spend time with locals, follow the market stalls, and let conversations set the pace.
We get into Palermo’s layered history, the Palatine Chapel’s mosaics, Monreale, Teatro Massimo, and the city’s street markets.
Ric also explains how Sicily’s volcanic soil around Mount Etna is changing the island today, from a booming Sicily wine scene to new crops driven by climate change, and why infrastructure outside the main tourist cities still shapes daily life.
Then east to Catania, to the “Black City” built from dark volcanic stone. We linger at the pescheria fish market where small boats sell the morning’s catch. We talk Sicilian flavor, especially the Arab influenced sweet and sour combinations, and we end with cannoli, farm made cheese, and the living traditions of Piana degli Albanesi.
Finally, Taormina brings cliffside beauty, a Greek theater, an artistic past, along with the modern 'White Lotus' buzz, before Ric shares a personal memory that ties family photos back to a real village festival.
Come wander through the best of Sicily with us. Subscribe, share with friends who love food and history, and leave a review.
Podcast host Lea Lane has traveled to over 100 countries, and has written nine books, including the award-winning Places I Remember (Kirkus Reviews star rating, and 'one of the top 100 Indie books of the year'). She has contributed to dozens of guidebooks and has written thousands of travel articles. _____ Our award-winning travel podcast, Places I Remember with Lea Lane, has produced over 125 travel episodes! New episodes drop on the first Tuesday of the month, on Apple, Spotify, and wherever you listen to podcasts. All episodes are also on her website: placesirememberlealane.com _____ Travel vlogs of featured podcasts-- with video and graphics -- now also drop on YouTube.
Yachting! Plus Travel Tips, Adventures From Below Deck's Captain Kerry
Wonder what luxury at sea really takes when the cameras stop rolling? We sit with Captain Kerry Titheradge from Bravo’s Below Deck, a leader trusted with 300-foot vessels and volatile reality TV moments.
We unpack the true costs of chartering a superyacht, why five-star hotel service can’t match a dialed-in crew at sea, and how leadership—not boat handling—is the captain’s hardest job.
We get a candid look at production rhythms, safety priorities, and the moment a cameraman helped avert disaster.
Then we slip into adventure mode: Cappadocia’s sunrise balloons, Fethiye’s paragliding cliffs, Dubrovnik’s stone ramparts, Kotor’s dramatic bay, and Australia’s trifecta of the Great Barrier Reef, the Outback, and Barossa Valley vineyards where kangaroos hop between rows. Back in Florida, Kerry chases quiet flight on an e-foil, skimming above water in search of small, perfect moments.
That ethos flows into Yachting Concepts, his company guiding new owners—especially under 100 feet. Buying a yacht is the easy part; stewardship is the real voyage.
Kerry closes with a Maldives memory threaded through Middle Eastern terminals alive with peaceful diversity, coral gardens facing climate pressures, and a solo ascent of the Eiffel Tower on the way home.
If you enjoyed this sea-level view of luxury, leadership, and adventure, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a review so more curious travelers can find us.
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Our guest, Captain Kerry Titheradge, CEO of Yachting Concepts, appeared for three years on Bravo TV's popular reality show Below Deck.
Podcast host Lea Lane has traveled to over 100 countries, and has written nine books, including the award-winning Places I Remember (Kirkus Reviews star rating, and 'one of the top 100 Indie books of the year'). She has contributed to dozens of guidebooks and has written thousands of travel articles. _____ Our award-winning travel podcast, Places I Remember with Lea Lane, has produced over 125 travel episodes! New episodes drop on the first Tuesday of the month, on Apple, Spotify, and wherever you listen to podcasts. All episodes are also on her website: placesirememberlealane.com _____ Travel vlogs of featured podcasts-- with video and graphics -- now also drop on YouTube.
Mexico City pulses with energy that spans nearly seven centuries, from its 1325 Aztec founding to its contemporary status as a sophisticated global metropolis. The sprawling capital reveals itself as a layered cultural treasure through the expert insights of Arturo Sanchez, Head Concierge at Andaz Mexico City Condesa Hotel, who shares his perspective on this magnificent city.
At the ancient heart of Mexico City, the Zócalo plaza anchors the historic center where visitors can explore the 13th-century Templo Mayor ruins alongside colonial masterpieces like the Metropolitan Cathedral. Diego Rivera's stunning murals depicting Mexican history adorn the National Palace walls, while nearby, the Palacio de Bellas Artes dazzles with its Art Nouveau and Art Deco architecture, housing a Tiffany glass curtain. A few blocks away, hidden murals in the Public Education Secretary buildings showcase Mexico's muralist tradition.
Beyond downtown, the cobbled streets of Coyoacán neighborhood transport visitors to another era, where Frida Kahlo's iconic Blue House museum captivates with intimate glimpses into the artist's life. The National Museum of Anthropology stands as an essential starting point for understanding Mexico's complex history through its comprehensive collection of pre-Hispanic artifacts displayed in a stunning modern building.
The city's vibrant festival calendar reaches its colorful peak during Day of the Dead celebrations (November 1-2), when locals honor deceased loved ones through offerings, marigolds, and communal gatherings. Mexico City's world-class culinary scene ranges from street tacos to Michelin-starred restaurants, while nearby excursions offer archaeological wonders like the Teotihuacan pyramids where sunrise hot air balloon rides create unforgettable experiences.
Mexican wrestling (Lucha Libre) is an acrobatic theatrical performance where audiences choose sides in a communal celebration. As Arturo shares from personal experience, these authentic cultural moments create meaningful connections, revealing why Mexico City remains one of the world's most captivating destinations.
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Arturo Sanchez lives in Mexico City and is head concierge at Andaz Mexico City Condesa Hotel there.
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Podcast host Lea Lane has traveled to over 100 countries, and has written nine books, including the award-winning Places I Remember (Kirkus Reviews star rating, and 'one of the top 100 Indie books of the year'). She has contributed to many guidebooks and has written thousands of travel articles. _____ Our award-winning travel podcast, Places I Remember with Lea Lane, has dropped over 115 travel episodes! New episodes drop on the first Tuesday of the month, on Apple, Spotify, and wherever you listen. _____ Travel vlogs of our featured podcasts-- with video and graphics -- now drop on YouTube . Please subscribe, like, and comment. **************************************** Website: https://placesirememberlealane.com Travel Blog: forbes.com BlueSky: lealane.bsky.social X (Twitter):@lealane Instagram: PlacesIRememberLeaLane
Mark Everard is who you would imagine a New Zealander to be: warm, fit, open, informative, hospitable, polite -- and extremely proud of his very special homeland. He is one of New Zealand's most sought after private guides, and on this episode we speak to him in Auckland, as he tours us through the North and South Islands of this stunning Pacific country.
We first discuss the joys of the North Island of New Zealand-- beaches, bays, Maori culture, Hobbiton, Rotorua's hot springs -- and cities including the largest in NZ: Auckland; and artsy Wellington, the capital.
Then we focus on the exceptional beauty of the mountains and fiords of the North Island, including Milford Sound. Christchurch and Queenstown are the primary small cities of this island of vineyards, sheep farms, national parks and exceptional vistas, perfect for outdoorsy tourists.
Lodging, foods, best amount of time and best time to visit are talked about, of course. And Mark ends with a special memory. _____ Mark Everard is Managing Director of the Adrenalin Group in New Zealand, specializing in premium executive offsite event management. For over 20 years he has individually guided hundreds of people throughout New Zealand. Mark’s private clients have included Russian oligarchs, celebrities, politicians, business leaders, sheiks, crown princes and princesses, barons and baronesses. And just plain folks! _____ Podcast host Lea Lane blogs at forbes.com, has traveled to over 100 countries, written nine books, including Places I Remember, and contributed to guidebooks. She's @lealane on Twitter; Travelea on Insta; on Facebook, it's Places I Remember by Lea Lane. Website: placesirememberlealane.com. Please follow, rate and review this weekly travel podcast!
Maine: Lighthouses, Lobsters -- And Down East Pleasures
Hilary Nangle is a Maine maven -- born there, lives there and writes guidebooks about her beloved most-eastern New England state. She takes us on a trip up the coast, from the sandy south beaches to the rocky Down East peninsulas, and inland, to oudoor pleasures, sharing stories and fun facts along the way.
--- What makes Maine so special? Hilary suggests the best times to visit, and the best places to experience-- from the casual beachy towns of the southern Maine coast, to the artsy, foody city of Portland, to pretty mid-coast places and peninsulas like Camden and Blue Hill, Bar Harbor, and Mt. Desert island.
-- She adds the northern, Down East towns near the Canadian border, and also takes us inland for outdoor pleasures, lakes and springs. And along the way she mentions history and favorite lobster shacks.
-- Hilary ends with a special memory of a Maine trip with her dad. _____ Maine-based travel writer Hilary Nangle shares her love for her home state in three, regularly updated, guidebooks — Moon Maine, Moon Coastal Maine, and Moon Acadia National Park; in articles for regional, national, and international print and online publications; on her Maine Travel Maven Facebook and Instagram pages; and on www.MaineTravelMaven.com. _____ Podcast host Lea Lane blogs at forbes.com, has traveled to over 100 countries, written nine books, including Places I Remember, and contributed to guidebooks. She's @lealane on Twitter; Travelea on Insta; on Facebook, it's Places I Remember by Lea Lane. Website: placesirememberlealane.com. Please follow, rate and review this weekly travel podcast!
Serengeti: Creating A Wildlife Series, With Emmy Winners Simon Fuller And John Downer
You might not expect a producer of pop culture phenomena like 'American Idol' and 'So You Think You Can Dance' to create a dramatic wildlife documentary series. But when Emmy-Award-winning producer Simon Fuller met Emmy-award winning doc director John Downer, a "perfect partnership" began. -- The result is the Serengeti series, set on the plains of Tanzania, with Serengeti 2 currently available on Discovery+. -- Simon and John generously share inside info on how they created the series -- from the camera work to the difficulties of working with story lines, climate change complications and finding and staying with story lines with wild animals we get to know by name. -- They also talk of their exceptional crew, including the voiceover artistry of Academy Award-winning and Emmy nominated actress Lupita Nyong’o. -- They each end with a special personal memory of the Serengeti. A wonderful podcast! _____ All six episodes of Serengeti 2 are available on discovery+. Viewers can join the conversation on social media by using #SerengetiII and following Discovery on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter for the latest updates. _____ Simon Fuller is a British entrepreneur, artist manager, film and television producer. He has managed talent that includes David and Victoria Beckham, Annie Lennox, Steven Tyler, Amy Winehouse, Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson and The Spice Girls. He is in partnership with the duo Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony. _____ John Downer started his professional life in 1981 at the BBC Natural History Unit, later creating John Downer Productions. He pioneered a number of techniques for wildlife filmmaking, in particular by putting cameras on birds, and by filming birds from the air using various airborne filming platforms. _____ Podcast host Lea Lane blogs at forbes.com, has traveled to over 100 countries, written nine books, including Places I Remember, and contributed to guidebooks. She's @lealane on Twitter; Travelea on Insta; on Facebook, it's Places I Remember by Lea Lane. Website: placesirememberlealane.com. Please follow, rate and review this weekly travel podcast!
'1,000 Places To See Before You Die' Faves, With Best-Selling Author Patricia Schultz
Patricia Schultz, author/editor of the best-selling series 1,000 Places To See Before You Die, is a terrific guest. On this super-size 25th episode, she and Lea share stories, experiences and info about favorite places around the world.
-- Patricia first tells when she started traveling, and how the "1,000 Places" brand came to be, about 20 years ago.
-- Then she and Lea alternate with some of their very favorite places -- continents, countries, man-made and natural sites -- adding their own experiences to each other's.
-- Favorite places include Antarctica; Antelope Canyon in Arizona; Beacon, New York; Bali,Indonesia; Italy, focused on Florence; Barcelona, Spain; Istanbul, Turkey; Galapagos Islands, Ecuador; Cuba; the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, UAE; Iran; Iguacu Falls; Laos; Namibia; the "stans," especially Uzbekestan; Paris and New York;and the upland gorillas in Uganda.
-- Patricia ends with a touching memory about the most important travel aspect of all. _____ Patricia Schultz is a veteran travel journalist who has written travel guides, magazine and newspaper articles as well as authoring her best-selling 1.000 Places series, with millions of copies in print. Contact her at speakersbureau@workman.com _____ Podcast host Lea Lane blogs at forbes.com, has traveled to over 100 countries, written nine books, including Places I Remember, and contributed to guidebooks. She's @lealane on Twitter; Travelea on Insta; on Facebook, it's Places I Remember by Lea Lane. Website: placesirememberlealane.com. Please follow, rate and review this weekly travel podcast!
Morocco: Marrakech To Blue City, Sahara To Sea, Ruins To Riads
Morocco has all the elements travelers love: historic interests, great cities, friendly people; mild climate, scenic beauty, good food and lodging, and great shopping. Expert guide Ahmed Taoumi leads us through the country.
-- Ahmed tells of the Imperial Cities: Marrakech, Fez, Meknes, Rabat, with their casbahs. We also discuss the Roman ruins at Volubulus.
-- He talks of cities and the beauty in the Sahara, and of The Blue City in the Rif mountains, a couple of hours from Tangier.
-- We discuss architecture of the medina, the marketplace, and lodgings called riads, once homes to wealthy Moroccan families.
We talk of traditional foods like tagines, which are stews, and sugared-pigeon called bistila. Lea and Ahmed also discuss the wide variety and beauty of Moroccan handiwork.
Ahmed offers us shopping and bargaining tips . He ends with a favorite memory of a boy and a camel.
_____ Ahmed Toumi has been touring travelers throughout Morocco for over 40 years. Former president of the Guide Association of Tangier, he is currently a private guide. Ahmed's photos and descriptions of Morocco, are especially beautiful. Instagram/tour_with_taoumi; and here on Facebook. www.visitangier.com .
"Life is short and the world is wide. The sooner you start exploring it the better" is a popular quote from Simon Raven. Family trips, backpacking, gap year, exchange programs, international schools -- all are wonderful for young travelers, say guests Bob Gogel, CEO of WorldStrides, and student traveler Sabrina Lane. -- Bob covers the first section of the podcast, explaining why it's important for young people to travel outside of the classroom. "It's all about learnable moments." He describes his own early travels as an exchange student in Nicaragua. -- When traveling with family, he gives three suggestions, and shares some of his favorite destinations. He discusses exchange programs, backpacking, the gap year and the need for people to start traveling again. -- Bob ends with his favorite personal memory of an archeological dig in France. -- In the second part of the episode, Sabrina Lane describes her young travels with stories of family trips, traveling to Paris with her grandmother, living with a volunteer group in Peru, and plans for her senior year in high school -- in an international school in Bosnia. -- Sabrina's stories are vivid, and she ends with a memorable tale in the Golan Heights of Israel. _____ Bob Gogel is President and CEO of WorldStrides, the global leader in educational learning and experiential learning. It runs programs in over 100 countries for more than half a million students in over 5,000 schools and universities. ______ Sabrina Lane will be experiencing her high school senior year and a following gap year at an international school in Bosnia. She's already traveled to over 20 countries, through family trips and volunteer experiences. She is an activist for peace and climate awareness. _____ Podcast host Lea Lane blogs at forbes.com, has traveled to over 100 countries, written nine books, including Places I Remember, and contributed to guidebooks. She's @lealane on Twitter; Travelea on Insta; on Facebook, it's Places I Remember by Lea Lane. Website: placesirememberlealane.com. Please follow, rate and review this weekly travel podcast!
Washington, D.C. -- Surprising Things About The Grand (And Funky!) U.S. Capital City
Liz Georges, and Joan and Julia Haskins, all long-time D.C. residents, share secret places and special D.C. moments. Lea asked each of them to share their five favorite things about Washington, and each, their favorite memory.
-- After Lea offers a brief history of the city (did you know that George Washington, who founded it, never got to live there?) the ladies offered their personal choices of what to see and do, and what they appreciate most about their hometown.
-- Favorites included familiar choices such as the free museums, Embassy Row and Kennedy Center. But also surprises such as Go-Go music-- "the answer to when you're feeling down," The Funk Parade, the staircase from the movie The Exorcist, and Mambo Sauce!
-- After some free-wheeling discussion, Liz, Joan and Julia offered their favorite memories (and one includes a famous cabinet member). _____ Liz Georges is a former attorney and currently leads the communications strategy for The Nature Conservancy’s climate policy work in the United States. _____ Joan Haskins is a writer and a children's yoga teacher in the D.C. public schools. (But she insists that her best and favorite gig was raising her daughter, Julia.) _____ Julia Haskins is a writer, editor, and communications professional. ____ Podcast host Lea Lane blogs at forbes.com, has traveled to over 100 countries, written nine books, including Places I Remember, and contributed to many guidebooks. She's @lealane on Twitter; PlacesIRememberLeaLane on Instagram; on Facebook, it's Places I Remember by Lea Lane. Website: placesirememberlealane.com. Please follow, rate and review this bi-weekly travel podcast!
Jim Davidson's story is hard to believe, but all too true. He survived mountain avalanches that took the life of his climbing partner and best friend. And later, while climbing Mt. Everest in Nepal, the highest mountain in the world, a severe earthquake hit.
--Many lost their lives, and Jim helped rescue many others. He eventually returned to summit Everest.
-- Jim is the personification of resilience. He tells his story from the beginning, when as a child he used to climb on roofs! He is not only strong and brave, he's a really great guy. You'll love listening to his inspiring life, and learning about the thrills and realities of an adventurous life. _____ Jim Davidson is an accomplished high-altitude climber, motivational speaker, and the author of The Next Everest, Surviving the Mountain's Deadliest Day and Finding the Resilience to Climb Again. He is also co-author of the New York Times best-seller The Ledge. He has been commended by the U.S. National Park Service for volunteering on risky and remote mountain rescues. _____ Podcast host Lea Lane has traveled to over 100 countries, written nine travel books, including Places I Remember, and contributed to dozens of guidebooks. She's @lealane on Twitter and blogs at forbes.com ______ Please subscribe to Places I Remember with Lea Lane, and leave a quick review! New travel episodes every Tuesday, wherever you listen, or at placesirememberlealane.com
Traveling, Jim Crow To Now: With Actor Stephen Bishop And His Mom
Between Lezlie Bishop and her son, actor Stephen Bishop, we cover the realities of traveling as a person of color around the world, from the Jim Crow era to the George Floyd reckoning.
-- Lezlie and Lea remember the indignities of Jim Crow in the U.S. south. Lezlie tells of when she was the only black student on a field trip to Jackson, Mississippi; and of The Great Migration, and the attitude of black people in the north, and discrimination in Chicago. -- Stephen expresses what it sometimes feels like as he travels: "The trees are talking to you .... "The walls are closing in." -- Lezlie mentions why she worries more when Stephen travels in the U.S. than when he travels abroad, and describes a run-in with police as he waited at the airport. --We discuss travel destinations that illuminate the black experience, including the Martin Luther King Historic Site in Atlanta; the Civil Rights Museum in Memphis; the National Museum of African-American History and Culture in D.C.; the Harriet Tubman byway in Maryland; and the Legacy Museum in Montgomery, Alabama. -- After a discussion of the value of historic sites in relation to teaching history, Lezlie and Stephen discuss their most vivid memories of traveling while black. ____ Lezlie Bishop attended Ripon College on academic scholarships. A teacher and public relations professional, she retired from AT&T in Atlanta in 2000. Her travels include Mexico and Great Britain, as well as many U.S. states. _____ Stephen Bishop, a former baseball player and baseball scout, is an actor currently starring in the TV series, 'Run the World.' He has traveled throughout the states and world. ______ Podcast host Lea Lane blogs at forbes.com, has traveled to over 100 countries, written nine books, including Places I Remember, and contributed to guidebooks. She's @lealane on Twitter; Travelea on Insta; on Facebook, it's Places I Remember by Lea Lane. Website: placesirememberlealane.com. Please follow, rate and review this weekly travel podcast!
Lea takes on the world's weirdest, oddest summer festivals around the world.
-- In the USA, there's underwater music in Key West, hat contests in Connecticut, and all things Elvis in Memphis. In Canada, she remembers participating in a noisy celebration of survival.
-- Bayonne, France celebrates Basque culture; and Italians high in the Dolomites swing on hammocks. In Portugal it's the festival of trays, in Austria, body painting, for the Finns it's celebrating beer, and there's baby jumping in Spain. And Romania has a maidens fair for fair maidens. -- Going east, South Korea has a mudfest, and a watergun festival. Kenya celebrates dromedaries. There's a big Mongolian celebration, and a belly-button Festival in Japan. Sri Lanka adorns its elephants.
-- Blondes have more fun in Latvia, and other kinds of blondes, Golden Retrievers, compete in Scotland.
-- And then there are the throwing, crushing and hauling events -- tomatoes and wine in Spain, grapes in Australia, and girlfriends in Finland!
-- Lea ends with a special memory -- of a duct-tape parade in Ohio! _____ Podcast host Lea Lane blogs at forbes.com, has traveled to over 100 countries, written nine books, including Places I Remember, and contributed to guidebooks. She's @lealane on Twitter; Travelea on Insta; on Facebook, it's Places I Remember by Lea Lane. Website: placesirememberlealane.com. Please follow, rate and review this award-winning travel podcast!
Train travel enchants with its unique blend of scenery, experience, and connection, as illustrated by Railbookers’ offerings around the world. Frank Marini and Gareth Jones explore top train journeys, eco-friendly travel, and essential tips for maximizing rail adventures. • Train travel combines both scenic beauty and cultural richness • Railbookers offers tailored vacations for diverse budgets and preferences • Popular routes include scenic trains in Switzerland and easy connections in Ireland • Trains are a sustainable choice for modern travelers seeking greener options • Key tips include early booking, proper planning, and enjoying the journey • Highlights a 59-day extraordinary global train trip with luxury experiences and exclusives.
Frank Marini and Gareth Jones are executives at Railbookers.
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Podcast host Lea Lane has traveled to over 100 countries, and has written nine books, including the award-winning Places I Remember (Kirkus Reviews star rating, and 'one of the top 100 Indie books of the year'). She has contributed to many guidebooks and has written thousands of travel articles. _____ Our award-winning travel podcast, Places I Remember with Lea Lane, has dropped over 115 travel episodes! New episodes drop on the first Tuesday of the month, on Apple, Spotify, and wherever you listen. _____ Travel vlogs of our featured podcasts-- with video and graphics -- now drop on YouTube . Please subscribe, like, and comment. **************************************** Website: https://placesirememberlealane.com Travel Blog: forbes.com BlueSky: lealane.bsky.social X (Twitter):@lealane Instagram: PlacesIRememberLeaLane Facebook: Places I Remember with Lea Lane YouTube Channel: Places I Remember: Travel Talk with Lea Lane
Husband Bill and I invited my son Cary and his partner Zhanna on a travels through the major European World War battlefields, in Belgium and France, ending 10 days later in Paris -- a road trip of charm and history. First, we hear tips on road tripping, then we describe our trip. Right away we missed The Compiègne Wagon, the train carriage in which both the Armistices of both World Wars were signed. We also misdirected the GPS and wound up back at the airport! But we visited pretty Laon, and then drove up to Lille, “Capital des Flandre." -- Next day, to Ypres in western Belgium. The Great War Museum in a former medieval cloth factory near the cathedral gives perspective. We followed the now serene battlefield circuit, once scenes of bloody warfare. At Ypres we attended the Last Post Ceremony, held every evening at the Menin Gate. -- In Bruges, fairy-tale city in northwest Belgium, we stayed for dinner when crowds thinned. Next day to Amiens, in France. Nearby, the Battle of the Somme in 1916, was one of the largest of World War I, among the bloodiest in history. In Peronne, an excellent Museum of the Great War illustrated nearby battles. -- In Rouen, where Joan D’Arc was burned at the stake, we lunched across the street at La Couronne, oldest inn in France, where Julia Child had her first French meal. -- We strolled Honfleur harbor then drove to Bayeaux, near the Channel coast, famed for the 11th-century tapestry depicting the 1066 Norman invasion of England. -- We spent a day experiencing the more recent invasion: moving sites of Omaha Beach, the American cemetery, the war museum, and surrounding gun batteries and remnants of D-Day. -- We arrived at our favorite hotel after a crazy drive, and ended the trip in Paris. -- And Cary adds a beautiful, meaningful, final memory! _____ Cary Lane is a professor, author, artist, museum curator and history buff. _____ Lea Lane blogs at forbes.com, has traveled to over 100 countries, written nine books, including Places I Remember, and contributed to guidebooks. She's @lealane on Twitter; Travelea on Insta; on Facebook, it's Places I Remember by Lea Lane. Her website: placesirememberlealane.com. Please follow, rate and re
San Sebastian, Spain: 'Greatest Foodie City In The World'
Delightful award-winning guide Eskerne Falcon talks with us from San Sebastian (also called Donostia) in Northern Spain, near the French border. We discuss the best pintxo bars and take a super tour in this beautiful Basque city and environs, between mountains and the Bay of Biscay.
-- Eskerne tells of the city's culture and history, developing from a fishing village early-on to royals favorite, from the 19th century.
-- She focuses on the beaches, one mainly for surfing, one with an island -- when there's a full moon "it seems you can walk there." And the mountains, with museums and a vintage amusement park near the top, with panoramic views.
-- She takes us on a perfect day: a walk around historic areas, including the 19th-century theatre and the Maria Cristina Hotel. And city hall, which used to be a casino.
-- We talk of the San Sebastian Film Festival, and the many international stars who have attended over the years.
-- And then we get to food, in this greatest food city per capita in the world, especially. We talk of pintxos (like tapas), local wine and cider, and the way to pour the cider, and delish local cheesecake.
-- We talk of pintxo bars in the old town, including Anthony Bourdain's favorite.
-- And then we talk of the nearby Basque fishing villages along the coast, all the way past the French border, including Biarritz.
-- Bilbao, with the Guggenheim museum, is less than an hour away. And Rioja wine country is also an easy drive nearby.
-- As we do on all episodes, Eskerne ends with a favorite memory of her beloved area. ______ Eskerne Falcon is director of Discover San Sebastion: discoversansebastian, Instagram; Discover San Sebastian, Facebook; www.discoversansebastian.com _____ Podcast host Lea Lane has traveled to over 100 countries, written many travel books, including Places I Remember, and has contributed to dozens of guidebooks. She's @lealane on Twitter, Travelea on Instagram, and blogs about travel at forbes.com Contact her at placesirememberlealane.com. ______ Please follow Places I Remember with Lea Lane wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you enjoy, leave a 5-star a review on Apple! New travel episodes every Tuesday.
Alaska: Northern Lights, Fishing Towns, Glacial Bays, Denali, More
-- We start with cruising. Does size matter when it comes to seeing glaciers, up close? (Not that much, as in other things.) We name glaciers and describe some of the best excursions off the ship, including food tours, whale watching, flight seeing to a salmon bake, sports fishing, the Skagway train -- and dive bars, of course.
-- Fran loves snorkeling in the cold Alaska waters, among the "surprisingly colorful purple, orange and red starfish," and even an octopus. And she wants to try standup paddle boarding among the icebergs.
-- Midgi suggests you "get into the sky" to see Alaska, land on glaciers, dogsled, hike and flightsee. Lea tells of flying from Ketchikan to the Tongass National Park to see bears, and helicoptering to a glacier that had never been walked on before -- maybe.
-- We talk of Alaskan coastal cities including Juneau, Haines, Ketchikan, Skagway and Sitka.
-- Then we turn to the land. Denali National Park "wild, like the Serengeti. And Fairbanks, with its spectacular northern lights.
-- Fran and Midgi each talk of five of their favorites of the 100 Things they write about.
-- Then they each end with their favorite memories of Alaska. (And Lea adds hers!)
_____ Fran Golden is a long-time Alaskaphile and author of numerous books and articles about Alaska. An award-winning travel writer and specialist in cruises, she has explored Alaska by land and sea. Fran lives in Cleveland with her travel-writer husband, David Molyneaux. Midgi Moore, who lives in Juneau, is a culinary travel professional who owns Juneau Food Tours and Global Tours Connect, an online marketplace. ------ Podcast host Lea Lane has traveled to over 100 countries, written many travel books, including Places I Remember, and has contributed to dozens of guidebooks. She's @lealane on Twitter, Travelea on Instagram, and blogs about travel at forbes.com . Contact her on her Facebook page, Places I Remember by Lea Lane, or her website, placesirememberlealane.com. ______ Follow Places I Remember with Lea Lane wherever you listen to podcasts. New travel episodes every Tuesday. And please review it on Apple!
Cuba And Pamplona, Spain, In Hemingway's Steps: Forbes Editor's Adventures, Part #2
In Part 1's amazing tales, Episode 14, we found out that Randall Lane likes to live on the edge -- from the jungles of Liberia to the deserts of Nevada. Besides being chief content officer and editor of Forbes, he's my son, and I found out details on the episode that I never knew about. His motto is "life is to be experienced," and in both his work and play, he would rather do things than regret the things he didn't do.
-- Here, in Part 2, Episode 15, Randall gives us even more exciting (sometimes harrowing) tales of his adventurous travels -- with a final tale that's unforgettable.
-- He begins by mentioning a few of the famous people he's met along the way in his far-reaching travels to "70 or 80 countries." He mentions Malala, Jane Goodall, and rock stars like Bono from U2 and Chris Martin from Coldplay.
-- But we talk with appreciation about memorable people we've met in our travels that are not famous -- real people. Lea mentions a rural woman in Guatemala who showed her beautiful poems she had written.
-- Randall tells of going to Cuba and meeting the old man who was a model for the fisherman in Ernest Hemingway's great novella, The Old Man and the Sea. When Rand meets him in the 1990's, the man is 102 years old, but still strong and with some shady things to say about Hemingway.
-- We then talk of doing risky things like eating blowfish, which could poison you.
-- And in keeping with the Hemingway theme, Randall tells of his experience in his 20s when he took the famed right of passage to run with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain. This detailed description is absolutely fascinating -- it puts us all in the action. And even more, it becomes darkly hilarious. You maybe won't believe what happened to Randall -- but it's true.
That's my boy! _____ Randall Lane is the chief content officer and editor of Forbes. He is the founder of 30 Over 30 and 50 Over 50 franchises, and appears regularly on MSNBC. Check out his book, The Zeroes: My Misadventures In the Decade Wall Street Went Insane. _____ Podcast host Lea Lane has traveled to over 100 countries, written many travel books, including Places I Remember, and has contributed to dozens of guidebooks. She's @lealane on Twitter, Travelea on Instagram, and blogs about travel at forbes.com Contact her on her Facebook page, Places I Remember by Lea Lane, and at her website, placesirememberlealane.com. ______ Follow Places I Remember with Lea Lane wherever you listen to podcasts. New travel episodes every Tuesday. And please review it on Apple!
Forbes Editor's Travels, Part #1: Liberia, Syria, Vietnam, Drag Racing In Nevada
Randall Lane likes to live on the edge: I know because, besides being chief content officer and editor of Forbes, he's my son. His motto is "life is to be experienced," and in both his work and play, he would rather do things than regret the things he didn't do. Here he gives us four exciting (sometimes harrowing) tales of his adventurous travels.
-- He starts off with a hair-raising helicopter ride in the Liberian jungle, on his way to helping accelerate health care in an area that needs it. He finds himself in a situation that seems dire ... and then, a surprise!
-- On to Lebanon and Syria, and a dilemma based on identity. There is potential danger from Hezbollah, some mistakes and absurdities that could be dangerous, and we find out how Rand gets out of it -- in a kind of truth or dare.
-- In Cambodia Rand reflects on the people's forgiveness. And in Vietnam he makes a big jump in Halong Bay, and pays the consequences. Lesson learned? Maybe.
-- Drag racing cars in Nevada? Rand and his friend race up to 200 miles an hour in a rented car -- top down. Do they win? Let's just say it's close.
(To be continued in the next episode: More daring stories of memorable people, and of eating poisonous blowfish. And Ernest Hemingway-related travel tales: in Cuba, meeting a literary legend; and in Pamplona, Spain, running with the bulls . Don't miss Part Two of Rand's amazing travel adventures, in Episode 15 of Places I Remember!)
_____ Randall Lane is the chief content officer and editor of Forbes. He is the founder of 30 Over 30 and 50 Over 50 franchises, and appears regularly on MSNBC. Check out his book, The Zeroes: My Misadventures In the Decade Wall Street Went Insane. _____ Podcast host Lea Lane has traveled to over 100 countries, written many travel books, including Places I Remember, and has contributed to dozens of guidebooks. She's @lealane on Twitter, Travelea on Instagram, and blogs about travel at forbes.com Contact her on her Facebook page, Places I Remember by Lea Lane, and at her website, placesirememberlealane.com. ______ Follow Places I Remember with Lea Lane wherever you listen to podcasts. New travel episodes every Tuesday. And please review it on Apple!
Steve Perillo, a third-generation owner of America's biggest tour company to Italy, figures he's traveled there over a hundred times. Steve brings expertise and humor as he and Lea share glorious travel memories from Milan to Sicily, and offer a charming overview of this blessed travel destination. What's not to love?
-- Steve talks about Adam Sandler playing him on Saturday Night Live, but goes on to list the myriad qualities that make Italy a just-about-perfect travel destination, and reminds us that it's an ancient crossroads of the Mediterranean. We even talk about a few of Italy's negatives, including the VAT tax.
-- Italy may be compact and easy to get around, but each region offers something special. These include:
-- Milan and the Lake District, including the Galleria, La Scala and The Last Supper in Milan, and the prettiest villages and grand hotels in the Lake District.
-- Venice, with Murano, Burano and the ancient cities of the region, including romantic Padua and Verona.
-- Tuscany, with Florence, Siena, Lucca, fishing villages and Pisa; nearby Umbria, with Assisi and Perugia.
-- Rome, with its ancient wonders and its pasta!
__ The food and beauty of Italy's Amalfi Coast, with Naples, Capri, Sorrento.
-- Sicily, the largest island in the Med, with its special treasures.
-- Steve gives us more basic travel tips about traveling to Italy, and then tells us of his favorite memory, involving a helicopter and an ancient high-rise Tuscan town. ______ Steve Perillo is the president and owner of Perillo Tours, America’s leading travel company to Italy. A lifelong apprentice to his father, the legendary Mario Perillo who was also known as “Mr. Italy,” Steve represents the third generation of his family’s 75 year-old business. Steve is also a respected classical composer. _____ Podcast host Lea Lane has traveled to over 100 countries, written many travel books, including Places I Remember, and has contributed to dozens of guidebooks. She's @lealane on Twitter, Travelea on Instagram, and blogs about travel at forbes.com. Contact her at placesirememberlealane.com. ______ Follow Places I Remember with Lea Lane wherever you listen to podcasts. New travel episodes every otherTuesday. And please consider reviewing us on Apple!
Green Travel, 'Slow Travel': Eco-Tourism Trips, Tips
Florence Quinn, a travel and lifestyle public-relations pro, represents numerous destinations and lodgings around the world. She shares with us environmental problems and the best ways to travel green, in what she calls the "earth crisis" we're in today.
-- She became especially aware of eco-travel when, among 120 million others, she saw a photo of a distressed sea turtle with a plastic straw up its nose.
-- Towels in hotels were among the first signs of green travel, and Lea and Florence share eco-centric stories from Miami to Greenland, melting glaciers to forest fires.
-- But there are good signs: Covid has temporarily greened up travel, bringing many of us closer to nature. Hotels are banning plastic straws, and planting sustainable gardens, Some hotels even provide power from guests working out on gym machines. Wind turbines dot landscapes around the world, the Netherlands has state-of-the-art techology to keep the country from flooding, and China's solar power has helped turn skies blue.
-- Lea and Florence share personal tips for green travel, including resusables, recycling, supporting local conservationists, carbon-offset, eating local, slow travel, using public travel, animal awareness, local souvenirs, eco-friendly accommodations -- including goats eating grass, "up close to nature."
Florence's favorite eco-memory is of climbing cold and windy Mt. Washington -- carry up, carry back. _____ Florence Quinn, president of Quinn Public Relations, is a winner of nearly every award available to PR professionals, including being #25 on Observer’s PR POWER50 list, and a five-star ranking in Forbes America’s Best PR agencies. _____ Podcast host Lea Lane has traveled to over 100 countries, written many travel books, including Places I Remember, and has contributed to dozens of guidebooks. She's @lealane on Twitter, Travelea on Instagram, and blogs about travel at forbes.com Contact her at placesirememberlealane.com. ______ Follow Places I Remember with Lea Lane wherever you listen to podcasts. New travel episodes every Tuesday. And please review it on Apple!
New Mexico: Pueblos and Art, Space Aliens and Frito Pie
Susan Mihalic, author of the debut novel Dark Horses,shares her love of New Mexico,her home state. -- Northern Pueblos, including Taos Pueblo,and rituals and festivals, Bandelier National Monument, -- Carlsbad Caverns. Lea shares about a tornado; Susan, a honeymoon road trip with (or without) bats -- Susan talks of Roswell, where supposedly a UFO crashed; "cute brick buildings" and a UFO museum -- White Sands: "mountains of snow," soft, powdery dunes, no shade -- Los Alamos, where nuclear bombs were built, with the "highest IQ in the state." Rock petraglyphs and pictographs, at Bandelier -- Albuquerque: hot air ballooning, "Breaking Bad" sites -- Taos, Susan's hometown: high desert, blue skies, red aspens. "Taos is my landscape." Artists visiting Taos "stayed because of the light." -- Ancient crafts, plus Anglo artists from late 1800s. Recreation, in mountains and desert -- Susan's favorite pueblo, Acoma, known for pottery, and an ancient mica windowpane. Silver City pueblo, and Zuni pueblo -- fetishes, amulets, jewelry. And bread made in ornos, special ovens. -- Red or green chilis? "I always get Christmas." Green chili harvest, and green chili stew. Lea remembers eating green chili burger and Frito Pie, New Mexico faves. -- Sante Fe: "New York in the desert," star chefs, mountains, opera, arts, old theater, culture, slower pace. Stunning adobe brick. Georgia O Keefe museum there; her home nearby, a ghost ranch and retreat -- How New Mexico influenced her novel, in which horses are the backdrop. Dark Horses allowed her to buy a horse and "quit her day job." The heroine's relationship with horses is based on Susan's relationship with her horse, Goldmark. -- Susan's special memory is set on thousands of acres north of Taos, with old logging roads. She twice went horse camping there, sleeping in a tent with Goldmark nearby, riding out for the day. Her "most beautiful place." _____ Writer, editor, teacher Susan Mihalic lives in Taos, New Mexico. Her novel Dark Horses is on Oprah Magazine's and Parade Magazine's lists of Most Anticipated Books of 2021, GoodReads' list of 75 Debut Novels to Discover in 2021, and was named a "Title to Watch" by Library Journal. Susan taught riding therapy for two summers in college and four years in San Diego. She rides her horse Goldmark every chance she gets, throughout beautiful New Mexico. _____ Podcast host Lea Lane has traveled to over 100 countries, written nine travel books, including Places I Remember, and contributed to dozens of guidebooks. She's @lealane on Twitter and blogs at forbes.com. Contact her at placesirememberlealane.com. ______ Please follow Places I Remember with Lea Lane wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you enjoy, leave a 5-star a review on Apple.
Miami: Past, Present, Future -- & The New Underline Park, With Founder Meg Daly
The Underline, a 10-mile linear park, urban trail and public arts destination, will meander from the Miami River to Dadeland South under the Miami Metrorail. With its first section, "Brickell Backyard" newly opened, Meg Daly, Founder and President of Friends of the Underline, talks with Lea about Miami's past, present and future.
-- Lea and Meg both grew up in the Miami area a generation apart. Lea remembers Miami Beach of the past 50 years: no air conditioning, the airport not much more than a hangar, mosquitos sprayed from above with DDT, and much more.
-- Meg tells of growing up in an activist family in the Miami suburb of Coral Gables, in a vintage Spanish-style house. Her family came from Boston in 1960 and was active in keeping the gorgeous Biltmore Hotel from being destroyed.
-- At the beginning of the Millennium, when Miami still did not have a cultural center, Meg's father, Parker Thompson, who would later help plan The Underline, was involved in developing the Arsht Performing Arts center. It influenced an arts scene including museums, Art Basel, Wynwood, and new neighborhoods designed by great architects, spawning great restaurants.
-- Along with progress came heavy traffic -- and that is where The Underline comes in, bringing us a 10-mile linear park by 2025, leading to a network of parks and trails with native plants, butterflies, places to connect --"it equals life!"
-- Meg talks about the first section completed, "Brickell Backyard," from the Miami River through Brickell Village.
-- And the four thousand new trees and green design will help Miami get through climate change.
And last, Meg remembers how she conceived of The Underline --combining past, present and future in an engrossing memory. _____ Meg Daly is a full-time volunteer, Founder and President of Friends of The Underline, transforming the underutilized land below Miami’s Metrorail into a 120-acre linear park, urban trail and public art destination spanning 10-miles in the urban core. (www.theunderline.org).
A 30-year sales and marketing veteran, she held executive marketing and management positions in the television, public relations, advertising, technology, and real estate industries. Meg has a BA in English from Vanderbilt University and has served on numerous philanthropic boards. _____ Podcast host Lea Lane has traveled to over 100 countries, written many travel books, including Places I Remember, and has contributed to dozens of guidebooks. She's @lealane on Twitter and blogs about travel at forbes.com Contact her at placesirememberlealane.com. ______ Please follow Places I Remember with Lea Lane wherever you listen to podcasts, and review it on Apple! New travel episodes every Tuesday.
Norway: The 'New North,' Beyond Mountains And Fjords
Harald Hansen, travel expert from Visit Norway, shares his expertise with us from Oslo.
-- He talks of contemporary Norwegian architecture, and lodgings with spectacular views; even igloos where you can see the Northern Lights from your bed.
-- We learn of cruising up the Norwegian coastline, above the Arctic Circle, to Tromso, the "Paris of the North." You can go dog sledding or on a reindeer safari, and see reflective Northern Lights in the Lofoten Islands.
-- Harald tells us his favorite fjords, near Bergen, and talks of ancient stave churches. He tells us of the 18 Norwegian Scenic Roads, designed only for cars, combining gorgeous new lodgings, restaurants to complement the scenery, and even special toilets with views!
-- We hear of whales, and an anecdote of polar bears seen very closeup. And of the Sami people in the north; travelers can join tours, celebrating the ancient family culture that revolves around reindeer.
-- Lea remembers the beauty of Oslo's City Hall, and Harald tells of how that capital city has transformed in the last few years; it's now hip and filled with restaurants.
-- We talk of Bergen, with its ancient warehouses, a center of the new "Fjordic cuisine." You can even catch your own seafood.
-- We mention Alesund, the art nouveau town in southern Norway. And of course we end with a favorite memory. And Harald has a great one.
_____ Harald Hansen, Media Specialist and Industry Specialist at Visit Norway, lives in Oslo and has been a Norwegian travel specialist for decades. harald.hansen@innovationnorway.no, www.innovationnorway.no, www.visitnorway.com ______ Podcast host Lea Lane has traveled to over 100 countries, written many travel books, including Places I Remember, and has contributed to dozens of guidebooks. She's @lealane on Twitter and blogs about travel at forbes.com Contact her at placesirememberlealane.com. ______ Please follow Places I Remember with Lea Lane wherever you listen to podcasts, and write a review on Apple! New travel episodes every other Tuesday.
Sarah Thompson, the founder of Luxama Travel, shares her personal experiences and expert knowledge as we traverse the legendary 'Strata Statale 163 Amalfitana' on Italy's Amalfi Coast, a cliff side route famed for breathtaking views and exhilarating challenges.
Discover the charm of this coastal paradise, where the art of "dolce far niente," or the sweetness of doing nothing, is celebrated in every sun-drenched alley and lemon-scented breeze along the Amalfi Coast drive. From Sorrento's picturesque paths to the serene natural beauty of the Jerontal reserve, Sarah invites us to experience the magic of this iconic location.
We also uncover the hidden treasures of the Amalfi Coast's charming towns, from the delectable anchovies of Chitara to Vietre Sul Mare's vibrant ceramics. Our journey culminates in Salerno, the bustling city that blends history with modern allure. As Sarah recounts cherished memories of scooter rides and floating in the Mediterranean, she inspires us to pause, disconnect, and embrace the beauty. Whether you're planning a visit or simply dreaming of Italian landscapes, this episode transports you to one of the world's most enchanting destinations.
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Sarah Thompson, is the founder of Luxama Travel. She lives in Southern Italy.
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Podcast host Lea Lane has traveled to over 100 countries, and has written nine books, including the award-winning Places I Remember (Kirkus Reviews star rating, and 'one of the top 100 Indie books of the year'). She has contributed to many guidebooks and has written thousands of travel articles. _____ Our award-winning travel podcast, Places I Remember with Lea Lane, has dropped over 115 travel episodes! New episodes drop on the first Tuesday of the month, on Apple, Spotify, and wherever you listen. _____ Travel vlogs of our featured podcasts-- with video and graphics -- now drop on YouTube . Please subscribe, like, and comment. **************************************** Website: https://placesirememberlealane.com Travel Blog: forbes.com BlueSky: lealane.bsky.social X (Twitter):@lealane Instagram: PlacesIRememberLeaLane Facebook: Places I Remember with Lea Lane YouTube Channel: Places I Remember: Travel Talk with Lea Lane
Podcast host Lea Lane describes favorite delights of spring travel -- food, flowers and festivals -- from the magnificent to the hilarious.
-- She starts with food, remembering gorging on "spargle," the white gold (asparagus) of Germany. Food festivals are delicious ways to have fun. And one food festival in England involves a nine-pound cheese that rolls down a hill.
-- Spring flowers are Lea's next delight -- colorful wildflowers on roadsides and fields of yellow rapeseed. And gardens, including painter Claude Monet's at Giverny, outside of Paris; and Keukenhof, "the most beautiful spring garden in the world," outside of Amsterdam.
-- Religious festivals celebrate rebirth and cleansing in strange ways. Spring ones include colorful Holi in the Hindu world, where people douse each other with colors and Sonkgran, in the Buddhist world, where everyone douses themselves with water, especially in Thailand. Las Fallas, a Spanish celebration, honors St. Joseph, with huge puppets.
-- Semana Santa, Holy Week highlighted by Easter, is celebrated around the world, but no where more beautiful than in Seville Spain and Antiqua Guatemala, where processions involve robed participants and carpets of flowers.
-- Non-religious festivals include Sechselauten, where a creature called a Boogg is burned to end the winter season. And the King's Birthday in the Netherlands, when everybody wears orange and goes shopping at a huge flea market.
-- In the U.S. there's a sand-sculpture festival in Florida, rodeos out west, Patriot's Day in Boston, and baseball spring training.
-- And as in every episode, we end with special travel memories. Lea shares two unforgettable spring anecdotes: one in the New Zealand (in November), and one in the Greek Islands. Both are surprising, and both are delightful! _____ Podcast host Lea Lane has traveled to over 100 countries, written many travel books, including Places I Remember, and has contributed to dozens of guidebooks. She's @lealane on Twitter and blogs about travel at forbes.com . Contact her at placesirememberlealane.com. ______ Please follow Places I Remember with Lea Lane wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you enjoy, leave a 5-star a review on Apple! New travel episodes every Tuesday.
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Ireland: Glories, Stories -- And Joe Sings An Irish Ballad!
Irish singer/songwriter Joe Kearns is blessed with the gift of song and the gift of gab, and generously shares both with us. From his house near Dublin, he offers witty insights about the culture and pleasures of his beloved Ireland.
-- Find out how to choose the best pubs, and why Dublin’s Trinity College — home of the medieval illustrated Book of Kells -- has a barrel ceiling. We talk of Kilkenny, a remote monastery in the Skellig Islands, the Ring of Kerry, and the Irish beauty of castles, lakes, mountains, and even a coral beach.
-- Travel with Joe to the coolest music spot in Dingle, as we talk of the Celtic language and chat about colorful towns, a picnic atop the Cliffs of Moher, drinking honey Meade at a medieval banquet, and the pleasures of County Galway, the Wild Atlantic Way, and more.
-- Coddle and Barmbrack are probably not what you think (they're classic Irish foods), and I add a memory about Baileys on corn flakes.
-- Joe tells romantic travel stories set under Irish rainbows and "sideways rain."
-- And then, best of all — Joe, a fabulous singer, takes out his guitar and sings a beloved Irish ballad, even using his whistle! _____ Joe Kearns, now living back home near Dublin, is a world traveler and a gifted singer/songwriter, often accompanied by his wife, Olivia. He loves Ireland, and it shows in his words and music. Facebook page: www.facebook.com/joeandliv Instagram: the_old_cabra_schoolhouse _____ Podcast host Lea Lane has traveled to over 100 countries, written nine travel books, including Places I Remember, and contributed to dozens of guidebooks. She's @lealane on Twitter and blogs at forbes.com Contact her at placesirememberlealane.com _____ Please subscribe and leave a quick review! New travel episodes every Tuesday, wherever you listen.
Africa To China, With The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance CEO
Determined to save endangered animals, Paul Baricault, CEO of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, shares travel experiences from Botswana to Antarctica, highlighting magnificent memories, impending crises and ways to solve them.
-- Paul explains why it's so critical for world conservationists to work together, such as at the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary in Northern Kenya. -- We learn of animals in danger of extinction, including the northern white rhino, and the success of helping to birth two rhino newborns at the San Diego Zoo Global. -- "Life thrives but it has to move." Paul talks of elephants and gorillas, African habitats, the magnificent wildebeest migration and the movement of animals at the flooding of the Okavango Delta in Botswana. -- We talk of favorite travel memories, including safaris, special zoos, working on species priority in the Galapagos Islands, walking among brown bears in Alaska, and visiting pandas in China. -- Paul reminds us, "Be inspired to protect the world." And connects us to ways we can help.
_____ Paul Baricault is President and CEO of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, and a committed conservationist, intent on saving and protecting the world's threatened plants and animals. ______ Podcast host Lea Lane has traveled to over 100 countries, written many travel books, including Places I Remember, and has contributed to dozens of guidebooks. She's @lealane on Twitter and blogs about travel at forbes.com Contact her at placesirememberlealane.com. ______ Please follow Places I Remember with Lea Lane, and leave a review on Apple! New travel episodes every Tuesday, wherever you listen to podcasts.
U.S. National Parks: The Best Of 'America's Best Idea'
Mona Mesereau, husband Tom and family have explored at least 75 of America's national parks and monuments. Mona shares history, tales, tips and the joys of family travels, exploring the U.S.A.'s precious public parks system.
-- "America's Best Idea"- Mona shares the history of our National Parks, starting with the oldest, Yellowstone.
-- Lea shares some of her park experiences including sunrise at Acadia; a drive around southern Utah parks; the blue water of Crater Lake; dawn at Zabriski Point in Death Valley; Denali in Alaska; Dry Tortugas, 99% underwater -- "ya have to want to get there," on a catamaran from Key West; birds of the Everglades, "brightened my mood, pumped me up,"says Mona; Gateway Arch in St. Louis; popular Great Smoky Mountains, "near the salt and pepper museum"; Hawaii Volcanos National Park, sometimes active; Joshua Tree (really bushes and surreal boulders; Kenai Fjords, "whole bunches of bears"; Painted Desert, spectacular colors; Yosemite, stayed at the historic lodge, the waterfalls.
-- Mona tells of pleasures including Great Smoky National Park -- "a bear jam"; and Grand Teton in Wyoming, catching trout.
-- Mona recommends going off-course, a balance between planning and wandering, and using guides and tours; Grand Canyon,Lake Powell/Glen Canyon, veering off to Wupatki National Monument; reservations for lodges, and the benefits of shoulder season.
-- On Mona's 50th birthday, she details a magnificent day at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, exploring the back country.
-- She reminds us to protect our parks 'these are our houses in nature"; pick up trash, make purchases, get National Park passports.
-- Mona says take lots of photographs; great lodges and the beauty of the parks remain much the same.
-- Leave crowds behind, there are plenty of trails, "I've seen Old Faithful erupt at midnight"; solitude of Glacier National Park -- "a chance to think."
-- Lesser known parks: beyond ruins at Mesa Verde, Canyon de Chelly; Eastern Parks? New River, the newest National Parks in West Virginia; Gauley River nearby, to raft; Harpers Ferry.
-- Mona's most memorable experience, at "the American Serengeti" in Yellowstone _____ Mona Mesereau, editor and executive, launched Mesereau Travel Public Relations with her husband Tom, marketing executive and former magazine editor. www.mesereaupr.com; (@monasays) / Twitter; Mona McCoy Mesereau/ Facebook. _____ Podcast host Lea Lane has traveled to over 100 countries, written eight travel books, including Places I Remember, and contributed to dozens of guidebooks. She's @lealane on Twitter and blogs about travel at forbes.com Contact her at placesirememberlealane.com _____ Please subscribe and leave a quick review! New travel episodes every Tuesday, wherever you listen.
Northern Spain: Walking The Camino de Santiago -- Spirituality, Fun, Beauty
--- Anne Born has walked The Camino de Santiago (the Way of St. James) in Northwest Spain nine times. Ancient pilgrim routes stretch across Europe, coming together at the tomb of St. James in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. She shares info about history, varied routes, best lodgings, local foods, and symbols -- on this bucket-list adventure.
-- The Way of St. James was one of the most important pilgrimages during the Middle Ages. The most popular walk, an ancient Roman trade route starting in France, is now a UNESCO Heritage Site.
-- Many routes, including one from Lisbon or Porto Portugal, converge to the Cathedral. And some travelers walk beyond, to the most western point in Spain, Cape Finisterre, on the Atlantic Coast in Galicia. Land’s End in Latin.
-- Anne takes us through a typical day on the Camino. Some pilgrims walk for fun, some for spiritual reasons or to bond with others. She shares fascinating tidbits about the best ways to meet people, the meaning of the scallop shell, where to stay -- and innkeepers' hospitality. She fondly remembers the best local foods, different ways to go -- including biking; and the spirituality that pilgrims find under the Big Sky of Northern Spain.
--- We also chat about major cities on the Camino, like Burgos, and of the magnificent cathedral there and in Santiago. And we end with her favorite travel memory of the Camino. _____ Author/poet/photographer Anne Born is an award-winning New York-based writer who blogs on The Backpack Press and Tumbleweed Pilgrim. Her popular book is "Buen Camino! Tips from an American Pilgrim." Her new guidebook is written about the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela for English-speaking pilgrims: “If You Stand Here.” TheBackpackPress.com ______ Podcast host Lea Lane has traveled to over 100 countries, written many travel books, including Places I Remember, and has contributed to dozens of guidebooks. She's @lealane on Twitter and blogs about travel at forbes.com Contact her at placesirememberlealane.com ______ Please subscribe to Places I Remember with Lea Lane, and leave a review on Apple! New travel episodes every Tuesday, wherever you listen to podcasts.
New Orleans: Travel Editor/Mardi Gras Queen Tells All
Millie Ball, former travel editor at the Times-Picayune, has traveled the world from Antarctica to Easter Island, but is still in love with the city where she was born: "There's no place in the world like New Orleans."
-- Millie first discusses the founding of the Crescent City on a curve of the Mississippi River, the diversity of the population, and the influence of slavery.
-- She shows us the delights of the French Quarter; a "Moon Walk" along the river; and the pleasures of a perfect day in the Garden District, including lunch at Commander's Palace and a strolling among grand mansions and parks.
-- We discuss the world-class World War II National Museum, and other New Orleans museums, parks and gardens.
-- And then, of course, all about Mardi Gras, from the local jargon to the newest tradition -- 'house floats.'
-- We talk of music, including jazz; clubs; and food, of course -- focusing on restaurants that locals love.
-- We end, as we always do, with favorite memories. Lea shares her first solo trip to New Orleans, at 19. And Millie tells us a story of when she was a Mardi Gras Carnival Queen, and what resulted -- the only time in almost 100 years of the tradition! _____ Millie Ball has won numerous Society of American Travel Writers Foundations’ Lowell Thomas Awards, and writes for publications including the Los Angeles Times. _____ Podcast host Lea Lane has traveled to over 100 countries, written nine travel books, including Places I Remember, and contributed to dozens of guidebooks. She's @lealane on Twitter and blogs at forbes.com _____ Please subscribe to Places I Remember with Lea Lane, and leave a quick review! New travel episodes every Tuesday, wherever you listen, or at placesirememberlealane.com
Paris: A Parisian Shares Why The Left Bank Is So Special
Valerie Benigno lives on Paris’ Left Bank, in the Latin Quarter near St. Germain des Pres —the heart of the 5th and 6th arrondissements. She knows that perfect cafe or shop, the best route to ancient cathedrals, and how to enjoy the charms of this artsy, historic area of Paris.
--- Valerie shares her favorite Left Bank places and memories. We find ways to tell a Left Bank resident from someone who lives on the other side of the Seine, and why the 5th and 6th are called The Latin Quarter.
--- She talks of Left bank artists and writers, The Sorbonne and other schools on The Left Bank, and the Pantheon, where the greats of France are buried. She mentions surprising facts about the statue of St. Genevieve, and the ruins of the Roman city called Lutetia near the Cluny museum, famed for its medieval collection.
--- There is the magnificent Luxembourg Gardens, with ponds and a carousel, a museum and pony rides, flowers and fountains and the ancient home of Maria de Medici, now home to the French senate. Narrow Left Bank streets are filled with delightful shops, including the famed chocolate shop that once served Marie Antoinette.
--- We talk of the Delacroix museum; the oldest church in Paris, St. Germaine; and sites where movie scenes were shot: "The Da Vinci Code" in the ancient church, St. Sulpice, and the old restaurant featured in “Midnight in Paris.”
--- Valerie offers her favorite memory to end a travel conversation as delicious as a French macaron. By the end of the podcast we understand better why the Left Bank of Paris is magical, and why so many of us seek to travel there. _____ Valerie Benigno keeps up with the best of the Left Bank, advising travelers for over 20 years at Hotel St. Paul Rive Gauche. _____ Podcast host Lea Lane has traveled to over 100 countries, written nine travel books, including Places I Remember, and contributed to dozens of guidebooks. She's @lealane on Twitter and blogs at forbes.com ______ Please subscribe and leave a quick review! New travel episodes every Tuesday, wherever you listen or at placesirememberlealane.com
Japan: Tips From A Traveler Who’s Visited Over 43 Times!
We asked Marian Goldberg, who has traveled to Japan -- yes, 43 times, to tell us about some of her favorite memories of that island-nation. As one of this country’s foremost Japanese experts, she focuses on special travel aspects of Japan, from the popular to the unusual, and from serene to exciting.
-- We learn about Shinto shrines, and the pleasures of visiting and staying in Buddhist retreats. There’s “forest bathing” which has nothing to do with water, and bathing in hot springs, which very much does. -- We delight in the beauty of gardens and cherry blossoms, light-up festivals and strolls through bamboo forests, and ancient cedar forests on a sub-tropical island off Japan’s southern coast. And also traveling to the shrines of the Shoguns.= -- Marian tells of astounding views of Mt. Fuji from a skywalk outside of Tokyo, which also offers zip lines, huge swings and rock climbing. -- We discuss tea ceremonies at a tea house with a geisha, in a town known for green tea. And we chat about one of the oldest pilgrimages in the world, passing by 88 temples set in valleys below towering mountains, and along the coast, where pilgrims can dress in traditional white robes, and walk up to two months to complete the route. -- Snow monkeys look like old men as they bathe in hot springs. And hiking trails between Kyoto and Tokyo are classic and popular. Marian tells of skiing from a traditional village near Nagano, where mists surround you and the buildings are ancient. -- Marian takes us to a brewery with a 23rd generation brewer, and sake on tap. -- And she ends with her favorite travel memory of all her many trips to Japan. _____ Marian Goldberg was the Japan National Tourism Organization's Public Relations Manager for the Americas for 11 years and does personal Japan Travel Planning. She is a regular presenter on Japan at the New York Times Travel Show.
She was the U.S. representative for Kyoto City and has been part of the team representing Tokyo in the U.S .Market. Prior to joining JNTO, she was a researcher and producer at The Travel Channel. http://www.jaxfaxmagazine.com/contributing-writers/ _____ Podcast host Lea Lane has traveled to over 100 countries, written nine travel books, including Places I Remember, and contributed to dozens of guidebooks. She's @lealane on Twitter and blogs at forbes.com ______ Please subscribe to Places I Remember with Lea Lane, and leave a quick review! New travel episodes every Tuesday, wherever you listen, or at placesirememberlealane.com
Places I Remember: Travel Conversations With The World
A short introduction about Places I Remember with Lea Lane -- an award-winning, monthly travel podcast, featuring conversations with travel experts, passionate travelers and savvy locals around the world. The podcast is hosted by seasoned, award-winning travel writer, Lea Lane -- author of eight travel books, contributor to dozens of guidebooks, and blogger at forbes.com. Lea has traveled to over 100 countries, and shares her warm memories and fascinating experiences along with her guests.
Wine And Sightseeing At Special Vineyards In France, Italy And Spain
Thatcher Baker Briggs, the founder of Thatcher's Wine in LA, spills the secrets to crafting the ultimate wine vacation, balancing leisurely tastings with relaxation, over the perfect four to five-day getaway. Thatcher offers invaluable tips on wine tasting etiquette, like the art of spitting versus drinking, especially when you're behind the wheel, and emphasizes the importance of pre-arranged transportation in Europe's charming but Uber-less wine regions.
Discover how to navigate the diverse costs of tastings across various regions and get insider advice on dining experiences that will elevate your wine adventure.
Embark on a sensory journey through Europe's most captivating wine regions, starting with the French Riviera and its Provençal allure, then onward to the Champagne region where bubbly meets French fries for an unexpectedly delightful pairing.
Experience Italy's Piedmont region, where medieval towns, stunning landscapes, and exquisite wines like Nebbiolo await. Imagine the aroma of truffles in Alba and the cultural tapestry of Turin. Finally, savor the culinary masterpiece of a paella in the heart of Alicante, Spain, celebrating the joys of European cuisine and the art of wine. Cheers to travel, taste, and the tales that bring them to life!
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Thatcher Baker Briggs is the founder of Thatcher's Wine in LA. He is a sommelier, and a frequent traveler to the great vineyards of Europe.
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Podcast host Lea Lane has traveled to over 100 countries, and has written nine books, including the award-winning Places I Remember (Kirkus Reviews star rating, and 'one of the top 100 Indie books of the year'). She has contributed to many guidebooks and has written thousands of travel articles. _____ Our award-winning travel podcast, Places I Remember with Lea Lane, has dropped over 100 travel episodes! New podcast episodes drop on the first Tuesday of the month, on Apple, Spotify, and wherever you listen. _____ Travel vlogs of our featured podcasts-- with video and graphics -- now drop on YouTube . Please subscribe, like, and comment. **************************************** Website: https://placesirememberlealane.com Travel Blog: forbes.com BlueSky: lealane.bsky.social X (Twitter):@lealane Instagram: PlacesIRememberLeaLane Facebook: Places I Remember with Lea Lane YouTube Channel: Places I Remember: Travel Talk with Lea Lane
Dr. Laurie Marker, the founder of the Cheetah Conservation Fund, shares her mission to save one of the world's most endangered big cats. Dr. Marker offers insights into the delicate balance of arid grassland ecosystems and the critical role these majestic creatures play. In a world where cheetah populations are declining, learn how innovative models in Namibia are empowering communities to live in harmony with their natural surroundings and actively participate in conservation efforts.
We also embark on a sensory journey through Namibia's unique culinary scene and awe-inspiring landscapes, indulging in the country's fresh seafood, including famous oysters, or experiencing the traditional Mahongo soup. We feel the rugged beauty of the Skeleton Coast where towering dunes meet the ocean, and the vibrant wildlife in Swakopmund and Etosha National Park.
Immerse yourself in the haunting beauty of Kolmanskop’s ghost town and the grandeur of Fish River Canyon, the continent's largest. Throughout, Dr. Marker calls for global action, urging us all to play a role in preserving these irreplaceable natural wonders. _____ Dr. Laurie Marker is the founder of the Cheetah Conservation Fund. Go to cheetah.org. _____ Podcast host Lea Lane has traveled to over 100 countries, and has written nine books, including the award-winning Places I Remember (Kirkus Reviews star rating, and 'one of the top 100 Indie books of the year'). She has contributed to many guidebooks and has written thousands of travel articles. _____ Our award-winning travel podcast, Places I Remember with Lea Lane, has dropped over 100 travel episodes! New podcast episodes drop on the first Tuesday of the month, on Apple, Spotify, and wherever you listen. _____ Travel vlogs of our featured podcasts-- with video and graphics -- now drop on YouTube in the middle of every month! Please subscribe, like, and comment. **************************************** Website: https://placesirememberlealane.com Travel Blog: forbes.com X (Twitter):@lealane Instagram: PlacesIRememberLeaLane Facebook: Places I Remember with Lea Lane YouTube Channel:Places I Remember: Travel Talk with Lea Lane "Lane Changes" on Substack
Refreshing Waterways, Waterfalls, Wineries Of New York's Finger Lakes
There's so much more to New York than Manhattan. In this episode we'll discover the "hidden gems" of upstate and western New York's waterways: the serene beauty of the historic Erie Canal, the charm of villages nestled along the way, and the natural delights of the Finger Lakes, with its surrounding farms, vineyards and waterfalls.
Chris Jennings, the General Manager of the Lake House on Canandaigua, helps us touch on downtown waterfalls of the city of Rochester, with a history of notable figures like Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony. We'll uncover the lesser-known natural wonders of western New York beyond famed Niagara Falls, including Letchworth State Park, often referred to as the Grand Canyon of the East.
The Finger Lakes, 11 glacier-formed bodies of water, are celebrated for their wine scene and cultural tapestry, including Amish and Mennonite influences. And Chris ends the episode sharing a heartwarming story on Lake Canandaigua. _____ Chris Jennings is the General Manager of the Lake House on Canandaigua, and lives in the Finger Lakes area. _____ Podcast host Lea Lane has traveled to over 100 countries, and has written nine books, including the award-winning Places I Remember (Kirkus Reviews star rating, and 'one of the top 100 Indie books of the year'). She has contributed to many guidebooks and has written thousands of travel articles. _____ Our award-winning travel podcast, Places I Remember with Lea Lane, has dropped over 100 travel episodes! New podcast episodes drop on the first Tuesday of the month, on Apple, Spotify, and wherever you listen. _____ Travel vlogs of our featured podcasts-- with video and graphics -- now drop on YouTube in the middle of every month! Please subscribe, like, and comment. **************************************** Website: https://placesirememberlealane.com Travel Blog: forbes.com X (Twitter):@lealane Instagram: PlacesIRememberLeaLane Facebook: Places I Remember with Lea Lane YouTube Channel: Places I Remember: Travel Talk with Lea Lane
Best Bits Of This Year's Places I Remember Episodes!
Captivating travel memories from 2024, featuring guests who share unique adventures and insights. These include: Andre Van Ketz with a road trip around Cape Town, where whale watching becomes an unforgettable experience. Lila Kresic-Djurek tells of Spanish visitors falling in love with Croatia's wine and cuisine, while Harry Mitsitis paints a heartwarming picture of travel’s small, impactful gestures in Sierra Leone, Africa. Each narrative celebrates moments of discovery and cultural connection.
Bravo celebrity Aesha Scott takes us on a day off in Havana, Cuba. Best-selling author Mike Finkel shares a gripping journey across the Sahara, highlighting the communal spirit found even in the harshest environments. Ryan Hoke's picturesque return to Wyoming offers soul-soothing fly fishing in the Bighorn Mountains. And there's more: Whether it's the nostalgia of a childhood trip to Europe or the culinary traditions of Ecuador, each of these eleven favorite memories is a testament to travel. _____ Podcast host Lea Lane has traveled to over 100 countries, and has written nine books, including the award-winning Places I Remember (Kirkus Reviews star rating, and 'one of the top 100 Indie books of the year'). She has contributed to many guidebooks and has written thousands of travel articles. _____ Our award-winning travel podcast, Places I Remember with Lea Lane, has dropped over 100 travel episodes! New podcast episodes drop on the first Tuesday of the month, on Apple, Spotify, and wherever you listen. _____ Travel vlogs of our featured podcasts-- with video and graphics -- now drop on YouTube in the middle of every month! Please subscribe, like, and comment. **************************************** Website: https://placesirememberlealane.com Travel Blog: forbes.com X (Twitter):@lealane Instagram: PlacesIRememberLeaLane Facebook: Places I Remember with Lea Lane YouTube Channel: Places I Remember: Travel Talk with Lea Lane
Discover Wyoming's stunning natural landscapes and rich culture with Ryan Hauck, Executive Director of Cody Yellowstone. From the eruptions of Old Faithful to the vistas of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. We also journey through the Shoshone Forest, and discuss the diverse wildlife that inhabit these lands, including tips on securing lodging and camping spots.
We delve into the folklore, and climbing opportunities of Devil's Tower, learn of treasures at Fossil Butte National Monument, and explore the authentic Western charm of Cody, Casper and Cheyenne. We also talk about the Wind River Indian Reservation, where you can connect with Native American culture through wild horse tours and more. Join us for a heartfelt exploration this and more, uncovering Wyoming's beauty and heritage. _____ Ryan Hauck is executive Director of Cody Yellowstone. _____ Podcast host Lea Lanehas traveled to over 100 countries, and has written nine books, including the award-winning Places I Remember (Kirkus Reviews star rating, and 'one of the top 100 Indie books of the year'). She has contributed to many guidebooks and has written thousands of travel articles. _____ Our award-winning travel podcast, Places I Remember with Lea Lane, has dropped over 100 travel episodes! New podcast episodes drop on the first Tuesday of the month, on Apple, Spotify, and wherever you listen. _____ Travel vlogs of featured podcasts-- with video and graphics -- now drop on YouTube in the middle of every month! Please subscribe, like, and comment. **************************************** Website: https://placesirememberlealane.com Travel Blog: forbes.com X (Twitter):@lealane Instagram: PlacesIRememberLeaLane Facebook: Places I Remember with Lea Lane YouTube Channel: Places I Remember: Travel Talk with Lea Lane
Extreme Travel Adventures, With Author/Journalist Mike Finkel
Intrepid author and explorer Michael Finkel lived as an expat in the South of France and skied down the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. His tales from Iran, China, the Congo and around the world offer challenging perspectives on how travel can shape our worldview.
From the harsh realities of crab fishing in the Bering Sea to the complexities of war as a combat journalist in Afghanistan, he tells of resilience and unexpected kindness amidst adversity. The convo shifts to appreciation for Italy's vibrant cuisine and culture, drawing comparisons with life in France, and Mike shares tips on coping with jet lag from his recent adventures in Japan.
We discuss conflicted regions, from the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to the ethical dilemmas surrounding animal poaching in Central Africa. Michael's trek across the Sahara, and his encounters with natural wonders like the Northern Lights and Congo's active volcanoes remind us of the raw beauty and complexity of our planet.
We wrap up with Michael’s transformative experience at a 10-day meditation retreat in India, showing the power of introspection and resilience. This exciting, enriching episode is filled with adventures that expand your horizons. _____ Michael Finkel is a journalist and memoirist who has written the books True Story: Murder, Memoir, Mea Culpa; The Stranger in the Woods: The Extraordinary Story of the Last True Hermit; and The Art Thief: A True Story of Love, Crime, and a Dangerous Obsession. _____ Podcast host Lea Lanehas traveled to over 100 countries, and has written nine books, including the award-winning Places I Remember (Kirkus Reviews star rating, and 'one of the top 100 Indie books of the year'). She has contributed to many guidebooks and has written thousands of travel articles. _____ Our award-winning travel podcast, Places I Remember with Lea Lane, has dropped over 100 travel episodes! New podcast episodes drop on the first Tuesday of the month, on Apple, Spotify, and wherever you listen. _____ Travel vlogs of our featured podcasts-- with video and graphics -- now drop on YouTube in the middle of every month! Please subscribe, like, and comment. **************************************** Website: https://placesirememberlealane.com Travel Blog: forbes.com X (Twitter):@lealane Instagram: PlacesIRememberLeaLane Facebook: Places I Remember with Lea Lane YouTube Channel: Places I Remember: Travel Talk with Lea Lane
Talking Travel With Aesha Scott, Popular Yachtie On 'Below Deck Mediterranean'
Aesha Scott, the dynamic Chief Stew on Bravo's "Below Deck Mediterranean," takes us on a journey from her beginnings in a Kiwi fruit lab in New Zealand, to navigating the luxurious, high-stakes world of yachting.
Discover her secrets to overcoming challenges with her crew and guests, propelled by her adventurous spirit. Get an insider's perspective on the pressures of guest turnover, provisioning, and filming for a hit TV series, along with her favorite yachting destinations.
Aesha recounts her most unforgettable travel experiences, from the picturesque beauty of Croatia, safaris in South Africa's Kruger National Park, to the cultural richness of Morocco and the energy of New York City. We also touch on the unique vibe of London and the allure of England. Through Aesha's stories, we celebrate the importance of kindness, gratitude, and joy -- whether we're exploring the world or navigating our daily lives. _____ Aesha Scott is the Chief Stew on Bravo's "Below Deck Mediterranean," _____ Podcast host Lea Lanehas traveled to over 100 countries, and has written nine books, including the award-winning Places I Remember (Kirkus Reviews star rating, and 'one of the top 100 Indie books of the year'). She has contributed to many guidebooks and has written thousands of travel articles. _____ Our award-winning travel podcast, Places I Remember with Lea Lane, has dropped over 100 travel episodes! New podcast episodes drop on the first Tuesday of the month, on Apple, Spotify, and wherever you listen. _____ Travel vlogs of featured podcasts-- with video and graphics -- now drop on YouTube in the middle of every month! Please subscribe, like, and comment. **************************************** Website: https://placesirememberlealane.com Travel Blog: forbes.com X (Twitter):@lealane Instagram: PlacesIRememberLeaLane Facebook: Places I Remember with Lea Lane YouTube Channel: Places I Remember: Travel Talk with Lea Lane
Smart Choices For Solo, Budget and Women Travelers
A four-month plan turned into eight years on the road, and that leap reshaped everything. We sit down with Caryl Eve Dolinko, author of A Woman’s Guide to World Travel, to unpack how purpose-led planning makes travel deeply rewarding—especially for women considering solo adventures.
What do you actually want from your trip? Whether it’s tracing your ancestry, learning to cook regional dishes, studying music, or chasing landscapes, your why helps you choose your how—solo freedom, a trusted travel buddy, or an interest-driven group.
Caryl highlights woman-friendly destinations with strong infrastructure and cultural openness—Thailand, Spain, Israel, Japan, Denmark, the Netherlands—and shares ways to navigate more complex regions through women-only hostel rooms, local rail options, and online communities that turn safety into solidarity.
More tips: Caryl’s keeps packing simple: neutral layers, multi-use pieces, and a compact medical kit with prescriptions in original containers. We dig into airline fees, the power of carry-on travel, and the truth that you can buy what you forgot—often better and cheaper—once you arrive.
Ships can be a smart option at any age: onboard medical care, built-in security, and an unpack-once lifestyle that opens up new ports without the hassle.
Solo travel gets special attention: how to meet people naturally, make dining alone feel purposeful, and turn restaurants into planning hubs. We map practical budget moves—museum free days, transit passes, street markets, and neighborhood lunches—and show how a few local phrases build instant rapport.
We also go there on romance abroad, both the allure and the boundaries, and we share grounded safety tactics. Caryl closes with a luminous memory from Machu Picchu.
Follow the podcast, share the episode with a friend who needs a nudge.
Our guest, Caryl Eve Dolinko, author of A Woman’s Guide to World Travel, has traveled to almost 100 countries, and speaks and writes about travel around the world.
Podcast host Lea Lane has traveled to over 100 countries, and has written nine books, including the award-winning Places I Remember (Kirkus Reviews star rating, and 'one of the top 100 Indie books of the year'). She has contributed to dozens of guidebooks and has written thousands of travel articles. _____ Our award-winning travel podcast, Places I Remember with Lea Lane, has produced over 125 travel episodes! New episodes drop on the first Tuesday of the month, on Apple, Spotify, and wherever you listen to podcasts. All episodes are also on her website: placesirememberlealane.com
_____ Travel vlogs of featured podcasts-- with video and graphics -- now also drop on YouTube.
We cover Ecuador's capital city and famed wildlife islands, with experts Katie McDonough, and Stephanie Bonham-Carter.
We'll explore the historic streets of Quito, where Spanish colonial architecture meets a burgeoning food scene complete with Michelin star restaurants. Katie and Stephanie share tips on navigating the city's high altitude and uncover hidden gems in its well-preserved historical center. Experience the vibrancy of Ecuadorian festivals, including the Festival of Lights, and Carnival; and savor traditional foods that bring the country's diverse history to life.
In the Galapagos Islands, discover the wildlife and the best times to visit, and learn about crucial conservation efforts, Hear firsthand accounts of playful sea lions, the mesmerizing dance of blue-footed boobies, and a heart-pounding orca sighting. _____ Katie McDonough is Executive Director of Custom Travel at Explore Inc. Stephanie Bonham-Carter is co-founder of the Galapagos Safari Camp. _____ Podcast host Lea Lanehas traveled to over 100 countries, and has written nine books, including the award-winning Places I Remember (Kirkus Reviews star rating, and 'one of the top 100 Indie books of the year'). She has contributed to many guidebooks and has written thousands of travel articles. _____ Our award-winning travel podcast, Places I Remember with Lea Lane, has dropped over 100 travel episodes! New podcast episodes drop on the first Tuesday of the month, on Apple, Spotify, and wherever you listen. _____
Michelle Buttigieg, Director of the Malta Tourism Authority in North America, helps us uncover the secrets behind Malta's skyrocketing popularity. Michelle offers an insider's perspective on Malta's rich history, from ancient Roman rule, to Knights, to British influence, and its numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the awe-inspiring megalithic temples and the cultural capital, Valletta.
We'll explore Malta's role as a favorite filming location for blockbusters like "Gladiator" and "Game of Thrones," and learn about local traditions such as the lively village festas and outdoor activities like diving and yachting.
We'll discover Malta's culinary landscape, where fresh seafood from fisherman villages meets the sophistication of Michelin-starred restaurants. We also discuss Malta's vibrant nightlife, from jazz clubs to summer festas, and the island's recognition as Europe's most gay-friendly destination.
Finally, we share a heartwarming memory, capturing the essence of Malta's harmonious blend of history and new experiences. With its sunny weather, stunning beaches, and dynamic nightlife, this episode reveals why Malta should be one of your travel destinations. _____ Michelle Buttigieg is Director of the Malta Tourism Authority in North America. _____ Podcast host Lea Lanehas traveled to over 100 countries, and has written nine books, including the award-winning Places I Remember (Kirkus Reviews star rating, and 'one of the top 100 Indie books of the year'). She has contributed to many guidebooks and has written thousands of travel articles. _____ Our award-winning travel podcast, Places I Remember with Lea Lane, has dropped over 100 travel episodes! New podcast episodes drop on the first Tuesday of the month, on Apple, Spotify, and wherever you listen.
We travel through America's heartland, as Jessica Laughlin, creator of The 50 States Bucket List, shares her pen and ink explorations of fascinating locales. A sampling: tales of land grabs and resilience in Oklahoma, surprises of Arizona, the architectural splendors of Indiana, and the cinematic landscapes of Utah's national parks. Places and experiences that define the American spirit.
Uncover the whimsy of Nebraska's Car Henge, and marvel at Nevada's scenic mountain and desert. Learn about the monumental Crazy Horse project in South Dakota and the prehistoric wonders there, while Florida's historic St. Augustine and driveable Daytona Beach offer a taste of the Sunshine State's eclectic charm. Kentucky has the Derby. New Mexico, the desert. And we end with a special memory, as always.
Whether you're hitting the road or simply indulging your curiosity, our journey across many of the 50 states promises inspiration and revelations. _____ Jessica Laughlin is an artist, graphic designer, photographer -- and illustrator and author of The 50 States Bucket List: The Ultimate Journal for a Journey Across America.She enjoys road trips, exploring the country, and creating art. _____ Podcast host Lea Lanehas traveled to over 100 countries, and has written nine books, including the award-winning Places I Remember (Kirkus Reviews star rating, and 'one of the top 100 Indie books of the year'). She has contributed to many guidebooks and has written thousands of travel articles. _____ Our award-winning travel podcast, Places I Remember with Lea Lane, has dropped over 100 travel episodes! New podcast episodes drop on the first Tuesday of the month, on Apple, Spotify, and wherever you listen.
Embark on a profound journey with Andres Adasme of Kind Human and Amanda Burk of Balanced Travel, as we discuss the essence of 'rooting travel' and balanced tourism. Discover how you can forge connections with ancient cultures, and contribute to a sustainable global community.
Andres explains traveling with purpose, where each itinerary is crafted to educate the heart and nourish the soul through hands-on experiences with remote communities in the Andes. Amanda then shares her expertise on marrying adventure with social responsibility, offering practical advice wherever your wanderlust takes you.
This episode is a compass pointing toward kindness and enrichment, with memories from a ceremony in Peru to a majestic glacier, to a life-changing family trip in Germany. Andres and Amanda honor local cultures and the environment, in an episode that helps transform not just your travel plans, but your world perspective. _____ Andres Adasme is the founder and expedition leader of Kind Human, one-of- a-kind immersions in the ancient world.andres@kindhumantravel.com ** Amanda Burk is the creator of Balanced Travel, a digital community that encourages mindful travel experiences that go beyond tourism. Focus is on integration through local cultures, sustainability, and work-life balance.
Its collective,The Guild, connects travelers to a global group of travel and hospitality experts. Also Consider Airbnb Experiences, gorunningtours.com, athelink.com, birdingpal.org. _____ Podcast host Lea Lanehas traveled to over 100 countries, and has written nine books, including the award-winning Places I Remember (Kirkus Reviews star rating, and 'one of the top 100 Indie books of the year'). She has contributed to many guidebooks and has written thousands of travel articles. _____ Our award-winning travel podcast, Places I Remember with Lea Lane, has produced over 100 travel episodes! New podcast episodes drop on the first of the month, on Apple, Spotify, and wherever you listen. Check them out.
Travel vlogs of featured podcasts-- with video and graphics -- now drop on YouTube the 15th of every month! Please follow, rate and review us.
Randall Lane, Forbes magazine's editor (who also happens to be my son), takes you from the skyscrapers of Manhattan to the boroughs of Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island. Our footsteps echo across Manhattan's revitalized South Street Seaport, and ascend the innovative High Line. We wander through the cultural richness of Brooklyn and Queens, sharing stories and insights that capture each borough's uniqueness, from Brooklyn's Coney Island and the Russian-influenced Brighton Beach, to Queens' international food and cultural pleasures.
We describe the lush Bronx Botanical Garden and the maritime charm of City Island, enjoying the culinary Italian authenticity of Arthur Avenue. And there's a free ride on the Staten Island ferry!
The World Trade Center Memorial reminds us of the city's ability to rise from adversity, through Rand's special final memory. Join us for a journey not just through New York's five boroughs, but through the city that never sleeps, always dreams, and forever stands tall. _____ Randall Lane lives and works in Manhattan. He is Editor of Forbes magazine and Chief Content Officer of Forbes media. _____ Podcast host Lea Lanehas traveled to over 100 countries, and has written nine books, including the award-winning Places I Remember (Kirkus Reviews star rating, and 'one of the top 100 Indie books of the year'). She has contributed to many guidebooks and has written thousands of travel articles. _____ Our award-winning travel podcast, Places I Remember with Lea Lane, has produced over 100 travel episodes! New podcast episodes drop on the first of the month, on Apple, Spotify, and wherever you listen. Check them out.
Travel videos of each 2024 podcast -- with creative, added graphics -- now drop on YouTube the 15th of every month!
Please consider sharing, following, rating and reviewing us. And leave your travel questions and comments on our YouTube videos— Lea will answer.
What does it take to be 'the world's most traveled man'? Our guest, Harry Mitsidis, founder of NomadMania, reveals how he has visited all 193 sovereign countries as recognized by the United Nations -- many, more than once. Harry paints a vivid picture of his travels, sharing not just the stamp-laden passport but the interactions, deep cultural immersions, and customs that have shaped his journey. His insights and strategies for extensive traveling are lessons for both the novice and seasoned traveler.
We discuss favorite and least favorite countries, beauty and unique customs, dangerous situations and lessons learned. And Harry’s closing memory about how a simple act of giving a dollar led to an outpouring of gratitude in a local village will leave you contemplating the value of small gestures. _____ Harry Mitsidis (harry.mitsidis@gmail.com is one of maybe 400 people out of billions, who has traveled to all the countries on earth. He has visited almost all regions globally and is one of three people in the world to have visited every single country twice!
Harry has been featured in the Sydney Morning Herald, Washington Post, and Stuff as the world’s most traveled man, and he can speak 10 languages.
A postgraduate of Oxford, he has written two books and is founder of NomadMania. _____ Podcast host Lea Lanehas traveled to over 100 countries, and has written nine books, including the award-winning Places I Remember (Kirkus Reviews star rating, and 'one of the top 100 Indie books of the year'). She has contributed to many guidebooks and has written thousands of travel articles. _____ Our award-winning travel podcast, Places I Remember with Lea Lane, has produced over 100 travel episodes! New podcast episodes drop on the first Tuesday of the month, on Apple, Spotify, and wherever you listen. Check them out.
Travel videos of each 2024 podcast -- with creative, added graphics -- now drop on YouTube the 15th of every month!
Please consider sharing, following, rating and reviewing us. And leave your travel questions and comments on our YouTube videos— Lea will answer.
Discover Croatia's allures with travel experts Leila Krešić-Jurić and Antonia Urlic, as we traverse the nation's vibrant history and culture. From ancient cities to contemporary charms, we uncover the reasons behind Croatia's soaring popularity. The 'Pearl of the Adriatic', Dubrovnik, unveils its deep cultural significance and Game of Thrones fame, and a thriving culinary scene.
Zagreb offers festive markets, a cathedral that dominates the skyline, and the quirky the Museum of Broken Relationships. Indulge in Zagreb's traditional Strukli, a gastronomic gem best savored within the grandeur of the Hotel Esplanade.
From the storied walls of Diocletian's Palace in Split to the cascading beauty of Plitvice Lakes National Park.
And for those seeking a connection with nature, we share personal stories including a mesmerizing encounter with a dolphin off the island of Hvar, in the Adriatic. _____ Leila Krešić-Jurić (leila.kresic.us@croatia.hr) is U.S. director of Tourism for Croatia; Antonia Urlic (antonia.urlic@stories-hotels.com) is head of Stories Hotels.
Podcast host Lea Lanehas traveled to over 100 countries, and has written nine books, including the award-winning Places I Remember (Kirkus Reviews star rating, and 'one of the top 100 Indie books of the year'). She has contributed to many guidebooks and has written thousands of travel articles. _____ Our award-winning travel podcast, Places I Remember with Lea Lane, has produced over 100 travel episodes! New podcast episodes drop on the first Tuesday of the month, on Apple, Spotify, and wherever you listen. Check them out.
Travel videos of each 2024 podcast -- with creative, added graphics -- now drop on YouTube the 15th of every month!
Please consider sharing, following, rating and reviewing us. And leave your travel questions and comments on our YouTube videos— Lea will answer.
Get set for an exhilarating journey through South Africa's most awe-inspiring landscapes, as Andrei Von Ketz, director at Drive South Africa Car Rental Company, takes us on a virtual road trip.
We first cover the Cape Town area, from the haunting echoes of Nelson Mandela's imprisonment at Robben Island to the vibrant Victoria & Albert Waterfront, home to the largest museum of contemporary African art. We visit the colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood, and the District Six Museum, a stark reminder of apartheid's brutal past. This journey culminates at the Cape of Good Hope, the junction of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.
Then we focus on some of South Africa's best drives, including the renowned Garden Route and offbeat Route 62 through the Karoo region. Andrei, our steadfast guide, recounts his memorable family road trip during the COVID-19 pandemic. So tune in, get inspired, and gear up to hit the open road in South Africa! _____ Andrei Von Ketz, lives in South Africa and is director at Drive South Africa Car Rental Company, and loves to hit the road. _____ Podcast host Lea Lanehas traveled to over 100 countries, and has written nine books, including the award-winning Places I Remember (Kirkus Reviews star rating, and 'one of the top 100 Indie books of the year). She has contributed to many guidebooks and has written thousands of travel articles. _____ Our award-winning travel podcast, Places I Remember with Lea Lane, has produced over 100 travel episodes! New podcast episodes drop on the first Tuesday of the month, on Apple, Spotify, and wherever you listen. Check them out.
Travel videos of each 2024 podcast -- with creative, added graphics -- now drop on YouTube the 15th of every month!
Please consider sharing, following, rating and reviewing us. And leave your travel questions and comments on our YouTube videos— Lea will answer.