Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Travel Connections
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
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| Inspiring Stories of Life in the Italian Countryside | 21 Mar 2025 | 00:42:27 | |
Welcome to a fantastic new episode of Travel Connections! In today's episode, we will cover many of the things that I love most! What are they, you ask? Let me give you a small list. Learning about a delightful new book, traveling to Italy, memorable Italian food and wine, discovering and exploring new destinations, and living a life devoted to less stress and more calming views of Italy. How does that sound? In today's episode, I talk with Barbara Boyle. Barbara enjoyed a colorful worldwide career as a creative director at Saatchi & Saatchi, Grey, Lowe, and other advertising agencies, creating commercials and stories for Procter & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson, Mars Inc., and dozens of other marketers. Always a writer, this is the first time she has had the time required to author a book. Her inspirational new memoir, "Pinch Me: Waking Up in a 300-Year-Old Italian Farmhouse," is an evocative account of leaving the frenetic life of an advertising creative director to create a dream life in the faraway hills of Northern Italy. This book tells the story of how she leaves her life behind in San Francisco and takes apart a 300-year-old stone barn to build a new home, a new life, in Italy. Newly retired and traveling through Europe, Barbara stumbles upon the ancient Italian hill town of Monforte. She is enchanted by the castles and the sweeping vistas reaching out to the Alps, captivated by the region's cuisine and confounded by its extraordinary culture of kindness. And then, one morning, she awakes and looks out over the valley, and she realizes that she longs to be there in her own home, drinking her coffee and watching the sunrise. To live a life in the Italian countryside. Highlights in this episode:
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| More Adventures in Patagonia with Special Guest Craig Stavert | 06 Mar 2025 | 00:40:53 | |
Today's episode is near and near my heart. It is part two of the highlights of our tour of Patagonia with our friends from Collette. The tour's name is Patagonia: Edge of the World, and trust me, we actually made it to the edge of the world, and it was exhilarating. In this episode, I will interview and talk with my husband, Craig. He was on tour with me, and it's just a perfect addition to the first conversation I had with Sol Maranon, our Collette tour guide in Part One. If you haven't had a chance to listen to Part One, you should; she's fantastic. She offered her vast knowledge of Patagonia, and I loved talking with her. And now, in this episode, if you have not listened to my husband Craig before, he's been on two other podcast episodes with me. One was about our tour of Southern Africa last year, and then we recorded an episode of our trip to London and Paris this season. I found that it's a great way to tell a story when your travel partner is there, embellishing and helping to fill in the details. As a way of introduction, Craig is an executive in the tech industry and occasionally gets the chance to travel with me to these extraordinary destinations. He's a really great guy and offers his colorful opinions quite freely. This conversation is a lot of fun and quite lively. Highlights in this episode:
An Extraordinary Tour of Patagonia with Collette | |||
| An Extraordinary Tour of Patagonia with Collette | 21 Feb 2025 | 00:47:31 | |
Welcome to an exciting new episode filled with information about a place I would describe as other-worldly and epic. My husband Craig and I traveled to South America to explore the region of Patagonia. Are you intrigued by glaciers, quiet and unspoiled landscapes, warm and welcoming locals, and delicious food? Have you ever wondered what it was like to speed across the ocean in zodiac boats to see penguins living in their natural habitat?- We did it all and so much more. We were invited to join a Small Group Explorations Tour with Colette. The tour is called Patagonia: Edge of the World. We traveled so far that at one time, we were sailing at the southern tip of South America; we were only 500 miles from Antarctica. This journey was filled with unique experiences that left us feeling like true explorers, just like Magellan. In this episode, I interview Sol Maranon—an outstanding tourism professional with 36 years of experience. Sol grew up in Chile and knows practically everything you need to know about Patagonia; plus, her knowledge of glaciers is impressive! Highlights of this episode
This is Part One of our two podcast episodes devoted to our tour of Patagonia. There is so much to share that we created TWO! Next up, I interview my tour partner and husband, Craig Stavert. We will dive deeper into what it really feels like to travel to the End of the Earth! This episode will be published on Friday, March 7th. It is EPIC! Important Links | |||
| London and Paris at the Holidays - 100% Yes! | 07 Feb 2025 | 00:39:57 | |
Welcome to another new season of Travel Connections. We are now beginning Season Four, and I’m excited to bring you more travel conversations about intriguing destinations, incredible adventures, and captivating insights with inspiring guests. We will continue to dive beneath the surface of travel, and I can't wait to share it with you! London and Paris at the Holidays? Sign me up.I planned the perfect eight-night (4+4) trip about a year in advance, and luckily for both of us, it turned out superbly! Who better to talk about this fantastic couple's trip than with the person I traveled with, my husband, Craig Stavert? Craig has been a guest on the podcast once before, early last season, when we talked about our glorious tour with Collette to Southern Africa. Now we are dishing up holiday adventures in London and Paris! Why are we talking about Christmas travel in February? There are several important reasons. Listen for tips! Highlights of this episode:
For links to all of the places we visited - Click here!
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| Winter Adventures on Camano Island, Washington | 28 Jan 2025 | 00:27:48 | |
When I think of a quintessential Pacific Northwest setting, I envision nature in abundance! Walking on the beach and strolling through deeply wooded forests with lovely hiking trails, scenic roads, and peaceful breezes are the perfect combination for every traveler. On Camano Island, in the state of Washington, located just over 60 miles north of Seattle, in Possession Sound, you will find all of this, with just one more thing - buried treasure. No, I'm not kidding; for the past 16 years, the creative people of Camano Island have celebrated the thrill of the hunt. Northwest Glass Quest is celebrating its 16th year and will be held February 14-23 this year. The Camano Chamber of Commerce organizes the event. And for 10 days, businesses and parks throughout Stanwood & Camano Island hide plastic clue balls. You win a limited edition Hand-Blown Glass Ball when you find a plastic clue ball. These glass ball prizes are one of a kind and so beautiful. It is a fantastic activity for all ages, and there is an excellent website where all your questions and tips for a successful quest can be answered. The website is called NorthwestGlassQuest.com. In this episode, I invited Amy Bush, a jewelry designer and owner of Loyalsmith Jewelry and the current president of the Camano Arts Association, back to the podcast. Highlights of this episode!
Important Links: Short Term Rentals, Inns and Cottages Related Episodes: A Visit to Camano Island, Washington: An Artists' Studio Tour An Invitation to Discover Regenerative Travel with Embrace Whidbey & Camano Islands Kayaking & Island Life on Whidbey Island Orchard Kitchen: Farm Focused Fine Dining on Whidbey Island, WA
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| A Lovely Conversation with Elizabeth Poett - The Ranch Table | 01 Nov 2024 | 00:35:57 | |
Welcome to a wonderful new episode of Travel Connections. My special guest is a personal travel connection for me. On a sunny summer afternoon, my family and I attended the most spectacular Gathering on a ranch called Rancho San Julian, just north of Santa Barabara. We enjoyed a delicious dinner as we sat at long ranch tables under the shady canopy of 150-year-old vines. It was just dreamy! Elizabeth Poett is a seventh-generation cattle rancher, author of the bestselling cookbook The Ranch Table, and star-host of the cooking and lifestyle show Ranch to Table, one of the founding shows of the Magnolia Network. Elizabeth was born and raised on Rancho San Julian, her family's historic 14,000-acre cattle ranch on California's Central Coast. In 2007, Elizabeth started Rancho San Julian Beef, a business selling her family's ranch-raised, grass-fed beef directly to chefs and consumers. Her meats quickly became popular with California cooks and local chefs and have been served at restaurants across California. Elizabeth is also the author of the blog The Ranch Table and hosts a number of Ranch Table events, cooking workshops, educational events, and intimate farm-to-table meals throughout the year. In this episode, you will hear all of the details of The Ranch Table from the lovely Elizabeth Poett. Highlights in this Episode!
Related Episode A California Road Trip Through the Central Coast - A companion episode to the interview with Elizabeth Poett. In this episode, I share the road trip itinerary that was created around our dinner at The Ranch Table. Important Links: Instagram: Facebook:
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| Best of: A California Road Trip Through the Central Coast | 04 Oct 2024 | 00:22:19 | |
Is a California road trip on your bucket list? Have you been? Have you traveled through the Central Coast of California? This episode focuses on a small area of California just north of Santa Barbara. What a place! In this episode, I share what we did, where we ate, and what we sipped. It was a glorious road trip curated by my daughter-in-law, Kylie. However, I had a BIG reason for creating this adventure! I discovered Elizabeth Poett through her television show called Ranch to Table. Once I learned more about her unique Gatherings at their 14,000-acre ranch, Rancho San Julian, I knew I had to go! We created a California road trip to the Central Coast all around this special dinner at Rancho San Julian, which is about an hour north of Santa Barbara. I share the details of this exceptional dinner, highlights of our meals along the way, and excellent wineries you need to visit! I love that this itinerary was specially curated for our taste, but once we went, I knew that you needed to hear all about it. Thank you, Kylie, for your incredible eye for detail and for creating such a fantastic itinerary. Here we go! Highlights:
Next on Travel Connections! A special interview with Elizabeth Poett from Ranch to Table - Publishing November 1, 2024 Suzanne's Next BIG Trip: South America with Collette! Stay Tuned - There are a few introductory details in this episode! Check out our social media channels to follow along: @suzannestavert on Instagram and @AdventuresofEmptyNesters on Facebook. Dining on this California Central Coast Road Trip Wineries: Other Road Trip Episodes Mentioned in this Episode: Kentucky: A Conversation About Bourbon with The Experts at Woodford Reserve Delicious Southern Food & The Kentucky Bourbon Trail - Ouita Michel Angela Correll: Kentucky Writer, Traveler & Hospitality Innovator Hidden Gems in Kentucky and Other Compelling Stories From Montana to Calgary Best of: Our Road Trip to Banff, Lake Louise & Calgary, Canada | |||
| Best of: Our Road Trip to Banff, Lake Louise & Calgary, Canada | 20 Sep 2024 | 00:23:44 | |
A Road Trip to Banff! Welcome to another of my Best of Series of episodes. This is where I talk about the highlights of a fantastic travel itinerary. In this episode, I describe our tremendously successful road trip from Whitefish, Montana, to Calgary, Canada, which includes the most picturesque destinations of Banff, Lake Louise, and Moraine Lake. It was really well planned, not too hard to execute and I did learn some tips along the way that I do think will help you a great deal. You can take what I've done and mold it to what you like to do, and hopefully, this gives you a framework for how to build your road trip through such a remarkably beautiful landscape. Highlights in this episode:
Banff, Canada - Favorite Dining/Bar Experiences
Calgary, Canada Is a road trip to Banff and Lake Louise in your future? | |||
| Best of: Highlights of Our Puglia Itinerary | 06 Sep 2024 | 00:23:15 | |
Are you familiar with the Italian phrase "La Dolce Vita"? It means "enjoying life's pleasures, indulging, and cultivating joy." In this episode, I am thrilled to share our adventures in Italy with you. We just returned from a jam-packed adventure that lasted 12 days. The good news is that we traveled through Italy for 12 days! The bad news is that I covered a lot of ground—maybe too much. After one night in Rome, we took a high-speed train to Bari, rented a car, and drove south through Puglia. In Puglia, you are literally in the heel of Italy's boot, and our itinerary was ambitious. We stopped in Lecce, Alberobello, Polignano a mare, Monopoli and Matera. Truthfully, if you have yet to research or plan to go to this region of Italy, these names will sound like any other Italian village. However, once you hear me describe them, you should be ready to decide whether you want to see them too! Let's look at this as an introduction. I wish I had access to a podcast episode like this one when planning my trip! Highlights in this episode
This episode is meant as an introduction to another wonderful region of Italy. Each region offers its own kind of magic, culinary focus, and traditions. You will find that each region is so special, as are the people who live there! Which regions of Italy have you been to? Important Links: Instagram: Facebook: Rome Lecce Matera Montefollonico | |||
| Behind The Scenes: The Good Morning America Interview | 23 Aug 2024 | 00:08:59 | |
Welcome to a special episode of Travel Connections. The original subject of this episode was initially scheduled to focus on our fantastic trip to Puglia, Italy. However, something incredible and unexpected happened to me, and I thought it would be fun to share a little behind the scenes! I decided it was a good time to change direction and report this exciting news! Hello - Good Morning America Called!Good Morning America reached out to me and asked if I would do an interview focusing on Empty Nesters. What? Let me think about this! I started my website, Adventures of Empty Nesters, ten years ago. So, obviously, empty nesters are a favorite subject of mine! From start to finish, the entire experience with GMA was uplifting and validating. I thought it would be fun to share how it all happened. The producer also asked for family and travel photos and videos to include in the piece. In this short but fun episode, I share how this all came about and how it all connected to my life as an Empty Nester. What a thrill! Highlights in this episode
You can find the GMA episode in several locations: | |||
| Travel with Intention with Travel Expert Susie Chau | 09 Aug 2024 | 00:39:51 | |
Wisdom from a Travel Expert! Today's episode is an important topic near and dear to my travel heart. Are you an intentional traveler? Have you given this idea any thought? I have connected with Susie Chau, a creative go-getter in the travel world. She helps Entrepreneur Moms take month-long summer sabbaticals and consistent vacations to strengthen family bonds through travel. Susie and I met over eight years ago at a conference, but I saw a recent video of hers on Instagram. I loved what she was saying and knew I had to ask her to come on Travel Connections! As a travel expert, Susie Chau's perspective on intentional travel is unique and inspiring. A Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist since 2021 and a Certified Travel Designer by the Transformational Travel Council, she brings a wealth of experience to the table. Her journey began in 2016 when she founded Carpe Diem Traveler after a year-long sabbatical to all seven continents with her husband. As Susie and I both believe, travel can be so much more than just an escape. It's about relaxation, exploration, and, most importantly, personal growth. When done with intention, travel can have many layers, each offering a unique experience. We talk at length about what makes a travel experience go even deeper. And also, how can your travel be a positive experience for the places you go and the people you meet? Does every traveler realize how they contribute to a destination? These ideas about travel are so exciting and can bring a travel experience to an even higher level of enjoyment! Come join in the conversation! Highlights in this Episode!
Important links: Instagram: Facebook:
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| Our Epic Cruise to Alaska - A Mother/Daughter Adventure | 26 Jul 2024 | 00:41:31 | |
Have you been on a cruise to Alaska? Welcome to a very special episode of Travel Connections. Why is it so special? Well, it's because I am interviewing my daughter, Alex Karlen. Alex and I took our very first ocean cruise on the Celebrity Edge. And I thought, who better to tell the story and add her colorful insights than my exceptional and clever daughter? We have not traveled together in quite a while, and I was thrilled she could clear her calendar to come with me! Her fantastic husband, Brent, took care of their four-year-old twins while she and I embarked on our unique Alaskan Adventure. In her work world, Alex is a Director and Branch Manager for the Pacific Northwest in the creative space. She is a fantastic baker, an excellent home cook, and a voracious reader when she has any spare time. You will hear us talk about Ann and Steve Teget. Ann and Steve organized this special group of guests for a Friends of Postcard Jar Cruise. They are experts on cruising and have written a lot about it on their website, Postcard Jar. They are my go-to people for cruising. I was curious if I would be a good fit for an enormous, 3,000-person ocean liner, but this incredible ship was perfect for me to see if we liked it. We loved it! The ship design was over the top incredible, the service was top-notch, and Alaska—oh wow. Nature on such a grand scale is a sight to behold. And the cruise embarked from our hometown of Seattle! It was kind of a no-brainer! Highlights in this episode!
Let me know what you think about cruising! Have you been to Alaska? I'd love to hear about your experiences. Essential links in this episode: Postcard Jar - Fantastic news of cruises and travel by Ann & Steve Teget Instagram: Facebook: | |||
| Three Summer Travel Tips for a Happy Vacation | 07 Jun 2024 | 00:08:16 | |
Are you looking for a couple of ingredients for a successful summer trip? Welcome to this minisode or mini-episode. Do you have 8 minutes? In this quick episode, we catch you up and provide a few bite-size bits of travel news! I share some fun information, and you can check out the highlights below: Episode Highlights:
This quick and "newsy" episode is a speedy highlight travel reel. We will take our travel break and see you on July 26th with a brand-new regular format episode. Safe travels, friends! Instagram: Facebook: | |||
| Embracing Life with Grace, Grit and Gratitude | 23 May 2024 | 00:38:29 | |
Embracing Life - You never know what is around the corner. Today’s guest is a very special someone and my personal Travel Connection. She is the queen of embracing life even when it is really hard. I met her not too long ago, in September 2023, while I was a host with Tuscan Women Cook in Tuscany. You may remember from a prior episode my interview with Coleen Kirnan, the owner of Tuscan Women Cook. JeriLynne Clifford and her husband Scot were part of a group participating in a week-long immersive experience in Tuscany. We learned cooking techniques from the local Italian nonnas or grandmas, sampled delicious local ingredients, and visited other neighboring towns. Meeting this special couple was a treat, but what you don't know is that we learned prior to their arrival that JeriLynne and Scot's house burned down while they were traveling in Italy. Lightning struck the house, and they lost absolutely everything. Embracing life with gratitude even through the tears Understandably, our first encounter was during probably one of the more difficult times of her life. Impossible to imagine, right? However, she was gracious and inspiring and I couldn't believe how engaging they both were. The entire week was a tremendous success and the two of them fit in with the group seamlessly. JeriLynne talks about how Italy was instrumental in the start of the healing process for them. JeriLynne is known as The Hill County Bon Vivant and has been a tastemaker for as long as she can remember. She was 16 when she catered her first wedding and continued to cater full and part-time throughout her life. She first realized her love for adventure in food, entertaining, and traveling when she started planning family vacations and events. In this episode, she shares her personal (and inspiring) saga and then gives us the delicious details of her new weekly subscription, Mastering the Ease of Home Cooking. Every week, she shares a new menu, recipes, and a grocery and prep list to help you be successful in the kitchen. Highlights in this episode
For all of the details of JeriLynne's new business Mastering the Ease of Home Cooking - Click HERE! Important Links: Mastering the East of Home Cooking Other episodes featuring Italy: Travel to Tuscany Stories From the Heart - Angela Correll | |||
| Save Money on Travel with The Points Mom | 10 May 2024 | 00:39:32 | |
So you want to save money on travel? Yes! Me Too! Hello, and welcome to another fantastic episode of Travel Connections. My special guest today is Cindy Greenstein, also known as The Points Mom; she will share with you several brilliant opportunities you may not have known existed. After this interview, you will be excited to dive into your current credit card capabilities and create rewards and travel possibilities. I am so inspired. Let me tell you a little about Cindy. During her more than 20 years of marriage, Cindy Greenstein, also known as (The Points Mom) has used credit card points to travel the world while rarely paying for airline flights and hotel rooms. Some of her five-figure family travel savings include trips to Aspen ($26,000), Greece ($23,000), and London ($15,000). Cindy, an attorney and former certified public accountant, founded The Points Mom to share her credit card rewards program expertise with family, friends, and small business owners who don’t have the time to learn how to maximize their points. Highlights in this episode
This episode is enlightening and will absolutely help you begin your credit card rewards journey. I learned so much and have already implemented her suggestions! This episode is so packed full of great information that you may want to listen twice! Important Links! Instagram: ThePointsMom_ Facebook: The Points Mom Instagram: | |||
| A Spectacular Day at the Seattle Center | 26 Apr 2024 | 00:15:26 | |
This is a fun, informative episode. It came about because two weeks ago, I did a road trip episode called Our Epic Road Trip in Arizona. In it, I talked a lot about what we did specifically and gave you the details of where we stayed and what activities we enjoyed. Sharing this itinerary was so successful and well-received that I thought I'd do one more. Spending time in such a fabulous city like Seattle is always a fun experience. Several years ago, I shared a blog post on my blog, Adventures of Empty Nesters, titled A Girls' Trip Itinerary in Seattle. It has become one of my most popular posts, sparking the desire to create another satisfying itinerary. Interestingly, this time, the adventure was shared by three men and me. This recent visit is still fresh in my mind, and I'm thrilled to share it with you. The best part? The entire day's itinerary is within a short walking distance, offering unique experiences at every turn, making it an easy and fun day of exploration. The Seattle Center highlights:Itinerary:
The episode offers some great history about the Seattle Center and some excellent logistical tips, like starting your day early and parking in the lot adjacent to the Space Needle. Seattle offers so much! Here is the link to The Girls Trip Itinerary. All of these suggestions can be combined with other activities. Check out my other episodes featuring other destinations like Whidbey and Camano Islands, and the Skagit Valley, which are only a short drive from downtown Seattle. Instagram: Other episodes mentioned: Whidbey Island: Orchard Kitchen with Chef Vincent Nattress | |||
| Our Epic Road Trip in Arizona | 12 Apr 2024 | 00:29:52 | |
Welcome to today’s episode devoted to our epic road trip in Arizona. Don't miss the links at the bottom! If you would like to go straight to the highlights and links to restaurants and activities just scroll on down! This episode was not originally on the editorial calendar. But to be perfectly honest, I planned such a fantastic itinerary for this Spring Training, great food, beautiful landscapes, Grand Canyon Adventure, that I had to share it with you. Imagine us just sitting together over a cup of coffee or a craft cocktail and you saying, "So, how was your trip to Arizona?" I am kind of embarrassed to admit that we had never been to Sedona or the Grand Canyon, but I soon learned that many of you hadn't either! Now you will have an itinerary to use as a base for your next epic road trip in Arizona! Every detail of the itinerary went perfectly! We are always open to learning about new places to visit, and we used several suggestions from various sources to create this long weekend vacation. Highlights:
Important Links: Instagram: Phoenix: Sedona: | |||
| Making Artisanal Pasta on Whidbey Island | 28 Mar 2024 | 00:39:34 | |
Welcome to another episode of Travel Connections. Once again, we hit a home run with our next guest. Aurora Echo lives on Whidbey Island, WA, and owns a delightfully successful business called Wildly Beloved Foods. It's interesting; Aurora only validates that every time I visit Whidbey Island, WA, I meet someone new who impresses me. I am once again reminded of how exceptional this destination truly is. My husband and I have visited the island many times, rain or shine, during the summer or while the snow is falling. It is located only about an hour north of Seattle, depending on traffic and ferry wait time. We absolutely love it. Whidbey Island and the people who live there are so fascinating that you will find that we have created several podcast episodes in which I have interviewed many intriguing guests who all live on the island. What better way to share a destination than to tell the story through the locals who live there? Artisanal Pasta on Whidbey Island, WARecently, I had the opportunity to meet a powerhouse of a woman who created her own business out of necessity and from a passion for culinary adventures. Aurora Echo created Wildly Beloved Foods, where she makes delicious pasta with healthy, organic ingredients. The minute I met her, I knew she had to come on the podcast and tell her story. It's just too good! Her tenacity and strength to overcome many challenges and succeed to where she is right now inspires me! Highlights in this episode:
Website: Instagram: Other Podcast Episodes Featuring Whidbey Island: A Spectacular Weekend on Whidbey Island - I am Smitten! A Conversation with Restaurateur Jenn Jurrians Art & Life on Whidbey Island with Holly & David Price Kayaking and Island Life on Whidbey Island | |||
| Travel to Tuscany: Stories From the Heart | 14 Mar 2024 | 00:42:12 | |
In this episode, we travel to Tuscany, but we make a couple of stops first. Angela Correll is one of just a few guests who have appeared on my show more than once. However, back in October 2022, our conversation was not about Italy; it focused on all things Kentucky. She was an essential part of a three-episode series devoted to my passion for this beautiful state and, of course, the Bourbon Trail. Here's an interesting side story: Angela and I first met in Tuscany when she and her husband Jess were saying goodbye to friends in front of their home. I was in Tuscany working with Tuscan Women Cook, an Italian Cooking school inside the medieval walls of Angela's Italian village. Our travel connection in Tuscany allowed for further connections with Kentucky. What a fantastic coincidence! I intentionally share these travel connections with you because stepping out of our comfort zone, especially while traveling, so often enhances our lives in ways we never dreamed of. I love sharing my travel connections with you! Here's more about Angela! Angela Correll is the author of Restored in Tuscany, released in March 2024. She also has written Grounded, Guarded and Granted, a trilogy of novels that became Amazon bestsellers and have been adapted to the stage for sold-out audiences at the Pioneer Playhouse, Kentucky's oldest outdoor theater. I have read them all and absolutely loved them! Angela and her husband Jess are co-founders of Wilderness Road Hospitality, a suite of businesses on Main Street of Stanford, Kentucky's second-oldest city. The couple have been traveling to Italy for nearly twenty-five years but recently made a second home in a small hilltop village by restoring a former horse stable inside the medieval walls of a tiny town called Montofollonico. These experiences formed the basis of her travel memoir, Restored in Tuscany: A True Story of Facing Loss, Finding Beauty, and Moving Forward with Hope. I have the unique perspective of spending a great deal of time in this magical Italian town, and I am so excited to share our conversation about one of my favorite places on Earth. Highlights in this Episode:
Important Links: Travel Connections Kentucky Series
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| An Exclusive Look Inside An African Luxury Tented Camp | 01 Mar 2024 | 00:43:07 | |
Welcome to our third and final episode devoted to our tour of Southern Africa. We recorded three episodes that focused entirely on this spectacular experience on this tour by Collette. In Episode One, I talk with my husband, Craig, about the tour's unique details. In Episode 2, I interviewed our tour manager, Samantha Johnson, who ensured we all had everything we needed and the tour ran smoothly. I am sad to see the end of this series. This Southern Africa tour was incredible and magical, and I truly enjoyed sharing these details with you. The tour by Collette is called Wilderness of Southern Africa: Safari By Land and By Water. You can find the links to the tour and other things we discussed below. In this episode, I interview Terry Anders, the owner and operator of Iganyana, a luxury tented camp in Zimbabwe. During our stay at Iganyana, Terry and his team are responsible for creating some of the most amazing experiences of our tour! Terry Anders grew up in a small country town in Zimbabwe, and during our conversation, he shared how growing up in the outdoors shaped who he is today. He started as a young apprentice, and then after 4-5 years of education, experience, and rigorous testing, he began his travel career. He and his wife created Iganyana, and Iganyana means spotted dog. You will hear all the details of the camp, which is located on the African savannah in Hwange National Park. When I envisioned what I thought a tented camp would look and feel like, ironically, it looked just like Iganyana. Terry's stories are captivating and he describes the African- tented camp as "simple luxury". I concur! Our experience at the camp included the "most memorable travel experience of my life." Truly. Highlights in this episode:
Important Links: Episode One of the Africa Series with Craig Stavert Episode Two of the Africa Series with Samantha Johnson of Collette Wilderness of Southern Africa: Safari By Land and By Water Facebook:
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| Travel to Africa with Samantha Johnson of Collette | 16 Feb 2024 | 00:45:35 | |
Welcome to Episode Two of our African Safari series. In Episode One, I interview and talk with my husband, Craig Stavert. We share many details of what it was really like going on safari with Collette. It is a great way to begin this series of episodes. Now, in Episode Two, you meet Samantha Johnson. She was our Collette tour guide, and she managed our experience perfectly. The tour is called Wilderness of Southern Africa: Safari By Land and By Water. This is a small group tour, where we bonded easily with the guests and had a blast getting to know each other. This woman has touched my heart, and I cannot wait for you to get to know her as well. It is an extraordinary experience for me to meet someone like Samantha. I don't mean to be dramatic, but meeting her has absolutely 100% changed my life for the better. She introduced me to a world in Africa I never knew. It's a wonderful privilege. Samantha has 27 years of experience in the tourism business in Africa; she is highly knowledgeable and passionate about sharing her beloved Africa with all of the guests on tour. Samantha begins our interview by telling us a little bit about growing up in Apartheid, having a black father and a white mother, and the struggles that they had to endure. You will be captivated. We then talk about what it is really like on safari with Collette. (It's out of this world!) She shares how wild animals are a part of everyday life in Africa and that her "peace" came from the animals. Highlights in the episode:
Important Links: Wilderness of Southern Africa: Safari By Land and By Water Facebook:
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| An African Safari to Remember | 02 Feb 2024 | 00:41:18 | |
Welcome to Season Three! I so appreciate you joining me as we head into 2024 with the Travel Connections Podcast. Once again, our episodes will be filled with fascinating people sharing unique stories. You will be enlightened and entertained and gain knowledge you didn't know you needed! This episode is the perfect way to add to your research for your next trip. In today's episode, we begin a three-part series featuring our recent tour of Southern Africa with Collette. I have been traveling as a Brand Ambassador with Collette for the past six years, where I have been to Japan, Iceland, and now Africa. Everyone at Collette does a superb job planning and executing their tours. To learn more about my first two tours, visit AdventuresofEmptyNesters.com and type Japan and Iceland in the search bar. The link is also listed below. My husband Craig and I were invited to join a small group tour called Wilderness of Southern Africa: Safari By Land & By Water. Oh my goodness, I can't say enough about this experience. It was a dream trip and exceeded all of my expectations, and you will have the opportunity to hear so much in this episode, as well as Episodes 2 and 3. But first, let me tell you a little about my husband, Craig Stavert. Craig and I met in high school, went to different colleges, and will celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary in October. Where did the time go? We have been traveling together since our honeymoon to Maui & Kauai. We did not travel that much when our kids were younger due to school activities and sports obligations. However, once the kids left the nest, it was game on, and we have not stopped exploring the world. Craig's business career has been in the tech industry, running global sales organizations. He was traveling a great deal, and since the kids were grown, it was time for me to get back out there. I created the Adventures of Empty Nesters blog ten years ago. I was initially writing about life in the Empty Nest but then pivoting to writing about my travel experiences. Now, I work with global travel brands, sharing their destinations and stories through my podcast. Now that you have a little background on the two of us, here are some of the episode's highlights! Highlights:
Important Links: Wildnerness of Southern Africa: Safari By Land and By Water Facebook: Instagram: | |||
| A Conversation with Road Trip Expert - Bill Clevlen | 14 Sep 2023 | 00:39:38 | |
Are road trips on your radar? Are you looking for US destinations that are "off the beaten path" and super interesting? You are in the right place. Today's special guest will probably make you laugh as well as enlighten you with his vast knowledge of road trip destinations. Bill Clevlen of Bill on the Road, is the king of road trips; he has written five books about it to prove it! I feel like everyone recently has jumped on the road trip idea as part or all of their travel plans. Craig and I have done much more road-tripping in the last couple of years, have you? Also, totally random information, Have you ever wondered where Pickleball began?? Well, Bill can answer those questions as well and will share some fun and exciting tips for road trips across the United States. But first, I will offer you a proper bio for Bill Clevlen. "Bill On The Road" was born in 2013 after long-time St. Louis radio broadcaster Bill Clevlen became fed up with reading negative stories about cities and states. Bill launched a website focusing on road trips and highlighting only the positives. Clevlen's Bill On The Road stories can be heard on popular syndicated radio programs like RMWorld Travel and The Travel Planners Radio Show as well as television stations and traditional media outlets across the U.S. Bill is also a regular contributor to a national audience on SiriusXM satellite radio. He is the author of five travel books, including The Ultimate American Music Bucket List. He's a frequent guest speaker for conferences and a lecturer on travel topics for The Smithsonian. Bill regularly produces digital video content for major tourism organizations and has worked with hundreds of destinations nationwide. From Fort Lauderdale to San Francisco and everywhere in between, Bill On The Road has helped roadtrippers find unique and exciting things to do while driving across America. Highlights in this Episode:
Books By Bill Clevlen The Ultimate American Music Bucket List Finding The American Dream – A Guided Tour of Places Where Americans Changed History 100 Things To Do in America Before You Die Driving Across America An American Road Trip For Kids Important Links: Facebook: Instagram:
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| The Italian Cooking School of Your Dreams | 01 Sep 2023 | 00:43:23 | |
Hello, and welcome to our newest episode of Travel Connections. If you have been following me for a while, you will probably know that I discovered Tuscan Women Cook back in 2016. I had a friend in common with today's special guest, Coleen Kirnan. Our friend Brenda connected the two of us, and boy, do I owe her a lot! In 2017, Coleen invited me to go and experience TWC for myself, and I have been enamored with everything related to this beautiful destination ever since. I was so impressed and delighted with the entire experience. I have been back to the program numerous times, and in June of 2023, Coleen and her team invited me to be an Ambassador with Tuscan Women Cook. I assist the guests and do everything I can to support the experience by helping with the cooking classes and even with some translation. Yes, it is a dream job, and I am lucky enough to have it. However, you too, can experience the joys of Tuscan Women Cook by signing up to attend a week in this Italian paradise. Coleen Kirnan owns and hosts Tuscan Women Cook. You may recognize her name and remember her from Season One of the podcast. Coleen was one of my first guests on Travel Connections! You can listen to our first episode in Season One, Episode 3. Her first career was as a successful commercial real estate business owner. While raising her family, she represented top-tier companies in multi-million dollar real estate transactions for over 30 years. As her kids grew up and moved out of the house, Coleen decided it was time for a change. She sold her thriving business and bought Tuscan Women Cook, a weeklong cooking/immersion school in a medieval Tuscan village. A dream job, owning an Italian cooking school!Since 2016, Coleen has grown the business tremendously and curated the program to find the perfect places to dine, cook, and discover. Tuscan Women Cook tours Pienza, Montepulciano, Siena, and many other fantastic local spots. There are wine tastings, dinners with wine pairings, honey tastings, lunches by the pool, dinners by candlelight, and incredible Italian food making. In addition, she travels all over Italy and Europe to find the next best thing for her guests, whether it's part of the program or to share as recommendations. Highlights in this episode:
Who is ready to go back to Italy with Coleen and me? Coleen and the team handle every detail; your job is to get to Italy. As you have heard in this episode, I love this experience so much. I am also super glad that Coleen and I were able to talk about the importance of responsible travel, as well as regenerative travel. The idea of giving back to the local destination and offering respect and admiration as a traveler is paramount. Please check the links below for more information! Ciao for now! Important Links! Facebook: Instagram: | |||
| Enjoy The Magic of Skagit Valley with Chef Christy Fox | 18 Aug 2023 | 00:41:48 | |
Are you familiar with a place called Skagit Valley? When I first visited in 2016, I honestly didn't even know how to pronounce it! I went to see The Tulip Festival, which takes place in the Valley in April. I wasn't even living in the Pacific Northwest on that first visit. I fell in love with this area way back then. Fast forward to today, I have lived in the Pacific Northwest for three years and have become a kind of groupie of this spectacular Northwest destination. I have learned so many new details about this area, and it's only about an hour north of my home. The farmland is incredible, and I've come to make friends with people who live there. I visit, I buy from my long list of favorites, including blueberries, zucchini, tomatoes, and strawberries, and then purchase oysters and delicious cheese while I am there. The brilliant idea of Farmstand FreshAre you aware of Farmstand Fresh? You can discover the diverse and bountiful crops of the Skagit Valley in July and August by exploring its produce stands and farm stores. You can meet a farmer and connect to an exceptional agricultural community growing over 80 commercial crops. At the same time, you can enjoy the Skagit countryside with unsurpassed vistas of the San Juan Islands, Olympic Coast Range, and North Cascades. That is a little of my history with Skagit Valley, and now I am really excited to introduce you to my special guest. We will go on a deeper dive devoted to this special place with Chef Christy Fox. Christy is a chef and restaurant owner who weaves 30 years of professional experience into her fresh and popular meals. She is highly committed to utilizing local ingredients, and Chef Christy supports numerous Skagit producers in both her sweet and savory menu creations. In this episode, Christy shares the details of her journey as a chef, how it evolved into multiple restaurants and offers insights into why knowing where your food comes from is so important. She is also a great storyteller; I know you will enjoy hearing from her. Highlights in this episode
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| Let's Go Travel to Thailand! | 04 Aug 2023 | 00:35:54 | |
Let's travel to Thailand! Travel is back, and it is time to plan your next vacation! You will learn so much from my special guest, and I promise you will be well-informed and inspired for your next (or first) trip to this fantastic destination. This episode is a bright and shiny conversation with Candy Krajangsri from the Tourism Authority of Thailand. She is knowledgeable, inspiring, exciting, and funny, and she even gets a little bit emotional near the end of the episode as she shares a story about a personal travel connection.Candy is a part of the Tourism Authority of Thailand Los Angeles Office marketing team and oversees PR and digital marketing initiatives. Over the last several years, she has managed to combine her passion for food, travel, and content creation to help promote varying aspects of Thailand. And she never leaves home without her hair in a messy bun and her camera by her side. I have known Candy for over five years and have even had the great pleasure of traveling to Thailand with her. She's fantastic! Highlights in this episode:
Are you ready to go to Thailand? Have you already traveled there? Are you thinking about it? Make sure you check the links Candy shared with us. TAT and its partners want to help you plan your next trip! You can find all of the links below! I plan to head back to Thailand too! Let me know your thoughts and questions! You can DM me through Instagram @suzannestavert. Important Links
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| Kayaking & Island Life on Whidbey Island | 21 Jul 2023 | 00:41:50 | |
Hello, and welcome to another fantastic episode of Travel Connections. In this episode, we talk with Krista Loercher, Co-Owner of Whidbey Island Kayaking in the Pacific Northwest. This interview is part three in a series where we dive deeper into tourism and the benefits of giving back to a destination when we travel. Are you familiar with the term regenerative tourism? My friends at Embrace Whidbey and Camano Islands created a new tourism framework to preserve and improve the islands for residents, and it is an invitation to co-create richer experiences for visitors and harness tourism's power as a force for good. One of regenerative tourism's primary goals is to connect the guest with the local residents and businesses. Let's go deeper when we travel. What kind of traveler are you? Do you give consideration and thought to the people who live in a destination? Is preserving nature and supporting local business part of your vacation agenda? We created this series of three podcast episodes to share the captivating story of Whidbey and Camano Islands through the lens of three local business owners. In Episode One, you meet Mona Campbell, whose family started Kristoferson Farm on Camano Island back in 1912 and who now also runs Canopy Tours NW, a ziplining company. In Episode Two, I had a great conversation with Chef Vincent Nattress, who co-owns Orchard Kitchen and Farm, where he creates a fine dining experience right on the farm. Let me share a little about today's special guest, Krista Loercher. Krista has lived on a coastline for most of her life, first in New York, then Seattle, and since 2008, on Whidbey Island. She has been a lifeguard, a swim coach, a Red Cross water safety instructor, and an open water swimmer. As an ACA-certified kayak instructor, she loves introducing newbies to kayaking and open-water swimming. My husband and I went kayaking with Krista and her team along the coast of Whidbey Island and spent a spectacular day enjoying nature and engaging in the "blue mind." You will hear more about the idea of the blue mind in our conversation. Highlights of this episode:
Travel books mentioned by Krista: Midnight in Sicily by Peter Robb West of Here by Jonathan Evison I hope you enjoyed this three-part series where we aimed to get you thinking more about your travel experiences. I firmly believe that travel opens your mind and enlarges your heart. Don't you agree? Please share this idea with all of the travelers you know! I would greatly appreciate it! Episode One - Mona Campbell - Here Episode Two - Vincent Nattress - Here Important Links Instagram: | |||
| Orchard Kitchen: Farm Focused Fine Dining on Whidbey Island, WA | 06 Jul 2023 | 00:39:49 | |
Welcome to part two of our three-part series focusing on Whidbey and Camano Islands. In this series, we talk about how important the concept of regenerative travel can be for the destination and the visitors who spend time there. If you have not had a chance to listen to Part One, you will hear my delightful conversation with Mona Campbell; go ahead and take 30 minutes to listen to how the tourism board of Embrace Whidbey and Camano Islands is implementing this more thoughtful view of tourism. We are sharing the story of these idyllic islands by talking with three business leaders, and today's episode follows the path of my guest Vincent Nattress. He and his wife Tyla have created Orchard Kitchen on the south end of Whidbey Island, just about an hour north of Seattle, WA. Fine Dining on Whidbey IslandI had the pleasure of visiting the farm, dining at the restaurant, talking to the farm manager Savannah Reid, and having an insightful conversation with Vincent. If you have listened to my interviews with chefs in the past, you will know that I am a super fan of chefs, restaurant owners, and cooks whose passion is to create flavorful meals directly from the farms - I just love to hear all of the details. Vincent shares his philosophies about farming, menu planning, and passing on the love of food to his guests and the staff he works with. Vincent Nattress grew up on Whidbey Island. At 16, he began his restaurant career as a dishwasher in a fast-paced, local fine-dining restaurant. He quickly moved up the ranks, eventually leading the hot line. The fall after graduating high school, Vincent took his first trip to Europe. He quickly fell in love with the rich culinary history he found there. Over the next several years, he would return three times, culminating in a three-month Stage in a Michelin-starred restaurant in Provence. This internship served as his Senior Project for his Bachelor of Arts degree, "A Cultural and Historical Perspective on the Culinary Arts." After returning to the States, he spent 16 years working in Napa Valley, opened a restaurant in St Helena called Roux, and then in 2005, joined Meadowood Napa Valley as Executive Chef. Eventually, Vincent and Tyla returned to Whidbey Island with the desire to create a culinary destination of their own. This dream became a reality in 2015 with the opening of the Orchard Kitchen, a teaching kitchen and dining room on their five-acre organic farm in Langley, Washington. Highlights of this episode:
To read the complete summary, click HERE
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| An Invitation to Discover Regenerative Travel with Embrace Whidbey & Camano Islands | 23 Jun 2023 | 00:37:33 | |
Just north of Seattle, in the heart of the scenic Salish Sea, sit two of the most charming island destinations in the Pacific Northwest. Camano and Whidbey Islands offer different experiences with each season. A colorful palate of locally owned shops and restaurants provides deep and delicious connections to the community and the land. Off-the-beaten-path trails and beaches share sanctuary, solitude, and a deeper connection with the incredible marine and forest ecosystems that thrive within these communities. A rich history and a healthy dose of local color in all mediums are provided by the region's many artists. As new residents of the area, my husband and I have enjoyed fantastic long weekends where we relax, unwind, and truly embrace the natural surroundings on both Whidbey and Camano. I also took my dear friends on a girl's weekend to Whidbey Island as well! We had a blast eating great food, enjoying the landscape, and discovering the Whidbey Island charm. This spring, Island County's tourism board unveiled a new strategic direction inviting the community to build a regenerative tourism approach. Formerly known as Whidbey and Camano Islands Tourism, a new name and brand were created to reflect a shift to reimagine tourism. They will now be called Embrace Whidbey and Camano Islands. Guided by the Transformational Travel Council experts across an 18-month period, this new framework was created to preserve and improve the islands for residents and is an invitation to co-create richer experiences for visitors and harness tourism's power as a force for good. I really love this idea and was so excited that Embrace Whidbey and Camano Islands asked me to help share their story. This philosophy makes so much sense to me, and I want to spread the word. Don't you want to flourish in your travel life? I sure do! We created this series to tell the captivating stories of Whidbey and Camano Island by interviewing three business owners who embrace this travel philosophy. In this episode, you will hear from Mona Campbell, whose family started Kristoferson Farm in 1912 and then created Canopy Tours NW, a zipline tour company located on the farm on Camano Island. Mona is the Director of Marketing for Canopy Tours Northwest and is responsible for marketing, finance, and guest relations. She was previously Vice President with JP Morgan Asset Management based in New York and London. Mona graduated from Hamilton College and Harvard University, obtaining a Master of Landscape Architecture Degree. In Episode Two, you will meet and hear from Vincent Nattress, the chef and Owner of Orchard Kitchen on Whidbey Island. And in our final episode, I have a fantastic conversation with Krista Loercher, Co-Owner of Whidbey Island Kayaking. Highlights of this regenerative travel episode include:
Embrace Whidbey and Camano Islands | |||
| Summer Travel News & Special Guest Updates | 24 May 2023 | 00:08:47 | |
Welcome to a speedy episode of Travel Connections. Summer Travel? Yes, it has begun! The good news is that travel is back, and I am having a blast, but the not-so-good news is that it doesn’t leave time for much else. So instead of an entire episode, I offer you an informative summer travel update and upcoming special guest news. Summer Travel Highlights: We have quite the summer planned.
Also, in this episode, a preview of my upcoming podcast series focused on regenerative travel and Whidbey and Camano Islands, WA. Regenerative travel occurs when visitors arrive with a mindset to leave a place better than before. Why not connect on another level with your visit? Travelers can participate by helping to build a flourishing future for the destination. This series will showcase three business owners on the islands and how they integrate this thoughtful travel philosophy with their guests. The new series begins June 23. Thanks for listening! Make sure you check out the important links: Embrace Whidbey and Camano Islands
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| Travel the World with Collette | 12 May 2023 | 00:57:56 | |
We have another fantastic episode devoted to travel! Join me as I go behind the scenes with Jaclyn Leibl-Cote, Collette's President & Chief Customer Experience Officer. My relationship with Collette goes back five glorious years. I have been fortunate to tour with their team on two epic trips. I traveled to Japan on the Cultural Treasures of Japan tour, and the second fantastic tour was to explore Iceland on the Land of Fire & Ice tour. This delightful conversation is packed with fascinating travel stories, news, ideas, and inspirational travel itineraries. Let me share some background about my special guest.Jaclyn Leibl-Cote is Collette's President and Chief Customer Experience Officer. As an accomplished Collette Team Member, she has been a tour guide, worked inside the customer care center, designed US and Australia tours on the product development team, and so much more. Her leadership style stems from years of tackling every corner of the business, asking questions, and evolving so that Collette can continue being a leader in travel. Not surprisingly, she's never encountered a challenge that didn't excite her – because obstacles are often the best opportunities. If you ask her, she'll tell you that from 1918 to today, you must grow, change, and always stay true to your values. Overseeing the Product, Tour Management, IT, Marketing, and People & Culture teams, she still finds time to travel. After a lifetime of exploration, New Zealand remains her #1 recommendation and favorite destination. And she did a bungee jump there in 2005 because… "when in Queenstown." And now, she's brought her love of travel to a new generation. She loves exploring the world with her husband and three children and believes the best gift is family travel memories. She hasn't been to Antarctica yet, but it's on her list. We covered a lot of ground in this interview, but here are some of the highlights!
2023 is shaping up to be one of our most amazing travel years ever! I am so excited to share it all with you. Where will you be going? I would love to hear about it. Please email me at suzannestavert@me.com - Maybe you have an idea for an upcoming episode? Check out these important links! Travel Unpacked (Collette's new podcast) Suzanne Stavert YouTube Channel | |||
| Let's Talk About Cruising | 28 Apr 2023 | 00:39:10 | |
So you want to learn more about cruising? You have come to the right place! My friends and fellow travel writers Ann and Steve Teget have taken over twenty different cruises - all over the world. If you need a question answered, they are just the pair to do it! Ann and Steve began writing about their travels in 2014 when Ann was diagnosed with two chronic illnesses and needed a hobby to lift her spirits. Since then, their blog, PostcardJar.com, has blossomed into a joy-filled site that inspires readers to live and travel well. Both native Midwesterners, the Tegets write about travel, food, and healthy living. Since 2019, this married couple has lost a combined 200+ pounds and adopted a healthier and more active lifestyle. They now seek destinations and travel experiences that enhance their healthy lifestyle and well-being. Ann's healthy living journey was featured on the cover of Woman's World Magazine and the "Fearlessly Facing 50 and Beyond" podcast. This dynamic writing duo was named the 2019 Midwest Network's Bloggers of the Year. Additionally, the Tegets own and operate a successful Airbnb in Pawhuska, Okla. Their Airbnb, called Postcard Place, has received more than 185 consecutive 5-star reviews and was featured in The Pioneer Woman Magazine. Highlights in this episode:
If you have never cruised before:
Today's episode is Part Three of my series of three episodes devoted to cruising. In Part One, we talked with Lina and David Stock of Divergent Travelers all about their global, super adventurous type of cruises. Next, in Part Two, you will hear all about our incredible experience with Viking Cruises. Lastly, Ann and Steve finished the series by sharing their extensive experience sailing on larger ships worldwide. Hopefully, you feel well-prepared to make an informed decision about cruising! I sure do! Check out the important links below!Important Links from this Episode: | |||
| Take A Viking Cruise With Us | 14 Apr 2023 | 00:25:27 | |
What is it really like to take a Viking Cruise? This episode is part of a three-part series I created to talk about cruising. I invited friends and colleagues Lina and David Stock of Divergent Travelers to speak with me about cruising in Part One. In this episode, we will discuss my experiences sailing with Viking Cruises. In Part Three of the series, you are going to meet my friends, Ann and Steve Teget, of Postcard Jar. They are travel writers and global travelers who have taken over 20 cruises. They are experts in the field and share a lot of super valuable information. This was my husband Craig's first cruise ever, and he thoroughly enjoyed it! He told me that one of his favorite aspects of the cruise, besides the delicious food, the impeccable service, the history, the crew, and the itinerary, was the other guests! He made a lot of friends and had a blast meeting new people from around the world. It is fun for me to hear him talk about it and share it with other people. Highlights of this episode:
Make sure you check out these important links: Paris & The Heart of Normandy Itinerary My first cruise with Viking Cruises on the Elbe River - Berlin to Prague Information on our cruise to Alaska To find out more about Lina and David of Divergent Travelers | |||
| Adventure Travel to the Max with The Divergent Travelers | 31 Mar 2023 | 00:48:28 | |
More adventure travel, please! Adventure travel is red hot, and no two people personify this type of travel more than my guests, Lina and David Stock of Divergent Travelers. Holy cow, they are so exciting and have stories that will blow your mind. I am not exaggerating in the slightest. You will also learn how adventure travel and cruising go super well together! We cover a lot of ground during this interview. Our conversation is part one of a three-part series devoted to cruising. Not your grandparents' type of cruising... We begin by hearing about how they started this global travel journey. Lina & David Stock have been exploring the world together since 2001 in over 100 countries and all seven continents. They are experts in adventure travel, photography, and destination marketing. They have worked with many travel brands and tourism boards worldwide since starting the multi-award-winning DivergentTravelers.com in 2013. My husband and I recently sailed on a Viking Cruise from "Paris to the Heart of Normandy" with these extraordinary travel experts. You will hear about our shared experience on that unforgettable cruise with Viking in Episode 6. Here are some of the highlights of this episode!
All of this and so many MORE details! This conversation is full of practical and unique information that will ramp up your adventure travel enthusiasm. Remember to check the links to know where to find Lina and David Stock from The Divergent Travelers. | |||
| Farm-to-Table Cocktail Stories with Simple Goodness Sisters | 17 Mar 2023 | 00:45:00 | |
Farm-to-Table-Talk If you are like me, the words "farm-to-table" make me sit up and take notice. I just love to make and eat food that is fresh and locally sourced. Using ingredients grown and created nearby where I live supports my local community and improves our way of life, but I don't necessarily connect these farm-to-table words to cocktails. However, I sure do now! I am always looking for local businesses doing great and innovative things. It was such fun to read about sisters Venise and Belinda through an article in our local newspaper, The Seattle Times. I was intrigued and impressed with their story and bought a Simple Goodness Sisters Cocktail Farm Box for my husband, Craig. We loved everything about the cocktail box! The recipes were delicious, and the syrups they created with natural farm goodness were divine. It was totally and completely a home run for us! Let me tell you a little about the sisters:Belinda Kelly is the foodie and flavor master behind the recipes. She founded Happy Camper Cocktail Company, one of America's first mobile bars, in 2016. Simple Goodness Sisters launched in 2018 due to the fanfare for Belinda's easy-to-mix, flavorful cocktail syrups that distinguished her "farm-to-bar" cocktail menu. Today Belinda co-farms the Simple Goodness Farm and co-owns the Simple Goodness Sisters beverage brand and Simple Goodness Sisters Soda Shop with her sister Venise. Venise Cunningham is the co-owner of Simple Goodness Syrups and the owner of Simple Goodness Farm. Venise transformed a 10-acre dairy property into the world's first cocktail farm, growing fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers exclusively for use in cocktails. Venise is a first-generation farmer who has cultivated deep ties and connections with the local farm community. Her passion for growing healthier, local food has helped develop her sustainably tended farm to support both the Simple Goodness Sisters product line and the Simple Goodness Soda Shop menu. Highlights from this Episode:
Remember to click the links to Simple Goodness Sisters social media and website to find their products and more important information. Important Links from this Episode: | |||
| Let's Talk About...Walkabout - Small Group Tours for Women | 03 Mar 2023 | 00:35:24 | |
Are you looking for small group tours for women? I sure am! Once you meet and hear from my special guest, Shelly Wildman of Walkabout Tours, you will be ready to pack your bags! Shelly and I had the best time talking about all things travel. The demand is high and discerning travelers are looking for just the right tour + adventure! Just imagine that a dear friend has planned a trip just for you and your closest girlfriends where you visit tiny villages, eat local cuisine, and explore historic sites away from the crowds. "On a Walkabout trip, travelers experience carefully curated itineraries aiming to provide women with experiences of self-discovery, growth in faith and wisdom, and expansion of horizons into the wider world." Sounds pretty perfect to me! Shelly shares how her faith, love for travel, and passion for adventure all come together in the most unforgettable small group tours. Highlights from this episode featuring small group tours for women
For 2023, here at Travel Connections, we have chosen "Flourish" as our action word for the year; Shelly shares that "we flourish when our gifts and passion come together." She suggests that we think about what we are good at and what we are passionate about, put them together, and see what happens. Great advice! Final Thoughts:Shelly is delightful, insightful, fun, and intentional, offering poignant travel stories that will fill your heart. Don't miss my conversation with this incredible travel entrepreneur. Make sure you click on her links below in the Show Notes. Where do your dreams take you? | |||
| The Most Fun Trip to Dublin and Edinburgh | 17 Feb 2023 | 00:30:10 | |
Do you travel during the holidays? We love to go somewhere where the holiday decor is bright and sparkling. We don't always leave on December 26th, however! Travel during the holiday season can be challenging, but it is also a unique time of year to see a new destination. We tried something new, and we traveled to Dublin, Ireland, and Edinburgh, Scotland, to enjoy the holiday cheer and spend New Year's Eve watching the fireworks display over the historic Edinburgh Castle. It was EPIC! Was it cold? Yes, but no more than where we live in the Pacific Northwest! However, during this episode, I will share our New Year's Eve adventure, standing in 32 degrees in the pouring rain, waiting for the Pet Shop Boys (you may remember them?) to begin their Hogmanay Concert! What is Hogmanay? You will learn that too! It is the Scottish word for New Year's Eve. I also share how I plan a trip and that, in addition to personal research and asking other travelers, I go to Pinterest! Pinterest is the #2 or #3 (depending upon who you ask) search engine! It has been super helpful to me. Here is a link to my Pinterest: HERE! In this fun and comedy-filled episode (I have some stories), you will hear about our favorite spots in Dublin, which includes a visit to Guinness, Jameson Distillery, and the museum where U2 is front and center. I share my insider perspective on Edinburgh, a city that stole our hearts, and about a restaurant where they celebrate the history of witches. Our trip to Dublin and Edinburgh was delicious too! I am happy to share the links below to favorite restaurants, city sights, and a couple of tips for easy travel. Make your reservations in advance for everything!! Travel is BACK, and you will save yourself disappointment and hassle. Also, did you know we have a travel and book store on Amazon? I share my favorite things just for you! Click Here to get all of the trip links! | |||
| Travel Inspiration For the Best Travel Year Ever | 03 Feb 2023 | 00:16:01 | |
Are you looking for more travel inspiration? Well, Hi there, everyone. It's been three months, did you miss me? Over here at Travel Connections, we took a three-month hiatus. I wasn't sure I would like it and was kind of afraid you all might forget me. But this is not true, right?? It was great to have a few months to catch up on other projects and travel! In this opening episode of Season 2, I share that we are celebrating Ten Years of adventures with my blog and website AdventuresofEmptyNesters.com, how this podcast was created, and why! In addition, I tease you with some colorful details about our cruise with Viking Cruises, "Paris and The Heart of Normandy," and our holiday vacation in Dublin, Ireland, and Edinburgh, Scotland. My action word for 2023 is FLOURISH! I plan to flourish in my daily life and travel life. What better way to celebrate the RETURN of Travel than to thrive while doing it! How do you plan to flourish this year? Highlights of this episode:
There is still time to listen to Season 1 and catch up! I appreciate you listening to the podcast, and remember to sign up for these summaries that publish every time we have a new episode! In Season 2, I will again introduce you to the most extraordinary people and offer details about travel you may not have ever heard of or considered. I am thrilled to get to do this again this year. Truthfully, travel may be the conduit to all happiness. I am so happy to be back, and I promise to work hard to produce the very best content for you. I am always delighted to receive requests from our listeners, and you can reach out via email at suzannestavert@me.com. | |||
| From Your Favorite Travel Podcast: Celebrating the Return of Travel | 28 Oct 2022 | 00:41:24 | |
Exciting News from your favorite Travel Podcast! I am very excited to share this episode with you! I know I say that before every episode, but seriously, this is cause for celebration. In this episode, I will be interviewed by my creative business coach and podcast mentor, Linsi Brownson. We are turning the interview spotlight on me! Linsi has been instrumental in supporting this challenging goal of creating a brand-new podcast! We are celebrating the first anniversary of Travel Connections, and it feels fantastic! Linsi is a seasoned podcaster, and it would be a fun exercise to have her interview me about my experience with one year of podcasting under my belt. At Travel Connections, we recorded thirty episodes with the most interesting and enlightening guests. These episodes include colorful and exciting destinations, delicious food, wine and spirits, thoughtful conversations, inspiring personal travel connections, and much more! It's all right here and created just for you.I can't wait to get started on this special episode, but first, let me tell you about Linsi! Linsi Brownson is a business coach for artists, designers, and creative entrepreneurs. Her motto, "love your business, own your life," is centered on her belief that entrepreneurship is a powerful tool to create the life you want. But to have this life, you must take charge of how you spend your time and energy. She aims to help entrepreneurs banish busyness and focus on what is most profitable and fun. Before becoming a full-time coach, Linsi owned an interior design firm and a branding and marketing agency, and she currently co-owns a custom kitchen company. She loves building businesses and helping creative people turn fantastic ideas into inspiring life stories! In addition to her work, Linsi hosts the Be Brilliant In Your Business Podcast, A creative cocktail of pep talks and practical tools to help entrepreneurs have fun and get things done. Highlights from this episode:
Final Thoughts I wondered how it would feel talking about myself for an entire episode, but it was cathartic. It allowed me to pause and look at what we do from the outside. I saw that we have succeeded in our goal to create a thoughtful and enlightening podcast with incredible guests talking about super exciting things. And the stories that have come to the surface are epic. Storytelling is the best way to explore a fascinating subject like travel. Honest conversations with experts and enthusiasts help to pave the way for the perfect podcast. In addition to travel, we eagerly discuss food, wine, and spirits. I can't wait for you to hear Season 2. But while you wait, make sure you listen to all these fantastic episodes in Season one. You will learn a lot, smile, and be totally engaged in what my guests have to say. This podcast could not happen without my humble team of experts. I want to give a special thank you to Erik Hulslander of Hear No Evil Media, who makes everything sound amazing! And a big thank you to Linsi Brownson for offering her incredible interviewing skills and making this episode so personal! I appreciate you listening, and don't forget to share this podcast with everyone you know! And get ready for the season, which begins in February 2023. | |||
| Angela Correll: Kentucky Writer, Traveler & Hospitality Innovator | 14 Oct 2022 | 00:44:56 | |
Let me introduce you to Angela Correll, a Kentucky writer, world traveler, and hospitality expert. Welcome to Part Four of The Kentucky Bourbon Trail Series, where we delve into the super popular Bourbon Industry, explore beautiful towns in Kentucky, and talk about the fantastic food scene there as well. My history with Angela is by way of Tuscany! I had to travel all the way to a tiny village in Italy called Montefollonico to meet Angela Correll. Our meeting was kind of accidental but so special! On the podcast, I ask every guest about a connection they have made when they travel. To share a story or two about deeper connections we make when we travel. Angela is a personal travel connection for me. When I was creating this series about Kentucky, I just knew that we needed Angela to add her exciting stories to the mix. She is a fascinating person, and I have personally read all three of her books and loved each one in the series. Let me tell you a little about Angela. Her resume is impressive, and we discuss much of it during our interview. Angela and her husband, Jess, live on a grass-fed cattle farm. She spends parts of glorious springs and autumns in Tuscany; in the summer, she spends her time raising and preserving an organic garden and winters hunkered down by the fire with books to read and write. She is the award-winning author of Grounded, Guarded, and Granted, a trilogy of novels that became Amazon bestsellers and were adapted to the stage for sold-out audiences at the Pioneer Playhouse, Kentucky's oldest outdoor theater. The stories span settings in Angela's native Kentucky and the home of her heart, Italy. Angela and Jess are founders of Wilderness Road Hospitality, a suite of businesses comprised of: The Inn at Wilderness Road, The Bluebird Restaurant, Esther's Wellhouse and Spa, Mama DeVechio's Pizzeria, Cerulean Catering, Kentucky Soaps & Such, as well as several renovated historic homes that provide comforting hospitality to travelers visiting Stanford, Kentucky. Stanford is the second oldest city in the state! Episode Highlights:
The other three Kentucky Bourbon Series Episodes
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| Delicious Southern Food & The Kentucky Bourbon Trail | 30 Sep 2022 | 00:45:57 | |
Three words. Ouita is delightful. For those who may not know Ouita, this newest episode in the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Series is an excellent introduction! Anyone you ask about Ouita says the same thing. "She is amazing! Lovely and delightful!" However, just because she is super lovely doesn't mean she isn't uber-talented - Oh, she is VERY TALENTED. I was fortunate enough to talk with Ouita Michel, listen to her insightful thoughts and stories, and discover that we have a lot in common! Not the James Beard part or anything in the paragraph below. Ouita Michel is an eight-time James Beard Foundation Award nominee, including nominations for Outstanding Restaurateur and Best Chef Southeast. Michel and her restaurants are regularly featured in local and national media, such as the New York Times, Southern Living, Garden & Gun, Food Network, and the Cooking Channel. She was a guest judge on Bravo TV's, Top Chef series. Ouita lives in Midway, Kentucky, where she oversees her newest venture, Holly Hill and Co. This lifestyle brand celebrates farmers and agriculture, culinary traditions, old and new, chefs and local talent, and community bonds. Check out her new video series, Up Home with Ouita Michel. Her new cookbook -Just a Few Miles South: Timeless Recipes from our Favorite Places - Buy it HERE!Episode Highlights
Ouita Michel's Holly Hill and Co
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| Hidden Gems in Kentucky and Other Compelling Stories | 15 Sep 2022 | 00:49:07 | |
Welcome to the second episode devoted to Kentucky and The Kentucky Bourbon Trail. You could say that out of my friendship with my next guest, the idea of this Kentucky Series was created. Heather Sunseri was a part of my audience for my blog Adventures of Empty Nesters, and back in 2019, she learned I was planning to take our first trip to Kentucky to discover The Bourbon Trail. Her knowledge of all things Kentucky was instrumental in our having the best vacation we could imagine. She was so kind and thorough, and we even got together for breakfast so we could meet in person. Since our meeting three years ago, I have read 8 of her books and enjoyed every single one. When I decided to revisit our adventure in Kentucky, I knew that Heather had to be a part of this series. She is a perfect fit for this podcast, with my obsession with authors and reading, her passion for travel, along with many other commonalities! Here at Travel Connections, we want to hear the stories of how meaningful the connections we make when we travel are and how they can improve our lives. Heather is one of my personal travel connections. How cool is that? The Pandemic created a two-year travel void, so although our first trip to Kentucky was three years ago, it seems almost like yesterday. Let me tell you a little bit about Heather:Heather Sunseri is a CPA who began writing novels to escape her mundane life as a muggle. After twenty years in the corporate world, Heather decided to use her business savvy and curious mind to start a publishing business anchored by fictional stories. She is proof that one can be a numbers person and a creative. And that it's never too late (or too early) to get a do-over. She's married to the love of her life, a mom to two amazing kids, and a caregiver to the best golden retriever and one very needy cat. When she's not writing, she's making homemade pizza, listening to travel podcasts, and drinking Kentucky bourbon while simultaneously planning her next adventure. This episode is so fun! She's so fantastic, and I will never forget her story about the bats in her house~ Heather is a terrific friend and writer, and I look forward to reading her next book. While we wait for it, remember to check out all of her other book series on her website HeatherSunseri.com. Highlights of this episode:
Check out my next episode for the Kentucky Bourbon Trail series, where I interview Ouita Michel. She is not only the nicest person on the planet, but she was a Guest Judge on Bravo's Top Chef Kentucky, an eight-time James Beard Foundation Award nominee, a restauranteur, and a cookbook author. A multi-talented woman. You don't want to miss this interview. Link to Heather Sunseri => https://heathersunseri.com/ Kentucky Bourbon Trail Trip Details
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| A Conversation About Kentucky Bourbon With The Experts at Woodford Reserve | 02 Sep 2022 | 00:51:20 | |
Our favorite spirit is Kentucky Bourbon. To be more precise: We enjoy Woodford Reserve the MOST. Our kids sip it, our parents love it, and we tend to serve it to our guests and friends more than any other adult beverage. We have history and take our bourbon drinking very seriously. Back in 2019, before the world shut down, my husband Craig and I, and two of our best friends, went to Kentucky to discover a new destination, follow The Kentucky Bourbon Trail and to learn more about how bourbon is created. Is a trip to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail on your list too? Ever since our grown kids came home from college loving this delicious Kentucky spirit, I have been paying attention. Our kids' enthusiasm for all drinks made with bourbon was intoxicating and persuasive. Fast forward several years later, my favorite way to indulge is now a Manhattan or an Old Fashioned because I love the aroma and smooth flavor of high-quality bourbon. My husband and I toured The Kentucky Bourbon Trail with our friends Brad and Troy; we visited smaller distilleries, dined at excellent restaurants, and thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Woodford Reserve, where our bourbon of choice is carefully crafted. The art of making fine bourbon first took place on the site of the Woodford Reserve Distillery, a National Historic Landmark, in 1812. The perfectly balanced taste of their Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey comprises more than 200 detectable flavor notes, from bold grain and wood to sweet aromatics, spice, and fruit & floral notes. Mmm, delicious Kentucky Bourbon!During our visit in 2019, we sipped, listened, and toured Woodford Reserve and had the time of our lives. Never in a million years did I dream I would create a podcast and have the opportunity to interview Master Distiller Chris Morris and Assistant Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall. Dreams do come true, my friends; I am living proof. (pun intended) Chris Morris is Master Distiller for Brown-Forman Corporation, the seventh since the company began in 1870. A Louisville native, he has spent his working life in the bourbon industry. Chris is responsible for maintaining the award-winning taste of the whiskies produced at the Woodford Reserve and Old Forester Distilleries. He is also one of three generations of his family to work at Brown-Forman and is a member of the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame. Elizabeth McCall, CSS (Certified Specialist of Spirits), is the second generation of her family to work in the bourbon industry and one of the youngest female distillers in the United States. When she first began working at Brown Forman, assuming the role she is in today was never the goal. Realizing the excellent opportunity for employment the company offered, Elizabeth followed in her mother's footsteps, starting as a sensory expert and working in the quality department. McCall has a master's degree from the University of Louisville and has been a member of Brown-Forman's R&D Department since 2009. Her ongoing devotion to quality, and interest in all things spirits, eventually led her to become Master Taster in 2015 and, in 2018, Assistant Master Distiller of Woodford Reserve. Today she works directly with Master Distiller Chris Morris and R&D on the innovation and development of new products within Woodford Reserve. In this episode:
This episode is the first of four devoted to Kentucky and The Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Don't miss a new episode every two weeks.
Link to Woodford Reserve => HERE Kentucky Bourbon Trail Trip Details
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| Come Travel the World with Lifetime TV Host, Scott Eddy | 05 Aug 2022 | 00:38:25 | |
Come travel the world with us today! Are you looking to find adventure? You, my friend, are in the right place for an exhilarating 34 minutes! My travel philosophy? Say yes and figure out the rest. I always encourage everyone I talk with to find adventure, and no one exemplifies this philosophy better than my next guest. Scott Eddy has a unique background. Although he began his career in investment banking, he changed his business trajectory and lived in Europe and Asia for 17 years. While in Asia, he started the first digital agency in SE Asia. He is based in Miami now, but he travels full-time as a TV host on Lifetime Television for a travel series called Video Globetrotter. In addition, Scott provides growth-focused marketing strategies to brands, primarily in the world of hospitality, and essentially turns storytelling into solid marketing success. His enthusiasm for life and travel is infectious, and I can't wait for you to meet him. Also! I have a program alert for you! Do you like watching your podcast episodes? Well, you can find this one on my Youtube Channel! Travel the world through amazing stories in this episode:
You will laugh and sit in awe of his stories and adventures. We only scratched the surface of what Scott can share, but come listen and enjoy. This is a fantastic episode! Links to Scott Eddy TV host for Video Globetrotter Visual StorytellerWebsite: http://www.mrscotteddy.com/ Social Media: @MrScottEddy Twitter Instagram Facebook TikTok YouTube | |||
| The Delicious World of Washington Wines With Andrew Januik | 21 Jul 2022 | 00:38:01 | |
I am a wine lover, and my wine education and favorites have grown since our kids left the nest. When our children were young, there was little time to indulge in learning about wines, so we chose as best we could and primarily drank wines from California. We lived in California until two years ago when we moved to the state of Washington. Being in close proximity to the wineries is certainly a treat, but people from all over the world drink the delicious wines of Washington State. We are fortunate now to live close, taste more and learn a great deal! As very willing participants, Craig and I have been learning about wines from this great state of agriculture, but I think we have hit the jackpot recently. We were guests at an event hosted by Auction of Washington Wines, also known as AWW. Sharing the love of Washington WinesSince its inception in 1988, AWW has raised nearly $55 million to benefit Seattle Children's Hospital, Washington State University Viticulture & Enology Research, and the AWW Industry Grant. AWW is listed in the top five wine charity auctions in the U.S. by Wine Spectator. Its mission is to support the growth and awareness of the Washington state wine industry through a series of celebrated events benefiting the community. At a recent event, we were introduced to winemakers from several prominent wineries here in Washington. What a privilege to talk with these experts and taste their wines! We learned so much about these wineries and their wines, made new friends, and had a wonderful conversation with Andrew Januik while we tasted wines from Novelty Hill and Januik Wineries. All of the winemakers offered us a taste of an older vintage and compared it with a newer vintage; such a fun idea! During our chat that evening, I kept thinking. I should create an episode on Washington wines! Wouldn't he be a fantastic guest on Travel Connections? Somehow he carved out some time in his busy schedule for us to dive a little deeper into wine and the joys of being a winemaker. Andrew probably has the most fabulous job ever. I think it would be dreamy! I know it's hard work, but sign me up. Let me tell you about Andrew's background.Most winemakers have spent most of their lives in the industry, and Andrew Januik is no different – except that he is only 35 years old. When he was just 13, he started working with wine on the weekends and full-time during his summers. As the son of a world-renowned winemaker, Andrew was born with winemaking in his blood, and the proof is in the pressing! Every wine that Andrew has made since starting his eponymous label in 2011 has been rated above 90 points. His passion for wine is rooted in the state of Washington but has led to nearly a decade of making wine in the Southern Hemisphere, including his own labels in both Chile and Argentina. Here are just a few of the exciting topics we covered in our interview:
Here's some information on the upcoming events in August for Auction of Washington Wines: You can enjoy more than 100 wines, global BBQ, and casual fun at the Winemaker Picnic & Barrel Auction, or dress up for the Annual Gala, both held at Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville, WA. Essential Links in this episode:
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| A Visit to Camano Island, Washington: An Artists' Studio Tour | 24 Jun 2022 | 00:46:12 | |
A Visit to Camano Island I started this podcast with the dream of talking about and focusing on the connections we make when we travel. Nothing exemplifies this idea more than my trip to Camano Island, Washington. I was invited to explore the island and attend the 23rd Annual Studio Tour by the Whidbey & Camano Island Tourism Board. My hosts had no great expectations other than for me to have a good time and discover the island of Camano and the artists that live there. This unique event is held two weekends in a row in early May. We are lucky to only live about an hour from this beautiful destination, but as of yet, we still had not visited! Camano Island, located 64 miles north of Downtown Seattle is an easy and scenic drive. In This Episode!
Both my husband Craig and I had the absolute best time. We knew we would enjoy our time on the studio tour, but it was much more than just a casual walkabout through many studios. Our time there was personal and, at times, moving. For the most part, artists work alone, and sharing their creative space and personal projects must be so satisfying. It sure was for us! We made new friends and purchased gorgeous art for our home, each with a story and a history. Make a plan to visit next year for the 24th Annual Studio Tour on Camano Island and also visit their website. It will direct you to all of the artists I talked about, plus many more. I highly recommend a visit, any time of year. Nature is bold and beautiful, and you can hear yourself think. How lovely is that? Camano Island is the perfect place to relax, reset, rejoice, and rediscover. To find the artists we talked about on the podcast:
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| Travel Connections Podcast News & A Virtual Maui Vacation | 13 Jun 2022 | 00:18:04 | |
A No Vacation, Maui Vacation This episode is a fun one. It's not too long and will provide you with some very unique travel ideas you can use right from your own living room. I share a couple of podcast episode reminders. Have you had a chance to listen to my interview with Linda Miller Nicholson? Her episode is called Colorful Pasta-Making & Italian Travel with Salty Seattle. She shares how she built her unique pasta classes, wrote a cookbook, and changed the world with rainbow-colored pasta. The interview will enlighten and delight you! Also, I offer a sneak peek of my upcoming SUPER BIG Episode of our trip to Camano Island, WA, where we spent two days on the Camano Island Studio Tour. And then... The heart of this episode:
Back in 2020, when travel was shut down, I was given no choice but to stay home and figure out how to be somewhat relevant in the travel industry. This is what we did: My husband and I created Cocktail Adventures, where we paired a favorite cocktail recipe with a connecting travel memory. We had no idea what we were doing, but it was super fun, and we could still connect with travel that we so dearly loved. You can find our videos on Instagram on my @SuzanneStavert account, and you can also find them on my website, AdventuresofEmptyNesters.com, and type in Cocktail Adventures. I created a solution that would still be perfect today. At the time, I was disappointed by my lack of travel options during the Stay at Home mandate; I needed to change my thinking. I had to look at my current situation and determine just how to move forward when I could not write about future travel or plan any of our own adventures. Like you, I couldn't enjoy a Maui vacation if I wanted to! Imagine the cold-sweet sip of a tropical Mai Tai, Seared Ahi Tuna with Vegetable Fried Rice, and a mound of ice cream covered in chocolate fudge in a decadent slice of Hula Pie. Yes, please! Tell me more. This delicious list is just the beginning of an authentic and tasty Maui Style vacation you can create at home. Can I bring you soft white sand and fresh tropical breezes? No, I can't; sorry about that. Can I suggest where to buy unique products that will get your Maui vacation vibes flowing? Yes, my friends, I can! I don't want to give away all of my Hawaiian gems right here, so make sure you head over to the Guide. Check out the Downloadable Guide ==> HERE:
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| Colorful Pasta-Making & Italian Travel with Salty Seattle's Linda Miller Nicholson | 27 May 2022 | 00:52:31 | |
Pasta-making from the BEST From the moment I stepped into her pasta studio, Linda Miller Nicholson, also known as Salty Seattle, exuded warmth and enthusiasm that was palpable. Her expansive studio is located about 30 miles east of Seattle, and it is super cool! Cleverly designed with a fireplace, chic seating, and rainbow-colored pasta tools. Woodblock counters cover the surfaces of each workstation. On one side of the studio, she has an antique refrigerator that must be 8-10 feet long with glass windows, old-fashioned metal handles, and beautiful wood doors. She has retrofitted the appliance to today's refrigeration standards. You would love this piece! Linda's unique culinary studio is truly a rainbow pasta dreamland. I was a guest of my dear friends at Tuscan Women Cook (Episode #3)for this hands-on class and adventure. We spent hours learning how to make several types of colorful handmade pasta, laughing, and learning while sipping wine. I really honed my pasta-making skills with Linda and my passion for this culinary craft keeps my family and friends eating fresh pasta for days! Linda Miller Nicholson is an internationally recognized pasta-making powerhouse whose work is featured across media outlets, including Saveur, Good Housekeeping, Buzzfeed, Elle, Cosmopolitan, Delta Airlines, the BBC, and Business Insider. She has made pasta art for Katy Perry, The cast of The Chew. And Harry Connick Jr. She's been the subject of several documentaries and works with companies like the Food Network and Buzzfeed's Tasty. I can also attest that she is incredibly delightful and highly talented. I feel super fortunate to have spent quality time with Linda. We talked about so many wonderful things in this episode!
Linda offers sound advice and insight for other entrepreneurs and how she believes that no one is really ever "stuck" but that we are continually growing and learning. In this podcast episode, her infectious joy for pasta-making comes through even without seeing her! She's a pleasure to interview and to get to know. You will LOVE hearing her engaging stories! I wish I could bottle her energy and enthusiasm! Make sure you check the show notes for all of the essential links and for where to find her book. Pasta Pretty Please.
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| Midwest Destinations That Will Make You Smile with Sara Broers | 13 May 2022 | 00:38:04 | |
Well, we have another fantastic episode for you! Today, I will introduce you to my friend, author, and fellow travel writer, Sara Broers. I promise you will learn about places you have never heard of and you will love it! But first, let me tell you a little about Sara. She went from Iowa Mommy Blogger to CEO and is a leading advocate and expert in Midwest Destinations. Sara Broers is a travel enthusiast that resides in North Iowa. She is passionate about the Midwest and helping communities grow through one destination visit at a time. Sara is the CEO of Travel With Sara and the Co-Owner of the Midwest Travel Network. In May of 2022, her book 100 Things To Do In Iowa Before You Die will be released! Sara and her husband live on the nearly 100-year-old family farm in North Iowa and enjoy camping, biking, and spending time with their grandchildren. We had a blast talking about all things Midwest, and I credit Sara for most of my extraordinary adventures in this fantastic area of the United States. Without Sara and her travel connections, I may not have enjoyed adventures in North and South Dakota, dined on Kansas City food trails, and experienced the cold April wind on the prairie with wild bison in Nebraska! Here are just some of the topics we covered in this forty-minute conversation! Midwest Destinations to know and love!
After listening to Sara tell colorful stories of the Midwest, how many new destinations did you learn about? She is such a wealth of knowledge, and her enthusiasm for small towns and larger ones is so captivating. There is so much beauty, great food, and history to explore there. Have you spent much time in the Midwest? Where have you been? I would love to know! I hope you check out Sara’s website and learn where to buy her book. Check the show notes for all of the links we talked about in this episode! There are a bunch!
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| Equestrian Travel, Active Travel & Praise for Podcasting | 29 Apr 2022 | 00:28:57 | |
Let's talk about equestrian travel and a lot more! Not only do we plan to ride over and talk about equestrian travel, but today is a first for Travel Connections! We have a repeat guest! Laura Fernandez first came on the show during the podcast's launch back in Episode #5. We have asked her back on the show again because there is so much more to talk about! But first, let me give you a little background on Laura. Laura Fernandez is a trailblazer in the audio space, which led her to her current position as SXM Media's Travel + Tourism VP-Head of Industry. Her work has focused on developing media solutions that connect travel brands with their target consumers in innovative ways using the power of SXM Media (SiriusXM, Soundcloud, Pandora, Stitcher, and more). Laura has expertly weaved together SXM Media's assets with the needs and habits of travelers and guided brands to target the audience when they are most engaged. Laura is undoubtedly no stranger to the relationship and similar emotional impact and relief that music and travel can have on people. With both her personal and professional affinity for music, her radio career quickly evolved after joining SXM Media, where she would go on to launch vertical divisions for Casinos, Tourism, and eventually Travel. Laura is passionate about the ever-evolving audio industry and enjoys educating brands on how they can take advantage of the audio platform's captivated audiences. In this episode:
Listening to Laura offer her insights into travel and the audio experience was such a treat. Her new podcast The 3 Stride Podcast hosted by Laura, Julia, and Molly is a great idea and perfect for anyone who wants to learn, laugh, and hear more about the world of horses. I hope you will go and listen! Check the show notes below for links. Links to people and places in this episode!
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