Explore every episode of the podcast Destinations Beyond Expectations
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Unique Places in Spain to Add to Your Itinerary | 11 Oct 2024 | 00:24:24 | |
Spain's breathtaking architecture, lively festivals, rich cultural legacy, and mouthwatering food make it an unforgettable tourist destination. Stopping by to talk about 5 highlights from her trip to Spain is blogger Summer Meddock.
Follow Along With This Blog Post From Summer Meddock
Explore Group Experience to Learn how to Build your Travel Tribe | |||
| Laval & Oka are Worth Exploring on Your Next Trip to Montreal | 04 Oct 2024 | 00:37:09 | |
We all know Montreal is a popular city for tourists, but today we're putting the spotlight on two other nearby destinations in Quebec, Laval and Oka, that have a ton of great things to do. If you’re interested in learning more about Oka’s cheese, national park, and outdoor tranquility or Laval’s scrumptious food scene and exciting outdoor adventures, you’re in the right spot because Kathryn Dickson from Kathryn Anywhere joins DBE today to talk about Oka, Laval, and why both places are worth exploring on your next trip to Montreal.
Follow Along With This Laval Blog Post From Kathryn Anywhere Follow Along With This Oka Blog Post From Kathryn Anywhere
Explore Group Experience to Learn how to Build your Travel Tribe | |||
| How to Keep Costs Down on a Trip to Banff | 14 Jun 2024 | 00:23:32 | |
While visitors have the opportunity to enjoy gorgeous blue lakes, a variety of animals, and an array of incredible outdoor activities, the truth is, Banff can get expensive. Caitlin Laurent joins Destinations Beyond Expectations to share how accommodation options, food choices, free activities, traveling during shoulder seasons and more can help you save money on a Banff adventure. Read Caitlin's Banff Blog Post
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| Take a Day to Explore Bowen Island with Talon Jorgenson | 12 Nov 2021 | 00:14:23 | |
A short ferry ride from Vancouver, Bowen Island is an amazing place to explore on a day trip. Talon Jorgenson from the Alpine Feeling blog stops by the show to talk about outdoor experiences, restaurants and other must-sees around this beautiful Canadian destination. | |||
| Make Your Way Through Minnesota's Twin Cities with Heather Cox | 05 Nov 2021 | 00:21:17 | |
Minnesota's Twin Cities have fun attractions, beautiful outdoor spaces, history and so much more. Heather Cox from WanderLust in Real Life joins Stevie to talk about some places to visit as you make your way through Minnesota's Twin Cities. Tune in to hear Heather talk about some big time attractions, the craft beer scene in the Twin Cities, and other exciting things to experience around Minneapolis and St. Paul. | |||
| Wineries & Resorts in Napa Valley | 29 Oct 2021 | 00:23:05 | |
Napa Valley is full of beauty and exceptional wine. Kara Anderson from Limitless Travel joins Stevie to talk about some wineries and resorts in Napa that she's had a chance to visit. | |||
| Ghost Tours, Speakeasies & More to see in Savannah | 22 Oct 2021 | 00:20:00 | |
Savannah, GA has plenty of places to grab a craft cocktail, take that perfect instagram picture, or adventure outdoors. Rachie from the Travel with Rachie blog joins Stevie to talk about some places she explored on her trip to Savannah. | |||
| The Wonders of Western Massachusetts with Three Chics Hospitality | 15 Oct 2021 | 00:15:09 | |
You've probably been to Boston, but have you seen the other side of Massachusetts? Gillian Amaral and Stacey Warren from Three Chics Hospitality chat with Stevie about things to do in Western Massachusetts. From the beautiful outdoors to interactive museums and more, there's something for everyone to enjoy. | |||
| Stevie & Anne's 6 Picks for a Weekend Trip | 08 Oct 2021 | 00:56:56 | |
Friend of the show Anne L'Heureux is back! Anne and Stevie team up to bring you 6 great destinations that would make a great weekend trip. From big cities to mountains to desserts, this episode covers a little bit of everything. | |||
| How Mark Malkoff Turned his Fear of Flying Into a World Record | 01 Oct 2021 | 00:26:24 | |
Mark Malkoff used to have a fear of flying. How did he plan to conquer his fear? By living on an airplane for an entire month! Mark joins the show to share his amazing 30 day journey which included well over 100 flights, walking around tarmacs on his own, and not much sleep. | |||
| Here's What We Know About Disney Genie with Miranda Haley | 24 Sep 2021 | 00:22:39 | |
Disney recently unveiled a few details about Disney Genie, which uses predictive technology to help enhance the customer experience. What can we expect from this new service that Disney is preparing to launch this upcoming Fall? Travel Advisor Miranda Haley joins the show to talk about Disney Genie, Genie Plus and more. | |||
| America's Newest National Park & More West Virginia Hidden Gems with Olivia Migacz | 17 Sep 2021 | 00:16:07 | |
The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is full of great hikes, fresh air and scenic views. Stevie is joined by Olivia Migacz from the Olivia Outside travel blog to talk about things to do in the national park, grabbing a slice of pizza from Pies and Pints in Fayetteville, going for a swim in Summersville Lake and more! | |||
| Hiking, Adventuring & Exploring New Mexico's Outdoors with Tina Deines | 10 Sep 2021 | 00:30:38 | |
From diverse landscapes, designated wilderness areas and beautiful hikes, New Mexico's outdoors hold plenty for visitors to discover. Stevie is joined by journalist Tina Deines to talk about the Jemez Mountains, the Taos region, activities to do on the Rio Grande and more. | |||
| Tips for Seeing Rome in 3 Days | 07 Jun 2024 | 00:33:25 | |
Every year the historic city of Rome wows a huge number of visitors. Today Stevie is joined by Phylicia Stitzel from The Backpacker Mom who talks about some ideas for how to spend 3 days in Rome. Read Phylicia's Rome Blog Post
Explore Group Experience to Learn how to Build your Travel Tribe | |||
| Sport & Adventure Across America with Tom Bushell | 03 Sep 2021 | 00:48:23 | |
With a background as a sports journalist and a passion for travel, Tom Bushell loves experiencing new places through sport and adventure. On today's episode, Tom joins Stevie to talk about a 3 month journey he's taking across America. From historic baseball stadiums to unique hikes, Tom has enjoyed a mix of well known sites and hidden gems throughout his US travels. | |||
| How to Spend a Weekend in Nantucket | 27 Aug 2021 | 00:26:39 | |
From picturesque lighthouses to scrumptious food to beautiful beaches, Nantucket is the perfect place for a New England weekend escape. Stevie G. is joined by Melissa from Meliss Meets World to talk all about this magical island in Massachusetts. Melissa shares tips for traveling around the island, when to book your Nantucket hotel and more. | |||
| A Trip to Glacier Bay | 20 Aug 2021 | 00:19:40 | |
Glacier Bay National park is an absolutely beautiful national park located in southeastern Alaska. The park, which is named for its abundant tidewater and terrestrial glaciers, is a popular stop for Alaskan cruises - in fact over 80 percent of Glacier Bay visitors arrive via cruise. Stevie is joined by Maci Cozart from Passport for Adventure, who shares some insight on unique places to see around Glacier Bay National Park. | |||
| Discovering New England's White Mountains | 13 Aug 2021 | 00:19:25 | |
Just a couple hours north of Boston by car, you'll find some of New England's most beautiful scenery. The White Mountains are full of great hiking trails, quality camp sites and stunning views. Katy Ryan, a photographer and outdoor enthusiast, joins the show to talk about why she loves exploring this beautiful mountain range. | |||
| DBE Rewind: Trip Prepping 101 with Anne L'Heureux | 06 Aug 2021 | 00:37:47 | |
Are you ready to plan your next trip? Have you thought about how to prepare for your adventure? Stevie G. re-airs his interview with travel enthusiast Anne L'Heureax that covers Trip Prepping 101. | |||
| Introducing You to Business Class | 30 Jul 2021 | 00:20:47 | |
Stevie G. is the man behind Destinations Beyond Expectations, but did you know he produces another travel-related podcast? On Business Class, host Steve Ekstrom interviews tourism industry leaders as they share fascinating knowledge and insight. Today's episode of Destinations Beyond Expectations takes you into the Business Class podcast's most recent episode featuring Greg Takehera from Tourism Cares. | |||
| Baton Rouge's Black History Trail | 23 Jul 2021 | 00:23:38 | |
Baton Rouge is a charming city that's certainly worth a visit! African Americans have played a critical role in the history of Louisiana's capital, so when you explore Baton Rouge for yourself you should check out Baton Rouge's Black History Trail! Stevie is joined by Karron Alford and Tamaria Williams from Visit Baton Rouge to talk about some of the must-see stops along Baton Rouge's Black History Trail. | |||
| How do Sports Impact the Travel Industry? | 16 Jul 2021 | 00:08:57 | |
When you turn on your TV to watch your favorite team, do you ever think about how many fans traveled to be at that game? Sports-related travel plays a larger role in the travel industry than you may think, but just how important are sports to tourism? Stevie G. looks at pre-pandemic findings from the US Travel Association to find out how sports have impacted travel in recent years, and how important sports will be for the travel industry moving forward. Explore Group Experience to learn how to build your travel tribe | |||
| Breaking Down 4th of July Travel | 09 Jul 2021 | 00:07:44 | |
The days surrounding the 4th of July is typically a time where many Americans travel. We know travel was down heavily in July of 2020, but what do the statistics say about this past Independence Day? Did Americans fly and drive to gatherings across the country? What does the data say and what does it mean moving forward? In this mini episode, Stevie G. looks at the travel statistics from this past 4th of July. | |||
| How Will Tourism Resume in Canada for U.S. Visitors? | 02 Jul 2021 | 00:08:35 | |
The U.S. and Canada have a solid relationship, and that includes strong ties in travel & tourism. While the United States is ready to travel, Canada isn't quite ready to welcome visitors just yet. Stevie takes a look at Canada's tourism industry and explores some of the destinations that American's can't wait to visit when Canada eases its travel restrictions. | |||
| Mexico City and Three Great Day Trips | 31 May 2024 | 00:43:36 | |
Mexico City is the biggest city in North America, and it has no shortage of delicious food, vibrant neighborhoods, and fun adventures to discover. Becca Siegel from Half Half Travel joins the show to talk bout Mexico City and three great day trips. Check Out These Mexico City Blogs from Half Half Travel
Explore Group Experience to Learn how to Build your Travel Tribe | |||
| Jumping Into Travel with Kevin Cabe | 25 Jun 2021 | 00:15:13 | |
On today's episode, Stevie is joined by Kevin Cabe from Mission City Travel. Kevin talks about how he became involved in the world of travel and why faith-based travel is important to him. Kevin also shares advice for those looking to sell travel as a side job or a career. | |||
| Cowboys, Indians and All That Jazz: The Complete Itinerary | 18 Jun 2021 | 00:44:57 | |
Destination professionals from Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana teamed up to put together an epic 8-day itinerary that's full of history, attractions, amazing food and more. Stevie has already broken down this itinerary state by state, but now he's putting it all together. Join the adventure from Grapevine to New Orleans as we dive into Cowboys, Indians, and All That Jazz from start to finish. | |||
| America's Oldest City & Some of Florida's Best Kept Secrets | 11 Jun 2021 | 00:18:27 | |
Stevie G's latest adventure takes him to Northeast Florida in America's Oldest City! St. Augustine is a destination full of history, attractions, great food and more. Join Stevie and this week's special guest to learn about the iconic fort, pirates and more on this episode of Destinations Beyond Expectations. | |||
| Destination Rewind: Columbia Falls, MT | 04 Jun 2021 | 00:21:27 | |
We're back with another Destination Rewind! Cindy Gross joins the show to share her recent adventure in Columbia Falls, Montana. From huckleberry treats to breathtaking hikes, Columbia Falls and the surrounding area is a wonderful place to explore. | |||
| Cowboys, Indians and All That Jazz: Louisiana | 28 May 2021 | 00:29:47 | |
Are you trying to figure out your next trip? Here’s an idea – follow the Cowboys, Indians and All That Jazz itinerary! Carefully crafted by destination pros, this multi-day, drivable journey takes you through Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana. In part 3 of this 3-part series, Stevie G. is joined by Erica Telsee from the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourism Bureau, Cathy Carter from the Alexandria Pineville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau and Thu Tran from New Orleans & Company to take a closer look at the history, attractions, food, and fun that you’ll find in the Louisiana stretch of the Cowboys, Indians and All That Jazz itinerary. Follow the Cowboys, Indians and All That Jazz itinerary here! | |||
| Cowboys, Indians and All That Jazz: Oklahoma | 21 May 2021 | 00:28:00 | |
Are you trying to figure out your next trip? Here’s an idea – follow the Cowboys, Indians and All That Jazz itinerary! Carefully crafted by destination pros, this multi-day, drivable journey takes you through Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana. In part 2 of this 3-part series, Stevie G. is joined by Todd Stallbaumer from Oklahoma Tourism and Sandy Price from the Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau to take a closer look at the history, attractions, food, and fun that you’ll find in the Oklahoma stretch of the Cowboys Indians and All That Jazz itinerary. Follow the Cowboys, Indians and All That Jazz itinerary here! Explore Group Experience to learn how to build your travel tribe | |||
| Cowboys, Indians, and All That Jazz: Grapevine | 14 May 2021 | 00:24:33 | |
Are you trying to figure out your next trip? Here's an idea - follow the Cowboys, Indians and All That Jazz itinerary! Carefully crafted by destination pros, this multi-day, drivable journey takes you through Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana. | |||
| The Tourism Academy | 07 May 2021 | 00:24:12 | |
There's been an absence of proper training and educational resources for those in the travel trade. Stephen Ekstrom joins the podcast to talk about how the Tourism Academy can change that. With courses that are transformative, engaging and accessible, the Tourism Academy aims to make the travel industry smarter. | |||
| Historical Sites to Visit in Kansas City | 30 Apr 2021 | 00:28:52 | |
Have you taken some time to explore your own backyard? Vanessa Holloway from Travel the World History joins the show to talk about exploring her hometown of Kansas City. From the American Jazz Museum to the National World War I Museum & Memorial and so much more, Kansas City is full of historical sites to discover. | |||
| Discovering Long Island | 23 Apr 2021 | 00:30:59 | |
Looking to plan your next vacation? Well you may want to consider a visit to Long Island! From the award-winning beaches to the beautiful wineries and everything in between, Long Island is loaded with hidden gems. Jenn Rothman and Alfredo Gonzalez from Discover Long Island join Stevie to review some amazing places around the Island to explore. | |||
| Tea, Wildlife and More in Sri Lanka | 10 May 2024 | 00:17:21 | |
Located in the Indian Ocean, the country of Sri Lanka is full of tasty tea, fascinating wildlife and much more to discover. Valerie Edman from Cultured Travel joins the show to talk more about Sri Lanka and some of the unique things you can do there during a visit. Read Valerie's Sri Lanka Blog Post Check out Valerie's Other DBE Episode About Tuscany Explore Group Experience to Learn how to Build your Travel Tribe | |||
| Is Fall a Good Time to Take Your Next Trip? | 16 Apr 2021 | 00:16:18 | |
Taking a trip anytime of year is fun - but there are many unique advantages of taking a trip during the Fall season! In this week's episode, Stevie is joined travel pro Terry Twitchell to talk about Fall travel deals, destinations that have beautiful autumn weather and so much more. Terry also offers up some unique Fall travel opportunities that students can take advantage of, and shares info on the Fall Into Travel webinar series that teachers can use to learn more about taking a school trip during the autumn months. | |||
| Lafayette, What do you Know About Festivals? | 09 Apr 2021 | 00:24:04 | |
Recently named the Happiest City in America by the Wall Street Journal, Lafayette is sure to put a smile on your face when you visit! Each year in "The Hub City", you can experience festivals that revolve around food, music, and other aspects of Acadian culture. Stevie sits down with Ben Berthelot, President & CEO of the Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission, to review some of the fun-filled festivals you'll find in Lafayette. | |||
| Consider a Cabin in North Georgia | 02 Apr 2021 | 00:10:43 | |
Travel opportunities are becoming available as more people receive their vaccines – so why not get a group together and plan a cabin vacation? In the Consider a Cabin series, Stevie highlights some of the best places in the country to rent a cabin. For this episode, Stevie shares his own cabin experience in the beautiful mountains of North Georgia. | |||
| Consider a Cabin in Lancaster | 26 Mar 2021 | 00:39:29 | |
Travel opportunities are becoming available as more people receive their vaccines – so why not get a group together and plan a cabin vacation? In the Consider a Cabin series, Stevie highlights some of the best places in the country to rent a cabin. For this episode, we head to the Lancaster County, PA - an area full of beautiful nature, wonderful hiking trails, and many more outdoor opportunities to explore. | |||
| Why Group Travel? Why Now? | 19 Mar 2021 | 00:34:17 | |
Group Experience is the new home of Destinations Beyond Expectations! Stevie G. is joined Jeff Gayduk (President & Publisher at Premier Travel Media) and Keith Snode (Chief Operating Officer at Group Experience) for a discussion on the importance of group travel, particularly now as we transition out of the global pandemic. Who’s in your travel tribe?
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| Looking Back at 50 Episodes | 12 Mar 2021 | 00:09:05 | |
DBE has reached over 50 episodes! This episode of DBE looks back at some of the great people and moments in the first 50 shows. | |||
| Consider a Cabin in the Hocking Hills | 05 Mar 2021 | 00:34:28 | |
Travel opportunities are becoming available as more people receive their vaccines – so why not get a group together and plan a cabin vacation? In the Consider a Cabin series, Stevie highlights some of the best places in the country to rent a cabin. For this special dog-friendly episode, we head to the Hocking Hills where you’ll find beautiful nature, great hiking, and so much more. Follow along using this dog-friendly blog from Explore Hocking Hills. | |||
| Consider a Cabin in the Smoky Mountains | 26 Feb 2021 | 00:17:28 | |
Travel opportunities are becoming available as more people receive their vaccines - so why not get a group together and plan a cabin vacation? In the Consider a Cabin series, Stevie highlights some of the best places in the country to rent a cabin. To kick things off, we head to the Smoky Mountains where you'll find the most visited national park, exciting dinner shows, and so much more. Follow along using the Group Experience Cities in the Smokies itinerary. | |||
| Virginia Beach, What do you Know About Art & Culture? | 20 Feb 2021 | 00:28:10 | |
Virginia Beach is known for its beautiful coastline and rich history, but did you know that it's a town full of art & culture? Jim Coggin from the Virginia Beach CVB joins Stevie to discuss the vibrant art scene and unique museums that can be found in this beautiful Coastal Virginia city. Follow along with the Arts and Culture Experience Itinerary Check Out Visit Virginia Beach for more wonderful resources Explore Group Experience to learn how to build your travel tribe | |||
| Indie Albums for the Road Trip | 12 Feb 2021 | 00:09:59 | |
Who doesn’t like a good road trip? Picture this: you’re driving down the road and the mood of the car changes from conversational to chill. It’s the perfect time to play some music and luckily for us, many artists have had time to make new music in the past year. Stevie G. reviews five recent Indie albums for your next road trip. | |||
| Amazing Things to Discover in Buffalo | 03 May 2024 | 00:25:41 | |
With Niagara Falls in its backyard, Buffalo, NY is a town full of great people, delicious food, and fun places to explore! Julia from the Planned Wanderings blog joins Destinations Beyond Expectations to talk all about amazing things to discover in Buffalo. Read Julia's Buffalo Blog Post Follow Planned Wanderings on Social Media Explore Group Experience to Learn how to Build your Travel Tribe | |||
| Lackawanna County & The Electric City | 05 Feb 2021 | 00:30:48 | |
Trollies, trains and pizza trails are just a few of the fun things you’ll find in Lackawanna County. Alexa Peregrim from the Lackawanna County Visitors Bureau joins the show to highlight some unique places to visit in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Part 1: Who is Phoebe Snow? Why is Scranton called The Electric City? Find out the answers to those questions as Alexa describes the essential role that Scranton played in the American Industrial Revolution.
Click here to view the 2-day Industrial Revolution Itinerary
Part 2: The Lackawanna County Visitors Guide is a phenomenal resource to explore when planning your next trip to Northeastern Pennsylvania. Alexa shares all the great things to do outdoors near Scranton, and talks about the brand new, mouthwatering pizza trail.
Click here to learn more about the 2021 Visitors Guide
When you’re ready to plan your next trip, explore the information below
Kaleidoscope Adventures - Experts in student group travel. Whether it’s a band, science club, senior class, or any other type of student group, you can trust Kaleidoscope Adventures to handle the details of your next trip.
Group Experience - Group Experience trips are a new and refreshing way for you, your friends or your family to travel. Explore craft trips to the Smoky Mountains, Memphis and more. | |||
| Destination Rewind: Helsinki | 29 Jan 2021 | 00:36:01 | |
You'll want to listen to this episode from start to Finnish. Friend of the show Chris Kilworth from the Between the Mountains podcast shares the details of a trip he took to Helsinki - which was full of steps, sights and saunas. Can you name Finland's most famous composer?
**Make sure to follow along with this blog from Chris as you listen**
Book your next adventure with Group Experience
Need help planning a student group trip? | |||
| Air Travel and Ground Travel - Are They Safe? | 22 Jan 2021 | 00:17:15 | |
Getting to your destination is an important part of travel. This week, Stevie G. examines if transportation by air and ground are safe. With the use of technology and communication, airlines, busses and rideshare services have responded in a big way to the challenges of COVID-19. Learn how Fullington Tours is taking health and safety seriously Plan your next trip with Group Experience Plan your next student group tour with Kaleidoscope Adventures | |||