True Travel Talk – Details, episodes & analysis

3. Join Jill and her friend (and travel instigator!) Kelly as they journey to one of the world’s most awe-inspiring destinations: Machu Picchu. From the bustling town of Aguas Calientes to the breathtaking hike up Machu Picchu Mountain, this episode captures the wonder, exhaustion, and pure joy of exploring the Lost City of the Incas.

Highlights:

• Stay at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, nestled in lush tropical gardens filled with hummingbirds and orchids.
• Enjoy cocktails with a view at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, the only hotel at the entrance to the ruins.
• Savor a well-earned lunch at Qunuq Restaurant, Sumaq Hotel.
• Follow Jill and Kelly on their unforgettable climb up Machu Picchu Mountain—1,600 stone steps, sweeping views, and plenty of laughter (and a few curse words). Cool off in the local hot springs and reflect on the magic of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Travel Partners: Enigma Peru — on-the-ground experts who made it all possible. Huffman Travel – contact: Lauren Kroger.

Follow Along on Instagram: @truetravelcrew

About the Show: True Travel Talk takes you around the world with real stories, honest tips, and inspired itineraries.

Executive Producer & Host: Jill Bohaboy Produced by: Collective Change Communications — Kelly Sakalas & Jeni Keeler

2. Join Jill and friend Amy (plus their travel mascot, Panda!) for their girls’ trip to Lima, Peru—full of flavor, color, and culture. From sipping Pisco Sours overlooking the Pacific to exploring local markets, tasting chocolate, and dining at one of the world’s best restaurants, this episode is a feast for the senses.

Highlights:

• Stay at Miraflores Park, A Belmond Hotel with ocean views and cozy amenities.
• Experience a coffee and chocolate tasting at El Cacaotal and Ciclos Café.
• Visit Surquillo Market to sample Peru’s incredible fruits, seafood, and spices.
• Enjoy lunch at Isolina—home-style Peruvian comfort food and the best ceviche ever.
• Explore Colonial Lima with its catacombs and Casa Aliaga before ending the day at Central Restaurant, ranked #1 on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list.

Travel Partners: Enigma Peru and Huffman Travel – contact: Lauren Kroger.

Follow Along on Instagram: @truetravelcrew

About the Show: True Travel Talk shares real stories, travel tips, and inspired itineraries from around the world.

Host: Jill Bohaboy Produced by: Collective Change Communications – Kelly Sakalas & Jeni Keeler

1. Travel to the Bavarian Alps with Jill and family as they explore the charming mountain town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany. From fairy-tale castles and alpine adventures to cozy inns and lively beer halls, this episode is filled with stories, tips, and laughter from their unforgettable trip.

Highlights:

• Stay at Garmischer Hof Hotel — a warm and welcoming base with alpine charm.
• Tour Schloss Linderhof, King Ludwig II’s ornate palace set in the forest.
• Enjoy a private car ride through the region with Black Forest Limousines.
• Savor Bavarian specialties at local favorites — Friday dinner at Fischer’s Mohrenplatz, Saturday lunch at Olympiahaus, and Saturday dinner at Gasthof Fraundorfer with live music and dancing.
• Don’t miss the Olympic Park, the mystical grotto, and a toast (or two) to Bavarian beer culture.

Travel Partners: Tourism Office: @garmischpartenkirchen_official

Follow Along on Instagram: @truetravelcrew

About the Show: True Travel Talk takes you around the world with real stories, honest tips, and inspired itineraries.

Executive Producer & Host: Jill Bohaboy Produced by: Collective Change Communications — Kelly Sakalas & Jeni Keeler

4. In this Unpacked episode, Jill sits down with her 18-year-old son, Ian — a student at High Point University — to explore what travel looks like through the eyes of a young explorer. From trying sea urchin in Versailles to cheering for Liverpool FC, Ian shares how travel has shaped his independence, curiosity, and confidence. He also reflects on planning his first trip with friends on a budget (with a little mom mentorship along the way) and the lessons travel teaches beyond the guidebooks.

Travel & Experience Highlights:

• Taste sea urchin at Gordon Ramsay’s Au Trianon, Waldorf Astoria Versailles – Trianon Palace and discover the culinary side of travel.
• Relax in style at Ritz-Carlton Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain and enjoy breathtaking island views.
• Cheer on Liverpool FC — Ian’s favorite football club — and explore the global fan experience.
• Learn about Aussie rules at Richmond Tigers AFL and the excitement of sports abroad.
• Visit the Freycinet Marine Farm in Tasmania and see where fresh oysters meet adventure.
• Hike through stunning landscapes at Bryce Canyon National Park and reflect on nature’s grandeur.

Guest Socials: Follow Ian on Instagram: @IanBohaboy

Follow Along on Instagram: @truetravelcrew

About the Show: True Travel Talk takes you around the world with real stories, honest tips, and inspired itineraries — from family adventures to faraway escapes, always grounded in connection and curiosity.

Executive Producer & Host: Jill Bohaboy Produced by: Collective Change Communications — Kelly Sakalas & Jeni Keeler

12.2 In Part Two, Jill and Deanna continue their conversation, reflecting on a festive trip through Germany’s Christmas Markets with lessons learned, favorite moments, and practical tips.

From Augsburg and Ulm to Würzburg and Frankfurt, this two-part conversation focuses on the feel of winter travel: navigating cold weather, moving at a multigenerational pace, and leaning into the magic (and mishaps) that come with traveling together. 

Travel & Experience Highlights: 

• Augsburg WeinNachtMart
• Ulm Christmas Market & Medieval Market (Neu-Ulm)
• Würzburg Christmas Market
• Frankfurt Christmas Markets & City Beach Market
• Feller Distillery (Black Forest)
• White sausage breakfast in Ulm
• Winter train travel through Germany

Hotels & Restaurants Mentioned: 

• Hotel um Rathaus (Ulm)
• Dreikannen (Ulm)
• Posthorn (Ulm)
• Feller Distillery
• Wirsthaus zur Brezel (Ulm)
• AC Hotel Würzburg
• Pino Pizza (Würzburg)
• Bürgerspital Winery (Würzburg)
• Alte Mainmühle (Würzburg)
• Frankfurt Marriott Hotel

About Our Guest: Deanna Vogelsong is a longtime friend of Jill and a seasoned traveler who brings warmth, humor, and curiosity to every trip. Follow Deanna here:

• Insta: @kingbirdsings
• TikTok: @sweetTakes

About the Show: True Travel Talk takes you around the world with real stories, honest tips, and inspired itineraries — from family adventures to faraway escapes, always grounded in connection and curiosity.

Follow along on Instagram: @truetravelcrew & TikTok: @truetravelcrew 

Executive Producer & Host: Jill Bohaboy Produced by: Collective Change Communications — Kelly Sakalas & Jeni Keeler

12.1 There’s something special about winter travel – especially when it’s shared across generations. In Part One of this two-part episode, Jill is joined by her longtime friend Deanna Vogelsong to reflect on a festive trip through Germany’s Christmas Markets with husbands, a “third grandmother,” and a 19-year-old son in tow.

From Augsburg and Ulm to Würzburg and Frankfurt, this conversation focuses on the feel of winter travel: navigating cold weather, moving at a multigenerational pace, and leaning into the magic (and mishaps) that come with traveling together. This episode is about presence, flexibility, and why imperfect trips often become the most meaningful. Part Two continues the journey with lessons learned, favorite moments, and practical tips.

Travel & Experience Highlights: 

• Augsburg WeinNachtMart
• Ulm Christmas Market & Medieval Market (Neu-Ulm)
• Würzburg Christmas Market
• Frankfurt Christmas Markets & City Beach Market
• Feller Distillery (Black Forest)
• White sausage breakfast in Ulm
• Winter train travel through Germany

Hotels & Restaurants Mentioned: 

• Hotel um Rathaus (Ulm)
• Dreikannen (Ulm)
• Posthorn (Ulm)
• Feller Distillery
• Wirsthaus zur Brezel (Ulm)
• AC Hotel Würzburg
• Pino Pizza (Würzburg)
• Bürgerspital Winery (Würzburg)
• Alte Mainmühle (Würzburg)
• Frankfurt Marriott Hotel

About Our Guest: Deanna Vogelsong is a longtime friend of Jill and a seasoned traveler who brings warmth, humor, and curiosity to every trip. Follow Deanna here:

• Insta: @kingbirdsings
• TikTok: @sweetTakes

About the Show: True Travel Talk takes you around the world with real stories, honest tips, and inspired itineraries — from family adventures to faraway escapes, always grounded in connection and curiosity.

Follow along on Instagram: @truetravelcrew & TikTok: @truetravelcrew 

Executive Producer & Host: Jill Bohaboy Produced by: Collective Change Communications — Kelly Sakalas & Jeni Keeler

11. Connecting with people from different cultures is one of the best things about traveling. That cultural connection played a starring role in our recent trip to Tanzania. Join Jill and her guest, Josie Russell (a high school senior at the time of the trip), to reflect on their life-changing philanthropic journey to Tanzania. In this heartfelt conversation, they share stories from visiting Maasai villages, playing soccer with local students, witnessing wildlife in the Serengeti, and confronting uncomfortable truths that expanded their worldview.

Travel & Experience Highlights: 

• TAASA Luxury Lodges & Camps
• Global Partners For Development
• Killi Seasons
• Hoopoe Safari  
• Pastoral Women’s Council  
• Ngare Sero 

About Our Guest: You can follow Josie Russell and see her photography here 

• Insta: @josierussell10
• TikTok: @josie.r1

About the Show: True Travel Talk takes you around the world with real stories, honest tips, and inspired itineraries — from family adventures to faraway escapes, always grounded in connection and curiosity.

Follow Along on Instagram: @truetravelcrew

Executive Producer & Host: Jill Bohaboy Produced by: Collective Change Communications — Kelly Sakalas & Jeni Keeler

10. Looking to escape the big city? Head to Cusco, Peru. In this episode, Jill and her friend and neighbor, Amy, share another chapter of their Peru adventure – from a tipsy train arrival to an almost-disastrous departure. 

They cover Cusco’s hidden gems and lessons learned, including the Santo Domingo Convent, the iconic 12-Angle Stone, and the vibrant San Pedro Market, along with their honest take on where to stay. Plus, hear about their Pisco tasting, dinner at the renowned Cicciolina restaurant, and favorite local bites.

Warm hospitality, stunning architecture, unforgettable culture – tune in to hear why Cusco belongs on every Peru travel itinerary. Travel & Experience Highlights: 

• Stay at the uniquely beautiful Palacio Nazarenas, A Belmond Hotel
• Grab lunch at LIMO overlooking the Plaza de Armas
• Learn about, taste and try your hand at making pisco cocktails at Museo Del Pisco. 
• Enjoy a delectable dinner, even when you’re already stuffed, at Cicciolina Restaurant
• And here’s the recipe for Lomo Salto 

For pictures of this trip and to follow along our next adventure, follow us on Instagram: @truetravelcrew

About the Show: True Travel Talk takes you around the world with real stories, honest tips, and inspired itineraries — from family adventures to faraway escapes, always grounded in connection and curiosity.

Executive Producer & Host: Jill Bohaboy Produced by: Collective Change Communications — Kelly Sakalas & Jeni Keeler

9. Sometimes the best trips aren’t planned around big landmarks – they unfold through shared stories, good meals, and the people you travel with. In this episode, Jill joins California winemaker and friend Bill Williamson for a three-day road trip through France’s Loire Valley, filled with unforgettable winery visits, river views, perfect meals, and plenty of laughter.

From a goat-filled gas station to tastings with local winemakers and dinners overlooking the Loire, this is travel at its best: slow, joyful, and rooted in friendship.

Travel & Experience Highlights

Day One: Sancerre → Blois

• Sancerre for Savingnon Blanc at Château de Crezancy (arranged by phone with Nicolas Chevreau)

• In Blois, stay at Fleur de Loire - 44 rooms + suites, Loire views, historic hospitality
• Dinner at Amour Blanc (at the hotel)

Day Two: Vourvray → Chinon

• Vourvray: Marc Brédif Chinin Blanc tasting, intimate floral setting
• Lunch: Chinon sidewalk cafe; light salads, narrow streets
• Tastings: 
  • Angelliaume - cave tasting with quirky signs
  • Bernard Baudry - formal Cab Franc tasting
• Dinner: Bro’s Restaurant - courtyard dining

Day Three: Blois

• Lunch + Shopping: Art de la Table, Cheese tasting at La Passion du Fromage
• Dinner at Le Médicis, final foie gras, fresh marshmallow dessert with sunset over the Loire

About the Guest: Bill Williamson is an Australian-born winemaker who moved to California with his wife Dawn in 1980 and went on to found Williamson Wines in Sonoma’s Dry Creek Valley. He oversees the vineyards and winemaking for more than 45 award-winning, direct-to-consumer wines and is known for making wine feel accessible, joyful, and meant to be shared. As he says, “I grow good grapes, make good wine, and I share it with friends.” Find more ways to engage with Williamson Wines here.

About the Show: True Travel Talk takes you around the world with real stories, honest tips, and inspired itineraries — from family adventures to faraway escapes, always grounded in connection and curiosity.

Follow Along on Instagram: @truetravelcrew

Executive Producer & Host: Jill Bohaboy Produced by: Collective Change Communications — Kelly Sakalas & Jeni Keeler

8. In this Unpacked episode, Jill sits down with family friend Donna, fondly named the third grandmother, to explore how travel evolves through every stage of life – from raising kids to retiring, from traveling as a couple to adventuring with grandkids in tow. From paragliding in Austria to a luxury ranch stay in Montana, Donna shares honest reflections on slowing down, staying curious, navigating limitations, and finding joy in letting others take the lead.

They also talk about what still feels thrilling at 82, why flexibility matters more than perfection, the art of sitting out of an activity without missing out, and how traveling with family creates memories that outlast the destination.

Travel & Experience Highlights

• Ride horses, stargaze, and unwind at The Ranch at Rock Creek – Montana’s multigenerational dream trip
• Marvel at the beauty (and the stairs) of Batu Caves, Malaysia
• Go bold with paragliding in Austria – courage at any age
• Sip sherry, explore the grounds, and live like royalty at Ashford Castle, Ireland
• Circle the globe on a Road Scholar UNESCO adventure, including India, Egypt, & beyond

Follow Along on Instagram: @truetravelcrew

About the Show: True Travel Talk takes you around the world with real stories, honest tips, and inspired itineraries — from family adventures to faraway escapes, always grounded in connection and curiosity.

Executive Producer & Host: Jill Bohaboy Produced by: Collective Change Communications — Kelly Sakalas & Jeni Keeler