Explore every episode of the podcast True Travel Talk
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peru: Machu Picchu — Hiking the Mountain & Hot Springs | 18 Oct 2025 | 00:39:15 | |
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:
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 | |||
| Peru: Lima -- Chocolate, Markets & Michelin Stars | 17 Oct 2025 | 00:40:43 | |
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:
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 | |||
| Germany: Garmisch-Partenkirchen -- Beer, Mountains & Family Memories | 17 Oct 2025 | 00:35:00 | |
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:
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 | |||
| Unpacked: Travel Through the Eyes of a Young Explorer | 26 Oct 2025 | 00:27:14 | |
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:
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 | |||
| Germany Christmas Markets - Part 2: Why Winter Is Europe’s Most Magical Season | 06 Jan 2026 | 00:31:11 | |
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:
Hotels & Restaurants Mentioned:
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:
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 | |||
| Germany Christmas Markets - Part 1: Winter Travel & Multigenerational Memories | 30 Dec 2025 | 01:01:54 | |
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:
Hotels & Restaurants Mentioned:
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:
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 | |||
| Tanzania - Changed Perspectives, Deep Connection & Breathtaking Scenery | 16 Dec 2025 | 00:45:04 | |
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:
About Our Guest: You can follow Josie Russell and see her photography 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 | |||
| Peru: Cusco – Keeping it local with Pisco, Artisans, Food and Historic Architecture | 07 Dec 2025 | 00:39:10 | |
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:
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 | |||
| France: Loire Valley - A Road Trip with a Winemaker | 30 Nov 2025 | 00:40:53 | |
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
Day Two: Vourvray → Chinon
Day Three: Blois
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 | |||
| Unpacked: What Works (and Doesn’t) When Traveling in 80s | 23 Nov 2025 | 00:41:53 | |
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
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 | |||
| New York City: Greenwich Village – A Walk Through History, Pop Culture, and Pizza | 16 Nov 2025 | 00:40:15 | |
7. Sometimes the best way to experience New York is to slow down, wander, and follow your curiosity. In this episode, Jill and friend/colleague Jen sneak in a cozy fall escape before a work trip – exploring Greenwich Village, the artists’ haven, and home to some of the best pizza slices on Earth. From a 30-year Times Square hotel tradition to cappuccinos at a 1927 Village institution, a private tour with a local writer, and a full day of iconic movie spots, TV moments, and Swiftie trivia, this trip was New York at its best: layered, lived-in, and endlessly surprising. Because in the Village, every block has a story – and usually, a slice. Travel & Experience Highlights:
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
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| California Wine Country: Napa & Sonoma – A Friends’ Getaway Through the Vines | 09 Nov 2025 | 00:44:38 | |
6. Sometimes the best trips aren’t perfectly planned – they just flow. In this episode, Jill recounts with husband Paul about their escape with friends to California’s Wine Country for three unforgettable days of vineyards, great meals, and good company. From the family legacy of Sonoma’s Sangiacomo Vineyards to the artistic design of Three Sticks and the rebellious spirit of Tank Garage in Napa, this trip was a toast to friendship, flavor, and fun. Because sometimes the best itineraries are the ones written in pencil – and poured in Pinot. Travel & Experience Highlights:
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 | |||
| Michigan: Mackinac Island – A Last-Minute Mother-Son Adventure | 02 Nov 2025 | 00:35:44 | |
5. Ever have a parenting moment where you think, “Should we?” – and then you say yes anyway? In this episode, Jill takes you along on a totally last-minute trip to Mackinac Island – just her, her mom, and her little guy, Graeme. One unexpected day off school turned into three, and suddenly they were on a ferry north, chasing one more perfect slice of summer. From iconic fudge to horse-drawn carriage rides, sweeping porch views at The Grand, mini golf, and numerous trips down the waterslide, this trip is filled with charm, tradition, and joyful chaos. Sometimes the best memories don’t come from planning…they come from play. Travel & Experience Highlights:
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 | |||
| Peru: Hiram Bingham Train - A Luxury Train Ride to the Lost City | 19 Apr 2026 | 00:29:30 | |
20. Join Jill and her friend Whitney as they check off a true bucket-list moment from their girls trip: heading into and out of Machu Picchu in style aboard the iconic Belmond Hiram Bingham Train. Named after the explorer, Hiram Bingham, this isn't just transportation, it's an experience in itself. The journey blends old-world glamour with Peruvian culture; polished wood interiors, live music, elevated dining, and cocktails that never seem to run dry - all designed to be savored as the atmosphere builds from relaxed and refined into a more festive, celebratory return. In this episode, Jill and Whitney share what it’s really like to experience one of the world’s most luxurious train journeys - including what to prioritize, what surprised them, and why the return journey might be the true highlight. Travel & Experience Highlights
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 | |||
| Peru: Sacred Valley (Part 2) - Living Culture & Sacred Connections | 12 Apr 2026 | 00:40:02 | |
19.2 Join Jill and her crew, including friends Amy and Kelly, as they continue their journey through Peru’s Sacred Valley - where the experience goes deeper than the views and into the heart of the Andean culture. In Part 2 of the Sacred Valley, this girls trip shifts from adventure to connection - exploring what it means to truly experience a place, not just see it. From wandering through the last living Inca village to sharing in a powerful Pachamma ceremony, this episode is about slowing down, being present, and embracing traditions passed down for centuries. As a part of our Peru series (Cusco, Machu Picchu, Lima, and now the Sacred Valley), this episode brings everything together - reminding us that the most meaningful moments in travel are often the ones we don’t expect. Travel & Experience Highlights
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 | |||
| Peru: Sacred Valley (Part 1) - Alpacas & Ancient Wonders | 08 Apr 2026 | 00:35:53 | |
19. Join Jill and her crew, including friends Amy and Kelly, as they head to Peru’s Sacred Valley - where the views are unreal, the culture runs deep, and yes…there are a lot of alpacas. As the fourth stop in our Peru series (after Cusco, Machu Picchu, and Lima), this episode proves the Sacred Valley isn’t just a pass-through - it’s the moment you exhale, settle in, and really feel the magic of Peru. From bottle-feeding baby alpacas at breakfast to sharing laughs (and maybe a little hesitation) over guinea pig at dinner, this girls trip is equal parts adventure, culture, and connection. With lower elevation and slower pace, the Sacred Valley gives you space to soak it all in. Travel & Experience Highlights
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 | |||
| Florida: Miami - Family Adventures from Little Havana to Beachside Fun | 29 Mar 2026 | 00:33:48 | |
18. Join Jill and her son Graeme as they share their spontaneous family trip to Miami, exploring beaches, iconic landmarks, and local culture. From watching manatees right outside their hotel window to walking to a Miami Heat game, the trip blended big moments with simple joys. Traveling with kids, navigating unexpected changes, and making unforgettable memories showed us that sometimes the best trips are the ones you didn’t plan. Travel & Experience Highlights: Where to Stay
Things to Do
Where to Eat
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 | |||
| Burgundy: France - Long Dinners, Great Wine, & Even Better Company | 22 Mar 2026 | 00:43:51 | |
17. In this episode of True Travel Talk, Jill heads to Burgundy, France, for a wine-filled escape rooted in friendship, incredible food, and unforgettable experiences. Chatting with her friend Brad Gibson, they reflect on traveling through Burgundy with a group of close friends - from landing in Paris and road-tripping into the countryside, to Champagne waiting upon arrival, and evenings spent around the table. This trip captures what travel is really about - connection, slowing down, and savoring the moment. Along the way, Jill explores Chablis and Côte de Nuits, visits iconic wineries, enjoys a vintage van wine tour through Burgundy, and dines at a 2-Michelin-starred restaurant in Sauleiu. Travel & Experience Highlights:
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 | |||
| Uganda: Gorilla Trekking and the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Adventure | 15 Mar 2026 | 00:46:34 | |
16. In this episode, Jill and her soon-to-be sister-in-law Emily continue the Africa Adventures series with an unforgettable journey into Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to endangered mountain gorillas. After traveling across Uganda by charter flight, Jill and her group trek deep into the rainforest to spend time with the Rushegura gorilla family, observing babies climbing trees, teenagers playing, and a powerful silverback leading the group. The adventure also includes visits with the Batwa people, fresh-roasted coffee in a local village, and inspiring conversations with women and scholarship students supported by Global Partners for Development. It’s a powerful travel experience filled with challenge, connection, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Travel & Experience Highlights:
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 | |||
| Unpacked: When Travel Goes Wrong & How to Handle It (Part 2) | Lost Items & Medical Mishaps | 08 Mar 2026 | 00:40:42 | |
15.2 Travel rarely goes exactly as planned - especially when you're traveling with kids, grandparents, and a full itinerary. In Part 2 of this Unpacked series on when travel goes wrong, Jill and her husband, Paul, revisit another side of travel reality: losing things and navigating unexpected medical moments on the road. From backpacks left on trains in Norway to phones sliding off the roof of a car in Bosnia, these stories capture the small mistakes and chaotic moments that can happen on even the most carefully planned trips. Some were stressful in the moment. Others became funny in hindsight. The episode also reflects on the more serious side of travel surprises - including burns at Christmas markets, injuries far from home, and the challenges of caring for family members when health issues arise during a trip. Over the years, Jill and Paul have learned that when things go wrong, staying calm, adapting quickly, and supporting each other can turn a difficult moment into a story that becomes part of the adventure. Because travel isn't about everything going perfectly - it's about flexibility, resilience, and learning how to roll with the unexpected. | |||
| Unpacked: When Travel Goes Wrong & How to Handle It (Part 1) | 04 Mar 2026 | 00:43:30 | |
15.1 Travel rarely goes the way you want it to - especially with kids, grandparents, and a full itinerary. In this episode of True Travel Talk, Jill and her husband, Paul, unpack years of real-life travel mishaps across the all-too-relatable theme: delays and disruptions. Some moments were stressful. Some were funny in hindsight. A few were genuinely hard. But over time, they’ve learned something important: when you lean into what goes wrong instead of resisting it, those road bumps often become the stories that define the adventure. From missed flights and wet passports to urgent care visits on vacation, this episode is a reminder that travel isn’t about perfection - it’s about flexibility, resilience, and recognizing the bright side along the way. Because sometimes the detour is the destination. | |||
| California: Palm Springs - Passion 4 Pinot & Desert Indulgence | 22 Feb 2026 | 00:47:16 | |
14. Sometimes the best way to experience Palm Springs is with great friends, a full tasting glass, and a little desert sparkle. Jill is joined by friends Todd Davis and Shari Young for a sun-soaked weekend in Palm Springs - complete with wine festivals, art sightings, and a few unexpected detours (including showing up at the wrong dinner venue). From blind Pinot tastings and VIP terraces at Pasion 4 Pinot to brunch under the palms, Marilyn Monroe photo ops, and sunset views at The Edge at The Ritz-Carlton, this trip blends classic Palm Springs nostalgia with modern culinary creativity. Travel & Experience Highlights:
About Our Guests: Todd Davis and Shari Young are seasoned wine travelers who bring curiosity, humor, and a commitment to “say yes” energy to every trip. From tattoo traditions to spontaneous conversations with strangers, they embody the spirit of travel connection. 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 | |||
| California: Healdsburg - From Honey Tasting to Michelin Moments | 15 Feb 2026 | 00:45:00 | |
13. Sometimes the best way to experience Healdsburg is to slow down, wander, and follow your tastebuds. In this episode, Jill and colleague Jen sneak in a wine country getaway into a work trip - exploring downtown Healdsburg, the rolling Dry Creek Valley, and a few unexpected local gems along the way. From a bucket-list dinner at three-Michelin-star SingleThread to honey tastings at La Ruche, olive oil flights at Trattore Farms, and spontaneous sips of bubbly Barbera at Portalupi Wine, this trip is Healdsburg at its best: luxurious yet approachable, full of flavor, and endlessly surprising. Travel & Experience Highlights:
For more stories with Winemaker Bill Williamson, check out Episode 9 of True Travel Talk, “France: Loire Valley - A Road Trip with a Winemaker.” About Our Guest: Jen Floyd is a longtime friend and colleague, and is a curious explorer who turns every adventure - from wineries to honey tastings - into a story worth savoring. 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 | |||