Travel Along With Laura – Details, episodes & analysis

In this final Nicaragua episode, Laura travels to Granada the way so many locals do—by chicken bus. These colorful, chaotic former U.S. school buses are an experience in themselves, and the journey from Ometepe to Granada is filled with market noise, snack vendors, seat strategy, and a healthy dose of travel nostalgia.

Once in Granada, Laura wanders the relaxed colonial streets of one of the oldest cities in the Americas, founded in 1524 and shaped by its proximity to Lake Nicaragua. Along the way, we dive into the city’s layered history—from Spanish colonization to ambitious canal plans that never fully materialized, including the long-debated alternative to the Panama Canal. This episode blends solo travel moments with big-picture history, all set against the backdrop of one of Nicaragua’s most beautiful cities.

Musical Credits:

Momentos by MusicBox and Hello Love by Jasmine J Walker
 provided by: Slipstream Music 

Support the show

Want to support the podcast? Go to Laura's Patreon site to see photos from the episode, maps of places she talks about and you can become a patron too!

Follow the show on instagram or facebook.

Buy any of these products that I fully stand behind- and I'll earn a commission.

Buy cute sustainable bags at: https://torrain.org/   Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.  

Buy matcha at: https://mantramatcha.com/  Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.  

Buy sustainably produced coffee:  https://www.afueracoffee.com/  Enter promo code: TRAVELALONG for 15% off.  

Music by Pavel Bekirov from Pixabay

Getting around Ometepe Island in Nicaragua isn’t as simple as it looks on a map — and sometimes the best way to explore is to grab the handlebars and go. In this episode, I take you along for the ride as I trade mountain hikes for an ATV adventure around the volcanic island. From bumpy unpaved roads to unexpected rainstorms and delicious street food, it’s a day of freedom, mud, and a few surprises along the way.

When the gas gauge doesn’t function, things get interesting. Join me as I navigate Ometepe’s wild beauty, learn the local rhythm of travel, and discover how running out of gas can be empowering.

Musical Credits:

Ambidextrous Bilingual by Forgetful Jones and Too Much Sun by CTS provided by: Slipstream Music 

VHS Dreams by Shane Ivers - provided by silvermansound

Support the show

Want to support the podcast? Go to Laura's Patreon site to see photos from the episode, maps of places she talks about and you can become a patron too!

Follow the show on instagram or facebook.

Buy any of these products that I fully stand behind- and I'll earn a commission.

Buy cute sustainable bags at: https://torrain.org/   Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.  

Buy matcha at: https://mantramatcha.com/  Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.  

Buy sustainably produced coffee:  https://www.afueracoffee.com/  Enter promo code: TRAVELALONG for 15% off.  

Music by Pavel Bekirov from Pixabay

Join Laura and her family as they explore the vibrant streets and serene shrines of Kyoto in the second episode of Travel Along with Laura’s Japan series! From climbing through torii gates at Shinto shrines and tasting matcha shaved ice to exploring the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, the family dives into the sights, flavors, and sounds of Kyoto.

Wander bustling food stalls, discover TikTok-famous Tanghulu strawberries, and enjoy unforgettable meals in cozy tatami-style restaurants. Experience the quirky side of Kyoto with a visit to a pig cafe and soak in the magical streets of Gion at night. Along the way, get tips for navigating trains, finding family-friendly lodging, and making the most of Japan’s summer heat.

If you love cultural exploration, family adventures, and unique culinary experiences, this episode will transport you straight into the heart of Kyoto—shrines, sushi, sake, and pigs included!

Want to support the podcast? Go to Laura's Patreon site to see photos from the episode, maps of places she talks about and you can become a patron too!

Follow the show on instagram or facebook.

Buy any of these products that I fully stand behind- and I'll earn a commission.

Buy cute sustainable bags at: https://torrain.org/   Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.  

Buy matcha at: https://mantramatcha.com/  Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.  

Buy sustainably produced coffee:  https://www.afueracoffee.com/  Enter promo code: TRAVELALONG for 15% off.  

Music Credits:
Tracks: "Chugging Along", Purrple Cat, "Establishing Tokyo", "Roasted Turnt" and "Walk it Off provided by https://slip.stream
Sense by Sergey Cheremisinov is licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International License.

Track: "Can'T Stop The Sunset" Music provided by https://slip.stream

Support the show

Want to support the podcast? Go to Laura's Patreon site to see photos from the episode, maps of places she talks about and you can become a patron too!

Follow the show on instagram or facebook.

Buy any of these products that I fully stand behind- and I'll earn a commission.

Buy cute sustainable bags at: https://torrain.org/   Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.  

Buy matcha at: https://mantramatcha.com/  Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.  

Buy sustainably produced coffee:  https://www.afueracoffee.com/  Enter promo code: TRAVELALONG for 15% off.  

Music by Pavel Bekirov from Pixabay

Step into the dazzling chaos and cozy corners of Tokyo in this first episode of Travel Along with Laura’s Japan series! From the towering lights of Shinjuku to the quirky charm of Akihabara’s arcades, Laura, her partner Carrie, and their two kids explore the city’s endless neighborhoods, food, and culture.

Discover hidden gems like tiny yakitori restaurants, the TeamLab Borderless light museum, and the iconic Shibuya Crossing. Along the way, learn practical tips for navigating Tokyo’s trains, taxis, and lodging, and hear the family’s real-time reactions to a city of 37 million people that somehow feels safe, organized, and endlessly fascinating.

If you love city adventures, Japanese food, family-friendly travel, and immersive cultural experiences, this episode will transport you straight to the heart of Japan’s capital—arcades, sushi, tiny restaurants, and all!

Want to support the podcast? Go to Laura's Patreon site to see photos from the episode, maps of places she talks about and you can become a patron too!

Follow the show on instagram or facebook.

Buy any of these products that I fully stand behind- and I'll earn a commission.

Buy cute sustainable bags at: https://torrain.org/   Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.  

Buy matcha at: https://mantramatcha.com/  Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.  

Buy sustainably produced coffee:  https://www.afueracoffee.com/  Enter promo code: TRAVELALONG for 15% off.  

Musical credits:
Get A Move On by Jason Shaw is licensed under a Attribution 3.0 United States License.
Track: "Pressing Buttons"
Music provided by https://slip.stream
Download / Stream: https://get.slip.stream/4H2vNQ
Announcement train accelerating Tokyo japan next station Nihombashi  edlarez vsnr.wav by visionear -- https://freesound.org/s/624298/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
Track: "In The Can_Cover"
Music provided by https://slip.stream
Download / Stream: https://get.slip.stream/kG6fUa
Track: "Act Open Hot Stuff"
Music provided by https://slip.stream
Download / Stream: https://get.slip.stream/3Kc9ii
What's Your Favourite Meat, Pete by Dr Sparkles is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike License.  Track: "Can'T Stop The Sunset" Music provided by https://slip.stream

Support the show

Want to support the podcast? Go to Laura's Patreon site to see photos from the episode, maps of places she talks about and you can become a patron too!

Follow the show on instagram or facebook.

Buy any of these products that I fully stand behind- and I'll earn a commission.

Buy cute sustainable bags at: https://torrain.org/   Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.  

Buy matcha at: https://mantramatcha.com/  Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.  

Buy sustainably produced coffee:  https://www.afueracoffee.com/  Enter promo code: TRAVELALONG for 15% off.  

Music by Pavel Bekirov from Pixabay

 In this episode, Laura takes you on what might be her most bizarre adventure yet: venturing deep into a working silver mine in Potosi, Bolivia. Past a smoking shrine to the local god Tio, she descends into perforated rock with nothing but coca leaves and 192-proof alcohol to keep her nerves steady. This gritty story reveals the harsh realities of life inside the mine, including its history and the people who work there under dangerous conditions. Beyond Potosi, Laura explores Bolivia’s incredible landscapes—from the otherworldly Salar de Uyuni salt flats to the sacred waters of Lake Titicaca—and the cultural highlights of Sucre and the dizzying heights of La Paz. Adventure, history, and unforgettable experiences await in this eye-opening episode.

Want to help the children of Potosi? Please consider donating to the organization Amigos de Postosi.

Want to support the podcast? Go to Laura's Patreon site to see photos from the episode, maps of places she talks about and you can become a patron too!

Follow the show on instagram or facebook.

Buy any of these products that I fully stand behind- and I'll earn a commission.

Buy cute sustainable bags at: https://torrain.org/   Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.  

Buy matcha at: https://mantramatcha.com/  Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.  

Buy sustainably produced coffee:  https://www.afueracoffee.com/  Enter promo code: TRAVELALONG for 15% off.  

Audio and Musical Credits:
Snorting cocaine by Breviceps -- https://freesound.org/s/450622/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
Track: "Mellow", Fenixprod  Music provided by https://slip.stream
public transport soliciting passengers.wav by Tito Lahaye -- https://freesound.org/s/78434/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0
Piano Singularity by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Cycling.m4a by Chilsville -- https://freesound.org/s/574119/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
Wind Chimes (medium, 6 chimes) by iainmccurdy -- https://freesound.org/s/642325/ -- License: Attribution 4.0
Epic Fantasy by Lite Saturation is licensed under a Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
orecart_move_1.wav by Amusquiz99 -- https://freesound.org/s/435711/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
89448__bkamuse__dangerous-mine-shaft_edited.mp3 by pbmzbr -- https://freesound.org/s/625296/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
blast mining edit.wav by WaveAdventurer -- https://freesound.org/s/127952/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0
Track: "Triumphant Celebration"
Music provided by https://slip.stream

Support the show

Want to support the podcast? Go to Laura's Patreon site to see photos from the episode, maps of places she talks about and you can become a patron too!

Follow the show on instagram or facebook.

Buy any of these products that I fully stand behind- and I'll earn a commission.

Buy cute sustainable bags at: https://torrain.org/   Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.  

Buy matcha at: https://mantramatcha.com/  Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.  

Buy sustainably produced coffee:  https://www.afueracoffee.com/  Enter promo code: TRAVELALONG for 15% off.  

Music by Pavel Bekirov from Pixabay

Want to support the podcast? Go to Laura's Patreon site to see photos from the episode, maps of places she talks about and you can become a patron too!

Follow the show on instagram or facebook.

Buy any of these products that I fully stand behind- and I'll earn a commission.

Buy cute sustainable bags at: https://torrain.org/   Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.  

Buy matcha at: https://mantramatcha.com/  Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.  

Buy sustainably produced coffee:  https://www.afueracoffee.com/  Enter promo code: TRAVELALONG for 15% off.  

Support the show

Want to support the podcast? Go to Laura's Patreon site to see photos from the episode, maps of places she talks about and you can become a patron too!

Follow the show on instagram or facebook.

Buy any of these products that I fully stand behind- and I'll earn a commission.

Buy cute sustainable bags at: https://torrain.org/   Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.  

Buy matcha at: https://mantramatcha.com/  Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.  

Buy sustainably produced coffee:  https://www.afueracoffee.com/  Enter promo code: TRAVELALONG for 15% off.  

Music by Pavel Bekirov from Pixabay

 It’s time for a classic American vacation—Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon, RV style! Laura and her kids dive into the glitz and spectacle of Vegas, from buffets to Cirque du Soleil, navigating the Strip with wide-eyed wonder (and a few laughs along the way). Then the family hits the road in their very first RV adventure, braving winding desert roads, chilly canyon nights, and a few unexpected mishaps, all while soaking in the breathtaking scenery of the Grand Canyon. Along the way, Laura shares tips for first-time RV travelers and explores the logistics of camping, shuttles, and hiking, making this episode perfect for anyone dreaming of a wild, family-friendly American road trip.

Want to support the podcast? Go to Laura's Patreon site to see photos from the episode, maps of places she talks about and you can become a patron too!

Follow the show on instagram or facebook.

Buy any of these products that I fully stand behind- and I'll earn a commission.

Buy cute sustainable bags at: https://torrain.org/   Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.  

Buy matcha at: https://mantramatcha.com/  Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.  

Buy sustainably produced coffee:  https://www.afueracoffee.com/  Enter promo code: TRAVELALONG for 15% off.  

Musical credits:
Epic by Lite Saturation is licensed under a Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.  Suoni in attesa by Toreroerba is licensed under a Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.   "Juicy Burger Funk" is provided by https://slip.stream.
Outdoors In Summer by Shane Ivers provided by https://www.silvermansound.com.
 Horn_fail_wahwah_1.wav by TaranP is available under a creative commons 0 license.

Support the show

Want to support the podcast? Go to Laura's Patreon site to see photos from the episode, maps of places she talks about and you can become a patron too!

Follow the show on instagram or facebook.

Buy any of these products that I fully stand behind- and I'll earn a commission.

Buy cute sustainable bags at: https://torrain.org/   Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.  

Buy matcha at: https://mantramatcha.com/  Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.  

Buy sustainably produced coffee:  https://www.afueracoffee.com/  Enter promo code: TRAVELALONG for 15% off.  

Music by Pavel Bekirov from Pixabay

Travel along with Laura to Tikal.  As one of the most significant Mayan sites, this should definitely be on your lifetime bucket list. Tucked into the jungles of Guatemala, these striking temples rise magnificently above the trees.  The forest is crawling with wildlife as we explore this incredible and expansive place at sunset.

Want to support the podcast? Go to Laura's Patreon site to see photos from the episode, maps of places she talks about and you can become a patron too!

Follow the show on instagram or facebook.

Buy any of these products that I fully stand behind- and I'll earn a commission.

Buy cute sustainable bags at: https://torrain.org/   Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.  

Buy matcha at: https://mantramatcha.com/  Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.  

Buy sustainably produced coffee:  https://www.afueracoffee.com/  Enter promo code: TRAVELALONG for 15% off.  

Musical Credits:

Track: "Latin Backer"  Music provided by https://slipstreammusic.com  Track: "Rain Drops" and "Mirrored Heart", by HUKU provided by https://slip.stream
Sun is Calling by DJ Petition x Fachhochschule Dortmund is licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International License.

Support the show

Want to support the podcast? Go to Laura's Patreon site to see photos from the episode, maps of places she talks about and you can become a patron too!

Follow the show on instagram or facebook.

Buy any of these products that I fully stand behind- and I'll earn a commission.

Buy cute sustainable bags at: https://torrain.org/   Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.  

Buy matcha at: https://mantramatcha.com/  Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.  

Buy sustainably produced coffee:  https://www.afueracoffee.com/  Enter promo code: TRAVELALONG for 15% off.  

Music by Pavel Bekirov from Pixabay

 Travel along with Laura to the enchanting island of Flores, tucked into Lake Petén Itzá in northern Guatemala. Wander its colorful cobblestone streets, explore charming plazas and local markets, and soak in the vibrant lakeside atmosphere. Along the way, enjoy delicious Guatemalan food, refreshing drinks, a little swimming, and some unexpected adventures when the road had other plans. This episode is a mix of relaxation, discovery, and the surprises that make travel unforgettable. 

Want to support the podcast? Go to Laura's Patreon site to see photos from the episode, maps of places she talks about and you can become a patron too!

Follow the show on instagram or facebook.

Musical Credits:

Track: "Latin Backer"  Music provided by https://slipstreammusic.com  Track: "Ambidextrous Bilingual" provided by https://slip.stream
Christmas 3 by Magenta Six and  Christmas Morning (HS23) by Beat Mekanik are licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International License. 

Support the show

Want to support the podcast? Go to Laura's Patreon site to see photos from the episode, maps of places she talks about and you can become a patron too!

Follow the show on instagram or facebook.

Buy any of these products that I fully stand behind- and I'll earn a commission.

Buy cute sustainable bags at: https://torrain.org/   Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.  

Buy matcha at: https://mantramatcha.com/  Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.  

Buy sustainably produced coffee:  https://www.afueracoffee.com/  Enter promo code: TRAVELALONG for 15% off.  

Music by Pavel Bekirov from Pixabay

 Travel along with Laura and Carrie to the laid-back Caribbean island of Caye Caulker, Belize, where the motto is “Go Slow.” Stroll the colorful streets, swim in clear waters, and meet some of the island’s incredible wildlife—including rays, tarpons, and a very curious conch. Dive into a unique adventure as we try our hand at spearfishing for the first time, learning, laughing, and tasting the catch of the day—including lionfish and fresh lobster straight from the ocean. Along the way, we share tips for getting there, where to stay, the best places to eat and drink, and tours that make the most of this charming island paradise. 

Want to support the podcast? Go to Laura's Patreon site to see photos from the episode, maps of places she talks about and you can become a patron too!

Follow the show on instagram or facebook.

Music Credits:
Track: "Belize"  Music provided by https://slip.stream
Flying by Jahzzar is licensed under a Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 International License.

Support the show

Want to support the podcast? Go to Laura's Patreon site to see photos from the episode, maps of places she talks about and you can become a patron too!

Follow the show on instagram or facebook.

Buy any of these products that I fully stand behind- and I'll earn a commission.

Buy cute sustainable bags at: https://torrain.org/   Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.  

Buy matcha at: https://mantramatcha.com/  Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off.  

Buy sustainably produced coffee:  https://www.afueracoffee.com/  Enter promo code: TRAVELALONG for 15% off.  

Music by Pavel Bekirov from Pixabay